The Broke Girl's Guide To Fall Beauty products (part 2}

Highlighter
"There's a reason there was a black-market eBay business around this luminizer — it's good. [I'm] so glad Revlon recently brought it back from DQ land, because I was getting desperate enough that I was actually considering dropping $100+ on a bottle." — Megan McIntyre

Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights, $13.99, available at Ulta.

Finishing Powder
“I love this product. It’s a simple powder that’s lightweight and works great to keep you shine-free throughout the day.” — Kirin Bhatty

CoverGirl Queen Collection Lasting Matte Pressed Powder, $8.78, available at Walgreens.

 

Lip Gloss
“I think buying a ton of colors, for diversity, is important with a good gloss! These are tons of fun, and they get the job done. Plus, you can’t beat the price.” — Kirin Bhatty

e.l.f. Cosmetics Essential EX-tra Lip Gloss, $2, available at e.l.f. Cosmetics.

Lipstick
“These are like the unsung heroes of lip colors. They’re vibrant, super creamy, and hydrating all at once. Love!" — Kirin Bhatty

Topshop Lips in Charmed, $12, available at Topshop.

 

Eyeshadow
"Opaque and intense, I use this gel eyeshadow to create both graphic shapes and smoky eyes. Baalbek, Snake Eyes, and Solomon Islands are my favorite shades!” — Robin Black

NARS Eye Paint, $25, available at NARS.

 

Liquid Eyeliner
“If it’s good enough for Alexa Chung, cat-eye queen, it’s good enough for me.” — Megan McIntyre

Eyeko Alexa Chung Lash Enhancing Eye Do Eyeliner, $19, available at Sephora.

Kohl Eyeliner
"The look of a kohl pencil in a long-lasting formula. Plus, it’s full of organic ingredients. Sold.” — Robin Black

Jillian Dempsey Khôl Eyeliner, $20, available at Jillian Dempsey.

Mascara
“It’s the blackest formula on the market. Plus, it somehow manages to deposit just the right amount of product every time.” — Beau Nelson, celebrity makeup artist

L'Oréal Voluminous Mascara, $8.49, available at Drugstore.com.

Brow Gel
"The name of this little genius does not lie — it gives good brow. Thanks to tiny microfibers in the formula, [you] brush it on and it immediately fattens up and fills in your arches.” — Megan McIntyre

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow, $22, available at Sephora.

 

Face Brush
"True story: I had an event to rush to on my first week of working at Refinery, and I had no brushes with me and needed to touch up my concealer in a bad way. When Megan handed me this, I was dubious — I have a collection of NARS, Kevyn Aucoin, and Make Up For Ever brushes at home that are some of my most prized possessions. But, once I started blending my By Terry liquid concealer underneath my eyes and down my T-zone, I was amazed at how effortlessly and evenly this guy worked. Drew Barrymore, you nailed it yet again." — Phillip Picardi

Flower Ultimate Liquid Foundation Makeup Brush, $10.98, available at Wal-Mart.

Eye-Makeup Brushes "Sonia’s a makeup artist who is constantly on the go, so it’s no wonder her makeup brushes are also killing it. There’s nothing I hate more than blending a crease with a sharp-bristled brush: They always make me sneeze! Sonia nailed it with this super convenient, all-you-could-need kit." — Phillip Picardi

Sonia Kashuk Essential Eye Kit, $11.49, available at Target.

 

Makeup Remover
“Cleansing waters are all the rage among the models and the pros backstage, so I was surprised to see that Caudalie delivers a beautifully scented one at the most reasonable price on the market.” — Phillip Picardi

Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water, $14, available at Sephora.

Shampoo
"If you’re looking for a great shampoo that will keep your hair soft without all of the bells and whistles, this is your go-to. Even though it’s intensely moisturizing, it will never weigh down your hair, which is something I appreciate.” — Maria Del Russo

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo, $4.99, available at Target.

 

Conditioner
“I’m less picky about my shampoos than I am about my conditioners. That’s mostly because sometimes, I just hop in the shower, throw in conditioner, and rinse it out, skipping the cleanse part altogether. I love that this product is silicone-, oil-, and sulfate-free, because that means it doesn’t leave a nasty coating of synthetic ingredients on my hair — which would make styling all the more difficult.” — Phillip Picardi

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner, $24, available at Sephora.

Cleansing Conditioner
“This is the perfect cleanser for curly hair, because it doesn't suds up, which creates friction and frizz in the hair. Plus, it smells divine, has so many nourishing elements like agave and biotin, and [has] no sulfates. Also, unlike most cleaners, it's a wonderful way to condition the scalp.” — Paul Norton, celebrity hairstylist

Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing and Conditioning Cleansing Conditioner, $12, available at Target.

Blueberry-Bran Pancakes

Blueberry-Bran Pancakes
Weight Watchers Friendly

PointsPlus® value | 6
Servings |  4
Preparation Time |  15 min
Cooking Time |  12 min
Level of Difficulty |  Moderate

 breakfast |  Crushed bran flake cereal boosts the fiber in these hearty pancakes. The pairing of lemon and berries give them a super sweet-tart flavor.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup(s) ready to eat bran flakes
• 2 large egg white(s)
• 1 1/4 cup(s) low-fat buttermilk
• 2 tsp canola oil
• 1 cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest, or to taste
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
• 1 cup(s) fresh blueberries
• 2 spray(s) cooking spray
• 2 tsp powdered sugar

Instructions

• Crush cereal in a food processor or blender, or place in a zip-close plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin; pour into a medium bowl.
  
• Add egg whites, buttermilk and oil to bowl; stir and allow to stand 5 minutes.
  
• Add flour, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt to bowl; whisk until well blended. Gently fold in blueberries.
  
• Coat a large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat.
  
• To make pancakes, place 3 tablespoons of batter onto skillet; repeat to make 4 pancakes at a time. Cook pancakes until puffed on top, about 2 minutes; flip and cook until golden brown on other side, about 2 minutes more. Repeat to make 12 pancakes. Serve pancakes in a short stack dusted with powdered sugar. Yields 3 pancakes per serving.

 

The Broke Girl's Guide To Fall Products {part 1}

September, with its crisp smell of fall in the air, tends to inspire me to start fresh. As we turn our new leaves — and as the leaves themselves turn — we feel invigorated by the powers of chunky knits, statement-making coats, and badass boots. But, after we’ve invested in all of the clothes, what’s left to spruce up our beauty game?

Here at Beauty Helpings, I often feel the urge to spend beyond my means on amazing investment pieces. So, I understand that you might be a little strapped for cash when it comes to cosmetics. To help you out, Beauty Helpings joined forces with some of our favorite experts to find a killer roster of products — all under $25 each. Some of these, you’ll find, are worth forking over the Andrew Jackson for — while others are killer bargains.

 

 

Cleanser
"This cleanser is a godsend for people with oily skin. I can rely on it to leave my face feeling clean — but not overly tight or dry.” — Taylor Bryant, beauty production assistant

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $10.99, available at Cetaphil.

 

Facial Scrub
"Whenever my skin is looking a little sallow, this is what I reach for. It sloughs off dead skin to reveal a brighter complexion. It’s like my mini-facial in a bottle.” — Maria Del Russo, beauty writer

Boots Botanics All Bright Purifying Face Scrub, $8.49, available at Boots

 

 

 

 

Toner
"This is the toner that changed the way I feel about toner. It's absolutely clutch on oily skin, but it can be a touch drying for normal or sensitive types.” — Megan McIntyre, beauty director

(Editor’s Note: If that’s you, try Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion instead.)

Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner, $24, available at Sephora.

 

Serum
“This is packed with anti-aging ingredients and glycolic acids to renew skin and improve the complexion’s appearance. Usually, products like this can be upwards of $100, but this drugstore find is a lifesaver for my routine!” — Kirin Bhatty, celebrity and editorial makeup artist

Vichy Normaderm Anti-Aging, $25, available at Ulta.

 

 

Moisturizer
“I’m combination, so I need to change up my moisturizer depending on what the weather’s throwing at me that day. Nine times out of 10, I like to stick to gel moisturizers, because they keep oil at bay throughout the day. Simple’s is a really great option, even without that enticing price point. Any skin type would fall in love with it." — Phillip Picardi, senior beauty editor

Simple Skincare Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer, $9.98, available at Drugstore.com.

 

 

Moisturizer
"But, if you’re on the dry side, or if you have some anti-aging concerns, then I suggest you grab the French pharmacy favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè. It’s a winner in everybody’s book.” — Phillip Picardi

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè, $16, available at Embryolisse.

 

SPF
“Sunscreen is the most important part of your daily beauty routine. So, don’t get confused into thinking that SPF goes away once summer does — that’s not the case! I love this product, because it can easily transform the sunscreen hater into a total convert — it feels just like a nice, lightweight lotion that absorbs quickly without an icky, white cast. Sometimes, I mix it with a bit of liquid luminizer for added radiance.” — Phillip Picardi

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $19, available at Sephora

 

Night Cream
"A bestseller in Asia, where one is reportedly sold every 15 seconds, this overnight mask lives up to the hype. A thick, gel-like consistency means it glides on easily, but it sinks in overnight to plump up and hydrate your skin. One night of using this and my complexion was dewy and glowy. And, it doesn't aggravate my acne-prone skin like all those other super rich night creams.” — Megan McIntyre

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $23, available at Target.

 

Eye Cream
“An eye massager and a cream, this lightweight potion is soothing and cooling on contact, and it helps visibly de-puff eyes and make them look fresher and more awake. It makes me look like I actually got a good night's sleep, when the reality is I stayed up way too late binge-ing on Scandal and yelling at my TV." — Megan McIntyre

Olay Fresh Effects Bright On Schedule Eye Awakening Cream, $13.99, available at CVS

 

Face Mist
"This delicious, rose petal-scented spray is perfect for setting makeup — or to use as a refreshing midday (or post-flight) spritz. I also spray it on my sheets!” — Robin Black, editorial makeup artist

Heritage Store Rose Petals Rosewater, $9.09, available at Heritage Store.

 

Facial Oil
"This product is super rich in all the good things your skin needs, but it's still lightweight and quick to absorb. I love it for dry patches, fading old acne scars, and all-around daily moisture — without the clogged pores." — Katey Denno, celebrity makeup artist

Acure Organics Marula Oil, $15.99, available at Acure Organics.

 

Spot Treatment
"This inexpensive jar of powerful, pore-cleansing, skin-healing clay works wonders when used regularly to clarify and calm. Plus, it's fun to mix the powder and water and watch the paste come to life!" — Katey Denno

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing, $8.11, available at Amazon.

 

Facial Mask
“Hands down, sheet masks are the best. They’re super effective, because they’re saturated in tons of product — which means your pores get all the good stuff — and, they leave you feeling incredible. (Bonus points for being awesome Instagram and Snapchat moments.) The super cheap options on Korean website Soko Glam are great — and affordable enough that you can stock up for the whole season.” — Phillip Picardi

Manefit Bling Bling Hydro Gel Mask, $6, available at Soko Glam.

 

Lip Balm
“It’s all-natural, but moisturizing enough to combat seasonally dry lips.” — Robin Black

Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick, $13.95, available at Beauty.com.

 

 

Body Wash
“A foaming body wash that feels rich and creamy on the skin, but doesn’t break the bank? Yup: This foam lathers up good, smells amazing, washes clean, and makes my skin feel so soft. Like, fuzzy, angel-wing soft.” — Megan McIntyre

Rituals T'ai Chi Foaming Shower Gel Sensation, $15, available at Barneys New York

 

Body Scrub
"Handmade, coffee-based, sloughs off dead skin and leaves you smelling like mint, orange, coconut, and coffee — what more could you want? Perfect for getting rid of all the gunk that built up on your skin all summer.” — Gabrielle Korn, beauty editor

Mullein & Sparrow Body Exfoliant, $20, available at Mullein & Sparrow

 

Body Lotion
"I have used this product religiously since I was a pre-teen. Nothing moisturizes my skin and leaves it silky-smooth like this bottle does.” — Maria Del Russo

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Non-Greasy Lotion with Pure Cocoa Butter, $4.33, available at Drugstore.com

Hand Cream
"This artisanal hand cream is super nourishing and smells like the woods." — Gabrielle Korn

Olivina Hand Creme in Sandalwood Amber, $14, available at Drugstore.com

 

Deodorant
"I am a sweater. And, not a dainty, light-dew-upon-my-lip lady sweater — more of a, 'How the hell do I hide these giant puddles under my arms?' kind of sweater. This is the only deodorant I have ever tried that keeps that ish under control." — Megan McIntyre

Degree Women MotionSense Antiperspirant Deodorant, $4.99, available at Drugstore.com

Aluminum-Free Deodorant
“Much like my boss, I’m also a sweater. And, also much like my boss, I’m definitely not a lady sweater. However, I avoid traditional antiperspirants at all costs: The laundry list of ingredients terrifies me. Malin + Goetz’s stick is, by no means, a budget beauty product. But, it really does last forever: I’ve had mine for three months now, and it has none of the nasties I’m worried about.” — Phillip Picardi

Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, $18, available at Barneys New York.

 

Concealer
“I was genuinely surprised at how luminous these look once they’re applied to the skin. They’re super easy to use, and they come in a wide color range.” — Benjamin Puckey, editorial makeup artist

NYX Hi Definition Photo Concealer Wand, $4.99, available at Ulta.

 

BB/CC Cream
"There are a lot of BB duds in the drugstore — formulas with chalky finishes or formulas that just don't blend — but this one, from Finnish brand Lumene, isn't one of them. It goes on so smooth, is lightweight on the skin, and doesn't leave behind any gray-ish residue. Now, if only it came in more color options…" — Megan McIntyre

(Editor’s Note: If you fall on the medium-to-dark end of the spectrum, try IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Cream.)

Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C BB Cream SPF 20, $11.61, available at Walgreens.

 

 

Tinted Moisturizer
“This has a very smooth application with moderate coverage, and also a nice range of colors.”— Kirin Bhatty

Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 15, $13.69, available at Target

 

Foundation
"I hate foundations, especially since they never seem to match my skin tone correctly. But, L’Oréal’s True Match adjusts itself to your unique tone, so you get a perfect match every time. Don’t believe me? Try arguing with math." — Maria Del Russo

L'Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Makeup, $6.42, available at Walmart

 

 

Cheek Color
"I'm seriously impressed with this two-in-one stick from upstart indie brand Nudestix. I don't usually like lip-blush duos, because I find they're either a great color and formula for the lips or the cheeks — but rarely both. This is the exception to the rule. Its creamy consistency means it blends super easily on the cheeks but won't slide off the lips, and the colors are just spot-on." — Megan McIntyre

NudeStix Lip + Cheek Pencil, $24, available at Sephora.

 

 

Bronzer
"Not only is Iman gorgeous and an icon, but she also knows a thing or two when it comes to cosmetics. I love how warm and sultry these bronzers are, and how they’ll work for any skin tone. Apply with a super soft, fluffy face brush during the cooler months, as your tan starts to fade, for a more subtle glow.” — Kirin Bhatty

Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder, $16, available at Ulta.\

 

Contour
"This is a staple in my kit, because I can use it to hollow out cheekbones on any color face, from Nicole Kidman to Naomi Campbell." — Sir John, celebrity and editorial makeup artist

MAC Powder Blush in Taupe, $22, available at MAC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step into Fall With These 13 Cutout Booties

The ankle boot has become a total must these days in the fashion world. Wear them with skirts, dresses, pants, shorts… seriously. They go with everything! But you know what’s even better than the classic brown leather bootie? A good cutout bootie. Yep, that’s right. You’ll be showing some skin after you scroll through our top 13 picks that definitely made the cut this fall.

1. ASOS Apollo Ankle Boots ($80): We’re kicking things off (pun certainly intended) with a double-whammy pair — cutouts AND buckles!

2. Forever21 Refined Leather Booties ($42): At only $42, these knockouts come in as our affordable (and adorable!) faves. Pair these with your go-to acid wash denims for an edgy look.

3. Anthropologie Hazir Buckle Booties ($129): We know that no white after Labor Day is (kind of) a rule, but nobody said anything about nude! These light leather booties will be the perfect contrast to your all-black cold weather wardrobe.

4. G by GUESS Dareful Bootie ($55): We have a slight obsession with color. But sometimes it’s hard to incorporate it into our fall gear… that’s where these maroon booties come in. You’re welcome!


5. BC Endless Thrill Booties ($45): We love the old school vibe of these ankle boots, especially since bringing back the ’90s has been a huge trend lately. Just ask Kylie Jenner!

6. ASOS Roulette Ankle Booties ($86): Now THIS is how to do mock-croc without looking like you just stepped off of Crocodile Dundee’s runway.


7. Jeffrey Campbell Stillwell Booties ($99): Remember how I said we kind of like color? Well, we’re adding these to our colorful cart STAT.


8. BC Dress Up Bootie ($90): Take your simple brown booties to the next level with cutouts and fringe. Because a little fringe and cutout action is never a bad thing.

9. Anthropologie Odea Cutout Mules ($90): Two-toned, slip-ons, cutouts… What don’t these booties have?!

10. Always Buckle Ankle Boot ($125): Kick your versatile booties up a notch by adding a little peak-through detailing and a buckle. Throw in a pair of patterned socks and your outfit just got that much cuter.

11. ASOS Shellys London Ankle Boots ($92): These pink + patterned stunners need very little explanation — just that we’re obsessed and have to have them.


12. Corso Como Othello Booties ($179): Some tend to go for the nautical look, but that look can be slightly difficult to pull off during the colder months, which is where these bad boys come in. With a striped shirt and white jeans? Hello, nautical fall wardrobe.

13. Jeffrey Campbell Oriley Ankle Boots ($195): These deep-v booties are our answer to the ultimate city shoe. The low heel provides comfort while the taupe leather keeps ‘em ultra chic.