Beauty Buzz: Budget Battle #1

In the middle of The Great Recession, what's a lady to do when she needs to buy a face lotion? Not just any lotion, but a magic in a bottle, change my life, skin enhancing potion that costs more than your newborn child or at least the stroller baby will ride in.  I love-Love-Love La Mer face creme. Especially, this time of year! It's decadent, it really does affect the skin, and even though I know there are healthier products on the market, it has that revolutionary, burn healing, yummy "Miracle Broth" that makes my skin glow like a teenager! Plus, my husband noticed a difference in my skin after just one day of using this delicious creme! Isn't that enough? Shouldn't that be enough?

Well, it's not.  Priorities. Priorities. And unfortunately uber expensive beauty products aren't on the top of that list.  So, instead of sulking at the beauty counters hoping someone will throw a sample at me, I have decided to seek out cost effective equals or at least runner ups!  These beauty on a budget buys have been tested, compared, and reviewed with surprising results! So wipe those budget blues away and step up to my No Need to Sell Your Baby Beauty Bar!!!

BUDGET BATTLE #1: 

La Mer: Creme de La Mer; $130 for 1 oz  VS   

Origins: Make a Difference Ultra-Rich Rejuvenating Cream; $36 for 1.7 oz

While visiting Denver Diva, I was in the process of healing myself from the Bottom of the Bottle Breakout so lotion was of topic.  Luckily, I was reintroduced to Origins via the beautiful new global store and Pekoe Sip House.  I had used Origins years and years ago and it was fun to partake in a full circle beauty product journey!  I was instantly reminded of all that I loved of Origins: "natural and certified organic ingredients, 100% natural essential oils, free of: parabens, phtalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PABA, Paraffin, DEA, animal ingredients, and animal testing", and to boot products that work!!!  I was overjoyed by the reminder of this company's commitment to health, beauty, and our environment!  So, of course, I went home with a product or two, including the Make A Difference Ultra-Rich Rejuvenating Cream.  

All I can say is: WOW!!! This new Ultra-Rich version of Make a Difference is amazing!!!  Instantly, it's incredibly soothing, hydrating, healing and yet, so luscious, and light!! A lot of super emollient creams are heavy and after a few hours can start to "melt" off your face.  This cream feels like a night cream designed for the daytime!  It seems to really be healing my skin as much as it's hydrating it!  Plus, at this price I feel like I can apply a nice coat without feeling anxious!  Though you don't really need it!

This product, is completely able to hold it's own against the Creme de La Mer! It seems lighter, spreads with ease: so a little goes a long way, has an equally pleasant aroma, has no nasty preservatives, and has a MUCH better price point. It makes my skin feel and appear smoother, plumper, dare I say younger, and overall healthier.  With this cream my skin feels protected against the elements and even more so layered on top of Origins: A Perfect World White Tea Skin Guardian.  Even though I will always accept gifts of La Mer, Origins Make a Difference Ultra-Rich Rejuvenating Cream will from here on out be my day cream of choice!!! 

With all that said, I can gladly announce the Budget Battle #1 Winner is Origins Make A Difference Ultra-Rich Rejuvenating Cream!!! Yeah for beauty on a budget! Who says you can't have it all?

Beauty Buzz: My First GIVEAWAY!!!!

I am sure by now you know I love trying out new beauty products. I am constantly seeking out something that will help me look and feel my best with the least amount of effort, cost, or care.  Really, what I want is that crazy tube machine in the Jetson's that you just walk into half asleep and magically come out looking perfect and caffeinated! If that came in a jar I would be a lifetime supply!!! 

With that said, I am probably only wowed by 1 out of 6 products I try. It's exhausting! I have such high hopes for all those semi-finalists that actually make it onto my face, hair, body.  So many of the times these start off as superstars and then after a few days/weeks they have some weird side effect that bumps them off my shelf.  So sad! But, I don't loose hope. I know there are awesome products just waiting for me to run into them that will transform my life!!! When I find them, I will let you know!!!  

With that said, I think I found one!!! Excited? I bumped into something new for my hair to love! I am kinda a loyalist when it comes to hair products. But, when the planets aligned for theBottom of the Bottle Breakout, I knew it was time to explore! Where better to look than my hair inspiration Kate Hudson.   She recently started a new line of hair products with her stylistDavid Babaii of which 10% of all profits are donated to WildAid, a global wildlife conservation group.  Plus, these products aren't tested on animals, free of sulfates, parabens, and petrochemicals, and have won tons of beauty awards already.  You can even find them in beauty stores like Sally's and online at Folica.com. If all that wasn't awesome enough to get you up right now, the price point is just right at $10 for shampoo/conditioner and they are good sized bottles at 13.5oz. 

I have been using the Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner for a couple weeks now and love, love, love, the feel and texture of my hair.  I have wavy, thick hair and this product seems to smooth out the frizz. I feel like I don't really need a leave in conditioner anymore.  My hair feels plump, smooth, healthy, and surprisingly light. With all the cupuacu butter in there I thought for sure it would leave my hair heavy or weighed down.  But what I love the most is the aroma! When I opened the package they shipped in I was flooded by the familiar scent of Hawaiian Tropic sun tan lotion and Lord do I LOVE that smell! (Sometimes I put it on as lotion in the summer!!!) It's the hydrating conditioner!!! So every time I take a shower it's like I am washing my hair under a waterfall in Hawaii!  Yet, after washed out, the aroma is a slight lingering memory on your hair. It makes me smile! 

Given all this new product love, I can't help but share it with you!! You just have to try this shampoo and conditioner; so, I am giving a set away!!!  I know I am so excited too!!!! Here's how to earn a chance at winning:

1. Become a follower of wholemomma.blogspot.com (make sure to leave contact info) and/or

2. Comment about this giveaway on your blog (send me a link so I can check out your blog too!)

Giveaway enrollment ends October 30Th 2:00 pm Pacific Time and will be announced Nov 1st 2009.  One winner will be chosen at random to win one bottle of David Babaii Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner. Check in to see who the lucky winner will be, maybe YOU!!!

Beauty Buzz: Bottom of the Bottle Breakout!

Every year or so, the planets align in the right way and all of my beauty products seem to go empty around the same time.  This phenomena I call the "Bottom of the Bottle Breakout" which to me means all that extra oxygen mixing with the 1/2 inch of makeup, cleansers, or lotions starts to turn the product a little funky and full of potential free-radicals, bacteria, or just plain old inert stuff working against, instead of with my skin.  This BOTBB always starts me on a quest to seek out something better or more advanced on the market. Inevitably, I start over exfoliating my skin, using too many strong ingredients, causing a complete barrier chaos of teenage acne prone skin!!! It's not pretty! Then, of course I start decreasing all my new finds and heading back to basic, basic stuff to bring my skin back into balance! Nod your head if this ever happens to you so I don't feel so alone!!! Thanks! 

So, with this year's solar eclipse, I have found one product that has really helped me get through the chaos.  It has been on my shelves for years and has found it's way back into my life with open arms; that is Aveda Acne Balancing Infusion in the little teeny brown glass jar.  Whenever I break out I usually use Retin-a Micro which I got from my dermo. It usually helps in a pinch and when applied lightly can do the trick without too much over drying.  Unfortunately, with the BOTBB causing so many blemishes this stuff turned my skin into a red, flaky, irritated mess.  Again, not pretty; especially for someone in their thirties!!! SO, I used basic cleanser, toner, lotion, and spot treated with this balancing infusion at night. This instantly took away the sore, tight feeling in my breakout, helped decrease redness, kept any neighbors from popping up, and helped heal the blemishes from the inside out so there were no super gross exploding white head days I always dread with any bump on my face!!! The healing process took a little longer but with such less damage-no post acne hyper-pigmentation, scarring, flaking, or expanded pores! Plus, as an extra bonus, the aromas especially the lavender in this product, be it strong, helped soothe me into a deeper, relaxed sleep.  Aveda Balancing Infusion you have made it to the front of my medicine cabinet! Congratulations and Thank you!

Beauty Buzz: Best Hair Products

Inspired by new haircut, I have decided to dust off my shelf stacked full of hair products. I am a sucker for trying anything. Even though I have a hair product for everyday of the year, only a few get used regularly. These products get full credit for bringing bounce, shine, texture, and curl to my complimented hair. Truley though, thanks to my beautiful mother, genetics has blessed me with hold any style, thick, wavy locks. With that said,even I still wake up with unruly, frizzy, mophead most days. So these all stars help revive me from frump to diva. This one's for you Mom!

Best Leave-In Conditioner:

Graham Webb Color Locking Leave-In Conditioner

This has been my staple longer than any other product in the bunch. It's my hair's blankie!! It is really light so it doesn't weigh down my hair but it gives a decent amount of control. Plus, it has micro light reflectors so it's adds great shine. This is the product that travels with me where ever I go! If I don't have time for a blowdry, I put this on and it helps keep my hair smooth and frizz free. It is a great base for cocktailing other products as well. This wins the oldy-but-goody award!

Best Shine Serum: Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss

Like I said earlier, I have super dry which au naturale means dull hair! I often have to cocktail products to get the results I am looking for. Regardless, of my look, I am always in need of a little shine. I have tried a few serums in my day. Most of them are too oily, slippery, or heavy on my hair. I need something I can apply daily without all the drama. I think this product does a good job at sealing in shine without overdoing it. However, I must say I almost always use this gloss on my hair when it's wet. I think the moisture helps disperse the product a little more evening than when I apply it to my dry hair. I also love this product mixed with the GW Leave in Conditioner. These two products are my must have foundation for a good blowout. Plus, like most Aveda products, the Brilliant line has an amazing aroma! (Don't confuse this with the Spray-On Shine! Totally Different)

Best Pomade: Pureology Dryshine Styler

I have tried a ton of pomade style products. I must be deficient of some skill with these stylers. I always end up with clumps, sticky pieces, and often times hair looking like the scence from Something about Mary! I had given up completely on these until my hairdresser forced this one on me! It was instant love! This product is amazing! It isn't sticky or tacky at all. It starts off creamy and seems to go on dry(or at least dryer than most). I just warm a little in my hand and smooth it on my ends or little face curls. Instantly I have shine, control, and touchable perfection! I have given this product as gifts to many a girl friend! This is a great hair styling staple.

Best Everyday Hairspray: Aveda Air Control

Maybe it's because I grew up using Aqua Net but I love aerosol hairsprays! I find the other alternative is usually sticky, too firm, has a smaller spray radius, and the nozzle always get plugged up. I need daily control without the stiff side effect of a strong product. I truley fell in love when Aveda created this hairspray! In fact I use it so much people often think it's aroma is my perfume! It does smell great! But, besides that it gives amazing touchable hold that is perfect for my mommy agenda. It comes out dry so it NEVER gets sticky. It sets a style but allows movement to control the look. It even seems to build up hold with more application. This isn't a setting hairspray. If you need mega hold this probably isn't your best bet. But the greatest aspect of this product is that it has "NET-ZERO effects on the earth's climate". So no guilty conscience with using an aerosol and junkies like me can go nuts!

Best Scalp Soother: Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion

Dry hair = dry scalp. I usually give myself a peanut oil treatment every other week, but that leaves my hair pretty oily for a couple days. This product is great for in between treatments. It helps sooth any tightness I get on uber dry days! It has tea tree oil in it so it helps keep my scalp healthy, hydrated and flake free; which really is the foundation for good hair! It is also super light so I can use it before a blowdry or even with dry hair without weighing it down. It's a great alternative to some of the more intense scalp treatments out there. Plus, this is a great refresher for those shampoo skipping days! It helps to revive your hair and the products already on your hair. If desired and applied a little heavy this gives you a nice natural "Kate" wave. This is a great versatile product.

Best Overall Mommy Hair Product:

Aveda Be Curly - Curl Control

Finally, a product you don't have to think about! This guy does the thinking for you! Unlike the Be Curly Curl Enhancer, this is a finishing product meant to be applied to hair when dry. It's given job is to help reduce frizz and revive curls. It definatly revives! It's my hair's first cup of coffee after a long night with the kids! This cream helps me look polished on those mornings when getting ready isn't really an option. A little goes a long way! It smooths my flyaways and gives bounce and slight wave to my ends. It lets me pretend that I did just blowout my hair when in reality I just changed a few diapers! When I diffuse my hair this is a great product to give that final defination to my curls. It's light, easy to work with, smells yummy, and carrys well in my bag. I love this product! It helps me keep my self-confidence, time, and ability to multi-task in check! I know you will love this too!

These are my most loyal everyday stylers! I know there is a whole big world of new and improved products waiting to date me. I am currently testing a few mouses and gels for those curly hair days. I will keep you posted on any upcoming hair product romances! Until then, I hope you and your hair enjoy these stand out stylers!

Beauty Buzz: Best Mascara

Getting ready is a draining procedure in my world. I either have to wait till naps or face the chaos of two boys in the bathroom with me. Regardless, time always seems to be an issue! Being a beauty product junkie, I have tried a ton of products and only a few stand tall and true amongst the rest. Mascara always seems tricky. There are so many varieties. It's pretty much up there with lipstick. Traditional formula, gel formula, waterproof, skinny wand, fat wand, lengthening, curling. My God you could get lost in mascara land!!

With that said, here are my favorites!

Best Drugstore Mascara:
Rimmel Extra Super Lash Black-Black
It's affordable. Doesn't seem to clump too bad and never irritated my eyes. It's a great everyday mascara. For night opt for something with more volume.

Best Date Night Mascara:

Benefit BADgirl Lash Mascara Black

This stuff is booming with volume! It really does take your lashes up a notch! Add eyeliner and you're definitely getting some!

Best Lengthening Mascara:

Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara Jet Black

I know it's named High Volume but this stuff is like a great supporting bra. It lifts, separates, lengthens!!! It's made from the new gel formula so it wraps around your lashes instead of coating them so there is NO raccoon eyes ever!! Crying, working out, contacts... NOPE!!! This water resistant formulation rocks!! Plus, no makeup remover or excessive pulling on your delicate eye tissue to remove the mascara. You just need some water and a gentle touch. The mascara slides off the lashes like taking off a glove! PLUS... with this comes a tiny wand that gets into every little lash which makes the eye look more open, awake, and larger! This was my all time favorite for the last few years. Everyone whom I have recommended it to has loved it as well!!!

Best Waterproofing Mascara:

Clarins Double Fix Mascara

Of course you could opt for purchasing a separate waterproof mascara. But this formulation is meant to go on top of your existing mascara making it ready for any environment: swimming, bathing, steam room, and my favorite suggestion-for weddings. This means you get all the benefits from your normal mascara lengthening, volumizing etc... with the bonus of environmental proofing! Plus, it doubles as a brow groomer. This is a must have for anyone but even greater for contact wearers.

Winner Best Overall Mommy Mascara:

Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara Jet Black

As I said before the Trish McEvoy High Volume mascara was my favorite for the past few years. Until the one day I got to the mall and they were out. In desperation I decided to opt for this Trish mascara. They only have two versions it couldn't be that different. OH was I wrong! They are so different. The Lash Curling mascara comes with a traditional brush so you get way more volume. PLUS...This one DOES curl your lashes! It's crazy to me! I am still in awe! This means in addition to all the perks of the High Volume mascara this one allows me to skip a step with my lash curler. Skipping a step is huge when you have kids! Huge! Especially, since I can never find my curler because my son thinks it belongs in his toolkit! I am happy to say it isn't needed with this mascara! Thank you Trish for giving moms like me this little gift of beauty and time! This is the WINNER hands down for best mommy mascara! What are you waiting for? Go, get some, try it, and enjoy! Your eyes will thank you!