Tide ColdWater Detergent

I always find Tide to be the best laundry detergent! It may cost a little more, but it gets all stains, dirt, and smell out of every last thing you put in the washing machine. I never need to wash anything I was with Tide twice.

This is why I was thrilled to find out that Tide had come out with a cold water option. I was a little worried that it would not perform as well as its warm/hot water counterpart, but I was pleasantly surprised. Tide ColdWater works just as well as regular Tide detergent, and I don't have to use up all the hot water in my apartment to do my laundry. There's no longer a choice to make between taking a nice hot shower or getting nice clean clothes - I can do both at once.

Tide ColdWater, like regular Tide, does tend to run on the pricey side, so I usually keep my eyes open for coupons and good deals. The Sunday newspapers and CVS are usually a big help in securing some wonderful laundry detergent at a not-so-steep price.

Clinique - Superpowder Double Face Makeup

Clinique has a reputation for being the not-expensive, "expensive" cosmetic. Their little cases give women and girls a one-up on their cohorts and they fish their little green status symbol out of their make-up cases.

However, the reason for the price shows when you try the product. It's a standard drug store powder. It works about the same as any $5 powder I can get in cheaper packaging from CVS or Wal-mart. You have to hand it to Clinique for a billirant marketing campaign though, they are probably raking it in hand over fist on this product.

Granted, when purchasing this product from a department store, you can usually wait until the Clinique counter goes into gift, so that you can get a pile of free make-up goodies with your purchase. And I am actually quite fond of some of Clinique's mascaras and mascara prep products, and some of their multi-colored blushes and bronzers.

So while I don't frown upon the whole Clinique brand, (as you remember, I adore their All About Eyes Moisturizer) I feel like their powders are primarily a rip off, and you're paying for the brand at this point. Because this product is no better or worse than a Revlon or Rimmel powder.

Magic Powder by Prescriptives

Hands down my favorite loose powder. Prescriptives Magic Powder has a number of benefits. First, it doesn't clump anywhere on your skin, leaving you with a smooth finish. Second, it takes all shine off your face. So if you are looking for that powder that will make your face less shiny in all the pictures your friends are taking... this is it.

It is a little odd that when you brush it on your face it feels cold. But that is the chemical reaction which makes it "magic" ... pun intended.

Downsides include that it is a little expensive, and that Prescriptives pretty much never offers a gift with purchase. But it's the best powder I've even owned and has made me come out so much better in all the photos that are taken, so I do buy it regularly. I usually purchase it at my local Macys, but I know it's also available at Sephora and other department stores.