skincare review: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner

if this time of year is stressful and your skin is showing the signs through breakouts on your skin, i'd like to suggest a great product: Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner from Neutrogena...

if you're familiar with the brand, skincare is what Neutrogena does the best {at least in my opinion}. i've been using the Triple-Action Toner on and off for a couple of years, and it's a fabulous product!

to begin with, it actually smells good. so many blemish-fighting toners smell so intense they can be  hard to use. Triple Action Toner has cucumber extract in it, so i believe that helps. the formula is also a little less harsh, so that may be a factor in the way it smells as well…

in a addition to the milder-than-your-typical-acne-toner smell, this toner is gentle yet so effective. i don't get many breakouts these days, but i still swipe a bit of the toner across my face at night following my cleansing routine. when i do spy a little bugger trying to show itself on my skin, i use it twice a day, and it never gets the chance to fully develop {take that acne, haha!}.

the brand credits the effectiveness to its clinically proven MicroClear delivery system, which helps get the medicine down into pores, clearing up your skin; Triple Action Toner also helps eliminate oil and shine and prevents future oil clogs. and finally, the unique formula of skin-soothers {such as green tea and as i mentioned before, cucumber extract}, reduces redness and irritation on the skin.

count me in as a fan...

tell me: have you tried or do you use the Triple Action Toner? what do you use to keep your skin clear during stressful times??

you can find Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Triple Action Toner in drugstores and mass retailers {like Target, where i buy mine}, both in store and online. 

visit neutrogena.com for more info.

i bought this; pic taken by me :)

my beauty faves...

i share many products that i enjoy and grow to love with you here in BGM. and while i have nothing against this {that's the point of keeping this blog after all}, i've realized that the majority of the recent product reviews have been that of products sent to me by the brands.

one thing i don't want is for you to think is that i never buy anything {so not the case}! i buy many products. in fact, now that my daughter is 13 {and quite the budding makeup and hair aficionado if i do say so myself}, i've discovered and purchased items i wouldn't normally consider {so fun!}. i've also enjoyed introducing her to my classic must-haves.

unfortunately, when it comes to reviews, it's those products that always seem to get put on the back burner! so, i'm making it my goal to share my thoughts about those goodies more often...

:)

all of this is to say, i'm here today to share my love for the products i use every day.

my must-haves.

my i'd-be-devastated-if-they-stopped-making-this items...
you have those, right? of course you do! well...these are mine.

take a look...

St Ives Naturally Indulgent Lotion ~ Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract
a simply splendid lotion; from the smell to the fact that it leaves my skin moisturized beautifully without feeling heavy or sticky, i used this beauty year round.


Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil ~ Soft Brown
i visited the brow salon years ago and was introduced to the range of fabulous products. from tweezers to an amazing brow gel, i love this line. the pencil, however is one i grab most often since it's so easy and the color is perfect. for a natural everyday look it's a great shade for everyone, regardless of hair color.

MAC lip pencil ~ Spice
a makeup bag must-have for many beauty girls, i'm sure. this neutral lip liner is fabulous because it works with any shade of lipstick you want to wear, and is even fine to wear on its own.

MAC Pressed Blot Powder ~ Dark
love, love, love this powder! it's great as a foundation setter, but is at its best when it does its main job ~ combating shine without adding additional color.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup ~ 5W1 Bronze
i don't know how to describe my absolute love for this foundation. it will always be the one i go back to. it covers every imperfection, flaw and discoloration with ease, leaving my skin with an amazing finish and it feels like i'm wearing nothing at all.


L'Oreal True Match Blush ~ Apricot Kiss
i've been using this amazing peachy-pink shade for years and i haven't grown tired of it it the least. it has just the right amount of shimmer to always gives me a fresh glow and makes me feel so pretty.


Neutrogena Gentle One Step Makeup Cleanser
sensational for removing makeup {even long-wearing products} and is so gentle. no stinging to my eyes and a little goes a long way.

Neutrogena Gentle Makeup Remover Towelettes
i love how effective these towelettes are at taking off my makeup. like the cleanser i've never experienced irritation or eye sting from these.


tell me: what are your go-to, must-haves-no-matter-what-new-product-comes-along products? 

pics taken by me :)

5 Expert Tips for Gorgeous, Glowing Skin

actresses Rachel Bilson and Vera Farmiga flaunt glowing complexions every time they step onto the red carpet. these ladies regularly turn to Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist {and author of the new book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist} to keep their skin in top shape.

i'm happy to say that i have 5 tips from the doctor herself, so you and i can also achieving celeb-worthy skin! and because i feel it's my beauty-loving duty, i'll add my "two-cents" with product suggestions. enjoy...

tip #1: remove makeup before going to sleep ~ Dr. Jaliman says, "i cannot emphasize this enough: never go to bed without cleansing your face. if you don't, the results will be clogged pores and breakouts. if you’re really too exhausted to wash your face with water and cleanser, at least have cleansing pads by your bed and use them to wipe makeup off."

cleansing wipes are a must-have for any beauty girl! my faves include MAC Wipes and Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

tip #2: exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate ~ "even the best skin in the world will look dull if it's not well exfoliated. you can exfoliate on a daily basis with your cotton washcloth or a disposable cotton pad and a cleanser. if you have normal or oily skin, in addition to your daily exfoliation, once or twice a week use something stronger, like a scrub with fine granules or microspheres," advises Dr. Jaliman.

this couldn't be more true! for my oily skin i use a washcloth daily and reach for ExfoliKate by Kate Somerville for more intense exfoliation 2-3 times a week.

tip #3: the wrong makeup can make acne worse ~ "people with acne cannot use heavy foundations and oily concealers, period. i've had several celebrity clients whose acne did not clear up until i personally spoke to their makeup artists -- all that heavy TV makeup was ruining my carefully prescribed skincare regimen. every major makeup company now makes oil-free and non-comedogenic foundations. people with very oily skin can use mineral foundations, which keep skin matte longer."

when it comes to mineral makeup, i love BareMinerals and CoverFX, but i recently started using a powder foundation from a brand called Mia Mariu. they offer fabulous botanical products and a full line of mineral color cosmetics {i'll be featuring my experience soon}.

tip #4: don't wait until wrinkles appear to start using anti-aging products ~ "collagen production starts decreasing in the late twenties, so that's when people should start using retinols, antioxidants and collagen boosters, especially around the eyes," says Jaliman.

when it come to skincare, prevention is always the best {i have my mom to thank for that knowledge}. though, i admit, i thought it was a little silly to begin using anti-aging products when i had no wrinkles in my mid-twenties, but i am definitely glad i did {still no wrinkles at 32!}. when it comes to anti-aging products, my go-to products come from Estee Lauder and L'Oreal.

tip #5: store your makeup and skincare in the fridge ~ ;"the warm, steamy environment of the bathroom makes products deteriorate faster. if you have very expensive creams or have bought several jars of lipsticks that you don't use every day, keep them in the fridge for best results," recommends Dr. Jaliman.

i love this tip! for eye creams, the cold temp of any formula on the skin will help decrease any puffiness; for face creams, especially since it's summer, this makes for a refreshing treat.

hope these tips have taught you something new-- many thanks to Dr. Jaliman! visit her website and stay tuned -- i'll be bringing you my thoughts on her book, Skin Rules soon.

sprinkles of bliss...

happy good friday and earth day, beauties! hope it's been a fab one for you. the week was steady-- it didn't go by too fast or too slow {which is a good thing considering my kids are off for spring break. if you have kids, you know how that goes...}-- and i have many things to be thankful for.

days have been the usual: laundry, cleaning and errands, but also filled with creative time, games, trips to the library, the park, sleep-overs, scavenger hunts while on walks with the dog, early gym workouts and lots of cooking! when kids are home all day, there seems to be so much more to do.

even with lots going on, there are always lovely things adding sprinkles of bliss to my day. here are just a few i have been especially loving...

the public library-- it's such an amazing resource for books {duh}. i love to read, so i take full advantage of getting {almost} every book i want without spending loads of money on them {don't get me wrong, i do still buy books, but this cuts cost way down}. as you can see i have many current selections, including audio books, ranging from history to fiction, chick-lit to mystery.

Good Earth Caffeine Free Sweet & Spicy Tea is just that, sweet and spicy. no added sweetener needed. there's a black tea version, but for some reason i just like this one better. yum! j'adore that each tag has a great quote printed on it as well-- from inspiring to thought provoking to funny, they're always a treat to read.

for easy and fast makeup removal, i've been using Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover Pads and One-Step Cleanser. the pads take off eye makeup with ease and the cleanser breaks up dirt, oil and makeup so my treatment cleanser and serums can do theirs job even better.

i'm incredibly late to the party, but Nylon magazine has become my new faves. while i realize i may not be their target audience {hello, suburban housewife here, lol}, i still find the content and imagery refreshing. it's full of amazing fashion, beauty, music, lifestyle and celebs stories, and a fun, funky voice all its own.

tell me: what things are adding sprinkles of bliss to your day?

first image via weheartit.com; all other pics taken by me :)

Get Her Look: Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens attended the beach-side kick-off for Neutrogena's Wave for Change campaign recently in malibu. her look was polished and fresh thanks to makeup artist Karan Mitchell.

Vanessa wanted her makeup to be "golden and whimsical", perfect for the sunny california day, so Karan made sure to "use products that were not only beautiful but were packed with SPF protection."

Karan shares how she created Vanessa's look:


on her face:



"even bare, Vanessa's skin looked soft and bright. she's been using the new Neutrogena Wave Sonic Power Cleanser and her skin felt incredibly smooth as i applied her makeup."

"i prepped her skin first with Healthy Defense Liquid Moisturizer SPF 50. this liquid moisturizer "sinks right into the skin so it wears beautifully under makeup." the foundation Karan chose to use was Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup SPF 20 in Tan. for her eyes, Karan perked up Vanessa's eyes with the Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector in Medium.

"on her cheeks i used the bronze shade of the Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer in Natural Glow which i also used under the cheekbones for contour."


on her eyes:



"i started with the peach base color from the Nourishing Eye Quad in Butter Creme and applied it all over her eyelid, up to the brow. it has an spf of 15, so it protects delicate eyelids from the damaging effects of the sun."

"next, i used the copper shade on her lids from the Nourishing Eye Quad in Copper Glow. i also applied the golden shade to the middle and the inside corners of her lids with a dampened brush."

following the shadows, Karan applied liner only to the top of her eyelids using Nourishing Eyeliner in Cosmic Black . some individual lashes were added for intensity, followed by two coats of Healthy Lengths Mascara in Carbon Black.


on her lips:



"for a peachy pout i used MoistureShine Lipstick, with spf 20, in Peach a Boo, and layered the MoistureShine Gloss in Healthy Peach over top of it for a glassy finish."


Vanessa looks fab, don't you think? very beach-chic! btw, you can learn all about the Neutrogena Wave for Change campaign by visiting facebook.com/neutrogena

xo
all products by Neutrogena; image: Startraks

Award-Winning Beauty: CEW Winners List

this past weekend Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) announced the winners of its 2009 Beauty Awards! what's so great about that, you ask? in a nut shell, the following is a list of products that represent the best in beauty...

"women don't want to make buying mistakes. they’re looking for performance and value. with the CEW Beauty Awards, consumers have the advice of more than 4,000 beauty experts to lead them to the best products the industry has to offer," says Carlotta Jacobson, CEW president.

these are the creme de la creme ladies, so take a look (and notes if you need to). these are the 2009 CEW Beauty Awards winners:

bath and body:

body treatment-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother

body treatment-- prestige
Ojon Tawaka "The Ball"

scented bath & body-- mass
Vickery & Clarke Natural Apothecary Eucalyptus & Peppermint Cold & Sinus Soak

scented bath & body-- prestige
Fresh Fig Apricot Bath and Shower Gel



facial skincare

acne treatment
Clean & Clear Advantage Blackhead Eraser Exfoliating Cleanser

anti-aging-- mass
Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention

anti-aging-- prestige
Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

cleanser & scrub-- mass
Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser and Deep Clean Foaming Pads

cleanser & scrub-- prestige
Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant

eye treatment-- mass
Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller

eye treatment- prestige
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment

moisturizer-- mass
Olay Definity Color Recapture

moisturizer-- prestige
Estee Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer SPF 15


hair

hair care, style & coloring- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up

hair care, style & coloring-- prestige
Living Proof, Inc. Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair


makeup

eye product-- mass
L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

eye product-- prestige
Lancome Oscillation

face product-- mass
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation

face product-- prestige
Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation

lip product-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Pro-To-Go Lipstick

lip product-- prestige
YSL Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15



men's grooming

men's grooming
ZIRH Holdings LLC Drenched



scent

men's scent
PUIG USA Prada Infusion d'Homme Eau de Toilette Spray
fragrance supplier: Givaudan

women's scent-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Bond Girl 007
fragrance supplier: Firmenich

women's scent-- prestige
Harajuku Lovers Fragrances "G"
fragrance supplier: Fragrance Resources



sun

sun product-- mass
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70

sun product-- prestige
Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream



Indie Beauty Award
NIA 24


tell me: are any of these products in your beauty arsenal?

congrats to all the winners!

xo

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 3.27.09

this week flew by! did it do the same for you? wow...if things keep going like this for me, it will be 2010 before i know it...yowza!

this week's beauty buys, i have just realized, are all moisturizing. i didn't even plan it to be that way-- funy, huh?-- but here they are. enjoy...




Neutrogena Moistureshine Lipgloss comes in an excellent selection of glitterless colors that make my lips feel like butter. i love that these lippies aren't overly pigmented, but still leaves a good amount of color on my lips. the formula is soft and uber-moisturizing-- love these!



Dove Cool Moisture Body Wash is scented with refreshing cucumber (ahh) and is oh so lovely to use, especially when the weather warms up, because the scent is so light and airy-- it just helps keep my mind off of the heat, if only for a short amount of time- ha! it moisturizes well, too, and leaves behind its yummy scent on my skin...ahhhh



Sunsilk Hydra TLC Conditioner is one product that shocked me when i first tried it. mainly because i wasn't expecting too much. i don't know why-- i should know better!-- but i just didn't think it would be all that great. well, i was proven (way) wrong, and i tell you: this stuff is amazing!it leaves my thirsty hair feeling silky smooth and manageable. my hair loves this conditioner (and the shampoo is great, too).


have a great weekend!

xo

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 11.7.08

hello beauties! how was your week?

mine was super-busy, and doesn't show any signs of stopping! on top of that, my poor 5 year-old son isn't feeling well...awww...it breaks my heart when my kids are sick!

so, now i'm going to focus on a topic that doesn't make me sad: fabulous products that don't cost a lot of money!


Almay One Coat Lengthening Nourishing Mascara is a must-have if what you want is natural-looking length! i love the mascara- even a couple of coats gives your lashes a beautiful effect! i of course cannot just stop a couple of coats, so i pile it on, and, thankfully, never have any clumping. it lasts all day without smudging, and washes of easily.




Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush works so brilliantly because it isn't just one color. all of the colors give a sheer wash of color with a hint of pretty shimmer. p.s- use a real blush brush with this. the one that comes with it isn't good at all.




Softlips Lip Protectant with SPF 20 is an all-time favorite and definitely a must-have product. i love it in vanilla, but it also comes in many other "flavors". the moisturizing lasts long enough, but it's mostly the spf i like-- because just like the skin on our face and body, our lips need protection, too!


have a beauty-filled weekend, all!

xo

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 10.31.08

wow...the last day of october...can you believe it?

this week's beauty buys come courtesy of my memory because i don't use them anymore. i really don't know why either...i suppose i should...they are really great products!

so, on with the show....


Maybelline Pure.Makeup Shine-Free Foundation with H2O is a product i used when it first came out- a couple of years ago- and i loved it. it felt like nothing i had ever used before, and didn't cause my skin to breakout! the coverage is buildable, and it really helped my skin to stay looking fresh all day.


Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Weekly Intense Conditioning Treatment is a perfect way to deep condition your hair every week. this before shampoo treatment is something i grew up with in a sense. my mom used it, and then, as a teen, i too began to use it. i always loved the way my hair looked and felt after i was done styling...fabulous product!



Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner is the perfect product if you're tired of your skin being super dried-out after using a toner. i loved the fresh feeling it always left, and i never had the tightness or stinging that traditional toners gave. another plus as well is that because this never left me overly dry, my skin never tried to over-compensate for the lost oils- my skin looked fab!


wow...i think i need to get to the drugstore and pick these items up...i just realized how much i miss them!

have a beautiful weekend!

xo

Get Vanessa Hudgen's Glowing Look

summer may be over, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your bronzed look. chances are you still have a tan (real or fake), so your makeup should compliment it accordingly.

makeup artist Brett Freeman created a fabulous look for Vanessa Hudgens for her appearance at Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood Party last month, and the makeup was flawless. as you can see, he kept the High School Musical star's look fabulously radiant.

"Vanessa was still bronzed from touring in mexico, so we wanted to play up her glow with make-up and hair that would suit her luminous skin,” said Freedman.

foundation: Neutrogena Visibly Even liquid makeup in True Beige blended to even her skin tone

bronzer: Stila Sun in shade 2 used to set the foundation

blush: to warm up her cheeks, Freedman lightly blended Rosie Jane Cheek Gloss in Peony and swept Benefit 10 all over as a highlighter.

eyeshadow: M.A.C. Spiced Chocolate Eye Shadow X4 was swept all over her lid to create a pale, matte eye.

eye liner: Freedman lined her lashes with Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner in Love Metal after applying eye shadow.

brows: “i cleaned up her brows with Vanitymark Ultra-Brow Dual Sided Tweezer, then added a bit of drama and definition with Vanitymark Ultra-Brow Powder in Milk Choco,” said Freedman.
mascara: the makeup artist coated her lashes four times with Vanitymark the LASH Mascara

lips: Benefit Her Glossiness in Who Are You Wearing

highlights/countour: after applying all the make-up, Freedman misted Vanitymark SHIMMERSKIN Body Glisten “on her arms, chest and back to really amp up her natural glow.”

you can easily mimic this look with most of these products, regardless of your skintone. for the other products, like blush and foundation, be sure to choose what suits you.

xo
photo: Jason Merritt/FilmMagic via instyle.com

More Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit products!

remember i mentioned that Neutrogena had introduced a new Pink Grapefruit Acne Wash?

well, it turns out there is also an Oil-Free Acne Scrub and Body Clear Body Wash to "match"! i had to run out and get them! hello? i love citrus!



developed to treat breakouts on your back, shoulders and chest without over-drying, Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash Pink Grapefruit, gives your skin the acne-fighting ingredients you need with a shot of vitamin c and grapefruit...so delightful! it leaves skin soft, and there is a hint of grapefruit left on my skin...





Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Foaming Scrub, Pink Grapefruit contains microbeads to slough away rough spots, while still treating your acne, without over-drying. i like that i can use this as a 2-in-1 step once a wekk when i wash my face.











all of the new Pink Grapefruit products can be found in a drugstore near you.



xo

photos: drugstore.com

new: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit

Neutrogena has just released the new Oil free Acne Wash with Pink Grapefruit!

i don't have enough words to describe how happy i am to hear that they have created a new version of their powerful Oil-Free Acne Wash!

made with the same micro-clear technology as the original, it now features 100% naturally derived pink grapefruit extract! this cleanser is sure to lift your mood and awaken your senses!

i love the smell of any citrus, but pink grapefruit is by far my favorite.

and look at the pretty pink gel! sorry, had to point it out...


xo

photo: drugstore.com

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 7.25.08

friday, friday...aren't you glad it's friday?

Dove Cream Oil Body Wash is a fabulous way to moisturize your skin. i picked this up last week, and after i used it, i actually forgot to put on lotion because it left my skin feeling so soft!

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Cracked Heel Treatment is the best formula i have ever used for my dry feet! plus, it has no strong odor, which is always a good thing to me.

Revlon Custom Creations Spf 15 gives you two shades of foundation that can be blended to your perfect shade. just adjust the dial to the number that is the closest match to your skin, and if it is too light or dark, just adjust. it's fabulous!


this week, i didn't choose a reader, rather i asked my daughter to contribute her thoughts on her favorite beauty items (keep in mind she's eight). here's what she chose:

Rolly Lip Smackers in Strawberry and Cotton Candy "smell and taste really good and make my lips look pretty."

CoverGirl Boundless Color nail polish "is fun to wear, and i like the sparkles!"

St. Ives Whipped Silk Intense Body Moisturizer "is what i have to use everyday because my skin gets really dry. it keeps my skin soft..."

isn't she sweet? a little beauty expert in the making...

i hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! can you believe it's the last one of july?


xo

help me win a spa expereince and featured review!

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 7.18.08

it's friday, so you know what that means, right? time for more fabulous drugstore beauty finds!

this week i am throwing in some bonus items that were sent in by a fabulous reader/blogger, so enjoy!


Sonia Kashuk Powder Brush is so soft and works beautifully to apply any loose or pressed powder. the quality is fabulous, and the price is low!

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Soft Plum gives a soft beautiful color to my cheeks that is buildable and lovely. i believe this would work on many different skin tones.

Covergirl Wetslick Fruit Spritzer in Guava Splash is my favorite, not too sticky lipgloss. this sheer color smells great and looks fabulous!


now for a reader's favorites...

Jen, who also writes the blog, Bare Budget Beauty, is loving Wet N Wild Ultimate Expressions Eye Palettes, Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother & Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy, as well as Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment.

these all sound like fabulous products, i can't wait to try them out myself. thanks Jen!

i love hearing from you, so send me an email at beautygirlmusings@gmail.com. i would love to feature you next!

don't forget to enter the giveaway!

xo

p.s-- there are only two weeks left before the end of the spas of america contest! please continue to click on the icon at the bottom of each post, and help me be one of three winners! thank you so much!

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 7.11.08

i think drugstore products are better than ever these days, don't you? there really is a plethora of goodies to be discovered and used!

this week, i share a few more of my favs:




Caress Tahitian Renewal Body Wash is like a like a spa experience at home (i'm hoping to have one at a real spa)! this contains pomegranate seeds and tahitian palm milk to gently exfoliate and luxuriously moisturize your skin while enveloping the shower with it's amazing, tropical smell...aahhh...

Boots No. 7 Blush Tint Cream Rosebud is a fabulous, creamy blush that gives me a natural flush. i usually use this under another color since my skin is oily, but it helps the powder blush to have something to hold onto. if i wear it alone, i apply it more heavily and set it with translucent powder.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask gives my tired strands a fierce dose of moisture with olive oil, meadowfoam seed and sweet almond. it is a really effective treatment, and perfect for my over-stressed hair.


let's have some fun! send me your favorite drugstore beauty products. each week i'll feature a new reader favorite...it will be fun discovering new products with you! send me an email: beautygirlmusings@gmail.com


xo

protection for your skin: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock

we all need sun protection. no matter what time of year, it is so important to wear sunscreen everyday.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock makes application simple and quick. even my kids don't mind putting it on (even though it is a bit cold when i spray it on). of course, being outside and swimming is a favorite thing for them to do, so they know mommy won't let them go out without sunscreen.

stabilized with Helioplex, this sunblock provides balanced, broad-spectrum protection against skin aging (uva) and burning (uvb) rays in an light, non-greasy formula. it sprays continuously, and applies well at any angle to get to hard-to-reach places.

available in spf 30, 45 and 70 (which is what i we use), this is also waterproof, sweatproof and non-comedegenic.

xo

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photo: neutrogena.com

my favorite drugstore beauty buys-- 6.13.08

happy friday!

this week, i am sharing with you a fabulous eye cream, long wearing eyeshadow and a shine spray that never disappoints...



Neutrogena Visibly Firm Eye Cream has to be one of the best eye creams i have ever used. it keeps the delicate eye area moisturized, and best of all, works great at combating puffiness. anytime i have morning eye puff, i reach for this, and almost instantly, it is gone.









Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eyeshadow is a fabulous way to get a quad of colors that work well together, and are long lasting. i have 7 of these and i find myself using them often. the combo pictured at left is called Berry Bloom (i am wearing it in my photo down on the right).










TRESemme No Frizz Ultra Light Shine Spray is a shine spray i bought for the first time about a year ago on the recommendation of my hubby because "it's a spray". i had previously been using a gel-style shine serum, and this was next to it. needless to say, i am now a fan of the spray.






hope you have a fabulous weekend!


xo

photos: drugstore.com

my favorite drugstore beauty buys

i'm adding a new feature! my favorite drugstore beauty buys will cover...well, my favorite drugstore beauty buys!

i am fortunate enough to be able to try, and continue to use, some of the best higher priced products on the market, but you know what? i still use alot of products that can be found at the local drugstore. so, i've decided to share three every week with you.

so to start my first week:



Olay Complete All Day UV Defense Moisture Lotion-- i use the combination/oily formula, but it is also available in a normal, and a sensitive skin variety. it's oil-free and formulated with vitamins c & e to keep skin looking great. i love using a moisturizer with an spf (15), because some mornings there just isn't enough time to do every step separately. for those mornings, i throw this on my face (not literally, of course, but you know what i mean), add foundation, blush, mascara, and i'm out the door (lipgloss goes on in the car) .

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream-- i use this product everyday to keep it my hair soft and conditioned. because i have very thick, dryer hair, it is never a bad thing for me to add extra moisture between washings (when i always deep condition my hair). i use it at night before bed, and it is wonderful. it doesn't leave a heavy residue on my hair like a typical, needs-to-be-washed-out-in-the-morning leave-in conditioner does. i also love to use it as a quick fly-away taming product during the day.


Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser-- it seems the older i get the more disciplined i need to be with my skin. i'm in my 20's (late), it wants to act out like i'm a teenager (ironically, i had practically no acne then). this cleanser keeps my skin in check. i don't always use it, but when i can feel the congestion in my face, and i want to cut it off quick, i reach for this salicylic acid wash-- infused with purifying eucalyptus and soothing lavender-- and the skin whips back into shape.


do you have any favorite drugstore products? share them in the comments!


have a fabulous weekend!

xo

photos courtesy of drugstore.com

timesaver: neutrogena make-up remover towelettes

i am what some would call a "night person". i get most of my energy from 5pm on until i go to bed. i shoot for 9 but it's always somewhere between 10 and 11.

on the nights that i have pushed myself through a 18+ hour day (i wake up at 5:30am), the last thing i really want to do is go through my entire makeup removal routine. i just want to be in bed sleeping. as skin savvy as i am, i know better. so, i turn to a dear friend that helps me speed through the night's ritual.

neutrogena make-up removing towelettes are a genius product that not only removes makeup, but eye makeup, dirt and oil, without leaving a residue or over-drying the skin. i love that! it's convenient, quick, and gives me piece of mind that my skin is clean when i go to bed. now, if only i could get there by 9....