Drug Store Savers and Sites

"That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin' ." -Otis Redding

Aveeno Insense Relief Hand Cream: It's a nongreasy treat for rough, dry skin.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: The papers remove oil and are easier on the go than touch-up powder.

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge: It blends in foundation just as well as a high-end sponge.

Ardell DuraLash Flare Individual Short Lashes: Stick 'em on lashes outer corners. Glam, but not overdone.

L'Oreal Paris Colour Juice Sheer Lip Gloss in Melon Punch: The coral color looks great on everyone.

Pampers Sensitive Wipes: They're a gentle, supercheap way to remove makeup.

Beautycrunch.com: Up to 75% off makeup.

Alconeco.com: Beauty tools at a deep discount.

Beautysteals.com: Big-bucks skin care - on sale.

Luckyscent.com: Find $3 mini bottles of posh perfumes.

Raybeauty.com: Pro hair tools at excellent prices.

Mask Magic

"I got it, You got it, We got the magic girl..." -Robin Thicke

Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Masque by Earth Science: Swap your usual hair conditioner for this one once a week. Natural silk protein and avocado and olive oils repair dry, damaged locks.

Masque No. 1 by Yon-Ka: This vitamin-packed, super-hydrating treatment relies on A, B, C and E to fight free radicals and reduce fine lines. You'll feel soothed by the hints of rose and jasmine.

Mineral Body Mask by Get Fresh Spa: Made with Dead Sea clay and goldenseal extract, this dense mask feels luxurious on skin, and its grapefruit scent refreshes the soul. Slather it on legs, arms and feet before hopping in the shower, and emerge smooth and glowing.

Chocolate Mask by Violet Skin Boutique: Completely natural ingredients like fresh egg yolk, chocolate oil and eglantine-seed syrup come together in a handmade sweet treat for face and neck.

Rose Formula Anti-Oxidant Facial Mask by Neal's Yard Remedies: Skin feels clean and rejuvenated after a session with this blend of organic rose and maple extracts, geranium and cardamom.

Raspberry Eye Masque by Eminence Organic Skin Care: This feather-light cream hydrates, firms and brightens the delicate eye area with vitamin K, wild hops, gingerroot and red clover.

Alternative Health

"They say you are what you eat, so I strive to be healthy, my goal in life is not to be rich or wealthy." -Dead Prez


Real Simple sorts through the science to find which therapies are effective in the March 2006 article "A Worthy Alternative?"; acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic, hypnosis, magnet therapy, message and meditation. Find what might work for your ailment.

Water - The Low Down

"You do a little dance and then you drink a little water." -Red Hot Chili Peppers

We all know drinking water is important. Here are some interesting facts about water (compiled from articles in Real Simple):

Seven Wonders of Water:
1. Cuts risk for colon, breast and bladder cancer.
2. Increases energy and diminishes headaches.
3. Helps the body absorb nutrients.
4. Prevents kidney stones, urinary tract infections and constipation.
5. Decreases the risk of injuries, pulls and strains.
6. Boosts mental performance.
7. Aids in weight loss.

Real Simple's article "Nine things you need to know about water" is an excellent source of information on water. I was especially happy to read that other drinks count towards staying hydrated. The article also addresses the concerns about tap water and how to test your own.

"New water," waters enhanced with vitamins, minerals and herbs, do not "appear to be harmful or contain excessive amounts of nutrients," according to a R.D. But, new waters have additional calories. Real Simple tasters rated VitaminWater by Glaceau and E20 Energy Water by Hansen's as the best new waters - but these two also had the highest calorie counts. If you are bored of plain water, make herbal iced tea for a refreshing, tasty, no-calorie drink instead.

Personally, I like Fruit20 by Veryfine with zero calories or the new single serving drink mixes, these are easy to carry and many contain zero calories.