Gals' Guide

Smart Beauty: Cheap Cuts

Haircuts are 20% off at the Aveda Institute beginning this Friday.  If you've never been to the company's local teaching salon, you've been missing out.  The prices can't be beat ($16 for a haircut, and that's before the discount!) and the student stylists are incredibly attentive.  They also do waxing, facials, and massage and are very accomodating if you'd like to make multiple appointments in a single day.  The discount only lasts until September 20 and they book up quickly even when they're not practically giving away their services, so call them at 773-883-1560 to make an appointment ASAP.  Even if you can't make it in before September 20 they're a great resource and one of the best beauty buys in the city.  For more smart spending ideas, check out our earlier feature on cosmetics.

Smart Beauty: How to Save on Cosmetics

I've been examining my budget lately in an attempt to see where I can save some money for some big projects I have in mind.  After analyzing receipts and statements for the last six months I was amazed to find out how much money I was spending on cosmetics.  The shopping sprees at Sephora can really add up!  So I thought I’d share with you some of the strategies that I've implemented to help me save money on makeup.

ULTA "Meet the Experts" Beauty Event:May 17, Arlington Heights

For you beauty lovers that enjoy shopping at mega store, ULTA, this event is for you. 
On May 17, the Arlington Heights location of ULTA host two experts in the beauty world: hair stylist Nick Chavez and Pur Minerals founder, Joli Baker.

You can make various appointments with Nick and Joli and perfect your make-up application and/or  hair styling methods.  There are also giveaways and promotions going on that day.  Enjoy!

To make appointments, call 847.577.0375.

Make Your Perfume Last Longer

I'm in a beauty tip kinda mood and coming across some cool ideas!

Perfume can be PRICEY.  Here's a site where you can save up to 70% off what you'll pay in store. Anyhoo...

Put some non scented moisturizer on first, then put the perfume over that.  Chances are, your gorgeous scent will last longer...

Strawberries Aren't Just for EatingWhiten Your Teeth with Strawberries

I just came across an article from Health.com on the natural way to whiten your teeth using strawberries.  All it takes is ONE strawberry and a wee bit of baking powder. I've heard of this before, but didn't think it was 'for real'. Don't do this tooooo often, as it may hurt the enamel, but heck, the bleaching we do via dentist or on our own can't be the best for our teeth, either.

The next time you go a-pickin' those strawberries for your strudel, don't forget to save one for your shiny whites!

Putting Your Entire Face On In Public?Um, No.

I couldn't help but to snap this picture of a cute girl putting on her entire face - at a Panera Bread.  There I was, drinking my coffee, reading emails and enjoying the free water I just poured into my Nalgene. That's right - that's another tip for you....since Panera has that free water spout in their fountain drink station, I fill up my Nalgene water bottle after buying some coffee.

There was a group of four 20 somethings to my left - all set to go to the Cubs game. Three guys one one gal.  All of a sudden, the girl's purse came open and she did the whole foundation, eye liner, shadow, mascara and powder routine - in the middle of Panera. 

Maybe she was running late. Maybe she forgot.  Call me old school, but I still heed my grandma's advice: don't use a public forum to put your face on -especially in front of men.  Can't there be some mystery left?

To the gal with the makeup, I saw you without it, too, you're gorgeous.

Money Saving Tip: Paint Your Own Nails

Quick little reminder...

I love getting my nails done.  Having my cuticles trimmed, my nails shaped just so, etc, but I started thinking back to my high school days...

I would sit at the kitchen table with my nail kit  (polish, top coat, cuticle trimmer, cuticle oil), chat with my girlfriends, my sister or watch TV - then paint my nails. It was soothing and I took pride in every delicate stroke. I was also saving money by handling my own manicures.

These days, I get really antsy in that chair.  At times, I don't feel like chatting up the nail technician and don't want a hand massage. Professional nails still take the cake to my own work, but with me typing at a computer all day and cleaning, the $15-$20 manicure doesn't last too long...

Time to get back to basics...I'll let you know how it goes!

Tomorrow is My BirthdayAnd I'm Giving YOU a Present!

Yup, this is not an April Fool's joke.  Tomorrow is my birthday and I decided to give you wonderful ladies a little treat.  Tune in tomorrow for a video message, along with the how and what of what the gift is.

Signed,
The Late April Fool