freshMinerals Kick Start Mini Starter Kit, $20, freshmineralsusa.com

The Budget Babe's resident beauty expert Kiki Bella reviews a miniature mineral makeup kit that's great for beginners. —BB





by Kiki Bella
Angela from freshMinerals recently sent me a complimentary freshMinerals Kick Start Mini Starter Kit, which comes in a cute little box (doubles as storage, not just for tossing) and includes primer, mineral duo loose powder foundation and a kabuki brush. I put the product to the test, and thought the mineral powder foundation works nicely, and the kabuki brush is soft and well made. My favorite part of this kit, however, is the awesome Smoothing Prep Primer. If you've never tried a primer, you are in for a treat. It glides on so smoothly you can't even tell its there, but it creates a perfect base for your makeup to look even and flawless. I think this is a great kit, and an excellent way to get into mineral makeup without dropping a huge chunk of change all at once.

You can learn more about freshMinerals makeup at freshmineralsusa.com

ASOS Stripe Mohair Blend Coat, $165.70

The Deal: Just noticed this email from ASOS! Exclusive international offer: 25% off over 800 brands online. Enter Code OCTOBER09 at checkout.

What to get: An utterly original winter coat that you'll wear for seasons to come. People will want to know where you bought this beauty that looks much more expensive that it is (not that it's cheap, but if you're prepared to splurge on one great coat, this could be it.)

Fine print: Cannot be use in conjunction with any other offer. Discount does not apply to delivery charge. This offer expires at midnight GMT 21 October 2009. Excludes designer and sale. Selected brands only. No minimum spend.

The Deal: Just click and print the coupon above to save 20% off your full price Loft purchase in-store. Or use code 106020100 towards any online purchase of $100 or more at anntaylorloft.com. Valid through 10/18.

What to Get: A cozy chic cowl neck sweater ($49.50) like this one, as seen in People StyleWatch, that you can wear with these denim sailor trousers for a classy weekend look.

These leather Frye Engineer Boots feature buckled strap details at the ankle and around the top. Available in gaucho tan or black, these boots would certainly be a worthwhile investment if you can save up the $198 to purchase them for yourself at Shopbop.com. I bought the Target knock-offs last season and I absolutely adore them. I wear them with skinny jeans and my leatherette jacket for no-fuss everyday style.


Now, American Eagle offers a nice alternative at half the cost of the original Frye boots. These are also made from real leather and come in dark brown or black. If they still have my size left when these go on sale, I think I might get a pair in black. Loves it.

From Sperry Top-Sider, the brand that's been making authentic boat shoes since 1935, comes this plaid Pelican Lug Boot, perfect for weathering fall storms in style. They cost $68 at Piperlime.com.


In a parallel universe, as Rachel Zoe would say (very clever, Rachel! Wish I thought of it first…) you can opt for these plaid rain boots from Charlotte Russe instead, which will set you back $25.