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$10 CHALLENGE
This week I am pleased to feature a very special $10 Challenge, our drugstore shopping spree report. These are usually so much fun to do, and this time I did it for a new reason: an appearance on a local TV morning program (Good Day Oregon) to talk about great summer beauty deals!

Each product I selected retails for $10 or less and can be found at drugstores, mass market stores like Walmart or Target, and online. I actually discovered an interesting angle here while doing my research for the show: almost every product was at least $0.50 cheaper to buy online than at my local drugstore. That came as quite a surprise to me!

For Sandal-Perfect Feet
Revlon Nail Enamel in Va Va Va Bloom ($4.69; $3.99 at ULTA.com) is a pretty orchid shade that is hot this season and just right for notice-me nails. If you tend to shy away from vibrant colors like this, trying it on your toes is a perfect way to experiment.

A Summer Must-Have: Sun Protection
For the face, I chose Ombrelle Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($8.49; $7.99 at ULTA.com). This lightweight lotion has broad spectrum protection from Parsol 1789 and oxybenzone (to guard against UVA) and octyl salicylate (to protect against UVB). I like that it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave your face looking white and paste-y. It's great for all skin types and can double as your daily moisturizer.

For body sun protection, I like Coppertone Oil Free SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion ($8.19 for 4oz; $6.99 for 4oz at WebRx.com; $7.99 for 8oz at drugstore.com - what a deal!). It's similar in feel to the Ombrelle (and it's also not overly white on the skin), and it's also broad spectrum. The only I reasons I wouldn't recommend it for your face are that it's pretty emollient and might feel oily, and it has some potential acne aggravators. Otherwise this is a great overall sunscreen.

For Summer Smooth Skin
I think summer is one of the best times for body scrubs. They give your shower that little extra something to wash away summer heat and humidity and make you feel really clean and refreshed. Clairol Herbal Essences Daily Body Smoother Exfoliating Body Wash ($4.29; $3.69 at drugstore.com, $4.39 at ULTA.com) is perfect if you like to use a scrub every day; its small, round jojoba beads are gentle on your skin, plus they are combined with a great body wash so you get everything done at once. This scrub is also fantastic as part of an at-home manicure or pedicure routine to smooth rough spots and ragged cuticles.

Summer can be a body-conscious time, so I'm personally motivated to show off the best looking skin that I can - no easy task at 8 months pregnant! I've tried a few different creams and lotions in all price ranges, but Nivea Body Skin Firming Lotion with Q10 ($9.49 for 12oz; $8.99 at WebRx.com) is something I would buy again. It's no miracle worker, but it does make the skin look a bit smoother; I am hopeful for a bit more noticeable difference in a few months. This is a nice, lightweight moisturizer for the whole body, and it has that famous Nivea scent.

Fresh and Easy Makeup
The last thing you need in summer's heat is a lot of heavy, powdery makeup, so I like to keep it light. L'Oreal Translucide Sheer Blush ($9.19; $8.59 at ULTA.com) is a gel that adds a healthy, rosy glow to skin and can be easily applied with fingers. It's fairly foolproof (just start small and add more if necessary) and lasts all day on bare skin or over foundation or tinted moisturizer.

Clumpy, spiky lashes are never my idea of attractive, and they certainly aren't very becoming when heat and perspiration take over. L'Oreal FeatherLash Water Resistant Mascara ($6.49; $6.99 at ULTA.com) defines your lashes but looks soft and natural. The water resistant formula is nice if you are bothered by "raccoon" eyes. FeatherLash is definitely a new favorite of mine.

I reviewed Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow in Not Just Nudes last month, but the Precious Metals palette ($6.49; $5.89 at ULTA.com) recently caught my eye. This set of four shades (gray, butter, rose and plum) complements any skin tone, is easy to apply with fingers, can be subtle for day or dramatic for night, and wears well without creasing or fading.

To keep your skin looking its best throughout the day, Clean & Clear Clear Touch Oil-Absorbing Sheets ($5.49 for 50 sheets; $4.99 at drugstore.com and ULTA.com) are an ideal alternative for controlling shine during the day without relying on pressed powder. They absorb oil but leave your makeup intact, and they don't add extra powder that can just end up looking cakey. A great find for oily skin types!


 

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