What We Love Right Now March 28, 2012: 10 Budget-Friendly Beauty Products

I love the high-end make-up counters at department stores just like any other woman, but what if you could feel and look beautiful for less? Here are some great products you can try. Best of all they are under $20 and available at most drug stores!

1. CoverGirl Blast Flipstick, $7.99

Image via CoverGirl

We love this product! Two in one-get your lipstick shade right where you want it! Brighten it up or tone it down!

2. St. Ives Olive Cleanser, $5.99

image via St. Ives

I’m always looking for a good face wash. I’ve tried a few and many leave your skin so dry feeling. Love this one from St. Ives. The ingredients in this cleanser leave your skin soft and moisturized.

3. Colgate Optic White Toothpaste. $6.95

image courtesy of Colgate

Haven’t tried this one yet, but it’s on the list as a must purchase item. I hate whitening strips and don’t want to bother with expensive trays from the dentist. This toothpaste sounds like a great alternative!

4. Physicians Formula Skin Calming Spray, $16.99

image via Physicians Formula

Have some blotches here and there? Irritated skin? This spray will help reduce redness and give your skin a more flawless look!

5. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, $5.95

image via Sally Hansen

I’ve always been a fan of Sally Hansen polishes. They go on smooth and the polish don’t seem to chip as quickly, if at all. This polish is a three in one-base coat, color, and top coat-perfect for busy moms!

6. Iman Luxury Powder, $20

image via Iman

Top of your look with this must have powder. At just $20 it’s steal, stops shine, and the gold compact case, well, that’s just an added bonus!

7. Goody’s Ponytail Holder, $4.88 (Wal-Mart)

image via Goody

Like many moms out there by 10 a.m. my hair is back in a ponytail. Life’s just easier that way. Your ‘do doesn’t have to be boring, though! Jazz up your ponytail with these cute silver and gold embellished holders for Goody!

8. Calgon Ageless Bath Pearls, $6.50

image via Calgon

Calgon, take me away! Escape during your next bath with these bath beads. Your skin will be glowing and thanking you!

9. Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes, 5.99

image via Burt’s Bees

I don’t know about you gals, but by bedtime I’m spent! The last thing I ever want to do is wash my face, remove make-up, etc. etc. BUT these wipes remove it all with just a few swipes. Added plus, it’s from one of our favorite makers, Burt’s Bees.

10. Sonya Kashuk Instructional Eye Pallete, $19.99 (Target)

image via Sonya Kashuk

Get some great eye shadows and a lesson on application for less than $20!

Product Review: Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer

Ever look in the mirror and think your dark circles are overwhelming? I know after a few nights with a newborn or after some super busy weeks my dark circles, lines, and redness appear way more than usual. In an attempt to reduce these blemishes I began using Clinique’s Line Smoothing Concealer.

Here is the description of the product posted on their site:

“Actually “bridges” fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing and minimizing them for an instantly firmer look. Skin-brightening ingredients help counteract shadows, reduce redness, give skin more even tone. Ophthalmologist tested. Long-lasting, buildable.”

After just a few days of wearing the product I could tell it was really doing it’s job! Once applied, my lines were diminished (but, of course, not completely gone). I noticed right away that the coverage was great.  Another huge plus for me was that the dark circles were virtually unnoticeable and my eyes seems so much brighter! I will say that when I used the concealer without using any kind of moisturizer it did appear a little chalky, so be sure to moisturize and blend it in well. I wear this concealer all day and it does not dry out. This product wears very well!

If you are searching for a new make-up product and really want something to conceal your under-eye blotches, then the Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer would be a great product to try!

All opinions of this product are that of SharpMoms. SharpMoms was not paid by Clinique to review this product.

Short List of SharpMom’s Summer 2010 MUST HAVES

With summer right around the corner, we thought it would beneficial to make a list of the things we feel are essential for every SharpMom to have this summer. These are things you must have at home or shouldn’t leave home without!

1. Clinique Bamboo Pink Lipstick: This lipstick is sheer, shimmery, and PERFECT for summer. No mirror needed! Just dab on before running out the door (or at the nearest red light) and add a little glam to your look. The best part: It’s only $14.50. This is a must have item for your make up bag!

2. Old Navy Striped Dress: We totally blogged about this dress back in April, but with some styles on sale for $10.99 (YES!) we thought it was worth mentioning again. For the price, this IS a summer essential. We know all moms are super busy and this dress will work around your schedule. It’s a great  choice for a casual day at work or a wonderful alternative to a tee shirt and shorts. Perfect for your day at the park, a trip to the mall…AND for this price we think you need TWO!

3. Suave Mango Mandarin Body Wash: Smell spectacular without breaking your bank. This body wash smells so good, you won’t be able to tell the difference between this brand

and the high end brands at specialty boutiques. Extra Bonus: CLICK HERE for a Suave coupon.

4. PBK Diaper Bag: We love this bag for many reasons. 1) It doesn’t look like your typical diaper bag. 2) There are a variety of patterns to choose from. 3) You can also use this a multifunctional tote the whole summer (for those of us with older children). 4) You can monogram the bag for just $6.50 extra with 3 initials or just 1 initial. Prices range from $39.00-$59.00 and we think for the style and functionality it is worth every penny!

5. Metallic Sandal: Don’t be shy about bold metallics. They are in again this season.

Metallic sandals can dress up a plain black dress or add a little flare to a pair of shorts and a cute top. We really like these strappy sandals from

American Eagle, $29.50 or, for our SharpMoms on a budget, try these at Old Navy for only $12.99.

6. A Little White Dress: Every woman has their go to little black dress, but what about a crisp, flirty white dress for the summer? We did some deep digging through many stores and boutiques and found two super cute dresses. Our first dress is a lightweight Jersey cotton dress by C & C California, $46.99. We like this dress because it is pleated so it will hide your tummy, if that is your trouble area. We also liked the price. Not too cheap, but not breaking your bank account either. The second dress is by GAP and retails for $69.50. Both of these dresses are perfect for date night, a day at the beach, lunch dates with your girlfriends, or a bar-b-que with friends. And, won’t both dresses go so well with those metallic sandals? We LOVE this look!

7. One Go-To Tee: For those moments when you don’t have time to think, we love this scoop neck tee from Banana Republic, $24.99. Available in a variety of colors, this tee is perfect with khaki shorts, a jean skirt, or jazzed up with your favorite necklace, earrings, and jeans for a night out. Why we love, love this tee? It has a hint of spandex for great comfort and fit.

8. Silver Hoop Earrings: Why do we think this is a must have? Well, for starters, it is a timeless looking addition to a solid tee, sundress, or many wear-to-work styles. It is a great little item to stow away in your glove box or purse. If you want a great pair, check out these hoops available at Macy’s. For a less pricey version, try this pair which can be found at Kohl’s.

9. Partyware: We all love a good time and, if you love a good drink every now and then, you must have this seven piece glass set available at Target, $24.99. This will be perfect for your next patio party-break out the blender!

10. Beaded Necklace: There is no stopping this trend. Wear it with your favorite solid dress. Wear it with a ribbed tank. The options are endless. The great things about a big beaded necklaces is that they can be found in a variety of styles, for a variety of prices.

These are just a few of our favorite things for summer. What are your must have items? Drop us a line and tell us about your essential pieces. If you try out some of our suggestions, let our other readers know what you think and leave a comment as well. We’d love to know how you would rate some of these items. HAPPY SUMMER 2010!