First Look: 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

With the holidays quickly approaching, and the state of the economy showing no sign of improvement, it will prove to be a worrisome and stressful time of year - especially for those of us who are tight on money. Of course you want to give great gifts, but how can you keep it affordable and stylish? I'm here to help!

In my Holiday Gift Guide, I'll show you some beautiful gifts for $25 and under and $50 and under, perfect for women on a budget - no matter how much or how little you want to spend. I'll also point you in the direction of some great stocking stuffers and gifts you can get for the guy in your life - on any budget!

Stay tuned throughout the next few weeks as we kick off the holiday season at Bare Budget Beauty!

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?

DIB: Stila Kitten vs. Wet n Wild Paradise Cove

While I love the Stila eyeshadow in Kitten I received for my birthday, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had a very close duplicate in my collection somewhere already. After searching through my makeup, I found what I was looking for - my Wet n Wild Ultimate Expressions Eyeshadow Palette in Paradise Cove!

I've posted about this palette before, but it remains one of my favorites. It includes eight shimmery, blendable, beautiful shades that are naturally flattering on most eyes and include some great colors. Once I swatched the two lightest beige shades on my arm, I knew I'd found my match!

The best part about this dupe? You can find the entire palette for a mere $4.99 in drugstores, as opposed to Stila's Kitten for nearly $20. And it looks just as gorgeous!

The photo here doesn't do the colors much justice, because they're even more similar in real life... but to give you an idea, take a look! Can you guess which shades are which without looking at the description below?

Swatches:
Left to Right: Wet n Wild Paradise Cove (dark beige), Stila Kitten, Wet n Wild Paradise Cove (light beige)

As you can see, all three colors are very similar - especially Kitten and the WnW light beige! All three are beautiful, but two are extremely affordable as well.

Happy budget beauty shopping! :)

DIB: MAC Tendertones vs. L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms

Yes, it's true - I've finally finished my post comparing MAC Tendertones an L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms! Sorry to make everyone wait so long... I really wanted to give both products a good run before posting about them, though. :)

Here's my review of these two great lip balms, comparing the different qualities of each.

The High-End Favorite
MAC Tendertones SPF 12

Price: $14.50

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The Budget Contender
L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms
Price: $8.99

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Packaging & Price: Both lip balms come in a twist-top glass jar. To apply, you have to either use your finger or a lip brush. I tend to dislike sticking my fingers into products, so I prefer a lip brush for easy, fuss-free, sanitary application (and no product stuck under my nails). The price difference is not huge, but significant enough: MAC's version is $14.50, while HiP's is around $8.99 or so. In addition, you can often find L'Oreal HiP products on sale or with buy one, get one free deals, making them even cheaper in the long run.

Texture: These balms feel pretty similar, although the HiP balm may be more on the solid side, while Tendertones are slightly softer to the touch. Both are very smooth on the lips, with a soft and silky texture. Both feel thicker than a normal stick balm, but less so than lip gloss. I'd say that because they're more solid, the Jelly Balms may be a tad bit thicker, but are hardly sticky.

Look: Some of the MAC Tendertones shades have pigment and shimmer to them, while none of the HiP balms have shimmer. Instead, they are very shiny and glossy looking, with a touch of pigment, especially in the darker shades. MAC combines pigment, shine, and shimmer into their balms for a very fun, yet elegant look that might appeal to younger tastes more. There are a few color options that do not have shimmer, though.

Feel & Wear: As previously mentioned, the MAC balms are a little softer and silkier, so they glide over the lips a bit more easily. They also feature an SPF of 12, which the HiP balms do not contain - therefore, you'll need to either risk having no SPF, or use a balm underneath that has one.

Both feel relatively similar, being satiny and smooth, and the Tendertones are just a little stickier than some other balms, though not to the extent of a gloss. Neither have very long staying power, but fade gradually with a lingering stain of shimmer and pigment. They will not hold up very well to things like eating or kissing, so don't expect that either. These are mostly short-term wear balms that look gorgeous for a while before you have to reapply.

They also share the same long-term conditioning and softening benefits, moisturizing lips with extended wear and keeping them smooth all day!

Both have a great scent and light flavor; MAC's version smells like kiwi strawberry, and HiP's smells lightly sweet, like vanilla or caramel, very delicious. :) The preference is entirely personal, but I love both!


You'll like MAC better if: you love MAC, you aren't on a tight budget, you prefer shimmer in your lip balm, you need an SPF for your lips, you prefer a softer lip balm

You'll like L'Oreal HiP better if: you're on a budget, you want a glossy and pigmented lip balm, you don't need an SPF, you prefer a more solid lip balm


Overall, MAC Tendertones are great for their SPF factor, gorgeous shimmer, and soft and silky texture, while HiP Jelly Balms are best for their beautiful colors and glossiness, plus a fantastic price - especially if you buy them on sale. Both have fabulous conditioning effects and pigment, and look great on all lips because they're so versatile. If you're on a budget, definitely give L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms a try. Or even if you aren't! Some people actually prefer Jelly Balms, especially because they're so naturally flattering and non-sticky.

I hope you enjoyed my little look at these two amazing lip products, and that you'll give either one a try! Let me know if you do, and how much you like them. :)

DIB: MAC Dazzleglass vs. Sally Hansen Lipnotic Gem Gloss

Did you ever invest in the MAC Dazzleglass collection? I did - I'm not too afraid to say it. I'm a huge lip gloss junkie. But boy did my wallet hurt after I took those puppies home! I feel a little bit of regret, but I'm glad they're sold out now so I won't be tempted anymore.

Have you been looking for a budget alternative? Smart and thrifty girls know there's one for everything - and I've come to share a product I love that might fit the bill.

Sally Hansen Lipnotic Gem Gloss is the closest thing to MAC Dazzleglass I've seen yet... and you know I've tried a lot of products. It's not only high-shine and glossy, but intensely sparkly as well. The multi-colored glitter is what really makes it comparable to Dazzleglass, which had the most unique, intense multi-faceted shine and shimmer. They also have a very similar thickness and consistency. While these glosses aren't exactly alike, they come darn close! I'm currently wearing Bejeweled, a sheer, light coral color that goes with everything.

Lipnotic Gem Glosses are available in 10 beautiful, wearable, shining shades, from shimmery clear to a deep, dark plum. They are oh-so-lightly pigmented, but the shimmer and sparkle is what you're after, and they deliver just that, along with nourishing and conditioning benefits of botanicals and vitamins.

So while MAC Dazzleglass may be sold out and hard to find, you can count on Sally Hansen to have the next best thing for women on a budget - each gloss is around $6.99! Fabulous, right?

Swatches:Left: MAC Dazzleglass in Steppin' Out; Right: Sally Hansen Lipnotic Gem Gloss in Bejeweled

DIB: Looking Good At the Gym

While some people would never think about makeup when they think about going to the gym for a good workout, makeup is always on my mind. When I first started working out, I panicked frequently and wondered, "Too much? Too little? None at all?" After several months of trial and error and some research, however, I've compiled a list of my best gym-going makeup tips. No matter what you decide to do to pretty yourself up before leaving the house, just remember that here, less is always more!


Face
Skin should be freshly cleansed, as always. Next, I suggest applying a very light daytime moisturizer with SPF. If you absolutely must have makeup coverage, skip your regular moisturizer altogether and use a tinted moisturizer with SPF instead, applying either with your fingers or a makeup sponge. Keep it light so that as little product as possible goes on your face. Try to avoid liquid primers and foundations when going to the gym - the dirt and sweat from exercising can mess up your work and is not a good combination for your skin. If you aren't using tinted moisturizer, dab on a small bit of concealer under the eyes and elsewhere as needed. In both cases, use a light dusting of pressed or matte powder all over the face to set and banish shine.


Eyes
Going to the gym means keeping it simple, but that doesn't mean your makeup has to be boring. To call attention to your eyes, curl your eyelashes using your favorite curler. Then, apply mascara - black-brown or brown for a natural look - that subtly lengthens and volumizes your lashes (like Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara). Next, you can either leave your lids bare or add a wash of neutral color that contains a hint of shimmer. If you choose, add a second, slightly darker shade to your crease or a lighter shade to your brow bone as a highlighter, but remember to keep the look simple and natural-looking. Your goal is to look as if you aren't wearing makeup and that your beauty took zero effort today. (Try Revlon Colorstay Mineral Eyeshadow.)

Lips
Finally, apply a tinted lip balm or lipgloss for some shine and moisture, without too much color to make you stand out. Don't go too dark or light, which will be unflattering to the rest of your look and make it appear you're trying way too hard - not a good impression for the gym. (My favorites are CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers in Guava or Raspberry.)

Pick out your cutest gym shorts, throw your hair in a sleek pony or add a cute headband, and you're ready to go - perfectly fabulous for your workout, on a budget!

Stay tuned, more tips to come. :)

Do you wear makeup to the gym? If so, how much and what?

DIB: High-End vs. Low-End Foundation Primer

Here's the feature I've been promising for a few weeks now - my comparison of two primers; one high-end and one low-end. I'll be taking a look at several factors in each product; primarily packaging, look, feel, and wear, as well as value and function.

I hope this helps in your decision-making for buying primers - maybe you'll decide one of them is right for you!

Now, on to the primers...

The Cult Favorite
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer


Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isopropylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorium (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Water

Price: $36.00/.93 oz

Other: Not paraben-free

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The Budget Contender
Natural Beauty by Sally Hansen Luminizing Face Primer



Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Mica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Olea Europa (Olive) Leaf Extract, Tropolone, Quercus Suber Bark Extract, Titanium Dioxide (CI77891)

Price: $9.99/.48 oz

Other: Paraben-free

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Packaging & Price: Like Smashbox's primer, this comes in a pump-top bottle - however, in some bottles, it doesn't always dispense properly and might spurt out quickly, so be prepared by placing your hand in front of the opening, not below it. You receive about half the product with Sally Hansen, but the price is much less. The smell is a little chemical-y, and some are bothered by this. If you are concerned, there are no parabens in the Luminizing Primer; some are present in Smashbox's.

Texture: While Smashbox feels more like a lotion, the Luminizing Primer has a consistency closer to a liquid cream. The ingredients contain more oils, and has more slip on the skin. That being said, however, this is likely not a good product for those with very oily skin. Smashbox, on the other hand, makes a light version of their primer for oily and sensitive skin, which is what I use.

Look: Sally Hansen's primer imparts a shimmer to the skin that becomes very subtle when makeup is applied over it. If shimmer is an absolute no-no for you, then this obviously isn't the best option. For those of us looking for a little glow, this is a fun way to get it.

Feel & Wear: After the primer is absorbed, skin feels very moisturized - not as smooth as the Smashbox, but softer, like you've applied a hydrating cream to your face. This primer seems to need a little more time to absorb and get rid of the "greasy" feeling compared to Smashbox Light, though; maybe take this into consideration if your routine must require very little time. It has a similar texture and absorption time to the original Smashbox.

As for wear and foundation application, I found the two to be close. Smashbox does a better job of filling in lines and decreasing the look of pores, but the application of my liquid foundation still felt very similar, which is important to me. Those looking for the smooth, perfecting effect might want to stick with Smashbox, since it's more of a dual-purpose product. Sally Hansen does what it says it does: prepares and smoothes, luminates skin, and extends the wear and staying power of foundation.

You'll like Smashbox better if: it's already your HG primer, you can afford the price, you're looking for a primer that preps and perfects skin, you need oil control

You'll like Sally Hansen better if: you're on a budget, you're looking for a simple foundation primer, you want a little glow, you don't use products with parabens

In the end, I enjoyed using the Luminizing Primer once I got used to it. While it's true that Smashbox Photo Finish smoothes and fills the skin better, it's not a huge concern for me - and the price tag is beyond low-budget affordability.

Some have complained Sally Hansen's product does not help foundation stay longer or look better, but I disagree. If you're really intrigued and want to try it for yourself, I'd suggest going for it - try and find a coupon or a sale, if you're worried, and buy from a store with a good return policy (as always!)

Next I'll be trying the infamous "Monistat" primer, the ingredients of which are extremely similar to those of Smashbox (see post here). For the time being, I'll keep using the Sally Hansen primer and will definitely consider repurchasing!

DIB: Mother's Day Gifts - $25 and Under

Have you checked your calendar today? Take a glance, and you'll notice that Mother's Day is very quickly approaching. Do you have something picked out for Mom yet? While this holiday marks your mother's special day for all the wonderful work she does, finding a great gift to show your love and appreciation doesn't have to break your budget. Of course, if you're a budget beauty girl, you already know that. ;)

Today, I'll give you my top picks for some simple and sweet gift ideas that will keep your mom looking and feeling as amazing as you know she is inside!


philosophy thank you - $25, and philosophy 3-in-1 products - $16

Usually philosophy isn't associated with budget buying, but for this occasion, there are some options you can afford to spoil Mom with. You can send a simple but beautiful message with a gift of heavenly scents for her bath or shower. The philosophy thank you gift set duo includes two differently scented products that can be used for shampoo, bath, or shower gel - amazing grace and pure grace. Each is a full 8 oz., and are sure to last her a while. If you prefer to choose your own scents instead, philosophy's famous 3-in-1 shampoo, bath and shower gels come in a variety of delicious flavors and are super-rich.

the healing garden gift sets - $14.99

I'm a long-time fan of products from the healing garden because of their affordability and quality. They're also widely available in your local drugstore. The healing garden gift sets include a body mist, whipped body lotion, cleansing body wash, and shower pouf. Dozens of scents are offered in two different collections, botanical and organic. The body lotions and cleansers are decadently rich and creamy, and deeply hydrating as well. Your mom will love indulging herself every time she takes a shower or bath with these elegant and luxurious gift sets! If the gift set isn't doing it for you, feel free to mix and match scents and products.

Burt's Bees Essential Body Kit - $12.99

Great for anyone who loves Burt's Bees! The Essential Body Kit has everything she needs to pamper herself with natural, eco-friendly products that feel great and address daily concerns such as dry, sensitive skin and tired hands and feet. Included are the Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème, Beeswax & Banana Hand Crème, Hand Salve, Honey Lip Balm, Lemon Butter Cuticle Crème, Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion, Peppermint Foot Lotion, Soothingly Sensitive Aloe & Buttermilk Body Lotion, and Coconut Foot Crème. With ingredients like the signature beeswax, buttermilk, and natural fruit and plant ingredients and vitamins, Mom will be taking care of herself in the greenest and most natural way possible.

LORAC Lotsa Gift Set - $25

This set of favorites from LORAC, an online-only exclusive available from Sephora, provides beauty essentials for a quick and glamorous pick-me-up any time of day. Included in the Lotsa Gift Set are Lotsa Lip Plumping Lipstick in Kissin, Plumping Lip Gloss in Cutie, and Lotsa Lash Fiber Mascara in Black. The lip products contain tri-peptide plumping ingredients to "visually enhance" lips, while the mascara contains nylon fibers for ultimate length, curl, and volume. Mom is sure to love this glam little kit for her purse.

Clinique Perfectly Happy - $25, and Clinique The Kissers - $25

The Clinique Perfectly Happy set is perfect for any mom who enjoys being feminine, and one who's also always on-the-go. It includes two dual-ended products with a Clinique Happy fragrance rollerball applicator on one end, and a Plump and Shine lip color on the other. The colors included are Peach Plump and Pink Champagne, and everything comes nicely packaged in a pretty, orange floral box. Chic and convenient - when Mom is in a hurry, she can grab whichever lip color she likes and have a lovely portable fragrance on hand at the same time.

If your mom adores lip gloss as much as you, consider The Kissers. This set of four mini Superbalm Moisturizing Glosses in Apricot, Raspberry, Lilac, and Grapefruit comes in your choice of super-cute pink or yellow floral bag. The balm-glosses relieve dryness while packing the color and shine of a gloss, and providing moisture she'll love just as much. Too cute!

Sally Hansen Perfect Pedicure Kit - $9.99

If your mother is like mine, then she is constantly plagued by dry, tired feet - yet never has the time or money to spend getting a spa pedicure every few weeks. The Sally Hansen Perfect Pedicure Kit may be a little hard to find, but features great products to rejuvenate and refresh. It includes a smoothing foot scrub, a healing foot stick, a moisturizing creme, toenail clippers, and a pair of booties as a bonus - so she can apply her foot cream, slip them on overnight and wake up to beautiful, rested feet.

Salon & Spa Gift Certificate

You may not think $25 or less will get you much at a spa, but you may be wrong! Depending on the spa, for this price, you could treat Mom to a manicure, mini-facial, shampoo or blow-dry, deep conditioning treatment, or even some newly shaped or tinted brows. If she chooses, she can instead apply the credit toward a more expensive service she's been craving. Either way, you'll be showing you think it's important for her to take care of herself, and encouraging her to do so is a wonderful way to prove you care.


There is an endless number of ways to express your love this Mother's Day, but a little pampering gift never hurts. Have fun and be creative - because she'll love whatever you give her no matter what it is; even a simple, beautiful card. Just remember not to stress, even if you're on a tight budget! There are always options! :)

What are your Mother's Day plans? What are you going to do for Mom? Any other great budget gift ideas? Let's hear it!


Images: clinique.com, sephora.com, walgreens.com, burtsbees.com, philosophy.com

DIB: High-End vs. Low-End Foundation

You've probably heard it before - expensive doesn't always mean better. (Or maybe you've heard expensive IS better.) Of course, being on a budget, I've found this to be true time and time again for cosmetic products. That's why I do what I do here. :)

Recently, I've been trying out two different foundations - both high-end and low-end - to see if the pricier brand truly was better in terms of quality, wear, and coverage. Surprisingly, though, this was not the case at all. Here, I report my findings to you, uncovering the pros and cons of both products.

Naturally, everyone's skin will react differently to cosmetics, but this is based solely on my personal experiences with them.

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First up, the high-end foundation!

While venturing to Sephora post-Christmas with a gift card, I decided that investing in a good, quality foundation would be beneficial to me. Seeking good coverage and an oil-free foundation, I was recommended Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation in Porcelain Ivory. It comes in 12 shades, is oil-free and layerable, and contains antioxidants to help counteract harmful effects of the environment.

Price: $42/1 oz.

This foundation looked fine on me in the store. The lighting in the store, however, isn't exactly true to real life. The foundation still felt soft on the skin and gave a nicely matte finish with great coverage, but did not appear natural on my face. When I got home and tried it for several weeks after, it turned out to be too dark and yellow-toned for my skin. The entire line is yellow-based, which is meant to "accommodate most women to help them achieve the most natural, no-makeup look." However, no matter how thinly I tried to apply the product, it was very obvious it did not match well.

In addition, I found the foundation difficult to blend and spread with both a foundation brush or a soft makeup sponge, despite varying the amount of product and using my Smashbox Photo Finish Primer with every application. I have a feeling this is at least partially due to the fact that it tends to dry quickly. It didn't apply well to the drier areas skin on my face (I actually have combination skin), and thus had an uneven appearance that was overall a bit unappealing.

In the end, this might work better for my skin if I get a little more tan, or if my skin miraculously becomes only one condition all over. Other than that, though the coverage was good, I found it hard to use and blend.

***

So what about the low-end foundation?

Next, I searched the local drugstore for a promising find, and got one - CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in Ivory. (Note that there have been some complaints about the new formula, but that I had no such problems when I used it.)

TruBlend is meant to be super-blendable, natural-looking makeup with light to medium coverage - depending on how heavily you apply and whether you layer. It's intended for normal skin, but is still oil-free, and even in my oilier areas I noticed only minimal shine and no greasiness. I didn't wear powder over the foundation, either, though the TruBlend line also includes matching concealer, powder, and blush.

Price: $6.99/1 oz. - on sale at CVS, usually about $8.00

This foundation was such a relief to use after my past problems with many other products, including the L'Oreal TrueMatch I used to purchase. It does have a very liquid-like consistency, moreso than other thicker foundations, but this helps it glide on skin and blended amazingly well for me, even in my dry areas that are usually so hard to cover.

The most obvious con of this foundation is that it is a little on the "sheer coverage" side - it won't mask major imperfections, but when layered, does a great job of giving a natural-looking, soft finish. Note that it is not completely matte as long as it's drying, and can look just a little dewy at first - so if you're worried and prefer 100% matte, layering powder over it is definitely suggested.

After applying two layers on the first day, my boyfriend wondered if I was even wearing makeup - he couldn't tell! This foundation comes in 15 shades, and I found it to be much less yellow on my skin, more neutral. It was also quite a bit lighter than the Laura Mercier, which was also a huge relief for such a pale girl like myself! It matched perfectly!

The product applied well with both a sponge and a brush, and again, blended so well into my skin. If the coverage was a little heavier and the formula just a little thicker, it would satisfy more people. As it stands, it's still most likely my favorite (or close) of all the liquid foundations I've tried.

***

So, there you have it - the low-end product gets my vote! I gave both a fair trial run, and actually purchased the Laura Mercier long before the CoverGirl so I could have enough time to use and evaluate it properly. In the end, though, the CoverGirl simply had better chemistry with my skin, which requires good blendability, neutral tone, and a natural-looking finish with decent coverage. For the time being, I may have found my new HG foundation. ;)

In the future, I will be trying the Laura Mercier foundation a bit more to see if it behaves differently, and I might even give her tinted moisturizer a try when I have the money (I've heard good things). For now, however, I'm loving my CoverGirl.

Swatches:Left: CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in Ivory; Right: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation in Porcelain Ivory
(Please note that the CoverGirl was not completely dry, so it looks more shiny than it would normally.)

DIB: Radiant Skin for Spring, Part 1

If you've been keeping up with beauty blogs lately, you've surely heard about the re-launch of the MAC Strobe Collection. Perhaps you've even considered purchasing one or more products in the collection. Which is fine, by the way... if you can afford the price tag and a potential break-out. At $15-30 per item, it isn't terribly expensive by "high-end" standards - however, and with no disrespect towards MAC, these products haven't received great reviews in the past, and the effects are only temporary for your skin.

Instead of spending about $75 (the price of the cream, liquid, and one lip balm) on this collection of light-diffusing creams, why not do it budget instead and invest a little in improving the appearance AND health of your skin with long-lasting benefits? I'll tell you how.

There are plenty of products available now to brighten and smooth skin and give you a radiant look, both above and below the skin's surface. Here are some great alternatives to the MAC Strobe Collection; a new look at cleaning, moisturizing, and skin care; and some tips from yours truly for beautiful skin this spring - or any time of year!

Today we'll look at brightening products by Aveeno, Olay, Neutrogena, Dove, and others. I hope you enjoy, and feel free to comment with your own tips, experiences, questions, etc.! Here's step one:

Cleanse
This may seem like a no-brainer to some, but there are honestly a good number of people out there who don't wash their face often enough (sometimes never outside of the shower!). Why is cleansing so important? Your skin is exposed to make-up, dirt, naturally produced and other oils, and who-knows-what else from the environment, day to day. If you aren't removing all these impurities from your skin on a daily basis, your complexion is going to be dull! (This is also caused by a lack of exfoliation, but we'll discuss that later).

The time of day you choose to cleanse is up to you, but once a day at least is a must. More than twice a day is generally not recommended, to prevent irritation and worsening of acne and sensitivities.

Always make sure to remove your make-up before going to bed each night; and if you choose not to cleanse at night as well, then make-up wipes might be a good option for you. These wipes sometimes come dual-textured, with a rough and smooth side for cleaning, light exfoliation, and removal of make-up. I don't recommend them as a replacement for washing all the time, but they can be used in place of your second facial cleansing, such as in the evening if you choose. :) Some of my favorites are Biore Daily Cleansing Cloths ($6.99 for 30) or Olay Daily Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths ($5.99 for 30).

Now, since we're talking about achieving the look of smoother, brighter, more radiant skin, many companies have begun to offer cleansers that aim to not only clean, but brighten and smooth your complexion.

Some great cleansing products to try on a small budget:

Neutrogena Illuminating Foamy Cream Cleanser ($7.99) is new from Neutrogena as part of their Illuminating product line. This oil-free, rich cleanser cleans away dirt, oil, and make-up, while minerals and fruit extracts "boost surface luminosity" and condition. Soft microbeads provide gentle exfoliation to keep skin looking vibrant!

One of my personal favorites is Dove Energy Glow Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser. Sadly, this product is a bit harder to find these days, but I love it. It's ultra-creamy and has a lovely light scent. Its super-fine exfoliators feel great on your skin, not harsh, as they banish complexion-dulling dirt and contaminates from your face and smooth beautifully. Dove also makes their own Energy Glow Brightening Facial Cleansing Pillows ($4.99 for 14), with vitamins and energy-filled moisturizers to brighten and smooth; these might be easier to find in stores, and have a similar effect as the face wash.

Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub contains natural soy extracts and microbeads to smooth, brighten, and clean thoroughly, but is gentle enough for daily use and sensitive skin - it's soap- and oil-free, as well as hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic.

If you're feeling more adventurous (and have a bit larger budget), check out Olay Definity Illuminating Cream Cleanser ($8.99, Drugstore.com) or Penetrating Mousse Cleanser ($9.99, Drugstore.com) for deeper daily cleansing. While a little pricey for a drugstore brand, this line from Olay has been receiving a lot of attention lately for its breakthrough technology and effectiveness! They are said to remove micro-residue and penetrate deeply while hydrating to "instantly illuminate" skin, and contain ingredients like glucosamine, which is shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out discoloration (as well as possibly help UV-damaged skin).

Now that you're all clean and glowing, stay tuned for Part 2 on Moisturizers! Coming tomorrow. :)

DIB: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

"You want me to put WHAT on my face?!"

I know what I'm posting about is nothing new (the secret's actually been out for a few years), because it's spread all across the internet by now - but it certainly has me intrigued! And because we like to do it budget around here, we're going to take a look at a very interesting knock-off of the pricey Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

Someone, somewhere, discovered that Smashbox Photo Finish Primer has ingredients that are incredibly similar to - get this - a drugstore female hygiene product. I know, I couldn't believe it either. Would you dare to try it? More importantly, would you dare to put the stuff on your face?

Some swear by this product, called Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel. Others have gone so far as to say it's better than Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Crazy? Maybe, maybe not... but if you don't want to shell out the cash for Smashbox (or any other high-end primer out there!) and want similar results, this could be the alternative for you!

Smashbox has been the go-to company for foundation primers, even being labeled the "primer authority," for makeup lovers and artists alike for some time now. The product claims to reduce the appearance of pores, smooth the face, and fill imperfections, creating a clean canvas for makeup and a flawless application for foundation.

Let's look at a side-by-side comparison:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isopropylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorium (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Water

Price: $36.00/.93 oz


Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trisiloxane

Price: $6.99/1.5 oz

Not much different, right? Smashbox's list has a few extra ingredients and oils, but some insist these don't make much difference (while some do).

Let's remind ourselves that the gel is NOT a product that is at all related to what Monistat is known for (yeast infection treatments). In addition, you get much more product for an incredibly cheaper price.

Have you tried this yet? Would you recommend it? Is it just plain crazy?

Hey - if the price is right, and it works... I just may consider returning my new purchase.

What do you think, budget beauty buyers? :)