Here’s my makeup box. Can you tell it’s a tackle box? My sister started this WAY back when we were young. She bought a tackle box to put all her makeup in and I followed suit. It makes a perfect box for all those little containers. And you can tuck it out of the way in a closet or armoire. I don’t use nearly all of this and I’ve even cleaned it out many times, but can’t seem to get rid of all the eye shadow kits and other things I don’t always use. My routine for makeup is much more simple these days.
Back in my 20’s, I was so into makeup and fashion. I still love makeup and fashion, but not nearly like I did then. I loved it all and was a real beauty products snob and always shopped at the department store cosmetics counter. Estee Lauder was my choice of cosmetics for the most part and I ventured out with Clinique, Lancome, and Ultima III. I lived for the free gift with purchase events. That’s when I’d stock up on foundation or loose powder or whatever else I needed to get one of those free gifts. Those days, I’m afraid, are over. I think I’ve gotten a little wiser over the years and realized that just because a beauty product costs a lot of $$, doesn’t mean it’s the very best OR that I can’t find something just as good for less. So, let’s talk money-saving beauty tips, shall we? About 3 or 4 years ago, I discovered Bare Minerals (or Bare Essentuals) mineral makeup and I haven’t looked back since then. I think it works great with my aging skin and seems to give an overall better glow, rather than the heavier foundations I was using previously. I have tried many liquid foundations over the years, from Estee Lauder, to Lancome, to Revlon and Loreal. All of them were fine for the most part, but as my skin has aged, I felt the need to lighten up on the foundation. Mineral makeup works great for me! It goes on lighter, still covers enough and let’s your skin show through without looking cakey or too made up. I have rather oily skin, especially the T-zone and the mineral foundation keeps me from looking like a grease pit at the end of the day. Of course, summer is still the worse for my oily skin, but overall I think mineral makeup is a big find for me. Have you tried it yet? I now purchase mine on Ebay. I’ve found several sellers on there and you can get some pretty good discounts if you shop around. The good thing is, one container lasts at least 6 mos. for me, so I don’t have to buy that often. I use Fairly Light for my rather fair skin. I also use the bronzer called Warmth. It adds just the right amount of blush and if I want more of a bronze look in the summer, just add a bit over my whole face. Bare Minerals is not particular cheap, but I like it so much, it’s worth it to me. Back in the 70’s and 80’s those huge makeup cases were all the rage too. I can’t tell you how many Estee Lauder and Ultima III eye shadow kits I bought. There were so many colors in there…wild, beautiful colors, but really how practical are all those colors? Not very. I’ve narrowed down my best colors to the ones above. These look the best on me with my blue eyes….pinky browns, russet browns, golden yellow, and creamy white for accents. I love these eye shadows from Ulta. We don’t have an Ulta store here in Birmingham, but I can always stock up when I go back to Atlanta. These eye shadows are very reasonable too and they often run Buy One, Get One Free promotions. Very practical!
Have you ever heard of Wet & Wild? I’ve been buying their lip liners for probably 15 years now and my favorite one is #666 (I know, strange), but it’s also called Wine. It’s a great pinky-brown shade for all of my lipsticks and that’s the only one I use now. Best part is, they sell for about $1. I see that Walmart carries them now, as well as Target used to and I just saw this shade touted by a makeup artist from NY in a magazine recently, so I see I’m not the only one who’s found it. Also picked up a dark blue eye liner for the same price and it works well too. Now, that’s budget makeup! I’ve also found that when I’ve picked up Clinique or Estee Lauder lipsticks over the years in those freebies and find a shade I like, I can check Ebay and find lots of the brand new sample sized ones for sale for much less money than going to the department stores. I just put in the name I like and do a search on Ebay. Very cost effective!
I‘m all over the board too with skin care products. Right now, I’m using Oil of Olay cleanser with microbeads (for anti-aging), Aveeno moisturizer, and some Boots of London aging serum, which I keep hearing lots about. Have you heard of Boots?? They are a low-cost botanically based skincare line out of the UK. I checked the line out at Target and it looks pretty good, so I think I’ll try more when I run out of what I have currently. I got persueded last year to try Arbonne anti-aging skincare products. They were expensive and I really couldn’t tell any difference in my skin, so I’ll never do that again!
Here’s another good hair product that I found at Walmart. Hask Spray-On Illuminator, one of those shine sprays with silicone to give a lot of shine to your hair. This one works well for me and I know there are much more expensive ones out there, but after I tried this one, I’m happy with it.
I‘d love to find some good recommendations for hair products. I’ve gone back and forth over the years buying expensive shampoo and conditioner and cheap ones. Paula Begoun (The Beauty Bible lady) says that cheap shampoos are just as good as the salon products. I think when I was younger, I could get away with the cheaper ones, but now that my hair is getting more gray and coarse, I really need something that will keep it hydrated, soft and shiny and it seems the more expensive ones do that better. I know my hair feels better after I leave the salon! Tell me what you’ve found for hair products that work for you. I have really thick, coarse hair with lots of natural curl and a tendency towards frizz. I’ve always said it is just like a horse’s mane and that’s about the truth. Right now, I’m using a Redken smoothing shampoo for dry hair to keep it softer and tame the frizzies. I also picked up a deep conditioner for colored hair at Sally’s by Ferria that works pretty well too, but
I’d love to hear from you about your shampoo and conditioner favorites. If I can find some that are less expensive, but still work great, I’m all for saving money.
Do you use cheap shampoo and conditioner or expensive and why? Can you really tell the difference? I’d love to find some good ones that are maybe in between really cheap and really expensive. We don’t have any good places to shop for the salon products over here except at a salon (or at least I haven’t found one yet). I used to shop at Ulta all the time in Atlanta, but we don’t have them over here.
So, let’s hear your recommendations! The girl who cuts my hair (and I’m still going to the Supercuts girl) said we should change up our shampoos and conditioners very often, as hair gets used to the same products and it’s better to mix it up. Maybe we’ll all get some good ideas! Feel free to offer any other good tips on makeup and skin care products too. What can’t you live without?
Anonymous says
Good Morning,
Checking in to read up on what others wrote and I had a thought…what about “masks” what do you and the others use ?? I have a Revlon Egg Mask that is not made any longer (I contacted them) that I just adore. I don’t know what I am going to use once it’s gone 🙁
Again FUN post !!
Kathy 🙂
ps still have not tried the crockpot LOL
PamperingBeki says
Rhoda, I love this post! I’m also a BE gal and I use Fairly Light. I started with a kit from QVC, but now I buy most of my stuff from ebay as well.
And YES to the Wet and Wild #666 liner! It’s simply the best and you can’t beat the price!!
We obviously have very similar coloring so it makes sense that we’d use similar products. The other thing I use that you didn’t mention is MAC concealer. I swear by it and use it under my Bare Minerals.
For hair, I’m a simple kind of gal – just head and shoulders followed by Panteen. But I think I got lucky in the hair department so I don’t have to fight it too much.
Brenda says
Rhonda, I think this is one of your best post ever! I so enjoyed it. I also have a tackle /tool box for my makeup. I have sold Mary Kay and Beuti control in my life. After Mary Kay died I hated how they changed it so I no longer buy it. I still have to have my Elizabeth Arden foundation. When I get dressed early i wont it there for the day. I do shop ebay for it some. I do use wet and wild and they are great. Im pretty picky about my cleanser I think it comes from being taught the step prgram for so long,but like you I did get some Olay this last time when I ran out of other. I thought if it has been around more years than us how can we go wrong.As for hair I am like you…I go to the saloon get a cut and love what they did so I buy the stuff. I just can’t spend that all the time. I have so many clients that go to Salleys beauty supply that is what and where I go now.We can get products just as the sallons can at a fraction of the cost. They have a senior card also,not sure what age you have to be, but it gives a discount. Even without the discount their sales are great. I have to have a GREAT hair spray. again in my line of work when im dressed early I want that hair to stay in place.
They are great about helping you. My husband likes Tea tree shampoo that feels cool and awsome. They have a brand as good as Paul M. and much cheaper. Go by you may love it there.
Have a blessed week,Brenda
Simply Me Art says
I Love this Post Rhoda, The Tackle box is a Fantastic Idea. I was in the M.U. business for 10 years before marriage and kis. Let me tell you most of the drugstore stuff is the same or better then the big guys like Lancome or Estee. Loreal actually owns Lancome. I started with Bare Minerals and loved it too. I have moved to the Loreal version. I have to show my daughter your Tackle box idea it is great. I swear I Dont leave this house without my Face on.. Great post…
Candy :) says
Hi 🙂
Thanks for coming by the other day..
I love this post! 🙂
For shampoo…Ive been using the same type forever… Pantene shampoo and conditioner in one.
I love it because it keeps my hair so silky soft and shiny. Im always getting compliments on my hair and Im sure its because of the shampoo.
Mind you, it works for me and may not work for everyone. I have straight fine hair.
For makeup… I dont use a whole lot. My favorite thing ever are the Oil of Olay facial cleansing cloths ..you wet them and they bubble up and I use them to wash my face morning and at night too. Then in the morning, after my face is washed, I put on cetephil moisturizer (I have dryer skin). Then I use Clinique press powder (their palest and lightest one..doesnt dry out my skin) then I use a Almay eyeliner, L’oreal mascara and I buy all different brands of lipstick.
At night after I wash my face I also use Clinique toner.
Thats all I wear. Ive never tried eyeshadow or blush before. But I can not live without: mascara, eyeliner, eyelash curler and lipstick LOL
Fun post!!!
Candy 🙂
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Kathy, you asked about masks. I don’t use them all that often. I have a couple under my bathroom cabinet that I’ve had for awhile & occasionally I’ll get them out & use them. I know I have one from my Arbonne purchase. I’m sure masks are probably good, but I really don’t know what all they are supposed to do.
Maybe someone else will have a mask suggestion.
Rhoda
Sandy says
Lots of girls commenting on this! LOL! I used to use a tackle box – probably 25 yrs. ago. Funny, uh? Now I have very little makeup. I only keep my few favorite things in a very small bag. And I love EL’s free giveaways too. Most of my lipstick is EL :)Oh, and since I color my hair, REDKEN products for shampoo/conditioner is the best! 🙂 Sandy
Jen says
I sell Mary Kay so that is what I wear for make up and product….for my hair I wear Aussie shampoo and conditioner I use a wax after it is dry and plain ole Rave hairspray……
Terri and Bob says
I love my BM makeup! I always seem to run out when I am cash poor, though! I love my Walmart brand conditioner that is the same as Pantene Pro V. It makes my coarse hair feel great. I also use Walmart’s anti frizz spray before I dry my hair. It works great too!
LivingTheLife says
Interesting post…love reading all the comments…
Well…I am lucky with the hair…I have thick full-bodied hair…but since I’ve started coloring/hi-lighting it, I have tried a few different shampoos to see which ones would help the color stay put longer…I really thought it didn’t matter…b/c all my life I’ve used whatever was on sale…I was lucky. Now…I have decided with color treated hair it is best for me to buy products specifically for that…I have been using Kerastase in the hot pink bottles for shampoo and conditioner for over 2 years now…and I LOVE IT!! My hair feels so healthy and it looks like it did when I was younger…shiny, bouncy and healthy. I know it is expensive…but it last forever…You only have to use about a dime size worth of shampoo X 2 and then less than that for the conditioner. I use about 2 bottles a year on the conditioner and maybe 3 to 4 bottles on the shampoo…I am very stingy with it…and I warn hubbin “not to touch”…mainly b/c he has no hair…so he uses Suave. Plus I’ve been using the same salon for a few years now…and they always give me a 20% off card for future products…so I figure I save that way…plus as I said…it only takes a very little bit…something that I am not as mindful of when I purchase the less expensive stuff.
As for taking care of my skin…well, I am a FIRM believer in good skin care…that means I never go to bed w/makeup on AND I ALWAYS wear sun-screen…and have for over 30 + years…and I do think that does make a difference…a clean pallette so to speak to make-up however you want. I usually just use a gentle face wash product, eye cream and moisturizer. I have used Oil of Olay for many years and I have also used Origins (which I believe is owned by Estee Lauder)…both brands of products have worked well for me.
As for makeup products…I like the products from Origins…I love their underwear for eyes…it is an eyelid makeup cream in a lipstick type tube…I wear Beige Gaze…I use that on my eyelids and a darker version on the creases (it is so simple and fast)…add a touch of Cover Girls PerfectPointePlus eye liner and black mascara…a bit of tinted moisturizer from Origins and blush…I have been buying the “Wet n Wild” cream blush from Wal Mart…it’s cheap and easy…something I kind of like…lol…the older I get the less I want to wear on my face! Lazy maybe…but I am loving the freedom it gives me…I just don’t ever go anywhere w/o my sunscreen…and LIPSTICK…yes I am a lipstick o-holic…I have lots…and I use them all!
This was fun…
Blessings…
Teresa
Sher's Creative Expressions says
This is just too funny. I was reading your post thinking. . . it must be the time of year to mix things up a bit. . . because I’ve been trying different make-up technique for the past week or so myself!!
Blessings,
Sher
violetlady says
I will have to look into the Bare Minerals line. The older I get, the more minimal my makeup. I have recently used Burt’s Bees tinted moisturizer and liked it very much. I tried a mineral type light foundation from Maybelline, but don’t like it. The one item I have always worn and always will is lipstick. I also use Pureology, but it is pricey.
Holly (Nickname) says
Hi Ronda~
I agree with Lynn. I, too. use the Pureology in the purple bottle along with the conditioner. It is a bit more, but it IS worth it. It conditions and leaves a nice shine to the hair.
I basically use the same color eyeshadows as you, and try to keep things pretty natural and simple. For lips I love Cover Girls outlast lip tints. You apply it on, let it dry and apply a clear gloss over it, and it really does last all day. Just keep applying the clearcoat. Yesterday I tried Maybelline’s version, and it is equally as good. I am all for less maintenance, and try to find products that can fill that demand for me. I also love Cover Girls Lash Blast mascara, both waterproof and regular. They stay on nice . We should all take close up pictures of our eyes to share….You first!!! XXXOOOO Rutht
Betty says
Rhoda,
Yes, I think most all females are interested in makeup and hair….
I am 66 years old and my hair turned white years ago…I colored for years and then decided to let it go…I put a Bashful Blonde rinse on weekly and I’m very happy with it. My hair is rather thick but to add additional thickness I use Thick N Hair which can be purchased at Sally’s or my beauty shop sells it. I also use, after I dry my hair, Kenra, a mousse, which adds volume at the roots…..since I don’t wash my hair daily, I can sparingly use more as I need it….Lamaur Sprayage hair spray is my choice….
I have a dear, sweet friend who is in cosmetics and fragrance and she keeps me supplied in great samples of makeup and my favorite ‘Jessica McClintock’ cologne…..
I like Rimmel nail polish and lip liners…..
Well, it’s been fun discussing make up and hair…..Betty
Betty says
It’s me again….I have a set of Arbonne…..I don’t use it every day….Betty
Yellow Rose Arbor says
I’m glad to see Betty (Country Charm) comment since I was thinking I wouldn’t comment because I’m 67 and it seems you have a much younger following! For the last few years I have let my hair go natural, which is gray! I’m looking for a good hair spray, and will try some of these suggestions. For years I used Clairol Final Net and it isn’t available anymore.
I have recently started a new skin care program. I sold Mary Kay for 11 years, back in the 70s and 80s. I have just learned about L’Bri, new aloe based all natural products. It is working really well for my skin! I’ve worn Lancome foundation for years, and will soon try the L’Bri for comparison. L’Bri company is in Wisconsin, so I order it online. My daughter is in her 40s and has sensitive skin, these aloe based products are very good for her skin too. She is the one who introduced me to it, and she is going to start selling it.
My favorite colonge used to be Obsession, I used it for many years. Lately I don’t tolerate fragrance so well, but I do use Cashmere Mist by Donna Karan. It is very light and pleasant.
This has been a fun post! Thank you!
Katherine
Lori says
Hi – I’ve enjoyed all the postings here!
I too have been a Bare Escentuals user for the past 8 years – however, I’ve done a little shopping around b/c I have very dry skin and am trying to find something that doesn’t settle in the lines around my eyes, etc.
I too have course, natural curly hair that I color b/c of a lot of gray! I have tried SO many products! Sulfate free shampoo works very well for me. Currently I use a salon brand, “Brocata” It is important to use a lot of moisture with natural curly hair and Sodium Laurel Sulfate is drying.
For Styling products, I typically never wanted to spend much on them, but always had problems with the frizzy’s. Ended up spending lots of money on so many different products. I finally found that the Aveda products work great for me! When I want to wear my hair smoother, I use the Aveda Brilliant Retexturing Gel and use a larger curling iron. Spray with Aveda Pure Abundance hair spray (this is one of the only ones that holds and keeps hair from frizzing in the humid summer months). A friend recommended the Aveda Flax Seed Aloe strong hold sculpturing Gel when you want to wear your hair curly. I mix it with the Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade – for a little more softness, shine and frizz control.
I am interested to find out what Katherine (who posted earlier) thought of switching from the Lancome foundation to L’Bri. I too have recently discovered the L’Bri skincare line. I have used Bare Minerals foundation for the past 8 years and am unsure about ever going back to a liquid foundation – however I need something a bit more moisturizing. L’Bri skincare is truly natural and it feels and smells wonderful!
Lori says
Hi! I just came across your post, even though, now it is February 1st, 2011! I too have thick, frizzy hair and have recently started using the very same Aveda products you mentioned – and same combinations and they work extremely well!!
I have also started using L’Bri skincare in the last year after being a BeautiControl consultant for 15 years! I was on the search for much more natural products, so tried the free samples from L’Bri! I absolutely love the skin care – it is top quality! I too am curious about the liquid makeup by L’Bri – if anyone has any comments, I’d love to hear them, b/c I too, have been using BareMinerals for the past 7 years for my foundation. I am actually now a new consultant for L’Bri b/c I love the skin care that much. I just haven’t tried the foundation yet. My web sight is: http://www.purelynatural.lbri.com. I enjoy this sight!
Mom on the Run says
It’s interesting to see all the different things, I get in a rut and stay there. I’m using the Boots skincare from Target right now. I have very curly hair and have it colored, so for shampoo I use John Frieda Sheer Blonde (I tried a couple different things lately and decided I like the JF best). All of the anti-frizz stuff in that line, blow dry spray, etc. works well. They discontinued the smoother, so I bought Pureology smoother at Target and it works great to hold down the frizzies.
My daughter uses BE, but I bought the Physician’s Formula mineral makeup at Eckerd and I really like it. I had always used Prescriptives because I like the foundation brush. I also use their concealer and mascara. I love those eyeshadow colors from Ulta. We have the same coloring, so I must check it out.
I still wear the same perfume that I’ve worn since college. Estee Lauder Private Collection and Ralph Lauren Safari (hard to find because they don’t make it anymore, so when I see it, I buy it)
Wild Irish says
Have you ever tried Arbonne products? All the products are synergistic and made to work together from the skincare through the color cosmetics including mineral foundation.
Becky K. says
I’m into Suave shampoo and now use the 2 in one. I really like it.
I have oily hair and skin so I have never liked to use a separate conditioner. I find it too heavy for my hair. But this combination from Suave works perfectly.
I’ll have to try the mineral makeup. My daughter has been complaining to me about what I am using now.
Becky K.
Anonymous says
Love this blog! This is a fun topic–it’s always helpful to hear about other gals’ tried and true favorites. I have tried everything from dept. store make-up to wet and wild and found a few things I always buy again. With the cold winter in western PA comes dry skin—I love the Neutrogena body oil to use after a shower. I use an eyeshadow by Maybelline called ‘silken taupe’ that is a great brownish-gray shade. I like to change things up but always go back to that basic shade! I love the wet and wild lip pencils and cherry chapstick. I am currently using an at home micro dermabrasion kit by Loreal Revitalift that really makes your skin baby soft. Hoping to fight some of the aging and brown spots with that!
Love reading all of the comments and suggestions~~thanks for sharing!