Charles Worthington

Contrary to what Beyoncé says there are some things that are irreplaceable. I have been trying to find a low-cost alternative to Bumble & bumble Grooming Creme ($25) at the drugstore for ages. Often, other products are too heavily-scented, which at least is detectable without taking out my wallet. I had high hopes for Charles Worthington Big Waves Definition Creme ($5.99), which promises "defined, wavy, super shiny, full hair." The scent was stronger than I'd like but not offensive, so I gave it a try.

The first thing I noticed was that it didn't smooth through my hair as much as I wanted it to. When you have waves — or are trying to create them — getting product evenly over your hair is key. The directions say to apply "liberally" with fingers, but combing it through is definitely a better idea. With leave-in defining products, even application can easily be the difference between success and failure, which is why I gave this Big Waves Definition Creme a second chance after my hair dried with, for lack of a better term, glue-y chunks. I love other Charles Worthington products, but this didn't do it for me either time. Bummer.

Welcome back to the second installment of Bring on the Bling. (Be sure to check out yesterday's post, Part I: Diamonds.) This series proves that nothing is too precious to put on our skin — literally. Today's featured products are infused with crushed pearls, which are believed to contain high concentrations of minerals and amino acids essential to healthy skin cells. I have yet to try these products, but if you have, please share your thoughts below.

Carita Pearl of Youth for Lips ($67) is an anti-aging lip treatment that helps to repair and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on and around the mouth. It contains peptides that make lips look full and moisturized, as well as pearl powder to nourish the skin. Apply in the morning and evening to a perfectly clean pout.

For two more pearl-infused products, read more

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about the latest carry-on regulations from the Transportation Security Administration: All of the liquids in your carry-on luggage must be in bottles 3-ounces or smaller, and those must be sealed in a single quart-sized Ziploc bag. But even if you have a high-maintenance beauty regimen, it's possible to accommodate your liquids on board. The key is having a mix of liquids that go in the baggie and solids that don't. Earlier today, I gave you Ziploc Bag Beauty, Part I: Maximize Your Baggie, detailing all of the liquids you should stow in your bag.

Fortunately, many liquid cosmetics (i.e., foundation, perfume, lotion) now have solid counterparts, so you can save the Ziploc bag for the most crucial liquids. Hence, Part II: Save It For the Solids, my guide to the space-saving and non-liquid cosmetics you'll need. Here's how to divvy it up.

• Body Lotion: Country Bunny Bath and Body Lotion Bar, $7, available in six scents or an unscented variety here.

  

• Perfume: Stella McCartney Stella in Two Amber Parfum Solid, $42, available here.

  

• Hair Pomade: Charles Worthington London Smart Fixx Quick Flick Wax Stick, $7.99, available here.

  

To see the rest, read more