Recently in Frugal Snob Category

There has been this whole scare of antiperspirant / deodorants that cause breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease because of the aluminum content. Well, I think we can all agree that we would rather smell than risk those dangers. And as it is, my memory sucks. There are conflicting studies but the one thing that got me to switch is the fact that the effectiveness is caused by little pieces of aluminum lodged into your pores to stop the sweat from coming out. I kind of gave more credence to medical technology in thinking that there was some special ingredient in antiperspirants that stopped your body from making sweat. But that is not the case, you still sweat - it is just being clogged inside of you and that does not sound like a good thing. I was disturbed enough to give non-aluminum alternatives a try, Tom's of Maine Natural Deodorant, being that it is my favorite brand for organic, natural products. OK, I know I talked a lot about sweat so I need to clarify immediately by pointing out loud and clear that this is a deodorant, not antiperspirant, so you will still sweat, it just keeps you from smelling. See, for me, my problem is mainly odor. I kind of sweat but that isn't what's keeping me from flailing my arms at will. It has been 3 weeks and I have to say, this is working for me. I like the Unscented, although it still has a slight lemongrass scent to it, and I have tried the Lavender, which I like but I prefer unscented just so it doesn't compete with my perfume. My husband tried it and he was like a leaky faucet so he had to stop. If you are a sweater, don't even bother. But if you're like me and just need odor control, why not go with a natural product? Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, Lavender and Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, Unscented are $5.49 each at Drugstore.com.

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A $120 Dior product (left) and a $29 Target NP Set product (right).

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times notes that sales of super-premium beauty products priced at over $150 have increased 21% since 2007! The article says that women who might not be able to afford a decadent bauble from Cartier, for example, opt to pamper themselves with a lush face-cream instead. While this makes complete sense to me, I'm nonetheless surprised at the staggering number especially considering the rise in drugstore finds (eco-friendly line Yes To Carrots and Olay who is aiming to bring prestige beauty to the masses in January with their anti-aging line Olay Professional Pro-X, for example), not to mention the likes of Target teaming-up with prestige beauty lines. I've actually recently tested-out some Target beauty products. They have a new line called NP Set which was developed by celeb makeup artist Napoleon Perdis (his clientele includes Debra Messing, Evangeline Lilly, Winona Ryder, Amanda Bynes, Jamie Lynn Sigler...). I have to say that given the price, the quality isn't bad. Yes, the lip gloss is a little sticky (but then again so are countless prestige glosses), and the white, plastic packaging isn't all that dazzling, but for decent quality at a price that won't break the bank you can't complain (nothing is over $30). That said, there's something about picking-up a Chanel compact or a Givenchy pot of cream that is truly not comparable to anything you can find at a Target or drugstore. Which is why, if you can afford to splurge, no matter how great drugstore buys get, I think it's totally worth it. I just always remind myself not to get caught-up in price or brand, but qualitity because there are just as many prestige flops as there are drugstore ones!

A few days ago I attended an event hosted by co- founders of Kiss My Face, Bob MacLeod and Steve Byckiewicz. The duo are truly pioneers when it comes to green beauty. They started their eco-conscious company on a 200-acre farm in New York's Hudson River Valley over 25-years ago, way before it was cool to be green. The event, which took place at the founders NYC Upper West Side apartment, was held to showcase some of the latest Kiss My Face products. I've never tried anything other than their deodorants (they're great buys..especially the Liquid Rock one!), but I got to check-out some of their newest products which include 100% natural/91% organic lip glosses (pictured on the left), which are free of parabens, SLS, phthalates, synthetic colors, and flavors. They've also go vitamins A&E to repair and protect your lips. They come in six flavors all of which will be available come November. Also previewed were the Kiss My Face Potent & Pure Organic Face Care products which will hit stores in January. The line includes products to cleanse, treat, and moisturize skin, but what's most remarkable is that the packaging is comprised of 65% post consumer corrugate and produced in a facility that utilizes wind power and water soluble inks. Of course all the products will come at affordable price-points which is all the more remarkable given the natural nature of all their products. Click here to check-out eco-friendly products you can get right now!