Back to School: The Beauty Aisle Drugstore Picks

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Back to School shopping can be very expensive, and for those going off, or returning, to college these expenses can become rather daunting. Between the continual tuition hikes, the stratospheric cost of books, the mandatory health insurance (at least at my university), the exorbitant rents, and the high cost of food– most students have very little discretionary income left to buy incidentals.

Given that I teach at a big university, I spend a lot of time with undergraduate and graduate students, and many of them tell me about their living conditions in the dorms, sorority houses, and in off-campus housing. Trust me when I tell you, that I am continually shocked by some of the goings on that they have to deal with while trying to get an undergraduate or advanced degree. They often live 6 or more deep in a 3 bedroom apartment sharing a single bathroom in order to be able to afford the high cost of housing. Given that so many have communal bathrooms and tight quarters, there is a natural tendency to end up sharing some beauty products (whether willingly or unwillingly). Therefore, in addition to selecting affordable makeup and body care products, I also sought out a few affordable, and larger sized, grooming products that could be left in the bathroom and shared amongst the roommates.

With Fall Semester less than a month away, and Fall Quarter less than two months away, many college and university students are already beginning to shop for the new academic year. Here are a few drugstore picks to start out the new school year without breaking the budget.

SOHO Disney Makeup Bags ($7.99-$11.99 at Walgreens): LONDON SOHO NEW YORK makes all sorts of super cute and affordable makeup bags, makeup brushes and makeup sponges that are embellished with Disney favorites. These are great for storing your makeup and other things that you don't want to leave in the bathroom, or share for sanitary reasons. They can easily be stowed in your room and will keep all of your daily go-to items at your fingertips.

This summer, LONDON SOHO NEW YORK® teamed up with Walgreens to offer another dreamy Disney collection of cosmetic bags – this time featuring Ariel, Mulan and Pocahontas. Available exclusively at Walgreens, the Dare to Dream collection contains six new cosmetic bags that will keep you styled like a Disney Princess on your next adventure!

This imaginative line including a weekender, organizer, clutch and round top purse kit is inspired by the ambitious spirits of these inspiring leading ladies. Known for durable, long-lasting and on-trend cosmetic bags, this latest collection blends these courageous characters and functional design to dare you to dream like a Disney Princess.

SOHO Disney Belle Enchanted  Eyes 3 Piece Brush Set ($12.99 at Walgreens): This three piece brush set is all you really need to apply your daily eye makeup. The brushes are good quality, easy to use, highly effective, and they don't shed.

Belle Enchanted Eyes Brush Set includes:

• Medium Fluff Brush – Short round shape creates depth and detail.
• Large Fluff Brush – Soft, fluffy bristles allow shadow to glide across eyelids with ease.
• Flat Angled Liner Brush – Angled shape creates flawless lines and can be used with powder, gel or cream liner.

Material: Nylon bristles

SOHO Spellbound Beauty Sponge ($9.99 at Walgreens): Its unique shape works well with both liquid and cream foundations. The pointed end is perfectly suited for small spaces like the inner corner of eyes and nose, and the wide base is intended for all-over blending.

Material: Non-latex sponge

NYC New York Color HD Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner (Reviewed here. $2.00 each from Target, Walmart and CVS): These beautifully pigmented eyeliners are creamy and tug free, but once they set they are long-lasting and budge-proof. They are gorgeous and affordable, and well worth having.

HD Automatic Eyeliner makes your dream eye look easy and speedy. This skinny pencil just twists up to reveal a perfect point that makes applying color a breeze. At the other end is a brilliant pro-style blending tool for customising your look.

Top to Bottom: Turquoise, Navy Blue, Black and Dark Brown

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Single in Nutty ($0.99 from Drugstore.com and Walgreens): This is such a pretty golden taupe, and it has a lovely creamy texture that effortlessly glides across the lids and it deposits color evenly. For this price you can buy one for your roommate so that she doesn't use yours!

High-pigmentation and pearl-density create a unique, satiny texture that lasts and lasts. A versatile collection of classic and trend shades can be easily worn alone or playfully combined for a variety of looks.

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Talc, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Magnesium Stearate, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glycerin, Boron Nitride, Polyethylene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

COVERGIRL Intensify Me! Liquid Liner (Reviewed here. $8.99 from ULTA and Drugstore.com): This is one of my favorite liquid liners these days because the uniquely shaped paddle allows for the finest lines when turned on end, and because the flat side effortlessly achieves a bold and thick cat eye.

Get the control of a pencil with the intensity of a liquid eyeliner for beautifully defined eyes every time with CoverGirl's Intensify Me! Liquid Liner. Their paddle-shaped tip gives you two looks in one - thick and dramatic or thin and elegant. The intense black formula glides on smoothly and dries quickly for instant drama.

Ingredients: Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Styrene / Acrylates / Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, CI 77266 (Nano).

COVERGIRL The Super Sizer Mascara (Reviewed here. $7.49 from ULTA and Drugstore.com): This new COVERGIRL mascara lengthen and thickens lashes, and it is gentle enough not to bother even sensitive eyes like mine.

The CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara gives you 400% more volume for fuller lashes. Opthalmologically tested, suitable for those who wear contacts.

Ingredients: Petroleum Distillates, Polyethylene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Trihydroxystearin, Propylene Carbonate, Tall Oil Acid, Pentaerythrityl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, May Contain: Iron Oxides.

Note the difference in thickness between the flat side and the thin edge.

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Foundation with Comfort Serum ($6.99-$7.99 for 1 oz. from Target, ULTA, Walgreens and Drugstore.com): This is my new favorite drugstore foundation because it offers light to medium coverage with a very natural finish. My skin looks and feels hydrated, smooth and glowing. Rimmel claims that it is "party-proof, transfer-proof and leaves you with flawless looking skin around the clock" and lasts 24 hours, and I agree with all of these claims, except that I can't verify the 24 hour wear-time because of my unwillingness to sleep in my makeup.

Lasting Finish 25 Hour Full Coverage, our first long wear foundation with comfort serum for feel good, flawless skin that stays put morning to night. Stay-true makeup applies smoothly and evenly, concealing dark circles and imperfections. Leaves skin looking flawless all day long. Transfer resistant for up to 25 hours. New skin-friendly comfort serum for instant hydration, lightweight and extra comfortable wear all day. Vitamin E helps provide additional skin barrier from free radicals.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Talc, Cetyl Peg/Ppg 10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer, Bis-Peg/Ppg-14/14 Dimethicone, Polymethylmethacrylate, Tribehenin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Laureth-7, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Trihydroxystearin,Chlorphenesin, Dimethiconol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Parfum/Fragrance, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Disodium Deceth-5 Sulfosuccinate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium Edta, Laureth-30, Sodium Pca, Urea, Laureth-4, Hexyl Cinnamal, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Limonene, Trehalose, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzylsalicylate, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Linalool, Geraniol, Bht, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Caprylyl Glycol, Triacetin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate. May Contain: Iron Oxides (Ci 77491,Ci 77492, Ci 77499).

Rimmel Keep Calm Lip Balms (Reviewed here. $2.50 for 0.13 oz. from Amazon and Walmart): These are fun, whimsical and very moisturizing lip balms that leave lips soft and supple. Of the three shades that I have, only Keep Calm and Party offers any real color payoff. They offer sheer washes of color, and therefore no mirror is needed for application.

According to Rimmel London, their Keep Balm Lip Balms are moisturizing with a "touch of fun and flirty colors."

Claims:
•  Enriched formula with moisturizing oils that calm, soften and protect lips for hours
•  Instantly increases lip moisture by 22%*
(*Clinical study: Percent change from untreated bare lips)

They come in five shades: Keep Calm and Shop (Clear), Keep Calm and Kiss (Pink Blush), Keep Calm and Rock (Berry Blush), Keep Calm and Play (Rose Blush) and Keep Calm and Party (Violet Blush). Of the five shades, I have Keep Calm and Shop (Clear), Keep Calm and Play (Rose Blush) and Keep Calm and Party (Violet Blush).

Keep Calm and Shop is a peachy nude shade in the tube, but it actually appears quite clear when it is applied to the lips.

Keep Calm and Play (Rose Blush) appears to be an orate coral shade in the tube, and it is a very sheer pinky coral on me

Keep Calm and Party (Violet Blush) is a purple-kissed berry with more pigmentation and color pay off than the other two shades.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color ($4.99 each from ULTA, Amazon, Walgreens and Target) Left to Right: Leapin' Lilac (380), Plummet (422) and Cherry Fast (421). I am completely obsessed with these gorgeous polishes. One coat for full opaque coverage in gorgeous colors, and for less than $5.00 each! I have worn them for over a week on my fingers and toes without any chipping, so it is safe to say that they are definitely well worth having.

Leapin' Lilac is a gorgeous lavender

Plummet is a deep and rich royal purple

Cherry Fast is bright mid-tone blue-based pink 

Nail color covers in just one coat, brilliantly. The Perfectionist Brush contours to any nail, so color always glides on precisely, quickly, flawlessly. And, the exclusive Flexiglass Complex combines beautiful, brilliant shine and super-strong wear. So simple, so Sally.

Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Triphenyl Phosphate, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Benzophenone-1, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake (CI 19140), FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake (CI 42090), D&C Red No. 6 Barium Lake (CI 15850), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake (CI 15850), D&C Red No. 34 Calcium Lake (CI 15880), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), D&C Yellow No. 11 (CI 47000), D&C Black No. 2 (CI 77266).

BIC Simply Soleil Click Razor ($7.00 from ULTA and Amazon): The BIC Simply Soleil Click Razor offers a very close shave, and the soothing cocoa butter moisture strip leaves legs silky smooth and hydrated! This is a wonderful razor at a very affordable price.

BIC is announcing the launch of the newest addition to its Soleil® line of women’s razors, BIC® Simply Soleil Click™. The product is BIC’s newest razor for women, offering a disposable handle and six 3-blade cartridges.

The functionality of Simply Soleil Click gives women a simplified shaving experience, offering the convenience of replaceable cartridges at the value of a disposable razor. 

Each Simply Soleil Click cartridge features a soothing moisture strip that is 2.5 times larger than the average BIC razor moisture strip, which pampers skin and leaves legs silky after each shave.

BIC Simply Soleil Click offers:

• One (1) new, brightly-colored disposable handle and six disposable cartridges in each package (refills not sold separately)
• Three (3) blades for a flawlessly smooth shave
• A soothing moisture strip with cocoa butter

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Collection: If you have dry, color treated, or curly hair, then this is a great collection to try. The shampoo is non-stripping and gentle on even the driest hair. The conditioner is deeply nourishing and hydrating, and it leaves hair soft, silky and shiny. The penetrating oil combats frizz swiftly and efficiently, and it smells delicious!

Bursting with healing, nutrient-rich ingredients, OGX introduces its new Healing + Vitamin E collection, developed to repair damaged hair and restore vitality. Known for its healing and reparative properties, Vitamin E smoothes the surface of the hair, combating frizz and mending split-ends, while reducing the risk of future breakage. Penetrating deep into each strand, it hydrates the hair, increasing its strength and elasticity. Highly nourishing, it also helps to reverse damage caused by heat tools and daily styling.

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo is non-stripping and SLS-free, and leaves my hair feeling hydrated.

Give your hair its daily dose of vitamins with this nutrient-packed shampoo. Its moisturizing formula blend penetrates strands to help increase strength and elasticity, while healing Vitamin E smooths from root to tip.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PPG­2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium­10, PEG­6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG­150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Trideceth­12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Conditioner leaves my hair hydrated, manageable, detangled and frizz-free. I can even get a comb through my curly hair after using this conditioner!

Lower your risk for breakage and dullness with this conditioner that will leave your locks looking smooth and healthy.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Glycol Distearate, Glycol Stearate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Ceteareth­20, Propylene Glycol, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Penetrating Oil is an effective anti-frizz hair tamer that leaves my tresses soft, shiny, manageable and moisturized.

This concentrated infusion of Vitamin E helps heal brittle, damaged hair with just a few drops.
Evenly distribute one drop to give hair nourishment and to prevent breakage

Ingredients: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12­15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Fragrance (Parfum), Red 17 (CI 26100), Yellow 11 (CI 47000).

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo $7.99 for 13 oz. from  Drugstore.com, Target, Ulta and Walgreens.

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Conditioner $7.99 for 13 oz. from Drugstore.com, Target, Ulta and Walgreens.

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Penetrating Oil $7.99 from Drugstore.com, Ulta and Walgreens (Affiliate Links).

Bodycology Moroccan Sunset Moisturizing Body Wash ($3.99 for 16 oz. from Target): This is a non-stripping moisturizing cleanser that leaves the skin soft and thoroughly cleansed. It has a warm fruity floral scent that makes the whole bathroom smell great.

The sensual fragrance of sweet passionfruit and blooming hibiscus flowers leave you feeling exotic and inspired. Our ultra moisturizing body wash is formulated with Shea Butter & Vitamin E to keep skin feeling hydrated and irresistably smooth.

Piper's Perfumery Fragrance Mists ($4.48 for 8.3 oz. from Walmart): Available in a wide variety of fruity and floral scents, these light body fragrances are affordable and large enough to share with your housemates.

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer in Aloe Soothe ($5.84-$8.40 for 6.5 oz. from Drugstore.com, Amazon, Walgreens and Target): I have to confess that I am rather obsessed with this moisturizer, in part because it has a delectable fresh green scent that is very refreshing. It is a fast absorbing and ultra moisturizing lotion that sprays out as a foam, and it leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. It is actually quite concentrated– so be mindful that a little goes a long way.

Features:

• Moisturizes and absorbs in seconds to help heal dry skin
• Dispenses evenly with one all-over spray
• Instantly leaves skin soft, not greasy or sticky
• Contains micro-droplets of Vaseline® Jelly
• Best for dry skin

Ingredients: Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Sorbitan, isostearate, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Avena Sativa (oat) Straw Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Disostearate, Tapioca Starch, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium Acryloydimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Dihydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium Edta, Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid.

LA LOOKS Mega Mega Hold ($2.69-$2.99 from Walgreens, Drugstore.com and Amazon): If you are looking for a strong holding gel that won't flake or leave your hair feeling hard and unnatural, then this is a good bet at a great price. It feels lightweight and non-sticky, but keeps hair right where you want it.

Get a grip!... on ultimate hold and control with L.A. Looks mega mega hold gel.  It lets you shape, spike, mold or slick your hard-to-hold hair into the style that will get you noticed.  Made with TriActive Hold ingredients for absolute fixation, absolute resistance and absolute durability that will last all day long.  This is one gel that won't flake-out on you, and it is alcohol free, lightweight and non-sticky for a smooth finish. Safe for color treated hair.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau (Water), PVP, Sorbitol, Carbomer, Keratin Amino Acid, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Oleth 20, Amino Methyl Propanol, Rahnella Soy Protein Ferment, PEG 8, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzophenone 4, Methylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool, Hexylcinnamal, FD&C Yellow 5 Aluminum Lake (Yellow 5), CI 15510 (Orange 4)

LA LOOKS Volumizing Mousse (Walgreens, Amazon): This mousse offers flexible hold without leaving hair greasy or weighed down. Hair remains soft and touchable without looking or feeling as though it is loaded with styling products.

Want to turn up the volume on your locks, but don’t want that crunchy feeling? LA Looks volumizing Mousse bodifies hair with lightweight hold and shine that doesn’t weight your hair down. Amp up your locks with soft and touchable finish that lasts all day.

LA LOOKS Define & Shine ($2.69- from Walgreens and Drugstore.com): This styling gel boasts a humidity-resistant formula the offers frizz control while it smooths the tresses and leaves behind a lovely shine. This is a great gel for curly hair and hair prone to frizz.

Love the shine of a serum but need the hold of a gel? This advanced formula coats and seals the hair cuticle to tame frizz while offering humidity-resistant resins that help smooth hair and Micro-Crystalline shine enhancers to deliver a luminous shine.

Overall Assessment: Great products at affordable prices are imperative for most college students, and these are but a few that will let you do some pampering without breaking your budget.

What are your favorite drugstore budget-friendly finds?

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Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Back to School Drugstore Finds on a Budget For the Face, Hair & Body

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Back to School is a time that is both fraught with excitement and nervous energy. The accompanying dread that is a result of yet again facing the unknown of a new school year is often offset by the eagerly anticipated back-to-school shopping. The typical college student tends to live in a frugal manner, and has to find practical ways to indulge while not cutting into their hefty tuition, textbook and rental budget. After receiving several emails asking for a list of drugstore finds from avid readers, who just so happen to be college students on tight budgets, I came up with this list of generally easy to find drugstore products that will allow you to indulge without  blowing your budget. One of the issues that they repeatedly said that they face is the fact that they live with lots of roommates and share their bathrooms. Many of them asserted that they wanted large size products that were very affordable since they would invariably end up being shared with their friends and roommates. Therefore, I tried to select very affordable larger size products whenever possible. While it may seem rather obvious I am compelled to say that I would avoid sharing the eyeliners, lip balms, deodorants and in many cases the hair accessories for the obvious sanitary reasons.

Masks & Strips:

Freeman Facial Hydration Mask Goji Berry ($3.99 for 6 oz. Drugstore.com and Freeman): Soothe away skin stress with this nourishing gel/cream mask, fortified with soothing Chamomile and antioxidant Goji Berry. Replenish to rebalance skin's equilibrium for super smooth, super-hydrated skin that's in a state of bliss. Perfect for stressed, dehydrated skin.

Key Ingredients: Goji Berry Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract and Avocado Oil

Ingredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf juice, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric, Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyquaternium-11, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Benzyl Benzoate.

Freeman Facial Peel-Off Mask Cucumber ($3.99 for 6 oz. from Drugstore.com and Freeman): A super-cooling, skin-quenching mask that gently peels away impurities that can cause skin to be rough and dull. Contains Cucumber Extract and Aloe to soothe while moisturizing, ensuring skin feels soft and silky-smooth after every use. Perfect for normal to combination skin.

Key Ingredients: Cucumber Extract, Aloe Vera and Vitamin A.

Ingredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyvinyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40-B, Peg-8, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract , Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract , Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract , Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract , Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract , Nasturtium Officinale Extract , Aleurites Moluccana Extract, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Blue 1 (CI 42090).

Freeman Facial Revealing Peel-Off Mask Pomegranate ($3.99 for 6 oz. from Drugstore.com and Freeman): Immerse skin with super nutrients found only in nature! This Pomegranate-infused mask gently purges dirt and excess oils from skin for a cleaner, refined surface. An 8-antioxidant blend of Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry, Goji, Mango, Mangosteen, Noni, and Pomegranate guard against free radicals and environmental stress. Get gorgeous as you reveal fresher skin. Perfect for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Pomegranate, Vitamins A and E.
Antioxidant Blend: Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry, Goji, Mango, Mangosteen, Noni, Pomegranate

Ingredient: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Peg-8, SD Alcohol 40-B, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium PCA, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel/Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Linalool, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200).

All three of the Freeman Masks are fun to use, and they offer great results. Each of the big tubes are very affordable, and will last a while-- even if you share them with your roommates!

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (8 Strips for $6.89 from Drugstore.com): Deep cleansing nose strips instantly remove dirt, oil and blackheads for cleanser, smaller-looking pores. These are so much fun to use, and they offer a highly effective way to clear clogged pores on your nose.

Clogged pores... they may be a fact of life, but don't let them rule your life.  Biore deep cleansing pore strips are a weekly pore refining treatment for the nose area that instantly removes pore-clogging dirt, oil and blackheads.  Tests show that in just one use, Biore® deep cleansing pore strips are twice as effective as the leading pore cleanser at getting rid of build-up and blackheads for cleaner pores.  In fact, when used regularly.  Biore® deep cleansing pore strips actually diminish the appearance of your pores.  Bioré  nose strips have an innovative slit design for improved fit.  Do not use more often than once every three days. Dermatologist tested, Hypo-allergenic.

Ingredients: Polyquaternoim-37, Silica, Water, Glycerin, Polysilicone-13, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel), Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Methylparaben.

Body Sprays & Lotions:

Bodycology Naughty & Nice Sheer Innocence Sheer Musk & Peony Fragrance Mist ($4.99 for 8 oz. from Walgreens and Target): The fresh scent of citrus mingled with peony petals and vanilla creme delights your senses. 

Bodycology Naughty & Nice Sheer Innocence Sheer Musk & Peony Moisturizing Body Cream ($5.99 for 8 oz. from Walgreens and Target): The fresh scent of citrus mingled with peony petals and vanilla creme delights your senses. Feel the skin softening and moisturizing benefits of a rich butter complex containing Shea, Cocoa & Jojoba butters.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200), Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730), Green 3 (CI 42053).

Adidas Pure Lightness Body Spray (About $8.89 for 4 oz. on Amazon): Pure Lightness is described as "a luminous fresh floral fragrance revealing a graceful and balanced style." It's a fresh, clean and easy to wear fuss-free floral.  Stay fresh all day while on the move. Whether you want to feel energized or dreamy, happy or relaxed, invigorated or natural, adidas has the unique fragrance to capture their mood. Featuring three signature scents - the luminous, fresh Pure Lightness, the sweet, flirty Fruity Rhythm and the playful and bold Natural Vitality - feel healthy, fresh and beautiful all day.

Bodycology Instant Attraction Moisturizing Body Cream in Orchid and Pear ($4.99-$6.99 for 8 oz. from Drugstore.com): Feel the benefits of a rich butter complex containing Shea, Cocoa & Jojoba butters.

Bodycology Instant Attraction Fragrance Mist in Orchid and Pear ($4.99 for 8 oz. Walgreens and Target): Delight in the luxury experience of Bodycology Instant Attraction Fragrance Mist's sensuous fragrance. The Orchid and Pear combination is fun and easy to wear without being overdone. 

Deodorants:

Soft & Dri Aluminum Free Powder Fresh Deodorant ($2.29 from Drugstore.com): Soft & Dri Aluminum Free deodorant provides highly-effective all-day protection from odor only, with a gentle fragrance that gives you that confident feeling of clean. Made in Canada. This is a great deodorant alternative if you aren't a fan of natural deodorants, but also avoid the more commercial brands that contain aluminum.

• All Day Odor Protection
• Targets the Bacteria that Cause Odor
• Won't Stain Clothes

Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Stearate, PEG-6, Methyl Ether, Triclocarban, Red 33, Fragrance.

Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Beautiful Earth Deodorant ($4.99 for 2.25 oz. from Drugstore.com): 100% natural clinically tested 24 hour odor protection. Conditions and soothes the skin. Contains no Aluminum and no Parabens. Does not contain artificial or animal ingredients. If you are a fan of natural deodorants that contain fewer chemicals-- then Tom's of Maine offers a large selection of effective deodorants. They have a lovely selection of scented deodorants, but also have unscented versions.

Ingredients: Propanediol (100% Vegetable Derived), Water, Glycerin, Sodium Stearate, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice (Organic), Zinc Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Laurate, Natural Fragrance, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Humulus Lupulus (hops) Extract (C02), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower)

Styling Products:

These hair styling products are super-sized and affordable-- so you probably won't mind leaving them on the bathroom counter for your roommates to use. The serum will work on all hair types for shine, smoothing and managing frizz, but the three styling products are targeted to wavy and curly hair.

La Bella Super Shine Polishing Serum (6 oz. $4.99-$5.99 from Walgreens and Drugstore.com): Eliminates frizz and flyaway hair.  Polishes and seals the cuticle to help protect chemically treated hair.  Re-hydrates and conditions the hair, leaving it manageable, shiny and smooth.  Advanced lightweight formula provides heat protection and helps prevent split-ends and breakage.  Ideal for all hair types.

Ingredients: C13 14 Isoparaffin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Fragrance

La Bella Lots of Curls Styling Gel (22 oz. for $2.99 from CVS): Scrunch & shape. Smooth curls with touchable hold. Professional formula. Revitalizes and controls. Unique two in one formula holds and activates. Scientifically formulated to enhance curls, giving curls greater definition, bounce and shine. Holds hair in place, and minimizes frizzies. Performs best on naturally curly, wavy, and permed hair. Alcohol free. No build up or flaking. Safe for color treated hair. Will not affect hair color. No animal testing. Made in USA.

Ingredients: Water, Sorbitol, PVP, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Keratin Amino Acids, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Aminomethyl Propanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben, Polysorbate 20, Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, Red 33.

L.A. Looks Nutra Curl Moisturizing Gel ($2.79 for 20 oz. from Drugstore.com): Curly hair craves hydration. Quench your curls’ thirst with L.A. Looks Nutra Curl Moisturizing Gel. Formulated with hydrating avocado oil, this mega hold gel makes your curls soft, touchable swirls that really twirl. Get defined, conditioned, frizz-free curls without a heavy, greasy feel. Fall in love with a perfect bounce that lasts all day!

L.A. Looks Absolute Curls ($3.35 for 8 oz. from Drugstore.com): Define your curls without stiffness. For touchable, flawless looking curls, get LA Looks Absolute Curls, a lightweight, whipped creme with flexible hold to help define, texturize and style.  This creme has a combination of shea butter, argan oil and proteins to help smooth unruly hair, control frizz and lock in moisture for a long lasting soft, natural looking finish.  No matter what type of hold you need, extreme, defined or flexible, LA 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Dimethicone, VP, Methacrylamide, Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Polysorbate 80, Myristyl Myristate, Acrylates, Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Fragrance

Conair Bamboo-Carbon Ceramic Heat 1.125" Flat Iron ($25.00 from Walmart): Customize your look with Conair! This sleek new versatile flat iron helps you achieve the hairstyle you desire whether it’s smooth hair in seconds or even curls. It has an easy-glide nano bamboo carbon ceramic surface which is one of the latest technological advances in hair appliances. Ultra-smooth plates glide through hair fast and styling product residue removes easily after each use.  It features bamboo extract which is known for its strengthening properties, and the ceramic evenly distributes heat to eliminate hot spots that can damage hair.

The new easy-glide floating plate is designed with a little give to "float" in the iron. This provides better contact with hair and eliminates gaps to achieve straighter results faster.

The carbon provides maximum anti-static and anti-frizz protection for high-intensity shine and manageability. The ribbed texture on outer housing guides hair to curl as you turn the iron to create more volume. It's an easy way to add shape to straight styles. 

This tool is designed for all hair types from fine to curly to most resistant and has 30 heat settings that reach up to 410°F. It has a 30-second heat-up and a uniform heat recovery system to maintain

a constant temperature.

HAIRUWEAR Color Strips Extensions ($10.00 from Ulta): If you want to have colored hair accents without the hassle of permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary dyes-- then these fun color strips are easy and fun. 

To add instant color accents to any hairstyle, try Put On Pieces Human Hair Clip-In Color Strips. These Clip-In Color Strips are 16" long on a 1" weft and can be curled or straightened with thermal styling tools to blend perfectly with any style you create. Available in fun fantasy tones: Amethyst, Blue, Gold, Pink, Purple, Red, Black, Teal, and Light Purple. For more information visit: www.hairuwear.com.

Scünci makes so many fun and affordable hair products, and Drugstore.com has a wonderful and affordable selection. From expandable headbands to hair ties-- I always have a large selection of their hair accessories on hand

From the fun jewel encrusted Bendini Clips to their fabulous No Slip Grip Jaw Clips, many of their products are well under $5.00.

Scünci No Slip Grip Jaw Clips have an ingenious design thanks to the rubber no-slip interior panels that keep hair in place and prevents the clip from falling out. 

I love these and have piles of them in lots of different sizes. They offer a nice alternative to a pony tale and will let you get out the door and off to class without having to fuss over your hair, and without sacrificing style.

Or if you want a little more flair for your hair-- then the beaded Upzing might be your thing!

Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliners ($3.95- $4.40 each from Prestige Cosmetics, Ulta and Drugstore.com): Intense colors with deep black undertones, long lasting wear and soft application. 100% Waterproof and smudge proof formula.

Total Intensity Eyeliners feature gorgeous and sumptuous jewel toned colors with an an iridescent twist.  They boast intense pigmentation, and once they set they are truly budge proof. You will definitely need a oil based or duo phase type of eye makeup remover in order to remove these beauties. The liners are soft and creamy, and the color pay off is just astounding.They are so soft and creamy, in fact, that a light hand is best to avoid product loss. For this reason, I find it a good idea to store them in a cool place.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Paraffin, C11 12 Isoparaffin, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Ceresin, Ozokerite, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba), Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, May Contain (+/-): Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Carmine (CI 75470), Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163). Made in Germany.

Left to Right: Lively Turquoise, Strong Slate, Fearless Teal, Powerful Purple, Intense Olive,
Daring Green and Bold Brown.

Lively Turquoise- a very bright and saturated turquoise with shimmer.

Strong Slate- a beautiful blackened charcoal slate with shimmer.

Fearless Teal- a rich blackened teal with shimmer.

Powerful Purple- an intensely elegant blackened purple with shimmer that is infinitely wearable.

Intense Olive- a stunning highly saturated slightly blackened olive green with gorgeous shimmer.

Daring Green- a deep gorgeous highly saturated blackened green with shimmer.

Bold Brown- a rich deep opulent nearly matte brown.

ChapStick Hydration Lock in Vanilla Creme (0.15 oz $2.99 from Drugstore.com): With a light, silky texture for instant smoothness and enhanced lip feel Chapstick Hydration Lock Moisturizer is clinically proven to give advanced skin moisturization. Provides overall revitalization and visibly improves the appearance of your lips. Gives lips a fuller smoother appearance and eight hour moisture.

• Contains antioxidant CoQ10
• Contains hyaluronic filling spheres

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Poly (C6-12 Olefin), Isopropyl Myristate, Paraffin, Polyethylene, Petrolatum, Perfluorononyl Dimethicone, Euphoria Cerifera Wax (Candelilla), Beeswax, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isohexadecane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearyl Dimethicone, C10-18 Triglycerides, Tocopheryl Acetate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Alumina, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Flavor, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Ubiquinone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol

Overall assessment: A tight budget doesn't mean that you have to forgo fun bath and beauty products, and with all of the necessary back-to-school purchases you can still pick up a few fun drugstore finds to pamper yourself as the new school year begins.

Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Bodycology Exfoliating Sugar Scrub in Enchanted Forest Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

I am a huge proponent of body scrubs, and always have one or two in my shower at a time. They make such easy work of whisking away dead skin, and they reveal soft and smooth skin in virtually no time at all. 

The most recent scrub to join my arsenal is Bodycology Exfoliating Sugar Scrub in Enchanted Forest, and not only is it really effective and pleasant to use-- but it is also very affordable. 

The Enchanted Forest scent from Bodycology is described as,

The blend of jasmine, nutmeg, and musk in Enchanted Forest creates a mesmerizing and sensual aroma that captivates the senses. Enchanted Forest opens up with alluring notes of Sweet Orange and Jasmine. Mid-notes of Nutmeg, Muguet and Vanilla Crème create an exciting scent that ends with dry notes of Sandalwood, White Cedar and Musk.

Exfoliating sugar crystals refresh skin’s appearance while nourishing Shea Butter moisturizes and rehydrates. Massage gently in a circular motion, and rinse thoroughly to reveal softer skin and light fragrance.

Massage gently in a circular motion, and rinse thoroughly to reveal softer skin, and the light fragrance of enchanted forest. Exfoliating sugar crystals refresh skin’s appearance while nourishing Shea Butter moisturizes and rehydrates.

Bodycology loaded this scrub with lots of sugar, by this I mean to say that it is very densely packed with the exfoliating particles. One might think that this would be too much of a good thing, but it actually has the perfect amount of grit. In fact, Bodycology seems to have really worked out the perfect ratio of sugar to the other accompanying ingredients, and rather remarkably just at the point that you should stop exfoliating a particular part of the body the sugar crystals dissolve-- preventing over-exfoliation. Once you rinse away the scrub you are left with soft and silky moisturized skin, but no oily residue. If you peruse the list of ingredients you can clearly see why this formula is so moisturizing: Bodycology included Jojoba Esters, Shea Butter, Evening Primrose Oil, Sunflower Oil, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Orange Oil. The scent  is a distinctive spicy fruity floral, but it does not linger on the skin for very long-- therefore it won't interfere with any fragrances that you may plan on wearing.

Ingredients: Glycerin, Sucrose (Sugar), Polysorbate 20, Silica, Fragrance, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia Nut) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Cocs Nucifera (Coconut) Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Polyethylene, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain: Yellow 5 (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 (Ci 15985), Blue 1 (Ci 42090), Redd 33 (Ci 17200), Red 40 (Ci 16035).

Overall assessment: This makes easy work of exfoliating, and leaves your skin moisturized. Additionally, you just can't beat the price!

$5.97 for 15.5 oz at Walmart and about $5.99 at Target (Unaffiliated Links)
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.