***Please note — In the television segment, I stated that the Cover Girl Intense Shadow Blast is hypo-allergenic. It is not hypo-allergenic. I apologize for my error.***
One of my gal pals is a beauty product buyer and when she texted me to come and see what was new in the beauty aisle, we had a blast breaking open packages and putting stuff to the test. Read on to see what’s filling your local beauty aisle in summer beauty picks. We try before you buy to hopefully save you money and time wasted on stuff that doesn’t pass our test. Here is what we recommend for your summer beauty buys:
*Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat – This is an imitation nail polish that rivals Katy Perry’s celebrated OPI Nail Lacquer collection that has been all the rage. The OPI brand sells at Ulta for $12.99, while the Sally Hansen brand goes for $7.49 at Walgreens. Sally Hansen just came out with a Crackle Overcoat that mimics what the Katy Brand OPI nail polish does, which is to leave a crackled overcoat. Walgreen’s has already sold out of it nationwide because it is such a hot product, but they tell me that they have more on order, so it is coming in, ladies!
*Almay Oil-free Makeup Eraser Sticks – What a smart invention! If you make a makeup error or find your eyeliner smudging with the sweaty summer, simply take out an Almay eraser stick and in two seconds you’ve got a quick fix that is oil-free and hypoallergenic. Plus the little case is purse and travel-friendly. These sell at Walgreens for $5.99. Love them!
*Smart Girls Who Surf SPF 30+ Face Stick – When it comes to putting sunscreen on your face and the cute faces that your kids sport, it can be a bit tedious. Spray sunscreen can get in their eyes and the other stuff runs, so I fell in love with the Smart Girls Who Surf stick because it is easy to apply right from the stick and it is organic. Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the formula provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without the chemicals. Sells for $12.99 at Whole Foods.
*Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray – I still haven’t colored or even highlighted my hair yet, so my gal pals tested this one for me. With UV protection, this Paul Mitchell locking spray uses sunflower extract to help protect your hair color investment through the summer days. It also gives your mane a radiant shine. Just spray on clean and damp hair, style and go. Sells for under $12 at Ulta Beauty Supply locations.
*LipFusion Balm Conditioning Stick SPF 15 – We found a protective lip balm that also plumps and tints your lips. Plus it is paraben-free and I like that. Fusion Beauty LipFusion Balm with SPF 15 is sold at Sephora for $22. Several shades are available that include one called “Bitten” that gives lips a sheer strawberry finish and “Butterscotch” for a sheer mauve.
*philosophy hope in a jar for dry skin SPF 20 – Dry skin help with protection is here with philosophy’s hope in a jar extra-rich moisturizer. With an SPF of 20, your face gets protection and moisturized with a formula that is infused with antioxidants. Sells for $38 at Nordstrom, Ulta and philosophy locations. philosophy also offers sun protection with color with the product called hope in a tinted moisturizer SPF 20. If you are looking for protection with a bit of sheer color, try philosophy’s tinted moisturizer called hope in a tinted moisturizer. A multi-tasker, this product has a SPF of 20 and provides a sheer foundation along with a moisturizer. Eight shades are offered at $38 a bottle. I like the pump that dispenses the perfect amount every time.
*CoverGirl Intense Shadow Blast offers eye shadow with a built-in primer so you won’t get that creasing that can come with hot sweaty days. $8.99 at drug stores.
*One of my beauty contacts told me to skip the more expensive L’Oreal Paris Double Extend mascara that gives lashes a lash extension effect because she tells me that the Cover Girl Lash Perfection does the same thing and is hypoallergenic to boot. Both offer what is being called, the wrapping technique, that wraps each lash to volumize, but the Cover Girl sells for $7.99 while you will pay $11.99 for the L’Oreal brand. The L’Oreal does come with a basecoat and the Cover Girl does not, but we both still liked the Cover Girl better, especially since it sells for less.
*Almay brings two interesting products to your local beauty aisle. First the liquid eyeliner pen which is hypoallergenic and promises up to 16 hours of wear! In the hot sweaty days of summer, I’ll take that! Sells for $7.49.
*Almay also offers the Wake Up Under Eye Concealer that is also hypoallergenic, oil-free and is made with cucumbers, water and minerals. Goes for $8.99 at drug stores.
So that does it for our test run down the summer beauty aisle. I hope you had as much fun learning about these products, as I had testing them.
Watch the Manic Managed Mom on Your Life!
Stay tuned for my next segment next week. I’ll show family-friendly travel items that are all FAA-approved since summer vacation time has arrived.
Do you have a favorite summer beauty product to share with us? Tell us here in the comments section.
