Sunday, March 30, 2014

New at the Drugstore (First Impressions and Swatches)

CVS recently had some sweet deals going on, so I was able to pick up a few (mostly) new goodies for super cheap!



Physician's Formula has come out with several new products (the new CC Concealer is pretty awesome, if you ask me) including the two new BB bronzers I snagged.  They both had a $5 off "peelie" coupon attached, so be on the lookout if you've been wanting to try either of these!





Physician's Formula has some of the best bronzers at the drugstore so I thought I would try this to see how it measures up.  Although it has shimmer, it doesn't have the satin finish the other bronzers do.  I'm not sure how or if the "beauty balm" concept works since I didn't notice a difference in consistency or application (it actually seems more powdery than the original).  Overall, a nice bronzer but not as good as the original Bronze Booster.


BB Cream Bronzer in Light to Medium ($14.95)



I'll be honest here, I really thought this would be your standard BB cream but with an added "bronze-y" glow.  This, as you can see, is not that product.  Although the packaging says this can replace your foundation, I would certainly only use this as a cream bronzer.  This is way too dark to be using as a foundation, but actually blends nicely and is not so orange-y when used as a contour or bronzer.


Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls in Light Bronze Pearl ($13.95)



I've been looking for a decent powder highlighter, and this certainly does the trick!  It's not too shimmery but still adds a nice glow to highlight those certain areas of the face.  I didn't realize it until after I took these photos, but like with most PF compacts, there is a thin layer of shimmer added to the top of the powder.  It's really not that shimmery once you get past that layer (a quick swipe with a brush will do the trick).

Dynamic Duo Lip Balm and Gloss in Hibiscus ($3.99)




If I remember correctly, only one of these duos were completely without glitter (the color Nude), which is a shame because they would be so much better without!  I do love this color though, and the balm and gloss are both moisturizing and last a decent while.  Not too bad for the price (they're even better if you like glitter).

Urban Identity Shadow Trio in On Point ($2.99)


These are the best shadows at the drugstore and I love that they include both matte and shimmers in every trio.  Again, a lovely formula, and the matte orange is a great addition to my collection!


Nicole by OPI Topcoat in Be Awesome ($7.99)



I had a hard time deciding between this and Lips are Dripping Honey (what a name!) from the Carrie Underwood collection, but since I've got plenty of gold glitter polishes, decided to go with this unique topcoat.  This would look great layered on top of a pastel or I think it looks equally great on it's own!


Have you tried any new products from the drugstore?  Any Spring collections you're anxiously awaiting?


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Mini Bag

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm scouring the Internet in search of the trends à la bargain.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less!


The Mini Bag


I like to be as prepared as I possibly can for any conceivable everyday catastrophe or sale on makeup (I always have a slew of coupons floating around in my bag), so anything smaller than a 5-year-old doesn't work for me.  However, I totally respect anyone who can make this spring's mini bag happen.  Slated as the new "evening bag," this little bitty can bring levity to any outfit - perfect for spring!


Mini Quilted Cross-Body (Charlotte Russe; $15)

Mini Quilted Cross-Body Bag



What kind of bag do you prefer?  Big and bulky or minimal and practical?




Works Cited

Armstrong, Lisa. "The 10 Key Pieces for Spring."  Harper's Bazaar.  03 March 2014.  Web. 26 March 2014. http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/10-key-pieces-for-spring-0314?click=main_sr#slide-1

Saturday, March 22, 2014

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Cropped Pant

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm scouring the Internet in search of the trends à la bargain.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less!

The Cropped Pant


I love cropped pants and with the temperatures rising here on the Gulf Coast, I'm excited to bring my spring and summer staple back into my wardrobe!  I usually go for a more slimming cut since I'm a little on the short side (ok, I'm A LOT on the short side), but this season the cropped pant is anything but slim.  Jil Sander and Emporio Armani (and a whole slew of other designers) featured this wide-legged version of the cropped pant.

Jill Sander S/S 14
Image Source: Fashion Gone Rogue
Emporio Armani S/S 14
Image Source: The Gossip Wrap-Up!























Let's face it - the wide-legged crop looks great on the tall and slender model but on the normal woman?  Not so great.  So, instead of catering just to the tall and skinny, I'm providing a few options that will look great on pretty much everyone, not just the genetically-blessed.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Blue Button-Down

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm scouring the Internet in search of the trends à la bargain.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less!

The Blue Button-Down


Michael Kors Spring 2014
Image Source: Fashionising
Alexander Wang Spring 2014
Image Source: Studded Hearts
























Seen at Michael Kors and Alexander Wang, the typically uninspired work-wear shirt makes a comeback.  It's versatile in ways that the traditional white button-down can't compete with, and something this practical and easy-to-wear will never go out of style.

Here are a few of my favorite bargain picks for this unexpected spring trend:

Chambray Dot Shirt (Victoria's Secret; $39.50)




Saturday, March 15, 2014

Smile Brilliant Review & GIVEAWAY!

The products provided for the giveaway and review are provided courtesy of Smile Brilliant.  Although the product was provided a gratis, the opinions stated are 100% my own.

When I was first contacted by Smile Brilliant about doing a review, I was a little hesitant as I just assumed the prices were outrageous (after all, teeth whitening can be quite expensive, even at the drugstore).  Prepare to be surprised, cause this stuff is affordable and more effective than those silly drugstore whitening strips!


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Fringe Bag

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm taking these 10 pieces and making them affordable.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less.

The Fringe Bag


I, too, have caught the fringe fever, and I couldn't be more excited to share my tassel-tastic picks.  Whether you're looking for an all-over fringe found at H&M or just the slightest tassel like Steve Madden's, it's all here and it's all pretty darned cheap.



Tuesday, March 4, 2014

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Sculpted Crop Top

In the ginormous, 500+ page March issue of Harper's Bazaar, the mag spills its 10 must-have pieces for spring.  Since I love spending hours on the internet looking at pretty clothes (it's research, right?), I'm taking these 10 pieces and making them affordable.  Each post will feature one of the items and show you how to get 'em for less.

The Sculpted Crop Top


Forget what you think you know about this belittled trend and embrace it's possibilities.  Unlike the crop of the 90s, today's crop top should be paired with high-waisted bottoms for a classier, less revealing look.