Makeup that magically transforms to match your skintone? Impossible! Or is it...? The Budget Babe's resident beauty expert investigates. —BB



by The Budget Beauty Babe
Lately, Almay has been broadcasting these really tempting commercials on TV. Their fabulous model squirts out a little bit of white makeup onto her finger, and it magically transforms into her perfect shade on her face. The commercial then goes on to tell you about new Smart Shade technology, where microscopic color beads activate upon applying them and change into your exact shade of makeup. Needless to say, I was very incredulous, and yet their commercial worked because off I went to Ulta to give it a whirl.

It was easy enough to pick the shade I needed from their three options (light, medium and dark), and before even making it home I ripped open the package in the car and squirted some out on my fingers just like the spokesmodel. Gently rubbing it into my hand, I was really surprised: The makeup actually did change from white to my skin color! Then for the sake of my experiment, I grabbed my boyfriend's hand and proceeded to rub some on him, and amazingly it did the same thing (and his skin is at least five shades darker than mine!)

Upon very close inspection of the "white" makeup that comes out of the tube, you'll see little flecks of color, which leads me to believe that this is in fact "liquid mineral makeup" - where in the minerals are suspended in a makeup base and then blended into the face and like other loose minerals reflect light in such a way that perfect matching occurs. Pretty clever.

I think this is a nice product, however, I must say that it covers more like a tinted moisturizer and really doesn't have the covering power of foundation. I really like it as a base to loose mineral makeup, as it provides SPF protection and a nice evening of the skin tone. Those with more to hide need not apply - the makeup is too thin to cover redness, blueness, or spots.

Overall I like this product. Almay Smart Shade Makeup is clever, quasi-magical and delivers light, even coverage (great as a base, perfect replacement for non-tinted moisturizer) with SPF protection.

>> Almay Smart Shade makeup is available at Drugstore.com for $12.14.

Etro taps into some of Spring's hottest trends with its 2008 ready-to-wear collection. A no holds barred use of color, florals, stripes, ethnic-inspired motifs and retro 70s throwbacks makes us wonder: What trend don't they cover? And yet, somehow Veronica Etro makes it all work by paying close attention to silhouettes (balancing structured pieces with more feminine forms) and a constructive use of color that makes it something truly marvelous to behold.



One of Etro's standout pieces is this floral striped dress, which retails for $1,335. (Are you still with me?) Now, a few years back, it would have been next to impossible to find all that designer razzmatazz at reasonable prices, but today, we budget babes have options: Topshop, for example, lets you channel the Etro vibe with their floral striped dress for only £50.00 (98.27 U.S. dollars).

Chalk one up for the little guy...er, girl.

Left: A look from the Etro Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection (Image source: Style.com); floral striped dress available at NeimanMarcus.com, $1,335.00

Right: Topshop Floral Striped Dress, £50.00 (98.27 U.S. dollars)

Crossbody handbags are très hot these days, and with good reason - they're practical and stylish at the same time. One of these purses gives you that winning combo of form-meets-function for just $12.49 - that's less than Chinese takeout! The other purse, however divine, will set you back $243.75.

Can you guess which is luxe and which costs less?

We find ourselves befuddled by the Spring 08 alice + olivia collection for Payless. Is it awful? Or is it cute in a fugly sort of way? Let's see: The bold and colorful polka-dot ballet flats give off a goofy, circus vibe, while the sneakers have us questioning whether this is a kid's collection, and not a women's line (it's probably targeted towards teens). On the other hand: A stand-out, neon wedge makes our heart skip a beat with it's cheeky drama. The verdict: We're taking a middle of the road position on this one...it's not a nay or a yea, but an "ay." Check out the pics and tell us what you think.


From Payless.com: "The alice + olivia ballet flat marries '60s femininity with '70s sophistication. It's a mashup of bold styles and colorful surprises that can only come from Designer Stacey Bendet," $30


Ballet flat in pink and black, $30


Ballet flat in green and white, $30


"Colorful denim is a do with this spunky, sparkly, metallic sneakers from fashion designer Stacey Bendet of alice + olivia," $30


Editor's Pick: "The Spring 08 Collection from Stacey Bendet of alice + olivia is a mashup of bold styles and colorful surprises. The Aidan is no exception with its feisty fabrication and purely potent 4" platform heel," $40


The Aidan wedge sandal in black, $40


Black Patent Olivia sneaker, $30

Last night, my boyfriend gifted me with what is quite possibly the perfect strand of pearls (he's so good!). They're the perfect length, size, and color, and the clasp is to die for. Needless to say, he has one very happy girlfriend!

But what they say is true: Every girl needs a strand of pearls. They're timeless, elegant and look gorgeous against any skintone. Pair them with a cute cocktail dress, and you're instantly fabulous.

Here are a few great picks for real pearls on a budget (treat yourself or drop a hint to your guy!):

Channel Audrey Hepburn with this must-have classic: A single strand of white pearls, like this one from the Overstock.com, for the low price of $59.99. When you try it on and see those lustrous pearls shining around your neck, you'll understand why they say oysters are an aphrodisiac.

Think traditional white pearls aren't your style? Try this multi-color freshwater pearl necklace from BlueNile.com. For just $100, you can treat yourself to a unique, hand-tied strand of elegant pink and pastel freshwater cultured pearls with a sterling silver clasp.

Pearls get an updated look on this graceful and feminine necklace from Macy's with scattered purple and white 5.5mm cultured freshwater pearls on a delicate 14K gold chain measuring 16". Perfect for plunging necklines, the pearls will seem magically suspended as they float against your skin. Regularly $150.00, get them on sale for $69.00.

Funky black pearls give this affordable necklace from JCPenney a decidedly young, hip look. And because it's an extra long strand, you can wrap it any way you want as a necklace or bracelet. Originally $85.00, it's now just $35.99.