Ever heard the term "high end ho"? Well, that was me. Actually, it still sorta is me. I like buying the "good" stuff. I like walking into a Nordstrom or Macy's and be able to point at something and say, I like it, and not give a crap about the price. All I wanted to hear next was "How will you be paying for that Miss Gorgeous?" (I know I know, I had to make myself seem super important and pretty). But when my financial situation changed due to loss of employment and a drop in my household income, I found myself having to cut corners. This taught me an invaluable lesson about the cosmetics and skincare industry - more money doesn't necessarily mean better. If anyone knows me well, they'd know that I'm the queen of returns. If I'm not pleased with something, I'd bring that s**t right back to where I bought it from. Needless to say, I did find some gems at reasonable drugstore prices that I adore! Read on for my favorite items and why I like them. I've also added a rough estimate of how much they cost. Keep in mind that drugstore products often go on sale so you will always catch a bargain if you do your homework!
MAKEUP
Eyeshadows - L'oreal HIP (High Intensity Pigment) - $7.99 These are my alternative to MAC eyeshadows. The colors are gorgeous and very intense. Their quality is really
amazing for the price. Check out your local CVS because these often go on sale for as high as 50% off! - NYX - $4.29
These get very high ratings and just like the HIP shadows, there's such a wonderful color selection. I have a hard time finding these in my area though.
Mascaras- L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black - $7.29
I admit it, I spend more money on mascaras than I do on tampons. I buy one ...well, I'm not going to say how often. But whenever I do, this is the one I always come back to. Keep in mind that L'oreal owns Lancome, so if you like Lancome mascaras, you will most likely like L'oreals' as well, along wit
h the cheaper price tag. - Maybelline Volume Express Waterproof - $5.99
I am not a fan of waterproof mascaras as I find most of the time they irritate my lids. But, from time to time, I am required to have something that will last long and not smudge. This is it. I also makes my lashes super long and makes them very curly.
Eyeliner
- Almay Intense i-Color Liner - $6.99
Not many beauty websites rave about these, but I just adore the intensity 
of the colors. I usually purchase their Amethyst shade, which is a very vivid color, and their Black Pearl shade is probably the darkest black liner I've ever used (and believe me, I've tried many)
Bronzer
- Physician's Formula - $10.99 - $14.99
These prices of these are considerable higher than any other drugstore brand, but their bronzing powders are considered amongst the best. I love several of them, particularly their multi-toned ones and the booster ones. - NYC Bronzer - $2.99
A way cheaper alternative to the above with gorgeous shades that never look muddy.
Blush- Milani - $6.50
Sometimes these are hard to find, but, these also go on sale quite frequently at CVS. These blushes are great quality and long-lasting.
Lipgloss
- L'oreal Color Juice - $8.49
Another product I've always had in my purse and have repurchased throughout the years! I love the shine these give, and the fruity scent.
Lipstick
- Revlon - $7.99
These lipsticks are a staple in the beauty industry. These are the cheaper alternative to NARS, Chanel and MAC lipsticks, which are often used backstage at fashion shows, etc. I know about Revlon lipsticks because these were the only ones my own mother would use. She would even use them as a cream blush, a trick that I've known for years! They come in several different formulas and finishes, not to mention an impressive array of shades that no one at the drugstore level can beat.
SKINCARE
Cleansers
- Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash - $5.50
I have been using this for years and years and it's a household staple. I've spent so much money on other cleansers, but this is the only one that removes all my makeup and keeps my skin clear. It contains 2% Salicylic Acid which is great to clean pores, and acts as an antibacterial as well as a skin exfoliant.
- Dove Beauty Bar - $2.99 for a 2-pack
Yup, good ol' plain soap. It works for me when my skin is dry and/or irritated and it's such a great bargain at about $1.00 per bar.
Cetaphil Cleanser for Normal/Oily skin - $7.00 for an 8 fl. oz. bottle
A no frills cleanser that gets the job done. I actually enjoy the fragrance of this one!
Exfoliators- St. Ives Apricot Scrub - $3.00
Who doesn't own this? I occasionally use the one with 2% Salicylic but be careful, over-exfoliating can be irritating to your skin if you are sensitive!
Moisturizers
- Olay Complete w/spf 15 - $7.99
I like the one for oily/combination skin and so does my son. - Cetaphil Lotion w/spf 15 - $8.99
Can be a little greasy but when my skin leans toward the dry side, this is a savior. Caution: DO NOT GET INTO YOUR EYES. It burns like a b&$#*
Body Moisturizer
- Palmer's Cocoa Butter - $5.99 for 13.5 fl. oz.
Household staple! Smells delicious, keeps my skin super soft and ...did I mention it smells delicious?
All purpose products
- Johnson & Johnson's Baby Oil - $4.00 for 20fl. oz.
This is one of the best things you could do for your skin! Use this while you are still damp from your shower and let it sink it. I promise you will have baby soft skin! I also use this as an eye makeup remover. I also like to get the smaller bottles to carry with me when I travel.
- Vaseline - $4.00 for 13 0z. jar
Come on now. Did you think I'd forget vaseline? It's not only good for when you are getting ready to whoop someone's ass, but it's great at soothing dry, irritated skin. It's also great for your lips too.
***Note: At the time I wrote this I hadn't realized that Dr. Oz would be bashing petroleum jelly on the lips. The reason why I don't know...all I know is that it's worked for my ancestors and me for years!
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND/OR QUESTIONS! ALSO LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVORITE DRUGSTORE ITEMS ARE! I'm always on the lookout for new stuff to try out!
So I'm putting this out there for those of you who happen to read my blog. What do you want me to write about? It could be anything ranging from education, to life, to training, dieting, make-up, etc. I do plan on writing something about what make-up to do and wear on stage, tips and tricks that I've learned and used on clients, what things to stay away from, etc. It should be interesting and worth reading. But in the meantime, let me know what would be something cool to write about! I'm game!
Gravity is a bitch. Yup, I said it. Chances are, if I didn't work out the way I did, my booty would be down to the back of my knees by now. I've been told by judges over and over to "bring my glutes down". That's the politically correct way of saying - "girl, your ass is big and you need to tone it down, firm it up or something!". Over the years that was one of my main concerns. I stressed about it a lot. But then when I did lose the booty, I would feel all depressed and like I wasn't myself
. I am happy with the way it is now. I can live with the fact that if I'm on a stage and stand next to a woman with no ass, mine will look 100x bigger. That's cool. I've accepted that. Thanks to JLo and the likes, booties have become fashionable again. I've had women at my gym commenting on my "perky big booty" and how can they can get one. I've heard other women in the industry wanting to have a booty like mine. I've even had random people asking me if they could touch it...ironically, all women! So ummm, yeah, I'm ok with my booty. But I'm thankful for all that I've learned to keep my glutes nice and tight and I'm happy to share that with you all! First of all, regardless of whether I am training for a competition or not, there are 3 things that have been crucial to maintaining nice and firm glutes: a good, clean diet, some type of lunge exercise, and squats. You can't have an ass without legs...you need to build those up too! Besides, how is the booty going to stay up and perky? Below are the particular exercises that I find extre
mely helpful and important and what my GLUTE training day looks like more or less: - Walking lunges - 3-4 x 15-20
- Smith Machine Squats (or use the squat rack) 3 x 8-10
- Front squats (I go down real low as if I were about to sit down) 3-4 x 15-20
- Leg presses 3 x 15 - 20
- Side Lunges 3 x 15
- Sumo Squats 1 x failure
Simple right? Yeah...umm, NO! I guarantee your booty will hurt for a bit, but it will be nice and tight in the long run. There are certain things we can't fight against when it comes to gravity, but I believe the booty ain't one of them. If you work at it, it will win!
I hope this was helpful! And don't forget to keep a clean diet and add a bit of cardio!
xoxo
SweetCapri
Right now I'm in the process of updating my website. I've added a section called SPOTLIGHT to share inspirational stories from people I've come across, seen or met. The first story I'm going to share is from this one lady who I've seen working out at the gym. Her before and after photos speak for themselves. I will be interviewing her, picking her brain and learning more about what motivated her to her magnificent journey to weight loss and hoping to share it all with you guys! Oh and for those who compete, I will be sharing some of my expert makeup tips! Stay tuned!
So it finally occurred to me that my life is so full of activities, people, places, etc. that I want to share with ya'll that I just had to make an account with one of these blog thingies. Besides, this is way easier than keeping up with the website and stuff. I can just write my random silly thoughts, post pictures of the day, etc. I hope ya'll are ready to keep up with my silly ass!!! I'll be sure to keep you entertained, or at least distracted for a few minutes.
In any case, I am trying to stay on top of things as I prepare to compete again, wrap up some things with graduate school, and these crazy job searches in New York City. I can't wait to move. It's been way over due. I will post how this job search turns out. It's been a PITA so far just so ya'll know.
