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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Best $10 (or less!) I Ever Spent...

Today while I was working I had the chance to check out the drug store Rite Aid. I came across some N.Y.C. products that were 75% off!! I could not pass up this deal so I traveled to a few stores and got what I could.
5 lipsticks $.49 each
1 mini eye palette $1.24
2 nail polishes $.49 each
3 powder shimmer shadows $.99 each
Total= $7.68
 So if you are near a Rite Aid stop in and see what's there, you might just luck out!
 
For those of you not near a Rite Aid, here is one from Sephora.  Waterproof Eye Make Up Remover.
Honestly this stuff is AWESOME. I found out about it at the Sephora Beauty seminar I went to a few weeks back. I try not to use it everyday (and don't need too) because it's precious! Please remember to shake the bottle BEFORE using.
Here is how I use it- wet a cotton round with the remover and hold it to your eye for about 20seconds.
then gently slide it across the eye to remove everything. Flip the cotton round over and repeat the process. You can remove the rest of your makeup like you normally would.

     shaken                                                                           unshaken
 
 
 
I'll try to keep these $10 spots farely regular, about once a month.
 
 

  

REVIEW!!! Mascara

     Sorry I know I'm late with my review! I don't mean to keep you waiting, I really don't, but look at it this way Spring Break just started for me and since I'm not going to Cancun or any other magical place I can blog until I'm sore!

Let's talk mascara! In the picture below I have 7 mascaras, 1 lash gel and 1primer. I will tell you how and why I used the primer and the gel with some of these mascaras.



 
 
CoverGirl Lash Blast ( $8.99)

Volumizer (orange container) - It made my lashes look thick, but I had to apply 2 coats. My lashes did not feel heavy or cakey, but they looked like there was a lot of product on them. My lashes felt firm, yet still flexible. The mascara lashed the entire day, it did not flake off or run. (did I mention it's waterproof too!)
 
 
Luxe (pink container)- This mascara has a shimmer to it. It is black, but the shimmer makes it look like a shiny charcoal gray. I have used this before so I know it's very thick and can go on like peanut butter and then you'll end up with clumped together lashes. To prevent this I used the lash gel to separate my lashes, then I was able to get the mascara one with 1 coat. The shimmer was still visible and no cakeyness!  The primer will work just as good and also make you lashes look longer. This is not an everyday mascara, unless you REALLY like shiny lashes in the day time.

 
 
Length (yellow container)- This is just a regular mascara. it went all well, it can be use for everyday, it's an easy go to. Does it lengthen? not so much. My lashes did not appear any longer than they originally were.
 
 

 

Smashbox Full Exposure ($19.50)-This mascara goes on easy even though it's thicker than the others tested. I do not like the brush though, because it's very fluffy and big to take on the small task of lashes.  I do have a complaint though, with other mascaras I've tried my lashes were still flexible and felt "human". With this one, my lashes felt stiff and plastic like, almost like false lashes. It stayed on all day and did not run. You could practically peel the mascara off you lashes if you wanted too.

 
 
Max Factor Vivid Impact ($4.00-$18.00 available on overstock, buy.com, ebay, amazon)- This mascara comes with 2 parts. One end is a base coat and the other a highlighting coat in a funky color. I think you might be able to get this look using a mascara brush and a cream shadow. I had my doubts about this product because the highlighting coat was kind of thin. The highlight color (pink) did not go on evenly. The pink was kind of static on the lashes and trying to add more on, only wiped some off. I would use it for a fun night out, but not for everyday. I have faith I can find a way to manipulate this product and make it work better for me, but until then it only gets an average grade.
 
 
 
 
E.L.F
3-in-1 Mascara ($3.00)- I like this mascara. It's thin, but it coats well and lasts all day. The brush, with the little ball on the end, coats every lash and makes coating bottom lashes easier. It's smooth and dries quickly. It's not heavy on the lashes is a good must have for your make up kit.
 
 
 
Studio Mineral Infused Mascara ($3.00)- This is MY mascara! I use this almost everyday and after a year it's still a fluid and hasn't dried out. It goes on smooth every time, I have never had a clump. I'll probably use this until the end of my days...or until another product comes along that's even better. (as you can see the name is rubbed off, but it's still good!)
 
 
 
 

I would like to report a FAIL in the mascara department. I tried the Showtime mascara by N.Y.C ($3.99) and I think it was probably dry as soon as it was put in the tube. It was hard to get it on my lashes. It's totally not worth the $4, even as an experiment. I didn't even keep it long enough to take a picture of the package.

 
 

 

Monday, March 25, 2013

THIS WEEK!!!!!!

CVS
Covergirl eye & nail , L'oreal, Aveeno, St. Ives and CVS brand beauty products are BOGO 50%

Neutrogena 25% off

Rite Aid
Revlon lip & nail, L'oreal, Neutrogena, Wet & Wild and Physician's Formula are BOGO 50%
Almay 40% off

Walgreens
 Revlon, Covergirl, L'oreal and Bio oil are BOGO 50%
 

DON' FORGET!!!!
PLUS Ulta has sales on a variety of products for the rest of the month. Many items are BOGO 50% or buy 2 get 1 (or 2) FREE!

Monday, March 18, 2013

THIS WEEK!!!

CVS
Covergirl eye products, Rimmel, Neutrogena grapefruit and blue line products, Eucerin abd Aquapor are BOGO 50%

Rite Aid
Revlon, L'oreal, Covergirl and Maybelline eye products are BOGO 50%
Rimmel 40% off

Walgreens
Maybelline, Covergirl, L'oreal skincare and Aveeno skincare are BOGO 50%
 
PLUS Ulta has sales on a variety of products for the rest of the month. Many items are BOGO 50% or buy 2 get 1 (or 2) FREE!

Also this week...
Not 1, but 2 dollar *GEM*'s -yes I know I owe you one! so I'll make it good!
and a weekly review...on what? I'm not sure yet, I have so many things I want to do!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

REVIEW: Kitchen Skin Care

For the past 2 weeks I have been trying out skin care products I made myself with items found in the kitchen. Every few days I changed some of the products. I tried to keep close to my usual routine.
Here is my routine:
First olive oil and steaming towel
Then face mask (once a week)
Exfoliating scrub
Cleanser
Treatment
In the morning I used another cleanser.
 
NOTES:
  • When using these products keep in mind the food items that you are allergic too. Using it on your skin WILL cause a reaction.
  • Leave all items on your skin until it hardens/dries. Then wash off with warm water.
  • If your skin feels tight or dry after using any of these products please DISCONTINUE use.
  • Adhere to product expiration dates! If you are using milk that expires in 2 weeks from the time you make a recipe PLEASE do NOT use it after 2 weeks.
 
Weekly Masks
Banana Mask for Greasy Skin- 1 mashed banana, and 1 tsp. of lemon juice mixed until smooth . Add 1 egg yolk into the mixture. Apply to the face for 15-20 minutes and remove with warm water. Repeat at least twice a week. This mask is supposed to even out your skin tone and lighten your skin. (makes 2/3 uses)
 
-I used this mask and it felt kind of weird when applying because it was slimy and kind of sticky. My skin felt soft after I used this mask. No complaints though. I think I would have had to use it more to hopefully see some results.


 
Papaya and Clay lightening Mask for Oily Skin- Make a paste by mixing thoroughly 2 tsp. of cosmetic clay ( found in health food stores),  2 tsp of papaya pulp.
Clay opens and cleans clogged or blocked pores, detoxifies and brightens skin. Good for normal, combination or oily skin. (makes 2-4 uses)
 
-The original recipe called for 1 tbsp of aloe vera, which I did not have and forgot to get. it also called for 2 TABLEspoons of pulp, but I thought that sounded like too much so I used 2 teaspoons and it turned out great.
I LOVED THIS MASK! but like I said before I love clay masks in general. When I washed off this mask my skin was instantly better!  It was soft and I pores were visible smaller and clear. My skin also felt  moist and looked brighter.
 
Turmeric and Honey Mask for Acne, Oily Skin and Overall Skin Rejuvenation-
1tsp of  milk, 1tsp of honey, tsp of turmeric and mix together in a bowl. ( makes 1 use)
 
-This mask is supposed to be very helpful for oily, acne prone skin. It is also reported to make acne scars less visible. The mask is perfect for overall skin rejuvenation. It might leave your face a little yellow so please use at night or when you have no intentions for leaving the house.
 
This mask was ok. My skin was soft after, but it felt dry. Plus side is I did not have a yellow tint to my skin after using it.
I used it on my sister too and after a while her face felt itchy so she rewashed her face using her normal product.


 
Night Cleanser/Daily Night Mask
Papaya Juice - Juice or puree a papaya (that's it!!)  and apply with cotton balls, cotton rounds or foundation brush. ( any amount of uses, depends on how much papaya you juice/puree)
Papaya contains natural alphahydroxy acids and papain, which is an enzyme exfoliating the skin and giving way to new cell production. Papaya is beneficial for preventative or restorative skin care, helps to heal acne, reduce wrinkles, restore and rejuvenate skin. Papaya plant is loaded with Vitamin A, which accelerates the formation of new skin cells; Vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant and beta-carotene, which protects the skin and promotes elasticity. In some cases papaya leave juice is even reported to reverse cancer.

-I felt this application worked. It tingled very slightly and wasn't sticky at all. I think the enzymes help to eliminate the excess oil and keep my skin soft and bright.


 
Day Cleanser/Daily Morning Mask
Sweet Pepper Mask-  2 tbsp of red or yellow sweet pepper pulp blend it with 1 egg white, 1 tbsp of no sugar yogurt and 1 tbsp of ground oatmeal. ( should last about a week if used everyday)

-Personally I did not like this mask. It dried my skin out so much that is was thirsty for moisturizer. After using it my face also felt very tight, which is a big NO NO!



Cottage Cheese Mask -  2tsp of low fat cottage cheese  2tsp. of tomato (you can also use strawberry or carrot) juice in a food processor or blender, then stir in a pinch of sea salt, Let it dry for 10 min and apply a second layer. ( should last about a week with daily use)

- I had no issues with this mask other than the time it took up in the morning. To apply the 2 coats and let then dry takes about 20 minutes. That is way too long for morning routine. Otherwise, it left my skin soft and moist and ready my moisturizer and makeup.
I also used the same recipe for a few days but substituted the cheese for yogurt with the same results.


Scrubs
Oatmeal Acne Scrub- 2 tbsp. oatmeal, 1 tbsp. sea salt, 1 egg yolk and 1 tsp. virgin olive oil to the bowl and mix the ingredients with enough warm water to form a smooth, paste-like consistency.  ( about 2 weeks of use)

-I am not sure I mixed this correctly because it wasn't a smooth paste.  It was very thick and hard to apply. I added water while I was applying it to make it easier to use. I honestly did not feel like my face was exfoliated  properly. After 3 days I felt like I wanted/needed to go back to my store bought scrub and on the 4th day I almost did. It  just wasn't enough exfoliation for me. Maybe it will be great for someone needing a VERY gentle exfoliant. On the 5th day I switched to the scrub below.


Natural Face Scrub (also Oatmeal)-1c steel oats, 2 tbsp. yogurt, 1tbsp. lemon juice, 1tbsp. sea salt, 2 tbsp. cornmeal. (makes enough to last 2 weeks)

- I loved this scrub! It was a little more gentle than my normal scrub, but it gets the job done and saves me money in the process! I would whip this recipe up in a second if I ran out of my usual scrub. I'll probably be using this until it runs out.


Treatments
Parsley - Fight Acne, Dark Spots and Skin Discoloration . I ground up an entire bunch of parsley in a food processor and added 1 tbsp. of lemon juice. I stored it in a baggie with cotton rounds. I used the rounds to apply the treatment.

- Do I think this worked? I am not entirely sure it worked on it's own, but it helped. I think combined with the olive oil treatment (which I'll talk about next) and a good exfoliant, the dark spots don't stand a chance. In a pinch would I use parsley on my face?...YES!



Olive oil- Oil on already oily skin?! FOR SHAME! BUT it works. I used cotton rounds (and sometimes my fingers) to apply the oil. Then I steamed a towel (wet a towel and put it in the microwave for 30seconds) and placed it on the affected areas until cool. Then I used the same towel to wipe the rest of the oil off.

-I like this treatment! The oil removed the makeup I missed, moisturized my skin and this process loosens dark marks on skin! Doing it everyday is a lot for my schedule so I figure I will continue this treatment but maybe cut it to once or twice a week.


These recipes I used are for my skin type, Oily with Dark spots. You can find additional masks and treatments for you skin type on ehow.com (like I did) or at all for skin beauty.  But, here are some tips.
-uncoated aspirin mixed with a little bit of water fight pimples and acne.
-baking soda and water also fight acne and if necessary add PLAIN white toothpaste to the mix.
-mint leaves OR apple cider vinegar are also acne treatments
-aloe vera, vitamin e and avocado help moisturize skin.
-egg whites help brighten skin and also help with dark spots.
-pureed apples combined with lemon juice help prevent wrinkles.
-cucumber, honey and vitamin e can be a treatment to add moisture to dry skin.



 
  

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

THIS WEEK!!!!

First Up- SALES!
Walgreens
L'Oreal, Revlon and Maybelline eye & nail products are BOGO 50%

Rite Aid
Revlon, Maybelline, L'Oreal and Neutrogena are BOGO 50%
Almay 40% off
NYC 30% off

CVS
L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Clean&Clear, Milani, Lumene, Olay and Covergirl eye & nail are BOGO 50%

ALSO-
-$1 *GEM* for us oily skin gals
-I continue my "kitchen" skin care routine

-I recently joined birchbox. It's a beauty sample "club". It's $10 a month for a box of 5 samples. I was on the waiting list for almost 3 weeks. Shipping is FREE and there is NO TAX, so it really is just $10 a month! Boxes ship on the 10th of every month. I should be getting my first box in a fews days and I CAN'T WAIT!! As always I'll let you know if it's worth it.

BEAUTY FREEBIE! L'essence D'eau

I found another site for a free sample of skin repair essence from L'essence D'eau.
Info from their website-
L’essence D’eau Laboratories, Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of prestige skin care
makeup and fragrance products.
Founded in 1980, this technologically advanced innovative company  has gained a worldwide reputation for elegant,
luxurious products. Our products have been designed to address individual skin types and needs. The products re based
on research and related expertise of leading dermatologists. All, so we can bring you gentle and highly effective products.
L’essence D’eau is one of the top selling luxury skin care brands in the world. With double-digit growth in most of our
markets, L’essence D’eau is one of the most successful beauty brands of the over past 20 years. We are fast becoming
the brand for young urban women who want innovative cosmetic products that are in tune with their state of mind and
lifestyle.
Our products are available in 5,000 of the world's finest department stores and boutiques. Which means
L’essence D’eau is where you  are.
L’essence D’eau offers a comprehensive range of care for face, body and sun. As well as effective skin cares for men.
So if you're looking for solutions that speak to your body and mind... Products that take your lifestyle and environment
into account…

In Europe, in America, in Asia…
More and more women around the world are refusing to compromise when it comes to their beauty routines and
well being.
In everything they see, do and feel, they want to indulge themselves as well as satisfy their rational needs.
Their world must combine a healthy lifestyle with modern technology. It's as much about emotions and feelings as
performance and results.
They want effective products that bring them pleasure. Skin care that is simple to use, that soothes the spirit, that
speaks to their senses…

Monday, March 11, 2013

$1 *GEM* (late entry)

HEY LOVELIES!!!!
I'm sorry I've been M .I.A. I tried to shoot a video on how to use this weeks (or should I say last weeks) $1 *GEM* ...let's just say it did not go as planned, BUT I do have pictures.
    
     This weeks *GEM* is a false eyelash applicator. I know those big metal ones can be intimidating. This one is plastic and barely 2 inches long. It even come with a glue well, a place to put the glue in and drag the strip eyelashes across to apply the glue evenly. Personally I do not use the well, but I am not throwing it away either!

     Above is the actual picture from eBay. This item ships from Hong Kong so  it will take about a month to receive but if you REALLY want to apply eyelashes fast and easy, it's worth the wait. This applicator is ONLY $.99 cents,  not including $.12 cents for shipping and handling.
 
This is what my item looks like.

 
               I opened the clip and put the eyelash inside...please excuse my chipped nail polish :)
This is the eyelash inside the clip with the glue applied
 
I put it against my eye. I am only using a tiny bit of pressure to make sure it sticks to the lid.
        
 
 
   VIOLA!!!!
 
 
 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Allure Skincare article Sept. 2012

Since the next two weeks are all about skincare ( for me, at least)  I figure I'll put up some skincare articles with tips and tricks to improve your skin. I wish I had EVERY skin type just so I could try every type of product for every person reading, but unfortunately I only have mine, which is oily/combination thank you very much :)

This article is form the September '12 issue of Allure magazine. The article title is S.O.S. (save our skin). It's basic do's and don't of taking care of your skin and information from licensed dermatologists.

- Only use a dime sized amount of product.
- Try mild soap free products ( Cetaphil or Neutrogena Gentle cleaners)
-Hot water can strip lipids from the skin
-Moisturizer should be applied to skin while it is still damp...For extremely dry skin place a thin wet cotton cloth on freshly moisturized skin. Leave on for 15 minutes to an hour. Do this about once a week.

-"Creams that combine mineral oil and paraffin can damage the skin barrier and increase water" -Ava Shamban, asst. clinical professor of dermatology.

-"Exfoliating dead skin cells can unclog and brighten the skin, but that doesn't mean scrubbing abrasively"
-"For daily cleaning, most people should avoid anything that leaves a tight feeling afterwards"- Ranella Hirsch, professor of dermatology

-"Moisturizers with humectants (compounds the retain & attract water) with small enough molecules are superior for treating dry skin." -Marie Loden, pharmacist

-"Applying moisturizer before acne treatment can be helpful."
-"People with oily skin should use and oil free moisturizer."
-"If you have dry and acne proned skin, use a traditional moisturizer."
-"Opt for all in one products rather than 3 different products. example-moisturizer with SPF and antioxidants" -Joshua Zeichner, directer of clinical and cosmetic research in dermatology.




Sunday, March 3, 2013

THIS WEEK!!

This weeks drugstore sales:
Walgreens
Covergirl, L'oreal, Biore and Garnier skincare are BOGO 50%

CVS
Covergirl, Neutrogena, Rimmel and NYC are BOGO 50%
There are also various Olay products on sale ( look for coupons in this Sunday's paper)

Rite Aid
Covergirl, Olay, L'oreal, Maybelline, Almay and Physicians Formula are BOGO 50%
Biore is $5.99
Revlon lip or mascara is $4.99
Maybelline mascara is $5.99
 *don't forget to look inside the rite aid flyer for coupons*
 
**please remember to check your local areas for sale prices**

 ****************************************************

SO this week I will be doing an experiment as well as a review on homemade skin care products I will make myself in my own kitchen. I have so many recipes that it will take about 2 weeks. 
Don't worry I will not disappear during this time, I will continue my blog as normal with articleas and great (cheap!!) products.

 
These are all the products I'll be working with

Friday, March 1, 2013

$1 *GEM* OF THE WEEK

   This weeks *GEM* comes from e.l.f. or eyeslipsface. You'll probably see a lot of these products up here because the fit so nice and snuggy in my proposed price point. Plus they have a bunch of other colors, not all of them are as good, but when in doubt, always trust the glitter!

REVIEW: Glitter Eyeliner

I have JUST taken off the last of my makeup which included one of the eyeliners I am going to review today.
To make sure the "experiment" as I refer to it is not biased, I applied the same type/style and brands of makeup everyday for 3 days. The only thing I changed was the eyeliner. I did switch up my concealer the last 2 times because the new one I tried just did not cover well. I did still used it on my eyelids so I could keep this experiment even.
     I applied every liner the same way, one swipe with the brush from the outer corner to the middle and one swipe from the inner corner to the middle, then one last swipe across the entire eyelid. I took 1 picture right after I applied the makeup and 1 picture 12 hours later.

this is the 3 of them on the back of my hand. elf is on the top, ruby kisses is in the middle (black) and nyx is on the bottom

The first one ( as well as our $1 GEM of the week) is 'copper" by eyeslipsface. To be honest I did not expect this one to last. I borrowed it from my sister to test {I will beg, borrow and steal for this blog :)!!} It has kind of a thin, very liquid consistency. Once I applied it, I kept my eye closed and fanned it for 10 seconds while it dried. The glitter is small, about the average size of glitter. It goes on smooth and stayed on the entire 12 hours and probably could have gone longer! There was no flaking and it did not make my eyelid feel dry or sticky, nor did it aggravate my eyes in any way. Plus the cost is GREAT at only $1!
10:30 am
 
10:30 pm
 
Our next at bat is studio liquid liner in gold by NYX. I figured this would work the best but I was mistaken. The glitter is superfine. It's almost like a shimmer liner rather than a glitter. It lasted about 10 of the 12 hours. At hour 10 it started to crack. 1 eye started to peel off and by the time I wiped of my makeup, my left eye had hardly any liner left on it. The right eye had cracked and started to flake off. The liner went on smoothly and dried almost instantly. Again no irritation of any kind. Retail value $4.50.
 
 
    1pm
                                                                                                  1am
 
The last one is by Ruby Kisses. I don't know this brand, so I didn't know what to expect. I got it at a local store that sells cosmetics. The liner has silver and black glitter in a black tinted gel. It went on smooth and stayed in place but still felt loose and wet on my eyelids. The glitter in the gel was average sized, but I still did not get the glittery effect I got with the other two liners. The glitter was scattered throughout the liner. It did last the entire 12 hours. and maybe could have gone longer. I'm surprised the tinted gel didn't fade.  Once again no issues, no irritation. Retail value $2.99
 
                                                                                               11am
11pm
 
I must admit it felt weird walking around with glitter eyelids at 10am. I am 95% sure i would normally never do such a thing unless the event warranted it. BUT it was for a great cause.