Hi Belle,

I was hoping you could help me find a less pricey alternative for my favorite facial cleanser (Bare Face Cleansing Oil by Julep). At $28/bottle, it’s hard to commit to using this for a long time, but I’ve never found another cleanser that works as well for my dry, sensitive skin. Any suggestions for oil-based cleansers? 

Best, Bare-Faced Babe in Boston

If you’re looking for a drugstore oil-based cleanser, try Boots No. 7 Oil Cleanser or Garnier Cleansing Oil.  Another option are these Micellar cleansing waters that I keep seeing everywhere.  They cleanse the skin without stripping it.  Boots makes one, but the most popular one comes from Simple.

Also, a lot of readers make their own oil face wash.  There are lots of recipes on Pinterest that purport to treat various skin conditions.

Belle,

I love nail polish but I can’t afford the Lippmann ones you like.  Is there a drugstore brand that’s really good?

Thanks for taking reader questions! Love the blog! Angela

Competition in the beauty industry has everyone raising their game.  The two nail polish brands that have really improved their new formulas are Sally Hansen and Wet n’ Wild.

WildShine polishes cost 99-cents, and beauty editors keep raving about their staying power.  I’d probably buy affordable colors, then add a pricier base and top coat.  The new polishes are also three-free.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel comes in at a still-affordable $8.  The brand promises gel-like wear and shine without harsh chemicals or UV lights of a salon.

Hey Belle,

Do you use a lip scrub?  Can you recommend a good cheap one?

Thx, Kailey

I use the TonyMoly lip scrub, and it runs about $10.  I use it mostly in the winter or if my lips get really dry.  (I also love the cute container.)  Also, you can make your own lip scrub inexpensively using things from your kitchen.  It’s easy to find little containers on Amazon, so you could even give it away to friends.

Dear Belle,

I had the best highlights at the start of the summer and now they’re all bleached out.  You mentioned something about sunscreen for your hair but I can’t find it now.  Is there such a thing or am I dreaming?

xx, Lindsay

Yes, you can protect your hair color from the sun to an extent.  A hat is the best solution if you’ll be hiking, at the pool, etc..  But if you’re just concerned about daily wear and tear, I like Aveda Hair Veil.  At $28, it’s a bit pricey, but it lasts the whole summer.

L’Oreal’s EverPure line makes a similar sun-protectant spray.  It’s $24, but you get twice as much product as you do with the Aveda.