The Beauty Products We Used as Teens BUT Can't Quite Outgrow

When I was a teenager, I thought I was so cool.  I mean, I'm actually cool now but I really thought I was cool then.  (Ha.)  I still remember dabbling in my mom's makeup closet and trying on her fragrances, lipstick and her eyeliner.  Of course, I didn't really know what to do with "grown-up" makeup then so my mom took it upon herself to stock me with flavored lip glosses, toners, eye shadows and cleansers that were "teen appropriate" brands. 

The funniest part of this is that I still use a lot of these brands today.  Check out the beauty products I used as a teen but can't quite seem to outgrow...

1.  Lip Smacker by Bonne Bell

Photo courtesy of www.lipsmacker.com

I have been obsessed with Lip Smacker since I was about 10.  Honestly, the Dr. Pepper flavor not only tastes okay (after you get over the waxy consistency) but actually tints your lips a nice subtle red tone.  I have about 5 going at any given time (purse, coffee table, vanity table, desk at work and nightstand) because I'm just not a complete person without it.  Plus, the fact that they only cost about $1.77 at Target makes this one of the cheapest lip glosses you can by that actually moisturizes your lips.

2.  Nivea Cream 

Photo courtesy of www.shespeaks.com

Bronwen, my fab friend and now Maid-Of-Honor, used this all the time growing up and still does.  She says that it not only smells great but works like a charm and is very moisturizing.  I'm guessing this is why Nivea Creme is still one of the top-selling body moisturizes around.  In other words, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!

3.  Caboodle Kits

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

 Do you ladies remember Caboodle Kits?  Okay, I had a HUGE one that was purple and mint green that accompanied me everywhere.  It was filled with all my dance necessities and it would come on every dance trip AND even traveled to Vancouver with me from Prince George.  Honestly, they last forever and store everything neatly.  Plus, I hear that they can now be monogrammed....How cool is that?

4.  Baby Shampoo 

Photo courtesy of www.comparestoreprices.co.uk

There are two reasons why baby shampoo is always stocked in my cupboard.  First, it's a fantastic shampoo as it leaves hair tangle-free and second, it's the best make-up remover ever.  It's completely tear-free and works wonders on stubborn waterproof mascara.  If you've never tried it for either of these reasons before, you HAVE TO!

5.  Cetaphil Cleanser

Photo courtesy of www.instyle.com

 This cleanser has got me threw some really bad skin times, let me tell you.  It's one that I started using when I was 13 and still use on occasion, even now.  In fact, my friend Ariella uses it too and she's a make-up artist!  It's great for sensitive skin, it's non-comedogenic and won't clog your pores at all.  Plus it's such a bargain price that you can't go wrong!

What are some of the beauty products you've been using since your teens?

Even More Cheap Beauty Tricks and Tips

Back by popular demand.....(Ha, just kidding.)

I was perusing through some fashion magazines the other day and discovered some great tips that I thought I should share. A lot of what the article was based on I had already posted (YAY...smart me) but there were a couple great smidgets that even I never knew. So, thanks so much InStyle Magazine.

Remember, you don't have to spend a heap of money to look good. Some of these tips will give you some cheaper solutions to expensive products and others will show you how to use things in your fridge. (Sticking on the cheaper note though, I will be doing a series of posts about cheap cosmetic lines that still look good so stay tuned.....)

1. Sponge on SPF - This is a great tip since SPF can feel rather gooey on the face. If applied with a sponge, it will be absorbed by the skin quicker and easier.

2. Hydrocortisone as Zit Cream - First, hot compress the spot several times then a apply a glob of 1% hydrocortisone cream (Aveeno makes a good one for about $6) and let sit for two hours. The swelling will have gone drastically.

3. Bathing while Sunburned - Showering and bathing hurt when sunburned but add about 2 litres of milk to warm water and about 15 drops of lavender oil. This mixture will calm the skin. Another good one is watermelon. Puree the fruit and slather on the skin. This will actually take away the burning feeling.

4. Sensitive Skin Facial Mask - Apply one tablespoon of full fat sour cream to skin and let sit for about 20 minutes. (Do this twice a week). They say the lactic acid helps to smooth skin and improve texture.

5. Avocado Mask - If you have dry skin, massage mashed avocado on to your face and let sit for about 15 minutes.

6. Great Tip for Eczema - A diluted bleach bath (1/2 cup of bleach to a full tub of water) kills the bacteria that cause inflammation.

7. Frozen Apple Juice - Freeze apple juice into an ice cube tray and, once frozen, rub over face. The acid in the juice acts as an

anti-aging product. It feels like a mini-facelift and a facial.

8. Foot Odor - If you suffer from stinky feet, soak feet in a bowl of very very very dark black tea. The tea changes the pH balance of your skin and fight odor.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff - Spray Apple Cider Vinegar onto your scalp prior to showering and after about five minutes, rinse out and shampoo like normal. (Wet or dry hair.)

10. Lip Gloss as Blush - Swirl a cherry lip gloss on to the apple of your cheeks for a more natural glow.

11. Conceal Dark Circles - Tap a taupe eye shadow under your eyes to cover dark circles. Great tip if you're running low on concealer.

Try some of these tips out and let me know your thoughts!!

More Cheap Tips

I am seriously on a role with these tips.

All women, and maybe some men, need ways to save money and still stay beautiful. (I could probably leave this blog post with that one sentence as it sums everything up....) I mean, who doesn't want to spend less and still stay as radiantly beautiful as they were when spending a fortune......Ummmmm, I know I do!!!!!! Here are some quick tips that use every day items:

1. Shiny, brighter hair with apple-cider vinegar. Weird, I know, but rinse with this sassy stuff and not only will your hair be shiny BUT clean as well. (The apple-cider vinegar works as a clarifying shampoo.)

2. Create a body scrub with honey and brown sugar. Create a paste with the two products and buff your body silky smooth.

3. Prevent pimples with pepto bismal. Yes, weird BUT supposedly it works like a salicylic acid to tighten and reduce redness. Apply a thin layer to skin and remove once dry and hard.

4. Baby shampoo is a great eye make-up remover. Cheap too, since the bottle will last months and months.

5. Steep a bag of green tea and once cool, dab on skin. This works wonders for irritated and puffy skin.

Yes, they might be crazy BUT are inexpensive.....which saves a lot more money for fun things like lip gloss and handbags.......