A full face from the drugstore.

Maybe it was my enforced cutting-back, maybe it was all that Cover Girl product in my face on ANTM, but lately I've been experimenting with drugstore makeup brands and have, for the most part, been satisfied. In a couple of cases, even impressed. Here's how I have been creating my (almost) full face with drugstore products, none of which cost more than $12.99.

Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup, SPF15

This foundation is sheer, light, and of course, blendable. It comes in a little bottle with a simple cap (no extravagant packaging), and is easy to apply with your finger.

Eyeliner: Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner.

After years of racoon eyes from Clinique products, I experimented to see exactly what was running down my face. After trying this eyeliner, I blame the Clinique. This goes on easily, is removed relatively easily, applies well, and stays put all day. The Brownish Black color is good for day or night.

Lips: CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain.

This stain really does stay put, and I found a delightful berry-red color. It lasts a super long time and doesn't really rub off. One caveat: if your lips are chapped or dry, this stain will fade unevenly. Also, you have to apply it exactly where you want it - this doesn't blend or smudge. So trace carefully!

As for everything else, in the spirit of using what I've got, I've been maintaining my Clinique mascara. I've also been LOVING, absolutely loving, benefit's Highbeam liquid highlighter. A little on the brows and tops of the cheekbones, and it wakes up your whole face and makes you look totally fresh. Use highlight with mascara and gloss, and you're basically done. For cheeks, I've been sticking with my benetint, which is only half empty a year after I bought it (or half full?).

So try some drugstore brands. Seems like they've gotten better since our high school days. And if anyone is even checking this blog anymore, thanks for reading! More to come, for sure!

Cheers,

Hayley

All over Italy in 2 carry-ons Part 2: Makeup and Jewelry

When packing for a big vacation to somewhere fabulous, your first instinct will be to cram as much clothing, accessories and beauty products in you luggage as you can. I addressed overpacking clothes in my last post, but two other things women tend to overpack are makeup and accessories.

When you're in an exotic, foreign land, there are so many more wondrous things to think about than your eyelash curler. Granted, individual cosmetic items don't take up much room in and of themselves, but it's important to make the most of your makeup bag's space. Pack wisely and you can fit shampoo, deodorant, floss, and other handy things in there, leaving more room for souvenirs.

When packing beauty supplies, like clothing, it's important to bring multitaskers. Benetint doubles as blush and lip color, and Benefit 10 Bronzer has both bronzer and highlighter to use anywhere on your face. Now is not the time to try trendy makeup or to paint layers on your face. In my case, Italy will be very warm and I'll want to keep it simple and pretty, as well as lightweight.

The Ideal Travel Makeup Bag

• Tinted moisturizer with SPF
• Concealer
• Night cream
• Mattifying powder
• 2 eyeliners
• Mascara
• 1 eyeshadow palette
• Bronzer
• 2 lip products (1 dark, 1 light)

I like to bring one black eyeliner for night, and one brown or violet for daytime. The right moisturizers are crucial, to avoid sun damage and keep your skin looking as good as usual. The eyeshadow palette is key for blending and flexibility in a small package. I like Clinique's Spicy Eyeshadow quad, with a gold, a pink, a medium brown and a chocolate brown.

Next: the jewelry. Few women love jewelry more than me. Costume jewelry, inherited silver, modern pieces from Boucheron... I love 'em all. But again, when traveling it is necessary to streamline and pick your most loved and versatile pieces. Keep in mind that one great statement necklace can easily dress up a tank and shorts, but how many do you really need to bring?

The Ideal Travel Jewelry Case

• Pearl or diamond studs
• Simple hoop earrings
• Watch
• Silver necklace or pendant
• Coordinating bracelet
• 2 pairs big earrings
• 1 statement necklace
• Handful of bangles
• 1 cocktail ring

The statement necklace should be interesting, but not too memorable. Tortoiseshell, amber, neutral beads, seashells and thin long chains are great. When considering the statement necklace, hold it up to all your tops or dresses and see how the colors work to make sure it's a good choice. And like the statement necklace, big earrings or a cocktail ring go a long way as well. For the earrings, I'd take one silver-based pair and one really funky pair. Once you get to your destination, you won't even miss the other clutter in your jewelry box.

And finally... accessories. Scarves, purses, belts... I love 'em too, girls. But once again, streamline. Pare down. Stick to neutrals. I mentioned purses in my last post, but when it comes to other accessories, this is where our bags tend to runneth over. A scarf or belt adds a lot to a simple sundress or solid outfit. Just keep these to a minimum. One wide belt, one skinny. One warmer scarf (pashmina), and one gauzy one, in neutral colors or patterns.

And if you get nothing else from this advice, remember this:

The more you pack, the less room you have to take home fabulous jewelry, scarves, purses, shoes and souvenirs. And the fewer items in your closet for which you can say, "I got this in Rome."

Cheers,
Hayley

Lemon Favorites

I am home at the moment. Yes, at 10:30 on a Friday night. You would be too, if you were one of the many people in New York incubating the black plague (aka my first cold of the year). As I sliced a wedge of lemon for my fourth mug of tea, the sweet, tart scent managed to get through my impenetrable sinuses. Maybe it's been a while since I've smelled a fresh lemon? But regardless, the scent struck me as so fresh, clean, beautiful and bright.

I prefer lemons to citrus medleys, because the pure scent of one fruit seems less, well, fruity, than spritzing on a scent that smells like Sprite or Tropicana candies. I went through a pink grapefruit phase in college, wearing Gap's Pink body spray every day for about 18 months. But I tired of it, and the grapefruit seemed to become ubiquitous. But lemon is sharp, distinct, clean and sweet. I love the sharpness of lemon, and I hate when people try to change it. I scrape the meringue off the pie, I steer clear of lemon yogurt (too vanilla) and stick with hard candies, lemon drop shots and Italian ices. Adding sage, "cream" (whatever that is), lavender or anything else just waters down the dominant lemon.

I have always believed (well, since I worked at Bath & Body Works during college) that scents can change your mood. That's the philosophy behind the whole perfume industry. But it doesn't have to just be a scent you wear. I've found that when my Irish nose inhales pure lemon scents, I feel cheerier, happier and more energized. What more could you ask for during a gray, cold, lethargic winter?

Here are some of my pure lemon favorites!


Henri Bendel Lemon Verbena Candle, $26 at Bath & Body Works


Philosophy Powdered Sugar Cookie Body Souffle, on eBay
(Don't let the name fool you - this scent is 90% lemon and 10% sugar cookie - one of my all-time favorites, and the body souffle is an amazing light moisturizer - like a gel!)


Davies Gate Lemon Made Travel Set, $30 at Bath & Body Works
(Includes Body Wash, Body Scrub, Hand Salve, Hand Lotion and Lip Balm)


Philosophy Powdered Sugar Cookie Lip Shine, on eBay
(The perfect clear, subtly sparkly lip gloss, great scent and works on everyone!)


Bath & Body Works Kitchen Lemon Antibacterial Hand Soap, $4.50 or 3 for $10
(Pure lemon goodness, and guys don't mind using it either!)


Philosophy You Are My Sunshine Two-Piece set, Shower Gelee and Lip Shine, $30


Philosophy Lemonade Salt Scrub, $25


C. O. Bigelow Lemon Body Lotion, $24 at Bath & Body Works


Lemon Reed Diffuser, $19.95 at girlsjustwanttoshop.com


Italian ceramic plate, 4.5" diameter, $16 at ceramicadirect.com
(Doesn't smell like lemon, obviously... but how pretty for the wall!)


C. O. Bigelow Lemon Hand Wash, $12 at Bath & Body Works


Philosophy Lemonade Lip Shine, $12


Lemons, cheap at your local grocer, the ideal garnish, necessary for sangria, beautiful in a bowl or sliced on a saucer. Cut, inhale and enjoy.

Run, Don't Walk!

Sephora.com is having a Friends & Family event right now, and get this girls:

20% off your entire purchase!!!

Just enter the coupon code FF2008 at checkout. Also, if you spend $50 or more, you get free shipping.

Ladies, this is THE best opportunity to stock up on your favorite Dior purfume, benefit That Gal primer, and Nars Orgasm blush. Not to mention, if you'd like to spoil your mom, sister, aunt, girlfriend, boyfriend (hey, whatever), you can get a head start on your holiday shopping.

Go now!!!
Cheers,
Hayley

PS: Thanks to Z100's morning show for sharing the code!

Warm, Soft, and Sweet All Over

I had a fantastic weekend in Charleston, complete with a wild Halloween at the Market Street Saloon and a positively gorgeous wedding at Middleton Place. But one thing I noticed, besides the abundance of tea (sweet, of course), McCain billboards, street signs like Shrimpboat Lane and clean-cut, charming boys with cozy Carolina accents, was the temperature. As in, not warm. Like, maybe 10 degrees warmer than New England.

And it struck me: Indian summer is gone, the leaves are and have been changing, Halloween has passed, and we're in that cold but not snowy period of late fall that comes before the holidays but after apple-picking season.

I personally love the late fall, and not just because I'm a scorpio. And not because we gained an extra hour of sleep last night (or in my case, an extra hour of drinking before last call). When the leaves fall completely and the temperatures drop, there is nothing like a cashmere sweater or a cute guy wearing one to make you love the cold. And what better way to draw one in (a guy that is), than by making yourself smooth as butter and sweet as sugar?

Here are my favorite picks for fall and winter beauty products. You have an easy four months to enjoy these, and considering the risk of winter-dry skin and lips, I recommend stocking up. There's no better antidote to wool and layers than body butter that smells like spiced vanilla.

Victoria's Secret Ooh La La Body Shimmer, $29





Bath & Body Works Bath Fizz in Twisted Peppermint, $3.50


The Body Shop Body Butter in Vanilla Spice, $20

The Body Shop Body Polish in Cranberry, $20

philosophy Shimmer Body Lotion in Snow, $15

philosophy Flavored Lip Shine in Gingerbread, $12

philosophy Flavored Lip Shine in Pumpkin Spice, $12

philosophy Flavored Lip Shine in Cinnamon Buns, $12

Victoria's Secret Shimmer Swirl Lotion, $12 or 3 for $25

philosophy Flavored Lip Shine in Ooey Gooey S'mores, $12

Bath & Body Works Body Cream in Twisted Peppermint, $11

Dylan's Candy Bar Body Products in Birthday Cake Batter, $8-22

Dylan's Candy Bar Body Products in Chocolate Frosting, $8-22

Bath & Body Works Roll-On Shimmer Body Fragarance in Twisted Peppermint, $5

Summer-ize Your Body - On Sale!

Bath & Body Works is having their annual Memorial Day sale, and there are some great deals. Their Body Cream is the best for hydrating legs post-shower, and the scrubs keep you exfoliated and smooth.
2 for $15 Select Signature Collection (most products)
The lotion/body spray 1-2 punch will last all day!
Grab: Coconut Lime Verbena, Exotic Coconut, Honeysuckle
Skip: Sea Island Cotton, Sweet Pea


Travel Size Signature Products, 4 for $10
Approved for airline carry-on luggage, and includes antibacterial products!
Grab: Cherry Blossom, Irresistible Apple, Velvet Tuberose
Skip: Moonlight Path, Rainkissed Leaves, Sensual Amber


$4 Select Signature Collection Moisturizers
Body Cream is the most moisturizing without the greasy feel. But straight-up lotions are good too, if your skin isn't too dry.
Grab: Brown Sugar & Fig
Skip: Sparkling Peach


Buy 2, Get 1 Free Lip Products ($7 - $7.50 each)
The Bigelow Mentha Lip-Tints add color and a cool, tingly feeling!
Grab: C.O. Bigelow Lemon, Liplicious Limeade
Skip: Liplicious Grape Soda and Candied Apple

Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Hayley

All that glitters...

... is the summery-est metallic of all!

Sunburst, $17.50


Sunset, $14


Spicy, $25


Brown Sugar/Cream Lustre, $13.50


Golden Bronze, $28.50


Golden Glimmer, $15


Radiant Bronze, $18.50

How to Make Your Make-Up Last

The days are getting longer, the sun is getting brighter and the mercury is rising. It's about time! Late April and May are great months for hair and makeup in New England: comfortable 65-80 temperature range and when it's not raining, it's breezy and generally dry. Hence, spring is my favorite season.

But for those humid days, especially when we get into the heat or rainy days, it can be hard to make your makeup stay still. Or sometimes, when you know you're going to party until dawn, you don't want to worry about multiple touch-ups. So here are some of my time-tested, tried-and-true methods to keeping your makeup looking fresh and staying put, come beach, concert, rain or sleepover.

1) Use a mattifying lotion for your face. Controls oil and keeps your powder and blush in tact. Try Neutrogena Oil-Free Shine Control Lotion.



2) Use high-quality mineral powder to set the lotion, like the Laura Mercier Mineral Powder. This is where you get what you pay for. Cheap powder cakes and doesn't last.



3) Follow the powder with a cream blush on the apples of your cheeks. Benefit Sheer Cream Blusher creates a subtle look that lasts. This won't rub off like powder blush can.



4) Cover your eyelid and crease with Clinique's Touch Base for Eyes. It works great as a subtle, tan shadow with a bit of shine - I love using it alone in the summer. But putting this on before any eye shadow will make the shadow last a lot longer and prevent creasing. I prefer Canvas Deep!



5) Liquid liner takes practice, but lasts much longer than kohl or pencils, in my opinion. MAC makes a good liquid liner, but believe it or not, my sister got me a $1 liquid eyeliner at the drugstore that lasted too - so check it out for yourself. Maybe the cheaper liner works fine!



6) If you want shadow, cream is best to avoid creasing and fading. Nars and Clinique make great cream shadows. It also blends really well, and sometimes I just love doing all my makeup with my fingers. Feels like kindergarten!



7) Finish eyes with a serious waterproof mascara, like L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara. You'll need to wipe off a LOT of excess from the brush to avoid overapplying, but it's worth it. Only makeup remover will get this stuff off.



8) For lips, no lipstick or gloss is impervious to fading. Two great options are a lip liner, applied to the whole lip, then topped with gloss, or a lip tint like Benefit's Benetint. Both will last through eating, drinking, and kissing! Bonus - the Benetint doubles as a cheek tint! And it's practically idiot-proof!



The important thing to keep in mind is no makeup matters without a good canvas. Keep your skin clean, exfoliate regularly, and moisturize. This will help makeup settle beautifully on your face and last longer. And of course, less is more. The more sparingly you use the products above, the better they work.

Except the liquid eyeliner. If you're going all night, girl, swipe that stuff on and shake your sultry ass all night long :-)

Happy raging,
Hayley

PS: I'm going to UConn's Springfest this weekend, with Flo Rida and Method Man. Not my typical show, but it should definitely be interesting. Update to come. Have a great weekend!

Beauty Web Specials Right Now

The Body Shop
Mini Body Butters and Scrubs, 3 for $20
My favorites: Coconut, Pink Grapefruit and Shea


Glycerin Soaps, 5 for $12
My favorites: Almond and Satsuma



Bath & Body Works
Select Signature Scents, 3 for $18 or 6 for $30
Good for: Exotic Coconut, Passion Fruit, Sensual Amber (yuck), Fresh Pineapple, Sparkling Peach


Select True Blue Spa 2 for $20
I recommend: Fancy Frizz, Toe the Line and any shea butter product for sandal-ready feet


Sephora
Free Shipping on Orders Over $50