ladies, listen up.

Alright, ladies. It's that time.

Beauty Product Review!

Now, you might think that since I've done some work in the modeling industry that I am somehow privy to all manner of luxurious products for hair, face, and body. Well, I have good news and bad news.

The good news is that yes, I've been in the same room as lipstick that costs more than my prescription medication. The bad news is that I can only afford lipstick that costs as much as a Happy Meal.

I'm so sorry to ruin the illusion of luxury for you.

HOWEVER, just because I cannot afford the expensive stuff doesn't mean that the inexpensive stuff is any less wonderful. In fact, I've used a couple of products that are less than $5 that have put the Fancy Schmancy stuff I've been able to use through modeling to shame.

I bring to you now my five of my favorite and absolutely essential products for daily fabulousness:

1. Shampoo.


I don't care what anyone tells you, there is NO NEED to spend $28 on a bottle of shampoo. I have been using nothing but Suave for years--yes, YEARS--and my fancy stylist at Philip Pelusi, who has worked on my hair for Quite Some Time, continually tells me how amazingly healthy and beautiful my hair is. This stuff makes my hair feel, smell, and style like nothin' else. So, get thee to Target and buy yourself some of this. And put the money you save into your savings account.

2. Nail Oil.

Girls, I swear by this product. Sally Hansen ain't foolin' around. I put this stuff on my nails and cuticles every morning and every night, and right before I give myself a manicure. (Yes, I give myself my own manicure. Nobody needs to be spendin' money on gettin' their nails did.) It hydrates like a you-know-what-er. No peeling cuticles, no rough skin around my nails. Just smooth, ladylike fingers. Thank you, Miss Sally. I think I love you.

3. Nail Polish.

One word: Avon.
Two more words: Nailwear Pro
This stuff stays on FOREVER, has the most even coating I've ever used, and stays shiny--like you just got the manicure/pedicure--for days. I'd like to personally thank my Avon consultant (and very good friend) LaKia for introducing me to this amazing product when she gave me the most stunning hot pink nail polish for my birthday this year.


4. Body Moisturizer.

Dear Vaseline, you may have my first-born child. Love, me.
There's a reason that Vaseline is the go-to name in skin hydration. The stuff just works. Sure, the lotions from Bath and Body Works smell nice, but hydrate? Maybe for 4 minutes. Plus, I have sensitive skin, and their stuff makes me itch. When I stumbled onto this stuff, I could hardly believe it was real. My skin feels hydrated--and I'm talking like I just put the stuff on--for HOURS. I love it and will only ever use this stuff on my skin from this day forward, amen. (For the record, Target's Up and Up brand version is just as amazing, and is even less expensive!)

5. Lip Gloss.
I feel like I should redeem the Bath and Body Works brand after what I said about them in the above paragraph. So, I bring to you my Most Favorite Lip Gloss Ever: C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Tint in Violet Mint. It's the lip gloss I wear every single day. It's sheer, so it goes with whatever make-up look you're going for, but it's still shiny and sexy enough that you'll feel like you've got it goin' on. A big "YAY!" on this one, ladies!

So, there you have it. Five of my favorites.

What are five of your favorites?

with love from Pittsburgh,
Laura