What Women Want: Affordable Beauty

Women know makeup is about vanity, but society’s expectations justify our beauty obsessions. That’s why when summer comes, it’s all about nails, hair removal, firming and tanning. Sure, it’s vain, but it’s also about self esteem during bathing suit season. But, with most still on a tight budget, regular manicures and waxing appointments are may be out of the question. Here are a few new products on the market that make DIY fun.

Waxing gets expensive and laser hair removal requires a serious income commitment, but shaving becomes tiresome. Most depilatory products have a smell that is just too pungent to use. This new product from Sally Hansen has a very light scent that doesn’t stink up the bathroom, and with the applicator, is great at removing body hair in less than 10 minutes. The facial products, however, were too strong and can result in side effects for some, such as redness or bumps. Waxing or threading remain better options for facial hair removal.

One facial product from the company that is a winner is their new Lip Blush. It goes on as a subtle pink that develops with time, and plumps lips just a bit. It’s perfect for work because it can be applied without a mirror and it offers an office-safe touch of color.

For the nails, ostentatious colors such as neon should remain in the 1980s and classy yet fun shades should be the go-to hues. Stick to shades of red, pale pink and variations on purple and lavender. Right Said Red is a great blue-tone red with a hint of hot pink that is instantly uplifting. Since it is a shade within the Complete Salon Manicure, it dries quickly in a one-step application includes base, strengthener, growth treatment, color and top coat.  

Plum’s The Word is a mauve medium purple with a gray undertone that is a great fall-spring color. It is professional and would work on many skin tones. But, for a safe nude ballet slipper style pink, choose Shall We Dance? A lighter color is low maintenance because even when it chips, it still appears respectable.

For a racier look, Sally Hansen Color Quick pens come in a range of colors, including a chrome collection. The metal-inspired colors are fun and easy to apply, which make them perfect for a fast application before a night out.

Orly also recently released a few collections, one of which contains pastel colors. The best bets from their recent additions, include Cotton Candy, nude shade Dream Boat and opaque lavender Lollipop. But, one of the best qualities of Orly polish is that they have been free of DBP,  Toluene, Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Resin for years, long before most brands said no to the unnecessary chemicals.

Most Sally Hansen products range from $5-10 and are available at drugstores nationwide. Click here to find a retailer selling ORLY ($7.50)  products near you.