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.

In the world of dating, two timing is usually viewed as completely and utterly unacceptable. Lucky for us girls, however, the opposite is true in the world of beauty and cosmetics.  Nothing beats the sheer delight of discovering that your favorite beauty product possesses other secret powers that you can call upon in a pinch. And let’s face it, in these economic times, we all have to put in a little extra over time and our beauty products should not be exempt. Here is a list of inexpensive beauty products that can serve more than one purpose, saving you time and much-needed money.

Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss ($6.50, Walgreens)
Not sure what took so long, but the marriage between a breath freshener and lip gloss is a natural fit that equals perfection-not to mention convenience. The latest evolution in lip products, Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint, infuses peppermint oil into your favorite lip color leaving your pout alluring and your breath minty fresh. The 2-in-1 product comes in 13 shades and is a definite date night must that should carried with you at all times.

The Original Moroccan Oil ($40, www.moroccanoil.com)
Everyone is raving about the benefits of Moroccan oil and it is completely understandable. The contents in this little bottle do it all: hair restorator, frizz and flyaway tamer, skin moisture, and cuticle softener. A little goes a long way with the lightweight oil, which can also be used pre-color treatment for a more intense color pay off.  It is made from the kernels of argan tree fruit, which is almost exclusively in Morocco, hence the name.

Oral B Vitality Precision Clean Electric Toothbrush ($22.99, CVS/Pharmacy)
Alright, maybe not the most exciting or most obvious pick at first glance (though some would argue fresh breath and clean teeth are the ultimate beauty accessory), but this tool in oral health also doubles as a spa treatment for your face.  When used with your favorite exfoliating cleanser, the soft-bristled toothbrush gently buffs out your skin and encourages skin cell turnover, which in turn reveals bright, beautiful skin. You can also use this with a hydrating lip balm to exfoliate your lips before your favorite lipstick for a smooth application.  Quick caveat: Purchase two separate toothbrush heads, one for your face and one your teeth.

Pur Mineral’s 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup ($24.50, www.purminerals.com)
Dubbed the “The One Minute Mineral Makeup Miracle,” the title alone sells it.  Few ladies would argue with a product that is an all natural mineral foundation, concealer, powder and SPF 15 protection all in one that leaves your complexion flawless. Available in 10 varied shades and rated by dermatologists as the number one mineral makeup formula, this delivers on everything it promises. Think of all the time and space you will save having this in your arsenal.

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara ($4.99, Target)
A kin to the beloved industry favorite Maybelline Great Lash in black, this clear version can be used as a conditioning mascara and an excellent eyebrow shaper.  What is great about this product is you won’t have to worry about the messy smudging, clumping and smearing that can be quite annoying with traditional mascara. Bonus tip: Spray an old wand with hairspray and use on your eyebrows for an added hold that lasts all day or on your hair to tame flyaways.

(Written by Lenora E. Houseworth, a Chicago-area writer and editor and a self-professed beauty addict.)

Thanks to the FAA’s rules and regulations of 3 oz. liquids in carry-on’s many brands have jumped on the bandwagon of travel-sized products. Gone are the days of buying ugly plastic containers to fill with your larger stock at home. And while some drug-store brands still are reliable, your fave shampoo might not be Pantene or Herbal Essences.

Here are some of the best and most cost efficient picks:

Philosophy’s The Travel Agent comes in a clear plastic zippered bag complete with facial cleanser, moisturizer, a 2-in-1 shampoo/body wash, conditioner, and firming body lotion! Now that is for value for $35!

The Go-Smile Jet Set Travel pack claims, “Makes your white smile sparkle on the go. You won’t believe maintaining your pearly whites could be such a blissful sensory experience!” This $12 set comes with an AM and PM toothpaste that contains good-for-you, natural white cranberry extract to help fight gum disease, and of course, a travel toothbrush. Each toothpaste is unique to either refresh or calm you, depending on time of day.

You can rely on Oil of Olay for Daily Facials Express - All Skin Types cleansing cloths ($5 at most drug-stores) for a quick makeup removal or a refresher for when you land at your destination. Also, Jonathon Product Redo Freshen-Up Mist for Hair & Skin To-Go is only $8 at Sephora. “Revitalizing and conditioning Cucumber/Rose Essential Water refreshes slightly dirty, oily hair and vegetable enzyme neutralizes odors and leaves hair smelling clean. Natural extracts like white tea, almond, aloe, and pomegranate condition and add shine. Also can be used to refresh, hydrate, and condition skin. Product is 100 percent vegan and alcohol-free,” according to their packaging.

Face Secrets Makeup Artist’s 5-Piece Brush Kit comes in a sleek silver case which includes: small shading brush, eye contour brush, angled blusher brush, and brow groomer. This must-have kit is $15.99 at Sally Beauty Supply.

The Jilbere de Paris^TM Tourmaline Mini Travel Dryer uses negative ions to eliminate frizz and close the cuticle to create smooth shiny hair. For $16.99 this compact dryer has all the amenities of a full-size dryer in a compact and convenient design. Silk Elements Hot N Silky Mini Flat ($22.99) is small but mighty. This flat-iron heats up to 410 degrees and is perfect for short hair, traveling, and quick touch-ups.

Chip your nail polish and need a quick touch-up? The Seche French Manicure Travel Kit is at your rescue. It contains Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat, Porcelain Nail Lacquer, Rose Nail Lacquer, Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, a nail file, nail edge assist guides, and easy-to-follow trilingual instructions comes neatly packaged in a clear plastic bag. (All products in this kit are compatible for use with acrylics). All this for $12!

Some full-size items are just necessary when flying. It can be more expensive to buy makeup and perfume in smaller sizes. Most cosmetic counters will give samples of their full-size products. The next time you purchase your fave foundation or mascara simply ask if they are willing to give you a sample for when you travel. Some cosmetic counters are more generous than others! (Pssst: Sephora). Also, using smaller brushes/combs seems ridiculous. Please just go ahead and pack your full-size styling brush and comb.

Stay healthy tip for traveling- With flu season upon us, don’t forget some hand sanitizer and Airborne!

(Stephanie Sarto)

My entire beauty routine was thrown for a loop about a week ago. My car was parked on a street in Bucktown, and silly me left a purse in the backseat containing every makeup and beauty product I owned (Word to the wise- just because you know there are no cash or cards in your purse, does not mean the robber does.) So, now somewhere in Bucktown walks a well made-up, put together criminal and I am out about $300 in products.

Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, because now I am forced to replace my entire beauty arsenal. So, rather than running out and buying all the same old stuff, I am (in honor of the Green Issue) going organic/green with my beauty regimen. Below are some great products we have found that are good for your body, the earth and your budget.

Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer, $5. This lip shimmer is made of all natural ingredients, comes in a ton of colors and is now packaged without shrink wrap, saving 1800 miles of shrink wrap from our landfills each year!

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner, $6.99 each. This shampoo and conditioner team is perfect for parched winter hair. Made from whipped egg whites, coconut oil and housed in recycled packaging, its a beautiful way to go green. 

juice Beauty SPF 30 Mineral Light Moisturizer, $29. We love products that can multitask, but this one goes above and beyond! A tinted moisturizer, it provides moisture, coverage and also an SPF (yes, you still need this in the winter). Plus, it is made with all organic, chemical-free ingredients.

(Lacey Brenly)