Hot or Not Beauty

Jenny McCarthy promotes Suavenomics in New York on January 14, 2009.

We’re all looking for easy, inexpensive ways to stay looking our best, especially in the current economic climate - women are often quick to forgo expensive beauty treatments when money is tight. To that end, Suave has launched its Suavenomics campaign to position itself as a practical alternative to more expensive brands.

Led by celebrity spokesperson Jenny McCarthy, Suave is focusing their marketing campaign on consumers for whom time and money are legitimate concerns. The Suavenomics website offers money-saving tips for ways to look fabulous on a budget - these tips include time-tested ideas such as swap meets and home spa nights. A statement on the site tells us, “This is no time to give up on your hopes, your dreams, or your beauty. This is time to stop overpaying for them.”

To show that there’s a Suave product for everyone, Suave has included a Beauty Profiler feature that quizzes website visitors on their hair type and lifestyle, and then matches them up with Suave products that would suit them. The recommendations are not exactly shocking - they recommended their Radiant Brunette shampoo and conditioner for my wavy brown hair, along with volumizing styling products. They also give busy moms a nod, with “Mom Stories” where they give easy-to-maintain makeovers to mothers who feel like they’ve let themselves go. The website also features the web series “In The Motherhood,” starring Jenny McCarthy, Leah Remini, and Chelsea Handler.

So what do you think of Suavenomics? Is it opportunistic, or simply smart marketing?

I may be a snob when it comes to beauty producuts, but I also recognize theres a time to splurge and a time to skimp. You don’t always need a $25 mascara to do the job, or a $65 cleanser to take your makeup off. With that said, I’m as much a shop-a-holic at my friendly neighborhood drugstore as I am at Sephora or Nordstrom.

These are my favorite finds:

1. Mascara — I’ve worn them all- Chanel, Lancome, Bourjois, Blinc, Kevin Aucoin, I could go on and on. I love mascara. I love big huge eyelashes that are slightly on the side of trashy. Loreal Voluminous Mascara gives me all the oomph of a Dior Show mascara without the price tag. Try the newest black, Carbon. Its blacker than black. Walgreens frequently has a buy one get one free, and that’s when I stock up. $6.99

2. Makeup Cleansing Wipes – I travel for work, and there are all stiff controls as to how much liquid you can carry on board airplanes. I love Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They remove even the most stubborn makeup. $6.49

3. Scrub– I have written about my exfoliating addiction. I love a good scrub. St Ives Swiss Formula Medicated Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid is an excellent scrub. Its great for acne prone skin and as an anti-aging exfoliant as well. $3.99

4. Facial Cleansing Pads – When I’m not on the road, I use Perfection Facial Cleansing Pads for cleansing my skin and removing makeup. They are 100% cotton, made in France and lint free. Much bigger than a cotton round and they save getting makeup on your wash cloths! $2.99 for 85.

5. False Eyelashes – I use plenty of these in my work and need to replenish my kit often. I could go to MAC and splurge, but why when I can get them for $3.49 a pair in assorted styles. Andrea is the brand and they work just as well as the big dog brands.

6. Body Lotion – Keri Age Defy & Protect Moisture Therapy. This body lotion contains an SPF 15 plus alpha hydroxy acids. So you get sun protection and anti-aging benefits in one. Helps to even skin tone and tame those awful bumps on the backs of arms and thighs. Keeps feet smooth and sandal weather perfect. $7.19 for 15 oz. Sure beats $40 and up for treatment lotions that don’t work half as well.

7. Hair Gel – I really can’t understand spending an arm and a leg on hair gel. I get the cheapest stuff on the shelf. I love Citre Shine. It’s not too hard and doesn’t flake. Around $3 for a 20 oz bottle.

8. Overall makeup brand – Physicians Forumla. This line has it all. From fabulous bronzers to awesome eye shadow quads that I love. Prices are reasonable and the ingredients are quality. They have innovative products that work like CoverToxTen50™ Wrinkle Therapy Concealer

10 minutes = Over 50% reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
10 hours = Up to 52% visible dark circle reduction.
10 days = 77% visible dark circle reduction.

So that’s it. The best of my drugstore basket. Of course there is more, but my lips are sealed.

Bargain beauty buys — Hot!

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