If you work here, we've got you covered.

You don’t know how many times we’ve snuck out of work for just a little longer at lunch to score a mani-pedi and grab something to eat back at our desk. I was feeling particularly guilty about this at the nail salon one afternoon, until my boss ended up in the chair next to me. She just smiled and acted totally normal, signaling to me that this was actually a very common practice among us corporate girls. I guess our ability to multitask both in and out of the office is one of the main reasons we are so adept at navigating the working world.

Anyhoo, I was thinking about all of you ladies working in the 600 West Chicago Avenue Building and the areas surrounding it today when I spotted a sweet lunch special right next door to a major manicure/pedicure deal…

Monday through Wednesday at H2O Nail & Spa you can indulge in a full manicure and pedicure for just $35! It’s only been there for a few years, but the place still looks brand new and shiny inside and the staff is always friendly. Plus, they offer a rewards card so you can earn your way to a free manicure or pedicure with each sneaky trip.

The @spot cafe's tempting dessert case.

Once you’ve had your nails did, pop in next door to the @spot cafe to pick up some grub. Each day of the summer they offer a different $5 lunch special. Savvy PLRGs will make their appointments for Mondays when the special is Grilled Cheese & Tomato Bisque- it is sooo yummy.

Oh, and one last tip- though the menu at @spot is delicious, this isn’t some fast food joint, so if you think you’re going to be strapped for time just call in your order ahead of time from the pedicure chair.

(Lacey Brenly)

Hey girls, we know its springtime, which gives us all a million reasons to splurge and go shopping, but the ladies at Dress Up Boutique are giving you one more: 15% off your entire purchase during their grand opening this week (through 5/15) in Bucktown!

Dress Up at Battle of the Boutiques

You may remember Dress Up’s trendy yet affordable fashions from this year’s Battle of the Boutiques, and since these ladies have turned their internet store into a “real life, OMG, can stop by whenever we want store” we are VERY excited.

Stop by. Shop. Look hot and get an awesome discount. This is what being a PLRG is all about.

Dress Up Boutique

1937 N. Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
773-235-7780
Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM
Sun: 12-6PM

If there was ever a day to be picture perfect, your wedding day is it. After the vows are vowed, toasts toasted and dances danced you will only have the pictures to remember this special (incredibly expensive and painstakingly planned) day. Thanks to the people at Skindinavia, a New England-based cosmetics company, PoorLittleRichGirls like yourselves (emphasis on the poor) don’t need to spend cash on an all-day makeup artist to keep you and your bridal party looking fresh. Two to three sprays of Bridal Makeup Finish throughout the day promises to cut shine and keep make up in its place for 16 hours.

Fill a travel-sized spray bottle with the solution to keep handy during your special day or every day.

The spray guarantees it will keep brides looking “picture perfect all day.” It boasts a cooling technology which holds skin’s temperature to keep from makeup from melting. According to the company’s site, the spray is a favorite on the Project Runway set where the makeup artists use it to set the models’ faces.

Since I’m years away from the altar, I tested the finishing spray during a night out on the town. It was the perfect storm for testing makeup longevity: a drizzly April evening spent drinking and dancing at a live concert.  Normally I wouldn’t have high expectations for my looks on such an occasion.  Even in pictures from much tamer nights, my blush and eye makeup seem to mysteriously disappear after one vodka soda. But after reading online reviews of Bridal Makeup Spray, I was skeptically hopeful.

It was love at first spray. The nozzle nebulizes the solution into a fine mist which dries almost instantly on hitting the skin.  I was surprised by the spray’s smell, which I expected to be like toner or astringent.  Instead a light floral scent reached my powdered nose.  I needed about 5 sprays to cover my entire face (the bottle suggests 2-3).  The spray is so fine I doubted it would do anything so I applied it several times before leaving.

Pictures do say a thousand words and the next morning it took just one glance at my roommate’s digital camera to become a believer in Bridal Makeup Spray. My blush was intact after a dash through the rain and my concealer barely budged.

This product is a “must have” for all women, especially brides. Nobody puts on makeup in the morning hoping it will be gone by mid-afternoon; however most of us face that fate daily. One 4oz bottle can last a gal three months or cover a whole bridal party. At $29 per bottle brides can’t afford not to buy this face-saving spray.

You should be the happiest, best "version" of yourself on your wedding day.

Spring time is officially in full swing, so with that comes the influx of ladies rushing to the altar.

While you are probably counting down the minutes, the days until you say your “I do’s,” there are a couple of “I don’t’s” you must also say on the day of your wedding to look your best. So you might as well make the vow now:

Do not apply make-up with dirty brushes. For the most precise look, your brushes need to be squeaky clean for that flawless photo-ready finish. Dirty brushes wreck havoc on your skin, and honestly it’s just plain gross.
Don’t over apply foundation to cover your bad complexion; it only makes it worse. I recommend paying a visit to a dermatologist months prior to get feedback on the best skin care regimen for your skin type.

Don’t forget your skin changes color as the weather gets warmer-especially if you tan-so please adjust your makeup accordingly. Nothing is worse than having your face be a different color than the rest of your body. As a rule of thumb, always carry your foundation color past your face into your neck and chest.

Don’t use foundation with SPF in the formula. In photos, you will look ashen. For sun protection, apply a SPF moisturizer before your makeup. If your skin is oily, apply an oil-free foundation primer on top of the SPF to matte the skin before your foundation.

Don’t forget to use lip liner the same shade as your lipstick of choice. With all of the smooching you will be doing, you want to make sure your lipstick lasts all day. Both Rimmel London and Wet ‘n’ Wild have an extensive color selection that is easy on the wallet and can be found at your local drugstore.

Please don’t draw on your eyebrows with a dark pencil. Try brow gels and tints for a more natural look that will stay in place all day.

Don’t use back eyeliner unless you have very dark hair, and even then use wisely. Dark liner is harsh and can make your eyes look smaller. You want to look beautiful and bright-eyed, so go for a brownish pencil that is still dark but more natural.

Don’t overload on the shimmer and highlight. Go for a look that is timeless-not trendy. You want to look like yourself with your best features slightly enhances, so matte colors are the best way to go. And just so we are clear, glittery makeup is a definite DON’T on any day, your wedding day in particular.

And of course don’t, don’t don’t forget your water-proof mascara just in case you end up crying like a baby. Being the bride with the raccoon eyes is a horrible way to be remembered on your special day.

Congratulations and good luck! Here’s to you looking your best on your wedding day!

Celebrity make-up looks to inspire you (L-R): Autumn Kelly, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Heidi Montag

Lenora E. Houseworth is a Chicago-area writer/editor, freelance makeup artist and self-professed beauty addict. ”I join PLRG as your all around beauty guide, here to solve any of your cosmetic needs. Look at me as your beauty genie: Whatever you want to know about makeup and beauty, feel free to ask me and I will do my best to find out for you. My obsession with all things makeup related goes back as far as I can remember and I believe anyone can and deserves to look beautiful on a budget. I can be found on Twitter @sisterbaby, www.sugarrimmedsweet.blogspot.com and by email at l_houseworth@yahoo.com.

Is your smile as bright as it could be for the big day?

Dress? Check. Veil? Check. Hair & Make-Up? Check? White Teeth? Quick someone hand me a mirror…check?

So, you thought you had already done everything you needed to do to beautify yourself for your wedding day. But, if you’ve been spending long nights over gallons of coffee planning your seating chart, or celebrating your engagement with friends and a bottle of red, we’re willing to bet your teeth are not going to be their pearliest for a “white” wedding.

Now, we know PLRGs aren’t just going to run out and drop hundreds of dollars on teeth whitening treatments for something your little bro can probably fix for you in Photoshop after the fact. So, we hit up cosmetic dentist, Thomas Connelly, for some time and money saving tips on how to get your smile camera ready for the big day…

In the Shower: Stop stains and tartar buildup when you wake up and decide to jump in the shower. Use over the counter whitening strips and whiten while you wake up in the shower

Apples are healthy for your body and your teeth!

At Snack Time: Snack on apples, pears, strawberries, celery, carrots and any raw veggie which happens to produce saliva. That will help remove bacteria and whiten your teeth. These healthy foods will help clean your teeth says Dr. Connelly.

After Lunch: Chewing whitening gum that contains calprox, which will remove stains, but any gum will work. Since gum stimulates saliva flow and will act as a natural detergent and remove some of the stains. Rinse with water if nothing else is available, which will remove some of the stains.

After Dinner: Swish water in your mouth for 30 seconds right after eating to help prevent stains from the food that you ate, says Dr. Connelly.

Day of the Wedding: When choosing a lipstick for the big day, choose ones with blue undertones, which will make teeth appear whiter. Rose, red, burgundy, and plum shades work well. Be careful when choosing a shade because a color with an orange undertone can make your teeth appear dull and yellow.

Remember tough, no matter what your teeth look like come the day of, smile anyway and smile a lot! This is your big moment, so enjoy every second of it!

(Lacey Brenly)

Spring has sprung in Chicago, and you ladies know what that means- new habits, new hang outs, new boyfriends, and maybe even a new look. You’ll find everything a PLRG needs to get fresh start in the fashion and beauty department, this Sunday at The Franco Tricoci Beuaty Bash at Hub 51.

For just $20 you’ll enjoy a hosted cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, 7-9:30pm, courtesy of Ketel One, Jack Daniels, Miller Lite and Hub 51. To keep you entertained, Tricoci and his team will be doing live hair demonstrations during the reception, so you can see how to recreate that hot, spring hairstyle. Then at 10:30pm, get ready for the runway show, accenting 50 years of Franco’s dedication to the beauty industry.

Cash will get you in at the door (ps- proceeds go to charity), but you must RSVP before at OutfitEvents.com or you can email RSVP@OutfitEvents.com. See you ladies there!

Originally published, March 24, 2010

So he finally popped the question. “He” being your BF, your BFF’s BF, your brother, the list goes on and on. According to the National Center for Health Statistics there were 2,733 marriages in Illinois in January of this year alone. So, we’re willing to bet that you or someone you know is getting married in the near future.

And, you know what that means- time to get your ass in shape. Whether you’re marching down the aisle or just know you’ll run into your ex at your friend’s reception, you absolutely want to look like the best version of yourself when the big day arrives.* But, you haven’t stepped foot in a gym in ages and you don’t even know where to start. We’re with ya, sister! So, we headed over to Equinox to check out two new classes that promise to jump start any workout routine.

Oh, please tell me he's the class instructor!

First on our list was Whipped!, a low impact approach to cardio fitness, which elicits high anaerobic intensity in quick bursts (30 seconds of performance, followed by 30 second of recovery). What does that mean, in English, you ask? It’s a butt-kicking 45 minute workout that gives you a stamina boost, so you’ll actually be able to keep up and finish the class, reaping maximum benefits.

The class is broken up into five stations, each targeting a specific area of the body. The ropes station was by far the toughest and is how the class got it’s name. Giant, heavy ropes are attached to the wall, while you stand at the end of the ropes and “whip” the ropes into various shape and directions. This apparently works areas of the body that are otherwise not targeted in a normal workout regime, which PLRG can attest to, as the next day we were sore in places of our arms and back that we didn’t know could be sore. Other stations include power lunges and squats, push up and plank variations and energetic jumps.

Overall we were big fans of this class. It really got our hearts pumping, but we were still able to keep up and finish our reps. There is a fun, almost playground feel to the set up, which makes it feel less like “work.” And, if you’re a bit self conscious it’s a great alternative to the traditional classes where everyone is lined up and staring at you/themselves in the mirror. In this class, everyone is working on different stations and moving around with the intervals, so the fear of the person behind you staring at your butt is eliminated.

The group fitness room at the LP Equinox.

The next class we tried out, Tabata, is so new to Equinox, that they haven’t even officially begun classes in Chicago (not to worry, they’ll be starting up Spring 2010). This method of working out has amazing health and fitness benefits. It’s basically interval training of 20 seconds of intense exercise moves combined with 10 seconds of rest and recovery, repeated 8 times for a a total of 4 minutes.

The class uses techniques and equipment you may already be familiar with (kettlebells, steps, stability balls) and works all areas of the body. But, by doing them in the 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off intervals, Tabata is scientifically proven to increase athletic performance and Vo2Max (your body’s ability to consume oxygen) and shed fat- in just weeks.

Tabata is also interesting, because you can use the theory behind it for any of your workouts. So, PLRGs don’t have to spend a fortune to experience its benefits. For example, when you’re on the treadmill run as fast as you can, like you’re running for your life, for 20 seconds. Then, step off to the sides for 10 seconds, then back to running as hard as you can for 20 seconds. Do this eight times and you’ve seriously amped up your cardio routine.

These are just two of the group classes offered at Equinox, but there are plenty of others to suit anyone’s fitness tastes, which is really what matters when it comes to getting into shape. No matter what gym you belong to, or even if you don’t belong to one at all, finding an activity that gets you moving, but is also fun is vital to staying committed to your fitness goals.

Best of luck to all of you soon-to-be buffed brides and sexy singles out there in wedding land!

*PLRG does not endorse crash diets, unhealthy exercise/eating habits or losing drastic amounts of weight before your wedding. It’s not good for you, your dress will need to be dramatically altered and let’s face it- the second you’re on that honeymoon you’ll start eating again and you’ll gain it all back and then some just a few months into your marriage. Trust us, we’ve seen this happen to alot of normally level-headed women. Oh, and if you’re losing drastic amounts of weight for someone else’s wedding, cut it out. What, are you trying to show up the bride!? ; )

(Lacey Brenly)

For all you budget beauty buffs, this just in! A beautiful, sexy, fresh look walked the runway at this season’s William Rast fashion show in New York fashion week and PLRG was there to get the scoop from Charlotte Willer, key makeup artist for Maybelline backstage, herself! The look accompanied a collection of American biker meets rocker chic casual wear in leather, denim, cotton knits, furs and fringe. William Rast, as you may know, started as a denim line by co-creators Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala.

The makeup was very clean with flawless skin, a strong brow and bold lash topped off with the perfect nude pout. Willer and the team at WR created the look inspired by both Bridgette Bardot and an idea of riding the open road. Walking down the runway it was so simple but so beautiful at the same time, and most importantly it was a look we can all do at home on a tight budget! All products used were Maybelline (and this is the truth! I witnessed it backstage!).

What you need:

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation, $8.79, Drugstore.com

Colossal Volum Express Mascara in Glam Black, $5.99, Drugstore.com

Define-a-brow eyebrow pencil, $5.49, Drugstore.com in your shade or something slightly lighter than your eyebrow hairs

Color Sensational Lip Color in Nearly There*, $7.49, Drugstore.com

Mineral Power line of loose blush, $7.49, powder, $8.29 and illuminator, $10.99, Drugstore.com

How to get the look:

1) Apply the liquid foundation to clean skin using your hands to massage in the product as if it were a moisturizer, this, according to Willer, will give you the most flawless and seamless look.

2) Layer at least 5 or more layers of the mascara for a false, stuck-together lash look (think a new take on the 60’s lash minus the loads of eyeliner).

3) Fill brows using short strokes of the pencil and blend using an angled brush.

4) Use your finger to dab on the perfect nude lip defusing the edges creating a natural, not over-lipsticked look.

5) Finish using Maybelline’s Mineral Power loose powders of your choice, the illuminator makes a fabulous cheek highlight when added to the top of your cheekbones and the blush is wonderful for a light flushed and glowey look!

Take a look at the full collection and more photos of the William Rast Maybelline look at Style.com.

*This color was created by Willer for Maybelline especially for the show!  It is the perfect nude shade for those of you frustrated by the hunt for a perfect nude!

JP is a New York City freelance makeup artist working on everything from film and fashion to live performance. She moved out to NYC as a women’s footwear buyer and quickly realized her passion would always be in the art of makeup and transforming people. She left her desk job to pursue her dream and has never looked back! Even through the “tough times” following her passion makes everyday a pleasure. To contact her for work in anything beauty, character or hair… or for a guest blog, please email: jp.makeupdesign@gmail.com

Surprising, and somewhat kooky, beauty products that work!

This week: Milk of Magnesia

You heard me. The topical solution may be great for curing upset tummies, but milk of magnesia (government name magnesium hydroxide) is actually one of the makeup industry’s best kept secrets for curing oily skin and keeping your makeup in place all day.

Nothing is worse than leaving the house with a perfectly primed face just to have your makeup go completely South by lunch time due to an unruly case of the oilies. Milk of magnesia also has disinfecting properties that kill bacteria, which is great for acne prone skin.

How to use it:

Shake the bottle well. Use something disposable like a cotton swab to lightly apply to skin; it is very potent and will completely dry out, harden and ruin your makeup brushes. Only apply the solution to where you need it and let it dry before applying your makeup.

Quick tips:

• If you have sensitive or dry skin, this treatment is not for you
• If your face looks chalky after it dries, then you have applied too much. Simply rub away with a warm cloth or clean hand
• Always put this on your face along with foundation-never by itself. You don’t want that whole “Powder” effect happening.
• A little goes a ways with this, so don’t use too much

Lenora E. Houseworth is a Chicago-area writer/editor, freelance makeup artist and self-professed beauty addict. ”I join PLRG as your all around beauty guide, here to solve any of your cosmetic needs. Look at me as your beauty genie: Whatever you want to know about makeup and beauty, feel free to ask me and I will do my best to find out for you. My obsession with all things makeup related goes back as far as I can remember and I believe anyone can and deserves to look beautiful on a budget. I can be found on Twitter @sisterbaby, www.sugarrimmedsweet.blogspot.com and by email at l_ houseworth@yahoo.com.

Frizzy hair, skinny lips, skimpy lashes, lumpy thighs - for every dilemma, there’s a product that’s claimed to solve it. But many don’t, and lots of us have been suckered into buying stuff that doesn’t work, which we all know PLRGs cannot afford to do.

And, poof, just like a fairy-godmother, the March 2010 issue of ShopSmart, from the publishers of Consumer Reports, appears and gives us the lowdown on bad beauty deals:

Lash Growers
Lash growers are regulated by the FDA as drugs. (Latisse is FDA approved, but ShopSmart doesn’t recommend it because of risks.) You’ll still see plenty of other “lash lengtheners” on the market though. Some have been issued warning letters by the FDA because they contain drugs.

ShopSmart says Stick with mascara. Lancôme Définicils, $24, was top-rated in their last test.

Hair Smoothers
Ads for Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT), a popular salon technique, claim that it leaves hair smooth and healthy-looking for months. But a main ingredient in BKT is formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen that is not banned by the FDA in hair straighteners.

ShopSmart says Try a straightening iron. They like Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic RVST2001C, $30.

Lip Plumpers
The results for lip plumpers were unimpressive for increasing lip volume, though some, including products from Clinique and DuWop, temporarily smoothed lip lines a little.

ShopSmart says Try makeup tricks instead. Line your lips with pencil just outside your natural lip line, then dot highlighter just above the upper lip and just below the lower lip. If you want a more permanent pout, see a cosmetic surgeon for temporary injections.

Scar Eliminators
No product can completely eliminate a scar or stretch marks.

ShopSmart says See a dermatologist. Certain laser treatments can reduce redness and smooth skin so scars are less noticeable.

Bust Boosters
There are no ingredients that have been scientifically proven to enhance or firm the bust.

ShopSmart says Use a moisturizer or bust cream if your décolletage needs softening. Or try a push-up bra or bra inserts, aka “chicken cutlets.”

Under-Eye-Circle Erasers
Many products promise to erase under-eye circle, but they’re hard to treat due to enlarged veins and very thin skin under the eyes.

ShopSmart says Some eye creams with caffeine can offer temporary help for puffiness. If the problem is allergy-related, try antihistamines or topical hydrocortisone cream. You can also see your dermatologist for cosmetic surgery.

Double-Chin Slimmer
A $20 infomercial gadget called the Neckline Slimmer promises to eliminate a double chin with resistance exercise, but the device mainly exercises neck-flexor muscles that have nothing to do with a double chin.

ShopSmart says Try losing some weight or see a cosmetic surgeon. A scarf might also do the trick.