If you love your makeup, you have to take care of it.

(Source: drugstoreprincess.com)

Do powders ever "expire"?
◥		diamondsbrilliantandbel-air

Hello!  Yes they do… all makeup has an “expiration date”, and it is based off of the day you first opened it.  All makeup has a symbol on it that will tell you how many months after opening that it will still be fine to use, at it looks like this:

(12m stands for 12 months)  If you can’t find this symbol on your makeup packaging, then it was probably on the original box it came in.

Powder generally lasts longer than cream products, and most will last “18 months” after opening.  If you use any product with your fingers or don’t sanitize it regularly, then it will probably go bad before that date.  

If your makeup ever turns a different color or starts to smell funny, it is probably no longer good to use on your face, because it has become dirty and/or the active ingredients are no longer working and/or bacteria has decided that your makeup is a really nice place to live.  

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Laura Geller Beauty is on Hautelook!

They’ve become one of my favorite under-exposed, super-luxurious makeup brands.  I adore their Spackle primer, their baked blushes and their lovely shimmer eyeshadows!  Check out the sale HERE

But really I just logged on and saw that BRIAN ATWOOD SHOES are on sale for LITERALLY around 50% off.  BRIAN ATWOOD.  SHOES.  ON SALE.  No one else screaming over this?  Okay, just me.

Hautelook.com

Hiya, as its nearing summer i've been looking for a good highlighter that is low priced. You've probably already reviewed one, if so please can you send me the link? thank you :)
◥		emilyjasminee

Hello!  I will just direct you to my “Highlight” tag, which will contain several posts for different recommendations and reviews, depending on what you’re looking for!  http://drugstoreprincess.com/tagged/highlight

But a general list of my low-priced faves are:

• ELF Shimmering Facial Whip - $1
• Hard Candy Baked Bronzer in Tiki - $6
• Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana - $5
• L’Oreal Magic Lumi Concealer Pen - $6
• Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser in the highlighting shade - $6
• Revlon Age Defy Spa Illuminator - $6
• ELF Studio Blush in Gotta Glow - $3

Hope that helps you!  Happy glowing :)

ELF  -  Hard Candy  -  Wet n Wild  -  Revlon - L’Oreal - Maybelline

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Can you recommend some other matte colors and brands?? I really like the NYX sugar Plum!! Dark or light doesn't matter.
◥		yaya03091991

Hello!  Could you perhaps be talking about the Wet n Wild lipstick in “Sugar Plum Fairy”?  That’s one of my favorite lipstick colors, and it’s a dupe for MAC Rebel.  I’m not sure if you’re asking for similar colors or just more matte lipsticks, so I’ll just give you the latter.

Wet n Wild MegaLast lipsticks - $2 - “Sugarplum Fairy” shown

I personally love Wet n Wild’s MegaLast line because almost all of the lipsticks have a matte finish and they are longlasting compared to most other brands I’ve tried!

Other matte lipstick lines:

NYX Matte Lipstick - $5 - “Shocking Pink” shown

I loooove these matte lipsticks, because they are really light and comfortable on the lips (very similar to MAC), and are very opaque. The colors are great (Shocking Pink is almost like Candy Yum Yum) and they have a sweet berry scent to them, much better than the regular NYX lipstick smell.

Revlon Matte Lipsticks - $6 - “Strawberry Suede” shown

Revlon’s matte lippies are also silky smooth and lightweight.  The colors are all wearable, yet varied, and can be built up to be very opaque or sheered out for a casual look.  They are unscented and have very high quality packaging.

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Matte - $5 - #107 shown

These are inexpensive yet luxurious matte lipsticks that are seriously opaque and have good staying power.  There are lots of great colors, from trendy to natural.

Hope this helps you/was what you were looking for!  You can find these lipsticks here and here :)

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Consumr: The App That Will Save Your Wallet (and have you addicted in 2 minutes flat)

This is the Age of the Smart Phone - we have endless archives of information at our fingertips at any given time, and our opinions are as powerful as advertisements (which is, like, really really powerful).  Consumr uses all of these factors in the most beneficial and convenient method possible for consumers (get it?) and has created a one-stop-shop App and website for endless product reviews and recommendations.

Have you ever been in a store and come across an item that looks really cool, but you have no idea whether it’s really worth your money or not?  Chances are if you have been in that position, you’ve either had to put the item back because you’re unsure, or purchased it on a whim only to be disappointed once you got it home!  But with the Consumr App, you won’t have to worry about the unknown anymore.  As long as you’ve got your phone, with a quick *snap* of the product’s bar code you can instantly read tons of different reviews on it!  Not only reviews, but also similar products, other places nearby to find the item, and ratings as well.

When you first open up Consumr, you are given the option to browse products in each category (from baby to pet care, grocery to toys, home and garden to health) and from there your sub categories.  You will find the Scan option at the lower lefthand corner.  Just click this and hover over any product’s barcode to find that item instantaneously!

Once you’ve scanned the item, you can read other Consumers’ reviews and ratings, as well as add your own opinions to that product’s thread!

It’s that easy!  Consumr also remembers every product you scan, so that you can go back and re-read the information or add your thoughts later. Every time you review or scan a product, you get points added to your profile, which add up to make your profile more recognized, help you get more Consumr friends, and eventually could even get you sent free stuff!  The other day I came home to a package full of delicious snacks… who could say no to that?!

So what are you waiting for?  This is an App that really has it all, and I would readily pay $5+ for it.. but I forgot to tell you the best part.  It’s free!  

So head over to the App store and download it straight to your iPhone.. or if you’re an Android person, or anti-smartphone completely, you can just visit http://Consumr.com on your computer and get the experience there as well!

(Source: drugstoreprincess.com)

Hi there I'm new to your blog but taking notes and planning a haul! I have 2 questions for you, first where can I find Elf brand in the US and second can you recommend a brush starter kit? Thank you and keep up the good work! Shaunalee24
◥		shaunalee24

Hello Shauna!  Thanks, I’m really glad you’re enjoying my site and are finding cool products!!  That’s what it’s all about :)

For your first question - you can find ELF products (mostly the Studio line) at Kmart and Target stores.  You can also find some products at certain Walmarts or Dollar Trees!  A lot of it is hit or miss, sometimes I discover a couple ELF items at random stores.  The best place to get ELF is online however - they will often have huge sales, like free shipping or 50% off.  Right now they are offering a huge makeup set for only $2.50 additionally to any $25 order!  The ELF site is here.

Your second question - makeup brush kits for beginners!  When you’re just starting out, you should get an even mix of both eye and face brushes.  Generally my recommended kit would contain:

• Powder brush
• Blush/bronzer brush
• Foundation brush (flat, stippling, buffing, whichever you like)
• Flat eyeshadow shader brush
• Fluffy eyeshadow blending brush
• Small eyeshadow pencil brush
• Angled eyeliner brush

(For information about brushes.. what they look like and how they work.. click here!)

ELF is a great starter brand for brushes, as they carry brushes from $1-$6ish, and the $3 Studio line is really great.  You can get individual brushes or a whole beginner’s set online!

ELF 11pc Studio Set - $20

Other great brands/sets:

Real Techniques (Core Collection shown) - found at Ulta & Walmart

BH Cosmetics 12pc Brush Set - Pink & Purple sets on sale for $15 right now!

EcoTools sets - found at most drugstores and grocery stores

More good brands include NYX, Revlon, Coastal Scents, Sedona Lace, Sigma, Crown Brush, and the Forever 21 brand.  When starting out you don’t need to make the investment in “designer” brushes, like those from MAC, and chances are once you do start splurging on brushes you’ll still find yourself reaching for your old cheapies!

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Can you please recommend some coral lipglosses ? <3 thanx
◥		chologazm

Hello!  Definitely.  Coral is my favorite color for summer!

NYX MegaShine in Nude Peach - $5

Revlon SuperLustrous in Coral Reef - $6

Revlon ColorBurst in Sunset Peach - $6

ELF Hypershine in Flirt - $1

ELF Glossy Gloss in Tangy Tangerine - $3

Maybelline ColorSensational High Shine gloss in Captivating Coral - $6

Other good ones:

• NYC Liquid Lip Shine in Peach Melba - $2
• NYX Butter Gloss in Peaches and Cream - $5
• Wet n Wild Megaslicks in Berry Burst - $2

Hope that helps you!  :D

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Hautelook’s Spring Beauty Bag Look-Through & DISCOUNT CODES!!

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about the Spring Beauty Bag being available on one of my favorite shopping sites, Hautelook.com.  This entire bag cost only $25 and contained all these goodies!  Although it is no longer available, I wanted to share it’s contents and some of the great deals that came with it!

Contents (from Left to Right):

• Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil (travel size) in Demolition
• Suki Skincare Exfoliate Cleanser (full size)
• LA Fresh Beauty Wipes in assorted scents (full size)
• Stila All-Over-Shimmer Liquid Luminizers (sample size) in Pink Shimmer, Rose Gold Shimer, and Bronze Shimmer
• Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten (travel size) in Berry
• Crown Brush Pro Blending Fluff blending brush (full size)
• NYX Round Lipstick (full size) in Shiva
• Lorac Eyeshadow (full size) in Celebutante
• Lorac 3D Lashes mascara (full size)
• Jessica Simpson Vintage Bloom fragrance sampler

These items total well over $100 all together - so this bag was a HUGE steal!

Discount Codes (I’m sharing because I love you all):

• $50 off Smile Sciences Rx Strength Whitening Pen with code “hautelook”  - www.smilesciences.com (no exp. date)
• 20% off NYX Round Lipsticks with code “LIPCRUSH”  -  www.nyxcosmetics.com (exp. 6/1/13)
• 15% off purchase from Laura Geller with code “HLBBAPR13”  -  www.laurageller.com  (exp. 4/1/14)
• 10% off purchase from Lorac with code “LOVELORAC”  -  www.loraccosmetics.com  (exp. 6/30/13)

Enjoy!  And remember that the next time I recommend an awesome deal like this, you should jump on it!!! ;)  Also, sign up for Hautelook here for killer sales on everything beauty and fashion.

(Source: drugstoreprincess.com)

Urban Decay Naked & Naked 2 Palettes… DUPED!

One of the most frequently asked questions I get on DrugstorePrincess is “What is a good dupe of the Naked palette/Naked 2 palette?”  Urban Decay’s Naked line is one of the most versatile and coveted in the cosmetic world.  They are each 12-pan palettes of neutral colors - mostly shimmers, with a few matte shades thrown in - and they are popular because you can effortlessly throw together any of the shades and they will all look good with one another!  Basically, they are fool-proof palettes, and it doesn’t hurt that the eyeshadows are good quality as well.

But each of the Nakeds cost $50 each… granted, they do come with either a brush or pencil eyeliner and a lipgloss or mini eyeshadow primer, but any way you look at it, these palettes could easily break the bank.  So finally I’ll make a post about my favorite “dupe” of these palettes…

The NYX Nude on Nude Palette!

This palette contains 20 eyeshadow colors AND 10 lip colors… all in one!  Like the Nakeds, the Nude on Nude palette is filled with gorgeous neutral eyeshadows that are a mix of shimmer and matte finishes.  You can pair any one color with any other color and they will match, plus all of these colors compliment every eye color, skin color, hair color, and occasion.  The lip colors included slide out from underneath the eyeshadows, and are a perfect mix of bright and muted colors.  They have glossy finishes and provide lots of color, and the best part is that they all match the eyeshadows!  Each pan of product in the NYX palette is larger than those that come in the Urban Decay palettes… so you get more product for less money.  Some of these eyeshadows are a little powdery compared to UD’s, but they are all nicely pigmented and very blendable, making them easy to work with.

The best part?  You get twice the product for only $25… that’s half the cost of ONE of the Naked palettes, and you get colors that are dupes from BOTH.

I highly recommend picking up this versatile and quality palette.  You can find the Nude on Nude palette in Ulta stores, or online at Ulta.com or NYXcosmetics.com!

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Hi! Just wanted to ask if you could give me any advice on an inexpensive drugstore eye primer! thanks:)
◥		alaskanraindrops

Hello!  Certainly, I have a whole list of my favorite eye primers right here  :)

I have a question, and I'm sorry if you've answered something like this before, but do you have any tips on how to make sure product doesn't settle into the fine lines under your eyes? It seems like no matter what I do I have product that settles into them (whether it be concealer or powder) and I'm sure some settling is inevitable but I just wanted to know if you had any tips on how to make it look more flawless.
◥		lazeramsey

Try a silicone based foundation primer underneath your makeup - these smooth over fine lines and enlarged pores, helping your makeup to go on smooth and flawless!  You don’t necessarily need to apply it all over your face, just to the areas where you experience problems (although it won’t hurt you to put it everywhere).

I have a few recommendations here you can check out!

Also, makeup tends to settle into lines and crease much easier when you apply too much.  Most people tend to slather on the undereye concealer in order to cover their dark circles, but the more you apply, the more concealer there is to slide around and bunch up around the natural creases in your skin.  Avoid this by applying thin layers of makeup, whether it be concealer or foundation, and letting it set and dry on your skin before applying a second layer if needed.   One of the Golden Rules of all Makeup:  Two thin layers > One thick layer (lipstick, blush, bronzer, powder, foundation, eyeshadow, all of it!)

Hope this helps you!  :)

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What is your opinion of Ben Nye Banana Powder and Matte Foundation?
◥		pitmama6

I have not personally used the Matte Foundation by Ben Nye, although I did look into it once, but it was not what I was looking for.  It is a matte, cream based foundation that provides a lot of coverage, but most reviews I’ve read have stated that it doesn’t control oil very well, despite it’s matte finish.  It is an HD foundation that is meant to photograph well, and is relatively affordable.  Many people like it for stage, but not as many people seem to like it for everyday, which is why I passed on it.

The Banana Powder I have tried (Kim Kardashian’s MUA made it famous after saying KK uses it), and it is definitely really great, if a bit expensive.  The Banana Powder is definitely for a person with medium to dark skin with yellow undertones.. if you have fair to light skin this will not compliment your complexion, and in that case I recommend the Cameo powder instead.  It is a great setting powder, and is normally used as a highlight underneath the eyes, etc, over concealer.  It blends into foundation and doesn’t look or feel like a powder, and is very luxurious, as the name implies.  But $30 is a lot for a powder that you wouldn’t be putting all over your entire face.  If you have the means to do it and you will be using it for what it is intended, than it could be a great purchase!

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I know I'm never going to catch you probably because of all your questions you get, but I still keep trying because I hope one day you'll get my questions. So I just recently started using lipstick. I'm pretty new to makeup in general but I found CoverGirl's Lip Perfection in Enchantress and fell in love. I was wondering what other lipsticks you would recommend. I really like those bright pinks and love how moisturized it made my lip while I was wearing it.
◥		reefviewsbykaity

Hi hon!  Today is your day, haha!

Covergirl Lip Perfection lipstick in Enchantress - $7

I love CG Lip Perfection lipsticks… they are creamy and moisturizing and still pack a punch of color!  Enchantress is a really gorgeous blue-toned pink that would compliment any skin tone.  If you like that color and consistency, then you would probably like these (not the same colors, of course, but similar that would probably look good on you):

Maybelline ColorSensational in Party Pink

Maybelline Color Whisper in Petal Rebel

Maybelline Color Whisper in Pinup Peach

Revlon SuperLustrous in Wink for Pink

Rimmel Moisture Renew in Pink Chic

Milani Color Statement in Fruit Punch

And even if you don’t like those colors necessarily, you will certainly like those brands/lines of lipstick, because they are all creamy and very similar to the Covergirl ones.  :)

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Hot weather can wreak havoc on your makeup routine, so summer-proof your look with these simple tips and product recommendations!

1. SPF - Whether it’s summer or not, if you’re headed outside, you’d better slather on that sunscreen honey!  Sun exposure is the LEADING cause of premature aging, and we all know that the burned look isn’t cute.  Pick a sunscreen that’s oil-free and/or creates specifically for faces… these won’t melt off your face, ruin your makeup, or give you breakouts.  Another option is to use a moisturizer with SPF… go for at least 15! Shown: Neutrogena Clear Face Breakout-Free Sunscreen

2.  Prime - The heat will do all kinds of yucky things to your skin, but you can camoflauge all of them by using a good primer underneath your makeup.  Ones with silicone bases will fill in enlarged pores and fine lines, making your skin look smooth and flawless as well as helping your whole look last longer! Shown:  ELF Mineral Face Primer

3.  Color - If your skin is looking a little lack-lustre instead of glowing and sunkissed, try a gradual self tanning lotion!  Most contain SPF and help moisturize as well as providing a bit of summer color.  Self tanning is not only safer than regular tanning, but also means you’ll need less foundation because it evens out your skin tone. Tanning lotions aren’t just for pale girls… they help take ashiness out of darker skin as well!  Shown:  Jergens Natural Glow Face Lotion

4.  Cover - Keep your face makeup as light as possible, because heavy makeup is just plain uncomfortable in hot weather, and will be much more obvious if it starts to melt off.  No matter your skin type, go for a matte finish, which will help absorb excess oil and sweat better than dewy foundations.  Set your T-zone, or wherever you become oily, with a pressed powder… and prepare yourself to touch up throughout the day, it is inevitable!  Shown:  Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector for Oily Skin

5.  Bronze - Faux glow is completely acceptable and will help you look healthier and more awake!  Pick a bronzer with a matte finish and apply all along the hairline and in the hollows of your cheeks.  Sweep it lightly across your chin and nose to give you the fake-bake look!  If you can’t find a bronzer that works on you, get a powder foundation 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone instead!  Shown:  NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny

6.  Brighten - Add some color to your complexion and include a bit of shimmer at the same time with a baked blush.  These are relatively sheer and won’t overwhelm your face, but will catch light and give you that glowing-from-within type of look.  Shown:  Hard Candy Baked Blush

7.  Tint - Make your lips look perfectly pouty with a sheer tinted balm.  These add a bit of shine, a light but bright wash of color, and moisture!  Pick one with SPF as well to protect your sensitive lips from the sun.  Light lipwear is hot weather friendly and will last longer than a heavy lipstick.  Shown:  Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

8.  Set - Lock your look in place, and refresh your skin throughout the day, with a good setting spray!  Misting these on your face before your makeup can work as a primer, and applying after you’ve finished your look will keep it in place all day!  Shown:  Urban Decay All-Nighter

9.  Accentuate - Keep your eyes light, but most importantly keep them waterproof!  H20 Proof makeup is your friend in the hot summer months, because even with the slightest hint of sweat, eye makeup is generally the first to slide down your face.  Try a longwear eyeshadow in a bronze shade, smudged liner just along the upper lashline, and some volumizing mascara to add drama.  Shown:  Maybelline Color Tattoos, NYX Slide On Eyeliner Pencil, Covergirl Lashblast 24

BUY THESE SUMMER-PROOF PRODUCTS HERE

(Source: drugstoreprincess.com)