drugstore junkie

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The Mane Event!

03/05/2010 in Hair, Maintenence, Product by Lauren | No comments

SO here’s the thing: I have a very specific idea of how I want my hair to look. The hair I WANT is like Cameron’s:
Or Jessica’s:
Or Reese’s:

The hair that grows out of my head, however? Something more like…

Sideshow Bob.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to beat my mane into submission, but between the straightening irons, curling irons, hot rollers, velcro rollers, blowdryers, highlights, lowlights, bi-yearly Keratin treatments and products, products, products… My poor hair takes a LOT of abuse.

Eventually, it starts looking and feeling well, a little like…

…you know what I mean.

Friends, I have FOUND A MIRACLE PRODUCT:

Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat

Here’s the Q+DD: You can use this product either as a leave-in conditioner OR a masque-type treatment. The instructions say that if you are using it as a leave-in, to apply a dime sized amount to towel dried hair before styling. If you’re using it as a treatment, apply liberally to your hair and leave in for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

But being from the school of “More is Better”, I have been sleeping in gobs of this stuff for the last 3 nights and my hair did a 180!

No lie, I picked Linds up last night and she asked me if I had in extensions. My hair isn’t any longer, it’s just healthier and shinier and fuller.

If you are having haystack head problems, I am begging you to run out to your nearest CVS and pick some up. Just so you don’t have sticker shock, it’ll run you about $20, which seems like a lot for something you don’t get at a fancy-pants salon, but just do it, ok?

In short: Celebrity Hair, HERE I COME!

…and just in time for the Oscars!

xx, L

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“Smashing, Dah-ling!”

02/26/2010 in Beauty, Maintenence, Product, Tricks of the Trade by Lindsay | 6 comments

***Sorry, men…  Y’all will probably want to skedaddle over this post.***

Sooooooo, I’ve been using mineral make-up for several weeks now – and I’m totally sold on it.  I love how it sits on my face and doesn’t feel heavy.  I love that it is so easy to apply.  I love not feeling like I need to wear concealer in addition.  My only complaint, though, was that I felt like the amazing coverage that mineral make-up was initially giving me upon application was seriously fading over the course of the day.

All I want to know is:

1 – Who, exactly, do my minerals think they are?

2 - And, WHERE do they think they are going??

I went back to Ulta @ Buckhead Station and explained my situation to one of their make-up specialists:  I’m constantly on the go and sometimes don’t have time or the opportunity to reapply make-up after work and before one of my bajillion obligations or social commitments.  But, I still want to look like I have make-up on!  She recommended that I start using this bad boy under my make-up every day:

my secret weapon

She told me that SMASHBOX’s Photo Finish Primer is silky + lightweight and will increase the longevity of my make-up.  In fact, it’s frequently used in photo shoots – make-up artists and photographers love it, apparently.  She said Photo Finish will also reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores and it’s oil-free.

I told her that products with a name like “SMASHBOX” were most likely going to be wayyyyy too sexy for my really sensitive skin.  She told me that she, too, has very sensitive skin and she’d never broken out from it.  I was skeptical. Most of my make-up comes in organic-looking packaging and is plastered with “dermatologist approved” or “hypoallergenic.”

(So what, I have allergies…) :(

Alas, I tried it and I am pretty sure this product was made by angels – totally heaven sent!! It’s holding onto my minerals and giving me great all day coverage even into the evening, without irritation.  Now, I put it on each morning after my moisturizer.  It seeps into my skin almost immediately - and then I start working with the minerals…

Ooh ooh ooh – as far as eyeliner is concerned, I really need for it to stay on all day, too.  No time to reapply! I swear by Revlon’s Colorstay Eyeliner.  Swear by it! It’s pretty cheap and will stay on all day long.  Fact.

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner

Finally, I used L’Oreal’s Telescopic Mascara for the first time today and I really like it.  It has a teeny tiny application wand that I think is supposed to help you avoid getting clumps.

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

I’ve been known to jump around from mascara to mascara with no loyalty whatsoever.  For the last few months, I’ve been using Maybelline’s XXL Volume + Length Microfiber Mascara and have been very pleased with it, but it definitely gets clumpy quickly.  I absolutely looooathe that!

Maybelline's XXL Mascara

I’m seriously considering a semi-permanent (at least) switch to L’Oreal Telescopic after using it this morning.  It just looks so natural and came out very evenly on my lashes.  I am impressed with the length of my lashes, too.  I’m definitely not married to it, but I think I’ll at least switch to it for a few months.  Will let you know how it goes…

That’s all!  :)

xx, L

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Barely There.

02/06/2010 in Beauty, Maintenence, Product, Tricks of the Trade by Lindsay | 1 comment

I’ve finally done it!  I went to ULTA @ Buckhead Station yesterday and switched over all of my make-up, aside from a few favorite standbys, to Bare Minerals.  EXCITING!!  Among other things, I bought three gorgeous eye shadows + the Starter Kit:

Bare Minerals Starter Kit

Bare Minerals Starter Kit

I have to admit that I am a teeny-tiny bit skeptical, but I am hopeful that Bare will be everything that it touts in all of its advertisements.

Bare Minerals

Bare Minerals

I used it for the first time today - following all of the steps detailed in the Starter Kit DVD.  Immediately, I could feel a difference between using mineral make-up and the junk I’d previously slathered on my face for years.  My favorite item so far is the mineral veil; it leaves such a pretty glow.  We shall see how this goes…  It just may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. :)

xx, L

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the flossy-flossy

12/01/2009 in Maintenence, Product, Tricks of the Trade by Lindsay | 6 comments

I have impeccable hygiene.  I bathe every day – sometimes twice a day.  I regularly use deodorant and lots of lotions and perfumes that smell ah-mazing, if I do say so myself.  I brush my teeth constantly.  Haircuts and pedicures are my favorite ways to spend time – and money.  HOWEVER, I am a horrible flosser…

floss

The problem is that I’ve been blessed to be cavity-free for 27 years.  I didn’t need braces or a retainer – even though I wanted one like all the other kids.  I brush and use a tongue scraper multiple times a day.  But, I’ve never really developed a steady flossing habit because everything has been just fine so far without it.  I know what you are thinking…ewwwwwww.  Well, shut up!! 

(Fine.  I don’t really mean that.)

090307-flossing-teeth

I recently decided that it was time for me to finally develop the habit.  I take excellent care of my skin beacuse I want it to look good when I am older – why wouldn’t I want the same for my teeth?  After some serious thought, I realized what I don’t like about flossing has much less to do with forming the habit than it does with the actual floss I’ve been using.  I’ve never liked traditional floss.  I always take too much or too little.  I don’t like the way it cuts into my fingers or stretches my cheeks.  Soooooo, I bought this kind the other day and I love it:

Crest Glide Floss Picks

Crest Glide Floss Picks

TADA!  Crest Glide Floss Picks are totally the way to go.  They are so much easier to maneuver and they are stupid cheap (20 for around $3.99) for something that will actually encourage* me to floss.  I am going on five days straight of flossing now, too!!  Pick them up at your local CVS or Publix. 

Happy hygiene to you! :)

xx, L 

*I am embarrassingly needle shy and as a kid my mom used to encourage me to get shots at the doctors office by bribing me with treasure trolls.  It worked, but I am absolutely terrified of them now.

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Your Resident Drugstore Junkie Recommends: Neutrogena Lip Gloss

10/17/2009 in Beauty, Deals + Steals, Maintenence, Product by Lindsay | 3 comments

Aside from 7th grade and the two-week-long bright red lipstick phase I went through my junior year of college, I’ve never really been that into lipstick.  But, I LOVE lip gloss! I’ve tried a number of designer lip glosses for years - particularly a variety of Trish McEvoy ones – but was never head-over-heals for any of them.

However, this past year I finally found “the one.” Now, my boss, my mom, my aunt, my roommate and a number of my girlfriends all use it – and, although it is found at the drugstore, it feels like I’ve always imagined designer lip gloss should feel.  Fo’ reals.

***Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Gloss***

I use #20 "Dreamy"

I use #20 "Dreamy"

Product Description: Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Gloss brings long-lasting shine and sheer color to lips, without the stickiness.  Actually moisturizes, softens and smoothes lips because each shade is packed with moisture-boosting emollients and nurturing botanicals.  Lips look healthier and feel softer.

Pick it up for around $8.00 at your local CVS.  I hope you love it as much as I do!!

xx, L

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Your Resident Drugstore Junkie Returns!

09/21/2009 in Beauty, Deals + Steals, Maintenence, Product by Lindsay | 1 comment

Although I love to use Pureology products, my true hair heroin is Biosilk Silk Therapy.  I’ve used it for years and it never builds up in my hair = incredible. 

We used  to abuse my mom’s fake hairsytlist ID (don’t ask) to stock up on all our hair goods, but now it’s just easier to get everything directly from our local CVS.  Even Pureology (love) is sold there now! 

CVS at Ansley Mall retails the 12 oz. bottle of Biosilk Silk Therapy for $35.99.  It’s a pretty penny for the drugstore - if I do say so myself.  Well, let me tell YOU, about the deal I stumbled across (fate, obviously) at Tar-jay in Atlantic Station yesterday:

TBDE! (the best deal ever)...

TBDE! (the best deal ever)...

$26.99 (total) for 12 oz. bottles of the Biosilk Silk Therapy, Shampoo AND Conditioner

Seriously, run – don’ t walk.  This is an incredible deal!  And your hair needs all the help it can get with six more days predicted of this horrendous weather…  Yuck and Ick!

You’re welcome. :)

xx, L

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Your Resident Drugstore Junkie Recommends…

08/05/2009 in Deals + Steals, Maintenence, Product by Lindsay | 1 comment

L’OREAL Vive Pro Hydra Gloss shampoo and conditioner:

TA-DA!

My beloved hairstylist, Doug, finally talked me out of my unfortunate Pantene obsession.  I’ve moved on.  However, I still can’t quite get myself out of the drugstore.  (CVS gets me every time with those coupons at the register…)

Anyway, my sweet mommy recommended L’OREAL Vive Pro Hydra Gloss and I’ve been using it for a little over a week.  I really like it and I feel like it’s putting a lot of moisture back into my poor color-treated hair.  I don’t feel like it is building up either, which is a problem with other drugstore shampoos.  It’s got royal jelly (no clue), omega 3&6 (think we generally eat this) and olive oil (Rachael Ray will be proud) in it and it’s a whopping $4.99 at your local CVS.  Definitely try it if you are looking for a new shampoo or conditioner! 

Just remember to apply as Mr. Madison instructs:

photo credit: esquire.com

photo credit: esquire.com

“Shampoo is better.  I go on first and clean the hair.  Conditioner is better.  I leave the hair silky and smooth.  Oh, really, fool?  Really.  Stop looking at me, swan!”

xx, L

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