See Our Favorite Drugstore Makeup & Vote!

When beauty editors and makeup mavens choose a drugstore product over its expensive counterpart, you know it's got to be good! From lipsticks to mascaras, we can't live without these beauty bargains. Vote for your top picks and comment below for a chance to win $500!

By iVillage; Compiled by Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester - July 10, 2013 Flower Beauty

What it is: One of the star products in Drew Barrymore’s Flower cosmetics line, this lipstick is as highly pigmented and sumptuously textured as tubes four times the price.

Why we love it: “This collection has officially blurred the distinction between drugstore and fine cosmetics. My top pick is the ultra-creamy lipstick, which has made me a red lip convert.” —Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester, beauty and style channel editor, iVillage

To buy: Flower Beauty Kiss Stick High-Shine Lip Color, $6.98 at walmart.com

CoverGirl

What it is: A unique double-sided brush takes lashes through a two-step process in a single sweep. First comes the “lash loading” section that saturates lashes with mascara. Next, fine-tooth bristles evenly distribute the product and comb out clumps.

Why we love it: "In my opinion, the development of CoverGirl Clump Crusher was a game changer in the past year. I can finally get defined, come-hither lashes without spidery, sticky clumps, at a price that lets me keep one in every bag." —Kristin Booker, blogger, Fashion. Style. Beauty.

To buy: CoverGirl Clump Crusher by LashBlast Mascara, $5.69 at walgreens.com

Physicians Formula

What it is: This light-as-air (and light-hearted!) bronzer creates a luminous glow. Coupled with natural plant extracts that purportedly mimic endorphins and a dreamy violet scent, it’s happiness you can brush on.

Why we love it: “I’m a big bronzer fan—I never use blush—so I’m on always on the hunt for a good one. Since I have sensitive skin I’m pretty picky. This one gives me the subtle, sun-kissed look I’m always after, and it doesn't irritate my skin. While, I can't say that it actually makes me feel happier, I really like how it looks on me!" —Heather Graham, deputy health editor, iVillage

To buy: Physicians Formula Happy Booster Baked In Happiness Bronzer, $12.79 at target.com

L'Oreal Paris

What it is: To simplify the challenge of applying liquid liner, this one boasts a super-fine 0.4 mm felt tip (the thinner the applicator, the easier it is to draw an even line) and a continuous liquid flow (so you don’t need to stop when you’re halfway down your lid).

Why we love it: “I’ve been using liquid liner for fifteen years, and this is my current fave. It doesn’t ‘skip,’ and it dries fast so I don’t smear it while I’m putting it on.” —Katie Alberts, contributor, iVillage

To buy: L’Oreal Paris The Super Slim Liner by Infallible, $8.99 at ulta.com

NYX Cosmetics

What it is: This palette includes six carefully selected, highly pigmented nude shadows, from the perfect shell pink to a deep chocolate brown.

Why we love it: “NYX is my new favorite discovery. The colors are really natural and they last all day long without having to reapply.” —Ashlee K. iVillage reader

To buy: NYX The Natural Eye Shadow Palette, $7 at nyxcosmetics.com

Revlon

What it is: If you’ve been annoyed by flaky foundations in the past, add this mousse-like wonder to your shopping list. The time-release formula maintains a silky, softly matte finish throughout the day.

Why we love it: “As my skin's gotten drier in recent years, I've made the switch from liquid foundation to creamy formulations. This is the first one I've found that isn't oily, flaky or drying. It feels soft and pillowy to the touch." —Katie Alberts, contributor, iVillage 

To buy: Revlon ColorStay Whipped Crème Makeup, $12.59 at drugstore.com

Neutrogena

What it is: Light enough to wear over makeup, this powder, which is formulated with rice proteins, acts like a sponge to absorb extra oil and mattify skin.

Why we love it: “It's super light, never cakey, and fights shine on my T-zone where I tend to get oily skin. It layers perfectly over my tinted moisturizer and sets my makeup for all-day wear. I'm never burdened with touch-ups or a shiny nose!” —Ashley Fodor, contributing writer, iVillage

To buy: Neutrogena Shine Control Powder, $11.99 at neutrogena.com 

olay

What it is: This do-it-all potion combines serum, moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF, primer, pigment corrector, luminizer and blemish-blurring foundation in one silky potion. Phew!

Why we love it: "I hate foundation. It always feels too heavy and greasy, which is why I've been on a quest to find a holy-grail CC cream. This one offers enough coverage to hide my blemishes and dark spots, but still feels light and barely-there. Best of all, because it has skincare built right in, it trims down my morning routine." —Amanda Hawkins, associate lifestyle editor, iVillage

To buy: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Tone Correcting CC Cream Moisturizer, $17.59 at drugstore.com

Sally Hansen

What it is: This polish has all the components of a 10-day salon manicure—base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color polish, top coat and gel finish—in one bottle.

Why we love it: “The formula glides on like butter and dries to a very high shine because of the built-in topcoat! ‘All Fired Up’ is a gorgeous shade of red with just a slight hint of orange, which puts a little twist on the classic red manicure." —Sarah Waite, blogger, Chalkboard Nails 

To buy: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in 'All Fired Up', $6.59 at target.com

Maybelline

What it is: This concealer deposits a concentrated dose of spot-fading vitamin C that targets acne scars, sun spots and other imperfections while it camouflages.

Why we love it: “I would use this concealer for the finish alone—the fuzzy applicator stipples it on for a soft-focus look. But the fact that it actually fades the spots it covers? Genius.” —Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester, beauty and style channel editor, iVillage

To buy: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Spot Concealer + Treatment, $9.99 at cvs.com 

var jq172 = jQuery.noConflict();Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

See Our Favorite Hair Care Products & Vote!

How to make every day a great hair day? Use affordable products that truly deliver, like these ten chosen by iVillage editors, community members and our favorite bloggers. Vote for your top picks and comment below for a chance to win $500!

By iVillage; Compiled by Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester - July 12, 2013 dove

What it is: This smoothing duo targets the most damaged areas of your hair, depositing amino acid nourishment exactly where you need it.

Why we love it: "Honestly, I don't think anything exists that works as well. It keeps my hair in awesome condition without looking weighed down. And it smells so good. Love it!" —Charlotte L., iVillage reader

To buy: Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, $4.79 each at cvs.com

hot tools

What it is: Thanks to patented technology that senses heat loss and restores it right away, this curling iron stays hot through a whole head of curls.

Why we love it: "When I recently splurged on a blow-out at an expensive salon, the stylist gave me the most amazing curls. I assumed she was using some only-available-in-Europe $200 curling iron, but it turned out to be one from Hot Tools. She said it was her favorite, and now it’s mine.” —Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester, beauty and style channel editor, iVillage

To buy: Hot Tools Rainbow Gold Curling Iron, $44.99 at ulta.com

pantene

What it is: Created in tandem with anti-aging experts, this serum dramatically thickens hair fibers and prevents damage—a must-try for anyone with thinning or over-processed hair.

Why we love it: “My hair is chemically treated, so sometimes the volume right after treatment isn't necessarily there. This serum helps give back lush thickness in one shot. Obsessed.” —Kristin Booker, blogger, Fashion. Style. Beauty. 

To buy: Pantene Expert Collection Pro-V AgeDefy Advanced Thickening Treatment, $18.35 at soap.com

goody

What it is: This set of flower-embellished spiral pins secures and glamorizes virtually any type of bun. To use, gather hair at the nape of your neck, twist into a bun and tuck in ends. Spin one pin in from the top of the bun and the other from the bottom and voila: a gorgeous dressy ‘do.

Why we love it: "I'm obsessed with Goody's Spin Pin for creating amazing up-dos with zero chance of collapse. The concept is that the corkscrew design mimics the effectiveness of dozens of bobby pins, so you can secure messy or neat buns in a flash. My big, curly hair tends to have a mind of its own, but this product quite literally keeps it in its place with little effort." —Alice Dubin, contributing writer, iVillage

To buy: Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin Luxe $4.88 at Walmart stores; for locations see walmart.com

loreal paris 

What it is: By sealing off each strand, this powerhouse serum creates an invisible barrier against humidity that lasts until your next shampoo.

Why we love it: “It goes on smoothly, but not greasy, keeps frizz at bay and smells like my favorite Extra watermelon gum!” —Alexis Wolfer, blogger, The Beauty Bean

To buy: L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum, $6.99 at cvs.com

suave

What it is: Just as silky, lightweight and nourishing as spendier versions, this argan-based hair oil smoothes and revives in an instant, and smells equally impressive.

Why we love it: “This rivals the 25 bucks-a-bottle serum I used to splurge on. The more I use it, the more it nourishes my hair while masterfully hiding current damage.” —Ashley Fodor, contributing writer, iVillage

To buy: Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Moroccan Argan Styling Oil, $6.99 at walgreens.com

devacurl

What it is: Designed just for curly hair, this botanically infused conditioning spray cleanses, refreshes and frizz-proofs without water. Shampooing less means healthier, more moisturized hair. Just apply to roots and rake through hair.

Why we love it: "Devacurl totally changed my life. I finally love my curls!" —Belinda K, iVillage reader

To buy: DevaCurl No-Poo Quick Cleanser, $19.95 at devachansalon.com

john frieda

What it is: Designed to replicate an in-salon conditioning treatment, this omega-3-based formula improves the look and feel of damaged hair with just one use.

Why we love it: “The five minutes spent letting this deep conditioner soak in are well worth it. It’s a godsend for thirsty, damaged hair, leaving my processed blonde feeling silky without weighing it down.” —Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester, beauty and style channel editor, iVillage

To buy: John Frieda Full Repair Hydrate + Rescue Deep Conditioner, $8.99 at target.com

loreal paris

What it is: The gold-standard hairspray now comes in an unscented version, so you can spray, layer, style and brush to your heart's content—without worrying the fragrance will compete with your perfume.

Why we love it: “I love that it keeps my hair in place without turning it into a helmet!” —Stephanie Dulli, iVoice on iVillage

To buy: L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Unscented, $14.99 at drugstore.com

babyliss

What it is: This gentle-but-powerful iron distributes heat evenly throughout hair and lets you select temps up to 450-degrees. Plus, the longer-than-usual plates straighten wider sections, so you’re done in less time.

Why we love it: “Get thee to Target and get your hands on this iron. If you're going to heat-style your hair, use the best ceramic iron you can afford and don't look back.” —Kristin Booker, blogger, Fashion. Style. Beauty.

To buy: BaByLiss PRO Porcelain Ceramic 2-in. Straightening Iron, $49.99 at target.com

var jq172 = jQuery.noConflict();Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

See Our Favorite Jeans & Vote!

The best jeans for your shape, budget and style--battle-tested by iVillage editors, community members and our favorite bloggers. Vote for your top picks and comment below for a chance to win $500!

By iVillage; Compiled by Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester - July 10, 2013 levi's

What they are: These gently flared, mid-rise jeans from Levi’s lower-priced line are a godsend for pear shapes; a slight flare balances your proportions and visually slims hips and thighs.

Why we love them: “They stretch so they are very comfy and also flare a little at bottom, which makes me feel sexy!” —janejoeyxo, iVillage reader

To buy: dENiZEN from Levi's Essential Stretch ‘Modern Boot Cut’ Jean, $27.99 at target.com

7 for all mankind

What they are: You'll look taller when you slip on these wide-leg trouser jeans, which add the illusion of extra inches.

Why we love them: “They make my legs look slim and long, plus the low waist is perfect for me.” —denimorse, iVillage reader

To buy: 7 For All Mankind ‘Dojo’ Original Trouser Jean, $169 at 7forallmankind.com

jag jeans

What they are: From the waist down, these look like your everyday chic, expensive jeans. Look closer and you’ll see that the waistband is extra-wide, stretchy and flat—no zippers, buttons (or tummy rolls) in sight!

Why we love them: “They are so flattering and comfortable around my mom-of-four belly. No tight zippers and buttons = no muffin top (well, virtually no muffin top, ha!)” —Christine Candelaria, iVoice on iVillage 

To buy: JAG Jeans ‘Malia’ Pull-On Jean, $64 at jagjeans.com

nydj

What they are: NYDJ has built its entire brand around slimming jeans with hidden support panels, and there’s still no smarter pick for looking smaller, tighter and sleeker.

Why we love them: “I am a plus-size girl and shopping for a good pair of jeans has always been hard. NYDJ has an array of styles and colors that fit perfectly for everyday wear and nighttime. Most are high waisted and give you some extra room by your calves. I feel comfortable, but still sexy at the same time.” —Toni, iVillage reader

To buy: NYDJ 'Hayden' Bootcut Jean, $120 at bloomingdales.com

gap

What they are: Just like finding the right boyfriend, it’s tricky to find the perfect boyfriend jeans. Gap’s ‘Sexy Boyfriend’ cut is any girl’s ideal match: not too sloppy or too clingy.

Why we love them: “Gotta say that no matter how many jeans I try, I just can’t find any that rival the '1969' cut. They’re boyfriend jeans designed to fit real women with curves.” —Ingrid Schmidt, fashion contributor, iVillage

To buy: Gap '1969 Destroyed Sexy Boyfriend’ Jean, $74.95 at gap.com

loft

What they are: Sized just for petites with a 27-inch inseam and choice of 10 waist sizes, these slim-but-not-suffocating skinnies are a real find. Another bonus: sophisticated color choices like dark denim, sky blue and peach.

Why we love them: “I’m 5’4” and I love the way these jeans fit me. They’ve got just enough stretch to be super comfortable, they’re not crazy expensive, and I love the fact that they have such a wide variety of fits, including petites! I practically live in them.” —Erika Janes, senior editor, iVillage

To buy: Loft Petite 'Modern Skinny' Ankle Jeans in Rinse Wash, $69.50 at loft.com

kohls

What they are: Denim brand Rock & Republic’s jeans used to top out at $350 a pair—but their affordable collection for Kohl’s is unquestionably much more affordable and equally stylish.

Why we love them: “These jeans look, feel and wear (they don’t stretch out!) like premium denim. Each season they have great new colors and patterns that are on-trend, but still wearable.” —Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester, beauty and style channel editor, iVillage

To buy: Rock and Republic 'Berlin' Jeans in Oxblood, $88 at kohls.com

uniqlo

What they are: Cut with a longer-than-average 33-inch leg, these super-comfy jeans flatter and slim women 5’8” and taller. They’re known to sell out in Uniqlo stores, but luckily you can order them online, too.

Why we love them: “Once you’ve gone Uniqlo you’ll never go back to expensive denim. I've truly never fit into a pair of jeans as well as I do these. They're always long enough, fit me like a glove—and ring up under $40.” —Amanda Hawkins, associate lifestyle editor, iVillage

To buy: Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Jean, $39.90 at uniqlo.com

j brand 

What they are: Perfectly sized and placed back pockets—plus a lack of busy posterior details—mean you look killer as they watch you walk away.

Why we love them: “These days I only really wear J Brand jeans, not only do they look amazing on and do wonders for your bottom, they are super comfortable so you can sit in them all day.” —Geneva Vanderzeil, blogger, A Pair & A Spare 

To buy: J Brand ‘811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg’ Jean, $169 at jbrandjeans.com

old navy

What they are: Sometimes you feel like a full panel, sometimes you don't. You can have it both ways with this style, which can be worn over the belly or folded under the bump to work for the whole nine months of pregnancy.

Why we love them: “Yes, Old Navy maternity jeans are much less expensive than super-pricey designer maternity jeans. They’re also 100 times more comfortable. I lived in them during both my pregnancies and—let’s be honest—for a few months afterward as well.” —Lisa Moran, parenting and pregnancy channel editor, iVillage 

To buy: Old Navy ‘Smooth-Panel’ Jean, $34.50 at oldnavy.gap.com

var jq172 = jQuery.noConflict();Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

See Our Favorite Skincare Products & Vote!

From a miracle day cream to our favorite acne fighter, we're sharing the products that made a difference in our skin. Vote for your top picks and comment below for a chance to win $500!

By iVillage; Compiled by Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester - July 5, 2013 simple

What it is: A combination of nourishing moisturizers and protective antioxidants (plus UVA/UVB sunscreens) make this oil-free formula perfect for daily wear.

Why we love it: “My skin is a hot mess in those pesky transitional months. Winter means dry patches everywhere and spring means oil slicks that would put the Exxon Valdez to shame. This moisturizer makes those flaky dry patches disappear. Even better, my face doesn’t look like a greasy disaster at the end of the day.” —Deb, iVillage reader

To buy: Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15, $12.09 at drugstore.com 

jergens

What it is: Long known as a favorite for gradually building even color in a few days, this moisturizing sunless tanner was recently revamped with revolutionary technology that makes it entirely odor free.

Why we love it: "Overwhelmingly my high school year book says one thing in the signatures: get a tan. But some of us just can't tan! I love this gradual tanner. It goes on easily, doesn't streak and doesn't smell horrible. This is the best of the best, and I have tried them all.” —Stephanie Dulli, iVoice on iVillage

To buy: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, $8.69 at target.com

neutrogena

What it is: Neutrogena is synonymous with sun care innovation, and this is the brand’s most powerful product yet: oil-free, transparent, broad-spectrum SPF 70 in an instantly absorbing spray.

Why we love it: “Eight days on a beach in Mexico and my skin was totally protected, thanks to this incredible sunscreen spray. It’s not greasy, dries instantly and lives up to its high SPF number.” —Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester, beauty and style channel editor, iVillage

To buy: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 70, $10.99 at walgreens.com

yes to carrots

What it is: In this remarkably gentle cream, licorice root, lycopene, fruit acids and Vitamin C help fade dark circles and age spots around your eyes.

Why we love it: “This drugstore pick feels as silky and hydrating as those tiny tubs of $100 cream from the derm! And I love the smell.” —Dina El Nabli, health and lifestyle director, iVillage

To buy: Yes to Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream, $15.99 at target.com

dial

What it is: Pink salt harvested in the Himalayas contains more than 84 minerals and elements, and it’s the secret ingredient in Dial’s incredibly nourishing, but clean-rinsing, new body wash. The innovative formula smells great, too, thanks to a delicate water lily scent.

Why we love it: “This is the most skin-softening, transformative body wash experience I've had in a really long time. For those who aren't into heavy perfumes but who have dry skin, it delivers a clean shower experience with long-lasting hydration.” —Kristin Booker, blogger, Fashion. Style. Beauty.

To buy: Dial Skin Therapy Replenishing Body Wash with Himalayan Pink Salt and Water Lily, $3.79 at target.com

biore

What it is: This oil-free scrub lifts away impurities and targets problem skin with salicylic acid—the top ingredient for treating current blemishes and preventing new ones.

Why we love it: “Like little soldiers for my skin, I can feel the microbeads in this scrub (complete with just enough salicylic acid to fight acne without overdrying) continuing to work after I wash.” —Kristin Granero, contributing writer, iVillage

To buy: Biore Acne Clearing Scrub, $7.99 at ulta.com 

olay

What it is: Clinical studies have placed niacinamide (Vitamin B3) at the top of the anti-aging pantheon, and it’s the kickstarting ingredient in Olay’s new treatment targeting spots and sun damage.

Why we love it: “Reversing sun damage outside of the derm’s office is a tall order, but this concentrated spot-fighter really works—no prescription necessary.” —Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester, beauty and style channel editor, iVillage

To buy: Olay Pro-X Spot Fading Treatment, $26.73 at amazon.com

vaseline

What it is: A 360-degree continuous spray means it takes seconds to moisturize your entire body. Just mist on and smooth with hands.

Why we love it: “A quick mist of this genius stuff and I'm moisturized top to bottom. Best of all, it dries instantly, so I don't have to stand around waiting to get dressed in the morning.” —Amanda Hawkins, associate lifestyle editor, iVillage

To buy: Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer, $5.94 at target.com 

maybelline

What it is: Shake the bottle to emulsify this unique water-based gel remover, then use a cotton ball to sweep away all traces of liner, shadow and mascara.

Why we love it: “Some eye makeup removers are so greasy, you feel like you need another remover to get rid of the residue. This one is soothing and hydrating without an overly oily film, and you don’t need to rub to get everything off.” —Katie Alberts, contributing writer, iVillage

To buy: Maybelline Clean Express! Classic Eye Makeup Remover, $4.79 at drugstore.com

elizabeth arden

What it is: A cleanser-scrub hybrid that uses soft microbeads to polish skin without upsetting its delicate oil balance.

Why we love it: “Exfoliation is easy to get wrong. Too much and you strip away moisture, too little and there’s no point. This one has just the right balance, leaving my dry skin polished but not parched.” —Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester, beauty and style channel editor, iVillage

To buy: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser, $20 at elizabetharden.com

var jq172 = jQuery.noConflict();Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here