In an effort to cut back on beauty expenses, The Budget Beauty Babe reviews a how-to-do-your-own-hair DVD. —BB


by The Budget Beauty Babe
Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to see Confessions of a Shopaholic (great movie, I recommend it if you haven’t seen it) and it got me thinking: In what ways can women cut back in this economy in order to save some money? Like, reeeally save some serious cash?

A couple of years ago, when my own finances were particularly tight, I decided to start cutting and coloring my own hair. When I received really positive feedback about how my hair looked, I realized what a good idea it was, and I stuck with it. While this method of saving a buck may not be for everyone, I suggest toying with the idea at least for a moment to see if there’s a chance you can’t do at least one thing at home and save some cash.

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!

The Budget Beauty Babe sees how well Suave products stack up to their pricier, brand name competitors. —BB


by The Budget Beauty Babe

The folks over at Suave have a new campaign targeted at recessionistas everywhere, women who are looking to cut back on expenses without cutting back on their lifestyles. Suave calls it "Suavenomics," and the premise is that you can save money by switching from more expensive brands to their Suave equivalents.

Could this be true? Are Suave products just as good as their more expensive counterparts? We decided to put their Humectant Shampoo and Conditioner to the test, compared to Nexxus Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo and Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner.

Can Avon help you achieve younger looking skin? The Budget Beauty Babe puts two of their age-defying facial treatments to the test. —BB


by The Budget Beauty Babe
Many women pay top dollar for professional anti-aging facials (at very pricey world class spas), but what if you could have the same results at home for a fraction of the cost? That’s what Avon promises with their line of Anew Rejuvenating facial treatments. We were eager to try out their products, and found them to be really very pleasing.

Victoria's Secret wants ladies everywhere to "think green, live pink," and as part of this eco-initiative, they've launched PINK Body, a new line of bath and beauty products that claims to be better for you and the environment. Prices range from $8 for lip butter to $15 for energizing body lotion (now 2/$20 with special promo). You've gotta applaud this move, just don't stop doing your homework at sites like cosmeticsdatabase.com, which rates products and makeup based on their toxicity. Will you be trying out this new line?

From the Victoria's Secret pressroom: INTRODUCING PINK BODY, a unique line of skin-loving and earth-friendly products created specifically for the pink girl. She spoke. We listened. The result? A more personalized approach to everyday body care using organic and vegan ingredients, powerful natural formulas and eco-friendly packaging. With three dermatologist-tested, solution-specific collections, each designed to pamper pink girls from tip to toe: nourishing for dry skin, energizing for dull, sluggish skin and soothing for extra-sensitive skin. Plus, four additional essentials that everyone can use and love. It's all about finding ways to look good, feel good and do a little good, too.