Top 10 Products for Oily Skin (All Under $25)

Us oily-faced gals have it hard.  We can't just slap any ole' moisturizer, primer, or foundation on our faces and call it a day.  We try product after product in hopes that the next big thing will solve all our oil-ridden problems.  The truth is, no product, no matter how convincing, can completely stop oil production.  It's taken me a while and a lot of wasted money on worthless products to come to terms with that.  I've come across a lot of duds in the process, but have gotten lucky on the select few listed below.

I would like to mention that not all of these products will work for everyone, these are just recommendations based off of how they worked for MY pitifully oily skin.

Ipsy Glam Bag: September 2013

You guys know the drill... here's my Ipsy Glam Bag for September!

Eva Mendes Collection

Umm, is anyone else as freakishly excited about the Eva Mendes collection at New York & Company as I am?  I sure hope so, because this collection is sooo gorgeous it's getting it's own post (in case the title didn't tip you off already).  Move over, Phillip Lim, there's a new collaboration in town.  Blasphemy, you say?  Sorry, this collab is a little more my style.

Enough gab, let's get to it!  Here are a few of my favorites (it was so hard to choose!):

Riviera Fit & Flare Dress - Grey Dusk ($79.95)

Fall Trend: Powder Pink?!

In collaboration with Less is More Beauty's post on styling powder pink, this post will show you how to balance your makeup with this trendy fall color.  Since this pastel pink isn't usually an "in" color for fall, I'll be showing you how to make this look more warm and appropriate for fall.

Take this look from Céline:

Photo credit: Style.com

The model's makeup balances out all the "cuteness" from this blush color (love the gray and pink)!  If you're going to wear a good amount of pastel pink (or any pastel for that matter) be sure to bring a little edge to the look by creating a slight bronzed or smokey eye:

Maybelline Stylish Smokes in Natural Smokes ($6.49):

Factory vs. Outlet: A Frugal Gal's Guide

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between factory and outlet stores?  Did you not even know there was a difference?  If so, you NEED to keep reading; your wallet and wardrobe will thank you.

Image Credit: Wormwald Homes (L); All Island Signs (R)

Let's start with outlet.  An outlet is just what you think it is - a store that sells items made for the original store that maybe didn't sell well or are just overstock.  This one is pretty simple; it's the factory stores that get a bit hairy.

Scores of the Month: August 2013

In addition to the Lorac Neutralizer which I reviewed here a week or so ago, there are a few other scores I'd like to share with you all.  Some of these I actually bought in September, but I figured I might as well share them now so maybe you can actually have a chance to catch the item while it's still available or on sale.

This first item I purchased along with the Lorac Neutralizer and it is an overall great palette at an even better price (with a cute little bag to boot)!

Lorac Mint Edition Collection ($18 at loraccosmetics.com)

Proactiv Dupe: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

If you're a loyal fan of Proactiv's Refining Mask, you are in for a surprise today!  I have discovered a product that is not only cheaper, but also smells a heck of a lot better: Queen Helene's Mint Julep Masque.

When I first bought this product I wasn't even looking for a dupe for Proactiv's Refining Mask, but was pleasantly surprised to learn it had pretty much the same effect and ingredients after using it a few times.  You can use this in the same way you would use the Proactiv mask (as an overnight spot treatment), or you can use it to freshen up your skin and shrink those pores by applying to your entire face and removing after 15 minutes.

The active ingredient in both is sulfur and although the mint mask is green and is a tad more unsightly, the fresh, minty smell definitely makes up for it.  At $3-$4 for 8 ounces (vs. Proactiv's $4-$5 for 2.5 ounces on Amazon), it's a total steal!

Review: Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain

It has taken what seems like ages for my Walgreens to stock the new Jordana line, including the Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains.  Now, they have some other new products out as well including new eyeliners, shadow sticks, and mascara, of which I've tried a couple, but nothing gets me more excited than the prospect of a new long-wearing lip product.  Here are the three balm stains which I miraculously grabbed from Walgreens (they are always out of stock):

L-R: Candied Coral, Sweet Pink, Honey Love

There are eight shade selections total which is, in my opinion, a little weak since some of the shades are very similar.  However, the product itself is perfect!  These don't dry out my lips and they are so lightweight it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a lip product at all!  I wore Sweet Pink to work the other day and I only had to reapply once after eating lunch.  These are definitely a new must-have!

While they are very comparable to the Revlon balm stains, I think Jordana has a better formula (and price, obviously) while Revlon has a better shade selection.  I mean, $2.99 vs. $8.99?  It's a no-brainer.

Are you obsessed with Revlon's Honey?  Try Jordana's Honey Love.  It's extremely similar (maybe just a tad more pink) and it might just become your new favorite!

L: Jordana's Honey Love; R: Revlon's Honey

If you've tried both brands, which do you prefer?  Are you a die-hard Revlon balm stain fan or has Jordana stolen your balm stain loving heart?

Can't find these at your local Walgreens?  You can order them on Jordana's site.