Review: NUDE PALETTES

As you may have known or realized not all nude palettes are created equal.
They all can't be UD Naked, but some can try.
I took all my nude palettes, 4 at the time, and lined them up against each other. Can they measure up to the Naked palette in variety, pigmentation and quality?
Let's see!

Contestants:
Urban Decay Naked palette $52
Forever 21 Smoky Palette $7
Coastal Scents Revealed Palette $25
Maybelline The Nudes $10

If you know me by now, you know that I did not pay full price for any of this LOL! I'd like to thank sales, coupons, and employee discounts for making this all possible!

Urban Decay Naked
What can I say? It's a classic, in the short time it's spent on this planet. I don't know what it is, but I want to wear all the colors at one time. You can't go wrong with this palette at all and I think that is why it is often imitated but never duplicated...unless you count Naked 2 and 3.
In true UD fashion they are pigmentated, long lasting colors. There are a mixture of matte, shimmer and glitter textures. Basically a little is all u need. I don't need to say anymore because you probably already own this one. And if your thinking about buying this palette, but choke on the $52 price tag, for the 12 colors included in this palette it works out to be about $4.33 cents an eyeshadow.
Let's look at some other brands gunning for that Naked throne.

Maybelline The Nudes
Everyone and their mama was after this palette. Hell! I worked in the store when this palette came out and still had to wait as I watched our meager supply sell out in a day!
It's a nice beginner palette. The colors are arranged in a quad system, so the 4 colors adjacent to each other would ideally be used together to different looks. For anyone more experienced with makeup you know we are not just going tostick to those 4 colors.
Basically it's 3 quads, 4 colors in each quad making it 12 colors in total.
For the price it's an awesome deal! for 12 colors, it comes out to be about 83 cents per eye shadow.
It's a nice palette. I appreciate mass brands getting in on the palette idea, especially with the nudes. The pigmentation is average. Good for a drugstore brand.
How do the colors match up to the Naked palette?  Not even close! the quality is at opposite sides of the makeup spectrum. I would say it's nice for someone just starting with makeup.

Forever 21 Smokey Palette
Let's just say I HAD to buy something, so I chose this.  It's not horrible, but Forever 21 sells party dress and heels, not makeup. The palette looked reasonable and at $7, why not!?
Also another nice palette for beginners. Some shadows are a little hard. The pigmentation is ok, better than I expected, but not even up to maybelline standards. The packaging it attempts to be Naked. But my dear, naked you are not. Our least expensive palette coming in at 70 cents an eyeshadow, it's worth it for your teenager to practice with.

Coastal Scents Revealed Palette
OK you got me coastal scents. You look good, almost too good to be true. You're running around passing yourself off as 2 naked palettes at $25, how dare u?!! I like Coastal Scents. The quality of their products is amazing,  it's almost witchcraft. Upon first look there is a close comparison in the variety of colors. There is a dupe for every Naked 1 (and 2) shadow in the revealed palette.
The quality was the best out of all the naked imposters, by far!!! If you're just not feeling UD, try the Revealed palette. 1/2 the money, twice as much product.

$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!

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 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

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!!

     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!

 

 

 

 

BEAUTY NEWS!!

     Hello lovelies! Welcome back! I hope all goes well this week.  Spring is starting to pick up and everything looks bright and positive!     

Let's just right into sales for the week

CVS
BOGO 50% Revlon, Sally Hansen, Maybelline lip&eye, Simple, St. Ives, Almay, Nuance, Physicians Formula, Rimmel,  Milani, Covergirl lip&face, Biore, Jet gens
BOGO 75% off Lumene

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50% Revlon, L'oreal, Rimmel, Broadway & Kiss Nails
30% off Maybelline
25% off Neutrogena
$9.99 Revlon age defying foundation
BOGO 50% Revlon Color burst lipstick

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% Covergirl, L'oreal lip&nail,  Maybelline face&eye, Revlon, Biore
Almay foundation, powder, bronzer, blush, concealer & makeup removers.
Physicians Formula bronzers, powders and blush, BOGO FREE!           
25% off Neutrogena       
$6.99 Covergirl tru blend

     Stay on the look out for my makeup remover review and also my list of everything you will need for camp this summer...I know! I've been there! And keeping your skin fabulous in the woods is no easy task!
     I am also concocting a NEW challenge! And maybe around June we'll do another no buy month/makeup fast.

Me And My Products!

    It's been a whole year and I realize I haven't updated you on all the products I currently use. I have oily/combination skin. I also have dark spots, which are the bane of my existence! I have learned how to fight my dark spots and live with them as they fade into the background. I've tried several products (it was the basis of starting this blog)

There are 3 things I wanted out of the products that I chose

1. Combat the oil production
2. Fade dark spots
3. Feel clean

Here's a list of EVERYTHING I use and love:

1 - Neutrogena Cream Cleanser- $8 at drugstores
I have been using this forever, honestly I'm glad I ran out, because I'm changing to #2 on my list. Not for any special reason, the Neutrogena is a good product, I just like the other better. daily

2- Biore Combination Skin Cleanser - $8 at drugstores

it's a gel cleanser and it not to strong for daily use, that's why I liked this one and the neutrogena. It helped with my oily skin but didn't dry my face out.  daily  

3- DermaE Microdermabrasion Scrub-$20-$30 available at health food stores and ulta.com

I figured it was time to graduate to a new exfoliator. It's made of natural products, dead sea salt and has smaller, rounder, exfoliating granules. Plus it gets the job done better. 

 few times a week 

4- Murad Rapid Age and Spot Pigment lightener- $60 at ulta and Sephora

(FYI I've never paid full price for this product)

 LOVE.  It really does work quicker than other products I've used. You only need a little. I use one pump and only apply it to the actual problem area, my chin and parts of my cheeks.
Plus, I only need this 1 step and I'm good to go! No more products that need 2 steps to work! daily

5 - Lumene Night Firming Cream -$25 at drugstores

I love it because it's light , hydrating, and not greasy. I had this hijacked from me by my mom so I decided to try #6.  daily

6- Philosophy Hope In a Jar-$15 at Sephora (trail size)

It's suitable for all skin types. It's light,  absorbs quickly. I will be switching back to the lumene only because of the anti aging properties, hope in a jar is still a great moisturizer.

daily

7 - Olé Henricksen Ultimate Life Eye Roller-$28 at sephora

This works for everything,  puffiness, fine lines, firming,  dark circles, all in one tube and you know how much I LOVE multitasking products. daily

8-Cetaphil/Family Dollar Gentle cleanser - $13/$3.50 at drugstores/family dollar

Doesn't matter which one, the have the same exact ingredients. I use it in the morning to get all the pillow dirt off my face. daily

9-Ambi Fade Cream -$6 at drugstores

When I run out of this, I cry! I have been using this a few years because it lightens dark spots,  moisturizes AND contains sunscreen...spf30 to be exact. Another plus is that it's formulated for oily skin. daily

10-Lumene Vitamin C Drops-$25 at drugstores

This contains concentrated vitamin c that helps with healing and brightening of the skin. daily

11 - Origins charcoal mask-$16-$24 at sephora

I have said it before and I will say it again, I love clay masks! Plus it has charcoal in it, which has become trendy! You can thank me for that :)  weekly    

12 - Biore Ice Cleanser- $8 at drugstores

 I used about 5-10 days out of the month because I might have a break out brought on by mother nature's curse. Usually clears up a breakout in 3 days, but I sometimes use it as  a preventative measure. daily for 5-10 days at month

13 - Elf zit stick is used as a spot treatment for pimples. $1 at eyeslipsface.com or NYC store

used as needed

14 - Biore pore strips-$9-$15 at drugstores

Are used on a weekly basis. I don't have black heads, but it cleans out the pores on my nose and makes them appear less visible. weekly 

15-Witchazel-$1-$2 at drugstores

I will sometimes used as a toner after cleansing to remover makeup/dirt from some areas like around the hairline, and nose. As also use it to remove the residue after using the biore strip. used as needed

16 - Olive oil...what? -$2 and up at grocery stores

Yes, I said oil. It's from my homemade skin care regimen. I spread the oil on my face and then lay a warm towel over the area where the oil was applied. This helps to soften the skin. I do this once a week before my scrub. I avoid applying the oil to the t- zone and concentrate on my 'problem' area. Also works with vitamin e oil. weekly

$1 *GEM*

HELLO THERE!!!!
Before we get to our $1 *GEM*, I just shot a NEW video on YouTube and you can peep that HERE!

     NOW our $1 *GEM*. You should know, exfoliation is important to me. When in doubt EXFOLIATE! Exfoliation has helped me control my oily skin, acne and help fade my acne scars. Not to mention that FOR EVERYONE exfoliation gets rid of dirt, dead skin, and will help you skin adsorb moisturizers and have your makeup sit on your face better and not look dry, patch and just plain crappy. We all need different levels of exfoliation. This product will work for everyone, even people with sensitive skin.
     It's a facial cleansing buff by "Modesa". I got it at Family Dollar. It could be any brand, but this one was the one that was available to me.
     It's soft and effective. It's great for first time users, sensitive skin owners and teens. If you need more exfoliation then you would just need to use it twice a day. You can use it with your regular cleanser combining both exfoliating and cleansing in 1 step! Overtime, the pad will get softer, so replacing it every 3-4 weeks is recommended, if you use it everyday. ( for weekly use, replacement is recommended every 6-8 weeks)
     I tried it for a while in the mornings, with my Cetaphil (or Family Dollar Cetaphil substitute) It's great as a gentle exfoliator and leaves skin feeling smooth.

   Storage options: you might be afraid that this pad might collect germs. To combat this store it far away from your toilet,  like in the shower, with your shower sponge. You can also get one of those travel bar soap containers to put the pad in.

BEAUTY NEWS!!! Finale Challege Wrap up!

     HELLO BEAUTIFUL! I hope you had a wonderful week. I was busy, but I had time to catch up on some sleep on Saturday, it was magical!
     I went to IMATS on Friday! It was wonderful!! I hit all the booths I wanted/needed to hit and even some I didn't plan on, but they had great stuff and great prices so, who am I to argue.
     I'll do a video about my IMATS haul, just to share...it was unbelievable! I will be going back as long as they will have me!
     I am happy to announce that I am on SPRING BREAK!!! WOO HOO!! I am gong to crank out a few reviews, while I have the time off.

     Challenge wrap up
I enjoyed it, but I am SO glad it's over. I have all this new stuff to use and although I was able to test my creativity, I could not wait for the challenge to be over! I would do it again, I plan on it. I also plan on modifying it.
     What I Learned: This palette was similar to the "Lotus" palette, being that they were by the same brand, LA colors. I couldn't layer the colors, because when I did, I created a whole new color that changed the look I planned on.

Here are the looks:

From left to right:
1-muted purple in the inner corner, blue on the rest of the lid, purple liner
2-muted purple all over the lid, black smudged liner
3-blue near the lash line, bright purple to the brow, blue liner
4-bright purple on the lid, blue in crease and outer corner (by laying the colors I created a 'new purple', purple liner
5-bright purple on lid, muted purple on the outer corner
6-bright purple in the center of the lid, blue around that color ( near the lash line, inner and outer corners and crease) blue liner
7-*this picture was taken at the end of the day*  muted purple on the lid, blue in the crease, blue liner

SALES
If you haven't already gotten the Sunday paper, GET IT! there is a $4 Almay coupon inside!

Tarte is having a 20% off sale
Ulta is having a 20% off sale (with coupon) and 40% off of Almay,  Maybelline, Revlon

SALEORAMA up in here!!

CVS
BOGO 50%-Revlon, Almay face &eye, Milani, Physicians Formula, Nuance, L'Oreal, Iman, Cetaphil, Ponds, Biore
Aveeno buy 2 get 1 FREE
Rite Aid
BOGO 50%-Maybelline, Covergirl, Almay, Revlon, L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Aveeno
Nair is BOGO FREE
Clean&Clear $5.99

Walgreens
BOGO 50% -L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Rimmel, Maybelline
$3 off Indeed products

Duane Reade
BOGO 50%-Maybelline, Covergirl, Revlon, Neutrogena, Studio35, Aveeno, Almay
Biore 2/$12

BEAUTY NEWS and Challenge Wrap Up!!!

     HEY THERE EVERYONE!!! Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful week! My week was fun, filled with new information, and I'm sleepy!
      This week ended our 3rd week of the "1 palette, 7 days challenge", with one last and final week, I randomly picked another palette by LA Colors, the "Iris"palette, which I also got at Family Dollar on clearance for 80 cents (regular price $1.50). With this brand we already know what we're getting. I'll need to use primer with and I can't expect rich colors. This palette is perfect though, it's a part of my $10 full face makeup tutorial, which I will be shooting this week. I wanted to shoot it last week, but I sounded like death. Maybe I'll even shoot it today. Before we get to that, let's do a recap of last week.
     I picked this palette a couple years ago because of the colors. I was going to Vegas and needed something vegas-y. (yes I'm pretty sure that's a real word) The colors are rich enough for everyday and can be easily layer to make the color brighter and richer. The silver is the richest color, even though I always use it, it barely looks touched. The black and pink did fade, but the colors did not crease with the primer.

Here are the looks
* in some looks I would have had richer colors, but I was starting a new job and didn't want to scare anyone LOL

 

1- pink on the lid, black in the crease, silver highlight

2-silver in the inner corner, pink in the middle, black in the outer corner and crease

3-silver on the lid, pink in the crease

4- "smoky eye" black near the lash line, pink in the middle, silver highlight

5-pink on the lid, black in the outer corner

6-pink on the lid, black in the crease and inner & outer corners

7-pink under on the bottom lash line, black in the outer corner

black liner was used for every look.

 

This weeks FINAL palette:

 

 

SALES!!!

I know the part we've all been waiting for!

 

Duane Reade

BOGO 50%- Revlon, Neutrogena, Cerave, Nivea, Simple

25% off- Wet n' Wild, Rimmel

 

Rite Aid

BOGO 50%- Maybelline, Revlon, Covergirl face& lip, Ponds, Noxema, Simple, NYC

40% off- Almay, Wet n' Wild

Revlon Colorstay Mascara and Liner $4.99

 

Walgreens

BOGO 50%- Revlon, Simple, Neutrogena

 

CVS

BOGO 50%- NYX, Rimmel, Covergirl, Simple, Clearasil, Cerave, Covergirl, Simple, Revlon, Olay

Buy 2 Get 1 FREE- Physicians Formula, Wet n' Wild

 

Also Hautelook has a special on NYX products, 40% off.

 

Hopefully this week I can get you a product review and a youtube video. I have LOTS of stuff to tell you, but just not enough hours and a day to do it in.

 

 



 

 

 

 

Saving Money on Beauty Products

     Since I'm writing about beauty on a budget ( shameless plug) I'm going to tell you some of the things I do to save money on beauty products. I admit I have a little bit of an advantage because I get blogger perks, a few pro discounts and a company discount. But before that, and currently 75% of the time, I am still buying items without any 'perks' whatsoever.
Here is a list of the things I do, to bring you all the dirt on a variety of products.

1. Don't be afraid to ask for samples. Lots of places provide samples, especially Sephora. They WANT you to ask for samples! At makeup counters it's a little bit harder. You have to be a little charismatic and don't directly ask "hey can I have a sample?". Act interested, be polite, say you're interested and try the product if they offer.

2. Sign up for all company newsletters. In my Gmail account, those newsletters are actually filtered out into their own tab, which makes them easy to locate and filter though to actually find the RIGHT deals. Signing up for company news letters lets you know about deals and new products.

3. Ebay. I go on Ebay to search for lots of things to fit my makeup needs. I'm not saying buy makeup, but things like brush keepers, empty palettes, spatulas, storage, mirrors, bags, etc. will probably be cheaper on Ebay. PLUS if you buy things in bulk like, brush keepers/guards or mascara wands, they come out, cheaper in the end.
* with brush guards/keepers-I cut some in half and use them for my eyeshadow brushes. There is no need to use a full sized one on a smaller brush head.*

4. SALES! Personally, I only buy during sales...except at Sephora, where there are no sales. I also use coupons at ANY place that accepts coupons. During the holidays, I bought enough stuff to last into the new year. 50% off to me, means I can buy twice as much :)

5. Buy More! WHAT? how does this make sense? Usually sites offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount. So if you need to spend $50 to get free shipping and your order is $40, and you have to pay $10 in shipping, just spend those $10 shipping bucks on more products to get the free shipping!

6. Social Media. Follow your favorite brands, enter every contest! Even if you don't win you, didn't lose anything. I've only won 2 contests in 2 years and one was like 2nd or 3rd place. Sometimes when you enter you might receive a free sample.

7. Sign up for rewards. Ulta and Sephora both have rewards programs that cost 0 to sign up for.

8. Sample/Travel sizes. If you are not sure about a product, or just want to try it for yourself, but don't want to commit to the cost, buy the smallest size.

9. Beg, Borrow...but don't steal. I'm pretty sure friends and family members have a lot of products that you can sample for FREE! Maybe you can even trade products that you have no use for.

10. Get more for less. I love the deals when you buy a certain amount and get something free. Be smart about it though! If you need to buy $40 worth of products to get an additional $40 in free products, it's worth it, but if you get a foil packet of hand lotion for spending $120, that's no good.

11. Beauty Boxes. Some of my favorite products came from beauty boxes. Companies like Ipsy and Birchbox will send you a box of samples for $10 a month and you can cancel anytime.

12. Apps. There are apps for almost everything, including shopping! Get the Wrapp app and the Retailmenot app.
* with the Wrapp app you can get coupons for H&M to use on anything in the store (I recommend the makeup brushes) I've also gotten free Julep boxes.
* Retailmenot app gives you coupons to use in store and online.  I used one at the Body Shop, so not only did I get my brushes 50% off because of the sale, I got an additional $15 off for spending $30.

13. Check unusual places. I went in a store that pretty much sold stripper/hoochie clothes. I saw a hat in the window that I wanted (on sale of course) so I went in and noticed they had a huge display of NYX products. Of course they were overpriced, BUT they had NYX brushes,  3 for $12 for face brushes and 3 for $5 for eye brushes...I bought all they had.

14. Don't need it, It doesn't match, it's not for you, so don't buy it. Prime example, I've heard people rave over Smashbox BB cream, but they don't make a shade that matches me, so I'm not buying it. If you don't need anti-aging properties, don't buy it! If the color doesn't work for you, don't buy it.