Frugal Finds – Drugstore Makeup and Skin Care Products

drugstore makeup - Maybelline Great Lash, Pond's Cold Cream, Wet 'N Wild eyeliner

 

High and Low

I thought I’d get back to some basics today and there is nothing more basic than my drugstore makeup and skin care products. When it comes to beauty, fashion, home décor and even food, I’m definitely a high – low kind of gal. I’m willing to spend top dollar if I truly believe I will get my money’s worth, but if I judge a low cost item to work just as well, then that’s what I get.

When it comes to my collection of beauty products, I’m that person who has a drawer full of skin care, hair care and makeup products that I was sure would be a miracle solution. But each turned out to be nothing more than another pretty jar full of a concoction that performs no better, and often times worse, than the go-to drugstore makeup products I’ve been using since I was thirteen. All of the affordable cosmetics and skin care products I buy can be purchased at CVS. I go there so often, they should just give me a name tag and put me to work.

My Favorite Drugstore Makeup and Skin Care Products

Maybelline Great Lash – Lots of Lashes Mascara: This classic lash enhancer in the pink and green tube is not only my go-to, but a trade secret of many celebrity makeup artists. For less than $6.00, I’ve found that I get consistently good results. I’ve tried Lancôme, MAC and at least two dozen other drugstore brands, and always come back to Great Lash with the tapered tip.

Pond’s Cold Cream – Wait a second, is this my grandmother talking? Well, I did first learn about Pond’s Cold Cream in the makeup department of my grandmother’s boudoir, but I reintroduced it to my own regime when I couldn’t find a non-oil makeup remover. As a contact lens wearer, the oil removers seeped into my eyes causing my contacts to get cloudy. This results in more irritation than the residual eye-liner and mascara that I was trying to remove. For less than $10.00 I invested in a large, 9.5 oz tub of Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser that could last me a lifetime. I just refill a little container as needed and now I have the perfect cream based eye-makeup remover that works like a charm.

Wet N Wild Color Icon Liner Pencil– OK, now this one might raise some eyebrows, but for $.99 I can honestly say that I like this liner better than any others that I’ve tried. First of all, they sharpen easily and the pencil is long, so it lasts. It also applies well – smooth enough, but not so smooth that I can’t control the line. I can’t tell you how many expensive liners I’ve been through that glide on so effortlessly that I end up applying a shaky, jagged line that seems to smudge just as soon as it’s drawn. And with fun names like “Baby’s Got Black,” “Simma Brown Now” and “Taupe of the Mornin’” – Wet N Wild was an easy sell for me.

There you have it, my frugal finds! What cheap tricks do you have up your beauty sleeve?

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Skin Care Solutions with Guest Blogger Kristen Pascucci

Kristen Pascucci
Kristen Pascucci

I’m so thrilled to introduce my first guest blogger here at 3 Olives & a Twist. I know Kristen Pascucci as a beautiful mom, wife, friend, TV host and, most recently, a successful representative for the popular skin care line, Rodan + Fields. What better time than now, summer, to hear her wisdom for skin care solutions. But don’t forget- good skincare happens year-round. Without further ado, I give you Kristen Pascucci.

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Guest Blog

My grandmother turns 95 in August. She still lives by herself, and has a fashion sense and confidence level of those ¼ her age.

She cares about how she looks. She wears eye-catching clothes and has her hair done once a week. She is vibrant, radiant and beautiful. She never made the sun her friend, but she loves an ice cold Coke and anything made with butter- a life in balance.

 

Kristen Pascucci and Grandma Peggy
Kristen and Grandma Peggy

 

I am thankful for her gene-pool, but what I’ve learned in recent months is; how I age is up to me. I can only thank her for a small percentage of how I will look at her age. 80% is due to how I live my life. No one to blame for my crow’s feet? Come on! I don’t like having to take responsibility for the laugh lines that are making an unwanted appearance on my face!

Melasma was another enemy I had voluntarily brought into my life after years of unprotected sun exposure when I was a teen. The dark marks were a reminder of the days I spent covered in baby oil, looking for that “good base.”

The fact is, we damage our skin each and every time we go outside without a broad spectrum SPF. The sun’s damaging rays can find their way through clouds, so don’t let a damp, overcast day fool you. Start with the smartest of skin care solutions and lather up.

Not all sun blocks are made the same. Check the ingredient labels to make sure that what you are using protects against UVA and UVB rays, and remember to reapply. A generous coat in the morning, will not last you all day long.

Lastly, protect your children’s flawless skin. No one is born with freckles. Freckles are a sign of sun damage and a message to lather up and seek shade. Those cute little freckles can lead to a more serious skin concern in the future.

Kristin’s Recommended Skin Care Solutions

My picks for broad spectrum SPF:

  • Rodan + Fields Essentials SPF 30
  • Rodan + Fields Soothe SPF 30
  • Rodan + Fields Reverse SPF 50
  • Rodan + Fields Essentials Lip Shield SPF 20

 

Rodan & Fields skin care solutions with SPF
Rodan + Fields Products for optimal sun protection.

 

My goal is to be vibrant, radiant and beautiful at 95, just like my Grandma Peggy.

I know that finding the best skin care solutions and protecting my skin now, will help me get there. So, if you’re looking for me this summer, I’m the one in the hat and sun shirt, sipping an ice cold Coke under an umbrella. Join me. Your future self will thank you.

Kristen Pascucci is an independent consultant with Rodan + Fields. Search her website for SPF at kpascucci.myrandf.com and contact her via email at kristenpascucci@gmail.com
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Eye Makeup Application Without The Mess

applying eye liner
Hands on Face – No-No!

 

A Makeup Tip I’ll Never Forget

It’s still beauty week here at 3 Olives and a Twist, and today it’s all about the eyes. Years ago I read a makeup application tip in a magazine that stuck with me. It’s simple really – always apply your eye makeup first!

When I made this suggestion to my teenage daughters, they asked, “Why?” I was happy to share my little bit of beauty knowledge with them. Yes, the teenage years may have some challenges, but enjoying these fun, girly moments isn’t one of them. Finally, all of those years playing with my Big Barbie Head paid off and now I can play beautician with my real life dolls.

To answer their question as to why; I explained that taking care of your eye makeup application first, prevents smudging or smearing of any face makeup already applied. What they, and many others, don’t realize is how much we use our face to brace our hand when applying eye makeup. Whether you use foundation, concealer or blush, leaning your hand on it after it’s on will alter its flawless appearance.

Later, I told some friends how much I love this new “beauty” phase with my daughters and mentioned the tip. Several had not heard it and agreed that it made a lot of sense. And so now I share it with you.

If you wear makeup, consider doing your eye makeup application first – your flawless face will thank you.

Fake Eyelashes

One more thing, speaking of eyes – have you ever tried false eyelashes? I’ve always wanted to. I love the look of a thick, lush lash, but the one time I tried cheapies, I had glue and lashes all over the place.  I couldn’t get the darned things on and ended up tearing them before ever making use of them.

I gave up after that. Until recently when I was out with a friend (Hi Steph!) and I couldn’t take my eyes off of hers. Her lashes were gorgeous and I found myself staring, trying to figure out if they were real or not (a great sign of really good lashes). Finally, I had to ask because otherwise she might have thought I was insane. She was wearing Esqido Lashes – a popular choice in the celebrity circuit. Their claim is: The world’s most comfortable, natural looking false eyelashes. Sounded perfect to me and I rushed home to order a pair. The website has a fun little quiz to help you choose your best lash. There are many options of different lengths, volume and looks. All with fun names like “Little Black Lash,” “Unforgettable” and “BFF.”

 

BFF Lashes by Esqido
BFF Lashes by Esqido

 

I opted for “BFF” and while I haven’t had an occasion to actually wear them, I’m excited to give them a shot. If they are as easy to apply as the site says, I’ll be wearing mine over and over. Each pair is reusable up to 25 times. I’ll report back as soon as I’m feeling fancy enough to break them in.

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Where’d You Get That Tan? Self Tanners That Work

Jergens Natural Glow and Tan Towel Self Tanners
Jergens Natural Glow and Tan Towel

 

Welcome to Beauty Week!

I don’t know how it’s possible that I’m half Greek and half Italian, yet I come out of winter with the pastiest, whitest legs I’ve ever seen. When shorts season rolls in, I just can’t bear to go out in public with the blinding bareness of my untanned gams. But the days of lying out to get some color are gone. So, what’s a girl to do?

Tan Towel Self Tanner

Several years ago I was turned on to Tan Towel towelettes. While limited in my experience with self tanner, I have found them to be the perfect solution. These easy to apply wipes provide quick color and because they come in wipe form, streaking is not a problem and clean-up is a breeze. I find my Tan Towels at a little beauty shop in town, but they can also be purchased online. According to the website’s store locator, Kohl’s now carries them too, along with various other salons and beauty supply stores. I’d suggest calling ahead as they are known to sell out.

My one complaint about Tan Towel is that I find they have a slightly unpleasant odor. Some people say they don’t notice it so it may be that I’m sensitive. Since I only use them on my legs, and just until I get enough natural color, I stand by them as a great go-to.

Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner

I also want to give a shout out to the first self tanner I ever tried, Jergens Natural Glow. I just reintroduced this to my repertoire since I was not in a rush and could wait the three days to see some results. The last time I had used this might have been when the product was first introduced. But since I’m a notorious last-minute Lucy, I’m usually in need of immediate results. I always find myself reaching for fast-acting products.

This time, however, I had time on my hands. When I saw it on the shelf, I noticed the +Firming option. Um, yes please! It claims to reduce the appearance of cellulite in as little as seven days. Tan and tight? How could I refuse? I gave this a try; twice a day and on day three I’m happy to report that Jergens Natural Glow had successfully reduced the glaring glow of my white legs.

The jury is still out on the firming claim, but maybe I’ll give that one a little more time.

Have a great summer and if basking in the sun isn’t your thing, but you need a touch of color – a good self tanner might be worth a try.

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Learn How to Sew at Reach Fashion

learn how to sew at reach fashion

The Rockingham Mall has a new pop-up shop and it’s just the kind of creative energy the retail center needs. This crafty corner, next to Macy’s on the second floor, puts sewing and fashion design in your hands. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to sew, or you have little ones interested in the craft, Reach Fashion is the place to be.

I’m a creative person – when I connect with people with a similar sensibility I’m immediately drawn to them. This was the case when I first met Giovanni Capato, owner and creative director of Reach Fashion.

Reach Fashion Owner Giovanni with two formal dresses
Giovanni and two glamorous dresses available for sale.

 

I first came to know Gio when my girls first asked to learn how to sew, and began taking sewing classes at his original location in Haverhill. I was thrilled for Julia and Ally to explore their artistic sides. The skirts, headbands and bags they brought home made me as proud as any basket they’ve ever scored on the basketball court. There is so much value in the creative arts and I love that Gio is reviving the lost art of sewing.

Sewing Classes and Fashion Camps

Now at The Rockingham Mall, Reach Fashion is making their weekly sewing lessons, fashion camps, custom-made clothing and alterations even more accessible. With school vacation upon us here in Massachusetts, there are still a few slots open in Gio’s afternoon session starting tomorrow from 1:30-4:00.  Your budding fashionistas will learn about basic stitching techniques, patterns, how to use a sewing machine and so much more.

Reach Fashion student sewing projects
Student projects include skirts, pants, pillows and more.

 

Camp will also be held next week, Tuesday through Friday, for New Hampshire students on break. Morning sessions are from 10:00-12:30 and afternoon from 1:30-4:00. Check back with Reach for their summer program.

The moment I saw the store’s artsy signage, I couldn’t wait to take a peek inside.  The colorful bolts of fabric, buckets of buttons and spools of thread were a feast for my eyes.

Learn how to sew at reach fashion
Color, classes, camp and more.

 

A glimpse of the sewing machine room left me itching to stitch. Good to know that adult sewing lessons are also available (Thursday nights and Saturday mornings).

If you are out and about at the Mall, and want to learn how to sew, be sure to stop into Reach Fashion to find out more about all they have to offer. Giovanni has so much to share, and if you are anything like me, you’ll love the authenticity and creativity of this new shop.

Reach Fashion has teamed up with Macy’s and other Mall stores to bring fashion to the forefront of your shopping experience. Keep an eye out for what’s new from Reach Fashion.
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