DRUGSTORE FIND: Shea Moisture

There is nothing like a great skincare line that remoisturizes the  body. Now make said skincare line available at a drugstore, namely Wallgreens, near you. Perfection.

Shea Moisture is bringing organic shea butter to the masses. With a bevy of products from African Black Soap Shea Butter to Coconut and Hibiscus Brightening and Toning to PMS Relief Palm, the range covers the every body care concern. Just click here to peruse.

And it's not just shea butter and body balms, there's also scrubs and washes and soaps. I'm a fan of the Coconut and Hibiscus Brightening and Toning Body Wash - it's creamy, lathers to perfection and smells delicious. And there's also an entire line of face (mostly shaving) and hair products (which I have yet to try but look equally as exciting and affordable).

Products range between 6.99 and 14.99 for a large tub of specialty body balm but average 9.99 for the shea butters. One to try: African Black Soap Infused Shea Butter - Infused with the potent healing blend of African black soap, oats and aloe, this soft, creamy certified organic shea butter is perfect for treating acne, breakout prone skin, eczema, psoriasis and other skin aliments.

Happy  - and affordable - Shopping... May we all be well lubed up this Spring!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE - Jason Cocoa Butter

This isn't just a must-have, this is an obsession, must run out and buy in bulk asap. I was debating putting this as a "Drugstore Find" because, well, you can find it in a drugstore and the price is so reasonable, but, after a vicious fight with myself, I opted for the "Weekly Must-Have" posting because EVERYONE must own this product ---

Jason Cocoa Butter Ultra-Intensive Moisturizing Creme - the one cream you need to own right now during these brutal, frigid winter months. Everyone knows that cocoa butter is a great source of moisture and hydration but I have never found a cocoa butter that I like more. The consistency is like whipped butter milk, the scent, a soft yet rich coconut meets vanilla (two of my favorite scents!). It comes in a jar, slather it on your body, paying close attention to hands, feet, knees and elbows  - the end result - skin that is hydrated, smooth, soft and radiant.

A word (or several...) from the company:
"JASON has developed this 70% Certified Organic Cocoa Butter Creme to impart luxurious softness. Cocoa Butter, Jojoba and Avocado Oils, blended with Vitamins A & E create a high-performance renewal moisturizer that results in a smoother, more radiant complexion. Perfect for use in punishing environments of sun, wind and high altitudes. Also wonderful during pregnancy for a stretching belly."

NOTE TO SELF: Helps with stretch marks... bonus! 70% organic... extra bonus!

I have used practically the entire 4 oz jar in one weekend because I am so obsessed wtih the feel and smell of the cream. It's equal parts refreshing, soothing and moisturizing and literally will leave you smelling good enough to devour.... men, beware!

PRICE TAG: ON SALE! $4.99 BUY IN BULK!

DRUGSTORE FIND: TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

Dry Shampoo is a hair saver - if you haven't jumped on the bandwaggon yet, now is a good time. I'm quite faithful to my Klorane Oat Milk Dry Shampoo, but the other day, late for a date with a bit of oil in my hair, I found myself in a pinch. As I pressed my beloved Klorane Dry Shampoo to my head, nothing came out - it was ALL GONE! Luckily, I live in an apartment stock-full of beauty products. So, I did some digging, found the TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo and gave it a go.

The first thing I noticed - the consistancy. The white powder just blew right out, and with it my hair's grim, oil and dirt. The second thing - the scent. It smelled fruity, or floral, perhaps a pleasant mixture of both.

What it does:

*Formula with Mineral Clay soaks up excess oil and impurities to leave hair looking refreshed.
*Contains Citrus Extracts to neutralize odor and enhance clean feeling.
*Volumizes oily/straight hair that becomes limp in between shampoos, giving hair added body and bounce.
*Perfect for color-treated hair, it reduces the need to wash as frequently, which prevents color from fading.

To use, spray directly on scalp and turn your head over to massage into the roots. Brush excess out. Great for on-the-go, after the gym, or for that day between shampoos. And unlike Klorane ($18.00 at Sephora), this stuff is available at the drugstore for a fraction of the price!

PRICE TAG: $4.04 (Wallgreens)

Drugstore Find: L'Oreal Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour Compact

L'Oreal's latest rendition of their Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour Compact has a little star power to boot. They've chosen 6 of their celebrity spokeschicks to personally select the newest shades of the collection: Beyonce, Andie MacDowell, Diane Keaton, Eva Longoria Parker, Kate del Castillo and Linda Evangelista, hence the new name, Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour Compact. It's like a MAC collab but with a drugstore price!

Just in case you're not familiar with the Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour Compact, here's a quick tutorial: It's two-sided - one side houses the color, the other houses the moisture balm to seal in the color. First you apply the color, second, the conditioning balm. In total, this lipstick lasts up to 16 hours without fading. It comes in over 30 shades and the compact has a built-in mirror perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. It's basically the holy grail of lipsticks.

Now, with the celebrity endorsements, enter 6 more shades:

Beyonce's Red (my favorite, pictured), Andie's Rose, Diane's Tuberose, Eva's Caramel, Kate's Plum nad Linda's Beige. The compact comes with a personalized celebrity autograph and is available NOW!

www.lorealparis.com

PRICE TAG: $11.99

Drugstore Find: Aveeno Positively Nourishing Body Wash and Moisturizer

I love Aveeno products. The Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 is an all time favorite. So, you can imagine my excitement when learning of the newest Aveeno additions: Positively Nourishing body washes and moisturizers.

While the daily moisturizing lotion is fragrance-free and non-greasy with an added SPF, sometimes it's nice to get a pleasant burst of scent. The Positively Nourishing body washes and moisturizers are still just as hydrating but with an added dose of fragrant fun. With 8 formulas, HYDRATING, REFRESHING, CALMING, INVIGORATING, SOOTHING, ENERGIZING, WHIPPED SOUFFLE and SMOOTHING, you now have an Rx for any body ailment at a fraction of the price.

I'm obsessed with the Hydrating formula. It combines shea butter and natural fig for a delicious bathing experience. It smells somewhat like a berry surprise but the scent isn't completely overpowering. And I LOVE the Postively Nourishing Refreshing Moisturizer (which, again, smells like berries with a combo of Blueberry and Goji Berries). The formula still uses oatmeal to soothe the skin but now their is that extra added shea butter and berrilicious scent. It's amazing - soothing, hydrating, refereshing and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.

Next time you're at the drugstore, pick up a set. You're body will thank you (and so will your wallet).

PRICE TAG: lotion $9.49/ wash $6.49

Drugstore Find: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Primer

I'm a huge advocate of priming the skin before applying makeup. Like an artist with a canvas, it's imperative to prime the area before painting. Same is true with the face.

I love Make Up Forever HD Primer, Rock & Republic Primer and Smashbox's Photofinish Primer. But these can run you around 20-30 dollars and for something that is inevitably going to be coverd up and layered over, you may not want to spend the big bucks on primer.

Enter L'Oreal's newest secret: Studio Secrets Professional Primer. This 2-step pre-makeup process will leave skin smooth and resurfaced, even and neutralized.

STEP 1: There's also a Magic Perfecting Base which gives skin an instant matte look and silky finish (you use this prior to the primer colors). As with most primers, it also covers slight imperfections and evens out skin tone due to large pores and/or wrinkles. This particular one leaves skin SO soft it's literally transformed into baby skin.

STEP 2: The primer comes in 3 formulas which instantly neutralize color imperfections and add radiance: Anti-Redness, a green formula to neutralize skin redness; Anti-Dullness for light skin and Anti-Dullness for dark skin. Both illuminate and add warmth to the skin.

Using the 2 "primers" in conjunction really does leave the skin illuminated, poreless and flawless. It's so worth the extra step in makeup application.

So, remember prime before painting. Your face will thank-you.

PRICE TAG: $12.95

Drugstore Find: Makeup Remover

Just in case you still have some makeup left over from Halloween night, this post will come in handy.

Physician's Formula Organic Wear has created a 100 % natural origin Facial Makeup Remover Towelette and I'm LOVING them. They're perfect for taking off makeup -- non abrasive, non irritating, great for sensitive skin types -- and amazing for cleaning makeup brushes as well. I loathe a dirty makeup brush. Not anymore. Use once, wipe on the towelette and I'm good to go. But my favorite part has got to be that these towelettes -- 25 in a case -- are free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, parabens, synthetic color and fragrance and cruelty free. They're also infused with organic aloe vera extract to condition the skin, Eco-Olive to shield the skin, OrganiSoy to nourish the skin and Organic Lavender Essential Oil to calm the skin.

The concept also comes in Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Eye Makeup Remover Pads specifically designed with Organic Cucumber Extract to soothe the delicate skin of the eye area while removing makeup without the greasy residue.

I love me a product that's good for the environment and good for my skin too. Sigh.

PRICE TAG: $9.95

Eye Cream: From High End to Low End

I love me an eye cream that actually works. Despite the cost, eye cream is a must have in my beauty arsenal.

To me, aside from chapstick, eye cream is my skin care must-have. And a good old bar of soap. And exfoliator. And sunblock. Okay, I have many beauty necessities but eye cream is definitely up there.

I was delighted to discover L'Oreal's newest affordable eye cream created especially for morning and night with dual sided applicators. The Advanced RevitaLift 24 Hour Eye Repair Duo works night and day to give your eyes moisture, anti-wrinkle prevention and spf protection. The formula, made with Pro Retinol A, helps to repair broken skin fibers and the smooth the surface of deep set eyes. I like that it's thick without being greasy and really does leave a lasting impression on my peepers. $12.00

At a bit of a pricier splurge, Peter Thomas Roth has recently launched his version of the am/pm eye cream. Eye Overhaul Duo works on both protection and prevention.

The daytime formula has SPF 30 and suberlift to smooth and firm while the nighttime gel-like formula has Haloxyl, Regu-Age and light diffusers help and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Caffeine also helps to reduce under eye puffiness and tired eyes. It's like a giant glass of vitamins for the eyes. Everything just looks happier through brighter eyes. LOVE! $58.00

Drugstore Find: Alba Rainforest Body Collection

Alba's newest line, the Rainforest Collection, is bathing at its finest.

While the collection spans from hair to skin, it's the body products that I am seriously hooked on. The bathing goodies come in 3 scents targeting 3 specific concerns: ACAI Antioxidant (Açaí has highly concentrated and a diverse range of antioxidants and is proving to be an excellent source of essential fatty acids), Andiroba Renewal (Andiroba Oil helps soothe and heal skin. Myristic acid contributes to the acceleration of healing of damaged skin) and Capuacu Deep Hydration (Cupuaçu butter is a rich emollient that delivers deep hydration and helps restore softness and elasticity).

The ACAI Antioxidant is my favorite. I love the idea that I am feeding my skin with a plethora of antioxidants for a healthy, radiant complexion. The wash and lotion both smell blissfully serene - part tropical, part fruity, but not overwhelmingly pungent at all. The wash lathers into cloud-like suds and soothes as it washes. The lotion (complete with a pump!) has the consistancy of Lubriderm (not watery but not shea butter thick) and absorbs completely. Cocoa butter and Brazil Nut Oil help to keep my skin smooth and hydrated throughout the day.

I was slightly disappointed that the shampoos are not sulfate-free, but I tried the Cupuacu (deep hydration) none-the-less and was content with the results (no stripping that I could tell of). The products are made with emollient-rich oils derived from some of the world's most beneficial fruits and nuts. Again, love the natural ingredient spin, but I don't think I'd rebuy the shampoo and conditioner as I'm on a major sulfate-free kick (click here for a reminder on why sulfates suck!).

As for the lotion and wash, yes, they'll be taking up permenent residence in my bathroom.

The best part of the rainforest collection is that it gives back to its namesake: the rainforest. Says Alba, "The Andiroba and Brazil Nut Oil we source from the rainforest are certified by the Rainforest Alliance to the FSC standards. They also certify our paper cartons" "Alba Botanica also supports Rainforest education and sustainability through the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER)."

Affordable, sustainable beauty!

PRICE TAG: $9.95 (wash)/ $10.95 (lotion)

Drugstore Find: Kohl Eyeliner

Finally! An inexpensive product that takes the guessing work out of applying eyeliner. L'Oreal's HIP (High Intensity Pigments) Kohl Eyeliner is like an extremely pigmented, bold and finely milled loose powder stuffed into a tube with an extra long wand that completely absorbs the pigments for precise application.

The liner comes in 6 dramatic smudge-proof shades: burgundy, navy, teal, gold, brown and black. The velvety colors line and define any look, but are especially amazing when creating a smokey eye as the loose powder makes it ridiculously easy to blend. And this stuff stays... I mean, all day long.

But my favorite part of this liner has got to be the brush... after all, it's always about the brush. It's like a hard sponge that has some give to it so it moves nicely with the contours of your eyes. Application is so effortless, you can literally just dot on and blend a bit and still get a great looking line.

The only thing to be cautious of are the miscellaneous remnants of application feathering. The powder has a tendency to get a bit all over... I just put a piece of tissue under my eye before applying and it seems to do the trick.

PRICE TAG: $13.00

Drugstore Find: The Perfect Moisturizer

The 3 products I am about to write about are must-haves for every beauty arsenal. They're multifunctional, affordable and seriously incredible...

Pay close attention, ladies. I am about to change your skin...

NIVEA

Beyonce keeps her killer legs smooth and firm with NIVEA Body Skin Firming Moisturizer with Advanced Q10 Complex.


NIVEA Body Skin Firming Moisturizer with Advanced Q10 Complex is proven to not only firm, but also visibly tighten skin’s surface. The results: skin is visibly firmer and more resilient.

You can also get that summer glow with NIVEA Sun-Kissed Beautiful Legs (with a mild tanning agent), but I'm a sucker for the original.

AQUAPHOR

Lauren Conrad keeps her Aquaphor on hand every time she travels to keep her pout super soft and shiny! It is a quick remedy for the lips, body, hands and feet and can also be used to give skin a natural sheen.


Aquaphor Healing Ointment protects dry, cracked or irritated skin to help enhance the natural healing process and restore smooth, healthy skin.

I literally can't leave home without my Aquafor. Recently, a friend's dog ate my tube and I immediately booked it to the nearest CVS to replace the balm. It is, by far, the most basic and effective treatment for lips.

EUCERIN

The host of E!’s “Chelsea Lately,” Chelsea Handler, is quoted in the recent July issue of SELF magazine “Too much makeup makes me look older, so I wear Eucerin lotion mixed with shimmer”. You too can create this summer skin illuminator that keeps glowy and soft. Pick up a bottle of Eucerin Original Lotion and mix it with your favorite highlighting powder. Try Laura Mercier Loose Shimmer Powder. This trick keeps dry skin full moisturized and gives your summer skin an extra pop.


Eucerin Original Lotion and Creme provide long-lasting moisturization to relieve extremely dry, sensitive skin. My friend Kaycee slathers this stuff all over her face and swears by it's moisturizing abilities. The lotion is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-irritating.

So, there you have it. Oldies but goodies. Get reacquainted.

Have a favorite use for one of the products?
Let us know in the comments below!

Drugstore Find: The Fragrance Collection by Glade

I LOVE discovering a good drugstore deal. A simple thing like the perfect gloss or a beautiful smelling candle - at a nominal fee - is enough to make me skip around the block singing "Zippity do da, zippity day.... my oh my what a wonderful day!" - My friend Kaycee is making fun of me for this imagery...


My latest find is nothing short of brilliant: The Fragrance Collection by Glade. Before you reread, yes, I'm speaking of that Glade - household dooty spray, Glade, but I promise you, this ain't your usual synthetic Glade stench.

What it is: "A new, irresistible and chic home-fragrance offering of reed diffusers, soy candles, and multi-wick soy based candles."

Scents:

• currants & açai - tart red currants, tangy açai berries and red fruit accents
• sheer white cotton - floral, fruity and woody notes, including freesia and lime
• lotus bamboo - lotus notes with a touch of citrus on a bamboo
• base mcintosh apple (92.4 % natural) - the crisp scent of fresh picked apples, sweet and juicy yet
• slightly tart (93% natural) - earthly awakening nature-inspired fragrances for a mossy, mellow and soothing scent
• orange vanilla (94.2 % natural) - a favorite treat of fresh oranges blended in a rich, creamy vanilla

The Look: Sleek design, glass tumblers, diffuser has wooden top.

Beauty Banter Favorites:

• The apple soy candle smells like a crisp, Washington State red apple. It's literally mouth-water inducing. No matter where I light it in my apartment, the smell emanates throughout the entire space blasting me into some far away orchird. To. Die. $9.99
  

• The slightly tart diffuser is genius. It's little, pretty and unobtrusive. I have it on my bookshelf next to my front door and the moment I walk into my apartment, I am met by this beautiful, rich creamy floral aroma (it reminds me of The Body Shop's White Musk fragrance). AND it doesn't have that synthetic after-smell. It's actually quite decadent. $9.49
  

**Be cautious of the sheer white cotton scent - it literally smells like clean laundry. Not my thing... unless, of course, I've just finished a load (of laundry!).**

Where to buy: Your local drugstore or by clicking here.

I find that I've been spending an abundance of time indoors (partially due to the brutal weather, partially due to the depressing recession), so it's nice to have a living space that smells delish. These days, life is all about the simple things.

Review: Maybelline Lash Stiletto

Finding a great new mascara for a beauty whore is like stumbling across a great IPO for a wallstreeter. I get all giddy and excited and feel this overwhelming urge to run my mouth and tell EVERYONE about my new find... thank heavens for this site!

I like to mix up my mascara uses. Sometimes I opt for high end like Dior, othertimes I'm really into my drugstore finds like Covergirl. When hearing of Maybelline's newest mascara, I was anxious to give it a try (after all, Maybelline is a cult favorite when it comes to lashes - Great Lash Mascara, anyone?).


Maybelline's Lash Stiletto accomplishes many of the vital things that I really admire in a mascara. First, it lengthens like crazy - people actually ask me if I'm wearing falsies (this is always a positive). Second, it applies super easily without clumping or making my lashes awkwardly stick together. Third, it coats my lashes with a great, rich black (they call it "patent shine") hue. Lastly, it washes off super easily, without leaving that black "ring around the eye" effect.

Onto the negatives: Although the mascara lengthens for miles, it doesn't really volumize (I'm fine with that because whenever a mascara makes your lashes appear thicker, it also ends up creating clumps... and I loathe clumps!). If you're looking for a volumizing mascara, this is not the one for you!

Unfortunately, my biggest concern is that it has a slight tendency to flake off and land under my lower lash line. This is annoying, naturally, because you can end up looking a little racoon-esque. But I find that if I use a product like YSL's Toche Eclat after applying the mascara, it works to keep my eyes (and the black) in check. But I do wish that Maybelline would work on the product formulation so that it doesn't dry so quickly and flake off.

Despite the two negatives, I will definitely continue using Lash Stiletto -- I've even recommended it to some of my mascara-obsessed friends as a great alternative to their expensive brand choices. At $7.50 a pop, it's a recession-worthy necessity!

Drugstore Find: Makeup Remover Made Simple

It's late at night, you're tired, spent from the evening, the last thing you want to do is wash your face. But as a good beauty whore, you know that going to bed with a face full of makeup is like putting salt on ice cream - a recipe for disaster! So, you relent.


Everyone's looking for a fast and easy way to remove make-up which is why I'm so obsessed with my new find: Simple Cleansing Wipes. They're brilliant for people with sensitive skin (like moi) or those allergic to dyes and/ or perfumes. The wipes are 100 percent oil and alcohol free and they're meant to be used without water, while still cleansing the skin (I ALWAYS wash my face after, anyway, because I'm a little psycho like that...)

If you're an avid reader of this site, then you know my fondness for UK favorite, Boots (their cleansing wipes make me all warm and fuzzy inside - click here for a reminder). Interesting bit of trivia, Simple is a UK cult favorite skin brand too! (Damn, I should really make the move - if for no other reason than great skin). The Simple wipes aren't as wet thus not as effective for getting off the liner and mascara (I do prefer Boots for this), but I love them anyway because they are free of perfume (unlike the L'oreal wipes that wreak of fragrance) and they don't irritate my very sensitive skin.  But, if you're big on eye makeup, you may need another form of remover specifically designed for the eyes. 

Simple made the move to the states in November and these amazingly gentle wipes can be found at Duane Reade pharmacies.

If you're a lazy makeup remover with sensitive skin, then this product is your new best friend!

PRICE TAG: $5.99 for 25

Johnson & Johnson Gets A Makeover!

No more tears isn't just for babies anymore! The relaunched adult body line features 6 washes and 6 lotions for WOMEN with brand new fragrances and packaging.

The products include body wash, body lotion, shaving cream and exfoliator in scents like green tea and shea and cocoa butter.

I love baby products for adults. The scents are always so innocent and sweet and the products are great for sensitive skin. I've long been obsessed with the J&J no more tears shampoo. It's gentle enough for everyday washing and it doesn't strip the hair (or make your eyes burn!). And it's super inexpensive (we heart a good bargain!).

I wouldn't necessarily say that the packaging is more mature, but it's definitely pretty enough to take up residence on my bathroom counter!

PRICE TAG: $5.99

Department Store vs. Drugstore

As the economy plummets further into the depths of recession, my friend hair-crazed Jenny (if you don't remember her, click here) and I had an intriguing conversation about the difference between department store products (expensive) and drugstore products (less expensive).

So, as the new year approaches, here's some "beauty for thought" straight from the lips of hair-crazed Jenny:

She doesn't want to focus on her hair at the moment because it's become too exhausting (GASP!) - to layer or not to layer; cut or not to cut; highlight or au-natural. Instead, it's all about obsessing over the skin.

New York winter leaves skin dry and cracked. So, what's a girl to do when she is desperate for some moisture but also wants to combat wrinkles and not spend a month's rent in the process? Sure, there are tons of products that merge the two, but Jenny's found products - from both department stores and drugstores that fight dehydration as well as aging. The major difference is the price tag...

Cle de Peau La Creme - An intense moisture treatment for the face. It's a thick and cream that really seeps deep into the skin to rehydrate a dehydrated complexion. "Encourages the natural turnover of epidermic cells and protects support fibres, thus improving the softness, elasticity and firmness of the skin. "
PRICE TAG: $475.00


Boots No 7 Time Resist Night Cream - Just as effective and it contains a retinoid which works to combat signs of aging. "Pro-Retinol visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin smooth, supple and radiant." Not as moisture driven, but it still does the trick. Plus, it leaves the complexion glowing and dewy (and at times, even flushed - like a just-got-off-of-the-beach, I'm-so-tan look).
PRICE TAG: $15.99


In the end, we chalked it up to this: It's not about the price tag on a product. The expensive and inexpensive work just as well. It's all about alternating! Jenny believes in bi-weekly alternation. "It's like alternating shampoos. Once you use a product for too long, it stops working." Never use a product for longer then a month - regardless of the cost, your skin will become immune and it will stop doing what it's meant to do.

What drugstore finds would you use to substitute your department store products?

Thank Goody For Goody!

Remember elastic hair bands? It's 7:30 am, you're about to trudge to school and your mom calls out - "wait, your hair!" And then it's the tugging at the tresses until a ponytail is achieved. The hair band - the one used to keep the ponytail high and tight - always ended up creating breakage on your luscious locks (not to mention the pain that accumulates from having your hair so tightly pulled back).

Ahhh, the memories of childhood!

Well, Goody has launched an incredible new line of "ouchless" hair accessories. Sure, it's not the 80's anymore - long gone are the days of hair-pulling elastics. But now you can also add clips and head bands to your "ouchless" collection!

I am OBSESSED with the head band. The part that tucks behind the ears - that usually leaves me with a ghastly headache - is new and improved. It's a malleable rubber that conforms to the shape of your ear.... they call it "flex tips". Semantics, really, because it's pure genius! Bye-bye headache!

And the claw clips are amazing. They don't grab and pull at the hair like most of them tend to do. Instead, they rest gently on the hair. No more breakage when you take them out. Feeling a little "ugh" - not in the mood to deal? Pull your hair back into a messy bun and clip it together - quick, easy and painless. I use my clip every day (even if it's just while I wash my face).

Here's the best part -- they retail for less than $4.00!!! And in this economic climate, we need all the deals we can get!

Ouchless Medium Claw Clips ($3.99 for 2)
Ouchless Medium Headband w/ Flex Tips ($3.99)

Available at drugstores!

Summer Tan In A Winter Wonderland

Here's a recommendation from my friend, Omi Rajpal... now pay attention, because Bostonians know what it means to look hot in the freezing cold!

"Okay you little LA bitches, west coast life may be hard to contend with, but it is time to bring you all a voice from beyond---Although it may seem foreign at first, no worries, style does live outside of the Hills. So, let me invite you to jet set to the city I call home, Boston. Beauty travels beyond borders and who can call themselves a true fashionista without extensive knowledge of all cosmopolitan cultures?

And Boston is not so far-flung from the life of SH, your resident beauty whore, who not so many moons ago, graced the pavement of the city in the ultimate fashion displays of collegiate life. Divas are hard to come by but SH and I had some stylish misadventures that will remain confidential—at least for now!

There are so many gems in this city for us fellow socialites and I hope in the future to unlock the doors to my faves, but this time around I want to introduce you all to a product that is at the top of my winter list and a MUST have as this dreadful season approaches. Cold, bitter, and grey the city is not conducive to glamour after September. In addition, along with this misery, we have to deal with our summer tans fading, as we eagerly await our island getaways in January. Not to fret, the perfect antidote does exist, and fortunately does not require a trip to the, dare I even say, tanning salon…

I think the days of orange skin, and Lindsay Lohen, are long gone and anyone with even a hint of je ne sais qua avoids the not so-chic bake ovens. Enter, L’Oreal Sublime Bronzer. I have tried my range of self-tanners, leaving my bathroom in desperate need of a Clorox overload, but this drugstore find is fantastic. I did go through a period of believing any self-tanner worth gracing my body had to cost more than $75 and live outside of a drugstore shelf, but I was proven wrong.

L’Oreal Sublime is the prefect bronzer, with a hint of moisturizer, and Vitamin E for smooth skin. The lotion itself is void of any typical nasty tanner smell and doesn’t leave your palms, or sink!, the color of pumpkin pie.

Even better, the product has a “face” bronzer as well as body; in other words, you don’t break out the day after you use it. The pump dispenser makes it easy to apply and the plastic cover keeps it mess free and perfect for transport.

Although I have a natural olive complexion, I too start to turn a strange shade of, well, just bland after the summer months. The medium shade is perfect for me, and doesn’t leave me looking overcooked or like a victim of Wal-Mart. Rather; it leaves you with a natural glowing tan, that lasts 2-3 days, and makes you forget that three more months remain before sunshine returns. For under $10 this is the ultimate drugstore find!

Check out SH’s write-up on Loreal’s Sublime Glow, a great body moisturizer with gradual color build (click here to read the review) for another perfect pairing.

Au revoir my fellow beauty lovers and sun on!"

PRICE TAG: $9.99

5 Favorite Drugstore Finds of the Week

The economy is in the toilet (metaphorically speaking) and we've all got to cut down on costs... but how do you spend less and still maintain your sexxxy looks?

Here are 5 drugstore finds for the frugal shopper:

L'Oreal Skin Genesis Micro-Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes - Like my fave Boots No 7 wipes, but these are part of the highly-coveted Skin Genesis line. Great for removing make-up AND cleaning make-up brushes. Non-irritating (although I would still recommend washing your face after using these towelettes - there's nothing like a little soap and water!). $7.59

OPI Avoplex High-Intensity Hand & Nail Cream - With the tiniest hint of citrus orange, this liquidy hand lotion moisturizes dry, cracked and brittle hands and nails. Fits perfectly into your Balenciaga bag. $14.95


Johnson's Soft Oil Melt Away Stress Massaging Moisturizer - Who needs boyfriend when you have extra hydrating, super moisturizing, deliciously smelling baby oil (light oil and AROMASOOTHE plus some chamomile do the trick)! Great for applying to a wet body (stay out of the gutter, you dirty minds), post shower, pre-towel dry off. $5.99

24.7 Skincare Instant Plump Volumizing Lip Shine - Lip Fusion ($38.00) what?! This stuff is almost half the price and plumps the pucker like a queen bee sting. It's not super glossy but it's literally Restalyn in a bottle, sans the injection. Fave drugstore plumper by far! $19.99

Aveeno Positively Radiant Exfoliating Body Wash - It lathers AND exfoliates with a flip top (perfect for the shower). Fine grains and microbeads really work to remove dull skin. The smell is a tad soapy, but this stuff is so packed with moisture that the aftermath of soft skin is worth it! BONUS - This wash is great for shaving - extra exfoliation! 2-in-1! $6.79

3 Dollar Face Mask!!!

In these trying economic times, it's nice to know that you can still pamper your skin without emptying your savings account!

The Korean cult company, The Face Shop, has recently begun selling their infamous face masks state-side... specifically at Walgreens!

What it is: A variety of masks (called mask "sheets") to combat a medley of skin concerns... it's one mask to a pack and the mask is literally an all-natural, vitamin or fruit pulp pre-soaked mask sheet.

You apply the sheet to a cleansed face, let it soak in for about twenty minutes, then discard the mask into the trash. Whatever liquid is left on your skin, you gently pat into your face with clean fingertips! It's that easy!

We LOVE these mask sheets! They're so fun - and funny looking! I wore one around my apartment while friends were over and they found a slight resemblance to Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs... Fava beans, anyone?

Mask Sheets Include (click HERE for a full list):

• Vitamin A (to firm skin and reduce wrinkles)
• Vitamin E (to protect skin against sun damage and fight oxidation)
• Aloe Vera *Beauty Banter Fave* (to revitalize and soothe sensitive skin)
• Pomegranate (to firm skin)
• Grape (to invigorate exhausted skin)
• Lemon *Beauty Banter Fave* (to improve skin tone)
• Acerola (for clear skin)
• Essential Collagen (to firm and hydrate)
• Essential Pearl (to clarify and refine)

PRICE TAG: 2 Masks for $5.00