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10 Drug Store beauty items for under $10 I can’t live without

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Inexpensive beauty products that work as well or better than designer retail brands

There is something magical about walking into a cosmetic store like Sephora. It’s very exciting to imagine the endless possibilities of what you can create with all the bold make-up colors and products that catch your eye as you stroll through each aisle of shiny black and white décor. It is very easy to rack up a high bill at the make-up counter. There are numerous high-end beauty products I believe in spending money on, however there are some items you can find at your local drug store* for under $10. Here are some of my favorite beauty products I use nearly every day that are inexpensive and work just as well or better than the designer retail brands.

1. Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm – $1.69. I’ll admit I am addicted to Carmex lip balm. I’ve been using this product for nearly twenty years and I’ve never found another lip balm or lip gloss that soothes dry lips as well. I use it as a base under other lipsticks and glosses. I also make sure to apply before bed. It’s the one beauty product that is always in my purse.

 2. Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector/ Concealer –$6.49 vs. designer brand concealers like NARS’ concealer stick which retails for up to $23. After years of experimenting with various make-up brands, Maybelline’s concealer seems to be the best and does not irritate the skin like some other brands.

 3. Olay 4-in-1 daily facial cloths (Sensitive Skin) (box of 33 cloths) – $7.99 These cloths are great to use to remove eye make-up as well. I’ve been using them for years.

 4. Johnson’s Baby Oil (14oz) – $3.99 As we all know, there are countless moisturizers for all parts of your body that can range from being inexpensive to hundreds of dollars. Johnson’s Baby Oil is one of my favorite beauty products and is such a great value. I’ve used Johnson’s Baby Oil since I was a child. Baby oil is great to apply all over your body right after a shower when your skin is still damp as it helps to lock in moisture into your skin.

 5. Beauty cosmetic sponge wedges – pack of 32 – $3.49. vs. Sephora’s Sponge Wedge Wheel for that sells for $6.00 for only 6 wedges.

 6. False eye lashes (strip) – $4.99 vs. M·A·C Cosmetics eyelashes (strip) $16.00 – The drug store lashes look terrific on and are just as easy to apply as the M·A·C ones.

 7. Essie nail color/polish – $8.00 vs. M·A·C Cosmetics nail polish for $16 or designer brands like Dior that cost around $24 per bottle. I’ve tried all three and Essie is just as good as the designer nail polishes. Essie is used by many nail salons. Essie nail polish is available in an excellent selection colors and textures.

 8. Sunscreen – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sun Block Lotion – $9.99 vs. Clinique Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Body Cream $23. I like Neutrogena’s sunscreens because they are easy to apply as they are not greasy.

 9. Aloe Vera Gel – $5.99 Aloe Vera is a good option to use after a shower if you don’t have baby oil. There is something about this product that soothes the skin. It can also be used after being in the sun as it cools the skin. Other retail brands can cost up to $30 for basically the same thing (a moisturizer with Aloe Vera as a main ingredient).

10. Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream – Gel – $4.49 A reasonably priced styling product that actually works at holding in curls.

*Drug store prices are based on Walgreens.com 7/28/13

Ten ways to enjoy holiday festivities while not over indulging

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It has been said that the Holiday Season is the most wonderful time of the year. Indeed it is – a joyous time to celebrate with family and friends. For nearly eight weeks, our lives are filled with decorating, shopping, gifts, cooking/baking, holiday parties and gatherings.

Often times though, we treat ourselves to too much celebration during the season and end up putting stress on our bodies. We may feel lethargic and end up gaining a few extra pounds. Here are ten ways to enjoy your holiday parties while not over indulging:

  1. Carry a clutch purse – If you have your purse under your arm or in your hand, then you are limited in what else you can hold. You may be less likely to try to eat a large plate of food if you only have one hand free.
  1. Wear something fabulous – you’ll feel confident and look great. If everyone is telling you how hot you look, the last thing you’ll want to do is eat or drink too much.
  1. Eat before you go – If you’re going to a holiday cocktail party after work, you’re going to be hungry making it easy to choose hors d’oeuvres that are full of carbs and fat. Try to eat a small meal that is high in protein before you attend the party. Even a protein shake will work. You will be less likely to make poor food choices if you are full.
  1. Decide how many alcoholic drinks you will have prior to attending the party and stick to it! Obviously this amount will vary for everyone, but make sure not to exceed the amount of drinks to which you are accustomed. Remember all those tasty drinks are extra calories. Also, being the trashed woman at a holiday party is not very sexy.
  1. Drink water – Not only should you drink water throughout the day, but is it also important to drink plenty of water at the party. Try an 8oz glass of water between each alcoholic drink. If you don’t want regular water at a party, try sparking mineral water (like San Pellegrino). Make sure to drink a large glass of water before you go to bed to prevent you from feeling bloated/puffy the next day.
  1. Dance – Get on the dance floor at the party. You’ll have a blast and burn calories.
  1. Treat yourself to one day of decadence – If you’re super popular and have been invited to multiple parties within one week, choose one party that week where you will pig out and treat yourself to some tasty desserts. The same rule can apply if you are going to a couple of parties, or the actual holidays. Maybe you eat a few Christmas cookies on Christmas, but then do not have any desserts on New Year’s Day.
  1. Carry almonds in your purse – I know it sounds crazy, but it actually works. Eating a small handful of almonds on your way home from the party (especially if you’ve been drinking) can prevent you from over eating when you get home. I always carry a zip lock bag of almonds with me – they make a great snack anytime of day.
  1. Exercise – Try your best to continue your regular workout routine during the Holidays. This will maintain a high energy level and prevent you from eating unhealthy foods at holiday festivities.
  1. Skip the after party – You don’t always have to go to the after party! If the party ends at 11:00 pm and you have to work the next day, go home. You’ll need your beauty sleep for the next celebration.

Happy Holidays from She’s So Poised!!

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Welcome to “She’s So Poised.” I created this blog to share tips on beauty, style, fashion, fitness and fun. My philosophy is elegant beauty – always be stylish and elegant, but not too trendy. I hope you enjoy the posts!