Archive for January, 2009

Yes to Carrots, No to Dry Elbows

01-31-2009 ** Categories: Product Reviews / Tags: ,

Someone at Yes to Carrots must be psychic, because the full size sample of their Hand and Elbow Moisturizing Cream is exactly what I needed.  I’ve been grossing the boyfriend out with my super-dry elbows all winter.  Other than my notoriously ashy calves, my skin is usually soft year-round, sans any products, but somehow this year is different.  Countless lotions and even coating my elbows in Vaseline every night didn’t make a dent in my rough skin.

I was honestly surprised and impressed by how well Yes to Carrots’ Moisturizing Cream revitalized my dry elbows – the results were immediate, after just one application.  I would definitely buy this product for dry skin, above any other moisturizer.  The scent is fresh and light, and because their line is paraben-free and includes lots of organic ingredients, I feel better about putting it on my skin as well as with playing with my pets, etc., after applying.

Purchase at Walgreens, Safeway, Ulta, or shop Yes to Carrots products online.

Best Drugstore Makeup for an Edgy Look

01-20-2009 ** Categories: Product Reviews / Tags:

Original edgy looks were built on rebellion and necessity, so it shouldn’t be surprising that you don’t need an arsenal of high-end beauty products to create a dark and sexy look. Below is my roundup of favorite drugstore beauty products – each one retailing at $10 or less. If you do spend extra money on anything, invest in great brushes or eye makeup primer, which will help you make the most of your bargain haul.

(I rarely use foundation, so feel free to comment with your favorite drugstore primers, concealers and foundations.)

For a highlighted healthy glow, I recommend Revlon Skinlights.  I have heard it’s discontinued, but last time I checked I found Skinlights on Amazon.  Bed Head Glow Mineral Illuminator is another great product, and costs around $12.

I am a bronzer junkie and many drugstore bronzers are amazing, but the  bronzers by Mary Kate and Ashley are definitely a great deal for a compact bronze that lasts all day.  My faves are their Sunlit Bronzer and Sheer Ribbon Highlighter.  MK & Ashley cosmetics are sold at Walmart, and Mary-Kate and Ashley give their makeup tips.

Eyeliner is what makes a look edgy, and what takes most looks from day to night.  If there’s one product I can’t live without, it’s definitely eye liner, and this is one area I firmly believe drugstore is better, especially if you go through a lot.  Super cheap brands Wet ‘n’ Wild, NYC, and Jordana all go on great if sharpened often.  You can also quickly run the flame from your lighter over the liner tip to smoothen – just wait a few seconds before touching the hot pencil to your eye!

Whe it comes to eyelashes, beauty novices and experts swear by Maybelline Great Lash, but I prefer Maybelline XXL.  This two-sided mascara has a fiber wand on one side to add length and a great black mascara on the other.  The fibers can be slightly irritating, so save them for big nights only if you have sensitive eyes – the 2nd wand is great mascara on its own.

For drugstore eye shadow, I’ve heard good things about Loreal HiP pigments, but I actually love my Wet ‘n’ Wild Mega Eyes.  Good drugstore shadows are probably the hardest item to find, and while they’ll likely never compare to the high-end stuff, an eye makeup primer (or contact solution as eye primer!) can get them closer.

Another tip:  prep eyes with a cream shadow, then follow with a powder shadow in the same color to set.

The Mary-Kate and Ashley All Over Shimmer crayon can be used all over, but I like using it on the insides of my eyes and along my lower lashes to finish a look.  It sells at Walmart and comes in a range of colors – try gold for a trendy spring look.

Finish your look with a great lippy.  I’ve tried a lot of lip glosses lately from varying price points, but my fave combo is Rimmel Volume Booster with Revlon Super Lustrous.  Pick up the colors of your choice.  Rimmel has a slight tingling effect.