Tag Archives: Neutrogena

Top Drugstore Beauty Finds

Best drugstore beauty products CVS Beauty Maybelline Makeup Mascara

Lately, I’ve been trying to be more responsible with my money. In the process of attempting to be fiscally fit, I’ve rediscovered the magic of the drugstore beauty aisle. While many high end beauty products are worth every penny of their exorbitant prices, even the biggest beauty snobs shouldn’t overlook the quality products hidden on drugstore shelves. Much of these affordable beauty finds work just as well, if not better than their expensive counterparts proving to me time and time again that top shelf quality beauty isn’t just for the rich and famous. Here are some of my favorites:

1. TRESemme Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth System

This 7-day heat activated trio absolutely lives up to its promise of salon style hair at home. The system consisting of the TRESemme Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth System Shampoo, TRESemme Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth System Conditioner and TRESemme Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth System Heat Activated Treatment contains thermal technology easily activated by the heat of your flat iron. It never fails to make my hair smooth, manageable and free of frizz making it a must have for the humid summer months.

2. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Top Coat is by far the best top coat and quick dry technology that I’ve ever used. I never do my own nails without it. Not only does this top coat always go on smoothly, it also makes your nails dry super fast and protects the polish from chipping.

3. Almay Liquid Line Eyeliner

I’ve been using Almay Liquid Line Eyeliner for almost a decade and absolutely love it. If you’re a liquid liner fan, you’ve got to try it. It’s easy to apply, dries fast and gives my upper lid the perfect line every time.

4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Taking off your makeup correctly is just as important as putting it on correctly. I love Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover because it removes all my makeup the first time. Even the darkest smokey eye is no match for this makeup remover.

5. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

I never gave Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara much thought until I tried it. For years I passed right by it in the drugstore writing it off as a below average mascara. When I finally used it, I found that it’s not only one of the more affordable mascaras on the market, it’s also one of the best. The formula never clumps and the brush’s tiny bristles help reach every lash for long-lasting volume.

6. Veet Ready to Use Hair Removal Wax Strips

Though I get waxed once a month at the salon, I often need to touch up in between waxes, especially during the summer months. For a quick touch up, I just heat up Veet Ready to Use Hair Removal Wax Strips with a hair dryer and wax away.

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#PrettyGlamazon Scandal Beauty Night and Finale Party

Scandal Beauty Night

In celebration of the season 3 finale of Scandal, a fabulous group of beauty bloggers and I checked into a suite at the Carlton Hotel to sample all the amazing beauty products used on the show over glasses of delicious Tiziano wine. This scandalous night of beauty was hosted by the fabulous beauty mavens of Glamazon Diaries and Pretty Connected AKA Makeda Saggau-Sackey and Lara Eurdolian.

Scandal makeup artist Denise Hooper gets a crazy amount of beauty products sent to her on a daily basis, but only uses the best of the best when bringing out Olivia Pope’s inner gladiator. Without further ado, here are all the glam products used behind the scenes of the hit series:

Hair:

When it comes to shiny hair and presidential curls, Scandal’s hair stylist, Linda Villalobos, uses a BaBabyliss Pro Nano Titanium Marcel Curling Iron ($49.99) and Sebastian Cellophane In-Glossing Treatment ($35) to transform the actors into their DC alter egos. The Nano titanium provides high heat without damaging hair. Sol-Gel technology makes the iron barrels 37% stronger and 22% smoother than those of standard irons. The Sebastian Cellophane In-Glossing Treatment is only available in salons and has protein-rich infusers that illuminate every strand. This heat-actived formula enhances color without damaging hair and is both peroxide and ammonia-free.

Skin:

For glowing skin and bright TV-ready eyes, Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels ($30), Kate Sommerville Age Arrest Eye Cream ($75), Mario Badescu Facial Spray ($7), Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask ($18), and Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes ($8.99) are essentials on set. Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels are one of my all-time favorite products. As soon as you apply them under your eyes, the cooling sensation is immediately relaxing from the inside out bringing life into even the tiredest of eyes. They are particularly popular with the men on the set of Scandal.

Makeup:

If there wasn’t already enough glamour on set, Denise glams up the cast even more with Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara ($28), Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara ($8.99), Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner in Cosmic Black ($7.50), Lorac Pro Palette Eyeshadow ($42). The Lorac Pro Palette Eyeshadow is my latest obsession. The vibrant colors and design are beyond amazing. So it’s no wonder that it’s sold out almost everywhere.

beauty bloggers

Here I am with the lovely hostesses, Makeda from Glamazon Diaries and Lara from Pretty Connected.

lipstick

Scandal

Lorac Cosmetics

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Socialite Beauty

Every socialite or aspiring celebrity dreams of having their own beauty and/or fashion empire.  Who knows what fragrances, cosmetic lines, and fabulous fashion collaborations could be in my future?  When I came across the Sephora Collection Monopoly Edition, I thought it was something every Aspiring Socialite should have.  Games are excellent practice for real life.  This version of the classic Monopoly board game is not only adorable, it serves as a simulated version of your future beauty empire allowing players to stock their stores with beauty essentials, hire store directors, and pay for it all with Beauty Bucks.  On the downside, you do go to jail for bad hairdays.

I’ve long been an avid makeup wearer.  I think it all started at the age of 12 when in a desperate attempt to cover up my horrible acne I learned everything I possibly could about makeup.  Though my acne was eventually eliminated with the help of a dermatologist, in the process of engrossing myself in all things beauty, I perfected the smokey eye technique that I still use today to illuminate my blue eyes.  I also developed a steady hand for liquid eyeliner.  As a teenager, I refused to leave the house without makeup, even if it was just to go to the grocery store.  But, as I grew more secure in college, my love for makeup remained strong, but my need for its constant companionship disappeared.