The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Lauren's Picks: Summer Beauty Essentials

Summer Beauty Essentials That Won't Break the Bank
With every new season comes a new set of beauty issues. Winter brings dry skin and hair, spring brings itchy eyes and nose, and so on and so forth. For me, summer brings some of the most intense cosmetic needs. Between the sun and the sweat, it's enough to drive a girl crazy. That's why I count on a few amazing products to keep my complexion and my tresses looking their finest. I can honestly say that I use each and every one of these five hand-picked products in my regimen frequently. Check them out and see if they’re right for you too!

Lauren's Picks: Wedding Guest Dresses Under $100

Wedding Guest Dresses Under $100 | The Budget Babe Fashion Blog
Today I'm kicking off a series here on The Budget Babe where each writer will be bringing you her favorite wedding guest dress picks on a budget...dresses that we would wear and that show off our unique style POVs! After all, it's the height of wedding season, and if your newsfeed is anything like mine, then it’s filled with engagements and weddings. As you prepare to attend these most joyous of celebrations, it’s probably a good idea to stock up on some stylish wedding guest dresses - and in my book, that means flirty options that exude romance with a nod to the past (think luxe fabrics and vintage silhouettes).

Here are four amazingly cool and adorable frocks that are stylish, under budget...and have the Lauren Swanson stamp of approval:


Look for Less: Leather Backpack

Opening Ceremony backpack look for less
Confession: the only backpack I own is an ugly black one that I used to carry my books in for school. One of the zippers is broken and there's sticky residue from a super glue spillage at the bottom, but I still use it. I've always wanted to "up" my backpack game, however. They're just so convenient; you throw it on your back, keep your hands free, and don't have to worry about it falling off your shoulder. What's not to love?!

This 'Izzy' backpack from Opening Ceremony is really something special. I am in love with the tassels and the nude color of the leather; they just go with everything. It might be perfect for Coachella! But, the $595 price tag is a bit steep. Check out the Forever 21 with an equally great nude color and equally great tassels. For $30, you're getting a deal. You'll wear this with practically everything you own for Spring. There's also a black option on Forever 21's website that is equally as perfect as it's nude sister.

Splurge:
Opening Ceremony 'Izzy' Leather Backpack $595

Save:
Forever 21 Tasseled Faux Leather Backpack $30

Look for Less: Rose Gold Sunglasses


In honor of Coachella and all the fabulous music festivals this summer, this look for less is about the trendy wire-rim sunglasses. These pairs are exceptionally on trend because of their rose gold color, which is a lot like the 2016 Pantone color of the year, Rose Quartz. With the tinted shades and retro silhouette, they're perfect for the person that doesn't take themselves or fashion too seriously; they're whimsical!

While I absolutely love the Le Specs pair for their crispness, the PopMap ones satisfy my desire for clean lines in the same way. I would definitely pair these sunglasses with a light denim jacket for a full-on retro-whimsy-dream-girl look. Pull your hair up into a high, sleek ponytail to completely transform into Gigi Hadid.

Splurge:
Le Specs Cleopatra Metal Half Frame Sunglasses $118

Save:
PopMap Modern Ultra Thin Wire Frame Glasses $24

Product Review: NYC New York Color BB Trio


With spring months and weather (hopefully!) fast approaching, it's a good time to have a product shakeup. As you're shedding your bulky winter coat, shed your thick foundation. New from NYC New York Color, the Smooth Skin BB Crème Instant Matte ($3.99) - available in light matte and medium matte - and Smooth Skin BB Perfecting Powder ($3.99) - available in naturally beige and warm beige - is light and airy, but still provides just enough coverage. It's the perfect addition to your makeup bag for the warmer weather. Recently I had the chance to review some samples courtesy of the brand, and here's what I thought...