Kiki Bella, The Budget Babe's resident beauty expert, says yes to Yes to Carrots. Will you? —BB





I am such a sucker for a great product in a great package. Yes to Carrots, a complete family of paraben-free skin and hair care products, has three lines of really awesome lipcare/color that I can't say enough about.

Yes to Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter is touted as "the first 95% USDA certified organic lip balm available in drugstores" (like Walgreens). And, shockingly, it's a really awesome lip balm. I say shockingly because, I hate to say this, but many times products (and I'm actually thinking very specifically about lip balms, glosses and tints) that are labeled "all natural" and/or "organic" are kinda gross. I always hoped that someone would come out with products that are both good for us and look good on us.

Lip balm is the one thing I would want on a desert island, and I consume large amounts of it (I don't literally eat it, but you know what I mean). As a result, several of my health conscious relatives have made not so subtle remarks that I will end up with some kind of lip cancer (is there such a thing?) as a result of using so many chemical based balms. I am happy to have found Yes to Carrots C Me Blush Lip Butter ($3.69). Its got a lovely texture and makes my lips feel soft and my conscious clean. These lip butters smell awesome, and come in five delicious flavors including Berry, Citrus, Mint, Carrot and my personal fave Melon. They are all great flavors, Melon, Berry, Citrus and Mint are kinda self explanatory (although I have to say they are exceptional for what they are, none of that fake smell, these are clean and crisp and so fresh). Carrot is the odd ball out, but don't be turned off, it's got a light almost herbal scent that makes me think of summer gardening. (cont. below)

Judging by the number of requests I've gotten for cheap military jackets this season, I have a feeling these two new-ish numbers at Forever21.com won't last long. Wear your military jacket to work with a nice blouse and dark trouser jeans; on a hot date with a girly dress and ankle boots; or to run errands with boots, jeans and a tee. The possibilities are endless!

The Budget Babe's resident beauty expert Kiki Bella (an alias) gives us more must-have makeup options for Fall that won't break the bank. —BB



by Kiki Bella
Love high-end beauty brands but can't afford to keep up with high prices in today's economy? Head over to Target (our favorite place, like, ever) to pick up some awesome makeup from Sonia Kashuk. Pardon the long post, but there are so many note worthy products to mention it would be a shame to leave any out.

I am really, really picky when it comes to any kind of lipgloss. I have tried it all, and there is nothing grosser then a bad quality cheap-o lipgloss that some big chain is trying to pass off as designer (you know the kind, kinda stinky, really gluey and looks like you slathered on Vaseline and then dipped your lips in a garishly hued pot of glitter.) I shudder at the thought.

Sonia Kashuk for Target Ultra Shine Sheer Lip Gloss

These products are not even close to that. They are in fact at the other far end of the lipgloss spectrum. The Sonia Kashuk Ultra Shine Sheer Lip Glosses ($8.99) are soft and creamy, melty and gorgeous. They come in beautiful lady-like colors and in lovely packaging. They smell delish, and they are the perfect finish to a face sporting the latest fall colors on eyes. I tried Whisper and Flawless and they are both great colors that will compliment many skin tones and many different looks. (cont. below)

Balmain whips up a sequin mini skirt, and now these shiny bottoms are everywhere! If you have a budget like Beyonce, pick up the Balmain number shown here for $7,665 at Kirna Zabete.


If you simply have the same rock-star fashion sense as the aforementioned diva, try Free People's sequin stretch skirt instead for $58 (wait for a sale). I love how they've styled it with a simple white tank, long chain necklace and knee-high suede boots. In certain ultra-creative work environs, you could add a blazer and get away with this look for day.

Remember this name: Camilla Skovgaard. She's the hottest new shoe designer on the block. One look at her blush python saddle flap peep toe booties and it's easy to understand why. Innovative, sexy, cutting-edge designs to make any woman weak in her knees. These are $417 at Bluefly.com.


To get a similar look, try these Genna Peep Toe Ankle Boots by Rachel Rachel Roy for Macy's. At $129, they're not cheap but you might be able to score them on sale. Loves it.