Recessionista Primping


Regardless of the recession hair must be cut, nails must be polished, and brows
have to be maintained. Let's face it, certain things are worth spending on to keep us the pretty ladies we are. I've discovered some budget friendly beauty breaks that will help:


  • Get your mani/pedi on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Most salons run combo specials in the beginning of the week and you can save anywhere from $10-15. If you don't see a sign up, inquire with your manicurist.
  • Skip those pricey $200 cuts and try scheduling an appointment at salon training schools. My best friend goes to the Aveda Institute in NYC and gets hers for $18. Click here to see a list of training schools in your area.
  • Don't splurge on your favorite perfume. Visit a Sephora. The product consultants will place any perfume you'd like in a spray tester for free and there's no limit to how many samples you can have.
  • Try threading your brows instead of waxing. Threading is an average of $2 cheaper and normally lasts a few days longer.
  • Watch your tipping. Know how much you're going to be paying and try to figure out your tip before you're put on the spot while paying at the end of your services. The added pressure sometimes makes people throw extra money.
Do you have any extra tips to share?

AXE Hair Care for Your Man


The commercials for
AXE Deodorant Body Spray are right on the money,  my friends and I all agree that just a whiff of the scent is an instant turn on.   Every time I see my friend Stratos, who practically bathes in the stuff, I bury myself in his armpit. Although he'd probably love it if I started singing "boom chica bow wow" instead.


Well now AXE created a new line for your guy to help him shape his coif, AXE The Fixers.  The company surveyed over 2,000 women to find specific things that turn them off about men's hair.  The results: crunchy, flaky, gunky and of course... poofy.  

The line consists of shampoos, conditioners and styling products, but not gel, because the survey also found that 90% of women hated the gelled look and feel.  I happen to love the look, but could definitely pass on the stiffness.  

Ladies, hook your man up, not only will his mane be tamed, but the scent will probably make you want to jump his bones 24/7!  AXE The Fixers can be found at Drugstores.

Click here to view my all time fave AXE commercial.





Convenient Cleansing


Last night I met one of my bff's at a wine bar for some after work cocktails and happy hour turned into many happy hours... several glasses of red wine later, a few fine gentlemen unexpectedly joined us, but lucky for me, I was more than prepared.


Luckily, I had Colgate Wisps in my Louis, which are the tiniest toothbrushes with a blue bead of toothpaste already on them that bursts when you begin brushing. The other end of the brush is a mini toothpick. Genius!


I rejoined our table with fresh breath and unstained wine teeth. Colgate Wisps come in packs of four for $2.50 at Drugstores. 



Fergie's Sophisticated New Look


Fergie swapped her blonde locks for darker strands and has been seen wearing them super straight. She's currently filming her new music video for "Boom Boom Pow," which will feature the new 'do.


I'm a huge Fergie fan so the single is already on my work out play list. If you haven't heard it already, you can check it out here.


Get A Purrrfectly Pink Pout


Remember when you were young and your parents used to take you to FAO Schwartz to pick out that one special toy? I used to head straight towards the section filled with fluffy stuffed animals. Now, I get that same rush of excitement when my mom and I go shopping at department stores and we arrive at our first destination: the cosmetic counters.


I recently discovered the cutest packaged must-have lip gloss at the MAC counter that took me right back to childhood, MAC Hello Kitty DazzleGlass, $28. Part of the Hello Kitty Kouture Collection, the lip gloss comes with an adorable Hello Kitty charm that dangles from the tube, lined with white Swarovski crystals. Meow!


Available in two colors: Kitty Kouture (pale pink) and Dazzlepuss (sheer, bright pink) at MAC.

Welcome to Miami


You know Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner when the gym gets crowded and Victoria's Secret sends their annual swimsuit catalogue. Even though you can't rock that little polka dot bikini you so anxiously ordered just yet, you can start getting your summer fix by coating your nails with OPI's South Beach Collection.
Available in 12 sizzling shades:



  • Overexposed in South Beach

  • Miami Beat

  • Done Out in Deco

  • Suzi & the Lifeguard

  • Party in My Cabana

  • Congo-line Coral

  • OPI on Collins Ave.

  • Paint My Mojitoes Red

  • Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot

  • Sand in My Suit

  • Clubbin' til Sunrise

  • Bronzed to Perfection


As soon as I spotted it on the counter at the nail salon next to my apartment I had to test it out. I chose OPI on Collins Ave., $8.50, a vibrant red-orange. I found my must-have summer color and every time I look at my mani I smile and think that soon enough it'll be complimented with a healthy tan.



Click here to find a retailer near you.





Sensual Scent Secrets


How many times has someone stopped you in a crowd and asked, "What are you wearing?" Unless it was a tall, dark, handsome man where you found yourself at a loss for words, you probably spilled your scent secret.

This has happened to me many times (well, not the loss of words part), but I've confessed what perfume I was wearing. There's something about not telling though that leaves a sense of individuality and mystery.

Check out Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely Collection, share them with your friends, but keep the guys guessing!

Dawn

Fresh citrus and violet leaves mixed with orchid and vanilla

Endless
Key notes include peony and pink jasmine followed by pineapple and patchouli

Twilight
An intoxicating blend of pink pepper, jasmine, amber and sandalwood

Available this April at Sephora.

At-Home Hair Color



I'm obsessed with dying my hair black, but at the very moment it starts to fade I get antsy about wanting to dye it again. There's something about the intensity of the color that I'm addicted to. However, because of my addiction I've been finding that I tend to dye it more often than recommended. My poor strands!


Problem solved... I discovered Garnier 100% Color, $7.99, that lasts much longer than other dyes I've used in the past (even salon visits) and because it's loaded with vitamins B3, B6, and micro-minerals it's also super nourishing.

Don't worry about breaking the bank on salon visits when you can do it yourself and put the extra cash towards a new pair of stilettos.


Available at drugstores nationwide.