Budget Beauty

As I see it, the basic function of a facial moisturizer is to keep water in the skin - something that many budget skincare products can certainly accomplish. But when it comes to my precious face, I'm willing to look beyond the drugstore aisles and spend a little more, which is why I've been using Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion for years.

This popular moisture "drink" was developed by Clinique’s dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for very dry skins, or skins dry in the cheeks, and comfortable to oily in the T-zone. Despite the changes my skin has undergone over time, I find that this formula keeps my skin smooth, soft, and clean-feeling, not oily. (Although natural oils are good for your skin, the sensation of oily skin isn't pleasant.) It also creates a perfect base for applying all other makeup.

Clinique's facial moisturizer is not exactly cheap, but it's still a great deal when you consider that a small dab goes a long way, so a big bottle of this stuff (4.2 oz) - which costs $23 - will last you many months. And let's not forget some moisturizers cost triple that price (or more). I also buy my bottle during Clinique Bonus time so I really feel like I'm getting my money's worth.

There's just one problem: While I don't have any complaints about Clinique moisturizer's quality or reliability, I'm getting a little bored using the same ol' product day after day, year after year. I'm also beginning to wonder whether I need something with more fancy "anti-aging features," you might say. I should note that DDM does not contain SPF, which may be a plus for some, and a problem for others, depending on your stance on wearing sunscreen daily.

So tell us: What's your favorite facial moisturizer? Does the price matter? How much are you willing to spend when it comes to getting healthy, radiant skin?

>> Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion at Sephora.com, $23

Stila fans have a big reason to smile: The cosmetics company with a cult following recently launched BeautyCrunch.com, an authorized resource for some of the most sought-after vintage stila products. It's the smart place to look for hard-to-find items and discontinued shades.

Take a peek...we spotted some super super deals, like this starter brush set (right), originally $75 now just $30.

P.S. Get free shipping on any order of $50 with coupon code INTRO

Summer is officially on the horizon, and that means it's time to prep our legs for some serious show time. While I don't like to shave (who does?) I've found two products that make this necessary task as painless as possible: Gillette Foamy Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream and the Gillette Mach3 Razor.

Yup, they're marketed to men, but these two drugstore gems work wonders for ladies who want smooth, silky legs (or underarms, etc.). Gillette Shaving Cream has a rich, creamy lather that spreads easily and rinses clean for a close, comfortable shave. At under $2, it's also cheaper than most women's shaving creams/gels/lotions.

As for the Mach3, I couldn't live without this thing. I've had mine since college (not soo long ago, but long enough). I've tried it all - disposables, Nair, Venus, Sensor - and nothing gives you a better shave, sans nicks or irritation. The blades stay sharp for a ridiculously long time, and when they lose their edge, you simply swap them out (another money saver in the long run!).

So while Gillette may claim to be "the best a man can get," it's, well, the best a budget babe can get, too.

How do you get your legs silky smooth for summer? Share your favorite products, tips and techniques in the comments.

Dear Budget Babe,

I've often heard (and read) that hair care is the one thing we fabulous women shouldn't scrimp on; and, up until this point, I haven't. However, as a newlywed and recent college graduate who now has expenses in spades, I just can't bring myself to pay the usual $20+ a bottle for shampoo, conditioner, etc.

Do you have any product suggestions that will keep my hair shiny and healthy, and my wallet happy?

Dear Savvy Reader,

I think great hair is largely determined by 1) genetics, 2) diet and lifestyle (i.e. the foods you eat, whether or not you smoke, how stressed you are, if you're taking any medications, etc.) and finally, in last place, 3) the haircare products you use.

Don't get me wrong: I love experimenting with different shampoos and conditioners, I love the packaging, the fun botanical ingredients, the pretty fragrances and colors, but let's face it - they all use the same few basic ingredients. What I have found is that the differences in quality are very subtle, and that cheap shampoos and conditioners are just as good as expensive salon brands. I wish it weren't so - I wish I could find a pricey product that gives me the strong, lustrous hair you see in commercials, but it just ain't gonna happen.

So without further ado, my all-time favorite cheap shampoo and conditioner is Pantene Pro-V. The shampoo leaves hair clean without overdrying, and the conditioner is super rich and creamy. A small dab goes a long way. Neither has an obnoxious lingering fragrance.

I recently rediscovered another old classic after spotting it in my friend's shower (it was in plain sight, I swear): Suave Naturals. My friend has AMAZING hair, so when I learned she used Suave I was all over that. I bought a bottle of the Suave Naturals water lily and aloe conditioner and it's fantastic. Great texture, no residue, no nasty perfume smell.

Lately, I've also been trying to learn more about organic/natural/eco-friendly bath and beauty products that are still budget-friendly, so I've tried the store brands at both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods and I must say, they're solid products. I especially like the Whole Foods 365 brand mint shampoo and conditioner - tingles the scalp, smells great, works great. What's more, they're economical and supposedly better for you and the environment.

Beyond shampoo and conditioner, I'm a big fan of Sunsilk styling products. If you want to spend more on say, deep conditioning treatments or products that defrizz and define your tresses, I'd say invest in the products that work best for your hair - this is where I've found that products tend to vary more noticeably by brand and price.

What are some of your favorite hair care products? Does the price matter? Share in the comments...

According to People.com's StyleWatch, small braids are big news for Spring hair style trends. The timing couldn't be better, too, with prom and wedding season right around the corner. Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie, and Lauren Conrad are just a few of the stars sporting this boho-take on the up-do. Best part is this is definitely a look you can do yourself without having to pay a stylist. We love it - just keep the braid loose, the look natural by not using to much product, and embellish with something that sparkles for evening.

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