Beauty for LESS! NUMBER 2

Next on the list of beauty for less we have..... Facial cleansers. If you don't have a problem with acne, and can use just any old soap for your face.... then you are one lucky gal! I really thought that with age came clearer skin.... nope I was wrong. So, what's the best on the market for acne treatment?

This set of three steps will run you any where from $19.99 - $25.00 PLUS shipping and handling. (or the terrible feat of walking into the mall with the awful smell of food court mixed with Abercrombie & Fitch perfume that's being pumped through the air ducts!) And for your money you get a 2oz bottle of cleanser, a 2oz bottle of toner, and a 1oz bottle of repairing lotion. That's roughly $2.50 per oz. From what I hear it's great stuff... I mean look at all the celebrities that use it... they NEVER lie for the sake of a buck! ;)




I however have a hard time paying that... and I hate ordering online. So, I did my research and found the active ingredients in these products. Then I went on a hunt to find alternatives. Here, for you reading pleasure are the ingredients of Proactive.

Whatare the ingredients in the Original Proactiv 3-Step System?

RENEWINGCLEANSER (Original Proactiv)

Active Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide,2.5%

InactiveIngredients: water (aqua), magnesium aluminum silicate, glyceryl stearate,PEG-100 stearate, disodium PEG-12 dimethicone sulfosuccinate, sorbitol,dimethyl isosorbide, tridecyl stearate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,polyethylene, cetyl esters, anthemis nobilis flower extract, sodiumhyaluronate, sodium PCA, xanthan gum, tridecyl trimellitate, propylene glycol,Imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum)

REVITALIZINGTONER

Ingredients:water (aqua), glycolic acid, hamamelisvirginiana (witch hazel) extract, anthemis nobilis flower extract, rosacanina fruit extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium PCA, panthenol,glycerin, propylene glycol, allantoin, polysorbate 20, hydroxyethylcellulose,sodium hydroxide, benzophenone-4, tetrasodium EDTA, imidazolidinyl urea,methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum), blue 1 (CI 42090), yellow 5(CI 19140)

REPAIRINGLOTION (Original Proactiv)

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide,2.5%

InactiveIngredients: water (aqua), ethoxydiglycol, cyclotetrasiloxane, propyleneglycol, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate,cyclopentasiloxane, panthenol, allantoin, xanthan gum, ceteareth-20, carbomer,triethanolamine, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance(parfum)

I got this list off of the official Proactive website. http://customercare.proactiv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/349

So, the hunt began... I searched far and wide for cheaper alternatives, until I ended up at the mecca of all things cheaper... Wal-Mart. Here's what I found.

The Cleanser...

This cleanser is also sold in a set of three much like the Proactive. The entire set cost roughly $15.00. However, I only purchased the cleanser by itself (because I wanted to try other products) and the cost was $5.97 for 8oz. I was using this product for years as a teenager, then I branched out to try other things, however I always come back to this because it's the one product that I have found that will clear up a breakout in 2 days! The active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, 2.5%. The same ingredient, and concentration as in the proactive for much less, and when I say less I mean $0.75 per oz. Keep in mind that equate now has their own line of this, with the same ingredients, and concentrations. This just happened to be what I picked up that day at wal-mart, but I use them interchangeably.

The Toner...

Now, this was simple for me, only because I have been using it FOREVER.

Witch Hazel. If you look at the ingredient list for the Proactive toner you will see that the number one ingredient is witch hazel, however it also contains, glycolic acid, fragrance (parfum), blue 1 (CI 42090), yellow 5(CI 19140), a long with a bunch of other words I can't pronounce. Look at the ingredients in Witch hazel, there is only distilled Witch Hazel, and 14% alcohol. That's it! Witch Hazel has been around for ages for the treatment of minor scrapes, sunburn, and hemorrhoids, yes ladies if you have had a baby it's the same stuff they give you for....cleaning post...evacuation. So, with all that said, this stuff works great after washing your face. Basically it has a very neutral Ph. (7.35 - 7.45) Which happens to be the same Ph as your body, once you wash your face you strip you skin of not only dirt buy also the natural oils. So, right after your skin is washed and the pores are still open, using witch hazel brings your Ph back to neutral, and thus preventing bacteria growth (zits). Also, it works great for the guys in your life too. Witch Hazel is one of the best aftershaves you can buy, and it doesn't burn! Did I also mention that you can get a bottle of this stuff at Wal-Mart for $1.97. It's in the first aid isle, right beside the peroxide, and rubbing alcohol. There are two down sides to Witch Hazel, the first is, it can be a bit drying so moisturizing is very necessary if you are prone to dry skin, and two, it kind of smells funny when you first put it on. It reminds me of bacon for whatever reason, which is cool with me, I mean I love bacon, but it goes away quickly and the smell does not linger on your face. (however, there was that on time I woke up with my husband licking my face....never mind.JK) All in all I feel like it is not only a cheaper choice, but a natural one as well.


The Repairing Lotion...


I have tried many facial lotions over the last couple years, and none had made me happy until....

Now, this is a generic for the Acne Free kind, just like the cleanser they are exactly the same and I use them interchangeably. This bottle is about $4, and the Acne free kind is roughly $5, so if they are out of one I just get the other. but just like the Proactive brand the active ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% mixed in with an oil free lotion, so it moisturizes, as well and fights acne! I like it!



You can also buy benzoyl peroxide in a stronger form at local drug stores. It comes in 10% formulations, and is great if you have a pesky bump that won't go away. This stuff works like magic literally overnight. I do not recommend it for every day use however. Just when you have an active breakout, and only use it on the infected part, not all over!

This is what it looks like. I got mine at Target, but it's also at Wal-Mart. This is about $3, and will last you FOREVER. It only takes a small amount.

Well, that's my story on facial care for less. I hope this helps you guys out. Let me know if you try an of these products, and what you think. Also, let me know if you have found alternatives for beauty products!!

Jen

Beauty for LESS!!! NUMBER 1

Let us be honest.... the economy sucks! Ronnie Dunn says it best when he says "The cost of livings high, and going up" in his new hit song, The Cost of Living. So, what is a girl supposed to do to get her beauty ON in this economy? I have found several beauty solutions for less, without giving up some essential luxuries. This will be my first installment. I will break it up to save you guys from reading a huge long post.

First on the list, Facial primers. I swear by a facial primer! Not only does it fill in fine lines and wrinkles, but it also helps my makeup last longer, go on smoother, AND protects my face. I have less breakouts when using a facial primer, then when not. So, what's the best facial primer out there?

Smashbox photo finish facial primer. You can purchase this little tube online from Saphora, or at Ulta, and it will run you anywhere from $36-$49.

I know what you're thinking.... Jennifer, where is the cheaper part?! What is in this tube? LIQUID GOLD???? At least that's what I'm thinking....and the answer is no, it is not liquid gold. The active ingredient in this facial primer is Dimethicone 1.2%. Dimethicone is a silicone based compound, and the most widely used organic base in skin protectant.

Now for the cheaper part. Here's what I use, the exact dup. (dup = duplicate) for the Smashbox Primer, and you won't find it in the face section of your drug store....think lower...

Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel. You can purchase this little tube in any drug store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc... in the feminine care isle, and it will run you anywhere from $5-$8!!!! Now that's a BIG difference.
OK, I know what you're thinking.....Ewwww.... Jennifer I am NOT putting VAG cream on my face! And the answer to that is... no, you are not. Yes, it is made by the same people that make the magical cream to ease the fire down under, however, this is NOT used to treat YEAST. It is used as a skin protectant with the active ingredient being.... you guessed it Dimethicone 1.2%. It is sold in this special isle because it is a chafing gel, and if you don't know what chafing is.... well obviously your thighs don't rub together and you have never experienced it.... LUCKY! Anywho, what I'm trying to tell you is that it's the same thing as the smashbox primer, only called something different and much CHEAPER!

  Here is my tube, just to prove it to you! I use it everyday as a base to my makeup. It's fantastic.

I comes out clear, in gel form. (Here's some free advertising for Courtney Robbins Photography... she's excellent! Check her out on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/Courtney.Robbins.Photography)

And drys clear, with a smooth powdery finish, that is not greasy, or drying. It is also fragrance free. It smooths lines and wrinkles, and large pores which makes your makeup glide on, and leaves it on top of the skin where it belongs, instead of  settling into the cracks and crevasses.

I hope you guys find this helpful. Stay tuned for more beauty for less posts. 

Jen

Product Match-up - Eyeshadow primers!

This is a product match-up. In a product match-up I'm going to put two products to the test, side by side, and tell you which one I think has preformed better. In this Match-up we will be putting two eyeshadow primers head to head; the E.L.F eye primer VS. The Urban Decay Primer Potion.

The Cost....

 $1.00

                                                                 VS.


                                                                                             $18.00







First, let me tell you a little bit about an eye primer. The idea is that they will smooth out the surface of your eyelid, and act like a skin protector. Not only protecting your skin from the oil of the makeup, but protecting your makeup from the oil of your skin! So, this basically means, your eyeshadow will last longer, and crease less with a primer. Urban Decay Primer Potion is supposed to be one of the best on the market! ( I have to admit I was pretty stoked to get it) I have always used the E.L.F brand one and been satisfied. So, I decided to put them side by side and see how they really preform.

So, here I am with NO makeup.
Oooo.... skin discoloration!







And now with foundation, and concealer.

Ok, So I'm going to put the Urban Decay Primer Potion on my left eyelid, and the E.L.F Eye Primer on my right eyelid.

They both have a very similar applicator. The spongy, foot type applicator. They both apply with a liquid texture, and a beige color.

They both leave a silky texture to the skin, with a matte finish. So far they are very similar. Now, lets put on some eyeshadow.

So, here's with a bit of makeup on, the time is, 1600 (4pm). I feel like these products are very similar. However, it does seem like initally the Left eye, or the Urban Decay side has more of a matte finish. The right side seems a bit shinny.

I decided that to be able to put these two products to work, to really match them up head to head that I would have to wear them to the place that I am the hardest on my makeup.... Work. So ready I got, and off to a 12 hour night shift I went...

Time to GO!

So, here we are around 2100 (9pm; 5 hours in) both seem to be holding up pretty well. (sorry for the toilet in the back ground.. lol that's classy) No creasing, no clumping, and the left is still just a smudge more matte then the other.

Ok, here we are about 0200 (2am; 10 hours in) the left pic is the Urban Decay side, and the right is the E.L.F side. As you can see, we have some creasing on the right side, and just a small bit on the left. It will be interesting to see how this comes out.

And finally, here we are at 0900 (9am; 17 hours from the time I put the makeup on) as you can CLEARLY tell they are both creased. It almost looks like however, that the E.L.F side is less creased then the Urban Decay side.

So, my opinion is.... There is no denying that Urban Decay has a great primer, it stayed with a matte finish even after creasing. E.L.F creased quicker, however, when Urban Decay finally creased.... It went all out! LOL. After 17 hours, I'm pretty sure that ANYTHING is going to crease. For the price difference though, I'm still all about the E.L.F primer for everyday, I believe it stood up to the challenge. Perhaps I will save the Urban Decay for special occasions. I hope this helps you guys. If you have tried either of these products let me know what you think, or if you have tried a different brand that you think might preform better let me know! Also, if there are any products that you would like to see go head to head in a Product Match-up let me know!
Jen

Pink hair say what?!?!?!?

It all started with a silly hair extension that I bought at a salon in the mall. It was small and chunky and to long for my hair, and wasn't enough.

So, I called up my Biff, Jennie... AKA my hair guru!
And we went to work!! I schemed up a plan to have PINK hair by Monday. She was skeptical at first... But she knows I'm a bit crazy anyhow. So, she was for it!

Off to Sally's beauty supply we went. (actually she went to sally's and I went to pizza hut!)   In the end this is the color she came up with... (warning to anyone who buys this color, it smells like bubble gum on crack!! Somewhat nauseating after a few hours!!)

Then after a lot bleaching, pizza eating, a short drive to the burger king for coffee (with my hair full of foils, I have no shame), washing, coloring, looking like she killed a fairy with her bare hands...

Rewashing, recoloring, and washing again, then drying, for a grand total of 7 hours of work, this is my new do!!!!!

It could stand to be a bit brighter... but I LOVE IT!! next time it'll really stand out :)

So, let me know what you guys would like to read or see a video about! I had a suggestion about eye makeup, let me know if you would like a night look, or an everyday look, or something crazy for Halloween!!  I also had a suggestion to do a review on some face primers, which I'm working on.... so, ya
Until next time.
Jen

My September favorites giveaway winner!

The winner of my September favorites giveaway is...... Rhonda from NY! Congratulations Rhonda! I will send you your trio pronto! To everyone who entered stay tuned for next months favorites and another giveaway!!!

September Favorites plus a GIVEAWAY !

It's October!! So that means.... It's September favorites time!! Monthly favorites are basically a summary of a few things that I am LOVING for the past month.They could be things I've bought within that month, or something that I have rediscovered, or whatever.  So, at the first of the next month I will post a favorites blog, then at the end of my favorites blog I will give you rules on how YOU can enter to win one of my monthly favorites that I love SO much that I just can't keep it to myself, so I bought you one of your very own!!
ALRIGHT, let's get started.
First Favorite....

Hard Candy Glamoflauge. This is one heavy duty concealer. It has been compared to Kat Von D's Tattoo Conceal. This concealer claims to cover tattoos as well. I haven't tried that, however, I do know that this baby can cover some serious dark circles, and blemishes! They come in 3 shades I believe, Light, medium, and Tan. I, of course, have the light, simply because transparent wasn't an option. You can buy Hard Candy cosmetics at Wal-Mart. This concealer will cost you approx. $8 bucks!! But well worth it.

It also comes with this cute little concealer pencil!! Very handy :)








Second Favorite.....

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil in the color, 01 Black.
 I love this eyeliner for several reasons; It is SO creamy, and goes on like butter on a hot biscuit....(Mmmm... biscuits), and STAYS PUT.  It has GREAT color pay off, this eyeliner has been compared to Urban Decay's 24/7 Liner in Zero, which runs for about $18 dollars. You can pickup the Milani for around $6!! (Im ALL for cheaper!) Walgreen's, CVS, and Kmart are the only places that I know carry this brand. The only down side about that I have found  is that there are only 5 colors to choose from. Otherwise, I TOTALLY dig this liner.
Third Favorite....

China Glaze Nail Polish, in the color For Audrey. I love this color! it's not teal but it's not straight blue, and the fact that it is china glaze means you don't have to worry about the opacity of this polish. I also love the name, its the color of Tiffany & Co. so it's a tribute to Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at TIffany's. You can buy China Glaze at, Sally's Beauty Supply, and Ulta, (that's all I know anyhow) and a 0.5 oz bottle will run you anywhere from $4.99 - $6.00. Sally's sometimes has really good specials though.

Here it is on.... with some cute little roses!!










Fourth Favorite...

Body Butter by the Body Shop, in the smell, LOVE ETC...
This lotion is GREAT, it's thick, it's creamy, and it smells divine!
I love it mostly because it moisturizes without feeling greasy. Also it works fast, I first started putting it on my elbows, and within a week they had softened up and lost that, "breaking bricks" appearance! I love the smell too. It's so light and clean, not over powering at all. There's is a down fall however, if you live in Asheville or surrounding areas, then we are just out of luck. The closest one is in Greenville SC. However, you can order them offline. They cost about $12.50, or 2 for $10 I think :)

Fifth, and Final Favorite.....

The Wet n Wild Sweet as Candy trio!! I did a review of this just last week. I LOVE this trio. I have been reaching for it pretty much EVERYDAY. You can get Wet n Wild at CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. There are probably several places, I just can't think of them right now. The price of this little trio, about $1.99!!




NOW for the fun part! You have the chance to win your very OWN Wet n Wild Sweet as Candy trio. (Brand new, I promise). So, here's the rules, you have ONE week to go to my Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/sjchampion04, and post on my wall the ONE thing about fall you LOVE the MOST!! Then next Monday I will place all of the names into an ramdomizer and pull out a winner!! The winner will be announced next Monday. It's not much, but hey, it's FREE!! Only one entry per person please.

Until next time,
Jen