Splurge v. Steal
If you have ever wondered what makeup brushes were the best by function and price, this list is for you.
- BLUSH: L’Oreal Paris Makeup Artiste All Purpose Powder Brush $12.95
- EYE SHADER: Bare Escentuals Double-ended Shaping Brush $28 or Sephora Platinum All Over Shadow Brush #12 $20
- FOUNDATION: Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush $30 or Avon Foundation Brush $5.99
- POWDER: Trish McEvoy Powder Brush #5 $75 or Kashuk Tools Powder Brush $19.99
- CONCEALER: Bobbi Brown Concealer Brush $20
- BROW: MAC 263 Small Angle Brush $17
- SHADOW: ELF Eye Shadow Brush $1 (yes, this is not a typo)
- LINER: Trish McEvoy Angled Eye-Lining Brush #50 $25
- BRONZER: Clinique Bronzer/Blender Brush $32.50
- BLENDER: Bare Escentuals Kabuki Brush $28
- SMUDGER: Cargo SmokyEye Brush $32
We don’t focus enough on our body’s skin health, so I thought I would pass along suggestions for moisturizers, as seen in Marie Claire.
Best for Antiaging
Splurge: $175
Elemis Pro-Collagen Radiantly Smooth Body Cream. While you sleep, this velvety veil helps repair environmental damage with antioxidant bilberry seed.
Steal: $8.99
Nivea Renewal Night Creme for Body. Go to bed slathered in this vitamin-packed potion and wake up with soft, glowing skin.
Best for Firming:
Splurge: $85
Chanel Precision Body Excellence Firming and Rejuvenating Cream. Indonesian purple bengle root firms slack skin - so you can save on the personal trainer.
Steal: $12.99
Burt’s Bees Rich and Repairing Body Butter. Skin gets to have it both ways: mega moisture via cocoa butter and macadamianut oil, and firming up - thanks to the retinols.
Best for Hydration:
Splurge: $50
Lisa Hoffman Spa Bath Body Creme. Soak up the riches of the rain forest with Amazonian cupuacu butter.
Steal: $8.99
Neutrogena Comforting Butter Body Cream. This formula triples up on the creamy butters: cocoa, mango and shea.
Best for Smoothing:
Splurge: $70.84
Lierac Paris Hydrofilia Super Rich Body Cream. Straight from the French pharmacy, this delicate perfumed cream exfoliates and moisturizes.
Steal: $9.99
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream. Delicious-feeling, non-greasy shea butter and natural oatmeal soothe skin.
Stumble it!
Hi Michel,
I reach for my ELF eye shadow brush every day and love it. Go online to www.eyeslipsface.com and buy up a storm - products are only $1 each!
Catherine
Hey Catherine! Thanks for the tips. I especially love the steals as I am a BIG bargain shopper - love a great deal. Can’t wait to find the $1 ELF Eye Shadow Brush!!! Look forward to reading more great advice.
Michel
Thanks so much for the tip, Sue. I really appreciate you pointing out green opportunities. A lot of cosmetic and skin care companies are moving to green packaging … which is so smart and needed. Keep ‘em coming!!
Hi,
You should investigate ecoTOOLS five-piece makeup brush set. About $11 at KMart and Walgreens stores. The brushes have bamboo handles, animal-free taklon bristles and come in a hemp-and-cotton cosmetic case that’s nice for traveling. This is an inexpensive way to go green - something that I hope you will consider doing more often as your site expands. There are many “green” considerations……
Sue