The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Forever 21 Lauches New Swimwear Line

Forever 21 Swimwear Collection

Forever 21 has just launched their new swimwear collection, and there are some really cute pieces. There's a limited selection of styles available online, plus more styles in stores. Prices range from $12.80 each for bikini tops and bottoms to $22.80 for a monokini. I never felt it was reasonable to pay a lot of money for a tiny scrap of fabric that just barely covers your lady parts, so I think beach babes should definitely check out this collection for inexpensive swimwear. Keep reading for more pics. Thanks to reader Alison Y. for the tip!

Today at Gilt: Tibi, Badgley Mischka Platinum Handbags, Zac Posen




Today's sales at Gilt Groupe include Tibi, Badgley Mischka Platinum Handbags and Zac Posen. No need to rush with the Zac Posen or Badgley Mischka sales, the prices are steep enough to preclude a shopping stampede (as is often the case with these sample sales). Tibi's colorful prints are making me giddy, and the prices are reasonable for fans of the label. Additional ongoing sales include Cynthia Rowley women's fashions and handbags, and Oscar de la Renta Home. All sales start today, Wednesday 2/26 at 12 PM ET. Use this link to join the sales: http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe

Ask BB: Cheap Chic False Eyelashes

I was wondering if you knew of any budget-friendly places to get full-looking false eyelashes. I'd be a newbie in sporting them so I'm looking for a pair that's easy to put on and take off and probably something that stays put. I'm wondering if I need to just splurge on a good pair (I hear Shu Uemura's are nice) or if there's anything just as good but not pricey. —J

Shu Uemura may be the haute couturier of eyelashes, but drugstore brands can also give you the same glamorous look achieved by top models and movie stars. For beginners, try the Andrea Modlash Starter Kit, just $5.99 at Walgreens.com. I once heard this brand recommended by Barbara Walters' makeup artist of 16 years, Lori Klein, so they must be good!

To ensure those lashes stay put, you'll need to be patient and take your time to apply them properly: First, trim the lashes to the length of your eyelid. Next, put a dab of glue on your fingertip and run the base of the eyelash through the glue, then allow it to dry to the right degree of tackiness before slowly pressing it onto your eyelid (not your lashes, or you'll have a tough time getting them off). Add a touch of mascara to blend your real eyelashes and the fake ones together.

Once you get comfortable applying the full set of faux eyelashes, you can graduate to individual lashes which I think are trickier to apply, but can look more natural (though no less dramatic). A cheap yet effective choice would be Andrea PermaLash, just $3.29 at Drugstore.com.

I happen to own a pair by MAC, and they have served me well on those rare occasions when I want to look glam. Not cheap (average price of $12) but they have a lot of styles to choose from, and if you go to a makeup counter as I did, you can get help picking a pair that's right for you.

Are you a fan of false eyelashes? Share your secrets!