If you enjoy seeing new 2011 drugstore makeup products, then you've sure come to the right place today! I'm sorry to be loading you up with picture after picture lately, but I hope that most of you like seeing new goodies as much as I do!
My wonderful reader Lindsay just sent me some fantastic pics of the new Maybelline Fit Me line, which I told you about a while back (click here for all the details). This is basically the same concept as L'Oreal True Match, CoverGirl TruBlend, etc.
On a superficial level, what immediately sets Fit Me apart from the rest is the NARS-esque, sleek, modern packaging. Oh my! If the products themselves are as good as their packaging, I'm SOLD!
Also, the price points seem extremely affordable when compared to other new drugstore foundations, powders, etc.
Here are the details, according to Lindsay:
There are 12 total foundations. The whole line is divided into Light, Medium, and Dark. Light is the first two rows, Medium the middle two, and Dark the last two. In each of the three ranges there are 4 foundation options, 2 concealers, 4 pressed powders, 2 blushes, and 1 bronzer.
image credit: Lindsay for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Lindsay for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Lindsay for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Lindsay for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Lindsay for Nouveau Cheap
Lindsay, thank you so very much for the information and awesome pics!
Have you spotted Maybelline Fit Me yet in your area? Are you as drawn to the packaging as I am? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
My lovely Canadian reader Andrea has done it again! She spotted this display of the new CoverGirl Natureluxeproducts and sent me some pics, plus her take on the Gloss Balms, to share with you!
image credit: Andrea for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Andrea for Nouveau Cheap
There are actually more shades in the NatureLuxe Gloss Balm range than what you see in this display (15 total, per Andrea) and if you'd like more information about these, including ingredients, etc. just click here to see the lovely Amber's post.
Andrea actually purchased two shades of Gloss Balm, Grenacheand Sandstone, and she said they were a "bit more frosty when applied, than in the tube", but that "once the balm has set it really does moisturize" and made her "lips look more plump". She also said there is "a light scent and the pigmentation is sheer, but buildable".
Also in this display is the new CoverGirl Natureluxe Liquid Silk Foundation:
image credit: Andrea for Nouveau Cheap
It looks like cucumber might be a popular ingredient in drugstore foundation for 2011, since I just showed you the new Almay Wake Up foundation, which also contains cucumber.
According to Andrea, there are 13 shades in the range, and you can see more information about this foundation by checking out Amber's post here.
So, what do you think of these new offerings from CoverGirl? I will admit that I'm very excited to try their OTHER new lip colors, Lip Perfection Lipstick (click here to see Amber's review with swatches) and also the new Queen Collection lipsticks (click here to see Krissy's review with swatches). I'm loving these new lipstick cases, and the pretty pastel green packaging of the Natureluxe collection is absolutely appealing to me as well.
I already blogged about the new Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup (click here for the details), which first debuted in Canada and is now hitting the US. In case you're curious what the US display looks like, my lovely friend Carla sent me a pic recently:
image credit: Carla for Nouveau Cheap
Thanks so much for that, Carla!
And it seems that, just like dial-up mascara, what is old is new again! I went into detail about this in my other post, but the aqua powder revival is back and we've got another one coming our way:
image credit: Carla for Nouveau Cheap
New Almay Wake Up Powder Foundation with Minerals
Thanks for this great photo as well, Carla!
Now, to my eyes, the Revlon and Almay foundations look quite similar. Since I haven't spotted either display in my area yet, I can't give you my personal take on them, but I've got the next best thing for you! My lovely reader Andrea, who lives in Canada, recently spotted these displays in her area and provided me with her impressions, as well as some additional photos.
Here's what Andrea had to say:
Almay Wake Up is...a powder foundation with minerals and is suppose to be hydrating/cooling effect with cucumber. The display claims it provides flawless coverage.
It is almost identical in shade selection and packaging as the new Revlon Colorstay Aqua Mineral Makeup. Both displays were side-by-side except the Revlon display claims to use coconut water and provides long wearing mineral makeup.
I did purchase the Almay in 20 and the cooling effect/sensation is quite odd. It almost feels greasy upon initial application which quickly disappears. The finish is light, and leaves a "luminous" effect. i.e. It has a slight sheen to it. There are particles of shimmer, but very fine. It is not as distinct as Revlon Photoready (which I didn't find too bad.) also as a side note, the Revlon Aqua Mineral Makeup does have a fine shimmer as well. I used a tester on my hand and while I didn't notice it in the store it became apparent at a jewelery counter where the lighting was different.
Here are some pics of the Almay Wake Up foundation :
image credit: Andrea for Nouveau Cheap
And now I'd like to show you how they compare, side-by-side. Andrea actually purchased both foundations, and was kind enough to snap some pics of them together for us (thanks so much, Andrea!):
image credit: Andrea for Nouveau Cheap
Based on everything I've shown you in this post, let's do a little compare/contrast:
Packaging: nearly identical aside from lid color
Size: both products contain 0.35 oz of product
SPF: both are SPF13
Brush: Revlon brush looks fuller/more dense
Finish: according to Andrea, both contain fine shimmer/sheen
"Fancy" natural ingredient: coconut water for Revlon, cucumber for Almay
Of course I can't comment on application, performance or coverage since I don't own either one, but hopefully you found this helpful (especially if you're interested in aqua powders).
So what do you think? Are you interested in trying either one of these new foundations? Do you like aqua powders in general (or the idea of them)? I'd love to hear from you!
And thanks again to Andrea and Carla for all the great pics and info!
I want to thank everyone who voted in the poll at the bottom of this page. I've removed it and replaced it with a new poll (more on that later) but I'd like to go over the results and ask you for some feedback. Here's the final tally:
As you can see, the clear winner of this drugstore poll was Walgreens (136 votes), followed by CVS (115 votes), then Rite Aid (64 votes). There was a tie between those of you who shop at another store most frequently and those of you who shop them all equally (24 and 24). And then of course there were three of you who don't shop at drugstores at all (the three of you must get tired of me constantly talking about drugstores!).
What was the MOST shocking to me was the low number of you who shop at Rite Aid the most. I would love to understand this, because I feel that as far as beauty products are concerned, Rite Aid tends to have low prices, great sales (they still run true BOGOFREE sales!) and lots of member incentives that can benefit beauty lovers (+UP Rewards, monthly Video Values coupons which can be stacked with manufacturer's coupons, and Single Check Rebates). The also do seasonal programs like this one. Oh and let's not forget they also sell Prestige and Jane Cosmetics as well as some other harder-to-find brands that you can't get at certain CVS or Walgreens stores.
So with all these things they offer to beauty lovers, I'm trying to figure out why the number was so low. If you did NOT select Rite Aid in this poll, please answer the following question in the comments on this post:
I don't shop at Rite Aid often because...
The most important thing I learned from this poll is that so many of you shop at Walgreens the most. I will certainly try to accommodate that by bringing you more information about Walgreens sales if I can! And also, I'd LOVE to know why Walgreens is so popular with you, so if you selected Walgreens in this poll, please answer this question in the comments:
I shop at Walgreens the most because...
Thank you in advance for answering those two questions!
Now, on to the new poll! I'm starting a product-specific series here on Nouveau Cheap, so to kick it off, I'm starting with LIPSTICK. So please scroll down to bottom of the page and cast your vote. I'll report the results after the poll closes. Thanks!
A huge thank-you goes out to my wonderful pal Rachel (or "Rach" as I like to call her) for this one. Rach found some awesome new Sally Hansen displays recently and sent some pics my way. Check these out!
Have you ever seen nail treatments with BEADS in the formulas? I don't think I ever have, and I'm so curious as to how these will work!
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
New Sally Hansen Vita Surge Nail Care
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Sally Hansen VitaSurge Strength Gel
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Sally Hansen VitaSurge Growth Gel
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Sally Hansen VitaSurge Cuticle Gel
Next up, some new core collection Xtreme Wear shades!
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Once again, these are NEW SHADES, not limited edition shades. Which means they're not going anywhere. Yay!
And finally, I showed these new Insta-Dri polishes to you a little while ago, but Rach sent me some great close-ups so of course I wanted to share them with you!
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Just like the Xtreme Wears, these are NEW SHADES, not limited edition. So you don't have immediately go on the hunt for anything you see here--they will all eventually be part of the core collection displays. Yay!
Thanks again, Rach, for such awesome pics!
Have you seen these displays in your area yet? Have you purchased anything? I'd love to hear from you!
(note: this coupon is on pages 1 and 3, so I'm not sure if that means it's two separate coupons. IF it is, you could print it twice!)
This would be a GREAT time to try one of the new Color Sensational Reds and Pinks! I also want to mention that there is a $0.50 Maybelline coupon available on the Rite Aid Video Values site, which can be combined with the above coupon for additional savings.
$0.55 on Carmex Moisture Plus lip balm (this would be GREAT to use during Walgreens BOGOFREE sale that runs from 12/8 - 12/11!)
I also want to mention that several of the sites listed above have lots of Garnier (skincare and haircare) coupons up right now, which can be combined with the Garnier coupons that are on the Rite Aid Video Values site for even MORE savings. Great news if you're a Garnier fan!
[Update: I forgot to mention when I originally posted this review that there is a $2 Grow Luscious Video Values coupon available this month if you're a Rite Aid shopper! Click here to access it.]
When this mascara first debuted on drugstore shelves, I have to admit, I thought it was gimmicky and I didn't quite rush to give it a shot. But then when review after review started pouring in, and most of the wonderful bloggers who reviewed it said they loved it, I took notice.
So a few weeks ago, I was able to get this mascara practically for free (by combining a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon and waiting for it to go on sale). I think I paid about $1.50 for when all was said and done (full retail price is around $9), so now I'd like to give you my full review!
Lash enhancing formula complements the natural growth cycle of your lashes, improving their overall appearance and conditioning with each use
Get lashes that look instantly longer and lusher and will also grow stronger day after day
Oversized lash-extending brush
Ophthalmologist tested
When Revlon says this is an "oversized" brush, they REALLY mean it. I was actually very surprised by how HUGE this brush is. Take a look at it compared to what many would consider a "huge brush":
The fact that it's bigger than a LashBlast brush really says something, right? But after using it every day for almost two weeks now, I find that I've completely adjusted to it. At first it took some time to get used to, but now I find it very workable.
Before I get into specifics, let's take a look at some before-and-afters!
This first pic was taken after applying my concealer, powder foundation and eyebrow pencil. My lashes are bare:
Next, here are my lashes after one coat of Grow Luscious:
Now, here they are after two coats:
Two coats, from a different angle:
Folks, I am LOVING this mascara. Some of my readers have expressed to me that they don't generally care for Revlon mascaras. But honestly, I have found that many of their formulas work well on my sparse, thin lashes. And Grow Luscious is definitely no exception. I think that, for my specific needs, this mascara is the best that Revlon currently has to offer.
Grow Luscious gives my lashes fantastic definition, and unlike many, many mascaras that give great definition and separation, this one truly lengthens AND volumizes my lashes. I find that usually my mascaras hit one or two of those points, but rarely all four. Grow Luscious manages to separate, define, lengthen and volumize for me.
And if you're a lower-lash mascara-wearer, you might just fall in love with this tapered brush. I find it IDEAL for applying mascara on my lower lashes. But I want to make it perfectly clear that I use a technique that others might not. If you apply mascara to your lower lashes in the same way you do your upper lashes (by holding the brush in a horizontal position) this brush might be too bulky for you. BUT, if you apply your mascara to your lower lashes like I do (by holding the brush vertically and using a straight-back-and-forth windshield-wiper motion) then you might LOVE this brush. I find that the narrow, tapered end is IDEAL for applying mascara to my lower lashes and I love it to pieces for this. I mean, look at the last set of pics above--do you see how perfectly defined my lower lashes are? It's crazy, I tell you!
In terms of staying power and flaking, this mascara gets raves from me. Granted, it's been COLD here in San Diego this past month, so my normally oily skin hasn't been as oily. I can't speak for how this mascara will hold up in our hot summers, but so far I have not had any issues with smearing, running, or flaking. Also, when this mascara dries on the lashes, I find that my lashes don't feel dry, brittle or too stiff. They're still a bit pliable, but not so pliable that they lose their form.
Removal has also been a breeze, as this mascara removes easily with my regular facial cleanser. Granted, this is a washable mascara, and I don't believe they make it in a waterproof version (yet).
As for the "grow" part, I can't really speak to that since I've only been using it for a couple of weeks. But if I notice a crazy growth spurt or anything like that, I'll be sure to update you. But heck, I don't really care if this mascara actually helps my lashes grow--I just love the immediate results so much that I'd continue to wear it for those qualities alone.
I hope this review helps some of you who may be considering a purchase. I really can't find any faults with this one--except for maybe the size of the brush (if you're not a big brush gal).
Do you already own Grow Luscious? If so, what do you think of it? I'd love to hear from you either way!
Finesse is one of those drugstore haircare brands that's been around forever and has always kept a very loyal following. I remember using Finesse when I was a kid, when the commercials looked like this:
"Sometimes you need a little Finesse, sometimes you need a lot!"
Please tell me I'm not the only one who remembers that song! Anyway, I've been using Finesse off and on since the 80s and, to be honest with you, their products have always given me great results. In my opinion, Finesse is probably one of the most underrated drugstore haircare lines out there these days, and I think it says something about the products that they've managed to stay on store shelves all these decades.
I was extremely excited to be given the opportunity to try some brand newFinesse products recently, and I'd like to give you my take on them. Could they possibly live up to their core line of products? Read on to see!
Finesse ReVitality Volume & Correct Shampoo and Conditioner
(retail: around $4, 10 oz)
Right off the bat, I noticed that the bottle design is dramatically different than the traditional Finesse products. These bottles have a unique shape to them, with an interesting little flip-top lid. You actually have to press the little square button on the front of the bottle in order for the lid to release. I'm a sucker for interesting packaging so I have to admit I got a kick out of this.
But let's move on to the important stuff. What does this new line promise?
Since I could really use some plumping, repairing and restoring, I was very excited to give these products a whirl. For the record, I have fine hair but lots of it. My roots are oily while my ends are very dry. My hair is also color-treated, the texture is wavy and the length is a little past my shoulders (I recently chopped four inches off my hair! Well, I didn't chop it of course, but anyway...).
So I put Finesse ReVitality Volume & Correct to the test for two weeks straight.
The first time I used these products, the thing I immediately noticed was that they do not have the signature Finesse fragrance that I love so much. But actually, even though I love that signature scent, I really love the fragrance of both this shampoo and conditioner. To my nose, the shampoo has a delicious milky-peach fragrance to it, while the conditioner has almost a peach candy type scent to it.
Since both of these products promise volume, I was a bit scared that they'd dry out my hair. If you've used volumizing shampoos and conditioners in the past, then you know they generally have a tendency to dry out the hair because moisture often equals heaviness. Since the goal of a volumizing product is to pump it full of volume, it's hard to simultaneously give it moisture since moisture will ultimately tame, or maybe even flatten, the hair.
I am very pleased to report that these products actually lived up to their claims for me.The shampoo provided great lather and rinsed easily, leaving behind a protective (but not heavy) coating. The conditioner actually conditioned my hair (I can't tell you how many times I've used volumizing conditioners that have left my hair tangled and feeling like hay). This conditioner detangles my hair quite easily and leaves it smooth and silky.
My only complaint about these products after using them for two weeks is this: usually when I air-dry my hair, I scrunch it a few times and let my natural curls dry on their own. I've noticed that when I use these products, my curls don't have their usual springiness. They're not super flat and lifeless, but they just don't have their regular bounce.
BUT, if I'm blow-drying my hair for a straighter look, I find that THIS is when Finesse ReVitality really shines. This is one of the only shampoo and conditioner duos that actually enables me to flip my head upside-down, blow dry it and flip my head right-side-up with FANTASTIC results. Usually when I use this method, I'm scared when I flip my head back up. My hair usually looks frizzy and I need to bust out the paddle brush and start straightening it with my hair dryer.
But when I use Finesse ReVitality Volume & Correct Shampoo and Conditioner, I find that I'm able to quickly blow my hair dry and it's soft, bouncy and full of life with little-to-no additional styling needed! This makes these products worth their weight in gold for me.
If you have hair that's similar to mine or you have similar requirements for your shampoos and conditioners, I say give these products a shot. For volumizing products, I find they are far more moisturizing than others I have tried, and if you've got wavy or curly hair that you regularly straighten, I think you might be very pleased with the results.
Are you a Finesse fan? Have you tried any of their new products yet? I'd love to hear from you!
A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.
I've seen a lot of adjustable mascaras in my time. The first one I can remember is the legendary Maybelline Dial-A-Lash, which released in 1981:
Dial-A-Lash was so popular that I actually know people who are still quite upset that it was discontinued.
But now it seems that everything old is new again. And with that, we have the new Almay One Coat Dial Up Mascara, and now this one, by Revlon.
But warning: this one has a unique twist!
image credit: Carla for Nouveau Cheap
Revlon CustomEyes Mascara
(My awesome reader Carla spotted this display at her local Bed Bath and Beyond and was kind enough to send a pic my way. Thanks so much, Carla!)
Unlike the classic Dial-A-Lash and the new AlmayOne Coat Dial Up, Revlon CustomEyes Mascara has an adjustable BRUSH. The other two mascaras I mentioned have an adjustable formula, meaning you can control how much product is distributed onto your brush. But with RevlonCustomEyes, you can adjust the bristles on the BRUSH.
Looking at the display, you can see that there are two settings for the brush. You can click once for "length and drama" or click twice for "length and definition", resulting in "two lash looks with one adjustable brush".
I've gotta admit: I'm intrigued. I can't recall ever seeing another drugstore mascara with an adjustable brush before, so I think this one will definitely be worth a try when it goes on sale (which you know it will, eventually!). When I pick it up, you know I'll review it for you!
What do you think? Are you intrigued by the idea of an adjustable mascara brush? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
There are a TON of new foundations being unleashed into the drugstores this month, so this is just one of several that I'm going to be featuring in the next few days. I spotted this display at a local CVS and the minute I saw it, I thought, "Here we go!" It appears that "true match" foundations are back in a big way for 2011 (we've already got L'OrealTrue Match, CoverGirlTruBlend, etc.) and I mentioned back in September that Maybelline's about to launch a line called "Fit Me" which is also based on the "true match" concept.
So here's Rimmel's version, the new Match Perfection Foundation SPF15:
New Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation SPF15
(retail: $8.99 at CVS)
I didn't catch how many ounces are in this bottle, but it looks pretty standard to me. I like the bottle shape a lot--in person it's long and thin and wouldn't take up much room on a vanity. It reminds me of the MAC Select SPF15 foundation bottle, but taller and, obviously, with a different cap. But both bottles have that slightly tapered look to them (as opposed to Revlon ColorStay, for example, which goes straight up and down with no tapering).
According to the display, this foundation promises "Truer, Fresher Colour" which apparently can be attributed to blue sapphire, "Smart-Tone" and oxygen.
The eight shades in this display are, from left to right:
Have you seen this new Rimmel foundation in your area yet? Have you tried it or do you think it's something you might consider? I'd love to hear from you!
To make our lives a little easier, I've added a new label to this blog: New 2011 Drugstore Products. This label will include every single post I've written about new 2011 products hitting the drugstores, so if you want to look for something quickly (for example, the new 2011 L'Oreal products coming our way), or simply scroll through everything new that's coming our way next year, you now have a much easier way to do it.
You can access this label in four ways:
1) via the new feature at the top left corner of my left-hand sidebar
2) via my traditional list of labels at the bottom of the left-hand sidebar
3) you can look for this label at the bottom of any "new product" post, including THIS VERY POST
4) right here
Since the new Revlon Top Speeds are going to be $5.99 with $5 Register Rewards ($0.99 polish!) starting THIS Sunday at Walgreens, it's the perfect time to show you some pics that the lovely Rachel sent my way of what the corner display of Top Speeds looks like at Walgreens. Oh! And before I forget, also at Wags next week, the new CarmexMoisture Plus Tinted Lip Balms are going to be BOGOFREE 12/8 - 12/11 (click here if you'd like to see my review of both shades).
That means that you could buy your Top Speed for $5.99 and then, in a second transaction, use your $5 in Register Rewards to pick up two of the Carmex Tinted Lip Balms ($2.99 each but remember they're BOGOFREE 12/8 - 12/11) and still have about two bucks left in Register Rewards for, say, a free Wet n Wild product!In total, you would spend $5.99 out of pocket for about $14 worth of products!
Remember: if you don't see the new Top Speeds in the regular Revlon display, look for this corner display at the beauty counter:
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Front of display
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Left side of display
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Right side of display
Rachel also spotted the new EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone brush kit, and she said that the bag is the same size as the Alicia Silverstone kit found at Walmart, but the BRUSHES are different!
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
image credit: Rachel for Nouveau Cheap
Thanks again, Rachel! These pics are so helpful!
Do you plan to take advantage of the Top Speed deal at Wags next week and/or check out these brushes?
I couldn't resist! After loving my bottle of Revlon Perplex so much (I probably don't need to tell you that this is the Chanel Paradoxal dupe at this point) I decided that I wanted to try a patchwork manicure with it. I owe my current patchwork obsession all to the lovely Chloe. She has no idea what she stirred up in me! I will never look at scotch tape the same way, I tell ya.
So I wanted to use three polishes that were all in the purple/lavender family. I found a color in my stash that is almost the exact same shade as the shimmer in Perplex (Maybelline Goody Plum Drop), so here's what I used:
Also used: scotch tape (of course) and Seche Vite top coat in between each layer
See how the shimmer in Revlon Perplex matches the color
of Maybelline Goody Gum Drop? I love that!
Revlon Perplex
Sally HansenMystic Lilac
Maybelline Goody Plum Drop
I'm really happy with the way this worked out. My bottle of Seche Vite is thickening up on me so the final layer of top coat got really goopy and bubbly in places, but other than that, I think I'm improving on this technique every time I do it.
Have you tried a patchwork mani yet? Do you own Revlon Perplex yet?
