Skincare Special: Beautiful Skin & Hair for Pennies

Beautiful Skin and Hair for Pennies

With these at-home beauty product recipes you can save money without sacrificing quality

Spend a little too much this holiday season? Well, one way to get your bank account back on track is to spend a little less on products. Thankfully, with these at-home recipes, you can save plenty of cash but still have glowing skin and shiny hair. See recipes

Shopping Made-Easy with Pebble.com

I was doing my Christmas shopping (wish) list until I discovered a new search-based online shopping comparison site called Pebble.com.

Pebble is a valuable resource for comparative shopping and has a simple interface. I wasn’t lost with their user-friendly search bar. I just typed in what I am looking to buy in the search bar that says, "What are you searching for?" and click on "Search". A list then comes up with possible matches to my search along with a button to compare prices at stores that carry that item. There is also a dollar sign icon and green text alerting me to low price deals.

While browsing Pebble, I was able to find ceramic hair irons (from low-end to the most expensive brands), Roxy and Nine West Bags, Benefit Cosmetics and a lot more. Another cool thing about Pebble is that you can see other user’s Q&A about various products to help make an informed buying decision.

While it's nice to go to a store to try products first, there are times when we prefer to do a little online shopping, especially when we are looking for a product that may not be locally available. However, it's nice to be able to ask questions about a product that might not be found in a product manual or advertisement from people who have actually used the product or have first hand experience with it. In this regard, Pebble.com not only offers a full listing of products and comparative prices, but also by providing a question & answer section about the products that is integrated into the shopping site.

So if you are looking for a new product, or maybe wanting to complete your Christmas shopping list-- you should give Pebble.com a try and see what deals you can find!

Sale Alert: Save Over 25% on Eyeko A-Lister Set

Get that celebrity glow with the No.1 3-in-1 Eyeko Cream. Mix it up with Eyeko Tinted Cream for that jet-setting hint of colour like a true A-lister!

Add drama to your LOOK with NEW Eyeko Magic Mascara for luxe lashes with extra volume, length and curl. Set the scene with a pop of sheer colour with Eyeko Cheeky Cherry Lip Gloss and a fashion-forward slick of nail polish in Pastel baby blue.

For rave reviews play up your looks with Eyeko Rosy Pink Lip Gloss and Eyeko Pretty Polish!

The whole A-lister set is on sale now for only £25 at www.eyeko.com. Remember, worldwide shipping is free on all orders! Use code E148 upon checkout for a FREE gift.

Top 12 Products for Oily Skin

Top 12 Products for Oily Skin

Stop grease and shine with oil-controlling makeup and skin care

If you have oily skin, you know it can be tough to prevent mid-day shine and keep grease at bay. Here, our fellow oily skin readers share feedback on the products that keep them looking matte all day. See products

Steal Celebrities' Hair Color-- With At-Home Products!

You don't need to go to a pricey salon to get A-list color, we'll show you an easier and cheaper way!

Most celebrities have enviable hair color -- not surprising since they can afford to visit the swankiest salons. But we know a little secret: you don't need to go to a fancy salon to get gorgeous color. In fact, you can give yourself a beautiful dye job at home! All you need is the right product, which we'll help you find. Check out these celebrity inspirations and see which type of at-home hair color will give you the same effect. See hair color

Product Review: Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne Perfume

I was privileged to try the new fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent that was recently launched this month, romantically named Parisienne.

YSL Parisienne is a refreshing revamp of the core character of YSL Paris-- a woody, refreshing floral perfume. Parisienne takes the basic combination of rose, wood, powder and fruit, and revamps this classic floral. Parisienne modernizes this combination by adding more fruit and a softly smoldering base of woods. Besides the official notes of Damask rose, violet, peony, cranberry, patchouli, vetiver, musk and sandalwood, it also contains urban and bold aromas of vinyl and lacquer.

The bottle reminds me of antique crystal salt and peppershakers =). I thought it was an old woman perfume but, no, it's young and fresh!

I expected an old, powdery floral, but I was surprised to realized that it is very modern and very feminine in the pink way.

Though it maintains the sensuality and sophistication of YSL Paris, YSL Parisienne is up-to-date and trendy. While making a nod to traditional florals (with rose notes, fruit notes, and powdered notes), YSL Parisienne is slightly more modern, youthful and tarted up for a sensual evening or night parties.

The berry notes are not too sweet at all, and the floral notes are modern and youthful. I know the description says there's a vinyl note, but I didn't catch anything of the sort ;). The entire composition is beautiful, romantic, bright, and makes me smile. I was really drawn to it!

It’s now available in various sizes in prices ranging from $39 to $85.

Product Review: L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

L'Oreal Paris introduces Telescopic Explosion Mascara, the first mascara at mass with a spherical brush and smooth formula to lengthen and separate every little lash. Already a success in Europe, this breakthrough mascara revolutionizes the mascara application process, making it possible to apply from every angle to reach every last lash for a completely fanned-out explosive effect.

What I don't like:

• it takes me a bit longer to apply than the traditional wand mascara
• you need to get used to the spherical brush - to avoid messy application
• it clumps on the second coat
• the ball brush doesn't curl up lashes- so it's still a must to use an eyelash curler before and after application.

What I like about this product:

• formula is made of a soft-wax system of paraffin, jojoba oil and palm oil for soft texture and Pro-Vitamin B5 for lash conditioning
• the round brush makes applying mascara fun!
  
• the spherical multi-angle brush reaches lashes at the roots
• small, it reaches even tiny corner and lower lashes
• lengthens, thickens and separates every little lash
• at the end of the day, the mascara stays on well and doesn't smudge

Additional Benefits:

• Ophthalmologist and allergy tested
• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara will be available by November 2009 in two shades: black and blackest black for a suggested retail price of $9.49. It's definitely a mascara to look out for. ;)

CONTEST: Whooga Boots Giveaway

Win a pair of Whooga Ugg Boots here. Open to all, worldwide.


About Whooga:

Whooga brand is widely considered to be amongst the fastest growing ugg boot brands in the world.

Ugg boots (sometimes called uggs or ug boots) have been used as generic terms for sheepskin boots in Australia since the 1970s, when they first appeared in advertising and other publications. They are a style of unisex sheepskin boots lined with wool on the inside and with a tanned outer surface. Ugg boots often have a synthetic sole, although this is not universal. Uggs have been considered a fashion trend since the early 2000s.

For over 5 years Whooga has developed a trusted and reliable reputation for delivering the worlds warmest ugg boots. Whooga adapts Thermofleece technology, which provides greater warmth with thicker sheepskin micro fibres. This results in an improved ability to regulate the temperature of your feet and body. In other words you’ll feel warmer on colder days, but your feet will still be able to breath naturally and will not overheat.

Whooga ships internationally via an insured service and typically dispatch within 12-48hrs upon placing your order.

Sale Alert: Too Faced Cosmetics' Vintage Super Sale

Too Faced Cosmetics has opened its Vintage Vault for a limited time so you can stock up with your favorite items at the lowest prices ever! They are having a crazy sale of up to 75% off on select Glamour products.

I just took a peek and saw Smurfy-Eyed Liquid Liner for only $4-- which is regularly priced at $17.50! What a nice opportunity to start your early holiday shopping!

Sale runs from October 13 to 25, 2009.

20 Best Aveeno Products (Plus One Mediocre Buy)

This drugstore brand is so loved that readers couldn't find one product worth trashing.

It's rare that a brand wouldn't have at least one or two products that TotalBeauty.com readers loathe, but when it comes to Aveeno, they agree that almost every product is worth trying, and in many cases, re-buying. From baby-pampering goods to their new hair care collection, see what products our readers are raving about. Oh, and to be fair, we included a lowest-rated product -- which racked up a 6.8 rating, mediocre to say the least. See products

No. 20: Aveeno Positively Smooth Shower and Shave Cream, $6.49

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1

"Instead of every other day shaving [I] can go 3 to 4 days before I need to use the razor ..."

No. 19: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $8.49

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1

"If you or a loved one has dry skin or eczema or for that matter any other type of skin condition, this is the product for you!!!"

No. 18: Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Conditioner, $6.49

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1

It shows "immediate results" of hair being "transformed into sleek, healthy locks ..."

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!

Dream World Minerals Haul

I’ve read quite a number of reviews and raves about Dream World Minerals crème toppings and I would agree that these finishing powder are great. This is my second order from them and I just can’t get enough!

Foundation:
Theia (Cloud Formula)
Hebe (Cloud Formula)

Cloud -- is the first of the mica free formulas. It is a medium to heavy coverage that is matte and light feeling. It is perfect for those who live in the environment where they don’t want anything heavy and for those with oily skin. The rice powder helps those who need oil control, by soaking up the excess oils, so their foundation stays nice all day long. There is a limited amount of zinc in this formula. This formula also runs a shade darker than the others.

Pele (Luna Formula)
Themis (Luna Formula)
Chang O (Luna Formula)

Luna – is the heaviest coverage of the 3 formulas. While offering wonderful coverage the Lunas do not cause a cakey look and will feel soft on the skin, while having a long lasting effect. Luna offers the highest amount of Zinc and is wonderful for those who have acne and rosacea. The zinc helps to diminish redness and inflammation caused by these problems.

Creme Toppings:
Angel Creme
Butterscotch Creme
Butter Creme
Whipped Cream
Peach Creme
Banana Creme
Butter Creme (full size 30g)

Butter Creme Topping has been one of my top faves that's why i bought the big jar. It works two ways: as a makeup primer and a finishing dust. Clay and silk formula provides heavier coverage than the silk formula, but some experience allergic reactions with the silk formula. Luckily, i didn't have any problem with any of them so i also ordered the other variants in silk and clay/silk formulas. They are all good and works just as fine, now i realized that Banana Creme in silk formula tops m y list because the shade is just sheer and not matte unlike the clay/silk formula.

14 Secrets Your Hairstylist Won't Tell You

14 Secrets Your Hairstylist Won't Tell You

Find out how to get the best appointments, haircuts and better -- or free! -- services

Whether you think of a salon visit as a fun treat or a necessary chore, you'll want to get the best service (and hairstyle) possible, right? That's why we talked to the experts, hairstylists and salon owners. They told us the secrets of the salon -- the best times to go, how to get that last-minute appointment when you're desperate, and much more! See secrets

Beauty Blunders

Biggest Beauty Blunders of (Almost!) All Time

From hairy pits to shaved heads, we're sure these celebs will always regret these scary style slip-ups.

Celebrities usually can do no wrong when it comes to style and beauty, but sometimes even the most gorgeous women make bad decisions when it comes to their hair, makeup and plastic surgery. See proof in these photos. See blunders

Payday Shopping & Free Samples from Everyday Minerals

Payday is the best time to reward myself for the long week of paperworks and some side biz... But it doesn't mean that i have to spend much. Discovering some cheap finds or at least to window-shop are some of the relaxing things on my list.

I've ran out of facial cleanser, so Watsons was my first stop. I was thinking of getting another tube of my current facial wash (Nivea Visage) but when i saw Neutrogena on sale, i thought of trying this product. Nivea is a holy grail but i can't content myself without trying other brands from time to time. It's one of the girls' sickness, i guess.

Neutrogena Body Oil and Deep Clean Facial Cleanser

The scent of Neutrogena Body Oil's light sesame formula reminds me of the good old days. It was my favorite moisturizer until i discovered TBS Body Butter. =)

My next stop was a local shop here in Olongapo selling cute and cheap cosmetics. I was "inspired" by Aika Gay's blog posts about her China-made e/s and some other cheap finds in Divisioria. I was looking for Baxi brand particularly for eyeshadows, but they only come in single pan not palettes and i didn't like the colors left available.

I just bought some nail polishes and a Miss Beauty 12-Color Palette.

Total Damage for E/S and Nail Polishes: Php170.00 (approx. $3.40) (just do the Math) ;)

Everyday Minerals Free Samples
*just pay for shipping*

Snuggle Blush
Multi Intensive Concealer
Light Intensive Foundation
Winged Butter Original Glo
Soft Butter Peach Original Glo Foundation

I'm lucky that i was able to place another order for samples before Everyday Minerals banned shipping to the Philippines. But I heard that there will be an Asian Site coming soon. I hope that the upcoming store would not have limited products than the (original) US Store, i would still want to save by ordering Super Full Kits and i'm expecting that the postage would then be cheaper.

Same thoughts?

The Body Shop Sale

I’ve read a couple of bloggers who already posted about The Body Shop’s recent anniversary sale. Never mind if this is so late, it’s my turn to share mine too. ;)

But I wasn’t late to take advantage of the huge sale they had in celebration of their 13th year. The sale was originally from May 8 to June 11, 2009 but was extended, and luckily, I was able to get a few discounted items:

I am a fan of Body Shop because they are well-known for their natural, earth-friendly products, but I have not been by a body shop store lately, so I was so mesmerized and excited upon entering their shop at SM Pampanga (the nearest branch to me). They’ve got lots of items on sale for as much as 70% off! Cool isn't it?

Macadamia Straightening Balm
150 ml

After browsing the store, one thing that caught my eye was the Macadamia Straightening Balm. There was only one bottle left so I immediately grabbed it when I saw a girl looking at the same product too. lol

Regular Price: P625.00 ($12.50)
Discounted Price: P187.50 ($3.75)

What it says:
Humidity resistant, heat-activated balm for long-lasting kink-free hair. Recommended for Curly/Wavy Hair.

Macadamia nut oil and wheat proteins penetrate and coat each hair shaft for optimum straightening. With anti-oxidant, heat and UV protection, and Community Trade babassu oil to help restore and add shine.

Best if you want to:
Get it straight with a humidity-resistant balm for smooth, sleek hair. Developed for use with heated styling tools.

Best for:
All hair types, particularly wavy or curly.

Recommended use:
Suitable for use with heated styling tools such as hairdryers or straightening irons. Using your finger or comb, apply a small amount to clean, towel-dried hair, distributing evenly. Blow dry, then use a straightening iron. Use one pump of the product on short to mid-length hair and two pumps on long to very long hair.

My Review:
It's a must buy! This product is not greasy or heavy and works like a dream. It makes my hair soft, not crunchy but smooth and does not seem to leave build up. I wish it made my hair shinier too. Smells a bit nutty and sweet, like I’ve just gone to the spa. I use this as recommended on a towel-dried hair, and if I have more time for my hair, I use a straightening iron and get better results.

Shea Body Butter
200ml

Best if you want to:

Treat your skin to non-stop moisturization with a rich, intensive cream featuring the clean scent of shea.

Best for:
Very dry skin

How it works:

Community Trade shea butter has antioxidant vitamins A and E to help protect and nourish skin. Community Trade cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer that melts at body temperature, leaving skin soft and silky smooth.

Recommended use:
Scoop out with your fingers and massage into your skin, as often as required.

My Review:
Not pocket-friendly but it's worth the price. This is a great treat for dry skin! Best for those pesky dry elbows and kneecaps, and the texture is so luxurious. The ingredients are also sourced through The Body Shop's community trade program, so not only are you purchasing a great product, you're also helping marginalized farming communities in developing countries. The scent is nice and natural/organic smelling, and not too overpowering, so it won't clash with perfume after. Smells clean and yummy, very moisturizing but non-greasy, keeps you soft all day. I know this is LOVE. ;)

Ecotools Fever

Just like some of you, I got caught up with the recent hype about Ecotools brushes. And I am happy to say that I am inlove with these brushes!

I got them from Makeup Masala's Mixshop along with other items that are not yet available here in the Philippines, come take a peek at my loot ;)

Finally i was able to put on cart a tube of Avon's Magix Face Perfector-- it's also a hot item from the Mixshop.

My order amounted more than $50, so I got a free set of Shisem false lashes; Toma also sent me a $5 gift card that i can use on my next purchase. Also included is a sample sachet of Remit Pore Clean Effect Serum. I'm touched!

Ecotools 5-piece brush set
(3 sets)

This earth-friendly set shows respect for the planet

• Bamboo handle has a low impact on the earth's resources as it is from a highly sustainable plant.
• Synthetic taklon bristles are 100% cruelty free
• Sleek ferrule is made from recycled aluminum
• Cosmetic bag is made from natural cotton and hemp
• Reusable storage pouch
  

Mineral Powder Brush

Concealer Brush

Eye Shading Brush

Baby Kabuki

and this one's my new favorite brush:

Ecotools Retractable Kabuki

so soft just like EDM's... and so portable and neat, especially for travel.
(The case is made of recycled aluminum material)

How about you? Have you tried any Ecotools brush yet? What's your favorite?

Trivia:
Do you know why bamboo is so earth-friendly?

Because it has a low impact on the earth's natural resources as it able to grow
up to 4 feet a day!

Mini Haul from E.L.F. Studio

I just thought of sharing some pictures of my brushes from
E.L.F Studio Line:

Thanks to my friend Sep who hosted the pool orders, so i got myself the following:

Powder Brush
-for full coverage color
-creates a professionally sculpted look
-use for powder or blush for perfect contouring

Complexion Brush
-creates an even and natural finish
-expertly sweeps all types of powder across the entire face
and sculpts features beautifully
-use with pressed, loose, or transluscent powders, blush or bronzer.

Eyeshadow "C" Brush
-creates the perfect smokey eye
-the medium size brush gives more control for
specific blending needs
-use with any powder eyeshadow product for color blending

You can save much on ordering any item from ELF Studio Line by using code "5FOR5STUDIO" to avail a whooping 50% discount valid until August 1, 2009. Isn't that great?!

Best Drugstore Shampoos

Best Drugstore Shampoos

Though Pantene dominates this category, it wasn't number one. Guess what brand was?

Shampoo is something TotalBeauty.com readers feel very passionate about, which will become clear as you peruse these glowing reviews of their favorite shampoos. But the icing on the cake is that these products are all from the drugstore -- and many are under five bucks, no joke. See shampoos

No. 19: Aussie Sydney Smooth Shampoo, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*

"My hair is naturally curly and I've dyed it a lot so it"s pretty dry and frizzy, but with Aussie Sydney Smooth Shampoo... my hair has NO FRIZZ..."

No. 18: Head and Shoulders Citrus Breeze Shampoo, $7.69

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*

"[Head and Shoulders] fixed [my dandruff] problem in one wash ... not only does it keep your head moisturized, but it gives your hair tons of shine..."

No. 17: TreSemme Smooth & Silky Shampoo, $3.89

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*

"I don't even need to condition anymore," one reader says of its moisturizing quality...

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!