Essence of Beauty 6-in-1 Manicure Tool Review

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try the Essence of Beauty 6-in-1 Manicure Tool, which is sold at CVS stores for $6.99.  It was perfect timing, since I was heading out on my vacation to the beach, and it saved me so much space when packing my bag.  

The tool includes: 

 Nail File

 2-Sided Nail Buffer

 Cuticle Pusher

 Cleaning Stick

 Nail Brush

 Nail Clipper.

When folded up, this tool fits right in the palm of your hand.  I was also surprised at how weighty it was- it feels really substantial and expensive in your hand.  The outside grip on the nail clippers is a soft silicone which I love, because you can really hold on to this without it slipping out from between your fingers like the all-metal ones can.  

Having so many tools in one was a lifesaver on vacation, and I'll also keep this in my purse from now on, for touch ups because it hardly takes up any space.  I was really impressed by the quality of the Manicure Tool in general, and I've found myself pulling it out of my bag this week at work to file a jagged edge or push back my cuticles.

Has anyone else tried this?  What did you think?

***Disclosure-The product featured in this review included products sent for consideration by a company or PR agency. This in no way influenced my experience with the product- all opinions are my own, and I was not paid to write this review. ***

L'oreal Youth Code BB vs. L'oreal Magic BB Review and Swatches

I was really excited to see some more BB Creams hit the drugstore, especially after Garnier's BB Cream was a miss for me. I've never tried one of the original BB Creams from Asia, but friends have told me that they are amazing skin perfectors.  So I was hoping that one of the new L'oreal versions would be a hit for my skin.  

So here's a quick comparison before I get into the specifics of each one.  

                                             

The Youth Code BB Cream Illuminator is a lot like the Garnier BB Cream.  It has a similar consistency and the same dewy finish.  It reminded me of a tinted moisturizer, with little to very sheer coverage (not enough for me).  It is supposed to improve the look of your skin over time (more on that later), but I haven't been using it that long, so it's hard to say whether it does or not.  

The Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream is way different than any I've seen so far.  In fact, I'm not even sure it's an actual BB cream, since the back of the tube says that BB stands for "Beautifying Beads".  This one comes out of the tube white and has tiny little beads that when rubbed into the skin, release the color.  It has a matte finish, which is nice for summertime, and smooths the skin nicely, although the coverage is pretty sheer on this one as well.  

So, on to the specifics...I'll start with Youth Code. 

The active ingredient is sunscreen, which is a good thing.  It has SPF 20.

Here, you can see the texture- it's very much like Garnier's BB Cream.  The Garnier version is a lot less expensive, than L'oreal's cream, which is around $17. Even though I chose the "Light" shade, it was a tiny bit darker than my normal skin color, but not as far off as Garnier's so in that aspect, I'd say light-skinned girls will find a better color match with the L'oreal Youth Code BB Cream.

As you can see, it does a decent job of evening out my skintone but it doesn't cover up much.  Don't expect it to cover any significant blemishes, undereye circles or redness.

On to the Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream:

This one starts out as a white lotion that's sort of runny in texture, and has tiny little beads inside it.

It stays white until almost completely rubbed in, when the color starts to come out.  I purchased this in "Light" but they do have a lighter shade called "fair" which is what I actually should have gotten.  The "light" shade comes out really dark on my skin and has a reddish-orange cast to it.  If you look closely at the last picture, you can see where it doesn't quite blend with my skin- the bottom half of my hand has an orangy cast to it.  While I like the matte finish of this one better, the color matching is not great.  I'd like to try the fair shade next and see if it's any better.  Still, this one does a pretty good job of making my skin look smooth and evened out, but again, doesn't cover up much.  I might consider using this as a primer under foundation.  This one costs quite a bit less than the Youth Code BB at around $10.  

What are your thoughts on these two creams? Have you tried one or both?  If not, are you likely to?

L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick Review and Swatches

I just started my vacation at the Jersey Shore and before I left, I spotted the new Loreal Caresse lipsticks. I originally purchased the Rose Taffeta shade and liked it so much, I went back and got Sheer Linen (a beige nude) and Blushing Sequin (a bright pink). Blushing Sequin was a brighter shade than I normally would choose but it looks so fantastic on the model in the ads, I figured I'd be brave and try it. 

So I brought all three down to the shore and here they are! 

I apologize for the brief post but I have no internet down here and am posting via my phone. 

Here are the swatches from left to right: Sheer Linen, Rose Taffeta, Blushing Sequin. 

In short, I loove these lipsticks. They're a hybrid lip balm and lipstick & are super lightweight (you feel like you have nothing on). The glossiness wears off after an hour or so but they stain your lips for hours with no dryness. 

The Sheer Linen is a your-lips-but-better shade, Rose Taffeta is a medium rosy shade and blushing sequin, although it looks shockingly neon in the tube, is a gorgeous wearable bright that I am actually comfortable wearing! 

Have you tried these yet? Whats your favorite shade? I find them much more pigmented and smoother than Revlon's Balms that came out over the winter. These seem to lean more toward lipstick than balm or gloss. 

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone.

Certain Dri Antiperspirant Review

Now that it's officially summer, it's the perfect time to write about an antiperspirant I've been using for several weeks now.  It's called Certain Dri, and if you have hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating), or just want something stronger than regular antiperspirants, you have to give this one a try! 

Certain Dri keeps you dry for up to 72 hours with one application.  It has prescription strength aluminum chloride and is clinically tested and dermatologist recommended.  

If you're like me and you don't have excessive perspiration, but just want something for times when you're working out, or it's just really hot outside and you want to make sure you stay dry, this works amazingly well. 

You're supposed to apply it sparingly at bedtime, and then you can shower and everything else as normal, and it lasts for 3 days before you have to reapply.  

One thing I noticed is that you have to follow the directions and really apply it sparingly.  I think I put too much the first time, and my skin started stinging a bit.  It subsided after about a minute, but the next time, I put less- just 2 swipes and then rubbed it in, and it didn't sting.  

In all the time I've been using Certain Dri, I haven't noticed any wetness whatsoever.  The only other thing to consider is that it doesn't have a scent, so you might still want to use a deoderant to mask any odor.  

I'd love to hear from someone who has tried this and has hyperhidrosis- did it work as well for you as it did for me?

You can buy Certain Dri in drugstores for about $5.  For more information, please visit www.certaindri.com. 

Facebook Fans- Thank you!

Today, the Budget Beauty Blog hit a milestone- 100 followers on Facebook! Thanks to everyone who has liked us and we'll continue to keep posting news and contests, as well as notify you when new products arrive in stores.  Now, I know there are waaay more than 100 of you who read the blog daily, so what are you waiting for?  Lets get to 200- go ahead and like us on Facebook!  :)

Spotted in Stores! L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation, Colour Caresse Lipsticks, plus new shades of Infallible Shadows!

Yesterday at Walgreens I spotted a huge new L'Oreal Display with new products in addition to the two BB Creams I talked about yesterday.

First is True Match Lumi foundation.  I'm so excited about this one!  I loved Magic Lumi primer, and I can't wait to try a foundation that takes it one step further! I also love that Walgreens had little testers so I was able to buy the perfect shade for me right away.

 This lipstick looks awesome as well.  It looks to be a cross between a lipstick and a balm and a stain and is supposed to be super lightweight.  I bought the Rose Taffeta shade, which is a rosy pink color but now I kind of want the shade the model is wearing (Blushing Sequin), except it was super bright in the tube and wasn't sure I can pull it off.  I might go back and get it, just for the heck of it.

There are also new 24 Hour Infallible shades out, which is great because I love these shadows.  I picked up the shimmery dove gray shade in the center of the first row, and I can already say (because I swatched it on my hand) that it's such a pretty, sheer, ethereal color.  

Finally, there are 24hour Lacquer Liner pots that come with brushes in five shades.  

So how excited are you about these new products?  Which one do you want to try?

Spotted in Stores! Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Overnight Peel

Today at Walgreens, I spotted Garnier's new overnight peel. The box says that it's a glycolic peel that you can leave on overnight to fade dark spots, even skin tone, brighten skin and smooth texture.  It's gentle but has more dramatic results than just using a cream over time.  I'm dying to try this, but the box said that it will make your skin more sun sensitive and to limit sun exposure for a week after using this.  Since I'm going on vacation next week to the beach, I'm thinking I'll have to wait till I get back to try this!

Spotted in Stores! L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream, and Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream.

All of a sudden BB creams are popping up everywhere at the drugstores!  The other day, I posted about the L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream Illuminator I saw at Walgreens.

Then yesterday at CVS, I saw another L'Oreal BB Cream- Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream.  While the Youth Code one says it, "Evens, Illuminates, Perfects, Moisturizes, and Corrects" the Magic Skin one "Primes, Corrects, Hydrates and Perfects".  Seems like some overlap there, but I'm thinking my dry skin will like the Magic one better since it has primer in it.  I bought both, so I'll be testing them soon!

Then at Harmon's yesterday afternoon, I spotted yet another BB Cream, this time from Maybelline New York! It's called Dream Fresh, and sounds like it has similar claims to the L'Oreal ones.  

Have any of you tried these yet?  I'd love to know which one you like the best. 

Cleopatra's Choice Bath Products Review

Recently, Cleopatra's Choice, a site that sells unique skincare products from around the world, reached out to me and asked if I'd like to try some of their products.  I was super psyched when I received a large jar of Adovia bath salts, Adovia Dead Sea Mud Soap, and a tub of Pure African Shea Butter.

First, I tried the bath salts.  After a long day at work, my muscles were achy and I felt really blah.  So I scooped some salts into my jetted tub and soaked for a while.  Afterwards, my skin felt soft and smooth and I felt completely relaxed.  So much so, that I slept really well that night.  Since then, I've been using these at least once a week after work, usually on a Friday, and they're just wonderful!  $7.99 for a 2lb jar.

From the Cleopatra's Choice Website:

Harvested directly from the Dead Sea, these mineral salts will turn your bath into a pain relieving, skin healing spa. Each order comes with a certificate of authenticity.

• Fast effective relief from Eczema and Psoriasis symptoms.
• Eases the pain of Fibromyalgia and Arthritis.
• Speeds up healing, and relieves the pain of sports and other injuries.
• Exfoliates, soothes and softens skin.
• Relaxes and energizes the body to relieve symptoms of stress and insomnia.

This Dead Sea Mud Soap actually contains mud, so I was wondering at first how it would get me clean! But Dead Sea mud is special.  I read that it's great for psoriasis, acne and eczema, and even though I don't have any of those, I still saw the benefits from this soap.  It's really gentle, yet after using it, my skin felt really purified and clean. It also has bits of exfoliant in it. If you have really dry skin like me, you might need to use a heavier moisturizer after using this.  I wouldn't say that this dried out my skin, but it did make it feel a little bit tight.  On sale now for $8.95, regularly $10 per bar. 

• From the Cleopatra's Choice website:
• Great for Eczema, Psoriasis or Acne!
• Adovia Mud Soap removes dirt and cleanses your skin, while simultaneously infusing it with minerals essential to keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized.
• Enriched with century old Dead Sea mud, leaving your skin cleansed and nourished
• The mud soap gently cleanses away oil, bacteria and dirt particles, leaving skin purified, detoxified and fully cleansed.
• Note: This soap has been found effective at relieving acne.

The last product I got to try is Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter.  Imported from Ghana under Fair Trade Practices, this is shea butter in it's natural state.  I tried using it pretty much everywhere- knees, elbows and heels, lips, hands, even all over after a shower.  Just rub it between your hands to warm it up, and you can put it wherever- even in your hair.  My dry skin loooves this stuff, and my skin looks awesome when I use it.  But my one complaint is the smell.  This has no scent added to it, which is a good thing for people who are sensitive to fragrance, but because there's no added scent, you're left with the natural nutty scent of the butter itself.  It does fade after a few minutes, so it's not a bad thing.  On sale for $9.95, regularly $14 for 1lb tub.

• From Cleopatra's Choice Website:
• Grade A
• Fair Trade, Sustainable Farming Made
• Raw, Unprocessed Shea Butter
• 100% Pure, Natural & Organic
• Highest Quality Shea Butter Guaranteed
• Imported from Ghana, Africa
  
  Pure, unrefined Shea Butter has been prized for thousands of years for its hydrating and healing properties. Originating from the tropics of Africa, it is an excellent source of Vitamins A, E and F. Naturally highly concentrated, Shea Butter is the natural and economic choice to replenish your dry, damaged skin and make it feel softer and healthier than it has in years.
  
  Easily absorbed; Pure Shea Butter is great for people of all skin types including those with skin sensitivities. Even mild enough for the delicate skin of a baby, its restorative properties promote skin elasticity which makes it the perfect solution for minimizing scars and stretch marks.
  
  The high vitamin A and E content of Shea Butter makes it an excellent ointment for sun-damaged or wrinkled skin. Shea Butter moisturizes skin while preventing premature wrinkles and eases your fine lines without clogging pores or leaving your skin greasy or shiny.
  
  The Vitamin F in Shea Butter works to protect and rejuvenate your rough, dry chapped skin. Not only good for the skin, it is also be used as a pomade to restore the luster and shine to dry, damaged and dull hair. Shea Butter even has a place in the first aid kit; its antiseptic properties make it the natural choice for treating burns and minor skin abrasions.

Overall, I'm really happy with the products I tried from Cleopatra's Choice.  They're really high quality and they work!

All products can be purchased at www.cleopatraschoice.com. 

***Disclosure-The products featured in this review included products sent for consideration by a company or PR agency. This in no way influenced my experience with the product- all opinions are my own, and I was not paid to write this review. ***

Spotted in Stores! Revlon Nail Art Neon.

At Walgreens today, I spotted new Revlon's "The Brightest Neons" collection.  They include a neon shade on one side, and a white polish on the other.  When you use white as a base, it really makes the neon colors pop.  You can get the same effect buy buying a bottle of white polish and using your own neon polish, but this makes it convenient that it's all in one tube.  I'm digging the electric blue and the chartreuse one next to it in the back row!

Spotted in Stores! New L'Oreal Youth Code B.B. Cream, EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment, Visible Lift Rapid Age Reversing Makeup, Revitalift Triple Power

I was at Walgreens today and spotted some new L'Oreal Products! First up is EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment.  Made with Moroccan Argan oil, it's supposed to get rid of frizz without weighing the hair down.

Next, I was super excited to see another B.B Cream at the drugstore!  Garnier had been the only drugstore brand to release one to date, so I can't wait to try this one.  It looks like it has luminizing ingredients in it (like Magic Lumi, maybe?).  

Next, is Visible Lift Rapid Age Reversing Makeup.  It's a cream foundation in a compact, which I haven't had too much luck with in the past, but I really liked the Visible Lift foundation that had the attached brush on it, so I'm optimistic that I'll like this one too.  Who doesn't want to look younger?!

Finally, there are three new products in the Revitalift Skincare line.  Called Triple Power, these are supposed to repair wrinkles, re-densify, and resurface the skin.  There's a serum, eye treatment, and cream (see close ups below).  They're $25 a piece, so $75 for the whole set- kind of steep for the drugstore, but still not as expensive as department store skincare.  If it works well, I'd gladly pay the $25. 

Stay tuned for more drugstore finds as they come in! :)

Desert Sierra Naturals Sensitive Skin Soap and Lotion Review

I was recently given the opportunity to try some products from Desert Sierra Naturals.  Shermaine, the founder of the line, was kind enough to send me a Coconut Soap (my favorite scent!) as well as two body lotions to try.
Desert Sierra was started by Shermaine Davis-Harris who was a chronic eczema sufferer who wanted to find gentle skincare that didn't smell medicinal.  She created a line of heavenly scented products that is dye and paraben free, as well as organic.  Desert Sierra products were recently featured in the celebrity gift bags at the 2011 Palm Springs International Film Festival!

I've been using the products for a few weeks now, and wanted to share my thoughts with all of you, especially those of you who are looking for gentle, natural skincare.  (All photos courtesy of Desert Sierra Naturals).

The first thing I tried was the Coconut soap.  This soap had a thick, creamy lather, unlike anything you'll find at the grocery/drug store- there really is nothing like a handmade bar of soap.  This one includes Avacado Oil, Organic Olive Oil, and Mango Butter, and the scent of coconut is fantastic! It rinses off easily without leaving a film on my skin, but my skin feels moisturized afterwards.  A 4 oz. bar is $5.

Next, I tried the Body Lotion in CocoaLavender.  When I first saw it, I wondered how the scents of Cocoa and Lavender were going to work together, but they really do- it smells amazing!  It's such a unique scent, you really won't find anything else like it.  The closest thing I could think of that this reminded me of was Karma from Lush, but it doesn't have the same notes- it's just the closest thing I could come up with in terms of it being a similarly warm scent.  The lotion itself is light in texture, so I was concerned at first that it wouldn't be enough moisture for my dry skin, but I was wrong!  Even though it's lightweight, it packs a punch with organic aloe juice and jojoba oil.  Now that the warmer weather is here, I like the idea of using a light lotion, because when it's hot and sticky out, the last thing you want to do is layer a thick cream on your skin.

The other lotion I got to try was Iced Lemon Danish.  It's similar to the CocoaLavender except it's scented like a lemony pastry- yum!  The lemon in this one keeps the scent light and refreshing.
Both lotions are $8 for a 4 oz. bottle.

If you're looking for a natural line of bath and body products that are great for sensitive skin, (they also have bath salts and nut-free body oils), definitely check out Desert Sierra Naturals at www.desertsierranaturals.com. 
Has anyone tried this line?  I'd love to know what you think!

***Disclosure-The products featured in this review included products sent for consideration by a company or PR agency. This in no way influenced my experience with the product- all opinions are my own, and I was not paid to write this review. ***

Spotted in Store1 New Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Mascara and ScandalEyesWaterproof Gel Eyeliner.

Today at CVS, I spotted some new Rimmel products.  First up is a waterproof version of their ScandalEyes mascara.

Next is a new ScandalEyes Gel Eyeliner that looks similar in terms of packaging to the Revlon Colorstay one that launched in January.  

Has anyone picked one of these up yet?  If so, what did you think?