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

There’s Something About Watermelon

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There's something about watermelon...it's good for your skin.

One of the best treats of summer is the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. My favorite fruit is watermelon (which by the way is also a vegetable). There are many nutritional benefits to watermelon as it contains Vitamins A, B and C.  According to webmd.com, “Watermelon contains high concentrations of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases,” (http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/fruit-of-the-month-watermelon)

In addition to being good for you, I believe watermelon possesses a beauty benefit for the skin. I’m convinced there is something in watermelon that keeps skin looking vibrant and youthful. I know it sounds crazy, but eating watermelon gives a quick boost to your complexion. Look in the mirror after eating a piece of watermelon and you will notice a certain glow to your face. Watermelon is about 92% water so it will also hydrate your skin.

When watermelon is in season, I eat at least two slices a day. I usually incorporate watermelon as part of my meal. At breakfast, it makes a great side to an egg-white omelette. It is also refreshing after a protein shake. If you don’t already, try adding watermelon to your diet on a regular basis. It’s delicious and good for your skin.

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!!

Tweed Jackets – always Chic

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Fall is a great time to invest in a tweed jacket because you can wear it all the way through spring. A tweed jacket always looks chic and can be worn practically anywhere.Tweed is a rich elegant material that dresses up any outfit. You can create many looks with just one tweed jacket. Try matching the jacket with pants, leggings, skirts, sleeveless tops, blouses, turtlenecks, over shift dresses – the possibilities are endless!

If you have a tweed suit, mix and match the pieces to create numerous looks. Photo: Angela is wearing Nanette Lepore.

Glam up your favorite pair of jeans with the same tweed jacket you wear to the office. Add a nude peep toe heel and some statement jewelry and you are set to go out! Shopping for the perfect tweed jacket should be fun and easy since most stores/designers offer a variety of styles.

Wear a tweed jacket with your favorite jeans - alegna15.polyvore.com

Make your legs look longer

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We all want long sexy legs. Unfortunately, I was not blessed with long legs. I use these tricks to make my legs appear as long as possible. First, I typically wear pointed toe shoes. A pointed toe will elongate the leg more than a round or square toe. A peep toe shoe will also visually lengthen the leg. The second thing is that I usually opt for heels that are at least 2.5 inches in height. Flats, although comfortable, do not flatter the leg. They can make your legs look short and round. Unless working out wearing gym shoes, or in a ballet class, I never wear flats. Platform shoes are another great way to add length to your legs. Also, the longer your skirt, the higher heel you should wear. A 4 inch stiletto is always classic and sexy and will make you look much taller. When wearing pants, always make sure they are hemmed correctly for the shoe you are wearing. A nice straight legged pant and a heel with a pointed toe will make you long and lean!

A 4 inch stiletto heel is always classic and sexy and will make you look much taller.

 

Bright & Fun for Summer

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Stay cool these last few weeks of summer with a bright colored flowy skirt. A flowy skirt is a good option to shorts and can be worn for many occasions. Accessorize with chunky bangles and your favorite pair of sunglasses. I think stacking your bangle bracelets looks cute and chic when wearing a tank or sleeveless shirt. On hot days try to keep your make-up light and natural looking. You can set your make-up and refresh your skin with a light mist spray. This keeps your skin hydrated and prevents your make-up from caking.

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Sexy in Swimwear

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Have you ever wandered around department store racks of bright and adorable swimwear thinking, “I love that; but there’s no way that bathing suit will look good on me?” Well summer is obviously here, and it’s time to find the perfect bathing suit/bikini. We need to realize that no matter what type of body shape we have, we all have great figures. Below are some tips and looks to finding swimwear that is perfect for your body type.

Small to Medium Size Bust – If you are opting for a bikini, a triangle shaped top is good. It will make the bust appear larger. If you have a small to medium size chest, a strapless top is also attractive.

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Medium to Large Bust – Look for swimwear with built in underwire! You want something that will give you a lift (no saggy boobs.)  Look for straps with good support (just like buying a bra.) Halter top style bathing suits/bikini tops are also good for support. Halter style swimwear can also minimize wide shoulders.

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Long Torso – A bikini or tankini may fit better than a regular bathing suit. A bikini and tankini will give room to move, but a bathing suit is only so long. If it doesn’t fit properly, parts of your body can appear larger than they actually are. I have a long torso  and larger bottom half so instead of drawing attention to my hips, I wear a bikini to show off my waist. Think about showing off your best assets! If you have great legs, you may want a bathing suit or bikini that is very high cut.

Straight up and down – First of all, you are lucky because most swimwear will probably work. If you want to add some curves a great option is a cut out one piece suit.

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Curvy – Find something to show off your sexy curves. If you have a small waist, a bikini will accentuate your curves. If you have a tummy, there are many one piece suits that have minimizers built in to make you look as slim as possible but sill display your hourglass figure.

alegna15.polyvore.com

alegna15.polyvore.com

Remember to accessorize when you go to the beach or pool. A straw hat is a great accessory as it keeps the sun out of your face and looks so glamorous. A cover-up is must. Most designers sell cover-ups to match a bathing suit or bikini. It’s not always necessary to match your cover-up exactly to your bathing suit. Invest in one nice cover-up that will work with all of your swimwear. Add fun bangles and earrings to complete your beach look.

Most importantly….don’t forget your sunscreen!! Happy Summer!!

Shoe & Handbag Maintenance

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Store your shoes & purses in cloth bags. Many shoes and purses will come with the bags, if not you may want to invest in some. A drawstring cloth bag will maintain the shape of the handbag (handles) and prevent shoes and handbags from getting dirty or dusty. This will keep your shoes and purses looking band new. If you don’t have access to a cloth bag for your shoes, definitely store the shoes in a shoe box. Also, stuff tissue paper in the toe of your shoes to prevent the shoe from loosing its shape. Properly maintaining your shoes and handbags will allow the accessories to last longer; saving you money in the long run!