Beauty Feature: Beauty In A Recession

Beauty products will always have a place in our lives because for some of us, we would die without it! No matter how bad the economy is you can always count on a blush to perk you up or a pretty gloss to put a smile on your face. Let's be realistic though. As much as we'd like to go crazy on the newest beauty launches, it's just not financially sensible for some of us. Look on the bright side - this is the perfect time to rediscover an oldie but goodie (not too old!) and make it new again! Here are some tips on what to splurge on and how to maximize what you already own!

Steal: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a cleanser I always have in stock. It's so versatile and works for all skin types especially those with sensitive or severely dry skin. You can use it with water or wipe off with tissue when water and a sink isn't available. It can also be used as an eye makeup remover - just dab a pea size amount onto a cotton pad and wipe. Another great trick I learned from a makeup artist I was assisting is to mix Cetaphil with brown sugar to use as an exfoliant for the face or lips! It effectively and gently removes dead skin cells, makes your skin soft, and smells yummy.

Steal: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion has helped me get over some irritating, bumpy moments. When my skin has had it with being a guinea pig, it gets back at me with a red, itchy rash usually around my eyes, cheeks, and mouth. Cetaphil lotion always brings my skin back to normal and clears up those rashes. I've even started using it as an eye cream on my son and it has helped clear up the dryness around his eyes. You can also use it as a body moisturizer. Mix this with a shimmery pigment powder and use it to highlight anywhere you want some sexy shine! Add a bit of this to your favourite liquid or cream foundation to make an instant tinted moisturizer! Also available with SPF!

Splurge: When it comes products that help the performance of your makeup, I always like to spend a little more. Cargo blu_ray High Definition Mattifier is both a makeup primer and a mattifier so you're getting more bang for your buck. Your makeup will apply beautifully, last longer, and keep the shine away!

Splurge: If you don't have a good base then the rest of your look will just fall apart. I never like to skimp out on a good foundation. I just discovered Era Everyday Foundation and I've fallen in love! You may remember this one-of-a-kind airbrush, wear/water resistant oil-free foundation used by celebrity makeup artist, Carmindy from What Not To Wear. I tried it on a few clients who also fell in love with the flawless, yet natural feel and look of the foundation. It literally takes seconds to apply whether you spray it directly on the face or onto a sponge. It can also double as a concealer - just dab more on the areas that need extra coverage. The brand also carries a heavier version for more problematic skin, Era Face Foundation. Available everywhere and in Toronto, at Lift Beauty Boutique.

Splurge: It's hard to find a really good product that you can truly use on your eyes, lips and cheeks. I love multi-use products like NARS's makeup staple, The Multiple and now available in the Multiple Duo! They come in a variety of colours and give your skin a radiant, glowy finish. Just swipe on your eyes with some mascara and liner, dab it on the apples of your cheeks for fresh pop of colour, and slick onto the lips - your look is complete and all with one stick. The Duos give you even more choices so you can use one colour on the eyes and another on the lips. You can also use it to contour and highlight the cheeks. For a full colour finish on the lips use with a lip liner and a non-shiny lip balm. For a glossy finish, swipe on a clear shimmery gloss over top. My tip: finish the eyes and cheeks with a translucent powder for long-lasting effect.


Steal: If you love to have fun with colour and like creating a variety of looks on your eyes, CoverGirl's Eye Enhancers are a real steal! Colours range from neutral to tropical and come in shimmery, metallic or matte textures. You also have a choice of getting a single pan or a palette of 4 shadows. Use them wet for intense colour and as a liner or dry for a more natural effect.


Steal: You don't have to spend a lot of money to give your skin a luminous finish. Pigment powders can be messy but they can be used in many ways. I've become a fan of CoverGirl's TruBlend Mineral Blush and Bronzer. The Mineral Blushes go on great as a sheer blush, as a finisher after your makeup has been applied to brighten up your look, mixed with a moisturizer to highlight the cheekbones and anywhere on your body, or added to a clear gloss for a custom colour! For a faux tan use the Mineral Bronzer on the high points of your face with a brush, mix with a moisturizer for a bronzy glow, mix with a clear gloss for a sun-kissed hue on the lips, layer over top of a cream shadow for a bronze finish on the eyes, or mix with a liquid/cream foundation! Comes in a jumbo-size container so it will last for a while!

Steal: When it comes to my mascara, I've found drugstore brands are superior to the higher end lines. In the world of tube mascaras (mascaras that wash off with water, don't smudge or smear), L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara at $13 plus CDN is considered a steal when compared to other tube mascaras. You get a nourishing lash primer and the blackest black mascara all in one! Plus, you don't have to spend extra money on an eye makeup remover because it comes off with lots of warm water!

Steal: I've experimented with many natural products from head to toe but when it comes to the lips I'm all about it. Maybe it's because I ingest so much lip gloss and lip balm on a daily basis?? For something all-natural without a heavy price tag try a line like Kiss My Face. They carry everything including a great selection of lip products. I am loving the Sheer Organic Shine in Ruby. It's a gorgeous shimmery medium-pink that has a minty non-sticky finish. I'm dieing to try their Organic Lip Balms. Stay tuned for my review and colour swatches!

The bottom line is to be creative and come up with new ways to use the existing products you own. What would you splurge on and what do you consider a steal? Makeup Junkie wants to know!