Mocksoup Graves

I used to spend a ton of money on skincare and makeup. I was a frequent flyer at the Lancome and Clinique counters. Makeovers and the newest products were my 'thing'. I admit, I am a bit shallow. I like to look pretty. I don't want to appear older than my years, and cosmetology school sort of ingrained 'quality = costly" into me.

Well, I can't afford to spend on cosmetics and skin care what I used to. Frankly, I have other priorities. My vanity screamed at me for a long time.

I discovered microfiber towels on accident. I had a small cloth diaper boutique and microfiber inserts weren't easily accessable for everyone. I bought them in bulk and resold them. One day, we were out of clean washclothes. So I grabbed one of the prelaundered inserts and used it to wash my face. And.. wow. It exfoliated my skin as well as a scrub and it didn't strip all of the natural oils from my skin. It left my face smooth. I love using microfiber cloths in the shower with a gentle cleanser.


Another thing I just discovered about 2 months ago is the Lacura skincare line. It is at ALDI and is an award winning skin care line that is less expensive than bottom of the line facial care from WalMart. I am very pleased. Everything is between 2-5 USD. I bought the entire skin care line for half of what i would pay for one bottle of toner at Clinique.


My skin is shiny and mostly clear. During hormonal times, I still get an occasional blotch, but nothing like I used to.

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Ann Launay

I am a product girl. You may not have my cupboards of lotions and potions.

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Mocksoup Graves

You can keep them, Ms. Pretty Kitty This is a just if you NEED to.

Xiomara Mendes

OK, this doesn't fall under the category of skin care per se, but it's beauty so it counts dammit. If you're handy, you can try threading your own eyebrows; I found a great tutorial here:


However, I quickly discovered that I am not handy, so I have to leave the threading to the professionals. I am pleased to report that threading is less expensive and longer lasting than waxing. Plus, I don't leave the threading place looking like I've been in a fight, which is a major plus.

(Yes, I'm aware of the concept of tweezing. But I'm super hairy IRL and I don't feel like plucking my eyebrows every single day, which is what I did before I discovered waxing.)

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Surreal

Back away slowly from my Mac products and I'll let you live.

Willow Matthews

Thanks.

Mocksoup Graves

Actually, if you can get alternatives to the more basic skin care items, you can splurge on others.

I have gotten samples of pigments from MAC that have lasted me forever. They don't have the binders in it that makes them go rancid over time, unlike liquid makeup. And I do splurge occasionally. I am going to be getting the A Magic Potion That Makes Eyeshadow Last All Day: <i>Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion</i> - Urban Decay Cosmetics Eye Shadow 'Primer Potion' - Epinions.com primer from here. I have read however, that when you think it is out, you should cut it open and put the rest into a clean lipbalm container.

Xiomara Mendes

Something that's occurred to me- there's absolutely no reason why you can't get a free makeover from a department store makeup counter if you have a special event. I used to do this in college when my organization had a formal event. Just go to the counter and tell them what kind of look you're going for, and ask them if they can recommend anything. More often than not, you'll leave with a full face and maybe some good tips for application as well. Of course, the trick is not to buy anything... something I find quite difficult. If you do this, be stronger than me.

Mocksoup Graves

I was a makeup artist for a photography company for a bit and I STILL love to get makeovers at the counters. It gives you a bit of a different perspective.

Stormy Weeks

I buy my Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and MAC at the Cosmetics Company Store. (AKA Estee Lauder outlet)

If you have an outlet mall nearby, check for it.

Clinique in particular is very reasonable there. They sell all the old "gifts with purchase" sets with the smaller sizes too.

Ann Launay

I have never liked a single cosmetics counter makeover that I've endured. I immediately go home and scrub it off.

Mocksoup Graves

I have to admit that it depends on the counter.

Lancome (sultry)
MAC (daring)
Clinque (fresh)

Lo Jacobs

So this might sound weird, but I wash my face with honey.

And fine sea salt.

Yes, just those two things. I don't really know what the honey does but whatever it is, it's wonderful (also good to dab on pimples!) and the salt energizes and exfoliates.

I put a glop of honey in my palm (I put it in an empty squeeze bottle -- one of those little bear bottles do just fine) and then a bit of sea salt. I mix it together with my hands and then rub it on my damp face. Then I wash it off with warm water. It might sound sticky but it really isn't -- the honey really just dissolves right off. Then I pat moisturizer on my face.

It's really transformed my skin. I used to have acne issues and sensitive skin issues -- I couldn't even wear bangs because it would irritate my forehead.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Only use real, 100% honey (check the ingredients!). I've used both pasteurized honey and raw honey -- I personally have not been able to tell a significant difference, but it's up to the person (and their skin).
• Make sure the sea salt you use is finely ground. The larger crystals are not good for your delicate facial skin!
• Some people like to add lemon juice (from lemons -- not pre-bottled) to their honey bottle. This is fine, but remember that it will make the honey a little runnier.

I also remove my makeup using olive oil. It doubles as a nighttime eye cream

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Vertigo Paris

I've never been a make up girl, I can't get over the feel of it on my face no matter how 'light'.

I've never had an issue with dry skin or zits as a kid or as an adult but I think this is more because I exfoliate the hell out of my skin. I love the use of exfoliating gloves, I got introduced to them when I was in cosmetology school and have been addicted to them every since.

The one "special" product I indulge in Mary Kay's Microderm Abrasion.

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Mocksoup Graves

This is an EXCELLENT TIP! I use mine for food, and have kind of an issue wasting food products on my body. I went hungry one too many times to justify it. I might try it again though. I do throw some dry milk powder into the bath sometimes for moisturizing and do mayo conditioning (protein pack)

Lo Jacobs

I figure it cuts down on the products one must buy, and fact is (for me) that it works better than any commercial beauty product I've ever used.

A quick mask:

• Honey, lemon, and milk
• Mix it all together and leave it on your face for 10 minutes.
• If you want to get fancy, add oat flour.

This is a popular Indian mask.

Mocksoup Graves

I have all of those! *ponders*



I like this idea! And put them in pretty container you already have in the bathroom for ease of use! (powdered milk, not liquid)

Mocksoup Graves

I used a mask of oat flour, honey and powdered milk and my skin is GLOWING right now. I added a sugar to the mixture and used it as a body scrub and it is AMAZING.

Lo, you rock!

Sooz Pascale

This is slightly off topic but do you ladies have any suggestions for foundations?

I get lip stick and mascara just about anywhere and I REALLY like the Avon eye liners, but I have to pay more attention to foundations than most of you, for obvious reasons. I've heard good things about Mac. I usually use a stick foundation, since I think I get more long lasting coverage than with liquid foundations.

Any ideas?

Thanks!!

Sooz

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Lo Jacobs

I don't wear foundation much (I don't really like to and I probably don't really need to at this time) but I have heard really great things about Cargo foundations. Apparently they are just fantastic, and make your skin (and you!) look incredible. I think you can get them at Sephora but otherwise you can obviously order online.

Sarah Nerd

When I do use a foundation I use MAC's lightest powder and I like it and it's container/applicator a lot. It's pretty transparent which I also like because I hate ending up with weird streaks or smudges. When I need a tad more coverage I use Smashbox photo finish primer which makes your face feel like velvet imo. It's good for filling tiny lines too. I then put my normal powder on over top of that and so far that's work well for me.

I had bought an urban decay powder before that and the powder is supposed to come right through sponge, but I had to beat the thing upside down on the side of the table to get any powder out.

I'm not an everyday foundation user though so consider with my opinion. I only use it when I "dress up". For day to day when I wear make up it's usually just on my eyes. I could talk all day abut eyeshadows and lines. My make up box is filled with lots of that in purple and black.

My husbands lucky the closest Sephora is almost an hour away from me =)

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Sooz Pascale

Thanks Lo and Sarah!! I checked out the Cargo website and the products look interesting. I may have to visit a Sephora store. There are a couple in the SFV, one in glendale and one in Hollywood so its quasi convenient.

I would love to get some eye make up application tips from Sarah!!

Sooz

Lo Jacobs

One good way for the makeup incompetent (me) to learn eyeshadow tips is from YouTube, weirdly enough. I really like this particular person because she takes it step-by-step and there's minimal annoying music, which a lot of the makeup people on YouTube seem to like.

Mocksoup Graves

All liquid and pancake foundations that I have found are too dark for me. The lightest and palest still are a shade too dark. MAC, Lancome, Covergirl, Revlon, Max Factor,Rimmel, Estee Lauder, Clinique... all too dark. I have an obvious line of demarcation no matter how light I apply and try to blend. And it isn't because i am a Noob, I was a makeup artist for a bit back in the day... I am hesitant to buy another 30 dollar tube of foundation that I can't use.

I believe I am turning into a vamipire. Maybe the cullens will help me.

Sarah Nerd

I learn a lot there too!! I like this girl a lot too.

YouTube - panacea81's Channel