The Budget Babe

Floral prints continue to dominate as one of the season's hottest trends. Yeah, we were a little scared at first, too...but we gotta admit—they're starting to grow on us.

Everything's coming up roses for top designer Oscar de la Renta (left). Get the look for a whole lot less with this Woven Floral Dress (right), $29.80. Forever21.com

Roses are red, violets are blue, we love Anna Sui and so should you! On the left, a blouse by Anna Sui available at Bergdorf Goodman for more than we'd like to say. Try this Floral Puff Tunic (right) instead, $19.80, Forever21.com.

Posted by The Budget Babe's Beauty Expert
Summer is almost here, and we all know what the means—skin, skin and more skin!!! Beautiful skin from head to toe is just a couple bucks away with these great products that I personally use for glowing, soft, and gorgeous skin!

For a beautiful fresh face I have a product that I think I would literally die without (actually I have several, I’m freakishly attached to my regimen). I’ve tried a lot of face washes, and never have I come across a product that has such obvious and consistent results. It’s the [1] St. Ives Swiss Formula Medicated Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid for Oily/Acne Prone Skin. Its not strong at all, never leaves my skin dry, and makes me feel clean not tight. It’s fabulous. It also comes in different formulas, sensitive and renew & firm. All really great (I’ve tried them all!) Each one only costs $3.79. Use it daily for best results.

In the summer, I love to follow up with a very light moisturizer that cools, refreshes and depuffs skin. Also creates a perfect base for any kind of makeup (I could go on about how great this stuff is for hours!) I adore the [2]St. Ives Swiss Formula Cucumber & Elastin Eye &Face Stress Gel for all skin types. So cheap ($3.99), and worth is weight in gold! Hard to find in stores, but readily available at Walgreens.com or Drugstore.com. Loves it!

For a soft, supple body from the neck down I recommend [3]Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Conditioning Cocoa Butter ($5.79). Not greasy, sticky, or too thick, you’ll get perfect moisture and beautiful skin. This is the first lotion I can honestly say I think has improved the quality of my skin (I’m talking about stretch mark repair), and considering I’ve tried them all, that’s saying a lot. Smells lovely, a definite bargain.

Hot summer tootsies bringing you down? Try [4]Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion ($8.99). Its 100% natural, and 100% effective! Peppermint brings a tingly cool sensation to tired feet to soothe and calm, while softening Beeswax and Vitamin E prevent against roughness.

There's really no reason to pay more than $10 for a basic tank. Made from 100% cotton, these Perfect Fit Tanks from oldnavy.com are just $2.99 a pop, and are available in white, black, heather gray and terra brown. You can't afford not to buy one in each color. Get 'em while you still can!

Add shine to your spring wardrobe with a sumptuous silk-wrapped bead necklace.

Option one: silk-wrapped bead necklace from bananarepublic.com, $34. Available in ivory/brown or ivory/orange.


Option two: Silk-wrapped bead necklace from JPHardee.com, $20.



Option three: Make one yourself with these simple steps from marthastewart.com! Keep reading for the instructions >>

We're fans of Drew, we really are. But we were kinda surprised to see her top People's list of the world's most beautiful guys and gals. We would have preferred to see someone like Christina Ricci take the crown. Other than her, we can't really think of anyone better (we didn't spend much time on the subject, either).

So what do you think? Do you agree with the decision to name Miss Drew fairest of them all?

In her interview with People, Drew did share some interesting beauty secret tid-bits, including a mention that she rejuvenates the tired skin around her eyes with TALIKA Eye Therapy Patches. We found this Eye Therapy Patch with Case by TALIKA (6 piece) for $58.00 at dermstore.com, which makes them cheaper than many spa or dermatologist treatments.

Admittedly, we'd love to know if they really work—and if Drew's photo from her no-makeup fashion shoot was any indication, those suckers really do work magic! No seriously, she looks great and we applaud her for baring it all sans makeup. Very "Dove Real Beauty" campaign-ey.

Now that's beautiful.

Rather than rushing to the nearest dry cleaner each time you spill your Starbucks, consider correcting the problem at home. You can go easy on your wallet and get tough on stains if you know the right approach to treating a slew of bothersome stains.

Remove deodorant stains with a hand steamer and watch them evaporate away. If you don't have a steamer, rub a pair of a pantyhose against the stain—works like an eraser!

Get rid of coffee stains by placing garments in a warm water tub. Add three or four denture cleaning tablets and let sit for one hour, then launder as usual.

Remove salt stains from leather shoes by wiping with a mixture of half warm water and half vinegar. Let air dry, away from direct heat.

To remove red wine stains, make a paste of lemon juice and salt, spread on the stain and let sit for 30 minutes. Try a delicate wash cycle with a scoop of OxiClean to remove any remaining traces.

Eliminate oil stains by covering with flour and letting it sit for 12 hours or so. Much of the oil will be absorbed, but the dry cleaners can finish the job—and its certainly worth cleaning a beloved article of clothing rather than scrapping it.