TV NEWS MOM

Monday, February 20, 2012

Best Drugstore/Do-It-Yourself Beauty Finds











I Love me some Dior DiorShow Mascara. But at $25 a tube... it's an indulgence for my makeup-loving self. With the amount I wear every day for my job, I constantly need to replenish my supply. And that adds up. So instead, I buy Maybelline Great Lash Mascara for $5 and under. The iconic pink and green favorite is just a great every day mascara. The wand grabs and separates hard-to-reach hairs, fattening up every lash without lightening my wallet.




Which got me thinking... about my favorite drugstore and do-it-yourself beauty finds over the course of my makeup-wearing adult life. There are plenty of products out there that get the job done just as well, if not better than their department store and salon counterparts.





1. Eyeliner: I have long used MAC's liquid eyeliner in boot black for $18.50. I love the firm, tapered tip of the applicator. But recently I found a much cheaper alternative that I LOVE! L'Oreal's Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner ranging from $5-$9.50. It has the same kind of precision felt tip for less.











2. Primer: Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer is by far the best on the market, a makeup artist's dream. But it's $36. Ouch. My fellow TV News girlfriends introduced me to L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Pefecting Base, for $8-$13. It really improves skin texture and makeup just glides on. It's a silky, lightweight formula that leaves your face velvety soft to the touch.



3. Eyelashes: Ardell Duralash Naturals, $4.
Just a few of these well-placed natural fibers will make you appear genetically blessed in the lash department. Thanks to their knot-free base, these lashes fit right between your own.
4. Nails: Sally Hansen 5 Minute French Manicure Kit, $8.50-$12. The French manicure pen is simple to use and gives you an instant tip. Get this kit and you don't need to go to a salon any more to get your nails done. Also to try... my favorite nail color of all time is Revlon Vixen. Almost identical to Chanel's Vamp ($35) but a mere $5.




I also love getting gel manicures. But I can't afford to spend an hour of my time and $30-$40 every time I want a new color. I invested $60 in an at-home kit made by Red Carpet Manicure. Use it twice, and I've already recouped my costs. There's a UV light so you can cure the nail color, and everything you need for a perfect-looking salon manicure that lasts weeks.



5. Skincare: The Oil of Olay Regenerist Line. Consumer Reports rated it higher than the fanciest, expensive brands for effectiveness.





6. Foundation: With HD television, my foundation is vital for a smooth, flawless look. Imagine my surprise when our makeup consultant recommended Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse, $8-$15. It's a cream-whipped foundation, great hydrating coverage for my dry skin, as well as a nice not too matte, not too shiny finish.



7. Lipstick: Maybelline has created a superstar lip color in its Color Sensational line. Long-lasting, crisp color and a creamy feel. Red revival is a top seller... a sexy, true red. $1-$13.






8. Makeup Wipes: Costco used to carry these Kirkland Facial Towelettes right next to the baby wipes and diapers. There's a reason for that. Moms with young babies are often too tired to wash their face and deal with makeup removers. These are a godsend. $20-$30 for 300 count.



9. Hairspray: Many of the girls in our newsroom use Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold. $3.50-$5. It keeps things in place, but doesn't really flake when you brush it out. Anchor hair that can weather any storm!


10. Friction blocker: This is a little magic in a stick. Whether you're going dancing or chasing down interviews, Band Aid's Friction Blocker ($4-$8) prevents all those painful blisters and soreness from rubbing from those uncomfortable (yet cute) shoes.





There are tons more... would love your feedback on any you've tried and loved/hated or want to add to this list!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

I'm back! (Bad blogger!!! Bad!!!)

Every blog I've ever read on blogging says one of the keys to a successful blog is to be consistent. Well, judging from the fact that my last entry was FIVE MONTHS AGO... I'd say I failed.

In my defense, the holidays came along, and so did Pinterest and Instagram... two highly addictive social networks. So my time online was spent lusting after beautiful photos of places and recipes and things, instead of investing in this project I had once started with so much excitement and expectations.

But 2012 is a new year. And so TV News Mom has returned. Just like any resolution, I don't want to promise anything I can't deliver. So I won't make any grand promises, but I do have a renewed desire to write again, and I will do my best to keep it informative and interesting.

My first topic will be my favorite do-it-yourself at-home beauty/spa products and treatments that save you time and money.