Poise in a Pinch: Best Beauty Products & Secrets for Cheap

As an emerging personal stylist, I get asked all the time where I shop. I also get asked about my beauty products just as often. This is where it's at! Beauty products are the finishing touch to your overall look, that extra sparkle that makes people stop and stare. So obviously it serves you well to keep them a secret. Right? Well, I've been contemplating sharing my trade secrets with others for a few weeks. And it occurred to me that the only people who should know what's inside Bree's beauty bag are our loyal and lovely readers of The Gathered Lady! As you know I'm all about PINP'in (Poise in a Pinch), so these beauty finds will yield fabulous results without busting the bank!

HAIR

1. It's a 10 Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin
   • Approx. $15-$20 for 4oz bottle.  CVS, Online, Beauty Supply Stores. ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT.
   • This product is a MIRACLE worker. I have curly 3c/4a hair and I would always have to chop off an inch or two when I straightened it due to split ends and pixie knots from drying and wear and tear. After implementing this spray, as well as the next product, I have not had to trim my ends again. It's a phenomenal product. My hair detangled so much easier with this product, and it smells good. 
   • This product also works wonders on straight hair. My old roomie initially put me on to this product and she has long bone straight hair. She reported the same findings, that her hair was much stronger and had better ends and more damage-resistant to constant flat iron use.
2. Moroccan Argon Oil
   • Approx. $6-$10. CVS, Target, Online.
   • Another MIRACLE worker. This light oil makes me hair smooth and shiny and it retains water better because of the moisture locking properties. I use the Organix Moroccan Argon Oil type.
3. Silkology
   • $9-$20 depending on size. Online Silkology.com or Sleekhair.com. Independent distributors.
   • When I straighten my hair I SWEAR by this line of shampoo and conditioners. It can only be purchased online or from a distributor, but I ordered mine from Sleekhair.com. The Silk-It line makes your hair uber satiny and sleek. Here's the proof: Picture on the left is how my hair always came out when I straightened it by myself. Picture on the right is my hair after silkology. I straightened both times by myself with my non-professional flat iron and mediocre hair styling skills!!(L) Before silkology, (C& R) After Silkology,

 SKIN

1. Hot Water
   • Free! Everywhere!
   • Yes, you read that correctly. This is one of my favorite secrets. I read this in a self-help book written by a man. He said after years of working with models, it's an industry secret. Don't wash your face with anything but hot water. Seriously, it doesn't matter how much make-up I have on, this works. I will remove waterproof eye make-up with olive oil on a cotton ball, but that's it. I even wash the oil residue off with more hot water and a face cloth. I haven't used soap on my face since Feb 2013 and I've had no more pimples. Period. Amazeballs.
2. Cortisone Cream
   • $1-$4, drugstores, dollar stores
   • This can be bought at any drug store or dollar store for a few bucks. It works wonders on any possible zit or bump. It helps lock moisture in your skin and reduces swelling and redness for any pimples. Caution: don't use everyday or multiple times per day as your skin will get used to it and it will lose it's effectiveness. I use it 3xs per week at night after washing my face before bed.
3. Baby Oil
   • $1-$3, drugstores, dollar store
   • This is great for removing waterproof eye make-up or face stains. But this old school product is best for making your legs have celebrity status shine. I apply some down my calves right before I step out the door. It makes a total difference in pictures. Bonus use if you're prone to visible cellulite or stretch marks,etc. The light reflects away from scars and helps create flawless looking skin.

 MAKE-UP

1. ELF Brushes
   • $1-$3 Target, Big Lots
   • This line is made specifically to save money. I love it!
   • I use the powder brush to apply foundation. It creates a more even & buffed appearance in your foundation coverage, rather than a traditional paint-brush shaped foundation applicator.
   • The stipple brush is amazing for adding highlights to your cheeks and contour lines of the face. I swirl it in my gold shimmer dust, then swipe across my cheeks and Tzone. It captures the perfect wispy amounts.
2. Wet & Wild Matte Lipsticks
   • $1.99 at CVS, Walgreens, various stores
   • This line of lipsticks is potent and full of beautiful colors. The lipstick applies smoothly and richly. It lasts on your lips for hours (more than 4). I always get compliments on these shades. My favorite shades are "Bare It All", "Sugar Plum Fairy", "Purty Persimmon", "Wine Room", and "Mauve Outta Here"
3. Gold Shimmer Dust
   • $5-$10, various drugstores and make-up outlets
   • This adds highlights to your face, making you camera ready. It also gives you a healthy glow that makes people think you drink gallons of water!
   • I swipe it on the high angles of my cheeks and across my T-zone.
4. Careprost (Generic Latisse)
   • $30-$40, online
   • I saved the best for last. Latisse works! BUT it's almost $100 a pop. Boo! Luckily, there's a generic version called Careprost.
   • I coughed up the $100 for Latisse last winter as a bday present, and sure enough my lashes grew waaaaayyyyyyyyyy longer and fuller than any length they had been my entire life. But once I caught wind of Careprost, I hopped the PINP train and I'm totally satisfied and have maintained my Latisse length.
   • Be sure to order enough applicators. Try Amazon as they are only $3-$5.(L) before Careprost (Latisse); (R) After Careprost (Latisse)

Do you have any PINP beauty secrets? Have you tried any of these products and had great results? Share your pics and products with us, and if we like it, we'll share! Connect with us at Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @ Thegatheredlady.

Comments

[Maria Cabot]

Nice blog...Thanks for suggesting fine beauty products.

[Carla]

Great blogs! Thanks for being so open with your beauty secrets.