Drug Store Beauty Booty

St. Ives Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract Lotion

I have a ton of those super scented lotions that I don't always feel really moisturize as much as they scent-tize and realized I needed a good legit lotion for everyday.  I originally bought this lotion to keep over at B's but liked it so much I took it back and have it chilling in my bathroom.  The scent is lovely and light and the lotion leaves your skin so soft!  And at under $5 it is such a steal! 

Wet n Wild - Party of Five Glitters

This nail polish is straight up legit, let me count the ways why I love it so.  Last year I bought my nail polish obsessed roomie Debroah Lippmann's "Happy Birthday"  glitter polish and fell in love.  Imagine my delight when browsing Walgreens to find this $1.99 polish that is a great cheap version of the luxe brand, but also named after one of my fave shows growing up. 

Suave - Dry Spray Shampoo

While I still love my Psssssst... I am always game to try the latest and cheapest dry shampoos out there.  I found this Suave Dry Shampoo and was sure I would be disappointed, because you know...it's Suave. 

Turns out Suave really has redone not only their packaging but also their product quality.  This dry shampoo is AWESOME and smells so good!  It's rings up just under $4 and not only sprays clear but evenly, which I find is very key for a good dry shampoo. 

Lesson learned, don't judge a dry shampoo by it's cover.

Sonia Kashuk - Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I happened to stop into Target to pick up some laundry soap, groceries and toilet paper.  I can out minus $130 and a tube of Sonia's tinted moisturizer.  I have desperately been searching for a tinted moisturizer that holds a candle against Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer and while I still haven't quite found one, I have found some great, close alternatives including this one. 

A little goes a long way, let me just warn you.  The coverage is great and while the color I selected is a little lighter than I would have preferred it, blends fantastically and leaves my skin fresh and youthful (at least I like to think it does).  This is my first Sonia Kashuk beauty purchase and am quite pleased with it so far and excited to try some more of her goods. 

Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste

Hands down my favorite toothpaste ever.  I recently switched it up and have immediately regretted my decision.  I have been using this toothpaste since college and love how fresh and clean it leaves my mouth.  Also it should be noted (knock on wood) that I haven't had any cavities in 6+ years and I think it must have something to do with the toothpaste.  Back in the day it used to be this kind of awful orange tasting paste, but they have since added whitening features as well as two flavors of mint. 

If you are hating your toothpaste I really, really love this one and recommend it to everyone!

Any great drug store beauty products you can't leave home without?  I would love to hear your favorite affordable beauty products!

Summer Essentials Series ~ jaime of all trades

Happy First Day of Fall and last day of summer essentials!  We wrap up the summer series with my seriously talented friend Jamie from jaime of all trades.  Jamie is an incredible baker who creates fabulous cupcakes for any occassion and she is available for hire to use for your own party.  Jamie is also stylish, on top of the trends and happens to work for a company I love very much....Starbucks.  Her blog is full of tasty treats, fashionable finds, and all sorts of goodies to try around Seattle.  I love her dearly and am pretty sure you will love her too after reading her blog. 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

my weleda lip balm.  one of my favorite fashionistas, katherine power from who what wear tweeted about it and i just had to try it.  i am constantly applying this stuff and it smells amazing.  i'm thinking of buying a tube for my purse, my desk, my bathroom, my car.  i can't be without it.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

bright colored nails.  they feel so summery and look good with a tan.  i'm loving essie's braziliant, seen here.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

countess luann's 'chic c'est la vie' 

(JUST KIDDING! - phew)  this is always the hardest question for me but i'm picking taio cruz's 'dynamite.'  i've been to a million weddings this summer and whenever this song comes on i wanna get d.o.w.n.  it puts me in such a good mood.

Thank you J.O.A.T. for your summer picks!  I love the Brazillant collection (I own Smooth Sailing) and I am very tempted to try this new lip balm.  I also quite enjoy dynamite and kind of love the message behind the song, as the countess would say - sa bonne!  Be sure to head over to jamie of all trades for your daily dose of fantastic.

I also would like to thank again all the people who contributed to the series this summer.  We had a lot of picks and recommendations and I feel so honored that they took the time out to share their picks and that you took the time out to read and comment.  It really does mean the world to me!  Next week, back to random posts that pop up in my head as well as a few usuals you are used to! 

Let's all be Chic C'est La Vie this weekend shall we? 

Summer Essentials Series ~ No Day But Today

Today I am excited to bring your Courtney from No Day But Today's summer essentials.  Courtney is a fellow Coug who is the mother of the darling and photogenic as all get out Charlotte (pics above).  Courtney is just about the nicest gal around, whose smile is contagious and just brings the best out in everyone.  Her blog is full of amazing photos of Char that she takes herself and also little beauties you might let pass you by sometimes.  A treat for anyone who visits!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Versa Spa

Combine our Northwest "summer" with my white skin, along with my desire to keep my skin healthy...and a tanned body is pretty much out of the question. Enter: Versa Spa. I first learned of it through Miss Lisa Spry who swore it was the only spray tan to go with. No Mystic Tanning for her, and it always looked so even and great after she'd do it, that I quickly became a fan. Even though I am not quite the expert at getting the zero streaks like Spry and Michelle, for the most part it always comes out looking good. Plus, there is almost always some sort of Groupon or Living Social deal to use...or you can just barter with them (again, I don't have quite as good of skills as the Ultimate Sales Lady Spry, but I try)

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Besides the actual sun (I think I wrote this same thing last year?! Do I need to move?!), I'm craving projects.

I'd like do redo our picture wall to look something like this, a bit more structured but still eclectic.

And maybe enlarge a few from Charlotte's 1 year picture session like this

And I really want to make this.  Being present is something I'm always working on and I would love this constant little reminder that this moment will pass...both the good ones and the bad ones.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011? *

While this isn't really a quintessential summer song...and I have no idea actually if it's old or new (I actually am not even sure where I first heard it?), I've been loving Little & Ashley's "Stole My Heart".  It's my dance-around-the-living-room-with-my-girl song of choice these days!

Thanks Courtney for sharing your summer faves!  I am loving this song from Little & Ashley - so sweet and fun!  And your projects look like a lot of work with a lot of reward!  Love that do it yourself, "this too shall pass" sign.  I am ALWAYS telling myself to live in the present.  It really is a great motto to life.  If you haven't already, be sure to head over to No Day But Today right away!

Pssst...we're halfway there!!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Menu a la Marguerite!

Happy Friday to you all!  Wrapping up this weeks summer essentials is one of my fave gal pals Marge (really Lisa) from Menu a la Marguerite.  I met Marge in college officially at WSU but quickly realized we actually met for the first time our senior year of high school when I was a guest judge for cheerleading at her high school - small world.  Years later we are still buds and this gal has way of just making me giggle over just about anything.  The beautiful Marge is also a bride to be with "Forever Young" nuptials just around the corner (can't wait!).  Head on over to Menu a la Marguerite for great recipes, photos and fun!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Jennifer Anniston Perfume - I. LOVE. IT.  Smells like a beach and makes me feel sexy!  I love it so much that when I broke my original bottle in New York I went to the mall next door to our hotel and bought another one.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Vita Coco water.  I love anything that tastes or smells like coconut.  Although this is neither, really, it helps keep me hydrated and refreshed on a hot day!  Available at Costco for super cheap in a 12 pak.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

I have a few:

Sara Evans - "Suds in The Bucket"

Katie Perry - "Last Friday Night, TGIF"

Thank you Marge for sharing your summer picks!  I rushed out and smelled the Jen Anny perfume after you raved about it and I have to agree it is a great scent, very beachy and summery!  And you know I love coconut water also, but lately have been also enjoying Aloe Vera Water....and "Suds in the Bucket" is one of my faves!

I hope ya'll have a fabulous summer weekend, we only have a few left!!!

XOXO

Summer Essentials Series ~ Saltwater Dreams

Anyone else loving this four day week?  I sure am, boy oh boy time has flown by! 

Today I am happy to share Andi from Saltwater Dreams summer essentials.  Andi has returned again this year with some great fresh selections.  Saltwater Dreams is all about beauty, fashion, accessories, travel, food, pretty much everything and Andi is fabulous about sharing her most recent purchases so that you can judge for yourself before you trust what you see online.  Andi is always optimistic and lovely and you really need to head on over and see all the goodness that is Saltwater Dreams.

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

What I cannot be without this summer is Bright Expert by Lancome. It's so great for helping to dull the sun spots I inevitably get no matter how much sunscreen I use.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

{via}

What I'm craving this Summer is fresh ingredients! I've been trying to make as many dishes, drinks and desserts as possible with the delicious seasonal ingredients that are available now - peaches, strawberries, blueberries and corn especially and my favorite - Caprese salad made with tomatoes and basil from our garden.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

My essential Summer song would have to be an old-school Sublime tune--"Badfish". It's just the classic, laid-back, chill Summer song.

Thank you so much Andi for sharing your picks again with YBB this summer!  I am such a sucker for beauty products and you have me dying to try this eye cream!  And caprese salads are my absolute weakness!  True story I made myself like tomatoes from this salad.  And Sublime and summer go hand in hand! 

Tomorrow, my gf Marge will be sharing her summer picks!

Pssst...tomorrow is Friday :)

Summer Essentials Series ~ Avery Bleu

Anyone else feeling the heat wave outside?  Oooh wee, close to 100 degrees in Century City!  I am loving the warmth that has finally arrived (I am sitting in an air conditioned office however). 

Today's summer essentials come from one of my FAVE peeps, and yes I am very partial and biased because it is of course my roomie Avery Bleu is sharing her summer must haves.  Miss Avery and I go way back, like drinking too much spiced rum freshmen year of college and blacking out back (but that's another story for another day).  Miss Avery is ALWAYS on top of the trends, whether she's sporting neon nails, bright pink lips, stripes, sequins, whatever.  If it is currently in season, she is currently sporting it.  She is also always on top of celeb gossip, good music and takes excellent care of our good friend Waldo!  So make sure to head over and check out Avery Bleu just as soon as you finish checking out her summer essentials.

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Colorful nails!

Pink, green, orange, purple, yellow, glitter..the brighter and sparklier the better. I love it all, especially with a bit of a tan. Here are just a few of my faves from my massive collection.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

 

LWDs - Little White Dresses

Whether chilling poolside, grabbing drinks with the girls or *sigh* working the day away, a light, feminine LWD is perfect for any occasion. I already own a few, but always have room for another.

 

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

"Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett

Many of my friends would be surprised by my selection of a country song, as I'm typically more of a hip-hop and altie gal, but this little ditty makes me want to ditch work and relax in the sun, preferably with a cold beverage in hand. "Wishing I was knee deep in the water somewhere. Got the blue sky breeze and it don't seem fair. Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair. Sunrise there's a fire in the sky. Never been so happy. Never felt so high. And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise." You simply can't help but do a little knee bounce, toe tap, finger snap or hand clap when it's playing. The addition of Jimmy Buffett makes it even more appropriate for summer. 

AND their song, "Toes", is also good for summertime fun - "I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand. Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today, life is good today." I mean, does that evoke the feelings of summertime goodness or what?

Thanks Avery for sharing your summer picks and nail polish collection with me!  You better believe I was shocked to see your summer selection song was country!!  I have to agree to both songs though, they are quite fantastic!  I am so happy to call you one of my best friends and thankful you share a love for beauty products, chardonnay and Waldo.  XOXO

Tomorrow, Andi from Saltwater Dreams shares her faves!

Summer Essentials Series ~ La Vie...J'aime

Happy Hump Day!  Today the awesome Jaime from La Vie...J'aime joins us to share her summer essentials.  I have been following Jaime's blog for 3+ years now and the blog is just overall awesome.  My favorite feature is her Friday Faves and just about anything she shares.  This Boston local is always attending fantastic events and sharing all things wonderful.  If you aren't already following, be sure to sign up! 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

My iPhone — from finding out the UV index with the SPF app, to communicating with friends in a group text, to posting my fave pics on Facebook, I cannot be without it!

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

{via}

A tan! Well an airbrush tan to be specific. I burn very easily and am in 3 weddings this summer. I decided to get airbushed tanning done and love the results—easy & healthy! If you are in the Boston area, try Perfect Tan.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

"Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO

Thank you so much Jaime for being part of the series again!  I am one of the few people I think who still operates on a blackberry, but I have an Ipad and love all the goodies that come with it.  That SPF app sounds right up my alley, may need to speak to B about downloading it!  And a perfect spray tan is the best!  Healthy and glowing my absolute favorite! 

Tomorrow, I am excited to share Live.to.the.point.of.tears summer list!  Don't miss it!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Dwelling & Telling

Today's summer essentials come from the stylish and gorgeous Linley over at Dwelling & Telling.  Linley is always sporting the latest fashion trends and might I add she sports them fabulously.  Her style, recipes, and Fab Five Fridays are my favorite items on her blog, but just about everything she posts is fantastic!  Make sure to head over and check out her latest Fab Five, but only after you see her summer essentials below:

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

This summer I have found that every day I am reaching for my bronzer! I am addicted to Benefit's Hoola Bronzer! It's the perfect shade for me, and honestly, I think it would be complementary for just about anyone! It's a perfect bronze and it has a matte finish - which is what I need as a professional. Don't get me wrong, I love shimmer, but not when I'm at work. Moving on, I've been clinging to bronzer this summer mostly because I have been MIA at the pool - aka, it's the middle of summer and I am tanless. Sweeping the bronzer on the areas that would naturally be "kissed" by the sun is my go-to look before leaving the house!

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Neon and neutral combos! I'm not the biggest trend follower - I'll sometimes wear a look or two that's trendy each season, but otherwise, I'm just wearing whatever I want. However, this summer I cannot get enough of pairing neon and neutral. I did a post on some of my favorite neon/neutral picks, a How-To nails tutorial, and I wore my own version of neon and neutrals. I'm loving it!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Mac Miller - Knock Knock

I'm a big fan of hip-hop music. Not cheap "hip-hop", but classic, talent-filled hip-hop. I really like Mac Miller - he exudes talent and creates fun music. He doesn't take himself too seriously and his music just makes me want to dance. Sure, the song has nothing to do with summer, but it's been on repeat (along with this song) in my car all summer long.

Thank you so much Linley for sharing your marvelous selections!  I have never listened to Mac Miller but I am REALLY enjoying this Knock Knock tune!  Also the nail tutorial was such a great feature and I love your neon/neutral ideas!  Be sure to head over to Dwelling & Telling for a daily dose of goodness!

Next week I will have more summer essential goodness from awesome bloggers!  Ya'll come back now ya hear?

Summer Essentials Series ~ Mr. & Mrs. OB

Today's (much delayed) Summer Essentials comes from mama to be Emily from Mr. & Mrs. OB.  I first met Emily in summer of 1999 when she pledged Alpha Gams and we have been sorority sisters (and friends of course) since then.  Emily has always possessed great taste and style and looks oh so dang cute as a preggo!  Be sure to follow her progress (she is already at week 36!) and her fantastic SF life over at the blog.  But first take a look at her selections below!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue -

I have a lot of hair and it is thick/wavy/curly and can be a frizzfest. Being pregnant has increased my internal temp quite a bit so blowing my hair out some mornings it just not gonna happen! My hairstylist introduced me to this product and I just love it. I put a few pumps in when my hair is still wet and let it air dry for an easy beach hair look. It also works great for when I do wear my hair straight. It smells yummy and is not overpowering! 

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

{via}

Summer Nights -

I am craving warm summer nights spent outside! Summer nights in San Francisco are usually spent under quite a bit of fog with a chilly wind coming in off the bay. I miss summer dinners in a backyard, lingering over dinner with friends and family! I just want to jump in this photo for the perfect movie night!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Sly & the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime" -

Love this song and listening to oldies in the summertime. When I hear this song it makes me want to be in a lounge chair with summer beverage in hand enjoying the nice warm breeze.

Thank you so much Emily for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your summer faves!  I am in LOVE with the backyard photo and love Shu Uemura products!  They smell oh soo good!

Check back tomorrow when Jen from The Look 4 Less shares her summer essentials!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Miss B & Hustle

Hallo from Amsterdam!  While I help get things situated with our new Euro office I am happy to continue to share some great summe essentials, this time from the marvelous gals over at Miss B & Hustle.  These girls are always sharing magnificent travels, wonderful music and fashions to drool over on their blog and it is a site not to miss! 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

image via pintrest

We both live on green smoothies, especially in the summer, our favorite recipes can be found here...

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

{via}

Lots of sunshine, bonfires at the beach, seeing good bands play and making sure we laugh so hard, we cry on a regular basis!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

We both LOVE Gaga and this is the perfect summer song!

I am just loving this list and in complete agreeance for all of these summer must haves!  I have always LOVED "Summerboy" since I first heard it and it just puts me in the best of moods!  I would like to thank Taryn and Krissy for sharing their selections and always have a fantastic blog to read daily!  Be sure to head over to Miss B & Hustle and get your daily fix of fabulous!

Tomorrow the glamorous and fabulous Danielle over at Sweet Nothings shares her picks!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Zucchero, Zucchero

Yahoo!  I am back from Seattle and have just enough time to unpack, wash and repack before I depart for Amsterdam on Friday.  I am so honored that the ever busy and beautiful bride to be Holly from Zucchero, Zucchero took time out of her planning to share her summer essentials with us all.  I have been reading Holly's blog for years and years now and truly feel as though she is one of my blog friends.  She has a love for the Giants, a good bloody mary and is always sharing wonderful crafts, food and finds.  Great blog, great gal, get reading!  And check out her picks below!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Caudalie Lip Conditioner.  This is hands down the best lip balm out there. I recently spent too much time in the sun and my poor lips got burnt and the only lip balm that made them feel better and repair them was Caudalie! Bonus points that it's not made with any parabens or sulfates.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

I'd be lying if I said time at the beach, backyard BBQs or something along those lines. While I crave those things every summer, this year my mind is on my summer wedding! At the end of August I am hoping it's the best end of summer party ever. All of my loved ones, my new husband, with a gorgeous backdrop dancing the night away under the late August sky sounds pretty good to me.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

The Rascals - A Beautiful Morning.  An oldie, yes, but I dare you to listen to this and not smile. This is the best song that pumps me up in the morning. Listen to this when the sun is shining and you're driving to work and it will start you off right!

Thank you so much Holly for sharing your summer goods.  I am absolutely LOVING that photo of the two of you and send the happiest of wedding wishes to the both of you.  And I am so planning to listen to that song in the morning.  I just love that feeling!  Be sure to head over to Zucchero Zucchero and check out all her lovely posts and follow up on what is sure to be a picturesque wedding!

Tomorrow check back for the ladies of Miss B and Hustle!

Summer Essentials Series is Back!

I am so excited to bring back the Summer Essentials Series for a third year!  I love to share my favorite summer must haves and also adore all the bloggers who share their selections every year. 

And here to kick it all off are my summer essentials!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Exfoliator.  Summer time means lots of fun in the sun which means lots of sunblock, lotion and products to protect my fair skin.  All these products add up to dull skin that needs to be sloughed away to maintain that summer glow and a good exfoliator is just what the doctor ordered.  My all time fave exfoliator is Flowers Organic Detoxifying Cranberry Vanilla Body Scrub (currently sold out) which I purchase from Chocolate Sun whenever I get a spray tan.  I recently ran out and stopped by Sephora to find the Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Sugar Scrub.  The scent is incredible and instead of that nasty oil film that many scrubs leave behind, Bliss promises a finer, gritter product that foams and leaves no film behind.  Exactly what this girl is looking for in an exfoliator. 

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

The perfect wedge sandal.  Ever since I eyed these Dolce Vita Jade Wedge Sandal all I have wanted was to find a cheaper version for summertime.  Alas no luck and I am 99% sure that my willpower is wearing off and these $178 wedges are coming home with me very, very soon.  The color is perfect, the height amazing and the way they manage to make my short stumpy legs look long and lean is reason enough.  Seriously these may just be the perfect wedge.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Jane Says.  Yes I realize the lyrics are not the most uplifting but there is something about the steel drums and acoustic guitar that is super summery to me.  I have loved Jane's Addiction since my 8th grade boyfriend Adam made me mixed tape of all their songs. 

I am off to Seattle tomorrow for a week and will be sharing all the fabulous fellow bloggers summer essentials for the next week or so.  Be sure to check back tomorrow for Stephanie and Karrie of Covet Living's list!

Recent Purchases ~ Apothica.com

The generous people over at Apothica provided me with $100 to spend on anything over at their site.  Talk about exciting stuff!  As many of you know, I am a bit of a beauty product junky and Apothica offers so many products I adore and use on a daily basis at affordable rates and free shipping on orders over $49! 

I immediately added the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster to my basket as I had been eyeing it for over a year now.

The Truth Serum Collagen Booster smells absolutely delightful and provides a nice little pick me up to my morning routine.  The energizing tangerine scent instantly wakes up my sleepy face and gives a little perk to my drab skin.  It also creates a nice barrier between my face and LA's toxic air pollution.  My only regret with purchasing the truth serum is that I didn't buy the Three Little Wonders Box Set (as seen above) which I believe would have provided more dramatic results. 

In any case, Ole Henriksen carries a variety of beauty products I am dying to try including this African Red Tea Glow To Go.

My next purchase was the Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner in Carbon Black.

I love the look of liquid eyeliner so much and I have concluded that my favorite type of liquid liner are "pen" style.  They glide on so much easier and create the perfect liquid line.  The Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner is a wonderful beauty product.  It stays on all day as promised and lasts a really long time.  I used it at least 3-4 times a week and purchased it back in February and only just ran out of it this weekend.  For $20 you get a great quality product that lasts a long time.  FANTASTIC!

The third purchase was a little more difficult to select as I wanted so many things.  I however decided to share the wealth and purchase the Voluspa 3 Wick in Decorative Tin French Bourbon Vanille candle for B.

B had just moved into his new place and it needed a little accent that not only smelled "manly" but also matched his dark wood decor.  I am already a devoted fan of Voluspa candles and wanted to introduce B to my fave candle distributor.  While I enjoy almost every single scent they offer, I needed to find one for B that wasn't overly perfumey or in an ultra girly casing.  Check and Check. 

I have to say that I was over the moon for all my purchases from Apothica.  They shipped my items in a timely matter, and threw in some free samples to try.  A nice added touch was that a consulting rep from the site sent me an email to follow up on my purchases and product satisfaction.  Never had any of my other beauty sales rep follow up on an order, love their customer appreciation!

Since I have exhausted my last order officially, I have begun hunting for my next beauty purchases...currently in the lead are:

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Glitter In The Air 

perfectly wispy - reminds me of cotton candy at the fair

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe

loving the blue and green glitter combo - gets me excited for Seahawk football (fingers crossed)

Eminence Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream

I am still on the hunt for a good night cream and I am completely sold by the fact that the words "blueberry" and "recovery" are in the same product title.  I have read all the wonderful benefits of eating blueberries and figure, it must be good to place directly on your face as well, right?  Added bonus, the products is organic. 

I am pretty sure my shopping cart will be full to the brim once I finish looking at the website.  I highly recommend trying Apothica for your next beauty purchases, they have a great return policy as well and guarantee the lowest price. 

Get shopping my beauties and be sure to share what you buy or love!

Drug Store Beauty Booty

I've been really trying to pinch my pennies (I am thinking a fabulous vacation somewhere abroad is so in need) and start utilizing drug store beauty products.  At half the cost, I really can't be too disappointed if they turn out to be a dud (and there have been a few). 

Whenever I think of the Shick Intuition Razors I automatically think of the commercial and start singing Jewel's Intuition (Album Version).  I will say when I first saw the commercial, I thought who would ever use that big bulky razor?  Turns out the answer was me!  I received a free sample and tried it out to find that it works really well and removes the requirement for shave cream at all.  Perfect for vacations, house-sitting, the boyfriends place, or even home. 

Only negative thing is the cost for 3 refills is almost $20...not sure how much you are actually saving...but it is indeed the perfect travel companion razor. 

A gal at my work has very fair skin at work like me and always has the prettiest glow.  I finally just asked what product she used, and it turns out Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers helps her achieve this look (I think her being in her mid 20's doesn't hurt either). 

As a devoted user of Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer I was hesitant to try it out, but seeing as the tube was under $15, I was easily swayed.  While I did not end up with the same glow as Megan, I did end up with a tinted moisturizer that provides decent coverage and a built in SPF of 30.  I am quite happy with this product and while I am not sure it will replace Laura Mercier it has provided a great alternative when money is tight.

I ran out of my eye moisturizer recently and set out to purchase a new one.  Eye creams can get very pricey (even at the drug store) so it was essential I found one that I could use both day and night and focused on moisturizing (anything additional was a bonus). 

I came across the Olay Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream and felt it fit my needs best.  That was until I saw the CVS version right next to it for $3 less.  I will admit I didn't expect much from this eye cream, but I have to say that I am really pleased with just about everything from this jar.  A little goes a long way and it is very moisturizing and silky.  I use it day and night and it may be my imagination, but I think there has been a slight improvement in my general eye area.

I tried the Almay One Coat Dial-Up Mascara after reading a great review on blog (which blog has escaped me right now).  I am always game for a mascara that promises full volume and this one seemed especially great since I could decide how full I wanted that volume to be. 

Turns out it is a decent mascara but I am not loving the plastic bristle brush and tend to go right for level 3 which often has me wiping off the excess on the side of the tube.  I am happy with the coverage but will not be purchasing this tube again.  If you like those plastic style brushes, I would recommend trying this one out.  If you like Dior Show, skip it!

Call me stupid, but when I saw the commercial and magazine ad for the L'OREAL Studio Secrets One Sweep Eyeshadow I was totally sold.  Loved the colors and the idea that someone did all the work for me and all I had to do was swipe the brush across my eyes and voila!  Such a time saver! 

Only it didn't work like that at all.  Not even a little.  This product is a total FAIL.  Luckily I can still use the shadows individually and try to achieve a similar look but, please take my advice and save the $10 this shadow is going to cost you.  Just go buy the individual shadows that will last longer and you will inevitably be happier with. 

Do you have any great drug store beauty items that I need to try?  Do you love any of the products above or had better luck with the one sweep?