Believe it or not... This post was brought on by a trip to Sephora. How can a trip to Sephora induce a R.B. post you ask?

Because a sista was returning stuff that's why! Lol! I have always been a proponent for returning things that don't cut the mustard. I once walked around with a bottle of Jet-Dry and the receipt in my purse for 6 weeks until I got back to Target to return it. Don't laugh! That $6 was promptly put to good use towards a shirt.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people can't be bothered with returning or exchanging things. I'm talking about holding on to an foundation like it will magically change shades. Or the cystic acne that it causes will one day be the new hotness. Even worse... A lot of folks just chuck it in the bin! What is this foolishness?!?! That's like giving an anorexic girl a gift card to Ruth's Chris. Wasteful blasphemy I tell ya!

Nowadays most stores have great return policies. I have taken used cosmetics and skincare items back to Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid, with the receipt and never had any issues. I have made receiptless exchanges at both Target and Walmart (though I think Walmart's policies may depend on the location of the store). Sephora's return policy is so lenient they are practically begging you bring something back. No receipt? No Problem! Used lipstick? No biggie! The baby ate the packaging (it can happen)? Sephora won't bat an eye! I am pretty sure MAC's policy is more stringent than most of these places but I don't make it a habit to give them my duckets (CCO baby! But that's a whole 'notha RB post).

Even if you don't return stuff for the cash and just do an exchange you still are better off. At least your getting products that you will actually use. After all... Times is hard, ya'll!

I stopped biting and picking my nails about 6 months ago. I am very pleased with my progress so far. I was doing a manicure with nail polish that I bought from the dollar store when it dawned on me "This is truly cheap gratification". I mean.. I was cranking up the fabliciousness for a dollar! So I figured it was a fitting way to kick off "Recession Beauty".

I find myself comparing nails to shoes... No matter how skinny or fat, dark or light, educated or ignorant... Nice nails are attainable by all. A great set of nails (much like a great pair of shoes) will make heads turn, jaws drop and the envy flow. Don'tcha love it!? Lol!

Unlike shoes... Nice nails don't have to break the bank. Nail polish is a cheap pick me up that can be found at any drugstore, beauty supply store, and most dollar stores. When was the last time you found a fabulous pair of leather booties from Dollar Tree? I know what you are saying... "[Insert random cheap brand here] doesn't last long. It chips in 4 hours". A good top coat and base coat can make most nail polish wearable... Provided it actually dries. But this may be chalked up to your body chemistry. What dries on one may not dry on another. Besides... half of the fun with nail polish is changing it. Chips give you an excuse to try another color.

Also unlike shoes, you can wear more than one nail polish at a time and folks won't look at you like you should have an aluminum foil hat to match!

Be forewarned though... Nail polish can be addicting. The dirt cheap prices and limitless colors create the perfect storm. Those small bottles of colorful greatness add up. $20 here and $15 can turn into a serious collection with the serious bill to match.

Here are a few of my favorite nail blogs. Beware lemming inducing photos!

The Nail Phile
Casual Lavish
Perfectly Polished Tips
Scrangie
The Polish Addict
Ballz & Thinner
Nail Juice
The Crystal Files

B.B.

Any one can can bring the fabness with top of the line products. But the true test divaliciousness comes during lean times. It's like breaking a heel and not missing a beat. It's talent and finesse that everyone doesn't possess.

Depending on what side of the political arena your seats are on, we may or may not be in a recession. My seats are definitely located in the broke a$$ broke section. My bank account has receded. I'm fixin to cut someone over $4.75 gallons of milk. I'm trying to figure out a way to shrink wrap my entire home to save on heating bills. Times is hard! But I gots to stay fab!

Recession Beauty is a new series that highlights really great products for really flat pockets. It won't be all drugstore stuff either. Ya'll live near drugstores too, so why waste your time? I'm scouring the land for the best of the cheap, unconventional uses of products and ways to breath life in long forgotten great ones. Let the cheap gratification thrills begin!

B.B.