These days, it’s hard to rationalize a pricey appointment at a swanky spa. And even though a papering pedicure sounds sublime, you know that your wallet will feel the effects long after the polish on your toes has chipped.

In today’s economy, we are all looking to save money whenever and wherever we can. If you are cutting back on your beauty budget, experiment with cheaper brands of eye shadow and lipstick. You may find that you like the bargain brands as much as your department store favorites.
N.Y.C. New York Color offers Ultra Last Lip Wear ($1.99) and Ultra Moist Lip Wear ($0.99) at chain drugstores around the country. These bright, bold lipsticks will make your lips pop with color while protecting your pucker from the cold winter wind.
Using vitamins A and E, Ultra Moist nourishes, soothes and conditions …read more

Pamela Anderson’s Malibu fragrances launch this month. The line consists of two fragrances – a “night” scent called Malibu Night and the “day” scent, Malibu. I watched a clip of her describing the scents to Ellen, on the Ellen show, and she explained that the Malibu scent is a “beachy” scent and the Night Malibu is more “exotic” and the one to wear if you want to “seal the deal.”
Anderson explains further on her website…
I’ve been making many of my own products for years, layering coconut body wash with thick sandalwood/patchouli body butters, amber oils, bath products and essential oils. …read more

Everyone says I look kind of like Angela Kinsey from The Office.
I vaguely see the resemblance, but nevertheless, this has given me a certain degree of kinship to her, and so I was excited to find out she’s involved in a new Clairol Nice ‘n Easy campaign.
In the campaign, Angela plays the role of Gigi or the “Guardian Girlfriend” – a trusted friend who always tells it like it is! The campaign’s mission is to help women get over their fears of at home hair coloring by providing helpful tips and tricks.
As someone who is in constant need of …read more

Etsy shopping… The AJ Sweet Soaps are adorable and perfect for any hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or bath collection gift basket.
I love the Retro Ribbon Candy Soap. This is so cute – it reminds me of my Grandma’s candy dish. The soaps are 3 ounces in size and you can customize them to your color of fragrance specifications.

Our ribbon candy soap is perfect for any occasion, but is so well known around the holidays – this soap is sure to be a favorite for everyone with a sweet tooth! You pick and choose your colors and fragrances for these – solid colors, …read more

Some of my favorite makeup tutorials are from Amy B. of Ask Me Makeup. And though she hasn’t made any new YouTube videos in a year (come back Amy!), her YouTube channel is still very popular.  Here are two fabulous looks that I’m sure you will enjoy.
First up, if you love the glamour of old hollywood makeup, this tutorial can’t be missed. Amy uses the following cosmetics in the video and the results are beautiful.

Mac False Eyelashes
Lashgrip Glue
Shiseido Liquid Eyeliner
Rimmel London Eyeshadow no.241 Matte White
Napoleon brown eyeshadow
Lancome Definicils Mascara – black
Chi Chi Red Lip Liner
“Mac Red” Lipstick
Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush …read more

Caudalie offers a variety of skincare products that use grapeseed and other botanicals to nourish, cleanse and hydrate your skin. They also steer clear of parabens, artificial colors, phenoxyethanol, synthetic dyes and other chemicals to protect both your skin and the environment.
From their wrinkle serum to lip conditioner, Caudalie products are healthy and effective. If you are looking for an affordable gift idea, consider their Spa In A Bag set.
This set contains several spa-quality products in a reusable bag. The products include:

6.7 oz Shower Gel
5.3 oz Crushed Cabernet Scrub
0.5 oz Hand and Nail Cream
1.0 oz Nourishing Body Lotion

The shower gel …read more

Brr, baby it’s getting cold, and we have to give that consideration when planning our hair care. I consulted Patrick Wellington of Wellington Hair Spa, he had some great tips on little ways we can begin to make a big difference.

Conditioning
During the dry winter months, there is little moisture in the air and the hair and scalp tend to dry out more easily. After every shampoo, put a deep conditioner in your hair and leave it in for a minimum of 3-5 minutes.
Roller Setting
If you have medium to long length hair, instead of using a flat or curling iron, …read more

M·A·C Cosmetics offers a variety of different makeup kits available for the holidays in their Magic, Mirth & Mischief Collection. The M·A·C Eye Bag comes in two different color schemes — the Alakazam! Chocolate Eye Bag and the Naughty Noir Eye Bag.
Each of these eye kits come in a silver-pewter vinyl makeup bag that is embellished with a big round bead and grosgrain ribbon. A $55.00 value, you can purchase the M·A·C Eye Bag at Nordstrom for just $36.00.
The Alakazam! Chocolate Eye Bag features sparkling, rich brown colors that are perfect for an evening out. This kit includes:

Copper Sparkle Pigment …read more

If you are looking for an affordable holiday gift for the angel in your life, this set from Philosophy just may be it. Exclusive to Nordstrom, this set features the 3-in-1 high foaming shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath and a flavored lip shine in a keepsake box.
The Angel Cakes set smells like a freshly baked angel food cake — sweet but not overly so, and absolutely delicious. If you haven’t tried Philosophy’s shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath, you are really missing out. This high foaming liquid leaves your skin and hair fresh, clean and silky soft.
The Philosophy Angel Cakes Set is …read more