Channeling My Inner Jackie: Designer Indulgences & Drugstore Deals

First off - What do you think of our chic new blog design?? I hope you love it as much as me :)
Tonight I'm moving away from clothing, and am writing my very first beauty post..here goes!

A few months back I took a trip to Boston to visit one of my dearest friends (see below!) and while we were there (ladies, brace yourselves) I was introduced to the wonders of Sephora. I know, I know, have I been living under a ROCK?! No no, just South Carolina. So, I've never lived (until recently) in a city that has this wondrous store that manages to combine just about all of my favorite department store brands into one glorious square block. I bought a few new items that I've never tried before and found some fantastic new things to add to my makeup bag.

While I absolutely LOVE the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer foundation that I purchased, and my translucent NARS powder, I have to let you ladies in on a secret....(drumrollllll) I think some of my over the counter items work just as well! [gasp!] While I'm the first to say that you get what you pay for, here are a few inexpensive items that I have used, that I think truly hold their own against their top dollar competitors. First I'll start off my indulgences, then give you some great alternatives.

The Department Store Indulgences...

1. NARS Translucent Powder -

I love to use this to 'set' my face. It adds some light reflection and keeps your nose from shining. In South Florida, this is a must. I never get that winter weather that dries my skin out...instead, I'm just sweating.

2. Chanel Blush - Rose Bronze.

I adore this color, and I think if you are an olive complected person like me, you might too! One lesson I have learned with blush is that the brighter, the better. You can always use less if its too bright for you. The point of it is to stand out a little - so avoid those bland beiges!

3. Dior Skinflash -

The BEST part about this concealer is the brush tip. Its quick and easy to put on, and it just glides on perfectly smooth. The colors are designed for concealing those circles, but I feel like the coverage is not terribly great. (its a little translucent).

4. Clinique moisturizer -

I added my 3 favorites here. Now, Clinique is what I consider to be a more moderately priced designer line. There are much higher end brands, but for me, I believe that the key to aging gracefully is to use a simple hypo-allergenic cream with minimal 'extras'. My dermatologist always recommends the simplest beauty regimes... dove soap, and lotion. While this lotion is on the moderate side, it is more expensive that what you find at most drugstores. The moisture surge is terrific for those of us who have oily skin because its light and oil free - but gives your skin what it needs. The Dramatically Different Moisturizer comes in 2 varieties - regular and oil free. Again, I'm oil free all the way. Finally we have the superdefense. I don't use this often - its very thick. Its a great night cream and I imagine if I lived in a climate with cold drying weather, I would use it every night. However, down here, it would break me out!

5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer -

This is a great foundation for those of you who do not need a ton of coverage, and still want that extra moisture. It goes on beautifully, and matches my skin perfectly - no lines here!

6. Clinique High Lengths Mascara - I know. The brush is weird. And creepy. It took all that was in me to convince my friend to buy it. It will make you a believer. I'm not kidding.

7. Clinique Eye Makeup Remover - There's a reason this is in almost EVERY free gift they have. #obsessed

The Drugstore Deals...

Ok, so you just bought an amazing dress. And shoes to match. And a handbag. And a backup dress just in case. So now here you are. At Walgreen's. Looking for a cheap way out to cover that zit....We've all been there. Whether you're in a pinch because you forgot your makeup bag, or just to lazy to truck it out to the mall to get a new powder every woman has at some point given in and just gotten the cheap stuff. Well, ladies, good news. Its not all crap. Here are my favorite finds from your own neighborhood drugstore!

Almay - I clearly am a huge fan of this brand.

1. Smart Shade Smart Balance Pressed Powder.

I'll not lie to you - I dont know how it works, and I have no idea what's in it, but it does the same basic things that the NARS powder does BUT - it adds color. It functions like my expensive NARS powder AND a regular colored press powder. I get my shimmer, my color, and great coverage in one. Its a miracle, really.

2. Almay Concealer -

As I've said about 10 times already - I'm olive complected, and hence, oily. So whats great about Almay's Clear Complexion Concealer is that it actually has blemish healing ingredients in it. The salicyclic acid in it has reduced the appearance of many of my pimples, and its a great feeling that at least one of your layers of makeup is helping your skin clear up! This concealer is more on the opaque side, so it provides a lot more coverage. I also added in another concealer that features the brush tip - much like the Dior Skinflash. I've used this before and also love it.

3. Almay Foundation -

In a bind I've used Almay's foundation (several kinds) and I must admit, its hard to tell a difference from clinique! I find it to be better than the other brands because it is hypo-allergenic.

4. Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover -

This product truly gives the competition a run for its money. At a fraction of the price, it is JUST like the Clinique variety. I've tried other cheaper eye makeup removers from the drug store but none work as well as this!

5. Oil of Olay Moisturizer -

This classic lotion has been around for ages - and with good reason. It is a little on the thicker side, so I like to use it as a night cream.

6. Oil Free Moisturizer by Neutrogena -

As opposed to the Olay, this lotion is light and it does not clog your pores. Plus, it has an SPF!

7. Clinique Blush -

ok ok so it's not drugstore. BUT, that Chanel blush is almost $50 - so to me, this $24 Clinique blush feels like a drugstore deal. (Sorry guys...I haven't found a drugstore blush I love --- do you have a suggestion???)

8. L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Mascara -

Okay girls, this is the real deal. Primers are the way to go for us short lashed girls. Within seconds, we actually have a lashes that are visible. I've used a Dior primer before - but this works just as well, if not better!

At the end of the day, I'm a sucker for Chanel, Dior, and NARS. But, since we can't have it all, buy that one indulgence, and then fill in with these drugstore steals.

XoXo
M

You Can Find Today's Featured Items at the sites listed below!