Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Summer Beauty on a Budget

I was thrilled to visit Talk of Alabama and share beauty tips on a budget.  With so many products in stores one has to ask, “are they budget-friendly?”

There’s also a misconception that one must spend hundreds of dollars to look amazing.  This is not a true statement!

Beauty can be accomplished with a $10 purchase; we must use self-awareness and research our individual needs. For example, I suffer from eczema and constantly seeking products that will retain hydration and reduce skin irritation.

The products I shared on ABC 33/40 included Remington Electric ShaverBanana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning LotionRevlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure KitSelf-Tanning TowlettesEOS Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm, Spa@Home Oxygen Bubble Sheet Mask, ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color, Aquation Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser, Aloe Glow Organic Water, Coconut Beach Water, Brahmin Travel Tote, and Clear Cosmetics Bags.

All of the beauty products listed can be purchased at Ulta, Amazon or a local drugstore.

Personally, my favorite product is the Revlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit. This is a must-have item and I will explain more during the lifestyle segment.

Here’s the breakdown:

FACE

Spa@Home Oxygen Bubble Sheet Mask

EOS Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm

Aquation Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser

Aloe Glow Organic Water

Coconut Beach Water

BODY

Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion

Self-Tanning Towlettes

Remington Electric Shaver

HANDS/FEET

Revlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit

ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color

TRAVEL

Clear Cosmetics Bags

Brahmin Travel Tote

Summer Beauty on a Budget Segment

ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color

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This fall, ORLY introduces the first ever Professional Treatment + Color. ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color offers the strength-boosting benefits of a nail treatment while eliminating the need to lay off the lacquer.

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Hold up. Explain.

  • It’s essential to allow nails to rest and recharge, but for lacquer lovers, bare nails are a big no- no. With Breathable Treatment + Color, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds
  • Similar to the technology of a contact lens, Breathable Treatment + Color allows oxygen and hydration to pass through, promoting nail growth, increasing nail thickness and helping heal damaged nailsLet’s talk technology
  • Advanced Oxygen Technology allows air and hydration to penetrate to the nail.
  • This new technology, coupled with a blend of Argan Oil, Vitamins B5 and C help to promotehydration, and heal damaged nails plus stimulating nail growth.
  • An All-in-One product formulation with adhesion promoters and shine additives eliminates theneed for a basecoat and topcoat.

    Nails by the numbers*

  • 99% of women tested saw a noticeable difference in the overall health and appearance of their nails
  • Felt their nails were STRONGER + HEALTHIER after using Breathable for 1 week
  • Experienced measurably FASTER nail growth
  • Experienced LESS CHIPPING and PEELING
  • 50% of the testers reported that the Breathable formula lasted longer on theirnails
  • 10 out of 10 nail technicians felt the formula was easier to apply and control* When tested against traditional nail polish, 500 women

    TO USE: Apply two coats onto bare nails.

    ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color will be available in 18 shades September 2016 and retails for $8.99 each. ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color will be available ULTA, JC Penney, salons nationwide and at orlybeauty.com. For more information visit us online at www.orlybeauty.com.

     

    It all starts with innovation. 2015 marks 40 fabulous years in the nail care industry for ORLY. From the conception of timeless nail looks such as the Original French Manicure®, cutting-edge color, treatments, textures and design, to what’s new and next in nails, it’s all been created by the brains and beauty lovers at ORLY in LA. This year, ORLY celebrates its long-time love affair with Los Angeles with the Made in L.A. campaign, inspired by the people, places and heartbeat of the city of angels.

SALLY HANSEN MIRACLE GEL SUMMER COLLECTION

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Give your nails the royal treatment! Sally Hansen Miracle Gel will keep your manicure looking majestic with up to 14 days of color and shine. The revolutionary, #1 zero light gel manicure system boasts seven new splendid hues in its “Royal Splendor” collection. The Miracle Gel2X Volume Top Coat must be used in tandem with the Miracle Gel shades to experience the long-lasting benefits of its no-light curing technology.

 

The “Royal Splendor” collection features seven new regal shades:

 

  • Plush Blush This powder pink features a Hall Of Mirrors-esque iridescence
  • Frill Seeker Stop searching, you’ve arrived at the perfect resplendent, creamy-peach shade
  • Regal Rosé Wine and dine — or let them eat cake — in a sparkling pale peony
  • Mauve-olous Take the throne in this beige-tinged medium-pink tone
  • Off with her Red! Hold court with this vibrant, true red
  • Can’t Beet Royalty Bring it to the boudoir in this rich maroon
  • Prince Char-mint A refreshingly Versailles-worthy pale verdant hue

When applied over the Miracle Gel shades, the Miracle Gel Top Coat volumizes as it protects – more chip-resistant than regular nail polish! Once applied, this gel top coat provides a high-gloss finish and mirror shine. The result: The look of a gel manicure at home, without the trip to a salon! Miracle Gel’s two-step application is super-simple. First, apply two thin coats of Miracle Gel color to clean, bare nails. Then, apply one coat of the Miracle Gel Top Coat. Natural light cures the polish, yielding a manicure that resembles a UV / LED cured gel polish. It removes easily with regular nail polish remover.

Price & Availability: The Miracle Gel™ Royal Splendor Collection, SRP $9.99 each, hits shelves beginning July 2016.

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Pretty Summer Feet – Beauty Tips

52079154 The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16. The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16. Eva Longoria FameFlynet, Inc - Beverly Hills, CA, USA - +1 (310) 505-9876
52079154 The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16.
The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16.
Eva Longoria FameFlynet, Inc – Beverly Hills, CA, USA – +1 (310) 505-9876

Since we learned to walk, our feet have been supporting us. They walk us anywhere we want to go. They get us to the bus stop with three seconds to spare. And they dance into the early house in crazy high heels. For most of the year, we take our feet for granted. But in the summer months when the socks come off, we can no longer ignore them. Follow our simple steps to pretty summer feet.

  1. Scrub

This sounds obvious but in the summer months we sweat more. It’s important to keep feet clean and smelling fresh. Wash your feet at least twice a day. Scrub them with a brush and warm soapy water. Or, create a DIY foot scrub. Apply a generous amount of foot cream to keep them moisturized.

  1. Comfortable Shoes

The summer months are a great excuse to ditch the high heels. Not all of the time, of course, but for at least some of the time we can enjoy flats and sandals. Combine style and comfort with a pair of sandals, like Uggs. Shop around for an Ugg coupon code and other promos.

  1. Heels

Heels can be a problem area. They are a pressure point on our feet, and often hard skin builds up. After a while, it becomes dry and can crack. This is unsightly and painful. Treat yourself to regular at-home pedicures to remove hard skin. Use a foot file or pumice stone and gently rub away the problem areas. Always apply a good quality foot cream to prevent skin from drying out.

  1. Toenails

Keep toenails neat and short. Cut them regularly with toenail clippers. Cut straight across to avoid ingrowing toenails. File rough edges with an emery board.

Toenails are prone to fungal infections, and so it is important to keep them trimmed and clean. Apply some tea tree oil after cutting, to prevent infections.

  1. Nail Polish

Nail polish is the final touch if you’re wearing peep-toe shoes or sandals. However, don’t wear it all the time. It is important for your nails to rest.

  1. Blisters

Blisters are more common in the summer months. People tend to walk more when the weather is warmer. Blisters are caused by rubbing. Make sure your shoes fit well and wear them in before wearing them for long periods of time. Opt for shoes with absorbent insoles to absorb sweat. Or, alternatively, wear socks. This will prevent your feet slipping and sliding inside your shoes and rubbing against the sides. Keep some plasters in your handbag in case a blister develops.

  1. Sun Protection

When applying sun cream, don’t forget your feet. They need protection like every other part of your body. Apply a sunblock liberally and ensure you keep it topped up throughout the day.

  1. Smelly Feet

Your feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body. Odor is caused when the sweat breaks down. To prevent smelly feet take the following precautions:

  • Keep feet clean
  • Don’t wear the same shoes every day
  • Apply antiperspirant
  • Use insoles that can be removed and replaced
  • Wear shoes that allow air to circulate

 

Follow these simple steps to pretty, sandal-ready feet.

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GET THE LOOK: Mila Kunis Billboard Music Awards 2016 Photos

Mila Kunis is back, baby! She made her first MAJOR appearance in months at last night’s Billboard Music Awards!

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Gearing up for her new movie out this summer, “Bad Moms,” Mila was the center of attention on the red carpet and stage, donning a dress and hairstyle that has everyone calling her a “hot mom.”

Renowned celebrity stylist, Renato Campora (@RenatoCampora), worked his magic for Mila’s fresh and modern look with Infusium 23 – a full line of salon-proven products scientifically formulated to beautifully transform even the most damaged hair – and PRO Beauty Tools – a line of high performance, top quality styling tools at retail friendly prices.

“GET THE LOOK” FROM RENATO CAMPORA:
· I wanted to keep Mila Kunis’ Billboard Music Awards look simple yet beautiful with texture.

· First, I washed and conditioned her hair with the Infusium 23 Repair + Renew Shampoo and Conditioner to illuminate and brighten her strands.

· I wanted a lot of texture for this look so I sprayed the Infusium 23 Repair + Renew Leave-In Treatment when her hair was damp to help build texture and volume.

· Next, I dried her hair with the PRO Beauty Tools 1875W Ionic AC Motor and ran my hands through her hair – no brush.

· I selected random pieces and curled them with the PRO Beauty Tools 1 ¼ Curling Iron to add more volume.

· It’s all about the texture today! So I sprayed the Infusium 23 Repair + Renew Leave-In Treatment in her hair which also helped tame fly-aways and create that sleek look.

· I pulled a few pieces out on side of her face to create a soft, romantic feel. The rest of the hair was pulled into a high ponytail.

· Then, I braided the ponytail very loosely, wrapped it around and finished the look by pinning the braid around the ponytail.

· Mila’s high bun is fresh, young and modern, and compliments her dress perfectly!

PRODUCTS USED FROM INFUSIUM 23 & PRO BEAUTY TOOLS:

Infusium 23 Repair + Renew Shampoo
Rich with intensive hair-healthy ingredients to strengthen and reveal hair’s true beauty. The i-23 Complex®, enriched with provitamins, proteins and amino acids, pampers and promotes soft, healthy-looking, manageable hair.

Infusium 23 2

Price: $6.99/16 oz.
Availability: Target.com

Infusium 23 Repair + Renew Conditioner
Reinforced with hair-healthy conditioners and shine enhancers to recharge, renew and deeply treat dull, damaged, stressed-out hair.

Infusium 23

Price: $6.99/16 oz.
Availability: Target.com

Infusium 23 Repair + Renew Leave-In Treatment
Reduces split ends and tames fly-aways. Improves the quality of hair over time and protects against breakages. Instantly detangles wet or dry hair.

Infusium 23 3

Price: $6.99/8 oz.
Availability: Target.com

Infusium 23 Repair + Renew Heat Tamer
Finish with Repair & Renew Heat Tamer for superior heat and maximum breakage protection from temperatures of up to 450 degrees. Fortified with advanced provitamins and amino acids to guard against styling and finishing damages.

Infusium 23 4

Price: $6.99/8 oz.
Availability: Target.com

PRO Beauty Tools 1875W Ionic AC Motor Dryer
Uses Ionic Technology to expose strands to less heat and in turn, less damage, while retaining natural moistures for silky, frizz-free styles.

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Price: $39.99
Availability: Target.com

PRO Beauty Tools 24K Gold Plated Curling Iron
Provide advanced heat technology ideal for curling all hair types. The high direct heat styles hair quickly resulting in less heat damage from prolonged exposure to the curling iron.

PRO Beauty Tools

Price: $21.99
Availability: Target.com

Additional Photos –

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Sally Hansen, Rimmel London and NYC New York – Going Green

NYC New York Color 24 Hr Waterproof Eyeshadow in Madison Square Park ($2.99) – This chubby, waterproof eye shadow delivers vibrant color for up to 24HR wear.

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Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in On Pines and Needles and Greenlight ($7.99) – Seven benefits of a salon manicure in one bottle. Now infused with Keratin Complex for up to 64% stronger nails.

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Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer in Emerald Sparkle ($6.49)- Glide-on full color definition! Soft creamy texture in a retractable pencil with built-in smudger for subtle blending and sharpener for high precision line Waterproof formula for up to 10 hours long lasting wear.

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Shoedazzle Color Of The Month – Daffodil Accessories

Daffodil is considered the new Shoedazzle color of the month.  The accessories brand has an array of Daffodil inspired handbags, jewelry, and shoes.  First Lady, Michelle Obama wore a similar shade in a beautiful sheath dress.  This inspired women to wear the hue while adding a pop of color into their wardrobe.

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It’s the perfect Spring shade because this color mixes (and matches) well with every fashion piece. Trendsetters and Style Bloggers are seen wearing Daffodil colored eyeshadow, nail polish, and hair accessories.

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For an everyday look, pair (Daffodil) yellow accessories with a jumpsuit, jeans, or basic t-shirt.  Color trends are fun to wear but don’t forget to make the style your own!

Beauty Regimen in Winter Months – Editor Talk and Products

Yesterday was the first day of December and that means we are officially in the cold weather season.  Not only does the seasons change but our beauty regimen alters with the weather.  The reason we must change our beauty routine is because the external environment can damage our skin, hair, and nails.

Every year I look in the mirror (around the month of November) and my skin is excessively dry.  My first instinct is to panic but then I realize it’s time to visit the drugstore or cosmetics counter.  I have a few beauty products that I am actively using from foundation to nail polish remover pads.

Beauty Regimen

To begin, let’s talk about foundation.  We often forget to change our foundation because it’s our favorite shade or brand.  Here’s what I learned, foundation in the winter months should have hydrating and moisturizing functions. This helps to counter-act dryness and use a lighter press powder.  Also, if you tend to look a shade darker (or tan) in the summer months, you may consider a foundation that’s lighter.  The foundation color should match the exact shade of your face and neckline.

In terms of face lotion, it is suggested that we stay away from light-weight lotions and use a cream.  Lotions are not heavy enough to protect the skin from the dry air.  I suffer from dry skin due to eczema and prefer a cream lotion whether in the winter or summer months.

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Always opt for a deep hydrating mask to use on your hair in the winter.  The cold air can create brittleness no matter the hair type or texture.  If you can’t afford an expensive hair mask, visit your local drugstore or Pinterest.com to create a DIY hair mask at home.  Either way, your hair can not afford to be shampooed with a leave – in conditioner alone.  The result will be breakage and frizz!

An additional beauty product that I’m actively using are nail polish remover pads.  Surprisingly, my mom (the other contributor) introduced me to this product last summer.  You can purchase a box for about $2 at the drugstore and they serve two functions.  Nail polish remover pads will remove polish quickly while also conditioning the cuticle and nails.  I was relieved to discover this product and since that time disposed of liquid remover (and cotton balls.)

I’m always searching for beauty tools to make my life easier because I’m managing my brand and have mommy duties.  The ultimate makeup tool the everyone should own in their bag is a Beauty Blender.  I have to admit that I own three because they serve a different function (and if I lose one there’s always an extra.) The Beauty Blender surfaced several years ago but has recently become available to beauty enthusiasts.  This is not your normal sponge due to the shape, texture, and use of the blender.  The Beauty Blender can be used to apply foundation, bb cream, tanner, bronzer, and concealer.  It can also be used for highlighting, contouring, and strobing.

Fall 2015 Lipstick

Lastly, with so much dryness in the air and having a hectic holiday schedule, we need an at home facial in between our spa treatments.  Purchasing a Sonic Face and Body Polisher can be an investment.  I am totally in love with my system and received it as a product review.  This little hand-held machine exfoliates and softens the skin while tightening my pores.  I love makeup but I’m a huge advocate for natural, glowing skin and we must take care of it!

I hope the tips I provided will help your winter beauty routine.  Also, stay connected to the site because I will be visiting a few local wellness spas very soon!

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People News: 2015 People and Today Beauty Awards

People News: The 2015 People and Today Beauty Awards Are Here!

When it comes to beauty, we’re constantly looking for the best new trends and products. Whether it’s sharing exactly what lip color a celeb wore to a movie premiere, or reporting on the latest Hollywood hair color change, we always bring you the must-know beauty news as soon as we have it. And, like you, we get kid-in-a-candy-store excited at the launch of a new product.

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Which is why this year, we’ve teamed up with TODAY to bring you our first ever (!!) 2015 PEOPLE and TODAY Beauty Awards.

Over forty testers from PEOPLE and TODAY, including our own beauty-obsessed editors, tried hundreds of lotions, moisturizers, mascaras and more and managed to narrow it down to 44 of the best drugstore beauty products from 2015.

We’ve covered all of the bases—from hair and body to skin and makeup — finding something for every beauty issue. So if you’ve been holding off on re-stocking your vanity for the new year, let us guide you with our top picks from our favorite drugstore brands.

Every day this week, we’ll be announcing a new category of winners live on TODAY. Tune in every morning at 10AM EST to find out what products to add to your shopping list. The lineup is below!

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  • Tuesday 12/1: HAIR
  • Wednesday 12/2: MAKEUP
  • Thursday 12/3: BODY
  • Friday 12/4: SKIN

And don’t forget to pick up this week’s issue, on stands beginning Wednesday, Dec. 2, for the full list.

Get PEOPLE.com Everywhere

Birchbox and Rent The Runway Launch: Black Friday Sales

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Birchbox (www.birchbox.com), a leading beauty and grooming retailer, has opened its doors in Washington, D.C. in partnership with Rent the Runway, which is revolutionizing fashion by allowing millions of women to rent designer apparel and accessories. On Friday, November 6, Birchbox launched a beauty shop in a dedicated space at Rent the Runway’s Georgetown store, allowing local customers to get a complete new look from head to toe – from on-trend outfits and accessories to the latest lipsticks and head-turning hairstyles.

The shop features the following elements to help Washingtonians prepare for special occasions and upgrade their everyday looks:

  • A Build Your Own Birchbox (BYOB) station with an exclusive new box design co-branded with Rent the Runway ($15)
  • A curated shop featuring the best hair, makeup, skincare and fragrance products, as well as holiday gift sets, from brands including Bumble and Bumble, Dr. Jart, Living Proof, Oribe, RMS Beauty, Smashbox, Stila and Sunday Riley, among others
  • Birchbox subscriptions and gift subscriptions for purchase (starting at $30)
  • Makeup services (starting at $30)
  • Special offers and events

 

“Birchbox has a large subscriber base in the DC area and our customers want to look their best, but don’t always have time to navigate the latest new products and trends. Together with Rent the Runway, we’re able to offer a one-stop-shop edited with the very best in beauty and fashion,” said Katia Beauchamp, Co-Founder and CEO of Birchbox. “It’s designed to bring delight to discovering new product by having an easy and efficient shopping experience. As we approach 2016, we’ll continue exploring meaningful opportunities to bring Birchbox to life offline.”

Customers can visit www.birchbox.com/georgetown for more information on Birchbox at Rent the Runway Georgetown, located at 3336 M Street NW. Birchbox has a flagship store in Soho, NY and plans to open additional stand-alone stores in 2016.

About Birchbox

Founded in 2010, Birchbox is a leading beauty and grooming retailer, offering an efficient, personalized way to discover and shop for new products. Birchbox redefined the online shopping experience by pairing a monthly subscription of deluxe samples – tailored to customers’ unique profiles – with inspiring editorial content to create a seamless path to purchase full-size products online. More than 800 best-in-class beauty, grooming and lifestyle brands are available on Birchbox’s e-commerce shop. In 2012, Birchbox launched Birchbox Man and expanded internationally, and in 2014, Birchbox opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Soho, New York. Today, Birchbox has more than 1 million subscribers and operates in six countries, including France, Spain, UK, Belgium and Canada. Birchbox is headquartered in New York City. To learn more, visit www.birchbox.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Snapchat.

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Black Friday

For US men and women – spend $35 on gift subscriptions and/or full-size product and get:

  • Non-Ace: 25% off with code BIGDEAL
  • Ace: 30% off with code ACESONLY
  • No limit to code usage

For CA women – spend $45 on gift subscriptions and/or full-size product and get

  • 25% off with code BIGDEAL
  • No limit to code usage

Cyber Monday

Same offer as above as above but codes are:

  • Non-Ace: PARTYON
  • Ace: ACEDIT
  • No limit to code usage