$1 *GEM*

I know it's been a while since I bought you guys a $1 *GEM*. As a matter of fact this item was not even really $1, it was a $1.19.
But these AMAZING storage containers are worth WAY more than that!
As you may know I frequent discount and dollar stores looking for steals, and this time I TOTALLY lucked out! I have been looking for good, convenient,  cheap and kinda cute storage for a while, and I found it on my way to work in the morning. These storage bins are a godsend! I bought as much as I can use, but I am thinking of hoarding some for future use. They are cute, stackable, don't take up a lot of space, yet they are surprisingly roomy! Plus there is no assembly required. 
They come in 4 colors and 5/6 different styles. I chose the boat style for my collection of items waiting to be tested and the front loading box style holds  my collection of products I use everyday.
The 4 on my desk cost a total of $4.80
My collection storage cost a whopping $12.00!! (Tax not included)
Check your local stores and see what available,  there is ALWAYS something good!

AT HOME SPA DAY!

     Hey everyone!!!  As promised, here are some ideas on how to do an at home spa day. You can do them all in the same day or do them piece by piece during the week.
I usually pick Sunday as my spa day, but that only included my face. Now I included body care into the equation as well.

 

Step 1* I recommend for everyone, exfoliation. You have to exfoliate!! Although apricot scrub isn't the worst thing to put on your face, I wouldn't recommend it. I too, use to be an apricot scrub junkie, but I have since moved on leaving me with an overstock of the product that I bought when it was on sale. I used it to exfoliate my body!       Every part but the face. And I only use it once a week. I have excema  on my legs,  I apply lotion twice a day, morning and night, but by the time I get to work, I'm dry and by the time I go to bed I'm dry again. Exfoliating helped my lotion to actually absorb into the skin. It is moisturized and my skin not only feels better, but it looks better too. I also use the scrub on the back of my arms, where the skin is rough and bumpy. I could feel the difference after 1 use. I have also used it on my chest and you can even use the apricot scrub to your hands.
      Exfoliation is great before shaving. I like to do it the day before I shave, just to minimize the "trauma"  I put my skin through in a day.
      Exfoliation is great for dark areas, like the knees and elbows. And when you're done scrubbing just rinse it off in the shower. Be sure to follow with a lotion/cream.
I usually exfoliate my legs before I get in the shower and everything else while I'm in the shower. I also use a moisturizing bodywash.
My faves: Bodywash-Nivea touch of smoothness or St. Ives college elastin Body lotion-Nivea smooth sensation or St. Ives collagen elastin
(These lotions are the only ones that work of me, but use your favorite)
Exfoliators- St. Ives apricot scrub
Or make your own salt/ sugar scrub using sea salt, or table sugar and olive oil, or your favorite oil.

Step 2* At home facial- For this I use several steps
1. Initially I apply oil to my face and remove it with a hot wet towel.  An oil that doesn't clog the pores (coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin e, etc...)
2. Exfoliate (boots botanics microdermabrasion scrub)        
3. Mask- I use one that fits my needs that week, but on a regular basis I use the charcoal mask by origins. 4. Cleanser- again on that fits my needs and you can check my article on cleansers here.
5. Toner- I use boots botanics  shine away toner, for mattifying the skin
6.Treatments/ serums- I use a serum for dark spots and an eye serum/cream.
7. Moisturize- always moisturize using no spf ( boot botanics shine away moisturizing gel cream)
Step3- relax, drink tea, wine or whatever relaxes you and sit back in your face mask and just relax. I take this time to catch up on my shows I missed during the week.

*For spa quality hair care use a deep conditioner or treatment.*
If you really want to fancy, put your hair treatment in, and your face mask on and exfoliate while those other things are working.
We are all about multitasking here at beauty on a budget.
 

This I exactly wet hat I do on my spa day. These simple step will have you looking radiant and beautiful in no time!

Good Luck and Happy Relaxing!!!

MY BIRCHBOX!!

     So this month I got this amazing birchbox! I always like my boxes, but this month was exceptional! It's well worth ( and beyond) my $10 I pay each month!
Inside is :
-Avene Cleanance gel cleanser
-Macadamia healing oil spray
-Tocca hand lotion
-Temptu highlighter
-Chapstick hydration lock lip balm
-Harvey Prince Hello perfume
I can't wait to try every single thing!

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

     OMG I'm back again with more and more sales!
     But first- NYFW and for everyone who doesn't know "New York Fashion Week" I posted the fall trends last week. A good on trend lipstick is "Di-Vinely Chilled"  from the Fergie Wet n Wild Collection. It's a metallic brown, with a little red in it. And don't forget to check out their 4 new fall palettes too!
     This week is a pretty good week, but like I told you last time, it is back to school, which for some reason is "back to sales".

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%- Revlon, Cetaphil, Maybelline, St. Ives, Covergirl face/lip/nail, Neutrogena
20% off Olay
25% Wet n Wild lip/nail

CVS
BOGO 50%- L'Oreal hair color, Eucerin, NYX, Wet n Wild, Olay, Roc, Aquaphor
BOGO FREE Got2B
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Almay, Clean & Clear

Rite Aid
BOGO 50%-Revlon, Garnier hair care, Neutrogena cosmetics, Covergirl face, Cetaphil, Ponds,
St. Ives, Simple, Noxema, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Aveeno
BOGO FREE- Got2b, Organix, Marc Anthony, Finesse
40% off Almay

Ulta
Ulta is bringing back their 21 Days of Beauty. Everyday until September 27th, Ulta will have a sale on a different item and host an different event each day.
Also there are other deals such as
30% off Hydratone, Kinerase
Buy 2 Get 1 Free Joico, Sexy Hair, Matrix, Sebaastian
It's a 10 promo packs
BOGO 50% - Aveeno, Roc, Nivea, Neutrogena, Boots No. 7, Select Brushes, NYX, Almay, Revlon, Rimmel, Red Carpet

I promise, promise, promise, promise! Come back later on in the week for my at home spa article!
Until then, happy shopping!

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

WELCOME BACK! Since I've been absent I hope you've enjoyed working your way around my blog. Today I am here to bring you not only the sales, but the fall trends.
Which one to do first...HMMMM

Let's start with the trends
Fall Trends
Metallics- metallics all over!! Lips, eyes and even glowy skin. What's especially hot is the brown metallic lip.
Lashes- lashes, lashes and more lashes. Bring 'em on!
Quirky color- neons, metallics, bold, bright colors on the eyes in the form of eyeshadow or liner.

NYFW trends
Bold brows (obviously)
Berry lips
Red jewel toned lips
Brown smoky eye
Jewel tone eyes

SALES
*side bar about sale- not all sales are great every week, some weeks it isn't even work reporting. This week because of the back to school season, there are quite a few.*

Rite Aid
BOGO 50%- Covergirl, Rite Aid skin/bath care, Olay, Sally Hansen, Revlon, Maybelline, L'Oreal eye, Neutrogena, Clean&Clear, Garnier
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks $4.99
Rimmel 30% off
Almay face $8.99

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%- Covergirl, Rimmel, Revlon, L'Oreal, Broadway and Kiss Nails
20% off L'Oreal skincare
Sally Hansen gel polish $7.99
Pantene 3/$5

CVS
BOGO 50%- Covergirl, Revlon, NYC, Neutrogena sun products, MUA academy, Maybelline, Jergens, Garnier, CVS products, Nuance, Cetaphil, Trim, Curel

Also don't forget about Sephora's 75% off sale.

That is all I have for today, but stay tuned during the week for more info, coming your way!!

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

HELLO EVERYONE!!! How have you been?!, I'm glad you're back for more info and feel free at anytime to ask questions of leave comments and of course follow in INSTAGRAM @ aprilmaykup.
I just wanted to bring you the sales for this week.

Rite Aid
BOGO 50%- Garnier, c.Booth, Revlon, vita K, L'Oreal lip/face, Covergirl face, Almay, St. Ives, Ponds, Noxema, Rimmel
ROC Buy 2 get 1 FREE!
Nivea lip 2/$5

Walgreens
BOGO 50%- Revlon lip/eye, Neutrogena, Cerave, Panoxyl, L'Oreal

CVS
BOGO 50%- Sally Hansen, Garnier, Maybelline face/lip/eye, Tresemme, Dove, Biore, Jergens, Physicians Formula, Covergirl eye/nail, Milani, Rimmel, NYC, St. Ives, Noxema, Simple, Ponds, CVS brand products, Organix, Axe, Neutrogena
Nivea 2/$9
Aveeno Buy 2 get 1 FREE!
BOGO FREE!!! Tony& Guy, Marc Anthony, Salon Grafix

Ulta
FREE $15 Ulta gift bag with any $19.50 purchase of Ulta products
BOGO 50% Revlon, L'Oreal, Sally Hansen, Physicians Formula, Almay, Maybelline, Covergirl eye/lip/face
15% off Cetaphil, Nivea, Neutrogena, L'Oreal

I am currently working on an article for an at home spa day. Check back later when it will be up. I would love to hear your feedback!
Until then HAPPY SHOPPING!!
Feel free to comment with any online sales I may have missed!

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

     Hello lovelies! Glad to see you're sticking around!
     What have you been up to? or maybe what have I been up too? Right now I'm here to bring you sales and other happenings for beauty and whatever.
     First,  I'd like to let you know I'm available at the
Duane Reade at 100 West 57th street
Monday- Friday from 12-7, so come in and talk beauty with me. I will be holding an even for Essie all week! and you have the ability to purchase 3 colors exclusive to Duane Reade/Walgreens. Plus, if you purchase any 3 Essie nail colors, you receive a FREE top coat!!

SALES!!
Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%- Roc

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% -L'Oreal, Revlon face/eye, Almay concealer/eye/removers, Covergirl lip/eye, BioOil, Cerave, Curel, Panoxyl, Sebamed,
Maybelline 25% off
Cutex and Nutranail BOGO FREE
Neutrogena Cleansers Buy 2, get the 3rd FREE

CVS
BOGO 50%-Revlon, Maybelline, Roc, Olay, Nuance, Sally Hanson, Covergirl eye/lip/nail, Eucerin, Frizz ease

Ulta
15% off of Roc, Aveeno, L'Oreal, Olay skincare
BOGO 50% L'Oreal eye, Revlon, Covergirl
Pur Minerals BOGO FREE

Not the BEST week for sales, but if you need to grab the necessities it'll help.

     I am working on another eyeshadow review and also an article for women that don't really wear makeup or are just getting into makeup.
     Coming up this month, a long awaited $1 *GEM* and a nail polish article...yes, I said nail polish. I don't do nails, that's my thing LOL, but I have been getting into it lately because I have to, so stay tuned for that.
    Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @ aprilmaykup
Until later lovelies!!!!

BEAUTY NEWS!!! Challenge Update

     I know, I've been MIA for a few weeks, but I'm back!! I'm here to update you on all the results of my challenges and bring you sales for the week.
    

     My first challenge, my self imposed challenge was with the Boots No. 7  Lash Serum. I used it every night for 8 weeks. My brows improved the quickest. The hair thickened from using the serum and of course makes the hair in the area grow faster. I do have to tell you that it will not grow hair in places that hair never existed. Like the slit in my eyebrow, that has always been there, no hair grows in that spot, but this serum makes the separation way less noticeable.

 

the picture on the right is the before and the picture on the left is after 4 weeks

 

     For my lashes, the serum did thicken them at least for the first 6 weeks, and in the last 2 weeks all the growth happened. I even ended up with an extra row of lashes in addition to my lashes being even longer  than they were before. Now with 2 coats of mascara my lashes look fake. I still use it, but only for upkeep. I may pull back and use it every other night instead of every night.
     I also like that fact that I am still on 1 tube of the serum and didn't need a bunch of bottle to make it through the 8 weeks.

  

 Second challenge: "Pink for 30 Days".
     I got so tired of wearing pink. I did as much as I could do with it. I like pink, but not this much. I struggled to complete my face ( lipstick and blush) and I didn't want to wear the same thing everyday. But, it was a good challenge to stretch my creativity.
Would I do this again? Maybe I would do this challenge again, but change the rules, to give me more leeway with the colors. Maybe the look could be pink (of the main color) with an added complimentary color, besides the black, white, silver and gold.
   

SALES!!
CVS
BOGO 50% Tresemme, Revlon, Cetaphil, Nuance, Almay, L'Oreal lip, Olay complete/ age defy/ anti wrinkle, Nexus

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%  L'Oreal skin, sun and cosmetics, Roc
25% off Tresseme

Rite Aid
Sally Hansen 40% off
BOGO FREE Physicians Formula, Renewal Sun care and Banana Boat
BOGO 50% Revlon face/lip/nail, Covergirl face,  select Olay products, Garnier, Renewal bath accessories
L'Oreal sun care 20% off
Almay eye & concealer $5.99
Revlon Colorstay Liners and Mascaras $5.99
Select L'Oreal products $7.99

ULTA
BOGO 50%  Revlon, Prestige, Physicians Formula, Covergirl, Eyelure, NYX, L'Oreal (including sun, skin and hair care), Cerave, Lumene, Yes, Biore, Neutrogena
15% off No.7, Aveeno, Burts Bees
Japonesque brushes BOGO FREE

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

WELCOME BACK!!!!
How are you? I am so happy to see you again.We are back for more sales and more info!!
First up my personal challenge with the Boots No.7 Lash Serum
So after all this time ,I can really see the results of the serum on my lashes. They look so full and fluffy. I am in love! I am also in love with my brows too. After grooming them over the weekend (because they grow fast on their own and 3 times faster with the serum), I am finally happy with the transformation. I was always  happy with the transformation regardless, it was just that my brows were too wild. Now that everything is tameable, I am beyond happy. I thing at this point I moved from the strengthening period to the growing period. So in a couple more weeks the final results will be revealed.
Just to give you an idea of how much my lashes transformed, today a woman thought I was wearing false lashes.

30 Days of Pink Challenge
I am getting so tired of pink LOL. I love pink, but this is enough. I am running out of eyeshadow styles, but every time I go to work I get complimented.
I think I'll be using my pink mascara all this week, just to try something new!
I can't wait until this challenge is over though. After this week I think I'll try more neutral pinks.

SALES!!!
Medusa's Makeup is having a $2 off per item sale. I suggest you stock up! I bought 8 last week and received a FREE eyeshadow brush! The hard part is figuring out which colors to get.

Rite Aid
BOGO 50%  L'Oreal, Covergirl, Wet n' Wild, Maybelline face, Revlon face, lip&eye, Renewal implements and hand and body lotion.
L'Oreal Skincare  $19.99

Walgreens/DR
BOGO 50% Covergirl, Revlon, Garnier skincare
Cetaphil  25% off

CVS
BOGO 50% Maybelline eye&lip, Revlon, Almay, Select Neutrogena products, Dove men+care, CVS brand cotton, removers and tools, Nuance, Covergirl, Eucerin

BEST $10 I EVER SPENT...

     I originally chose another product for this BEST 10 article and was going to save this product for the June BEST 10...No such luck because this miraculous, fun thing happened! I might even give you 2 BEST 10's this month.

     This months BEST $10 I EVER SPENT is bought to you by Revlon. It's the Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain for $9.99. When I saw this product, it was love at first sight! I love the idea of a stain and the moisturizing properties combine into one simple step in vibrant colors!
     I saw other reviews on this product and I get what they're saying, but I haven't had any problems with this product. The product does stain, but just like anything else it needs time to set in. Once the glossiness dissipates the stain is still there. I usually reapply it only for the moisture/gloss. I applied it work, after lunch and at the end of the day and I have dry lips!
I don't really wear lipstick often, so I love these as a definite substitute. I bought 4 colors and it was definitely hard to make a choice.

     So here's the story that makes this a WIN!
At work yesterday I met Cameron Diaz!! She was looking at the Revlon Colorburst stains (the old formulas) I told her that that formulation was no longer available, but we had the new crayon formula. Cameron was not a fan of those, so I introduced her to the Colorstay stains. I told her about the stains and it didn't hurt that I was wearing 'India Intrigue'. Well, she loved them and bought 3. You should try a couple too!

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

     Hello!! I am so happy you're back! Also welcome to all the 'newbies'!!!
I always invite people to visit my blog, and everytime I get an alert from a new follower, I am always excited! SERIOUSLY!! I am happy to see each and everyone of you!
So what's going on this week?
If you are in NYC and would like to see me in person and talk beauty, or to get a hug and a smile. I am at the Duane Reade on 57th Street and 6th Avenue, right down the block from Carnegie Hall!
I will be there Monday through Friday, 12 pm-7:30pm, plus there are other friendly beauty experts there to chat with as well.

PRODUCT ALERT!
Covergirl Bombshell Mascara
    There are numerous complaints that this mascara destroys lashes by making them fall out. I have never tried this product, but when I first read the complaints, I immediately thought "how are these women removing the mascara?" Some mascaras that do not label themselves as waterproof can be hard to remove and still need an oil based remover. So is the case with the Bombshell mascara.
     I recommend the Sephora or Almay waterproof makeup remover. Other options include coconut oil, vitamin e oil and even olive oil. If you do not want to even go through all that trouble, Covergirl makes a variety of other mascaras, or check out my review on mascaras for other options.

UPDATE!
Boots No. 7 Lash Serum
     I grow more and more obsessed with my brows each week. They just look so much thicker and fuller, that I am thinking of changing my brow routine. This week is the first week I will be fully grooming my brows. I have stayed away from doing so, because I did not want to destroy the growth process. I now feel comfortable enough in the process to try it.
     With my lashes I don't know if they really are much longer. My lashes are normally pretty long and I am not sure if I'm just use to that. My lashes are much stronger  and thicker though. I can press on my lashes and they  spring back. I also noticed another row of lashes forming right behind my current rows of lashes. I can't wait to see what happens in the next 4 weeks.

CHALLENGE UPDATE!
     1 month of just pink? What was I thinking?! after a few days I was thinking, I am so not going to make it through this. I forgot to include 1 more rule, that I can use gold and silver  in addition to the black and white. Just because those metallic are like neutrals as well.
I am going to keep up the challenge and of course pump up the creativity.

(cue celebratory music)
SALES (remember prices will be slightly different depending on location)

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50% Jergens, Covergirl, Olay Regenerist, Maybelline, Hawaiian Tropics, Banana Boat
25% off mens No. 7 products

CVS
BOGO 50% Revlon, Physicians Formula, Artificial lashes and nails, Almay, Maybelline, Covergirl, Roc, Clearasil, CVS facial/sun care, Olay, Neutrogena (select varieties), Olay (select varieties)

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% Covergirl eye, lip and nail, St. Ives, Simple, Noxema, Nivea, Curel, Biore, Jergens, Revlon face, nail and eye, Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropics, Almay foundation, powder, blush and concealer, L'Oreal skin/sun care
L'Oreal voluminous lashes, Wet Shine $6.99
L'Oreal Color Riche $7.99
Revlon Colorburst/Colorstay $6.99

Summer Skincare: Camp Edition

     I've been to camp, as a counselor. I have slept in tents in the woods and also cabins, for weeks. I know how difficult and tiring it is with the kids and the chaos.  Skin care is probably far from everyone's mind at this point. I have put together a list of suggestions and products to help keeping your skin healthy and clean, even in the middle of nowhere.

Exfoliants
-Normally I would not recommend these, but for easy access, a facial cleansing scrub is the best option. This way you kill 2 birds with 1 stone.  Your face gets clean and you get a little exfoliation.
Options: (all products are between $5-$8, depending on location)
Neutrogena Deep Clean Long Last Shine Control Daily Scrub
Neutrogena Oil Free Daily Scrub
Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub

-Another exfoliation option could be wipes. There are a few out on the market. They are quick and easy and require no water.
Options: ($3-$7)
ELF Exfoliating Cleansing Wipes
Simple Exfoliation Cleansing Wipes

Cleansers
-If you decide to use an exfoliating cleansing scrub, you can skip this part entirely. These products DO NOT require water.
Options: ($3.50- $8)
Cetaphil/Family Dollar cleanser
Boots No.7 Cleansing Water (for normal to oily skin)
Boots No.7 Lotion Cleanser ( for normal to dry skin)

- If you are into the 'old fashioned' cleansers LOL (the ones that require water) here are a few for you.
Options: ($3.50-$8)
Cetaphil/Family Dollar Cleanser
Neutrogena Oil Free Cleanser
Olay Daily Cleansing Cloths

Moisturizers
-You could use your usually moisturizer, but if that I a little heavy for you try a gel cream or lotion.
Options: ($10-$13)
Garnier Gel Cream ( normal/dry and normal/oily formulations)
Boots Botanics Shine Away Gel Cream
Simple Gel Cream

-If you would like a moisturizer with SPF
Options: ($13-$20)
Lumene Vitamin C Day cream (for all skin types)
Boots Botanics Shine Away Daytime Gel Cream
Ambi Day Moisturizer (oily skin)

Sunscreen
-Even though you use a day cream with moisturizer you still need to reapply sunscreen. Here are some options in a powder formulation, specifically for the face.
Options:
ELF SPF 45 Sunscreen Powder $6
Peter Thomas Roth SPF Powder $30 (available in spf 15 and spf 30)

Sunscreen Face Lotions (also contain moisturizers, so you can skin the moisturizer step)
Options: ($8-$34)
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen
La Roche Posay Anthelios
Coola Facial Sunscreen

Sunscreen Sprays for face and body
Options: ($10-$34)
Neutrogena
Hawaiian Tropics
La Roche Posay
Coppertone
 
Mid Day Refreshers
-We could all use these whether we are in a camp or not. If I'm not wearing makeup and constantly applying sunscreen I could DEFINITLY use one!
Options: ($1-$10)
Wipes:
BioSwiss Wipes ( $1 *GEM*)
Simple Cleansing Wipes
Dickenson's Witch Hazel Wipes

Sprays:
Boots No.7 Mineral Water Spray
Boots Botanics Rose Water Spray

I hope this list gives you a good idea on how to maintain good skincare in the wilderness. I offered quick, easy and mostly inexpensive options. The majority can be picked up at your local drugstore, with the exception of a few. Feel free to list any personal suggestions below.

It's OK To...

     I have had many questions (and also made many observations) about the way people apply their makeup, now they buy their makeup and skincare products and what products people do and or don't use and why.
 In case you where wondering, this is pretty much a list of FAQ's or FOP's (frequently observed problems)

It is OK To...

1* Ask for help/Accept help- don't go into a store, stand in front of the products and expect something to jump out at you. If you have a skin concern, address it with the people that know their stuff.
     As a beauty advisor, I meet people who start telling me their skin care problems with         " this is embarrassing..." Don't be embarrassed! We've heard it all and personally, I can say, I'm not judging you because of your skin concern. I may not like you routine or lack their of, but I'm going to give you a GREAT/PERFECT product, advice and good conversation!

2* Betray your brand-You love that Neutrogena cleanser, but are not a fan of the moisturizer. Don't buy it! Just because it's the same brand, that you love isn't going to help you. You have to get something that WORKS! Brands will create product for where the money is. Buying a product that you are not crazy about, just because you recognize the brand, is costing you more in the long run, except you're paying the price with your face.

3* Miss/Skip a day-I did a whole article on this here. Pay close attention to 5 and 6

4* Change cleansers/foundation color or type/moisturizers with the seasons-Your skin changes with the seasons, why not your products? It' good to use a light moisturizer in the summer, especially if you seat a lot. Some moisturizers just may be too heavy for the summer heat or too light if you tend to dry out in the winter. Change products accordingly.
     Maybe in the summer you're oily. Get a cleanser with oil controlling or acne fighting properties.
     If you only need these products for 3/4 months, you might still have some for the next year.
     
4b* Change cleansers/treatments/foundations as needed-I change my cleanser once a month, when I have a breakout and I also add a salicylic acid spot treatment. If you need too change any part of your routine, for any reason, just know that it's OK.
     Lastly, foundation...you will need to change your foundation at LEAST twice I year.
I changed mine about 4 times last year. I changed twice between May and August. It happens, it's a part of life, so don't think you'll be using the same color foundation for the entire year.

5* Change your routine-I exfoliate more frequently in summer than I do any other time of the year. Also I need a 'refresher' in the middle of the day, whether I'm wearing makeup or not, that I don't need those things in the winter time. In the summer BB cream is NOT my friend. It literally melts off my face. These are changes you have to make with the seasons, and according to your skin type.

It Is NOT OK To...

1*Change products like you change underwear- Things don't work that fast. With hair products I recommend sticking with the product at least a week (if you are washing your hair daily)
With skin products it depends on what it is. With a moisturizer/cleanser/mask/exfoliator, you might be able to tell if you like the product almost immediately. BUT if the product has some acne clearing properties, moisturizing properties of anti aging properties, you could be looking at a 2-4 week commitment before you see or don't see any results.

2*NOT use Sunscreen- Most skin problems are cause by the sun. 1 in 5 people get some form of skin cancer. 'NUFF SAID

3*NOT wash your face-You have to wash your face! Wipes, won't cut it! Body wash /soaps,  won't do! Water, not a chance! You have to get a face wash that works for you.

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

HEY BEAUTIFUL!!! How are you?
     Thanks for returning for another week. I have SOOOO much stuff to tell you and I'm UBER excited!!! I am writing my Best $10 and *GEM* articles right after this because one of them comes with a GREAT story! But first, let's recap of challenge for the month.

CODE NAME: 1 Color, 30 Days
Color chosen: PINK
RULES
1-pick color at random and use that color eyeshadow for the next 30 days.
2-All shades of pink are acceptable-no purple or red
3-shade of pink must be used in 60% of the eyeshadow application (including liners and mascara)
4-black and white may be used in conjunction with the pink(s)
5-at least 1 look for everyday-30 days in total

     I wear a lot of pink eyeshadow. It can almost be used as a neutral, so I don't think this will be much of a challenge at all. The REAL challenge would be NOT getting bored with a limited color palette.
     Today I will be getting all my pink eyeshadows together, just so I'm not tempted to pick up anything else.

ANNOUNCEMENT!!
This week and from now on, I will be at the Duane Reade on the corner of 57th and 6th to talk beauty with everyone from Monday to Thursday 12pm-7pm and Friday from 12pm-4pm. Come and see me!

SALES
Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%  Covergirl, Neutrogena, Revlon, Aveeno, L'Oreal skincare
Olay is 20% OFF
Sinful Nail Polish $.99
Boots Botanics & Champneys 20%OFF

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% Covergirl, Revlon, Almay, Olay, Maybelline eyeshadows & liners, Wet n' Wild
Neutrogena lip & eye, Eucerin, Aquaphor
BOGO FREE Physicians Formula
$6.99 select Neutrogena Cleansers
L'Oreal Moisturizers $13.99
Neutrogena Oil Free, Deep Moisture and Sun Care
Maybelline Mascaras $5.99

CVS
BOGO 50% Covergirl, Neutrogena, Revlon, Almay, Nuance, CVS brand removers, Physicians Formula, Simple, Ponds, Dove, Cetaphil, Cerave, Aveeno
2/$10 Olay Complete products

Ulta
BOGO 50% Red Carpet, Revlon, Covergirl, Almay, Physicians Formula and many more!
Also the is a 20% coupon available

UPDATE
     I have been using the Boots No.7 lash serum for a couple weeks. I'm taking pics and trying to get some GOOD ones that show the progress. So far a see a few visible signs.
1-My lashes usually criss cross at the corners, no amount of mascara could correct it. By the end of the first week, my lashes uncrossed and were visible.
2-My lashes look thicker at the root and it looks like there are more lashes than there were before.
3-My brows look great. The hairs look thicker and now my eyebrows are almost the same size. My only complaint is when my brows start to grow out, a hair will stick out of place and no amount of gel will hold it down. The plus side is, that it will only last a day.

WEEKLY REVIEW: Eyeshadow #2

     Since I already started, I'd like to continue on this 'eyeshadow roll' and post a review on more eyeshadows. I'm sorry for the love fest, but I really liked all of these. There was nothing terribly bad about any of them. I would only choose one brand over another, by personal preference, availability and/or convenience. What I can tell you is that currently in my kit are Coastal Scents and Ofra shadows.
     POP, Gosh. Cargo and Lisi don't really make convenient package for artists or have the range of either colors or finishes I would like to have. Also, Cargo is constantly changing formulas, so that inconsistency scares me.

Lisi $6-$9 per eyeshadow (lisicosmetics.com) LOVE these! I love the brightness of the colors, the pigmentation and wear. I wish they made a palette of these shadows.
     When I first saw them I was struggling on which colors to get, since there are so many, and I only wanted to test a couple, before committing to the line. I was not disappointed.
     Lisi shadows are pigment, especially for the price! The only thing I don't like is that they don't have a palette. The wear on these shadows is excellent! It's a brand, that if you had to, could be used w/o a primer. (Currently having a 50% sale on their website)

Coastal Scents $9-$25 per palette (coastalscents.com) I keep these in my kit at all times. There are so many colors, they are all pigmented and last a long time! Coastal Scents has over 300 colors, that I wish I could get all in a palette. The largest palette is the 252.  For the most part all the shadows last all day, there are a few that might crease, but they're hard to pin point and are almost worth not even mentioning, so just forget I even said it. :) If you can't find a color in this brand, then the color doesn't exist! They have everything. The problem is choosing which colors to use each day.

GOSH $12 for a trio (duanereade, goshcosmetics.com) -This is a Swedish brand here in America. The colors are bright with good pigmentation. The wear is good. These shadows feel  hard, but they are able to be manipulated and blended. It would just question the grouping. The colors they put together are either very slightly different, or supplementary. I would recommend primer, mostly to combat the potential fading of the shadows.




POP $24 (duanereade, popbeauty.com)-I like the palettes, I just think the texture is kind of powdery. Plus, these shadows appear to be very fragile. There isn't a brush soft enough that won't create some type of extra dust when picking a color. Primer is HIGHLY recommended ( a good primer too! i.e. Urban Decay or Too Faced) or the shadows WILL crease and badly!

     Personally, I would prefer NYX shadows because of the amount you get in each shadow and the quality  of the NYX vs POP. NYX is just slightly better, being that they hold up better in the packaging and work with ANY primer.

OFRA $79 per palette (ofracosmetics.com) -These shadows are a few things.
1. Amazing colors- probably the most you get in any brights palette.
2. pigmented- again the yellow is a bit of a problem, but I am slowly accepting the "yellow problem" with any brand of eyeshadow.
3. quality-for the deeper colors (which is most of the palette, with the exception of 2) you only need a small amount.
      Most shadows you usually need to layer, but you don't have to layer the color with these. The shadows come off the palette in full strength. Since the shadows are also large in size, you are looking at having this palette for a LONG time.
     This palette can also be used wet or dry. I tried both ways and the yellow became more pigmented when used wet. Another plus is that these shadows dry super fast if you choose to use them wet. These can be worn with or w/o primer.

Inglot $7-$9 per shadow (inglotusa.com)-Inglot means layering, at least that's how I see it.  Inglot is made for layering and blending, they practically blend themselves. I do like these, they remind me of Lisi shadows, but with more of a color and finish range.   
Inglot shadows are 'creamy' especially for powder colors.
Like I mentioned, layering is a must, I think they are just designed that way. These do crease but, I think the 'creamy' texture makes the creases almost invisible, kind of like the shadow moves itself around on the lid and blends itself back together, LOL. It's weird, I'm weird and that's the best way I can think to explain it.

Cargo $16 single shadow/ $40 per palette (duane reade, cargocosmetics.com)- These are great, but the quality changes over each product. Some single shadows are good, some are bad. The palettes have great quality shadows, but little variety as far as texture. They are all shimmer colors in 'Paris' palette. You don't need a lot of eyeshadow , they are very close to urban decay quality. These also work with any primer, or with nothing at all. The colors are a big deceiving in the palette. I recommend swatching them before applying them to your face.

NYX $4-$6 single shadow/ $8-$30 per palette (ulta, cvs, nyxcosmetics.com)-I have tried a variety of NYX shadows, the palettes, the singles, the primals, WHATEVER!
I love the quality of the NYX singles as opposed to the palettes. The palette colors are just close in tone and will work together, but don't provide much variety as far as dark and light shades. They do have a good mix of shimmer and matte shadows per palette though.
     The Primals, I LOVE. I honestly think NYX should extend the primal range and include the same colors in a shimmer finish. Even without using the NYX white primer these colors are bright and pigmented! My only complaint would be the yellow. Without the whit underneath, the yellow requires a few layers to look as bright as it is in the package.
The singles are great too. They are affordable, small and come in such a variety of colors that you can crate your own palette.
     For all the NYX eyeshadows-they can be used with or w/o primer ( However, I recommend primer to decrease creasing and increase wear) They are a great quality for a great price!

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

     HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!! I hope the weather is nice wherever you are and doing whatever you're doing.
     First, I would like to invite you to meet me, if you happen to be in the NYC area! I'll be working at the Duane Reade on the corner of 57th and 6th on Thursday from 12pm-8pm, dishing out beauty advice in real time. Just stop by, and we can check out some great products together.

Let's face it, the  sales last week, weren't what they could be :/, but this week things are a lot better!
At Ulta this is the last week of their sales I listed 2 weeks ago.
NYX is having an up to 40% off sale until the 26th.

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% -Covergirl eye/lip, L'Oreal face/lip, Revlon, Almay eye makeup and removers, Garnier skincare, L'Oreal skincare and suncare.
40% off Physicians Formula
BOGO FREE -Wet n' Wild, Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropics Sunscreen, Thicker Fuller Hair and LA looks gel

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%- L'Oreal, Covergirl, Revlon, Maybelline, Studio 35 beauty
Cetaphil $7.99
BOGO FREE -Banana Boat Sunscreen and Shea Moisture products

CVS
Biore $6.99
BOGO 50% -Revlon, Trim tools, Lumene, Clean&Clear, L'Oreal skincare, CVS Sunscreen

I think I'm going to start a NEW challenge for June. I'm thinking "1Color for 30 Days".
RULES
-in addition to the 1 color, you are allowed to used black and white
-color can be used in variety of finishes and shades
-60% of the chosen color must be present in the look
-groups of colors are used (ex. reds/burgundys, coppers/bronzes/rusts, blues/turquoises, etc)
-liners can be used as the means for showing the chosen color

I'll post further challenge details on Sunday, which is coincidentally June 1st, the first day of challenge month. Also stay tuned for a video tutorial and review.

BEAUTY NEWS!!

     HELLLLLO AGAIN! Welcome Back! As always it's good to see you! As the semester comes to it's long awaited end, I will be able to bring you more ON TIME articles.
     I have also started a new challenge. I am using Boots No.7 Lash Serum on my lashes and brows. Over the next 8 weeks my lashes should grow longer and stronger. Since this is an all natural serum I will not experience any side effects. PLUS, the serum is safe to use on brows...I should have bought 2...and 1 for my mom...5 sounds like a good number! I should have bought 5! I still have time since all No.7 products are on sale at Duane Reade/Walgreens BOGO 50% off until May 31st!

 

On to more sales! There aren't that many for this week, but if you need sunscreen this is the week to get it.

 

CVS
BOGO 50%- Roc, Nuance, Vichy, La Roche Posay, Clean&Clear, Acnefree, Olay, Ponds, Simple, Noxema, Wet n' Wild, Neutrogena, Nivea
20% off Burts Bees

 

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% L'oreal, Almay, Olay, artificial nails and lashes, Neutrogena skincare & face/lip products, Covergirl face products, Maybelline
25% off Revlon face products

 

Walgreens/Duane Reade

BOGO 50% Maybelline face, L'Oreal skin/sun care, Ponds, St. Ives, Dove, Revlon

Also Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nail pills are STILL on sale BOGO FREE for the rest of the week.

 

     The sales at Ulta from last week are good until the end of the month.

 

     I realized I didn't give you a $1 *GEM* or a Best $10, BAD APRIL! Luckily I have a couple products that fit these requirements. I will get those 2 things to you by the end of the week. I will also have a list of skincare/makeup do's that people feel a little weird about...maybe I'll even add in some don't just for good measure!

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY REVIEW: Eyeshadow

     Out of all the reviews I think this one might be the one a lot of people have been waiting for. To test these eyeshadows, I tried them once, and sometimes twice with a different primer. I used NYX white eye base as the first primer and just to give the makeup a fair chance, I retested the shadows using Urban Decay's primer.
     All shadow will crease, eventually, it's just a matter of how long and what primer will cut down the creasing time and how noticeable the creasing is. I have had some eyeshadows survive overnight, even after a deep sleep...but that's a story for another day :) 
I've had some shadows crease so badly, that they damn near disappeared! I've had others that had such small creases, that it's hardly noticeable.

So where do we start?

Covergirl $3-$6 (drugstores) These shadows don't work AT ALL if you use them dry!!! The brighter colors, like the green and blues work wet, but the pink/purples barely show up wet or dry. The only color that worked dry was the silver. I wouldn't waste time or money on these. I am actually struggling on what to do with mine...I'll probably give them to my niece to play with.


Covergirl Flamed Out Eyeshadows $5 - Now these work! I haven't had to try them wet to 'force' them to work, because they work so well dry. With any primer or alone the colors show up. In the entire collection there are about 12 colors which is a mix of brights and neutrals. I think they should extend this line and totally do away with the regular line. The white was more of a "fairy dust" than an actually white. I still love it as an under brow highlight color though.
There is creasing, (using NYX primer) but it's such small thin creasing, it could be ignored.


Urban Decay $52 (Sephora, ulta, urbandecay.com) - These palettes are 50 bucks a pop for a reason. There are pigment and lasts all day with or without primer and no creasing. When you break it down $52 for 12 eyeshadows
 (not including double ended brush and primer/lipgloss added to the package) it's about $5 a shadow, which is as much as you would pay for a single eyeshadow in a drugstore. Plus, you need so little of the product it will last a long time. My ONLY complaint would be about the inconsistency of the blacks as you cross reference them from palette to palette.


Wet n' Wild $4-$6 (drugstores)- The matte colors crease HORRIBLY and they aren't pigmented. The regular shimmer/ glitter colors are better, but their pigmentation varies. The deeper colors seem to be better and of course silver the is good. Even with primer the colors fade throughout the day.





Victoria Secret $30 (Victoria Secret)- Victoria Secret makes makeup? Who knew?! I went in the store with a $10 off of $30 coupon to buy underwear, but ended up dropping the 'draws' to buy makeup instead. I picked up this palette, because of the colors and it even came with a card showing a couple of  'how to' looks. You could have some real fun with this palette. The pigmentation is great and the shadows last all day. Overall, the Victoria Secret eyeshadows are a quality product and area a good contender to other popular brands
 ( I wouldn't say MAC or UD, but Stila, Smashbox, POP would be a good comparison.)



Physicians Formula $12-$14 (drugstores)-All the colors are light. Light in texture and variety of colors. There are a lot of golds, silvers, metallic in general. PF is meant to be light and buildable. The palettes are great learning or beginner colors. They are not very strong colors, but universally flattering for all color eyes. I would only recommend this palette for adolescents and older adults.

Shades by Gal $46 (shadesbygal.com)-This palette, the colors selections, pigmentation, quality, and combination of the universally flattering satin and matte colors, IMMEDIATELY reminded me of Makeup Designory. Makeup Designory is classic and rivals any brand in quality, Shades By Gal colors can compete with them as well!
The eyeshadows blend very well and are easily buildable. Just a little goes a long way! Naturally, the colors last all day. *this palette is no longer available on the website, but there is a spring palette available as well as individual colors*

ELF $1-$15 (eyeslipsface.com)- ELF is hit or miss, some of the colors are true to their original color, Some are a totally different color once they're on. I recommend primer. The "bright" colors aren't as pigmented as they seem. The browns, metallics and pinks are good. The purples are often hard to tell from the blues, and both are a different color once actually applied. Of course these shadows crease, but with a combination of concealer and primer it can be avoided.
    



 I know this isn't ALL the eyeshadow brands, but I'm slowly and surely getting there. I just wanted to give a mix of price points with this first review. There will be MANY more of these, so let's call this version 1. Plus this review would be entirely too long with 20 brands on 1 page.
Here are brands to come: (please comment with any brands I may miss)
-GOSH                   -Sephora
-Revlon                  -Beauty Gems
-Maybelline           -Cargo
-L'Oreal                 -NYC
-POP                      -Lauren Luke
-NYX                     -Inglot
-Stila                      -Coastal Scents
-H&M                    -BH
-Forever 21            -Hard Candy
-Clinique                -Lisi
-Estee Lauder         -Prestige
-Ofra                       -Micheal Marcus
-Sigma                    -Impulse
-Mac                       -MUFE
-MUD                     -Sugarpill
-No. 7