Almay Color & Care Tint Stick, Lip & Blush Stick

Almay  Color & Care Tint Stick is new! Nowadays I buy new makeup super mindfully, but these multi purpose sticks are right up my alley. While there’s nothing wrong with experimenting and creating new looks, I always return to simply trying to look like my best self, so cosmetics designed to enhance our natural beauty always call my name. What’s more I’m always tempting by thick multi-tasking sticks that act as both check and lip color. 

Alway claims its Color & Care Tints work with the skin to provide the perfect natural shade with a dewy finish. The stick gives checks and lips a natural flush of color and glow by working with your skin’s PH balance. Formulated for sensitive skin, the multi-tasking stick is smooth and moisturizing to the skin. 

Equally important, the Almay Color & Care Tint Stick has real staying power so you don’t have to reapply it throughout the day. The tint is also buildable.

Since I don’t carry a lot of makeup when leaving home, I love carrying a richly pigmented big multi-stick for both cheeks and lips in a purse! When sticking to natural colors, I don’t have to carry a mirror to reapply it to my lips!

Years ago, consumers had to spend $40 for a similar multi-tasker by NARS called the Multiple that we also had to reapply throughout the day. Not anymore! The Almay Color & Care Tint Stick comes in 5 natural hues. Cost: An affordable $10. Right up my alley! How about you?

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Clinique’s Black Honey Dupes

This is #6 Baisen Diary in Honey

Clinique’s Black Honey is a popular shade. First launched in 1971 as a pot of gloss, it was later reformulated and released as the "Almost Lipstick" in 1989, the form customers recognize today.

We can understand why it’s taken over the internet all these years later. Black Honey is a beautiful subtle berry color with sheen that is buildable and flattering on all skin tones! So lovely Liv Tyler wore it in her Lord of the Rings role. 

Clinique calls Black Honey almost lipstick because it is a tint that is sheer with a shine finish.

← Images of the original.

After discovering it at $25 a pop, SAVVY SHOPPERS start looking for inexpensive dupes. Below are six of them:

1) e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Delightful

2) Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm With Avocado Oil in Plum Drop

3)  Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Moisturizing Lipstick in o12 Black Cherry

4) Maybelline’s Glaze Balm in Acai Glaze

5) Covergirl’s Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm in Bliss You Berry

6) Baisen Diary in Honey - This made BuzzFeed’s Wishful List. Fans of it like it better than the original Black Honey as it leans brownish over a more reddish tint. 👆Compare the Baisen Diary in Honey top image with Clinique's Black Honey image below.👇

Original Black Honey on 3 different skin tones.

I have linked the 2 dupes, wearers tend to be the happiest with as nearly identical to Clinique’s original Black Honey Tint, however all 6 dupes have their fans as close matches for less. Look for them on Amazon, Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens to find the lowest price. Feel free to highlight the brand and color names, then enter each one in the search boxes of the 5 retailers for comparison to find your honey of a deal!🍯🐝

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Discover Nude Envie Cosmetics

At every age I’ve gravitated towards nude colors in makeup. Personally I'd rather look like my best self over wild and crazy combinations of bold colors, not that there’s anything wrong with bold colors, or experimentation. 

However bold hues require more maintenance and often more products to reapply during the day. For example, red lipstick means trips to the powder room for touchups and often you need underlying products so the red lipstick wears longer and bleeds less past your lip line. With a nude lip you can get away with wearing and reapplying only the nude lipstick at your desk without a mirror.

If like me, you love a nude palette, Nude Evie is a line of nude-ranging cosmetics. The usual suspects of makeup include lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, eyeshadow, cream and powder blush in beautiful shapes of nudes that are designed to enhance not conceal all complexions. This means, the line flatters all skin tones ranging from light to dark. Made of velvety textures to achieve a flawless natural look.

What’s more, all the make-up in the collection will work together in any combination. Some are matte, while others have a touch of frost for a little extra pizzazz.

The price point of this luxury line is higher than drugstore brands yet not as outlandish as other luxe brands such as Chanel or Tom Ford or Dior. Nordstrom carries it, opening up the chances for promotions and sales.

The more brand choices consumers have the better. Put Nude Evie on your radar if you lean nude!

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e.l.f. Sun Boss Lip Gloss with Sunscreen

The long name on the product leaves nothing to the imagination: e.l.f. Boss Gloss Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen. It is pigmented lip gloss with high SPF sun protection. 

The main reason I'm featuring the gloss is because it's not sticky. The strains of your hair won't stick to your lips every time you turn your head, which is so annoying. We've all been there. The Burt's Bee's lip gloss I bought a few year's ago was so sticky I never bought it again.

E.l.f.'s color (a choice of 5) is buildable with a high shine finish. Zinc oxide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid are the key ingredients. It has a coconut scent, which is fine. People like makeup with a pleasant smell, right? All of e.l.f.'s cosmetics are Fair Trade Certified. They are free from the usual harmful suspects and are vegan and cruelty free.

At $7, it lasts a good long while and is sold at drugstores, Target and Walmart, so you have a great chance of catching a 2 for 1 promotion, or another type of sale. If I like a product, I will buy one, plus a spare to have one on deck.

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The Best Kabuki Brushes

In life, we spend on some things and save on others. When quality and performance matter, we spend even if we have to save up to buy an item. At other times when good enough works, we can save.

Discontinued 😞

Good makeup brushes make a huge difference in applying makeup evenly so usually, we spend on quality brushes, moving up from the good enough ones we settled for when we were younger.

I did so one makeup brush at a time, but before I could buy my last planned brush, in the It Velvet Luxe Collection For Ulta, the line was discontinued! So my coveted Kabuki brush (at $54 without a deal) got away! I looked a long time for it on eBay to no avail and so I had to move on. 

Today I'm featuring 3 Kabuki brushes that are top-notch in the qualities I love in makeup brushes: They're (1) plush/dense, (2) soft, and (3) do not shed for a smooth application of liquid or powdered makeup. I use a Kabuki brush to apply face powder as a final step to blend and set the makeup on my face. (Some people use it for liquid foundation, which I skip.)

I've uploaded the 3 brushes in today's blog in the order of most to least expense. They are: 

1) Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki (See the top image.👆) 

2) Isle of Paradise Foundation Brush (See the purple case.👆)

3) Petal-Shaped Kabuki Brush - This option is sold all over the internet. I bought one from Walmart. It also sells on Chinese retailer websites like Temu and Shein. Surprisingly, it is a great quality brush at a low cost! The brush has tons of 5-star reviews from happy customers!

Although I found a good Kabuki brush for less, I still regret losing out on the pricey Kabuki brush that got away! All I can do now is show and write about it.😢

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Makeup Organizers

When I got tired of wasting time searching for my stuff, my organizing gene kicked in! Now I'm a dedicated organizer. Everything big or small I own in my apartment must have a home. I also got rid of purely decorative items that can't do a job. No freeloaders in my small living space, at least the inanimate object must be able to hold something, or it goes!

The Syntus 360 Rotating Makeup Organizer sits neatly on a bathroom countertop to save space. You spin it around to see and get to all your makeup. The dolly organizer is slim and compact with adjustable partitions.💄 

Since I don't have counters in my Manhattan bathroom I have to keep my makeup and skincare products inside my medicine cabinet so I bought smaller organizers to fit inside it. They are clear with divided compartments, and a step-level style. I can't spin them around, but can still see and reach for everything without moving anything.

Organizers are relatively inexpensive and over the years save you a ton of time! I also think I buy less since I can see the makeup I already have and nothing gets forgotten or lost! I'm also trying to use up what I have and eventually shrink or consolidate what I purchase. My long-term goal is to be an even more mindful shopper. One step at a time!

Start decluttering and putting things in place today. You'll wonder why it took you so long to get organized!

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Laura Geller Is Made For Mature Skin

I discovered Laura Geller's makeup at T.J. Maxx, a fabulous place to stumble upon new and innovative beauty brands, whether you're shopping for skincare, haircare, or makeup. A shout-out to T.J. Maxx's beauty buyers for their awesomeness! These buyers bring customers upscale and organic products originating from America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. I've long thought sending inventory to T.J. Maxx is an ultra-clever way for retailers to market their goods! Introducing new consumers to your brand at a bargain price is much cheaper than buying TV spots! For lucky shoppers, Laura Geller's line repeatedly lands in the aisles of T.J. Maxx.

At the time of purchase, I didn't realize Laura Geller targets makeup for mature skin. I simply knew that the colors were gorgeous and the formulas were high-end. As it turns out, the makeup is embedded with anti-oxidants and other good-for-the-skin ingredients. The essential collection -- baked foundation, baked blush, and baked highlighter -- gives you a light to medium natural shading with rosy cheeks, a healthy glow, and a flawless complexion. I highly recommend them!

Laura Geller's website helps clients find products to address individual face concerns such as fine lines, sallow skin, dark spots, redness, or sensitive skin.

When at T.J. Maxx (or T.K. Maxx outside the USA) keep an eye out to spot Laura Geller's line of lipsticks, blush, foundation, and other beauty items to try (full-sized) at a steal! I like everything I bought from the label thus far.

Without breaking the bank, you could start with a lipstick (it's very creamy) and a baked blush (it's richly pigmented) and go from there. Once you get hooked and buy directly from the beauty retailer's website make sure to sign up for customer rewards and take advantage of its promotions!

BTW: I've heard T.J. Maxx is such an important vendor to major names that often a specific quantity of their products are earmarked to go directly into T.J. Maxx's retail stores alongside merchants such as Macy's, Saks, or Nordstrom. It's not simply last year's stock that doesn't sell, but units of new collections going directly to T.J. Maxx.

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Put Sheglam Makeup On Your Radar

Lightweight Matte Bush - Alice

Stumbling upon SheGam cosmetics is a Where-Have-I-Been moment. Its foundation, blush, lipstick, and mascara are too-good-to-be-true cheap, yet the stellar quality of its formulas is amazing! What more do we want? Beautiful shades ... check!

The brand's price point is no accident! Sheglam began in 2019. Its motto is Gam For All -- and not just for a select few. By capping the middleman and marketing costs, plus keeping profit margins low, this Tiktok sensation can "produce high-quality products at more than half the price of luxury brands." SheGam lipstick is $5 compared to Chanel at $45, Tom Ford at $59, or Charlette Tilbury at $35.

Mademoiselle magazine is featuring SheGam to announce that red is the color trend in makeup for Fall 2023. SheGlam has gorgeous very wearable reds in its color offerings along with other beautiful, very natural and ultra-flattering pink, beige and brown hues. The retailer's blush and lipstick includes a selection of subtle, intense, and cardinal reds. 

The 3 products customers rave about are its Color Bloom Liquid Blush Matt, Dynamatte Bloom Long-Lasting Matte Lipstick, and Lightweight Matte Bush. Also well-liked are its foundation and mascara.

There are several types of lipcolor

The question becomes how do you want to spend your money? With Sheglam, you get 5 items including Fall 2023's in vogue and beautiful shades of red for the price of one of its competitors' lipsticks. Sheglam is a beauty steal without compromise!

Will you be wearing shades of red this fall?

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Mad Hippie Skincare and Cosmetics

cheek and lip tint - a favorite!

Mad Hippie's skincare, sunscreen, and makeup, which are available at Walmart, Ulta, iHerb, and Amazon, have top-notch ingredients. I wasn't as familiar with the retailer's motto but it's fabulous too: "From helping inspire people to make healthier choices, to raising awareness and support for the environment, Mad Hippie is committed to a brighter, better tomorrow."

Now let's discuss what the beauty brand's products offer consumers. Its skincare is transparent, clean, and lightweight and its makeup is natural and vegan with colors to create flattering, healthy, and polished looks. There are no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, PEGs, or SLS in its beauty products.

Using the term organic is expensive for small business brands to go through the process to acquire the term for their products. Some small companies sell organic products but can't use the term. Instead, they use the word natural to describe their products. However, there is no definition, and the standard of what constitutes natural hasn't been established. So here on the blog, I tend to say clean by looking at the ingredient list and also seeing what's not in a formula.

The beauty editors at Marie Claire call Mad Hippie's skincare and cosmetics magic while THE SAVVY SHOPPER loves its value for quality price points! Mad Hippie is a brand that proves you don't have to empty your wallet to buy high-end skincare or makeup! Business models determine costs not the quality of products. Why not support your friends (who love you!) and avoid retailers who gouge (but don't love you back)!

Judging by what Mad Hippie puts in its beauty remedies coupled with what it charges its customers, this beauty line is one of our friends! Check them out.

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5 Cheap Beauty Thrills And Steals

A splurge doesn't always have to cost an arm and a leg. At times finding a small item that serves a purpose, one that does a job well on the cheap can be as thrilling as acquiring expensive things. Scoring a cheap beauty item gives you a shot of endorphins without the pain of blowing your budget, or having a debt to pay off when charges are posted to your credit card. The following are 5 fabulous cheap beauty thrills and steals -- priced under $7, with certain colors within each product selling for under $5!:

1) NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss, Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - Lip color that is buttery soft and silky smooth, cheap, but not sticky. Sold! Great to carry in a handbag to moisten your lips with a pop of color throughout the day.

2) International Women's Travel Kit - a 10-piece oral, skin, and hair grooming kit. Contains: Herbal Essences Shampoo 1.4 oz., Herbal Essences Conditioner 1.4 oz., Styling Comb, Eucerin Lotion 1 oz., Secret A/P Deodorant .5 oz, Crest 3D Toothpaste .85 oz., Toothbrush, Dental Flossers 3 ct., Quart Sized Zip Top Bag in Reusable Zippered Cosmetic Travel Bag. It's worth paying for the convenience and compactness of fitting the toiletries we need into an overnight bag. (I'd have to add a sample packet of face wash and a hair tie inside to hold my hair back for wishing my face.) 

3) Goody Ouchless Women Polyband Elastic Hair Tie - 250 Count - For under $5 you get a ton of invisible hair ties that hold your hair in ponytails of all sizes without hair breakage. 

4) Covergirl Clean Matte Pressed Powder - Nobody needs to be walking around with a shiny face, a forehead, nose, or chin. It's unbecoming! Good, clean, pressed matte powder to the rescue! Perfume-free, it comes with a powder pad and mirror and slides into a handbag.

5) NYX Professional Makeup Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil - These $4.99 eyeliner pencils are a marvel. Highly pigmented, soft, durable, plus available in a slew of flattering colors. Shows us how overpriced many other cosmetic lines are! With NYX, you get the same excellent quality for much less!

During my birthday, sometimes I celebrate all month long with a few big but mostly small splurges. Monetary cost is often irrelevant for articles to make us -- i.e. our lives happier, easier, or better. Blueberries can make you happy if you love blueberries, or $5 buttery, nonsticky lip gloss!

Do you need to treat yourself with a small yet worthy splurge today? One of these 5 cheap beauty thrills and steals should do the trick!

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Milani Super Charged Cheek + Lip Multistick

Sold at Ulta and CVS, Milani is top-notch makeup, bar none, on par with high-end brands like NARS, Dior, Laura Mercier, and many others.

Its Super Charged Cheek + Lip Multistick is similar to NARS The Multiple Cheek and Lip Stick that I foolishly purchased years ago for $39. In my defense, once upon a time, consumers had to bite the bullet and pay luxe prices to get makeup colors that were unavailable in drugstore brands. But nowadays drugstore brands have really stepped up their game with formulas and hues that rival the expensive beauty brands we all know and love such as Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, or Tom Ford.

Milani Super Charged Cheek + Lip Multistick is everything we covet, namely, it's pigment-rich, super creamy, and ultra-blendable to create a healthy natural look. It's a $10 gel multi-stick that glides onto cheeks and lips and melts into the skin. One buyer described it as "makeup on a non-makeup" day. The 8 lovely colors hydrate and are also buildable so you can go from daytime subtle to nighttime glamourous.

I find Milani's Multistick colors as durable as NARS and Charlotte Tilbury. A nude in all 3 brands must be reapplied every few hours. Typically, multi-sticks also leave a dewy finish.

Frankly, I'm a sucker for a fat cheek and lip multi-tasker. The single stick takes a while to use up! If you're willing to forgo the fancy rose metal cylinders of Charlotte Tilbury (I didn't even get that! NARS is plastic like Milani), then I highly recommend spending $10 for a Milani Super Charged Cheek + Lip Multistick.

💄💋💄💋💄💋💄💋💄💋💄💋

Use your $19 savings for Milani's powdered blush (Dolce Pink 01) and lip plumper (Luminoso #4 --> dupes). They are dupes for NARS' popular Orgasm shade. 

You'll be all set "with money in your pocket and a" tinted "smile on your face ... how happy can you get!"🎵

Milani Baked Blush and Full Lip Plumper, which are about $10 each depending on the retailer.

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