Budget Beauty Tips

I'm not an extreme coupon queen, I don't count pennies and I'm definitely not what I would call frugal.  So the idea of anything budget-related isn't on the top of my list, however I came to the idea after yet another "Whyyyy doesn't she do something about it?!" reaction today.  I hear all the excuses. "It's too expensive. It's not in the budget. I'd waste it. I wouldn't know how to use it. It doesn't look good on me. I'm fine the way I am"...and so on. I personally can't stand the last one. "Yeah, yeah, you're a woman, natural beauty, God's child and all that jazz. But you look like death warmed over and it's 30 degrees out. Put some color on your cheeks and a little gloss already!"

So let's backtrack a bit. I was looking through Instagram pics and a pair of twin sisters had a comment below that said, "Are you legit twins, because one of you looks about 15 yrs older than the other." Ouch. They are 1 minute apart. Yeah. Not good. It was in the eyes mostly. The "older" twin had major crows feet, a more mature hair style and she tried compensating with makeup but unfortunately when the skin isn't taken care of, no amount of makeup will help you cover the problem.

Now looking older doesn't necessarily mean this particular woman didn't have the time, money or inclination to take care of herself. For many women, that is the case however. So here are some tips to counter those fabulous excuses women like to throw around when really, they've just dropped the ball.

Try beauty kits.  Every cosmetic counter, Sephora, Ulta and drugstore carries kits and palettes from almost every product line available. From skin care in travel sizes to full eye shadow palettes, you can get the biggest bang for your buck by trying several products from the line to see what works for you and what doesn't at a much lower price point. Holidays are a great time to try different lip colors in the same line or branching out and testing the best/favorites from a new line you're not familiar with. 

I got this kit for $25. Most are travel sizes however the largest lip product is a full size and (farthest right) retails for $24 on its own. So there you go. You get 6 products for the price of one full size and you will never use all of them down to the last drop anyway so what's the diff if they are smaller sizes? You get more exposure, more fun, great brands for a small investment.

 

This is a kit from Tarte Cosmetics. 16 shadows, 4 cheek products and 3 lip products allows you to experience many of the line's colors and textures in one big bang. I purchased something similar for myself when I wanted to learn more about Tarte and experience the shadows for the first time. You can't beat a good kit.

 

 

Sample size perfumes.  Unless you have one signature scent (Please tell me you have at least one.), you will probably have a few in rotation and never quite finish any of them.  If that's the case, why invest in at minimum $45 a bottle (times have changed, most are quite more than that!) to have your money sit on a dresser while you decide if you like the scent? Get a good whiff of a magazine sample. Test the fragrance on your wrist and walk around the mall. If you don't have a headache, if you like the scent after it's lingered a bit, then go home and buy a sample from Ebay. Yes, go home and order. I'm old school. You don't need to shop Ebay from the mall bench or your car. Ebay will have legit samples in the card envelope and for less than $8.   You can try the fragrance, throw it in your purse, take it with you for travel and if you're tired of it by the time that little sample is finished, you've saved yourself quite a few bucks, haven't you?

 

 

Buy what makes you happy. Within reason.  If you see something that makes you feel good, makes you feel pretty, brightens your eyes or brings you compliments, buy it. Don't break the bank or anything but don't drive yourself crazy talking yourself out of it. You'll go home thinking about it, asking opinions, tossing it over in your mind and in the end, you'll have wished you had it. Life is short. Joy is rare these days. Embrace it.

Discount stores will surprise you.  Places like TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Kohls are really improving their game these days. They may not always have the same items on a regular basis but when they do, you can stock up at a much lower price. High-end, hard to find brands you can only find online, etc are great surprises when you see them in the store. Skin care can be hit or miss, keep your receipt just in case. I've found some major scores on products I would have never tried if I had to pay department store prices. Body care, hair care and gift sets are also great so stock up.

 

 

Find someone who knows and keep them in your pocket.  Yes, someone like me. ;-) But the reason I do what I do is because I have the passion and knowledge...and I'm a handy person to know. Most women don't take the time to read reviews, swatch products or research comparable dupes. All you know is that you need a concealer to do x,y and z and you're on your way to Walmart. Who are you going to call? Ghostbusters? lol Sorry, kids just watched it, it's stuck in my brain. It helps to have someone to ask for ideas, honest opinions after you've tried the product and actually knows a thing or two about what you may need/want. A knowledgeable girlfriend or product rep will be great assets too, just take their opinions with a grain of salt. Your thoughts and feelings outrank everyone else.

 

 

And finally, there are no excuses, only a difference in priorities. You can't complain that you don't feel or look your best if you don't put in the effort. The effort doesn't have to cost a mortgage payment. You don't need a full makeover in one day. There is a skin care regimen for every woman, for every budget. Maybe eye shadow isn't your thing but you like experimenting with lip and cheek products. Believe me, there are some gorgeous kits out there with your name on it. You don't want to be the "older" sister when you are the youngest. You don't want to look like you haven't slept in a week when you just took a 4 hour nap. Small steps and small investments will get you to where you need to be to feel confident and happy. Remember, no excuses. ;-)

 

 

 

 

 

 





Should I Mask?

I get so many questions regarding skin care and makeup but one question I don't get asked a lot is whether they should mask or not.  Masking is more of an experience during a full facial at a spa or something women think they need to mix up and apply in the privacy of their kitchen or bathroom.  That's not exactly my style. ;-) If I see an avocado, I'm making some guacamole!  Masking can be a great addition to your current beauty regimen and can be very easy to work in to your schedule.

 

Think of masking as an extra boost. An instant serum + relaxation.  Best done after exfoliation, though it can be as gentle or as intense as your skin can handle. I've masked after a shower when all I used was a sponge and cleanser as well as immediately following an enzyme peel.  Suppose you're home from a long day and you just don't have the energy to fill a tub and get in.....wash your face to remove makeup an oils with an exfoliating cleanser, pat dry and apply your mask. Lay down with some soft music and in 15 minutes you and your mind will be renewed.

There are many different types of masks available, from tubes to individual packets, from peel-off to rinse off to "paper" masks. From drugstore pricing to ultra high-end, there is a mask for every skin type and budget. Your skin will feel softer, more radiant and refreshed after a single application. If you need assistance, please use the contact form and I'll be happy to assist you!

 

 

All NEW Flexi Clips!

First allow me to introduce November's Flexi of the Month, it is stunning! With garnet beading, it will work all throughout the holiday season! Supplies are always limited so please do not wait in getting your size! Check the website for styles and proper sizing.

It doesn't happen often but Lilla Rose is offering a fantastic promotion right now. :-)

AND as if that awesome news wasn't enough, they have recently launched several new products and styles!

 

To view the online catalog for full selections and products, click here.

Blue is the new neutral?!

Ah yes, you read that right. Blue IS the new neutral!  Blues and greens have been around in nail polishes for who knows how long but those color choices were usually for the "rebels" and more adventurous fashionistas. Blue nail polish in the corporate world?? Not a chance! More like mauve-y rose shades and pale neutrals.  Women with small children barely had time to paint their nails, let alone painting them various shades of blue!

I remember first seeing blues in the deepest variety back when almost-black shades of red and blue were all the rage.  Nails were short, round-ish square and painted very, very dark.  It was a striking look but the after-thought was surprising...."Hey my nails/toes go with everything!" Just like the lightest neutral counterpart, the deepest shade of any color is the opposite end of the spectrum...and as neutrals, have a tendency to go with every hair color, outfit and makeup combo. 

 

So where do blues come in? Well, in the last year or so, I've personally experimented with the rainbow in terms of nail color.  If you looked through my nail polish collection more than a year ago, you'd see a few purple shades, mostly reds and pinks and a couple rows of neutrals.  Various top coats and base coats and a few sparkly/glittery clear for a special touch.  That's about it.  Now you'll see various shades of blue, a few grays, deep almost-black shades in purples and reds, the standard collection of pinks and reds, the same rows of neutrals, and a few fun colors mixed in like neons and peachy shades reserved for beach season.  Besides the palest neutrals, I've found that the blue shades, from the lightest blue-gray to the deepest navy, surprisingly, suit my tastes no matter the weather or wardrobe.

 

Blue shades from medium to dark look best on short and manicured nails for a crisp application and flawless appearance.  How gorgeous is that Essie Mesmerize??  I fell in love with it, the brightest blue I had tried until then and I was hooked.

 

The lightest shades of blue can really be worn on short or long nails as you see above. These days, this shade can be worn in an office environment or out to lunch with girlfriends...by any age or personal style. 

 

Because of my skin tone on my body (light to medium olive), I typically can't pull off greens.  I did want to give two honorable mentions however, because they are so very pretty...and I can actually wear them myself! They will suit most skin tones, both unique in their right and do have a way of "pulling neutral", just as many blue shades do.

 

 

Gorgeous camouflage green is the best way to describe this color. More gray than olive, more green than brown...it's a great shade for this time of year, especially with all the camo wardrobe pieces on the market!

 

(photo credit: squarednails.com)

 

This was the hardest picture to find because the color truly pulls more green or blue depending on the person wearing it! It has the slightest shimmer, barely noticeable...the true coloring of its name.  Misty blue-green and one of the most unique neutral blues out there. A great formula, one or two coats and you'll have perfection.

 

If you're just dipping your toes (or nails) into the waters of blues and greens, start off with lighter shades and work your way towards deeper, more adventurous tones.  I think you'll be surprised..;-)

 

 

Summer to Fall

We're well into Fall now but you'd never know it with the weather outside lately! Here in Northern VA it's been 80-90 degrees all week! The trees still know their business so the leaves are falling...while we're walking around in shorts and tees. Ah well, that's Mother Nature for ya. ;-) 

Every magazine ad and fashion runway shows deep plums and wine shades for makeup and clothing but many women are still in the transition between more wearable Summer colors and deeper tones of Autumn. Bronze, spice, light to dark browns, and don't forget infamous taupe! Shades of olive, gold and cranberry.  Pink and peach neutrals to mauve and medium toned berry lips.  All very wearable but with added warmth a slightly deeper intensity.

 

I saw this ad and couldn't stop looking at it.  Her eyes are a hazel green, rimmed with a black that melts into her waterline and tightline. Her lids are warm yet neutral, with just a hint of sheen.  Her cheeks intrigued me...definitely not a shade I'd typically wear myself. I was on a mission to create the same look in person and I found just the perfect shade (it's the deliciously warm peachy/brown marshmallow-y cream blush on the left).  I also included two other blushes in the photo for lighter or deeper skin tones. The lighter is a pinky-peach with wonderful staying power. The darker is a dupe for Laura Mercier's Ritual (was limited edition, now discontinued) with a blend of pink and warm bronze-y brown. The lips are warm, juicy, glossy and very natural while looking "done". 

Lips are lined with a medium red-brown shade like a chestnut or warm spice shade, blended to avoid the harsh lines of lip liner.  Filled in with lip butter or a fabulous creamy sheen (Rimmel lip products make me think of the warmth of summer and suntan lotion, don't ask me why. lol I can't help but close my eyes when I take a whiff.)

Mila's similar in coloring to the above model and similar products can be used, just with greater intensity.

 

 

Marisa's darker and definitely dressed for Fall, yet still wearing warm transitional colors of peach and bronze.

 

 

Katherine's eyes are lined in black, light warm bronze on her cheeks and a deeper peach glossy lip. Her face is polished but the emphasis is on her bold colored top.  Her makeup is wearable for work or evening.

 

 

 

Though she's definitely dressed up here, her actual makeup is glowing with shades of bronze, gold and peach and can be worn day or night.  These warmer shades brighten and blend beautifully with her skin tone.  The sheen of shadow and gloss pick up the light and she's definitely ready for Fall.

 

 

 

FYI, October 2013 Flexi is now available while supplies last.  With colors of silver, yellow and rose gold, you can't go wrong with this accessory! Suited to every age and skin tone, not to mention very wearable throughout the year.  Check out the online catalog to view other sizes and styles!

 

** If you're new to the blog, please be sure to check out the Makeup Ministry page, Services and Gallery to find out more!

Saving Money With "Dupes"

If you are a makeup lover like I am, you want it, you justify it and you cannot WAIT until you have a clean face (the blank canvas, if you will) for a new application of products.  Every woman has a budget and some may stick to products they find in their local drugstore. Others shop the spectrum, from drugstore to high-end. If they like it, they buy it. And then there are those with superior taste...and anything other than high-end just doesn't feel right.  If you have tried a high-end lipstick, you can understand that concept, even if it's just while you're trying it on at the makeup counter. lol

 

The term "dupe" didn't come out of nowhere. Duplicate or "dupe" refers to a drugstore or lesser price point than its high-end counterpart. For example, let's say a friend is wearing a fabulous eye shadow that catches the light just so....and you can't take your eyes off that shine. She says it's "X" shadow from "Y" Cosmetics.  So you go look it up. Wowza. $18 for one eye shadow?! For you, that could mean two lunches for you or two weeks worth of lunches for your child etc. (Note to self: Don't blog when hungry.)

If you're like me, you still want the color, the experience, the look/feel...without the cost.  How on Earth are you supposed to find something similar out of the TONS of brands out there?! Well, that's why I'm here! I've done the work for you. Products look a certain way in the container. Swatched they either look the same or different. In order to find the correct dupe, swatching for comparison is key.  It's difficult to swatch drugstore items which is why it helps to have experience with various brand colors and textures. 

 

Would you rather pay $3 or $18 for the same color/texture? True, there are package/brand lovers out there that will choose to pay $18, but they are paying for the brand/package. The lab does the same amount of work either way.  The color payoff is the same.  I'd rather pay $3 because that means I go home with more products. :-)))

 (photo credit: pinksith.com)

 

 

If you need a dupe, please contact me for more info and I would be happy to assist!

Autumn Purples

Purple is everywhere these days! I'm talking "your lips but better" shades of berry all the way to the deepest eggplant....and that's just on the lips! Metallic plums, grayish purples and deep creamy shades of aubergine polish.  There is a purple for everyone. I'm surprised to come across so many wearable shades but it's exciting to see such a great selection from drugstores to high end brands.  A few years ago, purple was just as difficult, if not more so, to pull off than a confident red. Purple was more of a "rebel" color but now going into Fall, we're seeing all shades of purple from the fashion runway to the local drugstore. 

 

 

 

I think most of us have at least one item of clothing in the purple family...maybe a soft lilac...a deep plum or a vibrant deep purple. Blue eyes, green or brown, you can pull of the color purple.  If you've never experimented with the color, now is the time to try! Hold up a scarf or sweater up to your neckline and look in a mirror. Do you look awake, bright, happy? If you look washed out or tired, try another shade, either lighter or darker, until you find one that suits your skin tone. 

Soft lavender shadows can be a great way to stay natural while a shimmery amethyst can look fantastic for a night out. 

 

 

 

Whether you're already a fan of purple or you're tempted to branch out of your comfort zone, there are wonderful products currently in stores and more coming soon.  Limited edition kits (holiday season is around the corner!) always include at least one or two colors that "pop" which allow you to experiment with the trends while staying grounded by more neutral colors as well.  If you would like assistance finding the right shade to suit your skin tone, please use the contact form or email me directly at bpmomathome@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

***Lilla Rose September Flexi of the Month is now available!  Gorgeous with any hair color or skin tone (not to mention gorgeous when paired with purple!), this clip is stunning.  To see the current flexi and many more styles, click the image below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

True Blue

Royal blue has been making an appearance in magazine layouts, store windows and cosmetics displays all throughout the summer and into autumn.  The power of a deep yet vibrant blue equals, in my opinion, to a great red. It isn't a color you can throw on to run to the store without getting noticed.  The intensity of the shade often needs a pulled together ensemble, face and hair to complete the look.  You could try to put on a royal blue sweater or a ruby red blouse with no makeup but you'll most likely look washed out.  A smokey eye and a nude lip would look fabulous, or flip it. A neutral eye with a powerful lip color.  Definitely not for the wallflowers. ;-)

 

Shades of blue shadow, from a bright ocean blue to the cobalt, royals and navys look fabulous on blue eyes to brown.  If you have green eyes I'd choose a neutral eye shadow (or choose silver or gray) when wearing this color. Use the blue on the mobile lid, then a deeper purple, brown or black in the crease. Buff and blend with a neutral transitioning color and then highlight with a soft matte or shimmer in ivory or cream.

 

 

 

I've found gorgeous shades from less than $2 up to high end. Whatever your budget, there is a gorgeous royal blue for you out there.  Pigmented, creamy smooth and ultimate color payoff.

 

(photo credit: makeupgeek.com)

 Deep blues can be intimidating to experiment with...color placement is tricky, especially when first learning how to blend properly.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please use the contact form.  Incorporating neutrals allows even the most inexperienced individuals a way to blend and create a wearable and beautiful true blue look, whether on the eyes or with the clothing ensemble.

 

(photo credit: makeupgeek.com)

 

 

The Duchess, in various shades of blue. From casual to elegant, she looks good in everything! The perfect color to match that gorgeous deep blue rock on her finger, eh? ;-)

 

 

 

**Special Notice:  Lilla Rose Customer Sale!!

 

10%-20% OFF Sale - Customers Only

All day August 22nd, 23rd, and 24th - Thursday through Saturday - customers can receive 10% off the re-release of two prior FOTMs (how exciting!), and 20% off many soon to be retired styles (no restocking). What a great way to end summer and begin Back to School excitement with a sizzling sale! Link below:

http://www.lillarose.biz/beautifulflexihair

 



Duochrome Euphoria

When I think of duochrome products, I smile, hence the euphoria part of the title of this post.  I recently found some pretty fantastic glosses and one in particular nearly dropped me to my knees. For less than $4, it's creamy, smooth, smells divine and ahhh, just makes me smile.  The effect is something so unique, so spectacular, so intriguing that I went out the following day to make sure I had enough backups for myself and clients. 

If you look up the term "duochrome" you won't come up with the makeup definition.  In the cosmetics world, duochrome is often a product color that gives off a different shade or cast depending on the surrounding light and angle of shine. It can be a bluish cast, more purple, golden or pink. The more obvious duochrome concept is the bluish cast because it's so unique and well, it's my favorite for a reason. "What IS that?? What an awesome color!" Swiped across a shadow or across the lips, it's unlike anything else.

Most women often overlook the peachy pink color with shimmery gold mixed throughout that is often used in blushes, lipsticks and nail polishes. It's a natural glow that can look more pink, more peach, or give off a flash of gold depending on the angle and light.

 

 

 

In these gloss swatches you can see the first one has a sheen of pink, champagne, even lilac mixed throughout. The middle swatch definitely has tones of blue and the last is a coffee undertone with a duochrome of pink mixed in. On the lips they give off the most gorgeous cast, drenched in liquid color.

 

The multi-colored effect of duochrome products is what makes cosmetics truly come to life on the face. It's the same concept behind highlighting and contouring. The lights and darks create dimension across the face, highlighting and creating shadows in various ways. Is it purple? ....No, it looks purple-pink face to face. Turn your head slightly and we'll see a sheen of blue. The sun is hitting you....ahh, now we see the gold. It's something to get excited about...just be sure to have backups. ;-)

Basic Makeup for Travel

A friend asked earlier today about what makeup products to pack that would specifically fit inside a quart size storage bag. Now this is a woman who camps, is very outdoorsy etc. Her everyday look is very simple so I kept her list short.  You know yourself better than anyone so if you think you need additional products or you have a special event where you'll need more than just the basics, by all means, add what you need!

Basics:

• mascara
• lip product (gloss, balm/tint or lipstick - a basic rose/mauve to suit your skin tone will work for most occasions)
• blush
• moisturizer (travel bottles are great for short trips, check the dollar store/drug store)
• cleanser (travel bottle)

Optional Items:

• eyeliner in black or brown
• bronzer for warmth/contouring
• eyebrow pencil/shadow
• multi-tasking powder for coverage/mattifying
• concealer
• q-tips
• brushes
• neutral eye shadow duo

 

Personally, I wouldn't put everything into a storage bag but then again you won't find me camping or rafting. ;-) If you do pack brushes, be sure to store them so that the bristles don't get smushed.

 

If you are going to have a special evening out, pack a more intense lip color option, a foundation with coverage if necessary and an extra shadow palette or two.  Everything else you've packed should be enough for you.

 

 

 

Rose Gold

   The two choices of metals used to be white gold or yellow.  There has always been the inexpensive sterling silver or the fall-out-of-your-chair crazy expensive platinum, but those are both "white".  Yellow gold remains the traditional metal and always looks classy and "rich". Where in the middle of all these metals and blends does rose gold fit in? Ahh, it was the rare color most often mixed in with "tri-color" jewelry pieces or accented in luxury watches.  Designers used rose gold as an accent metal in their engagement rings.  Now you see rose gold everywhere, from discount stores to high-end boutiques.  Rose gold suits most skin tones and flatters the face when used as shadows and blushes especially.

 

You can see from the palette above that rose gold isn't just one shade. There are shades with more yellow gold, more pink, and more brown. Think the mixing of the metals. To compliment rose gold shadows are the ever-popular matte shades in cream to chocolate brown, including the mid-range latte shades.  I love the metallic shimmery colors on the mobile lid. The color catches the light with every blink of the eye. It's bright, awakens the face and compliments every skin tone. A matte shade tones down the shimmer when used in the outer corner and crease. The lightest cream shade looks wonderful as an accent on the brow bone as a highlight.

Soft shimmery pink on the lid, dark chocolate "cut crease" and buffed out with a deeper peachy rose in the outer edge. A jet black winged liner completes the look. Absolutely gorgeous with neutral outfit, whether light or dark. I'd love this with a little black dress and earrings of rose gold to tie the look together.

A deeper rosey brown shimmer on the lid feathered out by a light brown matte shade in the crease. A fabulous wing, liner underneath the eye and the same rose gold rimmed underneath the black on the lower lash line. Absolutely beautiful.

All year round, daytime or evening, shades of rose gold bring warmth and beauty to those who wear it. The warm glow of candlelight, the highlights of the face....there's a reason they call it "mood lighting". It's a universally flattering shade. For product suggestions, please use the contact form and I'll be happy to share my favorites with you.

(photo credit: makeupmagpie.com)