Walgreens, you got me again.

{via}

HOW in God's green earth did I spend $55.00 at Walgreens!?!

It gets me every time....

damn.

{via}

plus, im craving a big cup of this, right about now.

Yes To

{unknown}

oh to be doing this right about now...

but im not.
so instead, here is my new little beauty find.

Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, $6 (30 pack)


{via}

Safely removes makeup while cleansing your face of any dirt and sweat.
Perfect for sensitive skin;
won't clog pores, hypoallergenic, all natural and full of vitamins.
plus, no need to rinse!
excellent for traveling.

Yes To Carrots also carries Yes To Carrots and Yes To Tomatoes
for different skin types.

*found at your local Walgreens
(where else)?

enjoy!

is it spring?

{via}

the birds are chirping today outside my work window-- what a treasure!

it feels like spring...even though it's still january (boo).
while the grey rain still remains in the city of roses,
things seem to be in bloom...almost.

and amongst the birth of new life, i found a fabulous body wash.
again, reminds me too much of spring.

Dove's Go Fresh Energize Grapefruit and Lemongrass, $3.99 (on sale) at Target

{via}

the grapefruit adds the perfect citrus scent while the hint of lemongrass gives an earthy but calming aroma. a little manly musk (in a good way).

plus, small exfoliating beads leave your skin soft and supple.

welcome spring with some lovin' for your skin.

xo,

Smoking Stick

i am tempted to try.
but the colors are iffy...
i think the bronze would make a great smokey eye,
that isn't too gothic.

CoverGirl Shadow Blast Stick in Bronze Fire, $7

ah drew, how i love thee.

XO,

How Now Brown Cow?

i was reading miss kim kardashian in the new glamour mag and she said she never leaves the house without matte bronzer. well, doi. i must say she always looks ever so gorgeous (how can you not with a face like that?)

but nevertheless, i thought, "i guess i don't really leave the house without bronzer either," but lately my once-loved physicians formula bronzer was beginning to look orange, old, and too bling to the bling on the face (hello shimmer!). not good for these winter months. and lets be honest, who is that tan in the winter? armenian's like kim, and those who sit in the tanning beds.

so i found a great, CHEAP, little bronzer that is matte enough, but gives just the right amount of color. (can you tell im on a super budget?) in medium.

Wet N' Wild Ultimate Bronzing Powder, $2.99

{CVS}

Use generously, but BLEND. Don't forget to add some pink to the apples of your cheeks.

Available at any drugstore or grocery store (generally).
Fragrance free with vitamins and aloe. Whoop whoop.

Bee bronze! XO,

Powder Power

{ehow}

january is always too gloomy.
always, always always.
i can never seem to shake those january blues.

but i cannot forget the BIRTHDAYS!
(miss Maddy and auntie Kate xox)

while the celebrations approach
(both near and far),
my face must be looking up to par.

i am a proponent for loose powder coverage.
(liquid makes me greasy!)
and to perfect that look, let us illuminate.

i give to you:

Maybelline Mineral Power Illuminator, $10.99.
an all-over loose sheer shimmer powder.

it gives the faintest touch of 'sparkle'
with a fabulous finishing touch
(after concealer and cover-up).

do yourself a favor and purchase this little beauty.
xo,

New Year for a New Routine

for thy face: exfoliate 3x a week.
St. Ives has updated their peach face scrub
(oil free, mm thanks!)
Makes for some supple cheeks.
$7, any drugstore/grocery store

for thy eyes: big time mascara.
i want them long and thick.
still on the hunt...
(suggestions, anyone?)
don't forget your eyelash curler, ladies!

for thy lips: bold and beautiful.
i'm thinking glossy and berry, or matte and red.
(Rimmel and MAC make the best)

for thy cheeks: matte bronzer (to highlight)
and pink cheeks (to illuminate)

and many more...
xx,

{photo via treehugger}

Friend or Foe?

I'm still deciding.

Recently I purchased the new L'oreal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free color care shampoo
and it has received mixed reviews.

{mylifetime}

L'oreal Everupure Sulfate-free, $7

The rosemary juniper smell is just divine, leaving a minty, refreshing scent.
It lasts forever-- you need only a dime size to lather your whole head.

However, the lathering part is tricky.
When I begin at the top of my head, it just builds this huge soapy mess but won't lather and spread down into the rest of my hair.

hmph. oh k...

Then, I rinse. Rinsing usually goes well, but it takes some time.

After blow drying my hair, I've realized my roots feel somewhat...
waxy (for lack of a better word).
So, really, not the cleanest.

On the flip side, my hair has had great volume, body and movement.
Maybe L'oreal is a friend?

You try and decide.
You can't beat the sulfate-free aspect; VERY good for your hair!

Toodles,

Let Us Not Complain...

{twolia}

Although it may be bitterly cold and dropping pounds of snow across the nation, it is another season of beauty-- WINTER!

However, most skin begins to feel the effects of the winter drear...
the culprit: wind, snow, arctic chill, etc result: drab skin.

So a little quick fix for you all--
Things you'll need:
Face moisturizer; tinted, preferably
Loose shimmer eyeshadow in a white or champagne color

{qdazzle}

When you are facing the morning mirror with dark circles and dull skin,
take a dime size of your facial cream (I use Neutrogena spf 30 tinted moisturizer) and add a pinch of your shimmer eyeshadow to the lotion.
Rub together and lather on your face. I even add a tiny pinch of shimmer to my concealer for under my droopy eyes.

{prdctjunkie}

It is a sure fire way to brighten up your face; looking alive, well and glowing!
Then dab on some light bronzer with blush and you're done.

*Any loose eyeshadow will work for this trick. I use a cheapo version of Bare Minerals from Fred Meyers, but Target, Rite Aid or Walgreen's will have plenty of choices. Just make sure it's a very light white or champagne/pink color.

Cheers xo,

Parched Pucker

With the dry air and harsh winds comes the parched pucker. And I must say, it's the worst!

Indulge in this tiny, but generous product-- Softlips.

A premium conditioning balm with SPF, shimmery tints, and flavorful varieties.

I bought the two-pack for $2.99 that included the standard vanilla balm, as well as the pink shimmer tint. Well, let me tell you what...the shimmery tints make you look like you're a 14 year old, pre-pubescent, angsty pre-teen. Not a good look.

Some may dislike the tiny, skinny stick, feeling like it doesn't give a full range to your lips. To each his own. I lather this stuff on before bed and I'm addicted, to say the least.

Try it out for yourself! Available pretty much everywhere...

Ta-ta. XO,

Pure Goodness

Like all my beauty shopping trips, I always try something new...or something new always catches my eye and pulls me into the never ending trap of beauty product obsession.

But nevertheless, I found yet another fabulous hair conditioner for colored hair (*ahem, 10 years of coloring here).

SamyPure promises to deliver sulfate free and 100% vegan hair products, meaning no harsh chemicals and no animal by-products. They have Colorcare, Smooth&shine and Volume&body products that address all types of hair and hair issues.

I chose the Colorcare conditioner for $3.99 which contains proteins, vitamins and botanical extracts to nourish and protect color treated hair from fading. Also leaving your hair smooth with no heavy, waxy feel.

Booya!

Now go get some!

Stay tuned for upcoming Mint Julep face mask...

XO,

Mini Magnificence

Like always, I took a special little trip to Walgreens after I returned from a grueling 24 hours of travel from the glory that is Paree. How could I not? Although I cherished (and still do cherish) my time in Paris with family for 10 stress-free days, I missed my routine excursions to Mecca, aka Walgreens.

I picked up the usuals: hair conditioner for colored locks (another awesome new find and post to follow soon), face night cream, lip gloss, razors and floss (gotta keep up these toofs!). However, I took a brief gander at Wet 'n Wild's newest shiz...and I found a very tiny, but very powerful product.

For $3.99, you can pick yourself up a mini jar of their mineral powder for your face. Coming in only a few shades, I had to make a decision to whether I was fair, medium, light or tan. Naturally, I chose the lightest and to my surprise, it gives a very nice, even glow without making me look like a ghost.

Wet 'n Wild Natural Wear Mineral Foundation, $3.99

It is a mini piece of gold for your face. It can't be more than an ounce or two (so I'm talkin' mini), but the powder is packed with a punch. Wet 'n Wild even includes a mini kabuki brush to blend. Although, not the softest bristles. But nevertheless, you can't really beat the price of $3.99 and it's all natural with no ingredients that clog you pores. Plus, perfect for traveling or for your purse for daily touch-ups.

Ooo la la...so grab yourself one and enjoy!

Ta-ta XO,

Puff Daddy

Do you ever have those mornings when you wake up after either a night of restless sleep or just the hardest, heaviest sleep of your life? I often experience both. And thus, I am faced with my own face in the mirror, staring grotesquely back at me. GASP!

OK, I am being a tad dramatic, but truly, I think most of us can relate to the puffy, swollen, tired eyes look-- and it's sadly all too real and discouraging. My lovely co-worker and struggle with the constant 'puff daddy' look and it's time to fix our little dilemma.

So let's try this:

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller, $13.49

Said to diminish circles and decongests puffiness. Combined with caffeine and pro-vitamin B5 to make your eyes look renewed and refreshed. It's small enough for travel, with a cool silver tip to roll gently on your lids.

Puff, be gone!

Alright, I'm sold. Maybe you are too.

{find this product at any Target, Rite Aid or Walgreens}

Toodles! xx,

Mamma Wants Some Grapefruit Suds

Neutrogena makes some solid products, but nothing gets me as excited as their grapefruit body wash. Although I really can't stand Vanessa Hudgens (woof), her ploy worked. I am hooked on this Neutrogena Clear Body Wash in Pink Grapefruit, $5.99.

The best part about this gooey gob is not only the delicious citrus smell, but there are distinct ingredients to fight body acne. If you are an active human being, participating in runs, outdoor sports or just the basic gym go-er, you'll want this stuff to combat those pesky pimples.

Yes, we'd like to think we are out of the teenage acne horror stage, but sometimes, sadly, we all need a little help. If you need some serious exfoliation and treatment, try Neutrogena's Clear Body wash in the original smell. The exfoliating buds are dense and thick, to really smooth the skin.

You will step out of your shower feeling clean, refreshed and incredibly soft. Don't forget to lotion up and hydrate that skin. My favorite, the tub of Cetaphil; no heavy ingredients or additives.

Suds up and bee free! xo,

Beauty Heat Beat: Eyeliner

In sweltering heat waves such as these in the NW ('rainy' Portland, yeah right!), lathering on eye shadow makes me hot and tired, even the thought of it. So to beat the heat while still looking your summer best, here is a tip.

Eyeliner. Yes yes and yes. Hot damn, I love eyeliner and think it is a key product that should always remain in your beauty bag. Again, you do not need to pay a lot. Rimmel and Wet n' Wild make great lines as well as the eyeliner pencils that sit next to the Sinful nail colors at the check out in Walgreens...

If you haven't noticed them before, do try. At most Walgreens, in the beauty section, there will be a check out stand with a variety of odds and ends. There is always a stack of shelves holding eyeliners in ALL shades and don't cost more than $2. Excellent!

There are two ways of utilizing these eyeliners. Dramatic and funky; Black and blue. I experiment with both. Currently, I am obsessed with blue and turquoise eyeliners and eye shadows. I will only line my bottom lid and maybe add a light gold shimmer on the inner corners of my eyes. Perfect for summer and exotic trips with very little fuss. See below; love!



The black is much bolder; your eyes will scream "Hello world!" This look below takes a little more work and practice, but it can be perfected. And sometimes, the smudge look is edgy and great for nights out on the town in heels and a mini.

But with the black pencil, start with small strokes moving outwards-- you can also make an outline of a cat eye and fill in, like you are coloring with a marker. The thicker the better. Layer and layer. Add some mascara, maybe gold in the corner of your eyes, and you're done! If you are nervous, practice this look before setting foot on the street. Wear it with confidence! See blow: just gorgeous!




And don't forget your cocktails! Relish this weather and relax with friends (which I'll be doing in Bellingham with my FAB 10+1 for a dear friends wedding)...

xo,

Bee Kissed

"Kiss me, you fool!"

Boy, do I love me some lotion! Every day, I have to moisturize my entire body. After showers, after the beach, the pool, before going out, at night. Really, all the time. I think I have become somewhat OCD about it. But, with dry skin like mine, it's a necessity. So with this, I need a delicious smelling lotion.




I have tried all types out there; St. Ives, Jergens, Bath and Body Works, Neutrogena, Eucerin, Cetaphil etc. I could go on and on. Walgreens carries a yummy, thick body butter, a melon and papaya blend, which I wore religiously in Australia. But there is one brand to which I have remained a faithful and loyal follower: Kiss My Face, Peaches and Creme Ultra Moisturizer for $11.95.




In 7th grade, I lived down the block from Nature's in NE. Any lifelong Portlander will remember Nature's. Imagine Whole Foods and New Season's combined. I lived for the days my mother and I walked up the neighborhood to Nature's, while she shopped for groceries, and I wandered up and down the Organic Beauty isle. This is the year I found Kiss My Face in the peach scent. Holy cow, I was hooked. I wore it, literally, all summer long.



Many of you may think, why would I spend $12 on body lotion? The reason: this lotion is all natural, safe and gentle for any skin type. The alpha hydroxy acids gently unblock your pores while naturally exfoliating. The peach extracts are extra soothing and the shea butter moisturizes and helps retain skins elasticity. The product contains no animal ingredients, artificial colors, unnecessary chemicals and is not tested on animals. It goes on light and absorbs quickly, without leaving a heavy film on your skin, which is my pet peeve (one of many).



So when I am able to splurge, I go for Kiss My Face. Not only do I cherish the scent, I can't help but laugh and smile when I am brought back to my 7th grade summer. It warms my heart.

So love, live and bee kissed!

Happy summer.

Toodles,

Summer Skin

After a full day in the sun as I step out of the shower, buffed and ready for dinner, I remember why I love summer so much when it comes to beauty; simple skin!

Generally, the summer months give all of us a sunny glow, totally kissable and approachable skin. So for this, very little makeup is needed on a day to day basis. Breakouts are less, skin is more even-toned and thus, we are more comfortable going naked...on our face that is.

Here in lies the best summer beauty regimen; wear an oil-free, tinted moisturizer spf 15 or more. Use a sponge so it goes on light and evenly, moving the strokes outward, so the tinted lotion isn't heavy in the middle of the face. Neutrogena makes great tinted moisturizers that won't clog your pores.

If you have heavy, dark circles under the eye, do dab a few dots to cover the problem area. For pimples, use a light powder close to your summer skin tone and dot onto the pimple after the tinted lotion is blendid. *Note to readers: go a shade darker than your winter skin shade-- you don't want to look ghostly and drab with too light of makeup during the summer.

Now, you can never use too much spf. After reading more and more articles on skin cancer in magazines, it is becoming even more important at an early age. I can't stress enough-- wear spf daily! My mother insisted I start wearing spf in my lotion and makeup at the age of 15 and I haven't stopped. My freckles may be lighter, but I know I'm saving my skin.

Next, load up the bronzer! The most essential summer product for your skin. Obviously, don't go overboard. Be sure to use a large powder brush. The key is to add bronzer to all areas of the face: nose, forehead, cheeks, up around the eyes/hairline and a tad on the chin. Be sure you are blending into the neck. Too dark or heavy? Use one sheet of toilet paper to lightly drag and remove the excess off your face. But this will give you the best summer glow without a lot of prep.

To finish the look, swoop on multiple coats of mascara and you are ready to go. This whole process shouldn't take you more than 5-7 minutes. Tops. Going out at night? Add eyeliner or gold shadow in the inner corners of your eyes to make them pop.

Enjoy and remember: keep it simple! No one wants to look like a tranny in these hot summer days.

Off to eat some guacamole and sip the vodka...

Peace & love,

Guilt Free Beauty Steals

It's hot, I'm sitting in a wet bathing suit, and yet, I wanted to finish my blog regarding Walgreens, The Mothership.

You may not be convinced about Walgreens, and maybe you don't really care to walk into a Walgreens, and so be it. However, for those adventerous ones who wish to learn some of my beauty steals, here they are, so take notes.

Physicians Formula, Shimmer Strip $12.95

Perfect for summer! What is great about this product is that it can multi-task. We've all gotta love multi-taskers and this is the best bang for your buck! It comes in a variety of shades that will match your skin tone and doubles up as eye shadow and bronzer for your cheeks. Brightens any dull skin and is absolutely beautiful. My best friend is hooked. Truly an essential for summer. But note to readers: it is quite shimmery, so for those who do not wish to glisten like fairy dust, I would suggest finding a more muted bronzer, which Physicians Formula carries in all shades.

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother, $6.99

Kiss me with those lips! This lip shine is insanely smooth, glossy and even has SPF 20. It contains cucumber and chamomile for super-hydration and comes in colors like gleam, glimmer, glisten and sparkle. What the hell does this mean? Just subtles hues of pink, orange and red to give you the perfect dab of color with sun protection and high shine! My favorite is gleam, hints of both red and orange. This is a keeper and always on my must-purchase list when I run out.

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil, $1.00

A dollar you say? Yes, one buck, one fetti, one scrilla. It is one dollar! Do I need much more justification in this purchase? I think not-- now this is a real steal. It's dark as coal (hence, the name) and goes on smoothly. Really punk it up with thick application on the top and bottom of your lashes, or keep it 'work appropriate' by thinly lining the top eyelid only. You can't really go wrong with this product. Just be sure to have a decent eye pencil sharpener so as not to ruin the tip and create a rough edge. No one likes splinters on their lids. And I don't know why, but I absolutely love Kate Moss. She may be a crackhead, but God she wears this makeup right! Gorge (as in gorgeous).

John Frieda's Root Awakening Health Boosting Detangling Spray, $6.49

Knots, chlorine, bleach, wind, sun...all villians to a girl's hair. But John Frieda is the hero and has the cure: his Root Awakening Detangling Spray. It is AH-MAZING. Infused with natural eucalyptus and peppermint, the spray leaves your hair smooth, silky and light, instead of heavy and stiff. The vitamin-enriched spray nourishes your hair and protects your locks from the heat. Use after your daily shower or at the beach after wind, sun and sand have made thier marks. And the green, eco-friendly bottle keeps me coming back again and again. Go Green!

Well...what about mascara? You will have to wait for my upcoming ultimate mascara review. Nonetheless, I hope these few beauty bargains will inspire you to make some guilt free, decent summer purchases!

Peace, love & cheerios,

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

...and off to California to visit the parents with my best friend and sisters! Couldn't ask for a better trip. But more than my urge to lay by the pool, sip mojitos and eat my sister's glorious guacamole, I'm dying to take our usual trip to WALGREENS.

Most do not understand this obsession and love for Walgreens-- most of my friends act puzzled and confused when I get sweaty and excited about entering a Walgreens and shopping for all beauty necessities. I'm telling you-- try it out.

I don't think I have ever left that store without spending at least $60. It is the $60 rule. My sisters, cousins and aunt follow this as well. Things are inexpensive, there is a multitude of products to choose from, and I can always pick up a beauty magazine or chocolate bar on the way out.

As I finish packing my bag and mentally gearing up for a sun soaked weekend, I will be sure to update you on my trip to Walgreens and really go in to what makes this place so special and your best beauty finds. Coming up soon this afternoon...so watch out!

Toodles,