Beauty for the Economically Challenged

Month

July 2012

12 posts

Regarding the Nikes...

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Aren’t they?! They’re super lightweight too, and they were on sale at Dick’s Sporting Goods (online as well! And free shipping! here) so I only paid $69.99. It’s still a lot for me but I hadn’t gotten new sneakers since freshman year of high school so it was time! 

Jul 30, 2012
Jul 30, 20121 note
Jul 25, 201249 notes
Unpopular Opinion: Covergirl Clean Foundation

As you probably know, most people in the beauty blogging world really don’t like this foundation. There are legitimate reasons why some people don’t like it, and it definitely wouldn’t work for everyone, but I personally really like it. First, I’ll get to the complaints people have, and then use those to talk about why I like it. It’s also important to say that I’m only talking about the one with the blue label, for oily skin.

(Picture from Google Images)

The packaging claims that it has “matte coverage.” This is not true. The coverage is absolutely not matte, it’s more dewy, but, for me, not in a bad way. That is definitely a drawback, because the product doesn’t deliver what the label promises. 
I’ve also heard complaints that it caused breakouts. I personally have extremely acne-prone skin, and I’ve never had a problem with that.
Also, I’ve heard complaints about the coverage. Some people have complained that it’s extremely sheer. 
Finally, there are complaints about the packaging. The bottle, as you can see, is extremely triangular, so when you get down toward the last layer of foundation, it gets extremely difficult to get out that last bit of product out. I won’t discuss this complaint any further because it’s just true and that’s that. 

I understand these complaints, but there is a reason that I think it works for me. I actually have combination/normal skin, but instead of using the one made for normal skin, I use the one for oily skin. The sort of overcompensation makes up for any lack of quality of the foundation itself. Because I don’t have very much oiliness at all, the “oil control” foundation keeps what little bit of oiliness I may have (like in the T-zone) at bay.
As far as coverage, for me the coverage is buildable. If I use a brush (like ELF’s Flat Top Powder Brush) I can get a solid medium coverage with it.
It also lasts a good ten hours, as long as I set it with powder. After about ten hours, I start to feel it on my face, but for a product that generally gets really bad reviews, I think ten hours is pretty great staying-power.
The shade 510 Classic Ivory is also the best color match I’ve ever had in a foundation, hands down, but the color selection isn’t super great. 

The bottom line is, every product works differently for different people. If you have combination/normal skin and are looking for a lighter foundation for summer, I suggest that you try the “oil control” version of this foundation. I like this product so much that I’ve just purchased my third bottle of it! 

Anyway, I know that was a bit long-winded, but basically, I think that the complaints with this product are legitimate, but I have found a way around them. 

Have you ever tried Covergirl Clean foundation? Let me know!

xox

Noelle Alysse

Jul 25, 20121 note
#makeup #foundation #drugstore #budget #beauty #covergirl #summer #clean #beautyforpoorgirls
Jul 25, 20123,742 notes
Face and Hair of the Day!

Okay, I’m really sorry but I am IN LOVE with my hair today. I mean, look at it. I never even knew it could look this way. As you may or may not know, I am in love with all things vintage. If people didn’t think it was weird, I would totally be drawing pen lines down the back of my legs to make it look like I was wearing nylons. Anyway, I followed this tutorial from the Beauty Department, which is so gloriously detailed that you shouldn’t have any problem following it too. Make sure you study the pictures and the exact angle of her curling iron, that’s important. I used my Proliss 1” curling wand.

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(Please ignore the t-shirt, I hadn’t gotten dressed yet…no shame. I couldn’t crop it out because hey, my hair has gotten too long for that! !!!!!!!)

I love the sexy-soft look of these waves, but most of all, I love how easy they are. Make sure to use a heat protectant!

Here is my makeup for the day:

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Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Demure, Revlon Photoready Concealer, Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana as a highlight on my cheekbones and cupid’s bow, NYX “One Night in Morocco” Matte Smokey Look palette (bottom left color on lid, bottom right middle color in crease), Rimmel Lash Accelerator mascara, Hard Candy Stay in Line eyeliner in Black Pearl Sparkle, NYX Blush in Peach, and Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder. 

My ask box is always open! Much love!

xox

Noelle Alysse

Jul 21, 20125 notes
#makeup #hair #beauty #drugstore #budget #beautyforpoorgirls
Jul 20, 20128,790 notes
Summer Waves! Part 3: Curling Wand

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Installment 3 in my summer waves series!

I already used this picture in another post, but I don’t do this method very often because it involves using high heat on your hair, and I don’t like to damage my hair that much. I just got lucky that this picture is the exact look I’m discussing in this post, and I can recycle it instead of hurting my hair.

These are also quite easy to do. I find that first-day hair curls best for me, but my hair is tough to curl, so feel free to do this on any day hair. First, just section off your hair. I did three sections. From the bottom up, curl different-sized pieces, alternating the direction of the curl. The front pieces should always curl away from your face, but otherwise, direct some toward your face and some away. That, and using different sized pieces, is the key to making these look effortless and summery. While curling, leave out an inch or two at the root and an inch or two at the end as well. Don’t forget to use lots of heat protectant!!!

I used Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves mousse before I curled. You can use sea salt spray, or any products you would like. My curling wand was 1”, if you don’t have a curling wand, just use a curling iron but don’t use the clip. 

Make sure to finger through once your waves have cooled, and mess them up a lot! They can definitely be a lot more messy (and therefore more natural-looking) than mine are in the picture. 

You can do a side part or a middle part, whichever you prefer. I think that a middle part looks more natural and care-free, but it’s up to you!

If you try this method, or want me to try any other methods and write about them, please let me know!

xox

Noelle Alysse

Jul 18, 20121 note
#beauty #hair #summer #waves #curls #budget #drugstore
Jul 12, 2012178 notes
Hello followers! I need your help!

Hi everybody! 

I realize that I have been absent from this blog lately, but there is a reason! 

I have auditioned to be a BeautyVIP!!!!!!


I wanted to hold off my blog until I heard back about that, for whatever reason.

Anyway, they have opened voting up to all of you! So, please check out the auditions, and if you think that I would be a good addition to the BeautyVIPs, please please please vote for me! 

You can vote for me here, if you scroll down a bit, the poll is on the right side, and on the poll you can find the link to all of the auditions. 

It’s a tight competition, all of the auditions have been awesome, so no matter what the outcome is, I’ll be honored to have just been a part of it! 

Thank you so very much, I love you all!

xox

Noelle Alysse 

Jul 12, 20122 notes
Jul 10, 2012841 notes
Hello followers! I need your help!

Hi everybody! 

I realize that I have been absent from this blog lately, but there is a reason! 

I have auditioned to be a BeautyVIP!!!!!!


I wanted to hold off my blog until I heard back about that, for whatever reason.

Anyway, they have opened voting up to all of you! So, please check out the auditions, and if you think that I would be a good addition to the BeautyVIPs, please please please vote for me! 

You can vote for me here, if you scroll down a bit, the poll is on the right side, and on the poll you can find the link to all of the auditions. 

It’s a tight competition, all of the auditions have been awesome, so no matter what the outcome is, I’ll be honored to have just been a part of it! 

Thank you so very much, I love you all!

xox

Noelle Alysse 

Jul 10, 20122 notes
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