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Makeup Dupe- Foundation find

August 19, 2013 by

What’s a dupe you ask?

In the beauty product world, a dupe is a duplicate product that is cheaper than its higher priced original.

Basically, when you find a fancy tube of MAC lipstick, there will be a dupe out there of a color or formula somewhere from a drug store brand.

I find that although color matching is fun with lipsticks between other brands, sometimes the quality and finish is not that of its luxury counterpart.

So when I look for a dupe, I look for all areas of duplicity- quality, color, wearability, finish.  Some things are not worth the duplicate. If it’s crap, I’d rather pay more and get something I’ll wear.

Okay, enough of that.

I found a very reasonable foundation dupe in L’Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder to the incredibly luxurious (and expensive) Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation. Armani is known for their award winning foundations- a favorite of beauty editors and makeup artists alike. I invested in the Maestro Foundation last fall and was pleased with its light texture, seamless blending, and glow it gave my 40 year old face. I liked it so much, I bought a second bottle after finishing the first. This is huge folks! I buy so much, that I usually don’t get to the bottom of a bottle before I find something else.

Then this summer, L’Oreal introduced the Magic Nude liquid to powder makeup. At first I wasn’t keen on it (there isn’t a dispenser, it seemed too runny). But then I put the two side by side and was blown away by their similarities. Not only is the color a complete match, the finish and feel is virtually the same. I think I was just being a snob and wanted my Armani without giving the L’Oreal a chance!

Both have octinoxate sunscreen. Both are a very runny, liquid consistency. Both benefit by being applied with the fingers, not a brush or sponge.

If you want sunscreen in your foundation, have drier skin, and have a clear complexion (the finish is sheer, but can be built up) you should try either one of these depending on your budget.

Comment below and let me know if you want me to share more ‘dupes’ with you!

 

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Frugie’s Favorites- a possible regular series

August 6, 2013 by

So many folks on YouTube like to share their favorites. So I decided I will too. I love stuff. I love product and makeup. If I find something worth it, I want to tell you about it.

There’s a lot of trial and error when it comes to cosmetics and skincare. I love hearing what works for others which helps narrow down the field so I’m not buying everything. So if I can do that for you too, it will make me happy that I saved you time and money.

Yay!

So watch my video and go shopping! Oh, and share my video with your friends.

 

 

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I do my makeup how I want to

June 3, 2013 by

This week I was in a funkity funk. So I made a makeup tutorial. It always brightens my mood to put makeup on for you guys.

I hope you like it!

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I did a drugstore makeup challenge

May 8, 2013 by

I’m a makeup snob. But I’m also a makeup junkie. So if there’s a chance there’s something just as good out there, but at a fraction of the cost- I’ll try it.

How I wish I had this knowledge last summer when we went to Hawaii and I forgot to pack my makeup!

So I made a video to show my application and to compare the high end matches to the low end dupes. Check below for a product list.

And let me tell you- I was pleased!

 

NYX Eyeshadow Base

Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal 24 Hour

L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow Bronzed Taupe

Wet N Wild Kohl Pencil- Black

NYX eyeshadow- Nude

Milani Blush- Luminoso

NYC Bronzer- Sunny 720

Boots No7 Photo Fix Primer

L’Oreal Concealer Crayon- W1/2

Laura Gellar eyebrow pencil- taupe

Rimmel lipstick- 110

Revlon Colorstay in Nude 200

Maybelline liquid  master liner- black

Elf Makeup Remover Pen

Brushes- ELF, MAC, Sonia Kashiuk, Samantha Chapman

 

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Makeup for 40 year olds (or anyone that isn’t 20)

May 3, 2013 by

Today’s blog post is a video.

So many folks ask me about makeup, so I’m sharing my wisdom and expertise. Let’s use those phrases loosely for me, ‘kay?

Grab a cup of something good, take notes, and enjoy a long (it’s 29 minutes!) session on makeup with me.

Tell me what you like, or what you don’t like about it and I’ll use that for my next video. I say things like, “just slap that on” or “go to town with …” it’s entertaining, I promise.

 

MAC Prolongwear foundation N18

MAC Prolongwear concealer NW20

MAC Mylar eyeshadow

MAC Ombre eyeshadow

Lord & Berry Kohl pencil- black

Maybelline Volume Express The Rocket Mascara- Black

Laura Gellar Eyebrow Pencil- Taupe

FLOWER lipstick LS2

MAC Mineralize skin finish in Light

Milani Blush Luminoso

No7 Photo Primer wrinkler filler

Dior Skin Nude Tan Bronzer

 

 

 

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Concealers. Am I doing it right?

February 25, 2013 by

Okay, I explained the ins and outs of BB creams recently. You can read that here if you haven’t already. Now, I’m approaching the confounding and vexing world of …dun dun dun…. CONCEALERS.

Perhaps maybe it’s not as vexing and confounding as say, eye creams (I’ll tackle this next time), or brain surgery. I mean, this is just make up folks. But if even celebrities can do it wrong on the red carpet, what are little people like us to make of all this mumbo jumbo?

Here’s what I learned:

Don’t go with a lighter color than your face. What? Oh, Frugie- you been smoking again? No. Here’s why.

Raccoon eyes, you do not want. Now you don’t want dark shadows (sorry, Johnny Depp not included), but you don’t want white strips under there either. See awful pic above.

You want to MATCH your skin tone and foundation. Yep, your foundation and concealer should be pretty much the same shade. Now I’ll tell you a trick to use with either a lighter concealer or a handy dandy HIGHLIGHTER product.

Now, not only did I just blow your mind with telling you to match your concealer color, but here’s the really confusing part- the formula.

Are you crepey and wrinkled like me? Do you have extra dark bluish circles? Are you oily and are looking for blemish cover too? Or maybe all three? Hey- it’s possible.

Here’s my faves and what I like about them. I’ll give you high-end and drugstore brands to pick from. Personally, this is where my extravagant hussy self comes out. I will spend more on a concealer than most other things. You really do get what you pay for. But there’s some decent ones out there in all price points.

Let’s just cut to the chase people. You want the best? Here it is. Beauty editors are not lying when they talk about this stuff:

Cle de peau. Pronounced Kla deh Poe. Or Klee dee poo if you’re immature like me.

This stuff is $70. Yep, you just have to sell half a kidney and you are set. But, it lasts more than a year. Really.

It’s creamy, blends, doesn’t crepe, covers well. Doesn’t break me out. Yeah. It’s the BOMB!

Now I did in my investigative shopping, find a close second in terms of low-end brand. What the industry calls, a DUPE. Yep, here’s my pick for a fraction of the cost.

L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable concealer crayon. It’s around 8 bucks (I got mine for $7 at Target) and it works pretty darn good. And it has a point for getting in the corners of my eyes.

Others that I’ve tried and my opinions:

Milani Secret Cover concealer cream– Covered well, less than $10, but it was drying for me. Showed up crepey after a few hours.

Chanel Corrector Perfecteur long lasting concealer. This comes as a wand and it is nice. I found it at Costco of all places! I think it’s not the best coverage for me. I’m very dark under my eyes.

CoverGirl + Olay concealer balm– I didn’t like this. The light was too dark and it sunk into my lines. No thanks.

Maybelline Age Eraser Dark Spot + Concealer and Treatment– not bad. This goes on any spot on your face and heals or fades it. I didn’t really use it under my eyes so much as just some discoloration spots. It’s okay. Not as good as a high-end product, but better than nothing.

Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer. Oh boy do they mean it! This was cheap, found it at Wal-mart, and it covers like a beast! Kat Von D makes one at Sephora that is similar. It’s for covering scars and tattoos. Both are effective. The Kat Von D costs more but a little goes a long way.

 

Highlighters-

This is what I was talking about above. You want to take match your concealer, remember? But you want to highlight UNDER your concealer. This gives more fullness to the cheekbone, distracts from your bags or circles and brings your face up like a lift.

The product that does this-

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch- Sorry folks, another high-end product. It’s $40 and I LURV it! I put it everywhere. On my cheekbones, over my lips, corner of my eyes, my forehead. It’s perfect. You can use this as a concealer too. It’s just a little lighter texture, so I like others to help cover with more thickness.

A question of ‘to powder or not to powder’ remains. I don’t powder under my eyes. It just makes for crepey-ness. If you are 20 and line free and perfect, go ahead! I usually blot or take a q-tip to wipe away any excess. I’m just too old to powder and then it ages me.

So there is my 411 on concealers. Maybe different than what you’ve read in magazines or seen on Beauty Editor lists. But I try everything. And I’m constantly looking for the perfect one. I’ll keep you posted if I find anything I like better than that fancy pants Cle De Peau.

 

There. Isn’t that purdy?

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Frugie explains BB creams

February 16, 2013 by

“Hey Rebecca, what’s a BB cream and how do I use it and why do I need one?”

That’s a great question. Let me answer-

A BB cream, or Beauty Balm, or Blemish Balm, is a moisturizer with SPF that was formulated in Asia to perfect complexions. Women in Asia want perfect, porcelain skin. So these creams improve skin tone and texture and have anti-aging ingredients, but also cover imperfections.

So which to choose? EVERY brand out there has a BB cream. From high end department stores, to your drug store selection- there’s a BB cream for you.

A couple things to know-

Shades are general, so not every shade or brand works for every body. Some are too white, some are too orange.

It can be used instead of makeup if you like a natural, buildable coverage.

They make great primers to use before foundation.

Yes, they’re a moisturizer but don’t wear them to bed, they will mess up your pillow cases and SPF isn’t very good to wear at night anyway.

Let’s get started.

Here I am before and after I applied BB Cream.

I’m wearing Hanskin in Natural that can be found at Beautybar.com

 

Drugstore brands to try-

Garnier– This comes in lighter shades and works well with pale complexions. I like the consistency, coverage and if you like a dewy finish, this is a good one.

L’oreal– They are making several. There’s Magic Skin BB cream, Youth Code BB cream and Age Perfect BB cream.

I’ve only tried the Magic Skin BB cream. I admit, this was a little orangey for me. It has a dryer consistency so if you are a little darker, and tend to be oily, this could be for you.

Maybelline makes one called Dream Fresh BB cream. This one is also a little orangey. I think it’s great for a younger complexion that’s more medium complected.

Revlon– Photo Ready BB Cream- I liked this one, but found others to have better coverage. I like thicker, more opaque creams, so this didn’t do it for me. If you like natural, sheer tint- you’ll like this. Also, the undertones are neutral, so I think most fair complexions can do this one.

Department Store brands-

Smashbox Camera Ready- good stuff, good coverage, neutral/yellow undertones. A little more drying on my skin. (Sephora.com)

Hanskin BB cream– This one is my favorite. Emollient, lots of coverage and the right shade. (Beautybar.com)

Shiseido – Anessa face sunscreen SPF 50- I love the high SPF on this, it’s for very fair complexions, but I found it dried out my skin a little. (Sasa.com)

Dr. Ci Labo– Perfect Cream Light- This one is a great sunblock, neutral shade and leaves my skin dewy. My second favorite.

BRTC Jasmine Water BB Cream- Light, smells like jasmine and is great for normal skin. Lots of coverage from this one, but not thick feeling. My daughter wears this to school for sun protection and to cover her freckles. (Becleo.com)

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out that Sasa.com website. Products come from Japan and they have thousands of BB creams to choose from. Or don’t, if you will get overwhelmed!

Every major line, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Dior, Bobbi Brown… makes a BB cream. Ask for a sample at Nordstrom. Or go to Sephora and ask for samples there. There’s tons to try.

The drug store brands are cheaper, but you run the risk of the shade or texture not being just right. Of course, that happens with any drug store product. It’s kind of hit or miss.

Also, don’t be too hung up on the color if you’re using it before foundation. It won’t matter if it’s too light anyway. Unless you’re using it alone, do you really need to match.

 

I really do love them.

And don’t worry, the BB cream bandwagon will soon be replaced by something else sooner or later. So if you miss this train, another one will pull in the station eventually!

 

 
Buy my book!

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My Extravagant Hussy ‘favorites’ list

December 15, 2011 by

This list beats all other lists. It’s a list my husband shouldn’t read. Because he does not need to know that mascara can cost $20 and all my maintenance and beauty arsenal isn’t found at Walgreens or Big Lots.

Extravagant Hussy is a term my mom’s friend uses when she buys something expensive for herself. It’s sounds better than Fancy Slut or Expensive Bitch. But everyone, even Frugalistas have an Extravagant Hussy inside them that needs to come out sometimes.

So these are products that I LOVE and buy infrequently, or when I’ve done something spectacular, like chaperone a field trip for my kids’ school. It’s healthier than binge drinking and cheaper than therapy, so this is how I rationalize it.

Here they are:

1. Dior Addict Lipstick (Nordstrom, Sephora)

I find this lipstick to be luxurious, dewy, somewhat glossy, and just the right amount of opacity.  The tube looks fancy and the colors are flattering. What more could you ask for?

2. Shellac manicures at Julep (Seattle area only)

This is definitely a local gem to the Seattle area. I’m sure there are other nail bars in metropolitan cities that offer immaculate conditions, toxin free products, and aestheticians that are deft in their craft. Emmy did my last shellac at Julep. She is like the Michelangelo of nail technicians. Perfection.

3. It’s a 10 leave-in conditioner spray (Ulta, CVS)

You may already know I’m crazy about my WEN cleansing conditioner. But this leave-in spray is so good for these harsh, cold, dry days. I always get fly-aways from wearing hats, but this seems to tame them. Emma is using it too on her ends to keep them smooth.

4. Koh Gen Do moisture foundation (Barneys, Sephora.com)

Oh this stuff is magnificent. I’m not sure why the Japanese have the cornerstone  on make up, it must be all those Geisha girls in Japan that know how to have flawless skin. This is truly lightweight, buildable coverage; dewy, yet not greasy and makes you look flawless in pictures.

5. Giorgio Armani wet/dry powder compact (Nordstrom)

I use just a smidge of this with a nice fluffy brush over my foundation. It sets the makeup, doesn’t look chalky, and if you are having a bad face day and oily skin, you can use a wet sponge and go to town all over to get maximum coverage.

6. Cle de Peau concealer (Nordstrom, Barneys, Neiman Marcus)

The Rolls Royce of concealers. This baby wins awards from editors all the time. Pricey, but good. You will love it. Lasts forever too. I dot it on with a brush over my foundation before I powder. I even cover some freckles and sun spots with it. Truly a make up junkies magic wand.

7. Benefit High Beam (Sephora, Macy’s)

I love a little dot of this high light over my cheekbones. It’s great for date night, holiday parties, or special occasions. Not too much to draw attention to your wrinkles, but just a little glow over your makeup. Makes you look 20 again.

8. Benefit Powderflage (Sephora, Macy’s)

This is a funky little product. It comes in a little round orb. It’s a very light weight, light-diffusing concealer powder that comes with this tiny fan shaped brush. I use it to just dab a little bit of powder under my eyes for high light, to set my concealer, and to whisk away any eye shadow dust that’s fallen on my cheekbones. Such a little itty bitty thing- but lasts a long time since you don’t use much.

9. Dior Eyeshadow Palette (Nordstrom, Sephora, Nieman Marcus)

Dior eyeshadow is the best. It’s pigments are intense, true and lasting. The compacts are convenient and pair the perfect color combinations. Once you’ve tried these, you will never ever go to any drugstore product again. Worth. Every. Penny.

10. Avene moisture SPF 25 for Redness Relief (Soap.com, Skinstore.com)

I have sensitive skin. And I have rosacea, an alabaster complexion, I flush easily, and I get bumps when I go out in the sun. Wow. Lovely, huh? I always, always, always, (one more time) always, wear SPF, all year ’round. To keep my dry skin from being too dry, and or it to not break out from something too heavy, I need the perfect product. This has a slight tint of green, but not enough to make you look like a zombie or you need a new liver. It’s just a bit to cancel the red, ruddy cheeks my English genetics gave me.

Remember, I haven’t been endorsed by any companies, nor has anyone certified me on my expertise. Although my husband might certify me as crazy since I am a self-confessed product whore.  Hey, if you’re going to be any kind of whore, a product whore is the right kind. Right? I’ll shut up now.

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My top 5 favorite products. Or 10. There’s a lot I like.

December 5, 2011 by

Maybe some of you read my blog for my witty banter about my kids and husband. Maybe some of you like to hear what my super cat is up to. And some of you read it and don’t finish it because you’re like, this woman is an idiot.

For those that read for my shopping, fashion and beauty wisdom, this is for you. Because I can say I’m so wise when it comes to beauty because….well, because, I buy a lot of shit and I worked in cosmetics for like 5 years. There. Yeah. Basically, I’m a self taught makeup/product aficionado. Just so you know, there’s no real scientific explanation or actual certification I got. It’s just my opinion. ALSO, the cool thing about my recommendations is no one is paying me to endorse them. I think beauty editors and bloggers get paid by companies. SO mine are completely neutral and honest. If I do ever sell myself out, you know  it would only be to put my kids through braces, college and their weddings.

Here’s my list:

WEN cleansing conditioner (QVC.com)

Their slogan is ‘Friends don’t let Friends use shampoo”. I love this stuff. My hair is like flaxen strands of silk. (okay, that’s a little exaggerated)  I would bathe every head and follicle in my household in this ‘cleansing  conditioner’, (it is not shampoo), if I could afford to. This is a mostly natural, non-sudsing, shampoo- conditioner-detangler-deep conditioning treatment in one product. If you’ve used it and don’t like it, it’s probably because you didn’t use enough product and water to make it do it’s thing. It’s a tricky deal. But once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be hooked. If you don’t want to afford it, or bother, just promise me you’ll use sulfate-free shampoo. If you color your hair and are using shampoo with sulfates (even high end brands have it, check the label) you are not doing yourself any favors.

Jane Iredale Magic Mitt (Beauty.com)

This washcloth is a microfiber mitt with a million little grippy loops that take away your makeup and dirt. No cleanser needed. You wash it with hand soap after you’re done, rinse it well, wring it out to hang to dry and use it over and over. It’s made of antibacterial fabric.  Takes off everything- waterproof stuff too.

Nature’s Gate Glow lotion (Target)

This gradual self tanner lotion has replaced my Jergens bottle. I like it’s natural ingredients and it’s pump dispenser. It’s very subtle for my alabaster complexion but gives a honey-tinted glow.

Weleda Food for the skin (Target, Whole Foods)

This is like Aquaphor but natural and made by Germans. I love products made in Germany. If you need something heavy and slick for chapped areas but don’t like petroleum in a lot of products out there, this is very pleasant.
It seems to nourish your skin- just like the label says- ‘skin food’. Don’t eat it though.

Clean and Clear pimple paste (Target)

I’ve talked about this one before. It’s white so you can only use it at night. Dries up zits. Period.

Josie Maran Argan Oil (QVC and Sephora)

If you’ve noticed, Argan Oil is everywhere now. It’s like what soy was in 2005. You’re going to start seeing it in baby formula and cat food for crying out loud! It’s a precious oil from Morocco that is great for your hair and skin. You don’t need a fancy brand of it, it can be very expensive, just read the ingredients list that what you do buy isn’t full of fillers and preservatives. You want the pure oil.

EOS lip balm and shave cream (Ulta)

These lip balms come in these round balls they are so cute and roll over your lips soothingly. (That read kind of weird.)  Their lotion is similar in packaging. All eco-friendly, happy ingredients and no fillers.

Urban Decay shadow primer (Ulta,  Sephora, Beauty.com)

This is it. You will wonder why you lived without this product. It comes in four different formulas. All good. It just depends on your taste. Does your eyeshadow fade, crease, wander? This will stop it from doing all of those. Done. You’re welcome.

Bliss Oxygen mask (Sephora)

I love Bliss products. One day I want to go to their New York spa. This is their affordable version of your own spa at home. It foams up and makes your skin feel soft and look brighter. I put it on in the shower and let it do it’s thing while I shave my legs. And then I look like Heidi Klum.

Preserve Toothbrushes (Whole Foods, Trader Joes)

I love these little guys. They are made with recycled yogurt containers. When you’re done with one, buy a new one and pop the old one into the new one’s wrapper. Tape it shut and drop it in a mailbox. They will recycle your toothbrush into another toothbrush. Not in the gross way. They refab the plastic, not the bristles! No worries.

Oh, one more I had to squeeze in-

John Frieda Full Repair Flyaway Tamer

You know those little frizzy hairs at your part line? Or the baby hairs at your temples that are from when your hair grew back after it all fell out having kids and then it never grew in the same way? Well, whatever stray hairs you have- this product is for that. Some magazines and editorials say to take an eyebrow brush with hairspray and brush over them. What I don’t like about this, is, the hairspray evaporates and within a couple hours, my hairs are springing up like goosebumps in December. This is the perfect blend of control and non-greasiness.

Have fun and let me know how you like them. I promise I won’t say I told you so.

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Would you rather leave the house without makeup or eat broken glass?

October 6, 2011 by

You’re thinking, duh, eat broken glass right? That’s what these women on Dr. Oz’s show were acting like! He did a segment on aging and your skin. He asked all the women in his audience to remove their make up. HE also did the show without his make up.  I know, ha ha, he’s a guy, why is he wearing makeup? Everyone on TV wears makeup!! He even had his expert panelists and doctors appear without makeup.

These women in the audience were crying because they were on TV without makeup. Some said their husbands haven’t seen them without makeup, that their kids haven’t seen them without makeup, that they sleep in their make up. For reals? I’m sorry if anyone else out there lives like this. I hope I don’t hurt your feelings. But honestly, I don’t have the energy to wear makeup ALL the time. I LOVE makeup. It’s all over the house. I have it in my purse, my bathroom, my hall closet, Emma’s bathroom… it’s ridiculous. But anyone that knows me has seen me without makeup. Right? I go to the gym without makeup, to the bus stop, to the grocery store, my kids’ schools. I don’t go to date night, or a party without makeup. That would be crazy! But if everyone at the party was not wearing makeup, maybe I wouldn’t care next time. (Especially if there were plenty of couches.) So that’s what I was

Look! It's me without makeup! Hoping you'll pay attention to the dog instead. She's really cute and doesn't need makeup.

thinking when I was watching these women on Dr. Oz– who cares if you’re not wearing makeup if no one else is either! Would I be in my underwear if everyone else was? Sure!! (I’m not really sure about that…) I know what you’re saying- okay, Rebecca, would you want your chance to be in a live studio audience on national TV and not wear makeup??  And my answer is No. BUT, that’s because I want to feel special, not because I’m hiding behind something. That’s what make up is about. Like an accessory. I don’t sleep in my tiara. I bring it out for certain occasions. Like PTA meetings.

My point of all this relates a little to my Beef fat Botox post. I want to scream from the rooftops- CHILL OUT!! We are just fine as ourselves. We need to liberate the fresh-faced little girl in all of us. Even if we aren’t little girls anymore. And Dr. Oz’s point was that if we are always covering up our skin, how do we know what it needs. So take the skin quiz on his website-

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/realage-skin-test

See how your skin rates. If you need help shopping for products, you know where to find me.

Maybe some of you reading this don’t wear makeup, maybe you aren’t comfortable in it. Maybe you could care less. Then I applaud the liberated fresh-faced girl that you are!

P.S.

Owen said the sweetest thing to me one day. “Mom, when you are in your pajamas and have no make up on, you look younger and thinner.”

Be still my heart.

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