Bare Budget Beauty: September 2008

Bare Budget Beauty has a New URL!

Like many of my friends have done recently, I've decided to take the plunge and buy my own domain name for the blog. I've been wanting to do it for a while, and since I've had the blog for over six months now, I really wanted to take the next step for the site. I'm so excited!

Please feel free to update your links to:

http://www.barebudgetbeauty.com

The old URL will still work, but it will redirect you here instead.

Thanks so much for your support, everyone! I hope to keep the blog growing. :)

Review: J.Lynne Cosmetics Ultra Intensity Mineral Eyeliner

My first review of the J.Lynne Cosmetics samples I received a few weeks back is for the Ultra Intensity Mineral Eyeliner, one of my first adventures with mineral eyeliner products. I was fairly skeptical at first, only having used liquid and traditional eyeliners before and seeing the price tag, but I was pleasantly surprised with this product after using it!

What's great about this product? Read on to find out, and you won't be disappointed!

Product Description: "J.Lynne mineral eyeliner colors are mysterious, bold, and always dramatic! Our mineral eyeliners will frame your eyes with smouldering colors designed to bring out the true intensity of your gaze. Whether you're a "Charmer" or a "Tigress", these deeply pigmented and dramatic eye makeup colors will define your eyes and leave your admirers breathless!" --jlynnecosmetics.com

Price: $8/5 g jar or $1.25/sample jar

Results: J.Lynne's mineral eyeliners come packaged in the standard 5-gram jars many mineral products come in, so of course, it's fairly easy to use. I'm a little disappointed that the full-size jars don't come with sifters, which I've always found helpful, but this is the only real problem I had with the product. Instead, I had to try and tap a very small amount of minerals into the lid before use, which did not always go as well as I'd hoped.

Luckily, I had no issues with the product itself. Using my ecoTOOLS Eyeliner Brush, I dipped the tip of the brush into the minerals and applied the eyeliner above my lashline. It went on effortlessly, leaving no fallout and only a clean, well-defined, bold line. Used wet, the colors are incredibly vibrant and sultry; used dry, they're more smoky and subtle, but still gorgeous.

The color selection includes two collections, Smoulder (10 colors) and Simmer (6 colors) for a total of 16 choices. The range includes classic black and luxe blues, purples, greens, and reds for every kind of look you can dream of. Beautiful browns add a touch of everday-wearability to the collection and help spice up any neutral look. Every color I tried also had a great amount of pigment, which many mineral liners seem to lack.

Applied wet or dry, my liner lasted all day without smudging or budging! They never wandered up my eyes as some products have, and when used with a sealant, will have even more lasting power.

Overall, I was very impressed with the product, and will be purchasing full-size versions of my favorite colors - Tart, Vamp, Drama Queen, and Coquette.

Be sure to visit the J.Lynne Cosmetics website for more information on these eyeliners and more!

You'll like this product if: You enjoy mineral makeup, you want long-lasting, bold eyeliner with tons of versatility

You won't like this product if: You have trouble using mineral makeup, you don't like pigmented products

Rating: 4.5/5

Budget Deals: Free Shipping at Cherry Culture

For three days only, Cherry Culture has a fantastic offer for you! Free shipping on all orders within the US!

Now you can have all your favorite Cherry Culture brands shipped to you for free - but remember, this offer only lasts September 26-28! I don't know what the occasion is, but I'm not complaining!

Snag some NYX for me, will ya? ;)

So Little Time

Once again, Jenn has become busy with life outside of her blog, regrettably. I really apologize for the huge lack of content this month - school has really been kicking my butt lately. As an example, this week has a huge project, two large exams, and an oral test. When does this bee get a break?

Never fear, though - y'all know I'll be back in usual style as soon as possible, happily updating and reviewing new products. I've got tons in store, so just sit tight and be a little more patient.

Thanks, everyone... love you all! Come back soon now. :)

Recipe of the Week: Gingerbread Body Scrub

It's been a few weeks, but I've finally returned with another Recipe of the Week! This time, in celebration of the first day of autumn, I've decided on a fantastic recipe for a Gingerbread Body Scrub. Enjoy, and happy autumn! As always, let me know how you like this great do-it-yourself scrub.

"This is a great body scrub to use! Not only does it smell delicous, but it gently takes off dead skin!"

Yield: 1 application
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Price Category: 1
Difficulty Level: 1
Shelf Life: 1-2 weeks, keep refrigerated

Ingredients:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon olive oil (or other oil on hand)

Blending Procedure:

Measure all of the ingredients into a bowl. Mix well to combine completely.

Use this body scrub in the shower. Scoop up some of the scrub and rub it in circular motions all over your body. Rinse well with warm water and pat skin dry with a towel.

Jenn's Review: Coming Soon!

Always remember to seal your mixtures tightly and keep them away from moisture to prevent unwanted bacterial growth! Some recipes can last a very long time if you prevent contamination and use clean hands when handling.

See you back here next week!

Recipe(s) reprinted with the permission of www.MakeYourCosmetics.com. For hundreds more recipes in several categories (like scrubs, powders, baby products, creams, balms and soaps), plus suppliers for the ingredients to make them, visit www.MakeYourCosmetics.com today!

Image: fromnaturewithlove.com

First Look: J.Lynne Cosmetics

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to the sweet founder of J.Lynne Cosmetics, who was kind and gracious enough to send me a boatload of mineral makeup samples on the company's behalf. Since Jessica and I ended up living in the same state, I received the samples almost immediately. And while I really loved the products themselves, the company and its founder were what really impressed me the most.

This amazing mineral makeup collection started three years ago by the hands of Jessica Lynne Miller, also the brand's namesake and founder. Dedicated to bringing you the purest makeup possible, her products' ingredient lists are free of chemicals, synthetics, fragrances, and dyes. You also won't find any traces of bismuth oxychloride, carmine, cornstarch, talc, or preservatives. Did I mention they're vegan-friendly and cruelty-free?

The product selection is incredible, including foundations, shadows, liners, lip glosses, blushes, and more. Other stand-out offerings are an oil-controlling primer powder, product primers, eyeliner sealant, and their own line of mineral makeup brushes and tools.

But the best part, of course, is the price! Samples are provided for the majority of the products, and prices are affordable in comparison to brands like Bare Escentuals - a generously portioned foundation will run you around $18, while eyeshadows run for about $8. In addition, the website offers weekly promotions in which certain products are marked 15-25% off.

Another note worth mentioning is the great customer service I've both received and heard others rave about. Jess was great when approaching and speaking to me about her products, not pushy in the least, and instantly made me feel valued. She promptly shipped my package, the contents of which were adorably and meticulously wrapped. I had a great impression of Jess and her company before even trying anything!

One last thing - if you join the Birthday Club, you'll receive a $5 gift certificate on your birthday. How cool is that?

A huge thanks to J.Lynne Cosmetics for giving me the opportunity to try their products. Keep an eye out all week for individual reviews!

Images: jylnnecosmetics.com

First Look: Ellen Degeneres for CoverGirl

It's official - Ellen DeGeneres is the new face of CoverGirl! She's already confirmed the rumors on her show, and her campaign will begin in January. From the official website:

"This funny lady embodies the true nature of being a CoverGirl - smarts, confidence and beauty that flows from the inside out."

I couldn't agree more. Besides, look at her - can you believe she's 50 already? She looks years younger! Perhaps laughter really is the best cosmetic, because Ellen has plenty of it. I'm sure she will also be inspiring women everywhere to feel more beautiful and confident than ever, especially for those 50+ like she is! I have a feeling this will be a great partnership, and Ellen has stated that she is very excited about it as well.

What do you think of CoverGirl's pick? Personally, I'm a big fan and can't wait for her campaign to launch! To be notified, click here to sign up. Or, get all the extra deets here.

Budget Deals: 10% Off at Shop L'Oreal

L'Oreal's website, lorealparis.com, has recently added a new feature - Shop L'Oreal! You can now look through products in one place, browse by category, and save things that catch your eye for future reference.

In celebration of the launch of this feature, L'Oreal is offering 10% off your first purchase to My L'Oreal members. All you have to do is sign up, make your purchase (which will be placed through drugstore.com), and you'll receive your savings!

Check out the website to learn more. This offer expires 11/30/2008.

ecoTOOLS Foundation Brush for a Flawless Face

Seeking complexion perfection? Most of us know that it's not just in the makeup, but the tools we use as well. Unfortunately, many of the best brushes can be far beyond a budget girl's dreams - but a relatively new brand called ecoTOOLS has begun providing great tools on the cheap.

My favorite brush of the series, the ecoTOOLS Foundation Brush, is one of the best I've ever used. It's also the most environmentally friendly - made from bamboo, which has a low impact on the earth's resources; animal-free, synthetic brush bristles; a recycled aluminum ferrule; and comes in a reusable pouch made from plant-based ink. How cool is that?

The brush itself is very soft and easy to handle, even for beginners. When applying liquid foundation, it resists streaking and blends makeup beautifully for the look of flawless, airbrushed skin. I've been using it weekly and have seen no shedding yet, which is another sign of the fantastic quality. And you'll feel great using it knowing that it's made from natural, cruelty-free, recyclable and low-impact materials.

The best part about this eco-friendly, high-quality brush? The fabulous price! While many beauty brushes will easily run you $10-30 (or more!), this one will only put you out $5.99. A great deal for a great brush!

Give EcoTools a chance today at your local Target, Walgreens, CVS, or ULTA store. You won't be sorry! Look for a full review of the 5-piece brush set soon.

EOTD: L'Oreal HiP Greens

Today's eye of the day features another L'Oreal HiP look using the Metallic Shadow Duos, this time in Gunmetal. This duo consists of two gorgeous greens; a shimmery, olive green and a sparkly, intense forest green.

Unfortunately, my camera seems to hate greens, but trust me when I say this looks fantastic in real life! I was so proud of how it came out, but very disappointed in the photos.

Read on to see what products I used!

On Eyes:

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion
L'Oreal HiP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gunmetal (olive color)
L'Oreal HiP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gunmetal (dark green color)
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara
Urban Decay 24-7 Glide-on Eyeliner in Bourbon

Free Samples: MAC Zoom Lash Mascara with Purchase

Now while supplies last, MAC's website is offering a free sample of their Zoom Lash Mascara on orders of $50 or more. MAC and free samples? Who would've thought?

To take advantage of this deal, enter code ZOOMLASH at checkout.

In addition, receive free shipping on orders of $60 or more. Who doesn't love free shipping when stocking up on all that makeup? :)

Total Beauty Web Tour - 9/12/08

Happy Friday! Wow, it's been a month since I've done a Total Beauty Web Tour. I've missed it and really wanted to participate again - so here's your weekend full of great beauty reading!

Enjoy and be beautiful!

Vampy lips and sultry eyes are all the rave this Fall season! Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy shows you how to achieve this sultry look in this spicy makeup tutorial, using items from MAC's latest limited edition collection, Cult of Cherry.

The Makeup Divas reviews Smashbox Breast Cancer Awareness Eye & Lip Palettes.

Boutique Flair's fab finds will give you gorgeously gray eyes!

Beauty Anonymous reviews FlowerbyKenzo Eau de Parfum Nomad Spray from Kenzo 2008 Ryoko Collection.

Alison of the Advice Sisters is including sneak peek, up-close-and-personal reports of latest hair and makeup trends that you'll want to be wearing in Spring 2009, plus photos of a Total Beauty event--and backstage beauty.

Frappelattes highlights some of her favorite Fall 2008 makeup trends.

Beauty Tyrant has discovered Botox breastlift and it's 7 other uses!. You may be surprised at some of the finds here.

Fabulous Over Forty is comparing four different mascaras on her eyes. See which one comes out the winner!

Enter to win a $500 personal coaching session from a certified personal coach via phone from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings gushes about her absolute favorite eye makeup remover. Find out what it is!

Beauty Junkie in SF fell in love with Kate Somerville's new Oil-Free Moisturizer and you will too!

Beauty's SPOT visits New York City's most beautiful spot, Estee Lauder's personal office.

Looking for a new Fall haircut? Check out Victoria Beckham's chic new pixie cut on A Mom in Red High Heels. Do you have the confidence to pull it off?

Henna at Canadian Beauty tells you how to get rid of acne with H20 Plus.

Jenn and Christine from Beauty in Real Life got backstage at the Ruffian show during Fashion Week. Check out the gorgeous runway look from MAC and Bumble and Bumble here.

Beauty Blogging Junkie reports from the circus that is Betsey Johnson's backstage! What wild and makeup graced the runway? Find out here.

Fifty-Cent Head gives a quite honest review of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's Grindhouse scent, Gwyenth - the 10th part of a series.

See Glossypink's favorite backstage experience at Fashion Week!

Have a great weekend!!

Budget Deals: Three Free Zoya Polishes with Purchase

It seems that lately, Zoya.com is just dying to give away its products - yes, you've got yet another chance to get more FREE nail polish from the wonderful brand Zoya! Eager to know how to get yours this time?

In celebration of the upcoming election, Zoya wants you to vote on The Unofficial Polish Poll! Once you've voted, collect your special promotion code and spend $20 at zoya.com to receive your three - that's right, three - free nail polishes. That's all there is to it! But hurry, this offer expires October 31, 2008. Why not vote today?

And don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you really voted for Paris. ;)

DIY: Shadow Shields

Maybe you've seen them, or maybe you haven't - they're called Shadow Shields, little paper devices that are placed underneath the eyes before shadow application and designed to "shield" the skin underneath from the inevitable and pesky shadow fallout. Brilliant idea, right? What took so long to create such a wondrous invention?

The only problem for us budget girls is, of course, the price. A pack of 50 Shadow Shields will run you $16.95 - and when used on a daily basis, will barely last you a month or less. So while these are truly fabulous and a "must-have for everyone's makeup bag," some of us might need a do-it-yourself alternative that is cheap or, in some cases, completely free - using materials you can find laying around the house.

Interested in creating your own, home-made version of Shadow Shields? Read on to find out how!

Materials:
Cotton cosmetic rounds
Scotch tape (or any other kind of light tape)
Scissors

1. Gather all of your materials - your cosmetic rounds, Scotch tape, and scissors.

2. You can choose to either fold your cometic round in half and cut straight across, or cut it into a crescent moon shape so that it better fits the shape of your under-eye area, like the real Shadow Shields do. The choice is yours; whatever works best for you and what you're most comfortable with.

3. Cut two very small pieces of Scotch tape, and place one at either end of your shield.

4. Carefully and gently place the shield underneath your eye, pressing lightly with the tape sticky-side down so it adheres to your skin without removing any makeup.

Tip: You can place your shields closer to your lower lash line for total protection!

(Please excuse my minimal makeup look...)

5. Apply your shadow and other eye makeup as usual!

6. Gently lift the tape and the entire shield off your skin and discard.

Voila - you're done!

And yes, they may look a little silly, but they really do work wonders for applying eye makeup. I use mine whenever attempting a smoky eye look now, or anything that's shadow-intensive!

Tip: If you don't have any cotton rounds, you can also make these by folding a piece of facial tissue into a rectangular or triangular shape and using that instead!

What do you think? Would you try these out, or has Jenn gone nuts?

EOTD: L'Oreal HiP Golds

Hey everyone - I know I don't post my own makeup looks often enough (I still need practice), but here's a little eye of the day for you!

It isn't too interesting, but I was experimenting with one of L'Oreal HiP's new Metallic Shadow Duos. These colors are intensely shimmery and vibrant, and I love them!

Unfortunately I could only get one decent photo of today's look, whereas the others were either blurry or had too much red-eye (that always happens to me... sigh). But I hope you enjoy it anyway! The look seems a little strong for me, but it's definitely a fun, going-out option. Hopefully you can see just how pigmented and pretty the shades are!

On Eyes:

L'Oreal De-Crease
L'Oreal HiP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gilded (gold color)
L'Oreal HiP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gilded (dark gold)
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara

As always, if you have any tips to offer, feel free to shoot them my way - I love trying to improve my makeup skills! Thanks, everyone!

Budget Deals: Free Zoya Indigo Polish

Zoya.com is offering yet another great freebie to their customers! Who doesn't love getting something for nothing?

To celebrate NY Fashion Week, Zoya is offering the best-selling polish color Indigo - a gorgeous, deep, shimmering midnight blue - for free with any $20 order through September 12.

To get yours, enter code FASHION at checkout. Happy shopping!

NOTD: Salon French Manicure

Today, I went back to my manicurist for a classic French manicure. The deep red of last week wasn't doing it for me anymore, and I wanted something I could wear longer and which was more versatile.

This time, Dani free-handed a gorgeous and near-perfect French, and I love it! She's so talented! Take a look:

They almost look fake, don't you think? :)

Review: Everyday Minerals Samples

A few months ago, I received my Everyday Mineral samples to try. This exciting line of mineral makeup looks and feels great and is very affordable, so I thought I'd share a quick review of each sample letting you know which products impressed and which ones disappointed.

My foundation shade turned out to be Cool-Fair, while the other shades (Soft Butter Peach and Golden-Fawn) were a little too dark for my skin. The coverage is light to medium, depending on whether or not you add layers, how many, and whether you use it wet or dry.

I loved both the matte and original glo finishes, especially the latter. It gave my face a subtle, gorgeous, warm glow that left my skin looking naturally radiant and healthy! The matte finish is great for those with oily skin or who are looking for a true non-shiny finish. In the future, I'd also like to try the intensive and semi-matte finishes.

The concealer in Intensive Fair is a truly wonderful concealer that covers my redness and under-eye imperfections easily, though not always completely. It blends well with my skintone while brightening my eye area significantly, which I love! I sometimes still prefer the complete coverage of a liquid concealer, but this product definitely beats out many of the traditional kinds I've tried before. I have yet to test it wet, but this might yield better coverage and results.

The blush in Pink Ribbon is a very pretty, soft shade of pink, but in my opinion contains far too much glitter and shimmer to look natural. I've never seen a blush with multi-colored glitter, but I think the effect is a little too bright and sparkly. Otherwise, a gorgeous blush shade for us fair-skinned girls! It barely showed up on my skin, but gave just enough hint of color to give me that beautiful flushed look. On medium to darker skin, however, I don't believe it will show up well.

Overall I had a very positive experience with my Everyday Minerals samples, and will definitely consider trying full sizes of their foundations, concealer, shadows, and a different shade of blush.

Jenn asks again, "Have you tried Everday Minerals?" Tell me what you think!

Recipe of the Week: Grapefruit Honey Wash

Monday again already? Where does the time go? I've been a busy bee with school starting again, but I'm still working to find the best recipes you can try out at home. What's on the menu this week? A scrumptious Grapefruit Honey Wash - perfect for dry skin!

Enjoy!
"I made this little treat during the winter of 2000 when my skin was especially dry. I used this product night and day from Monday to Saturday the week I created it, and it made a big difference in the way my skin felt. The grapefruit aroma will make you smile and the feel of soothing, natural ingredients will cleanse and pamper your skin. It also whips up in a snap so there's no excuse for not treating your skin the way it should be treated."

Yield: 1-2 applications
Prep Time: This information will be added
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Ingredients:
3 tablespoons whipping cream
1 tablespoon honey
4 tablespoons ground oats (not too finely ground)
2 drops pink grapefruit essential oil (optional)