Drugstore Make up Faves

Hello all! I have been wanting to post about three beauty products that I have recently found that are affordable ( under $15) and game- changing. I have immensely enjoyed using these and would like to share them with you:

L'Oreal True Match Healthy Luminous Makeup

This liquid foundation is an amazing multi-tasker. I found it to be very hydrating and gives you an equal amount of buildable coverage and luminosity. It is a very breathable, airy foundation. It's easy to find a perfect color match as it is available in 12 shades. This foundation contains skin enhancing vitamins C and E, and has been noted to improve skin clarity and tone after several weeks of use. One of my favorite things about this foundation is that it has caused zero problems for my highly sensitive and acne - prone skin. I would think that this product would suit almost all skin types. Another bonus: contains SPF 20-so you're covered there ( pun intended). Last but not least: the price. It's a steal at $12.95. Available at your local drugstore or Target. My skin is fair to medium and I used the shade C3. You can see the luminosity on the swatch pictured below. I give this product three thumbs up!

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Face/Foundation/True-Match-Lumi-Healthy-Luminous.aspx?shade=Nut-Brown-Cocoa

L'Oreal Paris Magic Smooth Souffle Blush

Another item I wish I had tried years ago! Creme blush. I am OBsessed with this product. Due to my skin issues with sensitivity and acne, I have previously avoided any type of Creme blush. I was in for a real treat when I took a chance and bought this. This blush is extremely light and airy, buildable, and gives you an extremely natural flushed look. I found this product to also be skin- friendly. This awesome potion is soft to the touch. The price is $12.95. A dab of this on the apples of your cheeks and you're ready to go. This blush comes in 4 shades. I use celestial and L-O-V-E it. Try it- you'll be happy you did! 

http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Face/Blush/Magic-Smooth-Souffle-Blush.aspx?shade=Celestial

Covergirl Bombshell by Lashblast Mascara

Having read several reviews of this mascara which were all favorable, and being in the market for some new mascara, I decided to try this. This mascara has a double sided wand- step one is the base coat. I have found that this gave me enough volume and definition to be worn alone ( good if you're short on time).  Step 2 is my favorite- it gives you a sleek, jet-black glossy finish that really adds that extra "oomph ." If you're feeling really frisky, you can add 2 coats of step two--- whoaaaaa. I really like this mascara. It definitely gives significantly increased volume and definition- with a touch of drama! The price is a little higher than most CG mascaras- $11.99- but it's like you are getting two mascaras in one- so seems worth it to me. My only complaint about this mascara is that it is very difficult to remove. I have tried several different removers- and found that even after scrubbing, I still have residue similar to waterproof mascara. However, I still continue to use it!!

http://www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/mascara/bombshell-volume-by-lashblast-mascara

I hope you found these reviews helpful and will be able to check these out for yourselves! Let me know if you have used these, how you liked them, and what are your favorite drugstore beauty finds??

Fashionably yours, 

Ryan xoxo

Welcome!!!

Hello Everyone!

I would like to introduce myself and tell you what this blog is all about! I am a girl (ha ha often mistaken for a boy d/t my name!) aged 35, living in an awesome city in Virginia. I intend to use this blog as a means of sharing fashion and beauty ideas and inspirations. I want to focus on sharing how to be stylish on a budget- how to be a recessionista!! And when I say budget- I don't mean $100- I mean CHEAP!! A little about me.... 

I have been keenly interested in fashion and beauty since a young child. I was the one cutting and re-styling the hair of all of my barbies. And I am pretty sure that I had that large barbie head where you could put on makeup and style the hair! Throwback!!! Growing up, I constantly read fashion magazines and began to study up on brands and trends. I was raised in a TJ Maxx- so I came by my love for bargain shopping honestly. These days,I am lovingly referred to as the "accessories queen"- (Warning:I tend to truly obsess over accessories!!). Since a child, I have never wanted to pay full price for items. Instead, I enjoy scouring sources to find the things I want for cheaper- yes, the thrill of the hunt!! True story- I almost fainted when I went into my first

Sephora and Saks! When I viewed my first Chanel shoe- and picked it up--- it gave me the chills!! I grew up in a fairly small town where we didn't have such stores. (Never mind that I would not be able to ever afford a Chanel shoe in my lifetime- just seeing one in person was enough!!!) 

I am in the process of starting my own personal shopping business as I love styling others, and helping them achieve great looks for less, and helping build confidence. Some of my favorite shopping haunts are consignment stores, vintage stores, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and my all time fave- Tar"jay." I can really do some damage in there-never fails. My favorite non-discount store is Anthropologie. I exclusively shop the sale-room!

I would describe my personal style as boho-chic. I also love incorporating elements of other styles for an eclectic look. I love the juxtaposition of things that would not normally go together- a biker jacket with pearls, a dress and combat boots. I love color and texture. I love adding a piece or an accessory that is unexpected. WHY do I care about fashion? I am so glad you asked. I am passionate about fashion because I believe it is the highest form of self-expression- a visual representation of your inner workings- your bold statement to the world, "This is WHO I am and I am PROUD of it!!" I believe that fashion transcends physical beauty or attributes-shapes and sizes. I believe that your unique personal style is what makes you beautiful- NOT your dress or pants size, a number on the scale, a job,or what's in your bank account. I believe in approaching fashion and life with a kindness and openness of mind. I believe in sucking every loving minute out of this life.

When I am not fashion-ing, I am obsessing over other things like music, guitar, singing, art, wine, food, cinema, travel, or ANYTHING French. I am so happy have you join me on this journey! To end this post, I would like to share a few images of things that are inspiring to me.