8 Common Beauty Ruts & Ways To Rebound
Women lead pretty busy lives these days. We're often juggling family, friends and work obligations. It's pretty common to get stuck in a beauty rut from time to time (I'm guilty too). Maybe you've worn the same makeup or hair style for awhile now and you're not sure how to change your style without breaking the bank? No worries. We're here to help! From hair care to skincare, here are a few inexpensive ways to update your look.
Beauty Rut #1: You always wear your hair in a ponytail (boring!).
Beauty Rebound: Go from a dull ponytail to a bun or another sleek updo with one of Goody's Simple Styles hair clips. They've recently introduced the Spin Pin (check out my video review), the Modern Updo and the Pony Pouf pin. Each of these clips offers a unique twist on traditional hair styles. The added bonus is that they are very cheap. I found them on drugstore.com for $6.49 each!
Beauty Rut #2: You can't remember the last time that you changed your hair color.
Beauty Rebound: We get it. Having your hair professionally colored can be a little costly, not to mention time consuming. If you want a quick color change, we suggest trying an at-home highlight kit. L'Oreal Touch-On Highlights is a great option. It starts at just $11.99 and is available in several shades including Iced Champagne, Golden Honey, Creamy Caramel and Toasted Almond. The innovative Control-Touch FingerTIP tool offers precise control for even highlights from root to tip. You can create a subtle or dramatic look with no caps, no foils and no hassles. If L'Oreal isn't for you, Herbal Essences Shade-on-Shade Highlights might be a better alternative. The hi-definition highlights will add contrast to previously colored hair for just $8.
Beauty Rut #3: Your favorite nail polish shade is nude (snooze!).
Beauty Rebound: Break out of your rut with butter LONDON nail polish. I like the purple and cream shades pictured to the right but you can choose from 50 others. This unique nail polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and Dibutyl Phthalate. Each polish costs about $14. Want to take a step on the wild side? Try Sephora by OPI Chic Prints. They are pre-cut nail patches for extraordinary nails, instantly! This innovative line, brewed by Minx creates customized nails, featuring fierce patterns and prints to satisfy your wildest mani-and-pedi dreams. Dress your tips with your favorite design: anchor, stars, checkers, tiger, fishnet, chrome lace, black & gold geometric, or skulls. Each set comes with 16 nail patches at various lengths. It's a steal for $15!
Beauty Rut #4: Some people might mistake you for Mimi from 'The Drew Carey Show.' You either have on way too much eye shadow or you always wear the same color!
Beauty Rebound: Use Avon's 12-in-1 eye palette to experiment with a different color. With 12 light and dark shades, you'll have fun mixing and matching until you find the right look. The majority of Avon reviewers gave it four out of five stars! Plus, it's only $12.99. You may also like Stila Girl Palettes. Each of these cute, collectible, Stila Girl Palettes include four eye shadows and a Convertible Color for lips and cheeks. It's valued at $65 but they are just $10 each! While we're on the subject of eye makeup, have you tried Avon's SuperMagnify mascara? I love it!
Beauty Rut #5: Your friends and family know exactly what kind of perfume to get you for your birthday and it's (drum roll please) BabySoft. Well, maybe your fragrance of choice doesn't go that far back in time, but you get the picture.
Beauty Rebound: There are a ton of great new perfumes like Outspoken by Fergie. According to the description, "Outspoken is for the woman who needs no introduction. With her fearless confidence, she lets her true personality shine through. True to herself and her beliefs...she is Outspoken. Sexy. Fearless. Unexpected." If this sounds like you, then you can purchase Outspoken (exclusively from Avon) for just $28. We also suggest Euphoria by Calvin Klein. The addictive scent is a contrast between exotic fruits like pomegranate and persimmon, florals like black orchid, and a rich mahogany wood. At $48.50, it's a little more expensive than Outspoken but it's just as nice.
Beauty Rut #6: You're not sure what shade of foundation to wear, so you opt for the wrong color or you wear nothing.
Beauty Rebound: As an African American woman, I can attest that it's often difficult to find the right shade of foundation. CoverGirl's Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation is the perfect choice. It's preferred 2-to-1 over the leading department store compact for a silky, smooth finish. It's supposed to match 97% of skin tones without the heavy or cakey look. Maybelline's Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation is another great compact. The patented air whipped formula is designed to provide a smooth finish. Both of these foundations are super affordable. CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation starts at just $9, while Maybelline Dream Smooth Moose Foundation retails for $8.
Beauty Rut #7: You've been using the same shade of lip gloss or lipstick since the 1980's.
Beauty Rebound: Revlon's Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm will make you want to say adios to your old lip gloss or lipstick. It provides long wear and promises not to smudge or streak. Choose a light or dark shade like frenzy (red) or beloved (plum). You can snag one for about $6.99 & up! Going for a more natural look? Try NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment. It's enriched with Vitamin E, Polar Berries and Acai Oil to help hydrate your lips, while giving them a sheer but noticeable tint. They are $25 each.
Beauty Rut #8: As the weather begins to cool down, you often forget to moisturize with lotion containing vitamin E or sunscreen.
Beauty Rebound: Banish dry skin this fall & winter with one of these moisture rich lotions. First up is Burt's Bees Fragrance Free Shea Butter & Vitamin E Body Lotion. At just $7.99, this lotion will help keep your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. Next is Neutrogena's Healthy Defense. Not only does it contain vitamin E but it has sunscreen (SPF 30), so it'll help block out harmful UV rays. It's a steal for $13.99.
...........................
Have you ever been in a beauty rut? How did you get out of it? Share your tips and advice with other readers in the comments section below.
Related Articles:
The Sweet Smell of Chanel Chance
8 At-Home Hair Color Kits Worth Trying
10 Guys Reveal Their Favorite Man-Grooming Products
AOL Shopping Reviews 7 Beauty Products
Beauty Rut #1: You always wear your hair in a ponytail (boring!).Beauty Rebound: Go from a dull ponytail to a bun or another sleek updo with one of Goody's Simple Styles hair clips. They've recently introduced the Spin Pin (check out my video review), the Modern Updo and the Pony Pouf pin. Each of these clips offers a unique twist on traditional hair styles. The added bonus is that they are very cheap. I found them on drugstore.com for $6.49 each!
Beauty Rut #2: You can't remember the last time that you changed your hair color.
Beauty Rebound: We get it. Having your hair professionally colored can be a little costly, not to mention time consuming. If you want a quick color change, we suggest trying an at-home highlight kit. L'Oreal Touch-On Highlights is a great option. It starts at just $11.99 and is available in several shades including Iced Champagne, Golden Honey, Creamy Caramel and Toasted Almond. The innovative Control-Touch FingerTIP tool offers precise control for even highlights from root to tip. You can create a subtle or dramatic look with no caps, no foils and no hassles. If L'Oreal isn't for you, Herbal Essences Shade-on-Shade Highlights might be a better alternative. The hi-definition highlights will add contrast to previously colored hair for just $8.
Beauty Rut #3: Your favorite nail polish shade is nude (snooze!).
Beauty Rebound: Break out of your rut with butter LONDON nail polish. I like the purple and cream shades pictured to the right but you can choose from 50 others. This unique nail polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and Dibutyl Phthalate. Each polish costs about $14. Want to take a step on the wild side? Try Sephora by OPI Chic Prints. They are pre-cut nail patches for extraordinary nails, instantly! This innovative line, brewed by Minx creates customized nails, featuring fierce patterns and prints to satisfy your wildest mani-and-pedi dreams. Dress your tips with your favorite design: anchor, stars, checkers, tiger, fishnet, chrome lace, black & gold geometric, or skulls. Each set comes with 16 nail patches at various lengths. It's a steal for $15!
Beauty Rut #4: Some people might mistake you for Mimi from 'The Drew Carey Show.' You either have on way too much eye shadow or you always wear the same color!Beauty Rebound: Use Avon's 12-in-1 eye palette to experiment with a different color. With 12 light and dark shades, you'll have fun mixing and matching until you find the right look. The majority of Avon reviewers gave it four out of five stars! Plus, it's only $12.99. You may also like Stila Girl Palettes. Each of these cute, collectible, Stila Girl Palettes include four eye shadows and a Convertible Color for lips and cheeks. It's valued at $65 but they are just $10 each! While we're on the subject of eye makeup, have you tried Avon's SuperMagnify mascara? I love it!
Beauty Rut #5: Your friends and family know exactly what kind of perfume to get you for your birthday and it's (drum roll please) BabySoft. Well, maybe your fragrance of choice doesn't go that far back in time, but you get the picture.
Beauty Rebound: There are a ton of great new perfumes like Outspoken by Fergie. According to the description, "Outspoken is for the woman who needs no introduction. With her fearless confidence, she lets her true personality shine through. True to herself and her beliefs...she is Outspoken. Sexy. Fearless. Unexpected." If this sounds like you, then you can purchase Outspoken (exclusively from Avon) for just $28. We also suggest Euphoria by Calvin Klein. The addictive scent is a contrast between exotic fruits like pomegranate and persimmon, florals like black orchid, and a rich mahogany wood. At $48.50, it's a little more expensive than Outspoken but it's just as nice.
Beauty Rut #6: You're not sure what shade of foundation to wear, so you opt for the wrong color or you wear nothing.Beauty Rebound: As an African American woman, I can attest that it's often difficult to find the right shade of foundation. CoverGirl's Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation is the perfect choice. It's preferred 2-to-1 over the leading department store compact for a silky, smooth finish. It's supposed to match 97% of skin tones without the heavy or cakey look. Maybelline's Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation is another great compact. The patented air whipped formula is designed to provide a smooth finish. Both of these foundations are super affordable. CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation starts at just $9, while Maybelline Dream Smooth Moose Foundation retails for $8.
Beauty Rut #7: You've been using the same shade of lip gloss or lipstick since the 1980's.Beauty Rebound: Revlon's Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm will make you want to say adios to your old lip gloss or lipstick. It provides long wear and promises not to smudge or streak. Choose a light or dark shade like frenzy (red) or beloved (plum). You can snag one for about $6.99 & up! Going for a more natural look? Try NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment. It's enriched with Vitamin E, Polar Berries and Acai Oil to help hydrate your lips, while giving them a sheer but noticeable tint. They are $25 each.
Beauty Rut #8: As the weather begins to cool down, you often forget to moisturize with lotion containing vitamin E or sunscreen.Beauty Rebound: Banish dry skin this fall & winter with one of these moisture rich lotions. First up is Burt's Bees Fragrance Free Shea Butter & Vitamin E Body Lotion. At just $7.99, this lotion will help keep your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. Next is Neutrogena's Healthy Defense. Not only does it contain vitamin E but it has sunscreen (SPF 30), so it'll help block out harmful UV rays. It's a steal for $13.99.
...........................
Have you ever been in a beauty rut? How did you get out of it? Share your tips and advice with other readers in the comments section below.
Related Articles:
The Sweet Smell of Chanel Chance
8 At-Home Hair Color Kits Worth Trying
10 Guys Reveal Their Favorite Man-Grooming Products
AOL Shopping Reviews 7 Beauty Products
Comments page 1 of 1
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ajschrod said 10-20-2010 @10:06PM
Common sense says long, compicated hair is more trouble and expense than it's worth. Short or pony-tailed hair can be very attractive, but naturally anyone connected to the fashion industry will say otherwise--they want you to spend big bucks at drugstores and hairdressers!
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InARealPickle said 10-21-2010 @12:52AM
Agreed. Not to mention the fact that coloring you hair is the fastest way to ruin it. Women need to learn to take pride in their natural coloring.
Also, some of these "beauty tips" look like they are geared towards high school girls. What professional woman is going to sport purple or zebra print nails?
Lowest Ranked
BAC97 said 10-20-2010 @10:27PM
As an Avon representative, I am disappointed to see that it was not mentioned in the article that Fergie's debut fragrance, Outspoken, is made exclusively for Avon.
replyHighest Rank
Angie said 10-20-2010 @11:18PM
Actually, it does say that it is exclusively for Avon.
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BAC97 said 10-21-2010 @11:07AM
I do see that now Angie... in parentheses. I read it twice also, lol. Thank you! :)
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Peggy said 10-20-2010 @11:24PM
I'm alligeric to hair color and any makeup with sunblock HELP!!!!
replyNeutral
Lisa said 10-20-2010 @11:51PM
Peggy,
Have you tried going to a Whole Foods Store where everything is natural? They might be able to help you find something that you can use.
Good Luck!
Neutral
InARealPickle said 10-21-2010 @12:58AM
So don't color your hair and don't wear makeup with sunblock in it. Or better yet, unless you have some sort of disfiguring mark on your face, don't wear makeup at all! There's a good reason why the best makeup application is the kind that looks natural. It's the same reason men love a natural looking beauty. You don't need that crap on your face. Don't buy into their multi-billion dollar industry.
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Megan said 10-21-2010 @11:12AM
I like my ponytail. I like my natural haircolor. I like my bare nails..the few times that I have gotten a manicure for weddings and such, I opt for french tips. I wear Bare Minerals Make up..and while pricey, it stays on long, and it looks natural. It doesn't look like I have clown paint on my face. You can never see a line on my chin where my make up stops and my natural skin tone begins again. I wear body spray because heavy perfumes trigger my migraines. I have worn the same kind since I was 13 (for 15yrs) and I am constantly complimented on it and/or asked what perfume I wear because people think I smell so good. I rarely wear eyeshadow, or mascara. Most of the time if I wear mascara, it is clear....so is my lip gloss. These tips are ridiculous! But...just in time for Halloween face painting and costume ideas with those nail colors!
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Tab said 10-21-2010 @3:30AM
As a person who used to cut her hair in the fall and let it grow in the spring, I have actually finally chosen to let my hair grow long...since 2006, and I often wear it in either a ponytail or a half ponytail - where I take a portion of my long bangs and pull them back into a ponytail and out of my face, while leaving the rest of it to hang underneath.
replyI rarely wear make-up, but when I do, it is usually earthtones and I did recenly purchase the lipstain mentioned in the article. I do like it, but the balm doesn't last very long.
Additionally, I have been wearing the same cologne for over 20 years and I have yet to receive a complaint about it. Quite the opposite, in fact. Nearly everytime I come into close contact with someone, they always comment on how good I smell. The secret to wearing a sngle cologne for a long period of time is that it tends to dull your own senses and some women keep spraying until THEY can smell it again. That is a HUGE no-no. Just because you can no longer smell it, doesn't mean everyone else can't, either. A couple of sprays should be plenty, but I also mix mine with a few sprays of body spray in a similar scent that isn't too overwhelming. My fragrance of choice is vanilla, so it is subtle. Dark Vanilla mixed with Warm Vanilla Sugar body spray is all I wear and people love it!
When it comes to coloring my hair, I usually only do so once or twice a year and almost always the same shade of blonde or a little darker shade in the winter months. Dying your hair should go unnoticed by others, just as your make-up should. Make it look as natural as possible. I do not use foundation.
Nail polish is something you can change on a daily basis. Personally, I like to choose colors which match the clothing I am wearing that day, or none at all.
And I agree 100% about moisturizing your body, but I say do it all year round. As I said, I prefer vanilla, so I buy Warm Vanilla Sugar from Bath and Body Works. It is very rich and creamy and a little goes a long way, but it leaves your skin feeling wonderfully soft with a gentle scent. They do carry other scents and fragrances, but this is the one I prefer. Short of that, I would suggest Avon's Moisture Therapy. Neither leave that greasy feeling we've all come to hate so much.
And I am no teenager. I am a 43 year old grandmother of seven.
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Laura said 10-22-2010 @7:25PM
Wow, what a great article! I felt compelled to write a comment and can't believe the other comments were negative upon leaving this one. I recently have been ordering a few products from Avon and love their stuff. I thought a lot of these suggestions were great and totally affordable. I am a FL girl stuck up here in NE where the majority of ladies don't wear any make-up and do very little if anything with their hair, hence tons of pony tails! Ladies, Hello, catch a clue! You should make the most of what God gave you and everyone looks better with a little effort and some beauty products!
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