Mineral Powder

So, I love my bare minerals makeup, but it's so messy! It's not the best designed system I've ever seen. And forget about traveling with them (although, my friend Shelly is so smart and puts scotch tape across the top of the container when she travels which keeps the powder from going all over the place). So I was on the lookout for a new mineral makeup.

I ended up buying Smashbox's Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder, which is $59 at Sephora. I know it's expensive, but it's really big, so I think it will last a long time, and I really love the color and coverage. It's very sheer, so if you're looking for heavy coverage this isn't for you (although if you keep layering it on you can get heavier coverage). It is so lightweight, but it makes your skin look glowy and pretty. It claims to be anti-aging--I'm not sure about that, I haven't really noticed a big difference. But it is very hydrating and won't dry out your skin like a lot of powders. Wear it with a foundation primer for the longest wear.

And the packaging is so ingenious. You just turn the base and shave off the amount you want--no mess!

It comes with a little brush, but I ended up buying this amazing brush as well ($52 at Smashbox.com). I know it's super expensive so it's definitely a splurge, but I have to tell you I LOVE this brush, it is so soft and delivers perfect coverage and I'll have it for a long time.

If you like the packaging of the makeup but the Smashbox version is too expensive for you, Elizabeth Arden has a mineral makeup in the same type of container for $37.50. I haven't tried it so I can't vouch for the makeup, but may be worth checking out.

Cutest T-Shirt

I bought this shirt from J.Crew this past weekend, and had to share it with you guys. It's made out of something called "slub cotton"...which I have no idea what that is, but I can tell you it is incredibly soft and lightweight and has a really cool texture to it that is much more interesting than regular cotton. The fit is very forgiving and flattering and it's just a little bit dressier than a regular old t-shirt. They only have a few colors left online, so hit your nearest store for a better selection. $39.50 at J.Crew.

My New Favorite Deep Conditioner

If you color your hair, your stylist has probably told you that the sulfates contained in drugstore brands of hair products will strip your color and leave your hair like straw. This in turn has probably frightened you into leaving the salon with $30 bottles of shampoo. No more! Finally there's a drugstore line of products that contains no sulfates, the L'oreal EverPure system.

I tried the EverPure Smooth Deep Control Mask last weekend, and I really love it. It is really thick and rich, and left my hair smooth, shiny and super soft. AND it's under $10 AND it smells really great, it has a rosemary mint scent that is very spa-like--I promise you will not miss your salon products one bit, and you can use the money you save to buy something much more fun than conditioner. $8.99 at drugstore.com. I'm going to buy the entire line.

I'm back!

I can't believe I haven't posted since last year!! I do have a really good excuse though, I had a baby in February and have been completely wrapped up in enjoying being a mommy. But I have almost lost the baby weight now, and inevitably my thoughts have turned back to shopping! So I'm going to try and start posting again more regularly.

With the economy in the state it's in right now, I've definitely cut back on my clothes and cosmetics budgets, so my goal is to keep an eye out for bargains and value pieces. So if you have a great beauty bargain, email me!