Drug Store Beauty Booty

As much as I love shopping at Sephora, Apothica, and any department store beauty counter, the stuff adds up fast and leaves my bank account quite drained.  I thought I would share some of my latest drug store products that will still leave you with a little left for drinks out with the girls or boy. 

I bought the CVS version of the Aveeno Skin Brightener Daily Scrub and I really enjoy it.  You can use it everyday and your skin doesn't feel red or raw or like you left half of it in the drain.  I told B once it felt like little fingers massaging my face when I used it and he agreed, but instead said it felt like little angels massaging your face.  You be the judge.

My allergies have been an absolute nightmare lately (see below) and sometimes my skin feels extra itchy and irritated.  Sweet relief has been provided to me by St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash.  The scent is oh so yummy and leaves your skin silky, moisturized and best of all - not itchy! 

Did I also mention that a big bottle will run you less than $3?  I got mine on sale for $1.89!  I have a travel size of the lotion and it is equally awesome and worth purchasing for under $5.

Santa (AKA my beauty savvy mother) left Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum in my stockings this past Christmas and said it had been in all the beauty magazine and received rave reviews.  I have been using the serum every morning under my daily moisturizer and will say that while I haven't necessarily noticed any actual changes to my skin, I do love the added protection it provides against LA's toxic air. 

I read the reviews and most buyers only have positive things to say about it.  Perhaps the key is to use it both in the AM and the PM to see results... I am on the fence whether I should buy it again.

I have not purchased face powder in a really long time and I have to admit I am kind of clueless about what works well and what I need.  I love Smashbox's Halo Powder because it doesn't leave my skin flaky and dry and actually hydrates your skin throughout the day.  I don't love spending $60 on the product (but I do think it is still the best product on the market and worth it) and opted to try Revlon's Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup which is pretty much a dream.  

It comes with it's own brush in the lid and feels like you are putting on liquid makeup and yet it is powder.  The formula is oddly refreshing and a steal of a deal at $11.  I like to use this powder on the weekends without any tinted moisturizer and it provides great coverage and simple, dewy glow that we all desire.  When I use it during the work week, I only apply it on my nose and chin as it seems to sometimes fall into my wrinkles in my forehead instead of floating on top of them.  

I saw this tube of L'Oreal Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara at CVS (they really have a great beauty rewards program FYI) before I even heard of the product or saw the Beyonce commercial.  Mascara that makes my eyes sparkle, done and done. 

I opted to go the safe route and purchased the Black Crystal (Black with gun metal gray shimmer).  Unfortunately I didn't notice anything dramatic adding the sparkle and it most definitely did not turn out as the commercial promises.  The base mascara is a great mascara for everyday however and having the option to spice it up for a night out isn't too shabby of an idea.  Miss K did a much better review of the product with pictures and everything, if you are on the fence, head over there and see what you think.  After I read her review I think I may try out a bolder shimmer end next time. 

Last but most certainly not least, my trusty Zyrtec has saved my life the past two weeks.  The rain has stirred up every ounce of dust or pollen that I am allergic to and left me miserable and out of it.  Sweet Zyrtec has provided me some relief and the ability to not miss a day of work (although I did miss a Saturday night out). 

Word Up Wednesday

{via}

{via}

dare i say spring has actually sprung?  73 degrees outside and 83 degrees tomorrow!

{via}

my gf Spry sent me this quote a long time again and i just really like it.  there is no end really...

 

{via}

love.

{via}

my body has a clear way of telling me when i am stressed.  it happened yesterday and this little gem of advice couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

Happy hump day to all of you! Muah!

Song Of The Week: Don't Stop The Music {Cover}

When Rihanna's Don't Stop The Music came out I just couldn't get enough of the song.  It appears the radio stations in LA felt the same way and played it every sixth song in rotation.  I was pleasantly pleased to hear the song again, this time a jazzy cover of Don't Stop The Music by Jamie Cullum.

I first listened to Jamie's when he covered Pharell's Frontin'.  I loved how he took a hip rap song and turned it into something my parents would enjoy listening to.  I love to listen to his albums while I am cooking or reading and I often times find myself tapping my foot or swaying to the music without realizing it. 

Just easy listening by a very talented gent. 

Flashing Brights

According to the calendar, spring sprung on Sunday...

According to my window, spring has yet to arrive in L.A.

The wind, rain and grey, leaves me craving anything and everything bright and sunny!

(click picture to enlarge)

1st Row: Scarf, Candle, Shimmer Tee, Pack Away Bag

2nd Row: Dress, Clutch, Books, Pumps

3rd Row: Bowls, Wedges, Sweater, Trench Motorcycle Jacket

4th Row: Undies, Lip Gloss, Thongs , Nail Polish

Has spring sprung at your location yet?  What do you have your eye one this spring?

Word Up Wednesday ~ Elizabeth Taylor

{via}

So much to do, so little done, such things to be. ~ Elizabeth Taylor

{via}

I think I'm finally growing up - and about time. ~ Elizabeth Taylor

I fell off my pink cloud with a thud. ~ Elizabeth Taylor

{via}

I have a woman's body and a child's emotions. ~ Elizabeth Taylor

I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it.     ~ Elizabeth Taylor

{via}

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.

~ Elizabeth Taylor

{via}

I'm a survivor - a living example of what people can go through and survive. ~ Elizabeth Taylor

{via}

When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow. ~ Elizabeth Taylor

You'll be missed Elizabeth.

Song Of The Week: The Man Who Sold The World {Cover}

Growing up in Seattle during the whole "grunge" "garage band" time was pretty awesome.  I totally wore the baggy jeans, flannel shirts, and dirty hair look for a few months, until my mother promised me an entire new wardrobe if I wore something that actually fit and wasn't from my father closet. 

Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains could all be heard blaring from my yellow Sony Walkman or from my 5 Disc CD Changer in my room growing up and my favorite album for the longest time (and still high up on the list today) was Nirvana's MTV Unplugged in New York.  I listened to it with my boyfriend Trevor my freshman year and loved it when he would sing Lake Of Fire in this funny voice.

The album is still amazing and I had forgotten full of many covers, one of my faves is David Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World (1999 Digital Remaster).  Nirvana's The Man Who Sold The World was a change from their normal style and could almost be considered soothing.  I think the Nirvana MTV Unplugged in New York showed how truly talented the band was and made my parents maybe not think the music was such garbage. 

This album is truly fantastic and a wonderful piece to have in your collection.  RIP Kurt.

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Help Japan

{via}

I am moving offices at work today and caught myself saying it was the worst day ever.  Then it dawned on me that my day was nothing in comparison to what the people of Japan have been dealing with.  I quickly realized how lucky I am, and quit my bitching immediately. 

When I went to select today's Forever Frugal Find I was greeted with an excellent news.  Today only (March 18th) every dollar you spend at Forever 21 will go toward the earthquake and tsunami efforts in Japan.  That means by shopping your little heart out you will be helping the people of Japan.  So awesome.  

So please if you have time, order something for a friend, sister, boyfriend, co-worker or yourself because the more you spend the more Japan gets.  

A few of my fave new arrivals:

Belted Flutter Dress

Two Tone Watch

UCLA pulled out the win last night (barely) and earned me some points in my bracket.  This Vintage UCLA Tee would be great for any fan of the Bruins.

I have Ohio State winning all three of my brackets with the University of Kansas as the runner up.  This raglan is not only darling but looks so comfy and perfect for watching games at the bar. 

If you want to donate more than just your shopping purchases, please text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 or go to redcross.org.

Every bit counts!