Drugstore Beauty Finds

New for Spring 2016: Covergirl Colorlicious Oh Sugar! Lip Balm, a Vitamin-Infused, Moisturizing Lip Treatment

March 15th, 2016 by Anna Oh 12 Comments

Hi, everyone! Is the weather slowly changing for the better where you live? I’m starting to see some exposed legs nowadays, although I’m still bundled up in a coat running my errands. The weather here in the South can fluctuate 20 degrees day to day, so I have to be ready for just about anything — rain, sun, and the chill. My skin has suffered the most, and I had to postpone reviewing and swatching lip products lately — except for these guys!

New for spring, the Covergirl Oh Sugar! Vitamin Infused Balms (around $8 each) come in 10 sweet shades infused with grapeseed oil and avocado butter, but they feel weightless. With super sweet names like Gumdrop and Sprinkle, the balms are actually not overly sweet-smelling. I think they even smell a little minty (but there’s no tingling sensation).

covergirl oh sugar vitamin infused balm swatches — (L-R) Swatches in Gumdrop, Sprinkle, Cupcake, Caramel

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A Conversation About Brows (Plus at-Home Brow Maintenance Tips) #Beauty360atCVS [SPONSORED]

December 29th, 2015 by Karen 28 Comments

lets talk about brows — Let’s talk about brows…

In partnering with Beauty 360 and the CVS Beauty Club, I’ve received product samples and/or compensation for my time and effort in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #sponsored #Beauty360atCVS

Girl, I don’t have much to say about green lip gloss (other than this: if you can pull it off, WERK IT), but I can talk forever and a day about brows.

Because there’s just so much to say about brows! — and not just about brows, but don’t you think that brows also say a lot about us?

They’re very expressive and revealing, like, you can tell when someone is mad, glad, surprised or sad by the angle of their brows.

Aaand they can also tell you if someone follows Instagram.

You know what I’m talking about. 🙂 The famous “Instagram Brow”? Sculpted arches with a razor sharp tail and a subtle ombre effect that transitions from lighter on the side closer to the nose to darker as it goes out?

I see so many gals who can rock that look, but man, oh, man! — I’m not one of ’em. On me, they’re a no-go. I tried them once, and I looked like an evil villain plotting to blackmail someone for a billion dollars…

It’s just not the look for me, but that’s perfectly OK because brows are so individual. They’re like fingerprints.

And just like there are dozens of different brow shapes and styles, there are also many ways to maintain them. You can get them waxed or threaded or shaped by a brow specialist. Or, you can do what I’ve always done, and take care of them at home.

Must-have brow tools from Beauty 360 — My main must-have brow tools

Yup, I pluck (and I’ve always plucked) my own brows.

I’m kind of a weirdo control freak, and the thought of putting my brows in someone else’s hands kinda terrifies me. Plus, I saw a woman walk up to a makeup counter looking for help in tears once because she said that she went to a brow specialist, and they removed half of her brows!

The incident traumatized us both.

beauty 360 brow tools — At-home brow maintenance with Beauty 360! From the left, that’s the Brow & Lash Perfector ($4.99), the Ultimate Brow Definer ($4.99), the Dual-Ended Precision Tweezers ($6.99) and the Precision Razors ($4.99)

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Treat Yourself and Your Skin to Much-Needed Meow Time With CVS/pharmacy Beauty 360 Facial Masks #Beauty360atCVS [SPONSORED]

December 28th, 2015 by Karen 13 Comments

In partnering with Beauty 360 and the CVS Beauty Club, I’ve received product samples and/or compensation for my time and effort in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #sponsored #Beauty360atCVS

You should really ask me about my facial mask addiction. 🙂 Or maybe you shouldn’t. Because when I tell you that I stockpile masks like cat ladies stockpile all teh cute kittehs, you might think I’m a little crazy.

I just love masks! I think they’re great. Among my favorite skincare products, they’re probably second only to moisturizers, because of the skin benefits, but also because they’re a fun way to take a break from life.

Ya just put on your mask and chill for 15 minutes, and while I’m sitting there “in mask,” I totally forget about my chores and responsibilities. I don’t think about the dishes in the sink or vacuuming the stairs or doing the laundry. I’m totally preoccupied by the fact that I’m wearing a mask.

They’re a good way to tune out and focus on me. Plus, they’re an easy way to treat my skin.

I have masks from here to eternity, but I’m always looking for more (MOAR MASKS!). Up until recently, I had no idea there were so many different masks in the Beauty 360 line at CVS/pharmacy, and most of them are less than $8 (on sale the sheet masks are usually less than $4).

They’ve got sheet masks (sometimes called tissue masks), sleep masks, masks in tubes, masks in jars, soothing masks, smoothing masks, deep moisture masks, detoxifying masks, brightening masks, anti-wrinkle firming masks and masks just for your eyes, and they’re loaded with interesting ingredients like coffee and tomato extract, charcoal and green caviar.

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I’m Lovin’ the Rad Reds in the L’oreal Colour Riche Exclusive Red Lipcolor Collection

September 17th, 2015 by Karen 20 Comments

L'Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Red Lipcolor from the left: 401 Julianne's Red, 402 Blake's Red, 403 Eva's Red, 405 Freida's Red, 406 Zoe's Red and 407 Liya's Red — L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Red Lipcolor from the left: 401 Julianne’s Red, 402 Blake’s Red, 403 Eva’s Red, 405 Freida’s Red, 406 Zoe’s Red and 407 Liya’s Red

These six reds are rad!

It’s hard to pick a favorite from among the six $8.99 red lipsticks in the new L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Red Lipcolor line, but if you said, “Karen, you have to pick one!” first I would say, “Curses! Why you gotta be so cruel?” then I’d say 402 Blake’s Red, which you may remember from the 5 Fabulously Affordable Fall Lipstick post earlier this week. It’s neutral, so I could wear it with warm and cool looks (and I bet it would look great on most skin tones).

From the left: 401 Julianne's Red, 402 Blake's Red, 403 Eva's Red, 405 Freida's Red, 406 Zoe's Red and 407 Liya's Red — From the left: 401 Julianne’s Red, 402 Blake’s Red, 403 Eva’s Red, 405 Freida’s Red, 406 Zoe’s Red and 407 Liya’s Red

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5 Fabulously Affordable Fall Lipsticks

September 14th, 2015 by Karen 28 Comments

I have a tabby by my side (as opposed to on my lap — what’s up with that?), and I’m wearing a snuggly long-sleeved sweater and long pants to keep away the unseasonably fall-like chill outside.

I’m also wearing layers, as weird as that sounds, but it’s brisk and overcast outside. The leaves have even started to fall, and I’m seriously contemplating socks (toe oppression!).

Technically, it may not be “that time of year” yet, but I’m definitely getting a fall vibe.

There’s no way I’m ready for El Niño or the cold weather fall entails, but I do feel full-on ready for fall makeup, like these five fabulously affordable fall lipsticks that are all less than $10 each.

1. L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive in Blake’s Red ($8.99)

Blake, as in Lively, the lucky lady with the long, luscious blonde hair (and, um, Ryan — oh, what’s his name? Not Gosling! Ryan Reynolds, how dare I?! — Ryan Reynolds’ baby mama). L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive in Blake’s Red is her red addition to the L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive line.

Blake’s Red is a beauty of a neutral red, neither too warm nor cool, with an opaque demi-matte finish, and it won’t just work through fall. This one will also carry you through the holidays.

I love this lippie with classic fall looks, and it suits a wide range of skin tones. Wear it with a simple cat eye for something vintage, or a black or gray smoky eye (a la Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love video), or metallic golden lids.

SO PRETTY!

Because it’s by L’Oreal, it has their very strong floral flavor and scent (both fade quickly), which folks seem to either love or hate. I don’t mind it at all.

It’s available now online for $8.99 and at drugstores and Ulta.

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Toast of New York ($7.99)

This is so old-school, you guys! I wore this color back in the day, and it’s making a comeback again.

I feel like there have been an overabundance of dark browns with almost grayish undertones lately, and I like that look on some people, but I feel like it looks a little macabre on me. THIS kind of brown has a little yellow in it, and I think it makes it more wearable. The matte finish also has a hint of a shine to it.

It’s available now online for $7.99 and at drugstores and Ulta.

3. COVERGIRL Star Wars Limited Edition Colorlicious Lipstick in Dark Purple 50 ($6.99)

Do you think this lipstick is on the dark side or the light…? Ooh, Star Wars reference! Where’s my light saber, Tabs?! 🙂

This dark purple berry is a classic fall color. It’s from the new limited edition COVERGIRL Star Wars collection, and it has a creamy finish.

It’s also flexible. You can wear it as a stain by applying one layer, then blotting, or build it up like I’ve done here. I’m wearing three layers, so it looks a little vampy.

It’s available now online for $6.99 and at drugstores.
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L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray: Is This $17 Spray Infallible?

July 20th, 2015 by Karen 27 Comments

You know how when you finish your makeup, and you lightly mist your face with a makeup setting spray, it feels like the confirmation of a job well done?

Like spritz! Thank you! Reward. 🙂

I like that whole experiential angle to makeup setting sprays. The refreshing fragrances and enhanced wear time are just bonuses.

My current favorites are Urban Decay’s $30 All Nighter and MAC Fix+ ($22), but they’re both pretty pricey. I’d love a good drugstore option, which is why I decided to try L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray. It’s only $16.99, which is still expensive for drugstore, but less than All Nighter and Fix+.

loreal infallible setting spray — L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray ($16)

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5 Drugstore Makeup Products That Are Off The Freakin’ Chain

June 29th, 2015 by Karen 52 Comments

drugstore makeup favorites — Maybelline makes one of my current low-cost crushes/favorite drugstore products — Maybelline Color Sensational The Buffs Lipstick in Stormy Sahara, which I’m wearing here

Who says you have to sacrifice your sensibilities and set your wallet on fire to find truly fabulous beauty products? Whoever they are, ignore them. Please. Because they have no idea what they’re talking about. 🙂

There are many marvelous drugstore makeup products out there, and here are five of my current favorites. I use ’em and love ’em a lot.

Maybelline Color Sensational The Buffs ($7.49)

Maybelline Color Sensation The Buffs in Blushing Bride (left) and Stormy Sahara (right) — Color Sensational The Buffs Lipstick in Blushing Beige (left) and Stormy Sahara (right)

Is it possible to own too many nude lipsticks? — like, where someone would come over to your house, see your makeup collection and say, “No, no, no! You cannot have that many nude lipsticks! I’m sorry, but it’s against the rules, and I’m telling on you…”

A girl can never have too many nude lipsticks. Am I right?! Maybelline’s Color Sensational The Buffs lipsticks have a smooth, satiny finish and lots of pigment, and they apply fully opaque. Basically, they’re the ish.

They’re available in 10 shades and various nude tones, but my top love is warm peachy beige Stormy Sahara. I ESPECIALLY love it with smokey eyes. It’s available now online and at drugstores and Ulta.

Oh! — and FYI, Ulta is currently offering a buy one, get one for 50% off deal on these.

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation ($12.99)

I’ve raved about this foundation before, and you know what? I’m going to rave about it again. Because it’s the very definition of a drugstore gem.

If you like that dewy skin look, try L’Oreal True Match Lumi. I think it’s the best drugstore foundation on the market, hands-down. It’s great. I swear on my tabby’s fluffy thighs… Yes, it’s that serious, boo-boo!

It’s $12.99 and comes in a bunch of shades, and the formula applies effortlessly and looks natural, so you won’t end up with fake-@ss cyborg skin. Just real skin that looks more even toned and luminous.

I love this stuff so much that I’m getting another bottle in a darker shade to mix with my current bottle of Sun Beige and customize my own color. It’s available now online and at drugstores, Target and Ulta (note: it’s currently on sale at Ulta right meow for $7.79).
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Unsung Makeup Heroes: Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze

June 26th, 2015 by Karen 17 Comments

I can’t vouch for the full-on waterproofness of Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze ($4.99), because I’m still waiting to find myself caught in a downpour with the original cast of Magic Mike, which to my mind is the ideal (and perfectly plausible) testing scenario.

But until said situation plays out — and it’s only a matter of time before it happens, obviously — I’ll just continue adoring this matte bronzer for other reasons, and there are SO, SO MANY OF THEM, starting with the wonderful price.

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