Orly Top 2 Bottom Basecoat and Topcoat

My recent post about Sally Hansen ‘Salon’ nail polish got me thinking about mastering painting my nails on my own. And I’ve just added a new tool to my DIY manicure arsenal!

Orly Top 2 Bottom Basecoat and Topcoat is amazing. The first coat, which you apply before using color, provides a solid base that allows you to apply a smooth, even coat of color. After your color has dried, apply a second coat of Top 2 Bottom. It provides a transparent seal that prevents chipping, helping your manicure last longer.

I was amazed at what a neat job I was able to do. After a little help from a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover, which I used to clean up any excess polish from the cuticles, I felt like I may never need to go for a professional manicure again!

Technorati Tags: basecoat, beauty, manicure, nail polish, orly, Sally Beauty, sally beauty supply, top 2 bottom, topcoat

Prestige Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner

I love liquid eyeliner. When I’m in a hurry, I apply it to my top and bottom lashlines and go. Instant definition and no need for mascara! My problem is that I don’t have a very steady hand. If, like me, you need a liquid eyeliner that makes drawing neat lines easy, look no further than Prestige Cosmetics liquid eyeliner.

It has a pointed foam applicator that easily glides along the eyelid so there’s need to pull your lid out to your ear. It also allows you to control the width of the line; use the pointed tip for a precise, thin line or tilt the applicator slightly to the side to create a thicker, smokier line. My favorite color is the green because it really makes brown eyes pop.

The price for this prestigious tool? Drum roll, please…$5.59!

Technorati Tags: Eyeliner, liquid eyeliner, prestige cosmetics

Jessica Simpson ‘Fancy Love’ Fragrance: New Must-Have Perfume

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that I’ve never done a perfume review before. I absolutely love perfume and don’t leave home without it under any circumstances. I shy away from covering fragrances because when it comes to eloquently describing a scent like so many beauty writers brilliantly do, I’m at a loss for words–no pun intended.

Jessica Simpson’s ‘Fancy Love’ smells so good that I had to tell you about it. Well, I’ll take a stab at trying to describe it: it’s musky with some subtle floral notes. There, that’s the most literary creativity you’ll get from me. But seriously, though, Fancy Love is irresistible. There a lot of perfumes that I love but have to be in the mood for. Fancy Love, on the other hand, I know I’ll wear whenever and whatever the weather.

As always, I really appreciate how reasonably priced Jessica Simpson’s products are. And how pretty is that bottle?!

Technorati Tags: beauty, current obsession, dillards, fancy love, fragrance, fragrances, jessica simpson, perfume, perfumes

Sally Hensen Salon Nail Polish

It is rare to go to a drugstore these days and not see Sally Hensen products in the nail polish section. From strengthening treatments to “hard-as-nails” color durability, the Sally Hensen line has a nail polish for every need. I recently tried one of her “Salon” polishes, which I didn’t even know I had, and was so happy that I did!

My nails are quite weak and are prone to breaking. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of polishes that promised to make my nails stronger but ultimately found that only a professional manicure could adequately protect my nails. Now I see why this Sally Hensen collection of polishes is branded under the name “Salon.” It was as if I’d had a salon manicure. I removed the color after about 5 days and was surprised to see that my nails looked much healthier and had grown.

If part of your “recession-tastic” plan to cut costs includes indulging in manicures less frequently, I highly recommend you try these nail polishes. I had trouble finding the exact price online but I do know that the “Salon” collection falls into the same price range of $6-7 like other Sally Hensen polishes. Not bad!

Technorati Tags: Color, manicure, nail polish, nail polishes, nails, Sally Hensen

Lancome BI-FACIL Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

If you wear eyeliner, shadow and especially mascara on a regular basis, then you know that a good eye makeup remover is key. If you don’t have one, expect to wake up every morning looking like a racoon.

Lancome’s BI-FACIL Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover is specifically designed for waterproof makeup. Even on days when I’m wearing several coats of the most durable waterproof mascara, one or two minutes of patting my eyes with a cotton pad dipped in this magic liquid and POOF–all that yucky black stuff is gone.

At $26, it’s definitely not the cheapest eye makeup remover you’ll find but it’s worth it.I use BI-FACIL very liberally and one bottle still manages to last me at least two months. I’ve been using BI-FACIL for years and swear by it.  Without it, I think I probably wouldn’t have any eyes left.

Technorati Tags: BI-FACIL, eye makeup, eye makeup remover, lancome, makeup

Current Obsession: OPI ‘I’m Indi-a Mood For Love’ Nail Polish

Technorati Tags: nail polish, OPI, OPI Im India Mood For Love

Bronzer: Splurge vs. Steal

I am definitely a tan addict. As soon as fall arrives, I start worrying that I look pale or even green. But I don’t use tanning beds or spray tans because each freaks me out in its own way (cancer, zebra stripes). As you’ve probably guessed, bronzing powder has become an essential item in my makeup bag. It helps me avoid feeling that I look ghost-like and has definitely made a few people ask me if I just returned from a tropical getaway.

If you’re looking for something not too pricey, try Physicians Formula Loose Bronzing veil. It is conveniently packaged in a container with a built-in brush, making it especially perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. Those who are willing to spend a little more should check out Star Bronzer Poudre Soleil from Lancome. The thin compact also makes taking it with you in your purse hassle-free. The lid has a mirror, which is quite handy.

Star Bronzer Poudre Soleil ($36.50, Lancome)

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Loose Bronzing Veil ($8.97, www.drugstore.com)

I actually own both of these products and alternate using them depending on which shade I’m in the mood for on a given day. In my experience, both products provide the skin with a just-right, not overly orange color and a smooth finish. Many makeup artists say you should apply bronzer to three areas on your face: jawline, cheek bones and forehead. On days when I feel I need extra enhancement, I ignore this rule and apply bronzer all over. Both the Lancome and Physicians Formula products get the job done equally well.

Technorati Tags: Bronze, bronzer, lancome, makeup, Physicians Formula, Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Loose Bronzing Veil, skin, splurge, splurge vs. steal, star bronzer, Star Bronzer Poudre Soleil

Frederick Fekkai Technician Color Care Mask

Girls who dye their hair, meet your new best friend. It is always frustrating to see your color lose its shine and vibrance as it begins to wash out, starting about a month or so after you get it dyed. The Fekkai Technician Color Care Mask is a conditioning treatment that you apply for three minutes and then rinse off. Three minutes later, your hair looks rejuvenated, feels extra soft and, most importantly, looks like you just got it dyed.

I dye my hair every 3 months and use Technician Color Care once every couple of weeks to maintain the color. I definitely notice that regular use of the product helps me get more mileage out of my color. So, while $35 may seem overpriced for a conditioner, all I have to do is figure in the money I save by not having to go to the salon for a touchup to see that Technician Color Care is definitely a good investment.

Technorati Tags: Color, Conditioner, Fekkai, frederick fekkai, frederick fekkai technician color care mask, Hair, mask

Stila Kajal Eyeliner

In case you’ve been wondering where I’ve been during these post-less couple of weeks, I did not get eaten by a monster in the blogosphere. No, the truth is, I am a freelancer, which sometimes makes it difficult to juggle and stay on top of all of my projects at once. But fear not–your trusty “I’m looking fabulous at half the cost” guide is back.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, eyeliner is the most important item in my makeup bag. Can’t. Live. Without. It. The Stila Kajal Eyeliner is what I’ve been looking for for years. It is super soft, gliding on effortlessly without hurting the lashline. Dark, sooty eyes are the result.

With that said, it easily smudges, creating a smoky look; so if you’re looking for something that will provide a 100% smudge-proof, thin line, the Stila Kajal Eyeliner may not be the product for you. I find it helpful to periodically use a q-tip throughout the day to remove away any excess color fragments. To some, that may seem like far too much work. What can I say, I’m a slave to dramatic makeup.

Technorati Tags: Dark, Eyeliner, Eyes, kajal, makeup, smoky, smudge, stila

Samy Hair Care Products

Before I tried the Samy haircare line, I had pretty much lost faith in trying to style my thin, stick-straight hair. Now I look forward to doing my hair every morning.

The Samy line offers a myriad of products for virtually all types of hair. Whether your hair needs texture, straightness, color protection or all-day hold, you’ll find the right tools for your styling needs.

I use the “Fat Hair” volumizing spray and iStyle curl enhancing mousse. What I love is that I don’t have to go to the salon to purchase these and other Samy products. They are available at my local drugstore and are priced in the $7-$15 range. For products whose quality and results rival those used at salons, this is more than reasonable IMHO.

Salon look without salon spending, whenever I want? Yes, please.

Technorati Tags: haircare, iStyle, Samy, samy hair care products, samy products

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