budget beauty: Olay Fresh Effects {S'Wipe Out!} Refreshing Makeup Removal Cloths

when you want to quickly take off your makeup {because it's late or you're seriously tired}, and know how bad it would be to sleep in it, i'd like to suggest you consider the Olay Fresh Effects {S'Wipe Out!} Refreshing Makeup Removal Cloths ~ they've been quite fabulous for me to use in the past few weeks... 

these special pre-moistened cloths help to lift away dirt and makeup and are effective even when it comes to removing tough-to-remove waterproof mascara; infused with Olay's signature moisture and vitamin E complex, i think these wipes do a good job removing most of my makeup. i say most because these don't leave my skin completely clean. i think this has to do with the fact that i typically wear a full face of makeup and my foundation is a long-wearing formula. so...there isn't really a cleansing cloth that is absolutely a one-step cleanser for me.

the way i like to use these wipes is as a "first cleanse" ~ removing my eye makeup and all other products that i've had on my face that day. one cloth aids in taking off  a lot of my makeup, but like i said, it doesn't take it all off. it does help in leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth, though ~ no dryness or tight feeling in the slightest. i love the smell, and of  course, the convenience of it is splendid.

compared to other wipes i currently use and have tried in the past {Neutrogena Makeup Removal Cleansing Towelettes are my favorite from the drugstore; i wrote about them here, way back when…maybe time for an update??!}, these rank very high on my list of makeup removers.

i recommend you try these Olay S'Wipe Out! makeup removal cloths for yourself! they can be found at your local drug and mass retail stores. visit olay.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; i was not paid for this post and all opinions are my own; pic taken by me :)

wallet-friendly last minute holiday gift ideas...

we're in the final shopping days before the christmas holiday and you may {still} be in need of gift ideas. the following products are not only affordable, but are easily accessible, so you can get them now...seriously.

take a look….

 Limited-Edition Pro-X by Olay Red Advanced Cleansing System

this lightweight, handheld device features a two-speed rotating brush that delivers daily deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation. the kit also includes Pro-X by Olay Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser {a fragrance-free, lathering micro bead formula}, designed to purify and renew your skin's texture for refreshed, smooth skin, and one replaceable brush head attachment. mass and drugstores nationwide.

be Delectable from Cake Beauty 4-pc. Assorted Hand Cream Gift Set
indulge hard-working hands with a well-deserved treat. packed full of goodness, these be Delectable hand creams are enriched with shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera to smooth and rejuvenate hands. 4-piece set includes: 2.0-oz. coconut & cream, 2.0-oz. vanilla & cream, 2.0-oz. strawberry & cream & 2.0-oz. lemon & cream hand creams. available at Kohl's 

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition "Lavish Luxe" 10 pc Brush Set
this beautiful set not only features high-quality tools to create most any makeup look, but they're simply beautiful! i've been using and am a huge fan of SK's brushes {and makeup…and nail polish…and travel bags}, so i can say with confidence that this is a fantastic gift! includes domed powder brush, pointed foundation brush, fan brush, pointed blending brush, small eye shadow brush, angled crease brush, concealer brush, brow brush, synthetic pointed eye liner brush and lash/brow groomer. available at Target

e.l.f. Everyday Nail Cube
for the nail polish lover in your life, this set features 14 nail polish colors in rich jewel tones, brights, neutrals and glitter top coats perfect to create trendy manicures! and for $10, your wallet will also be thankful. available at Target.

Bath and Body Works Signature Collection and Candles
you can't go wrong giving someone a B&BW gift! from moisturizing body washes to ultra-conditioning butters, there are so many scents available, you're sure to make your giftee quite happy. and if you're not sure if they'll like the bath products, candles are quite likely to be just as well received. 

check your local Bath & Body Works store for extended holiday hours and order online by monday december 23rd to receive your gifts in time for christmas! 



if you know his or her favorite scent, check your local drugstore {CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid}. believe it or not, many popular luxury fragrances are sold there. you may also discover they have some great beauty sets!

other sure-to-please gifts: scarves, bracelets and vases. these seem to always be well received and are can be purchased last minute. in addition to Target and Kohl's, i recommend TJ Maxx {always fabulous!}, and of course shop your local boutiques for even more unique finds…

happy shopping!!

beauty in a budget: Olay Total Effects Cream Cleanser + Blemish Control

keeping blemishes at bay as i get older isn't always easy since many different things can trigger a blemish to appear. i also have to keep in mind that my skin isn't the same as it was even a year ago, so i have to look for products that cater to that reality as well.

ugh...

Olay, thankfully, makes keeping my skin looking radiant and clear a bit easier with their fabulous Total Effects Cream Cleanser + Blemish Control cleanser. i discovered and bought my first tube a few months ago and can't get enough.

this cleanser contains micro-beads, providing skin with gentle exfoliation (perfect to use daily) and salicylic acid to treat (and prevent) acne. i love that it's cream-based (typical foaming formulas can over-dry even the oiliest skin), and the anti-aging benefits-- exfoliation, enhanced tone, added moisture, pore and skin texture refinement, and minimization of fine lines-- are the added bonus in my beauty book.

if you're looking for an anti-aging cleanser that will also keep you skin clear, i recommend you try this one! find it at your local drug and mass retailers. visit olay.com for more info.

xo
pic taken by me :)

Carrie Underwood Named Olay's First Celebrity Brand Ambassador

a first for the the brand, Olay skincare announced that they have chosen Carrie Underwood to be their celebrity brand ambassador. Carrie said at the press event, "i am very excited about this partnership." she added that she's been using "some product from Olay" for at least the past 10 years.

"Olay is something that women trust," said Carrie. "and i feel like people also have a connection with me and trust me because i can't lie." in regards to beauty care, she said, "it doesn't have to be complicated...you don't have to have 50 things in your medicine cabinet."

in addition to Carrie's appearance in print and television ads for Olay's "Challenge What's Possible" campaign (scheduled to debut later this year), Olay will also sponsor her Play On tour through the fall.


tell me: what do you think of Carrie partnering with Olay?

xo

Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer

Covergirl and Olay have outdone themselves by creating a fabulous product, the new Simply Ageless Serum Primer. it's an anti-aging serum. it's a primer. it's a brilliant light moisturizer that i simply can't get enough of.

i was first introduced to this beauty by Molly R. Stern at the CoverGirl Lounge event in los angeles back in may. she used it to prep Rashida Jones' skin for the gorgeous look she ultimately created. Molly herself, a makeup maven, admitted that she wasn't too thrilled with the idea of a primer-- she never used them before (good moisturization of the skin works just as well as a primer in most cases, fyi)-- but after using it, and seeing the results it gave, she became a fan.

i, on the other hand, was beyond thrilled to know that CG was stepping it up and adding this to their Simply Ageless line! i couldn't wait to try it myself.

i've been using it for a couple of months now, and i adore it!

it's made with Olay Regenerist ingredients, of course, so my skin doesn't just get prepped for foundation, but is also given an anti-aging treatment every time i use it (multi-tasker alert!). i love its delicate consistency and the way it quickly smooths over my skin without a hint of oil. it doesn't leave my skin matte, but rather looking fresh, pretty and lightly moisturized. i don't have any serious wrinkles, so i don't know how it would be in treating them, but i do know i like the way my skin has been looking since using this.

hope you'll give it a try! look for it soon in your local drugstore.

xo
product featured given to me by representatives of the CoverGirl brand at an event mention in this post.

Pat McGrath's Beauty Must-Haves

Pat McGrath-- the amazing makeup artist, who literally creates makeup trends each season and serves as global creative director for Procter & Gamble-- has a few items she loves, and of course, being the very giving person i am, i'm sharing with you. :)



to keep her eyes looking refreshed for her many hours of flying and traveling, Pat uses SKII Signs Eye Mask: "i carry these to pop on during long-haul flights. they plump the skin around the eye and get rid of dark circles and simply feel refreshing when in the drying environment of the plane."

to pamper lips and give them a healthy look Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm is what Pat reaches for: "this lip balm appears to be colorless, but when applied gives the lips a healthy color and slight sheen. it works on all skin tones."



Emergen-C Packets are what Pat uses "to keep colds at bay. they also provide a nice natural source of energy."

for a luminous glow Pat can't get enough of CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer: "i brush this onto my cheeks and brow bone to warm up my complexion. the formulation has a subtle highlighting sheen which will give the face a radiant look."


to read the full list, visit NY Mag's fashion blog, The Cut


xo
source: The Cut

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

review: Olay Pro X Protocol Starter Kit

the Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol by Olay is an introduction kit to the three-part daily program. if you buy the products separately, they come in slightly larger sizes. all of the products have been designed and professionally tested to resignal skin to perform more like it did when it was younger.

when i was given these products to try i have to say, i was very excited to use them. i had seen the ads online, heard all the buzz around the beauty community, and read good things in my beauty mags. the kit itself comes with the following items:

Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30
Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream
Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex

so what did i think?

i liked the texture of the Eye Restoration Complex; it seemed to absorb quickly into my skin and left my under eye area smooth. unfortunately, it started to cause a burning sensation around my eyes after about three days (not fun).

the Wrinkle Smoothing Cream was too heavy and greasy for me-- i have oily skin-- so after a week, i had to stop using it. i'm not a fan of waking up looking like a grease ball.

the Age Repair Lotion i didn't have a problem with, and it worked well under my makeup. i did stop using it after about a week, though. i think because i wasn't happy with the other products, i felt i needed to give them to someone who may have a different result-- my mom.

she took them, happily.




now, my mom has has oilier "mature skin", but she didn't get any of the reactions or have the complaints that i did. after using it for a few weeks, she is enjoying the products, her skin looks healthy and vibrant, and she really likes that she doesn't have to hunt these down in a specialty store, plastic surgeon's office, or get a prescription. her gripe, though, is the cost. being that it is a drugstore product, "you'd think they'd charge less for them," she said. so would she buy this kit again...?

yes. and trust me when i say that my mom is not the easiest woman to please when it comes to her skincare!

you can find the Olay Pro X Protocol Starter kit, as well as the rest of the Pro X line at a drugstore near you and online at drugstore.com

xo

My Favorite Drugstore Beauty Buys 3.20.09

it's the first day of spring! the weather here in socal is warming up, and while some of my friends are ecstatic, i can't help but wish the cool weather would stick around forever-- ha! you could say me and extreme heat are not friends. my kids love it of course, because that means we can go swimming-- always a good thing. :)

this week's beauty buys are fun little goodies that i sometimes use to create a pampering mini spa day at home. take a look...



Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque is a mask with kaolin and zinc oxide to absorb oil and impurities, and the sulfur is great for clearing up and keeping breakouts under control. i like to use this about once a week in the winter because it can be a little too drying, but when the weather begins to warm up and my skin starts to freak out because of the weather change, i use it twice a week.


de-luxe BAIN Instant Manicure & Body Polish works fabulously as a shower scrub, leaving skin feeling amazingly soft and moisturized, and is great as a quick manicure treatment. there are more expensive products like this, but this one works just as good, and the price actually makes it better!



Olay Body Thermal Pedicure Foot Treatment gives my little tootsies a warm treat and helps extend the time between my pedicures (love that!). white sand, pumice, and micro-crystals smooth away dead skin, and moisturizers like shea butter leave them soft and looking great.


have a great weeekend!

xo

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 2.27.09

well, this has been a crazy week for me. remember on monday when i told you about my son being sick over the weekend? yeah, well, that little cold turned into the flu, and he's been home all week. my poor little guy slept a lot, felt and looked miserable. thankfully he's feeling better, but is still not 100%**. i also sent my 8 year old daughter off to her first winter camp, which was exciting for her-- she practically jumped out of the car, lol-- but a little bittersweet for me...

well, that's life, right? but on to some fun stuff-- this weeks drugstore beauty buys-- yay!



Olay Age Defying Intensive Nourishing Night Cream is a product i thought i'd already shared with you, but i haven't, and i can't believe it! this night cream is great because it's oil-free and contains soothing chamomile plus a beta hydroxy complex (fabulous) to keep skin looking great. my skin loves this-- it smells wonderful, feels like silk and never irritates or causes breakouts.




L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara is a mascara i had for a long time in the package and didn't start using until i found it in a box full of other products i needed to use (oops). well, i fell in love with this one, as it delivers full, rich, black lashes but without any icky stiffness. it's never clumped on me, smudged or flaked. i wear it almost everyday, and when it runs out you can bet i'll be re-buying this!



John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum is a fabulous serum to use if you have any problem combating frizz. i like to put a few pumps of this in my hands after washing and towel drying my hair. i then let my hair air dry and style it as usual. the result? smooth hair that is resistant to frizz, of course!


have a great weekend!

xo
**by the time you are reading this, hubby has also come down with the same flu :(

Olay Introduces Mascara + Make-up Remover

Olay Mascara + Make-up Remover is one of a few brand new products from Olay.

this one is to be used solely for what it's name implies: removing mascara and makeup. it did a decent job, too, even (mostly) removing water-proof mascara. once you have that and all of the makeup off your face from the day, you can let your regular cleanser go to work to really clean your skin.

one thing i didn't like was the oily feeling left on my face after rinsing. but because it's a pre-cleansing product, and i could just follow it with my regular cleanser, i think this is an ok product. we'll have to wait and see if this one will be sticking around for the long-term...



find Olay Mascara + Make-up Remover at a drugstore near you and online at drugstore.com


xo
photo: drugstore.com

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

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