The Budget Babe's resident beauty expert Kiki Bella finds comfort (and super soft skin) in a new line of moisturizers from Dove. —BB





by Kiki Bella
Ever since high school I have had a bad relationship with moisturizers. Attending a private school and being forced to wear uniforms for four years will give you an interesting point of view on skincare and lotions. Imagine walking into the locker room and smelling every single Bath & Bodyworks scent mixed together, and then magnify that by three hundred. Powerful. Overwhelming. I had to fight the faint. Why the obsession with soft skin? Well, for starters, when you have to wear a skirt everyday and people can't help but see your legs, you don't want them to be scaly or ashy (the horror!).

Anyway, my personal psychological traumas aside (I still won't go near plaid) I think there is something to be said for the quest for the perfect form of moisturizer. My own requirements are simple and straightforward, yet hard to find. I want something that is quick and easy (it's too time consuming to lotion up everyday, call me too busy or call me lazy), something that works well (I want soft, not greasy), something that works well throughout the seasons (enough in winter, not too much in summer), and doesn't make me smell like a bowl of fruit or cotton candy. Oh yeah, and to top it all off I want it to come from a company that I respect, and that respects me.

I'm dreaming, right?

Nope. Welcome to the world of Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture™. I was able to try all three body washes in this line—Deep Moisture, Sensitive Skin and Gentle Exfoliating—and I ADORE them. They are amazing. My skin felt fantastic. Better than it ever has before, no joke. My boyfriend tried it, and with just one shower his scaly man elbows were no more! That alone had me sold. I tried it, and I was a believer.

But if that wasn't already proof enough I went to check out the Dove site, and it's like the icing on the cake. Not only does it feel like it works, but they have scientific papers on their site for you to read to explain why it works and how. I love this. A fantastic product in a beautiful bottle and all the smarty pants technical stuff I love to go along with it. This product is the answer to my prayers. Showering and moisturizing simultaneously saves so much time, the amount of hydration and softness is absolutely perfect, the scent is lovely in the shower and is subtle on the skin so it doesn't clash with my perfume or cause others to dry heave. Major thanks to Dove for creating this product, and while I'm on this love trip I also want to thank the company for their real beauty campaign. Go Dove!


The Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture™ collection is sold at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide. Visit www.dove.com to learn more about the science behind Nutrium Moisture.

Steve Madden boots, $70 (compare at $110). The perfect boot with just the right amount of slouch in wear-with-everything black leather.

Here's a sampling of the new-for-fall shoe styles you might see at Marshalls store in your area. During a recent trip, I spotted many of the latest trends—knee-high boots, peep-toe booties, platform pumps, leopard flats, to name a few—with brand names such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Steve Madden, Frye and many more. Definitely hit up a store with a Shoe Megashop department for the best selection. I didn't buy any shoes on this particular trip, just doing some preliminary "research" before I make any decisions.

DVF suede pumps, $150 (compare at $430). Love the hidden platform on these and the subtle yet sexy shape.

Frye Clogs, $59.99 (compare at $120). I've been tempted to get some wedge clogs after a la MK Olsen, but I'm not sure I the skills to make these homely shoes look cool. On me. But they definitely have potential!

kate spade woven flats, $100 (compare at $218). No need to sacrifice style for comfort with these playful flats by kate spade.

Michael Michael Kors pumps, $70 (compare at $120). The ivory acted like a nude and made my pale legs look miles long, while the purple's perfect for fall.

Michael Michael Kors lace-up oxford heels, $60 (compare at $100). Imagine the mustard-yellow hue on a crisp autumn day. Love it.

Seychelles slingbacks, $40 (compare at $75). Metallics like these can be worn day or night for a touch of vintage glamour.

Enzo Angiolini, $100 (compare at $200). Gold stud detailing gives these low-wedge boots a sophisticated military feel.

Think Marshalls when you're looking for fall basics like dark denim and plaid.

Marshalls had dozens of handbags in all shades of red from designers such as B. Makowsky, Nine West, Hype, Jessica Simpson and many more.

Target has a new batch of amazing boyfriend watches by Merona for just $14.99. Think of them as beautiful bracelets that just happen to tell time. Layer them on with other arm candy for an off-the-moment look that's chic but not too fussy. Friends will think the flea market gods smiled upon you and envy your "vintage" find, but only you will know your little secret. I couldn't decide between the gold number (above) and its silver counterpart (below) so I think I'll just have to go back and get both. Look for these watches at a Target store near you (I couldn't find them online).

UPDATE: I bought the Gold and I adore it. Still ticking as of May, 2011!

Labor Day Weekend sales this year are insane, crazy discounts everywhere. My plan is to hit up a huge outlet mall in the area that I've never been to before. So excited!! If you decide to stay home and shop from the comfort of your own home, be sure to check out the deals below and use those coupon codes for extra savings. Add any sales I missed in the comments. Happy shopping.

6pm.com: Saturday 9/5 to Sunday 9/6, select styles of Steve Madden footwear are just $27.95; select styles of Nine West footwear are just $29.95.

Alloy.com: Take 15% off your Alloy.com order. Use code WKEND15. Offer ends 9/10/09.

AE.com: Free shipping plus 15% off entire purchase with code 56841723.

Baghaus.com: Get 15% off sitewide and free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Use code LABORDAY. Expires 9/7 @ midnight PST.

CharlotteRusse.com: Take 20% off all regular price styles on Labor Day, one day only 9/7!

Delias.com: Take 15% off your entire dELiA's purchase with code SALE15. Offer ends 9/10/09.

DSW: Take an additional 30% off online clearance items with code THIRTY thru September 8.

Express.com: Get $15 off every $60 you spend Sept 3-7. Use promo code 3020

FlyJane.net: Get $5 off your purchase of $40 or more with code FLYSAVE5.

Heritage 1981: Free shipping over $40 with purchase of a select Labor Day item. Use code: LABORDAY09

Payless.com: It's BOGO time! Buy one, get one half-off everything.


MartinandOsa.com: Get a FREE woman's silk scarf or men's woven belt with the purchase of any denim.

New York & Company: Save up to 70% during New York & Co.'s Labor Day sale through 9/8.

ShopECBC.com: Take 20% off of all regular priced items with code laborday20; all summer styles, skirts, tops, dresses are on sale for under $30, all handbags are 50% off, and all swimwear is $9.99. Sale ends Wednesday, September 9th.

I've been meaning to feature more sneaks and just comfy shoes in general, so when I got this press release, I knew I had to share it: New Balance has teamed up with aerie by American Eagle (the intimates and dormwear line from American Eagle Outfitters) to create the New Balance 600, a new ladies fitness lifestyle shoe designed to complement aerie f.i.t., aeries fitness and workout wear line.


The NB 600 features a comfort molded EVA sole unit, Abzorb (a proprietary cushioning foam that resists compressions for all day comfort) and a lightweight mesh upper. Priced at $65, the 600 is available in two trendy color combinations of grey/pink and white/lime, the perfect solution for the girl who wants an athletic look without sacrificing fashion.

If these shoes motivate you to work out more, then they'll be worth every penny.

Check out the New Balance 600 at aerie.com. All Labor Day weekend, get free shipping plus 15% off your entire purchase with discount code 56841723.