If you know me, then you also know how much I love my luxe lines of makeup and splurgeworthy skincare.  What you may not know though is how much I also adore some of the incredible finds that are quietly sitting on the shelf at my local drugstore.  These are the items my wallet and I both love and cannot be without...

Skin treats are big on my list and something my face loves me for, haha.  Exfoliation and hydration are two of the  things it craves most.  This Glow Tonic by Pixi is soooo effective at loosening the dead skin cells that like to hang on in winter and leaves my face baby soft and smooth without making it at all red or irritated. If you need a little bit more sloughing and smoothing, I recommend this one.  I first discovered The Ordinary a few years ago and have been hooked ever since.  Their products and ingredients are so nicely formulated and give me high end results at affordable drugstore prices.

As for hydration, I need a good mask in my life that will push in and plump up the moisture all winter long.  This one does that with such little effort and leaves behind pillowy, cushioned skincare afterwards.  I later like to lock the results in with a super hydrator.  This jar from Neutrogena is filled with hyaluronic acid which is perfect for that.

Some of my most favorite makeup products are tried and true affordable classics.  After trying everything out there, this little black liner is one I can never be without.  No smudges, no smears and zero irritation if you like to tightline.  This mascara makes for the prettiest accompaniment to that.  Soft, feathery lashes with no clumping and length for miles.

This lip color duo is what I turn to for a perfect pout.  One gives color that lasts all day and the other keeps my lips so soft and hydrated all winter long.

I also love keeping my hair hydrated and this weightless hydrating coconut oil mist is amazing for that.  One light spritz is all you need for healthy shine.  Coconut oil is so good on so many levels but that would be an entire other post!

What about you? Which drugstore favorites do you love the most?

xoxo,

SHOP THE POST: 

TOP 10 DRUGSTORE FAVORITES

beauty

If you know me, then you also know how much I love my luxe lines of makeup and splurgeworthy skincare.  What you may not know though is how much I also adore some of the incredible finds that are quietly sitting on the shelf at my local drugstore.  These are the items my wallet and I both love and cannot be without...

Skin treats are big on my list and something my face loves me for, haha.  Exfoliation and hydration are two of the  things it craves most.  This Glow Tonic by Pixi is soooo effective at loosening the dead skin cells that like to hang on in winter and leaves my face baby soft and smooth without making it at all red or irritated. If you need a little bit more sloughing and smoothing, I recommend this one.  I first discovered The Ordinary a few years ago and have been hooked ever since.  Their products and ingredients are so nicely formulated and give me high end results at affordable drugstore prices.

As for hydration, I need a good mask in my life that will push in and plump up the moisture all winter long.  This one does that with such little effort and leaves behind pillowy, cushioned skincare afterwards.  I later like to lock the results in with a super hydrator.  This jar from Neutrogena is filled with hyaluronic acid which is perfect for that.

Some of my most favorite makeup products are tried and true affordable classics.  After trying everything out there, this little black liner is one I can never be without.  No smudges, no smears and zero irritation if you like to tightline.  This mascara makes for the prettiest accompaniment to that.  Soft, feathery lashes with no clumping and length for miles.

This lip color duo is what I turn to for a perfect pout.  One gives color that lasts all day and the other keeps my lips so soft and hydrated all winter long.

I also love keeping my hair hydrated and this weightless hydrating coconut oil mist is amazing for that.  One light spritz is all you need for healthy shine.  Coconut oil is so good on so many levels but that would be an entire other post!

What about you? Which drugstore favorites do you love the most?

xoxo,

SHOP THE POST: 

Read more »

I recently spent some time going through my makeup collection, updating and refreshing my daily go-tos and special occasion picks and pieces.  While looking things over, I noticed a theme of great drugstore beauty buys that are every bit as worthy as their department store counterparts.  While I have to admit, I am beyond in love with certain brands you've seen me feature here on the blog (and will continue to do so in the future), these beauty dupes I'm highlighting today are some of my favorite budget-friendly buys that simply work magic all for under $20!  These are the top products I always stock up on and keep stashed in my beauty draw.  This brand definitely tops the list.  You can shop all my favorites below and share in the sweet savings.  Hope you are having a beautiful Monday and thanks so much for stopping by!

SHOP THE POST:

Drugstore Beauty Dupes

cerave

I recently spent some time going through my makeup collection, updating and refreshing my daily go-tos and special occasion picks and pieces.  While looking things over, I noticed a theme of great drugstore beauty buys that are every bit as worthy as their department store counterparts.  While I have to admit, I am beyond in love with certain brands you've seen me feature here on the blog (and will continue to do so in the future), these beauty dupes I'm highlighting today are some of my favorite budget-friendly buys that simply work magic all for under $20!  These are the top products I always stock up on and keep stashed in my beauty draw.  This brand definitely tops the list.  You can shop all my favorites below and share in the sweet savings.  Hope you are having a beautiful Monday and thanks so much for stopping by!

SHOP THE POST:

Read more »

Skincare has always been something I'm extremely passionate about.  My much enjoyed research, reviews and hands-on testing has been tremendously helpful towards leading me in the direction of beauty's best blockbusters.  I have to say, there are some highly impressive products available on the market.  The question to ask though is, which ones are truly right for you and your personal skin type.  While age and environmental considerations do play a huge role in deciding how to put together an effective skin care regime, one product ingredient transcends these factors and trumps all lotions and potions.  That one must-have magic cream is retinol.  

If you've spent anytime circling the beauty counter or strolling the cosmetics aisles then it's likely you've seen and heard something about retinol before.  What you may not have gotten, however, is a true understanding of what this ingredient really is and how it can turn back the clock for you.  It took me some time {along with the most gracious help of my derm doc} to really sort through the hype.  Happily, it turns out that the magic on this one is real.  And, even better than that is the fact that there is a bottle of the good stuff custom made for every budget and need.  

If you are a basics-work-best kinda girl then your local drugstore is the perfect place to start.  Well-known brands like Roc and Neutrogena both offer options that are worthy of a look.  While these lines contain retinol as opposed to retinoic acid {more on that in a minute}, they are therefore, less potent and a safer bet for anyone with sensitive skin or those who've never tested the vitamin A waters.  That being said, the results, while still cumulative, are slower in coming.  

The next step above these beginning options are what are known as medical grade retinols.  These choices are also of a non-prescription strength.  The big difference being that they slowly convert retinol into retinoic acid which is the game changer that prescription strength creams contain.  You can find these kicked up options at your dermatologist's office and in the form of a serum, cream or gel-based cream.  Most will come packaged in an airtight pump or metal tube, both designed to eliminate air and light exposure as these elements erode the product's efficacy.  

Finally, if you're ready to play with the big boys then you'll be most pleased with a prescription strength retinoid.  These creams undeniably cut to the chase with a three month window of wait and see time.  Following those 12 weeks, women and men have reported marked improvements in the texture, tone and firmness of their skin.  Some have even said it has given their complexion a clear, glasslike smoothness reminiscent of years gone by.  Wow!  That's pretty powerful praise.  

With all these options and the possibility and potential they hold, it is easy to want to give them a try.  And, by all means, my advice is to go for it.  There is, however, a word or two of caution I absolutely must express.  That being, these creams whether low dose or doctor-prescribed, can cause skin to react with redness and sensitivity {both perfectly normal but still in need of mention}.  With the increased turnover of cells, newer, fresher skin is being exposed and most susceptible to sunlight.  Daily SPF is a must!  Not that it isn't always, it is even more pertinent when using any retinol cream.  Since summer's rays are the strongest, you may want to wait for September to come before beginning a retinol regime that takes you into the fall and winter.  Then, by the time the turkey is being carved you'll be even more thankful this year for that beautiful, radiant glow and porcelain-like complexion!

Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions.  I'd love to help!  Wishing you a beautiful weekend!!

Sources:  WebMD.com  newbeauty.com  Ava Shamban, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, UCLA. Photo Credits:  youbeauty.com pinterest.com sulia.com

SKINCARE 101: MUST-HAVE MAGIC CREAM

alienist

Skincare has always been something I'm extremely passionate about.  My much enjoyed research, reviews and hands-on testing has been tremendously helpful towards leading me in the direction of beauty's best blockbusters.  I have to say, there are some highly impressive products available on the market.  The question to ask though is, which ones are truly right for you and your personal skin type.  While age and environmental considerations do play a huge role in deciding how to put together an effective skin care regime, one product ingredient transcends these factors and trumps all lotions and potions.  That one must-have magic cream is retinol.  

If you've spent anytime circling the beauty counter or strolling the cosmetics aisles then it's likely you've seen and heard something about retinol before.  What you may not have gotten, however, is a true understanding of what this ingredient really is and how it can turn back the clock for you.  It took me some time {along with the most gracious help of my derm doc} to really sort through the hype.  Happily, it turns out that the magic on this one is real.  And, even better than that is the fact that there is a bottle of the good stuff custom made for every budget and need.  

If you are a basics-work-best kinda girl then your local drugstore is the perfect place to start.  Well-known brands like Roc and Neutrogena both offer options that are worthy of a look.  While these lines contain retinol as opposed to retinoic acid {more on that in a minute}, they are therefore, less potent and a safer bet for anyone with sensitive skin or those who've never tested the vitamin A waters.  That being said, the results, while still cumulative, are slower in coming.  

The next step above these beginning options are what are known as medical grade retinols.  These choices are also of a non-prescription strength.  The big difference being that they slowly convert retinol into retinoic acid which is the game changer that prescription strength creams contain.  You can find these kicked up options at your dermatologist's office and in the form of a serum, cream or gel-based cream.  Most will come packaged in an airtight pump or metal tube, both designed to eliminate air and light exposure as these elements erode the product's efficacy.  

Finally, if you're ready to play with the big boys then you'll be most pleased with a prescription strength retinoid.  These creams undeniably cut to the chase with a three month window of wait and see time.  Following those 12 weeks, women and men have reported marked improvements in the texture, tone and firmness of their skin.  Some have even said it has given their complexion a clear, glasslike smoothness reminiscent of years gone by.  Wow!  That's pretty powerful praise.  

With all these options and the possibility and potential they hold, it is easy to want to give them a try.  And, by all means, my advice is to go for it.  There is, however, a word or two of caution I absolutely must express.  That being, these creams whether low dose or doctor-prescribed, can cause skin to react with redness and sensitivity {both perfectly normal but still in need of mention}.  With the increased turnover of cells, newer, fresher skin is being exposed and most susceptible to sunlight.  Daily SPF is a must!  Not that it isn't always, it is even more pertinent when using any retinol cream.  Since summer's rays are the strongest, you may want to wait for September to come before beginning a retinol regime that takes you into the fall and winter.  Then, by the time the turkey is being carved you'll be even more thankful this year for that beautiful, radiant glow and porcelain-like complexion!

Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions.  I'd love to help!  Wishing you a beautiful weekend!!

Sources:  WebMD.com  newbeauty.com  Ava Shamban, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, UCLA. Photo Credits:  youbeauty.com pinterest.com sulia.com

Read more »

Hello girls!  There's nothing I love more than a great beauty post.  Except for maybe a summertime Friday.  Today I get to delight in both and so do you.  Every summer we all seem to covet the same few things when it comes to looking our best.  The top three:  A Flawless Glow, A Fresh Face and Lush and Healthy Hair (aka Your Crowning Glory).

Here are a few of my favorites from each category.  All are worth your time and money.  My top picks, however, are the standout favorites that I find work the best for me, are most worthy of their price tag and have earned a reserved spot in my beauty arsenal.  Here's what works...

YOU WANT:  A Flawless Glow

      A Few to Try:  Kate Somerville Towelettes provide a beautiful amount of believable color and are super convenient as the come packaged in single-use, sealed packets.  The only problem I find is that because they are colorless (think of a baby wipe), you always inadvertently end up missing a spot and are left with a telltale streak of "Oooops".  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan had me curious before giving it a go.  I never understood how an aerosol delivery could evenly coat and color your skin.  I needn't question its ability, as this one just somehow miraculously achieves an evenly applied sunkissed glow.  Dalton Cosmetics Golden Pearl Bronzer is quite alluring with its promise of a hands-free, no dry time, non-transferrable tan.  While I discovered the first two to be true, I cannot say that my white clothes ever really fell for the third claim.

        One to Buy:  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan, $10.  I am quite fair and I use the number two version.  The depth of color is enough to be noticeable, yet subtle enough to look real.  

YOU WANT:  A Fresh Face

      A Few to Try:  Laura Gellar is so good at creating the products you want and need to help you look your loveliest.  Her cult favorite primer, known simply as Spackle, targets fine lines, pores and uneven skin surfaces to give you a smooth, makeup ready canvas.  All be told, this primer is hard to beat.  Mally Roncal gives it a go, however, with the creation of her Mally Poreless Face Defender.  As the name implies, this product aims to keep your skin flawless and fresh without even a hint of any cakey or powdery residue.  This one is another great bet.  MAC  is never one to be left out of a cosmetic competition and the shine-prevention wars are no exception. Their Skin Refined Zone Treatment from the 'Prep + Prime' line is fantastic.  It goes on unassumingly under makeup and holds oil, shine and make up meltdown at bay all day long.  Facing an exceptionally hot and humid kind of day?  Not to worry, simply dab a small amount of this liquid wonder atop your skin and voila, you are instantly and beautifully refreshed.

        One to Buy:  MAC Skin Refined Zone Treatment, $21. While all three of these choices are fabulous in their own right, my summer go-to has to be this miracle liquid from MAC.  One tube will last you the entire season right into the fall, at which point, you'll addicted to its magic and wanting to wear it all year round.

  

YOU WANT:  A Crowning Glory

      A Few to Try:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner.  Straight from the rainforest, this hydrating conditioner will infuse your hair with lush, supple moisture and leave out the heavy, weighed down feeling that can have us never wanting to condition ever again.  When your hair has enjoyed a few too many days at the beach, call for help from Phyto's Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask.  As a fine haired girl, this is one I only use every now and again but when I do, my hair happily thanks me by behaving its bouncy best.  MIT science powerhouse Living Proof  has come up with some of the most innovative technology the beauty world has ever seen.  Their Restore Conditioner is just one more example.  Expressly formulated with Living Proof's moisture-controlling molecule, this conditioner restores the top layer of dry, damaged hair and brings it back to the smooth and shiny condition you once knew.

       One to Buy:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner, $23.  The title of this one does not disappoint.  My fine hair never felt better, right after the first use.  I've even found that on days when your hair is looking dry or acting blah, sweep it up into a ponytail and apply a quarter-sized dollop of this conditioner before heading to the gym.  Afterwards, simply rinse and shampoo and you are ready for a great night out.

Go ahead and try these few for yourself and see which are your "Ones to Buy".  No matter your personal preference, you won't be disappointed by these picks and you'll end up with a few new fabulous favorites.  Have a beautiful weekend and thanks so much for reading!

XO,

SUMMER BEAUTY: A Few to Try, One to Buy

beauty

Hello girls!  There's nothing I love more than a great beauty post.  Except for maybe a summertime Friday.  Today I get to delight in both and so do you.  Every summer we all seem to covet the same few things when it comes to looking our best.  The top three:  A Flawless Glow, A Fresh Face and Lush and Healthy Hair (aka Your Crowning Glory).

Here are a few of my favorites from each category.  All are worth your time and money.  My top picks, however, are the standout favorites that I find work the best for me, are most worthy of their price tag and have earned a reserved spot in my beauty arsenal.  Here's what works...

YOU WANT:  A Flawless Glow

      A Few to Try:  Kate Somerville Towelettes provide a beautiful amount of believable color and are super convenient as the come packaged in single-use, sealed packets.  The only problem I find is that because they are colorless (think of a baby wipe), you always inadvertently end up missing a spot and are left with a telltale streak of "Oooops".  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan had me curious before giving it a go.  I never understood how an aerosol delivery could evenly coat and color your skin.  I needn't question its ability, as this one just somehow miraculously achieves an evenly applied sunkissed glow.  Dalton Cosmetics Golden Pearl Bronzer is quite alluring with its promise of a hands-free, no dry time, non-transferrable tan.  While I discovered the first two to be true, I cannot say that my white clothes ever really fell for the third claim.

        One to Buy:  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan, $10.  I am quite fair and I use the number two version.  The depth of color is enough to be noticeable, yet subtle enough to look real.  

YOU WANT:  A Fresh Face

      A Few to Try:  Laura Gellar is so good at creating the products you want and need to help you look your loveliest.  Her cult favorite primer, known simply as Spackle, targets fine lines, pores and uneven skin surfaces to give you a smooth, makeup ready canvas.  All be told, this primer is hard to beat.  Mally Roncal gives it a go, however, with the creation of her Mally Poreless Face Defender.  As the name implies, this product aims to keep your skin flawless and fresh without even a hint of any cakey or powdery residue.  This one is another great bet.  MAC  is never one to be left out of a cosmetic competition and the shine-prevention wars are no exception. Their Skin Refined Zone Treatment from the 'Prep + Prime' line is fantastic.  It goes on unassumingly under makeup and holds oil, shine and make up meltdown at bay all day long.  Facing an exceptionally hot and humid kind of day?  Not to worry, simply dab a small amount of this liquid wonder atop your skin and voila, you are instantly and beautifully refreshed.

        One to Buy:  MAC Skin Refined Zone Treatment, $21. While all three of these choices are fabulous in their own right, my summer go-to has to be this miracle liquid from MAC.  One tube will last you the entire season right into the fall, at which point, you'll addicted to its magic and wanting to wear it all year round.

  

YOU WANT:  A Crowning Glory

      A Few to Try:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner.  Straight from the rainforest, this hydrating conditioner will infuse your hair with lush, supple moisture and leave out the heavy, weighed down feeling that can have us never wanting to condition ever again.  When your hair has enjoyed a few too many days at the beach, call for help from Phyto's Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask.  As a fine haired girl, this is one I only use every now and again but when I do, my hair happily thanks me by behaving its bouncy best.  MIT science powerhouse Living Proof  has come up with some of the most innovative technology the beauty world has ever seen.  Their Restore Conditioner is just one more example.  Expressly formulated with Living Proof's moisture-controlling molecule, this conditioner restores the top layer of dry, damaged hair and brings it back to the smooth and shiny condition you once knew.

       One to Buy:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner, $23.  The title of this one does not disappoint.  My fine hair never felt better, right after the first use.  I've even found that on days when your hair is looking dry or acting blah, sweep it up into a ponytail and apply a quarter-sized dollop of this conditioner before heading to the gym.  Afterwards, simply rinse and shampoo and you are ready for a great night out.

Go ahead and try these few for yourself and see which are your "Ones to Buy".  No matter your personal preference, you won't be disappointed by these picks and you'll end up with a few new fabulous favorites.  Have a beautiful weekend and thanks so much for reading!

XO,

Read more »

While I might possibly be the biggest fan of cosmetic counter beauty you'll ever meet, I am also quite an aficionado of drugstore beauty finds and yes, there are many.  From hair care to manicure maintenece, cult favorites abound.  Let's take a look at the why and how...

Hair Care: Have you ever found yourself running late or in desperate need of some volume and bounce in your hair or, on certain days, maybe even coveting both?  Well, here are two favorite go-to products that give you both.  Dove Dry Shampoo absorbs excess oil while adding in texture and shine.  Similarly, Suave Root Lifter lends lift, volume and manageability to freshly washed locks.  Finally, when it comes to finding a brush that detangles, smooths and shines look no further than this great steal of a deal by Sonia Kushak.  Compact, gentle and easy to clean, this one gets the job done tangle free leaving your hair ready for a sleek pony or chic bun held in place with Goody soft coated elastics.


Skin Care:  The shower is the perfect place to take off the day and give your skin a fresh start.  One simple way to do this daily is by combining the exfoliating work of a liquidy loofah with the hydrating properties of a great beauty bar.  Caress and Dove both make luscious options rich with skin softeners and light scent that leaves your skin supple and clean.
It's important to remember, however, even though warm baths and hot showers feel good on our skin, these water temperatures can be extremely drying and unfriendly to the skin's appearance and take a toll on its ability to maintain the proper moisture barrier.  When this is the case, I turn to Cerave body cream.  Having tried nearly every tube and bottle on the shelves, I finally came across a reason to never look for another ever again.  Cerave restores the skin's natural barrier with lipids that mimic the skin epidermal make up, leaving your body feeling soft, supple and oh so hydrated.
Once you're feeling comfortable in your own skin, be sure to protect it daily from the sun's damaging rays. Even on rainy days, sunscreen is imperative.  If you can see where you're going, you can bet it's the sun's rays that are lighting the way.  It is also those very same rays that are damaging your skin via their ultra violet rays.  Take cover with a great sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection.  My pick is this do-it all formula from Neutrogena.

Eyes and Lips: Personally, I can never go a day without wearing a little something on my eyes and lips and when armed with the right knowhow, the drug store shelves are the perfect place to shop.  When it comes to eye shadows, the key is to find products rich with pigment.  Therein lies the difference between the options sold at your favorite department store and the corner store.  Pigment is what gives make up colors there depth and lasting power.  L'Oreal makes a nice option in their HIP (High Intensity Pigment) line which, as the name suggests, contains a good level of pigment that transfer nicely onto the skin.  Color options range from the subdued to the extreme so, there should be something for everyone.
Perhaps there are days when you just want a bit of lash drama minus all the rest.  To achieve a clean, defined look, liner is a must.  Having searched high and low in pursuit of the longest lasting and easiest to apply liquid liner (to me it lets you achieve the most defining line while staying put) I finally found this fabulous one by Prestige.  The just dark enough color and right degree of slip make this inkwell style not only a great buy but a preferred choice.  The only addition needed (for me personally) is a super skinny brush to ensure a flawless application.
Once your eyes are prepped and primed, don't forget to keep your lips soft and supple.  As fall's brisk chill approaches, you'll want to protect them with a simple yet effective balm.  Smith's Rosebud Slave does all this and more.  This cheery pink ointment works great on rough cuticles and helps maintain your manicure.

Nail Care:  Speaking of nails, there is a complete plethora of polish choices awaiting your purusal there on the corner store shelf.  Colors and choices are plentiful here too but I just always find myself staying true to the much loved Essie brand.  Their colors are always of the moment and the formula stays true.  When in need of a little extra life, give your nails a a fresh coat of shiny with a hardworking top coat like Revlon's Extra Life No Chip Top Coat.So, next time you're at the pharmacy, be sure to take a look at some of these beauty steals.  Who couldn't love a product that keeps you and your wallet happy while looking your very best?


Have a beautiful Thursday!

XOXO

Beauty Steals $20 and Under

anthropologie

While I might possibly be the biggest fan of cosmetic counter beauty you'll ever meet, I am also quite an aficionado of drugstore beauty finds and yes, there are many.  From hair care to manicure maintenece, cult favorites abound.  Let's take a look at the why and how...

Hair Care: Have you ever found yourself running late or in desperate need of some volume and bounce in your hair or, on certain days, maybe even coveting both?  Well, here are two favorite go-to products that give you both.  Dove Dry Shampoo absorbs excess oil while adding in texture and shine.  Similarly, Suave Root Lifter lends lift, volume and manageability to freshly washed locks.  Finally, when it comes to finding a brush that detangles, smooths and shines look no further than this great steal of a deal by Sonia Kushak.  Compact, gentle and easy to clean, this one gets the job done tangle free leaving your hair ready for a sleek pony or chic bun held in place with Goody soft coated elastics.


Skin Care:  The shower is the perfect place to take off the day and give your skin a fresh start.  One simple way to do this daily is by combining the exfoliating work of a liquidy loofah with the hydrating properties of a great beauty bar.  Caress and Dove both make luscious options rich with skin softeners and light scent that leaves your skin supple and clean.
It's important to remember, however, even though warm baths and hot showers feel good on our skin, these water temperatures can be extremely drying and unfriendly to the skin's appearance and take a toll on its ability to maintain the proper moisture barrier.  When this is the case, I turn to Cerave body cream.  Having tried nearly every tube and bottle on the shelves, I finally came across a reason to never look for another ever again.  Cerave restores the skin's natural barrier with lipids that mimic the skin epidermal make up, leaving your body feeling soft, supple and oh so hydrated.
Once you're feeling comfortable in your own skin, be sure to protect it daily from the sun's damaging rays. Even on rainy days, sunscreen is imperative.  If you can see where you're going, you can bet it's the sun's rays that are lighting the way.  It is also those very same rays that are damaging your skin via their ultra violet rays.  Take cover with a great sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection.  My pick is this do-it all formula from Neutrogena.

Eyes and Lips: Personally, I can never go a day without wearing a little something on my eyes and lips and when armed with the right knowhow, the drug store shelves are the perfect place to shop.  When it comes to eye shadows, the key is to find products rich with pigment.  Therein lies the difference between the options sold at your favorite department store and the corner store.  Pigment is what gives make up colors there depth and lasting power.  L'Oreal makes a nice option in their HIP (High Intensity Pigment) line which, as the name suggests, contains a good level of pigment that transfer nicely onto the skin.  Color options range from the subdued to the extreme so, there should be something for everyone.
Perhaps there are days when you just want a bit of lash drama minus all the rest.  To achieve a clean, defined look, liner is a must.  Having searched high and low in pursuit of the longest lasting and easiest to apply liquid liner (to me it lets you achieve the most defining line while staying put) I finally found this fabulous one by Prestige.  The just dark enough color and right degree of slip make this inkwell style not only a great buy but a preferred choice.  The only addition needed (for me personally) is a super skinny brush to ensure a flawless application.
Once your eyes are prepped and primed, don't forget to keep your lips soft and supple.  As fall's brisk chill approaches, you'll want to protect them with a simple yet effective balm.  Smith's Rosebud Slave does all this and more.  This cheery pink ointment works great on rough cuticles and helps maintain your manicure.

Nail Care:  Speaking of nails, there is a complete plethora of polish choices awaiting your purusal there on the corner store shelf.  Colors and choices are plentiful here too but I just always find myself staying true to the much loved Essie brand.  Their colors are always of the moment and the formula stays true.  When in need of a little extra life, give your nails a a fresh coat of shiny with a hardworking top coat like Revlon's Extra Life No Chip Top Coat.So, next time you're at the pharmacy, be sure to take a look at some of these beauty steals.  Who couldn't love a product that keeps you and your wallet happy while looking your very best?


Have a beautiful Thursday!

XOXO

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