Pretty4Pennies

Drugstore Deals: 10/14-10/20

2012-10-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

CVS

Maybelline: Any Cosmetics - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$1 off any one Maybelline New York mascara (exp 11/9/12)
$1 off any one Maybelline New York SuperStay 24 lip color or lip product (exp 11/9/12)
$1 off any one Maybelline New York FitMe foundation, concealer or powder (exp 11/9/12)

Revlon: Any Cosmetics or Tools - $5 WYB 2 (limit 6)

Physicians Formula: Any Cosmetics - $7 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$1 off any one full size Physicians Formula product (exp 11/30/12)

Almay: Any Intense I-Color Shadow, Liner or Mascara, $5.99 - $3 ECB (limit 1)
$1 off any one Almay cosmetic product (exp 11/04/12)

RiteAid

Blistex: Moisture Melt Lip Balm, $2.50 - $2.50 +UP (limit 1)

Walgreens

Almay: Any Cosmetics - BOGO50% (no limit)
$1 off any one Almay cosmetic product (exp 11/04/12)

CoverGirl: Any Cosmetics - BOGO50% (no limit)

$5 off any two Cover Girl lip products (exp 10/21/12)

$2.50 off any one Cover Girl lip product (exp 10/21/12)

$3 off any Cover Girl Simply Ageless (exp 10/31/12)

$3 off any two Cover Girl Products (exp 10/31/12)

$1 off any one Cover Girl Product (exp 10/31/12)

Review: L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Kit

2012-10-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

CLAIM:

"Take your eyes from natural to smoldering in just 2 easy steps with L'Oreal's rich color depositing Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner & Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara. Clump-free, flake-free, smudge-free. Ophthalmologist & allergy tested, fragrance-free. Suitable for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers."

BREAKDOWN:

A mascara and kajal-like eyeliner duo meant to create the illusion of false lashes.

ANALYSIS:

As someone cursed with very pale and very sparse lashes, I'm always on the lookout for products that will give me the dark, lushly dramatic lashes of my dreams. Over the years I've tried to wear false eyelashes as well as lash extensions but I absolutely hate how they feel on my eyes. As a result I've had to fake full lashes by tightlining and layering volumizing mascara. L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Kit is the same technique in one convenient package. It combines a creamy black eyeliner and fiber-infused thickening mascara to mimic the look of false eyelashes.

The Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner is kajal inspired; "kajal" is another word that simply means "kohl," a word to designate highly pigmented, very smooth and usually very dark eye cosmetics (fun fact: it is actually illegal to import and sell real kohl in the USA as the real thing is usually made from lead sulfide, which is toxic!). This liner is indeed very creamy and richly dark, making it perfect to tightline the lashes. It easily fills in all the pales spots in between lashes and melts into the lashline for the illusion of a thicker lash base.

However, it is this smoothness that is also problematic as the liner is so soft it does smear and melt quite easily so the wear is only a few hours (unless the weather is warm or you have very oily skin; it won't survive nearly that long in those cases). Another drawback to the creamy formula is that you have to sharpen the pencil every time you use it to get the full effect of tightlining and because the pencil is already fairly short, you go through it quickly. If you do not mind the touch-ups required or the small amount of product, then this is a great product to wear as it is very smooth and looks amazing on the eye.

The Voluminous False Lashes Mascara is the latest variation of the popular Voluminous mascara and it lives up to the name. The formula is thick but not too heavy, but the secret is that it contains tiny fibers that adhere to the lashes to thicken and lengthen them; the extra fibers add dimension, giving them them look of falsies. My favorite part of this mascara is the brush; it is the dense, heavily bristled spoolie brush that I love because it thoroughly coats every lash.

At first I was apprehensive about this mascara as it is the same gold packaging as Voluminous Million Lashes, a product with the distinction of being the only mascara I threw away after just a few uses. I was pleasantly surprised, however, as it is nothing like Million Lashes. False Lashes is a great formula applied with a great brush that does thicken lashes as promised. I'm not sure if the fibers have anything to do with it or if it was just the formula, but my eyelashes did look more volumized and even slightly lengthened. The wear was great with no transferring and only a minimal amount of flaking after several hours of wear.

Overall I enjoyed this kit and would purchase it again, although I wish they would make it available in other colors for a more natural look for fair skin people; right now it's only available in black and while I like the drama that dark lashes and eyeliner give me I sometimes want something a little more subtle. Also, a waterproof version would be excellent especially for the eyeliner as it does not work very well in the waterline. And while the False Fiber Lashes Kit does not quite look the same as false eyelashes, it does give the appearance of fuller and longer lashes.

RETAIL PRICE:

$15.99

VARIATIONS:

Black

ADDITIONAL INFO:
Available as set and items are sold separately as well.

Drugstore Deals: 10/7-10/13

2012-10-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

CVS

CoverGirl: Any Cosmetics - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$5 off any two Cover Girl lip products (exp 10/21/12)
$2.50 off any one Cover Girl lip product (exp 10/21/12)
$3 off any Cover Girl Simply Ageless (exp 10/31/12)
$3 off any two Cover Girl Products (exp 10/31/12)
$1 off any one Cover Girl Product (exp 10/31/12)
*Excludes Clean liquid makeup, powder & clearance items

L'Oreal: Any Cosmetics - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 6)
$1 off any one L'Oreal Paris Eye Product (exp 11/25/12)
$1 off any one L'Oreal Paris Eye Product (redplum.com)

Revlon: Any Nail Enamel - $3 ECB, $4.99 (limit 6)

RiteAid

L'Oreal: Any Cosmetics, Skincare, Hair Color - $10 +UP WYB $25, BOGO50% (limit 4)
$1 off any one L'Oreal Paris Eye Product (exp 11/25/12)
$1 off any one L'Oreal Paris Eye Product (redplum.com)
$1 off any one L'Oreal Paris Skincare Product (redplum.com)

Walgreens

CoverGirl: Any Cosmetics - BOGO50%

$5 off any two Cover Girl lip products (exp 10/21/12)

$2.50 off any one Cover Girl lip product (exp 10/21/12)

$3 off any Cover Girl Simply Ageless (exp 10/31/12)

$3 off any two Cover Girl Products (exp 10/31/12)

$1 off any one Cover Girl Product (exp 10/31/12)

Random Review: Glade Expressions Collection

2012-09-26T11:50:00.001-04:00

I recently tried these new scent products from Glade as part of a BzzAgent campaign. I've been a member of BzzAgent for years; they are a company that allows you to sample products and uses your feedback as a consumer to improve the product.

This is the third time I was part of a BzzCampaign for Glade and I was again thrilled with the result. Rather than send out one of the two fragrance items (a reed diffuser and a refillable spray mister), they sent me coupons so that I could choose one of the scents myself. It is available in four scents: Fuji Apple & Cardamon Spice, Cotton & Italian Mandarin, Pineapple & Mangosteen and Lavender & Juniper Berry. The only one of these that really interested me was the Apple scent; I don't care for any other fruit scents and I hate flower scents with a passion. And once I smelled the Apple in stores I knew it was the perfect scent for fall.

The spray is a fine mist that blends into the air; it's not overpower or heavy at all. The diffuser is amazing as it has been set up for over two weeks and the scent is just as strong as it was the day I opened it. And it's such an authentic, crisp apple scent; far better than any other apple-scented products on the market.

I highly recommend picking up one of these, particularly the diffuser as it is the lazy girls approach to a nicely scented home. The price is rather affordable as well; the starter kit for both costs around $5 while the refills are about $3 - and there is always a sale somewhere and coupons available in both the paper and on coupons.com.

Budget Beauty: Couponing 101 - Types of Coupons

2012-08-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

Couponing 101 - Types of Coupons

Ever since the economy took a nosedive a few years ago, there has been a huge resurgence in coupon usage. In fact, more people are using coupons now than ever before. Between the recession and TLC's "Extreme Couponing," almost half of all Americans use at least one coupon a week. Some, however, take it to another level and use dozens of coupons every time they visit a grocery or drug store. While this may seem impossible for many of us, with a little knowledge and a decent amount of patience, it is an entirely viable option for saving thousands of dollars every year.

Before you can jump in and start saving, you must first know what coupons are and what kinds are out there and how to use them. There are two main types of coupons, and both of these types come in several forms. The two types are manufacturer coupons (the most prevalent) and store coupons (not uncommon, but certainly harder to find).

Manufacturer Coupons

Manufacturer coupons are issued by the makers of the products themselves, and the bar codes on them usually start with a "5" or "9" (a side note: coupons with a "5" barcode will double if your store does this, "9" coupons will not). There are five main types of manufacturer coupons: insert, home mailer, printable, tearpad and peelie.

Insert coupons are likely the ones most people have come in contact with; they are the ones that come in your newspaper or magazines. These are the easiest way to get your hand on coupons as you can find them in every Sunday paper - and there is usually plenty of them. Most of these types of coupons expire a month after they are printed, but normally another set comes out soon after.
Home mailer coupons are mailed from the manufacturer to you, and are either in flyers, booklets or envelopes (most times you must sign up to be on their mailing list or email or call the manufacturer to request coupons). These have fairly long expiration dates, usually several months to a year after issuing.
Printable coupons are the newest form and have only been around a few years. These are available on websites like Coupons.com, SmartSource.com and RedPlum.com. Also, many companies will put printable coupons directly on their websites, so always check them before purchasing an item. The expiration dates on these are typically only a few weeks from printing. Unfortunately, most times you will only be able to print two of these per computer, and it is a big no-no to Xerox these (it constitutes fraud!).
Tearpad coupons are a great find, and are most often on cardboard displays in stores. These can be gold mine for supersavers as they usually have very long expiration dates (several months ahead). Often there may be a lag in insert coupons for a particular product; if that is the case tearpad coupons can be used instead. Although there may be a stack of these available, couponing etiquette dictates that you only take what you need and not the whole pad; leave some for others.
Peelies are the rarest and trickiest of coupons. These are fastened to the products themselves as stickers, and they are few and far between. They do have fairly long expiration dates as no one knows how long an item will sit on the shelf. The temptation may be great to pull these off of a product, but beware: many stores prefer to have the cashier remove these or they will not honor them.

Store Coupons

Store coupons are not as common as manufacturer, but they can be invaluable if found. You can denote these coupons as the barcode begins with a "1" or "4." Store-specific coupons can be found in various places: newspaper inserts, magazines, tearpads in the store, home mailers and cash register tapes (also called CRTs). CRT's are sometimes printed at the bottom of your receipts; many of these are for percentages or a specific amount off your next purchase. CVS drugstores have a printer in every store where you scan your loyalty card and it will generate coupons based on your previous purchase history.

Now that you know about the types of coupons, it helps to know a few tricks about them. The best is called "stacking." Although you cannot use two manufacturer coupons on one item, you can use a manufacturer coupon AND a store coupon. For example, if you have an X brand shampoo on sale for $3.99 and you have a manufacturer coupon for $1 off any X brand shampoo, plus a store coupon for $2 off any shampoo - that shampoo will cost you just $0.99!

Coupons are very easy to use once you know the various types and how to use them. With a little patience and a lot of practice, you can save thousands of dollars a year by couponing.

Drugstore Deals: 8/5 - 8/11

2012-08-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

CVS

CoverGirl: Any Cosmetics - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$3 off any 2 Cover Girl Products (exp 8/31/12)
$1 off any 1 Cover Girl Product (exp 8/31/12)
$5 off any cosmetics purchase of $15 or more (Coupon Center)
*$8 - Lash Blast Mascara, Liquiline Eyeliner, Flipstick Lip Duo, Intense or Smoky ShadowBlast

Maybelline: Any Cosmetics - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$1 off any 1 Maybelline Cosmetic Product (coupons.com)
$5 off any cosmetics purchase of $15 or more (Coupon Center)
*$5 - Volum' Express, Sensational Lip or Shadow Quad

Walgreens

Carmex: Healing Lotion or Ointment (limit 1)
$1 off any Carmex Skin Care Product (coupons.com)

Review: Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam & Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse

2012-04-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

CLAIM:

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam: "Our most lightweight foundation for 100% Nude Perfection. Lightweight foam for a flawless finish. Ideal for normal skin."

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse: "Get an airbrushed finish with Revlon’s light-as-air mousse makeup. Press button gently to deliver a lightweight air-infused foam mousse that blends seamlessly. Photochromatic pigments minimize the appearance of flaws for a smooth, poreless look."

BREAKDOWN:

Two different brands of foundation in the form of an air-infused mousse for lighter, more natural looking coverage.

ANALYSIS:

My “holy grail” foundation has yet to be found. I’m fairly picky about foundations, which is likely due to the fact that I have oily skin that is so pale it’s hard to find a makeup shade to match. In my search I have developed five criteria to finding the perfect foundation: shade/tone, coverage, ease of application, durability to elements/skin, and length of wear. Whenever I purchase a new foundation (I always try out the newest products on the market in my search; I rarely repurchase one brand over and over) I use these five qualities to review the foundation.

A couple months ago both Maybelline and Revlon released an air-infused mousse foundation, and the concept intrigued me. Both claim it to be a lightweight formula with an airbrushed finish for a flawless, natural look. Because they were launched at nearly the same time, I purchased them simultaneously and chose to review them together to compare.

I will admit, I went into this product test with a slight bias against Maybelline. I’ve tried several of their foundations in the past and I’ve never liked a single one. So when their Dream Nude Airfoam came out, I was a bit wary. One problem I have continuously had with Maybelline foundations is color and tone; they never offer a shade light enough for pasty-pale girls like me (although FIT ME in 110 is very close) and the tone is always off, usually too yellow or orange. Sadly, that is also the case with the Dream Nude Airfoam; the palest color they offer is a couple shades too dark for me and even though I have warm-toned skin, it’s a little too warm for my taste. With that said, it actually blends out very well so if I get a slight tan this summer, it will likely match my skin perfectly; for now I just have to blend it down my neck for it to look natural.

Other than the color issue, I actually liked this foundation quite a bit. The coverage is about medium; I say that because it does even out my skin tone and blotchiness but does not fully cover some light freckling or faded scars. As I already stated, it blends very well and leaves no distinct lines or streaks; it also does not settle into pores or fine lines. It wears for up to 12 hours, which is longer than I would imagine most people wear makeup anyway. Even without a primer, it does not mix with the oils from your skin and change color or “melt” off. As someone with oily skin, this was a huge plus for me as many foundations degrade rapidly and either wear off or get goopy and cakey if you try to touch it up with blotting paper or powder. With the Dream Nude Airfoam, when it’s applied it’s a very natural, nearly matte finish. Over the course of the day it keeps that finish far longer than most and when it does need touching up it doesn’t cake. It fully lives up to its claim of giving a flawless finish; my skin looked airbrushed but still very natural.

My experience with Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse was very different. The very first observation I made about this foundation was that it contains shimmer. This is a dealbreaker for those of us with oily skin as shimmer makes the skin look shinier and that is something I certainly do not need. PhotoReady liquid foundation as well as the Age Defying DNA Advantage (read my review of this product here) also contain the same shimmer and is the reason I steer clear of those two foundations. In spite of that, the color and tone of the PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse did match me well so if you are on the pale side and are looking for a shimmery foundation, this product may work for you.

Other than the shimmery finish, I did have other concerns about this product. Although it claims to give an airbrushed, light finish, it does settle into pores, it streaks and cakes in certain areas even when less than the recommended amount is used (which is equivalent to the size of a walnut). Like the Maybelline, it is about medium coverage but using the amount to get that coverage also leaves you with a visible amount of makeup on your face – not a natural, airbrushed look. While it does last all day without wearing off, it can mix with the oils in your skin and cake up or melt.

It’s clear which of the two mousse foundations was my favorite, but I’m not sure I even love the Maybelline one as the color is not quite right. I should mention that it is only available in 12 shades; the Revlon is available in 8. Because these foundations are so light and blendable, you can likely deal with one that is a shade or two off so the lack of variety is not a huge problem. They did both feel very light, but as to the finish and wear I imagine that the Maybelline would appeal more to those with normal to oily skin and the Revlon to those with dry skin. Also, the Maybelline contains SPF 16 while the Revlon does not; and in spite of being called “PhotoReady” I actually think the Maybelline photographs better even in spite of the SPF.

RETAIL PRICE:

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam: $10.99

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse: $13.99

VARIATIONS:

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam (12 shades)

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse (8 shades)

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam: SPF 16

Review: Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Makeup

2012-03-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

CLAIM:

Youth Boosting 3-in-1 Concealer (Step 1): “Complete concealing solution combines two concealers and a professional blending tool to deliver flawless coverage. High-performance formulas help undo the visible signs of aging, restoring firmness & elasticity and improving skin’s appearance instantly and long-term. Yellow Cream color-corrects dark under-eye circles and blends easily for lightweight, buildable coverage. Light Stick can be used on any imperfection for line-smoothing, fuller coverage. 95% felt their undereye circles and puffiness seem to disappear instantly. 12 hour wear."

Youth Boosting Foundation + Brush (Step 2): "First ever cosmeceutical foundation. Breakthrough perfecting formula melts into skin, instantly evening out skin tone and texture. Ultra-luxurious and ultra-lightweight foundation glides on and blends effortlessly delivering flawless coverage with a smooth velvety finish that lasts all day. High-performance formula helps treat the visible signs of aging restoring firmness & elasticity and improving skin's appearance instantly and long-term. 12 hour wear."

Youth Boosting Pressed Powder (Step 3): "First ever cosmeceutical powder. Light as air "finishing powder" invisible blends into skin, instantly evening out skin tone and refining skin surface, for a smooth skin texture with a flawless, youthful-looking finish. Acts as a protecting shield from pollution and free radicals. Works to extend the wear of foundation so your complexion remains flawless."

BREAKDOWN:

Three-step system that is makeup and skincare in one. Instant cosmetic results as well as cumulative skin results.

ANALYSIS:
Physicians Formula is known for their innovative cosmetics (think of their beautiful blushes and bronzers), and this line of makeup/skincare products are no exception. They claim to not only provide instant youth-enhancing results with makeup, but the skincare ingredients nourish your skin for lasting results.

The 3-in-1 concealer is fascinating by virtue of the fact that it is comprised of both a liquid and stick formula. As many of us makeup mavens know, both versions are necessary for a complete cosmetic collection as liquid is best for the undereye area and the thicker stick is better suited for covering blemishes and scars. Having the two products in one is pure genius - although the "3" in this equation, the blender/rollerball is of little use as it can get gunky and is difficult to clean (a no-no for good sanitary practice - use brushes instead). The product itself is great, although the liquid concealer could be more pigmented as it is not as covering as I would like. My only other issue is that most people will likely use more of the liquid than the stick, and there appears to be far less of it so you would be likely to use it all before making a big dent in the stick.

Although this is considered a liquid foundation, it is far more of a cream and is full coverage with a matte finish. It comes with a synthetic flat foundation brush, which works well but I prefer a stippling brush. And in spite of the fact that it contains SPF 15, it does not photograph oddly. It is very smooth so it does blend well and lasts all day with minimal fading. Even without a primer on oily skin, the product does not degrade or "slip" - it actually seems to absorb oil to prevent shininess. This foundation actually reminds me of Tarte's Amazonian Clay Foundation in both consistency and wear. It does live up to promise of more youthful appearance; it does not sink into wrinkles or pores so it does leave the skin looking very smooth and fresh. There is only one negative to this product; it is fairly drying so if you have dry skin, steer clear.

The first great thing about the pressed powder is that it is accompanied by a brush rather than a pad; this gives you a softer application and prevents buildup that leads to caking. The formula is very smooth and glides on beautifully without the typical powder look. There are two formulas: mattifying (which zaps any bit of shine you may experience) and illuminating (slight shimmer for a dewy finish). These work great separately but even better paired together with the illuminating on areas you wish to highlight and the mattifying on your T-zone. This powder gives the perfect light, airbrush finish to your makeup.

As a makeup, the Youthful Wear line fulfills it's promise to give a younger appearance. The makeup has good coverage but feels light and does not settle into fine lines and pores. Although it works wonderfully on oily skin, I would not recommend it for dry skin as it soaks up any excess oil. The number of shades available is very limited (the concealer only comes in yellow/light and light/light), but as it is a new product they may expand the range in the future. In regards to the skincare benefits of using this product, I have noticed my skin is far more smooth after taking off my makeup and some of my fine lines do appear to be fading.

RETAIL PRICE:

$12.95-14.95

VARIATIONS:

Youth Boosting 3-in-1 Concealer: Yellow/Light, Light/Light
Youth Boosting Foundation: Fair, Light, Medium
Youth Boosting Foundation: Mattifying, Illuminating (both available only in translucent)

ADDITIONAL INFO:
Hypoallergenic. Fragrance free. Paraben free. Gluten free. Dermatologist approved. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Non-comedogenic. Clinically tested.

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Preview 11/20-11/26

2011-11-15T09:00:00.003-05:00

CVS

L'Oreal: Any Eye Cosmetics - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$1 off any L'Oreal Paris Cosmetic Product (exp 11/27/11)
$1 off any L'Oreal Paris Eye Product (exp 12/18/11)
$1 off any L'Oreal Paris Eyeliner (exp 12/18/11)

Garnier Nutritioniste: Any Skin Care - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)
$2 off any Garnier Nutritioniste Moisturizer (exp 11/20/11)
$1 off any Garnier Nutritioniste Cleanser (exp 12/17/11)
$1 off any Garnier Nutritioniste Moisturizer (exp 12/17/11)
*$5 - Cleansers 5 oz, Towelettes 25 ct, Moisture Rescue gel-cream, Lotion or Foam Cleanser 1.7 - 6.7 oz
*$14 - Garnier Ultra-Life Eye Roller 0.5 oz Day, Night, Eye Cream, Deep Wrinkle Treatment or Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector 0.5-1.7 oz
*$10 - Garnier Skin Renew Lotion 2.5 oz, Moisture Cream 1.7 oz or Eye Roller (excludes Skin Renew dark spot corrector)

Jergens or Curel: Any Moisturizer 13-21 oz, $6.99 - $3 ECB WYB 1 (limit 1)
$1 off any Jergens Moisturizer 7.5 fl oz or larger or any Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer (exp 12/3/11)
$1 off any Curel Moisturizer 3.5 oz or larger (excludes travel and trial sizes) (exp 12/3/11)
$2 off any Curel Itch Defense or Sensitive Skin Remedy Moisturizers 7.5 oz or larger (excludes travel and trial sizes) (exp 12/3/11)

Nivea: Select Products - $5 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
*Select products include Nivea Lip Care, Body Wash 16.9 oz, Shower Gel 8.4 oz, Select Nivea Gift Sets, ALL Nivea Hand or Body Lotion (excludes clearance items)

RiteAid

Porcelana/Udderly Smooth: Select Skin Care, $1.99 - $1 +UP WYB 1 (limit 2)

L'Oreal: Youth Code or Clinical Repair Skin Care, $5 off - $5 +UP WYB 1 (limit 2)
$2 off any L'Oreal Paris Youth Code Product (exp 12/18/11)

Burt's Bees: Any Lip, Face or Skin Care - $2 +UP WYB $10 (limit 4)

SAMY: Fat Hair Shampoo/Stylers or Fat Foam Hair Color, $8.99 - $5 +UP WYB 1 (limit 2)

Scunci/Conair: Any Hair Accessories - $5 +UP WYB $10 (limit 2)

Biggest Loser/L’Eggs/Just My Size: Shapewear, Pantyhose, Knee Highs, BOGO50% - $3 +UP WYB 2 (limit 4)

Walgreens

Bayer: Advanced Aspirin 20-24 ct, $1.99 (with in-ad coupon)
$2 off any Bayer Advanced Aspirin Product (exp 12/31/11)

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Preview 11/13-11/19

2011-11-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

CVS

Almay: Any Cosmetic Products - $4 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)

L'Oreal: Any Cosmetics - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)

Blistex: Select Lip Care Products, $2 - $1 ECB WYB 1 (limit 1)

Burt's Bees: All Products - $5 ECB WYB $20 (limit 1)

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Deals 11/6-11/12

2011-11-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

CVS

L'Oreal: Any Lip Product - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$1 off any L'Oreal Paris Cosmetic Product (exp 11/27/11)

L'Oreal: Youth Code Starter Kit, $34.99 - $10 WYB 1 (limit 1)
$2 off any L'Oreal Paris Youth Code Product (exp 12/18/11)

Garnier Nutritioniste: Any Skin Care - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)
$2 off any Garnier Moisturizer (exp 11/20/11)

Nexxus: Any Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler 1-33.8 oz - $10 ECB WYB $20 (limit 1)

RiteAid

Keri: Any Lotion, $6.99 - $6 +UP WYB 1 (limit 1)
$2 off any Keri lotion (exp 12/31/11)

Walgreens

Blistex: Revive & Restore Lip Care 4oz, $1.99 - $2 RR WYB 1 (limit 1)

Review: John Frieda Full Repair Styling Products

2011-10-02T09:00:00.004-04:00

CLAIM:

Perfect Ends Sheer Mist: “Smoothes and protects fine-textured hair damaged from high heat. This breakthrough sheer mist with Inca Inchi, a lightweight micro-oil rich in omega-3, feels like it absorbs into worn-torn strands instead of coating the surface. Weightlessly reverses the look and feel of damage on lengths and ends to leave hair smooth, shiny and full of body. Helps protect against breakage from heat styling."

Perfect Ends Deep Infusion: "Smoothes and protects medium-textured hair damaged from high heat. This breakthrough formula with Inca Inchi , a lightweight, micro-oil rich in omega-3, feels like it absorbs into worn-torn strands instead of just coating the surface. Weightlessly reverses the look and feel of damage on lengths and ends to leave hair smooth, shiny and full of body. Helps protect against breakage from heat styling."

Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer: "Crystal-clear formula with Inca Inchi Oil weightlessly smoothes flyaways and frayed ends to keep full-bodied styles perfectly polished. Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups and boosting shine."

BREAKDOWN:

Three different styler formulas and applications, all intended to smooth hair cuticle for healthier, stronger hair.

ANALYSIS:

Two of these are formulated for specific hair types: the Sheer Mist for fine hair and the Deep Infusion for medium textured hair. The Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer is meant for all hair types and has a spoolie applicator to distribute product to flyaways and unkempt ends. Overall, the product does what it claims - makes hair appear stronger and healthier; I like that they do not claim to actually "heal" hair as we all know that is impossible. Each product, however, works differently so I'll break it down by each individual one.

The Sheer Mist was the one I was most excited to try since I have fine hair and damaged ends. It is indeed a very fine, sheer mist - but I think that's the downfall of this styler. It sprays everywhere so I felt like not that much product actually made it onto my hair (NOTE: watch if you use this on hard floor - it'll get slippery!). I had to use quite a bit of it for it to have any effect on my damaged ends, and even then I don't feel like it made that much of a difference. I would have also expected for it to detangle my hair a little when wet, but I feel like it actually made it feel loaded with product and harder to comb through (on the plus side, it wasn't at all greasy as some smoothers are). I really wasn't a big fan of the Sheer Mist.

The Deep Infusion comes in a pump bottle and the formula is slightly thicker than the Sheer Mist. Although it is meant to be used on medium-textured hair, I wanted to try it. I'm very glad I did as it is now my go-to styling product - replacing Moroccan Oil as my favorite smoothing lotion. I was afraid that it would weigh down my fine hair, but in fact it was light and not at all greasy. The smell was wonderful as well; it reminded me a little of Britney Spear's Fantasy perfume. When applied to hair wet, it worked perfectly as a detangler. The pump formula is a little messy as you have to rub it between your hands and then onto your hair but that's my worst complaint. I actually loved this product and I now use it almost daily.

The Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer comes in a tube with a mascara-wand applicator; it's meant to use on flyaways and for quick application on scraggly ends. I didn't purchase this product at the same time as the other two as I didn't really care for the spoolie applicator and I felt it would make my flyaways (for me, the little wispy bits of hair around my face) look greasy and gross. Recently I did pick it up on sale, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. The applicator I dreaded actually came in very handy - I now keep it in my purse and it's great for taming loose hairs that work their way out of my ponytails.

My overall impression of this product is very good - I love the Deep Infusion and Flyaway Tamer. I don't care for the Sheer Mist and would likely not purchase it again, but I didn't completely hate it either; it just didn't work very well for me.

RETAIL PRICE:

$9.99

VARIATIONS:

Perfect Ends Sheer Mist (for fine-textured hair)

Perfect Ends Deep Infusion (for medium-textured hair)

Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer

Review: Revlon Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow

2011-09-25T09:00:00.009-04:00

Blurb:

“Discover an endless spectrum of luminosity. Play with all 4 shades and watch your eyes light up a new way every time!”

Breakdown:

Cream eyeshadow palette with four shades of luminous colors.

Analysis:

Many cosmetics companies offer a cream eyeshadow as they are easy to blend and there is no messy fallout to contend with. Revlon’s Illuminance Crème shadows certainly do not fall out, but the blending part does not follow through. The lighter shades do blend well, although they are all so sheer and similar in color that it would be hard to tell if they were not blending. And most of the colors are very sheer as well as very shimmery; but they are called “Illuminance” so that cannot be argued with. There is not a vast array of colors either, with the majority being neutrals that blend in with skintones. The few darker colors (only a couple and they are in different palettes) most certainly do not blend well and become patchy and marbled when blending is attempted. There are a couple good things about these eyeshadows: they do last a long time and do not crease as most cream shadows do…but both of these are only true when a primer is used. The colors are not very pigmented as they are quite sheer, but they was the intention as these are meant to be illuminating shadows. Overall, they are one of the better cream shadows on the market and great for natural looks, but those looking for a more dramatic eye should look to regular powder shadows.

Retail Price:

$6.99

Variations:

Black Magic, Electric Pop, Wild Orchids, Not Just Nudes, Precious Metals, Moonlit Jewels, VaVaVa Bloom, Skinlights, Seashells, Copper Canyon, Twilight, Khaki Suede, Eternal Summer

Other Info:

Ophthalmologist tested. Non-irritating. Suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Deals 8/7-8/13

2011-08-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

CVS

Revlon: All Cosmetics - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 6)
$1 off Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara or any Revlon Color Cosmetic product (exp 8/28/11)
*CustomEyes shadow palettes on sale for $6.99 - check out my review of these here

AcneFree: All Products - $10 ECB WYB $20 (limit 1)

Dove: Select Products - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)
Buy any one Dove Shampoo or Conditioner get one Dove Treatment Free (exp 8/28/11)
Save $1.25 on any one Dove Beauty Bar (exp 8/28/11)
Save $1.25 on any one Dove Body Wash (exp 8/28/11)
Save $1 on any one Dove Men+Care Body and Face Wash (exp 8/28/11)
Save $1 on any one Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bar (exp 8/28/11)
*Select products: lotion or Men+Care body wash - $5; shampoo, conditioner or styler - $3, bar soap 6-8 pack or body wash - $6

John Frieda: Select Products - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)

RiteAid

Scunci: Hair Elastics 18ct, $2.49 - $1.50 +UP (limit 2)

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Deals 7/31-8/6

2011-07-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

CVS

Revlon: Select Cosmetics, $5.79 - $3 ECB (limit 6)
$1 off Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara or any Revlon color cosmetic product (exp 8/28/11)
*Includes SuperLustrous/Moon Drops/ColorBurst Lip and Top Speed Nail Enamel

Maybelline: Any Cosmetics - $5 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)

RiteAid

St Ives: Bath & Skin Care, $3.99 - $2 +UP (limit 4)
$0.50 off any St. Ives body wash (exp 8/17/11)
$0.75 off any St. Ives body wash (exp 8/17/11)
$1.00 off any St. Ives body wash (exp 8/17/11)

Walgreens

Goody: Color Collection Snap Clip, $2.00 - $2 RR (limit 1)

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Deals 7/24-7/30

2011-07-19T09:00:00.003-04:00

CVS

Almay: All Cosmetics - $4 ECB WYB $10 (limit 2)
$1 off any Almay Cosmetic Product (exp 8/6/11)

Lumene: All Skin Care - $5 ECB WYB $20 (limit 1)
$4 off any Lumene product, excludes trial size (exp 8/15/11)

Neutrogena: Facial Cleansers - $5 ECB WYB 2 (limit 1)
$1 off one Neutrogena Naturals cleanser (exp 9/30/11)
$1 off one Neutrogena Naturals product (printable)
*Neutrogena Naturals Avacado & Olive Oil Bar retails for $4.49

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Deals 7/17-7/23

2011-07-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

CVS

Cover Girl: All Cosmetics - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)
$5 off two Cover Girl NatureLuxe products (exp 7/31/11)
$2.50 off any two Cover Girl products (exp 7/31/11)
$2 off Cover Girl NatureLuxe foundation (exp 7/31/11)
$1 off one Cover Girl product (exp 7/31/11)

Rimmel: All Cosmetics - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$3 off any Rimmel Stay Matte foundation (coupons.com)

Clean & Clear: All Products - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)
$2 off any Clean & Clear product (cleanandclear.com)

Pantene: Any Pro-V Shampoo, Conditioner, Styler 2/$6.97 - $2 ECB WYB 2 (limit 1)
$1 off any two Pantene products (exp 7/31/11)

RiteAid

Revlon: All Cosmetics and Beauty Tools, 40% off
$1 off any Revlon Color Cosmetic (exp 7/31/11)

L'Oreal: All Skin, Sun and Ever- Hair Care - $10 +UP WYB $30 (limit 1)

$1 off one L'Oreal Paris skin care product (exp 9/4/11)
$1 off one L'Oreal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition product (exp 9/4/11)
$1 off one L'Oreal Paris 360 Clean product (coupons.com)

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Deals 7/3-7/9

2011-06-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

CVS
Nailene, KISS, Broadway, Revlon: All Artificial Nails - $4 ECB WYB 2 (limit 1)

Coppertone: Continuous Spray, 6 oz - $8 ECB WYB 2 (limit 1)
$1 off any Coppertone Product 2 oz + (exp 7/31/11)

RiteAid
L'Oreal: Select Cosmetics - $5 +UP WYB $15 (limit 1)
$2 off any L'Oreal Paris face cosmetic (exp 7/17/11)
$1 off any L'Oreal Paris eye cosmetic (exp 8/14/11)
*Includes Visible Lift Foundation, Million Lashes Mascara, One Sweep Blush, One Sweep Eyeshadow, Double Extend Eye Pencil

L'Oreal: Any Skin or Sun Care - $10 +UP WYB $30 (limit 1)
$1 off one L'Oreal Paris skincare product (exp 7/10/11)
$1 off one L'Oreal Paris skincare product (exp 7/31/11)

John Frieda: Select Hair Care, B1G50% - $5 +UP WYB 2 (limit 3)
$5 off one John Frieda Full Repair Treatment, Styler or Finisher (exp 7/31/11)
$2 off one John Frieda (exp 7/31/11)
*Includes Full Repair, Frizz Ease, Brilliant Brunette, Sheer Blonde, Luxurious Volume, or Root Awakening

Walgreens

L'Oreal: Select Cosmetics and Skincare - $10 RR WYB $25 (limit 1)
$2 off any L'Oreal Paris face cosmetic (exp 7/17/11)
$1 off any L'Oreal Paris eye cosmetic (exp 8/14/11)
$1 off one L'Oreal Paris skincare product (exp 7/10/11)
$1 off one L'Oreal Paris skincare product (exp 7/31/11)
*Includes Visible Lift Foundation, Million Lashes Mascara, One Sweep Blush, One Sweep Eyeshadow, Double Extend Eye Pencil

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Deals 6/26-7/2

2011-06-22T09:00:00.002-04:00

CVS
Revlon: All Face, Eye or Lip - $4 ECB WYB $10 (limit 2)

Almay: All Cosmetics - $4 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)

L'Oreal: All Cosmetics - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)

$1 off any L'Oreal Paris Eye Cosmetic (exp 8/13/11)

$1 off any L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum or Power System (exp 8/14/11)

Jergens, Biore, Curel, John Frieda: All Products - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 1)
$5 off one John Frieda Full Repair Treatment, Styler or Finisher (exp 7/31/11)
$2 off one John Frieda (exp 7/31/11)

RiteAid
Got2B: Fattastic Dry Shampoo, Mousse, Root Booster or Rockin It Hairspray, $4.99 - $4.99 SCR (limit 1)

Haul: Weekly Deals 6/12-6/18

2011-06-18T09:00:00.004-04:00

Money Spent: $13.67

Retail Price: $192.69

Money Saved: $179.02

This week was great for me because I was able to get a bunch of products I have never purchased before, including a few that I have wanted to try. First among these is the Cover Girl NatureLuxe Mascara. I did a review of the NatureLuxe foundation and lip gloss not too long ago but the mascara was only recently released and there hadn't been any good sales on Cover Girl, so I was not able to purchase it until now. At CVS this week the mascara was on sale for $8 and when you purchased $15 in Cover Girl products you got $5 in ECB back...and since the NatureLuxe lip gloss was $7 and there is currently a $5/2 NatureLuxe coupon I got both the mascara and gloss for $5. Revlon Grow Lucious mascaras were on sale as well and I managed to pick up two of those for just $0.49 each thanks to the sale price of $5.99, $4 in ECB, 2 $2/1 Revlon coupons and one CVS coupon for $3 off a $10 cosmetics purchase.

And for the third (maybe fourth?) week in a row, I scored some more clearance items. A couple Rimmel nail polishes, a Maybelline mascara, two Revlon ColorStay highlighters and two bronzers (my Revlon coupons expired Sunday so I had to use them up by midnight!).

I also stumbled upon a money maker with the KISS brand false eyelashes. If you purchased two false nails or lashes of any brand (Revlon, Ardell, Broadway and KISS) you got $5 in ECB. I didn't think much of as these items usually retail for $5+, so not that great of a deal. Then I found out that the KISS lashes are $3.99 each...and there was a $2/1 printable coupon available on their website. The site allows you to print two, so I got them for $1.99 each and received $5 back in ECB - so I made $1.02!

The last item I purchased I was able to get very cheap at CVS and free at both RiteAid and Giant Eagle. John Frieda Full Repair treatments are on sale everywhere lately; new items usually are to encourage consumers to purchase them. There is also a VERY good coupon out for $5/1 John Frieda Full Repair treamtments. These were on sale at CVS for $8 and when you purchased $10 you received $3 back...so I purchased two and they ended up being $1.50 each (limit is one). At RiteAid these are $9.99 and there is a rebate of $5 available with a limit of 2...both free. The best deal, however, was at Giant Eagle where they were on sale for $5...I purchased four and they were all FREE!

Beauty Buzz: Weekly Deals 6/19-6/25

2011-06-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

CVS

CoverGirl: All Cosmetics - $3 ECB WYB $10 (limit 2)
$1 off any one Cover Girl product (exp 7/31/11)
$5 off any two Cover Girl NatureLuxe products (exp 7/31/11)
*excludes NatureLuxe foundation, Shineblast, Outlast lip, and clearance items

Rimmel: Any Mascara - $2 ECB (limit 1)
$1 off one Rimmel London Day 2 Night Mascara or Any Rimmel Product (exp 6/30/11)
*prices start at $7.49...so with coupon a mascara for $4.49 - not great but not bad

Revlon: All Nail Polish, $4.99 - $3 ECB (limit 6)
$1 off any one Revlon Nail Enamel (exp 6/30/11)
*with coupon just $0.99 each!

Garnier: All Skin Care - $5 ECB WYB $15 (limit 1)
$2 off any one Garnier Moisturizer or Treatment (exp 7/17/11)
$2 off any one Garnier Moisturizer or Treatment (exp 8/1/11)
$1 off any one Garnier Moistureizer (exp 7/10/11)
$1 off any The Brusher by Garnier (exp 7/10/11)

DEP/L.A. Looks: Hair Gel 12-20oz, $2.99 - $2 ECB (limit 1)
$1 off any L.A. Looks product 20 oz or 26 oz (exp 8/15/11)
*FREE with coupon

RiteAid

Revlon: 40% Off All ColorStay Cosmetics

Review: Revlon Scented Nail Enamel

2011-06-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

Blurb:

"Try the season’s coolest shades and enjoy each fresh, fruity fragrance – scented when dry! Revlon Nail Enamel gives up to 10 days of lasting color & shine. Revlon’s exclusive silk-protein shield works to instantly help even out the surface of the nail while rising above color to automatically smooth away bubbles, streaks and brush marks. UV absorbers protect color – ensuring it won’t fade during wear."

Breakdown:

Nail polish that is scented when dry.

Analysis:

Available in sixteen different colors with corresponding scents, these polishes are an interesting novelty. Although they smell like normal polish when wet, they take on their yummy scents when dry. Almost all are fruit scented, a couple smell like candy and there are two, Ocean Breeze and Beach, are scents that never should have been added to this collection. They actually smell just as bad if not worse than regular polish. The fruit and candy scents are pleasant and some are more heavily scented than others; the blueberry and coconut scents are very strong. Unfortunately, the smell does fade after a few days of wear.

The polish itself is very smooth; little to no bubbling or streaking and it does level itself out. The only problem is that within four days it began chipping at the tips even with a base and top coat (and sadly with a top coat, the scent is not as prominent). Not such a big deal, though, since the scent wore off just about the same time. Overall, a cool product for summer with the novelty factor as well as the beautiful range of colors.

Retail Price:

$5.99

Variations:

Coconut Crush, Cotton Candy, Peach Smoothie, Sublime Strawberry, Bubble Gum, Raspberry Rapture, Mad About Mango, Orange Pop, Pretty in Papaya, Mon Cherry, Gum Drop, Passion Fruit, Grape Icy, Not So Blueberry, Ocean Breeze, Beach

Haul: Weekly Deals 6/5-6/11

2011-06-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

Money Spent: $13.67

Retail Price: $192.69

Money Saved: $179.02

Tutorial - Nails: Ombre

2011-06-10T09:00:00.002-04:00

Ombre is the latest trend in nail design, marked by a light color at the base of the nail gradually deepening to a dark shade at the tip. Most people have to go to a salon to have this gradient polish airbrushed on, but a simple technique can be used to achieve this look at home.

Begin by shaping the nails and pushing back the cuticles. Wash and dry the nails thoroughly before applying a basecoat.

Apply one or two coats of a pale nail polish color. It doesn’t have to be perfect; concentrate on the base of the nail. Apply very little polish at the tip of the nail since more layers will be added later and thick polish can chip easily.

After the lighter color is applied and dry but not yet hardened, paint the very tip of the nail in the darker color.

Allow the polish to dry completely and harden. Put a few drops of the darker polish on a small piece of cardboard or paper plate (do not use Styrofoam; it will melt). Using a triangular makeup sponge folded in half, dip it in the polish and tap it off so there is very little polish on the sponge. Then carefully tap the sponge on the nail, starting at the tip. Move towards the base, using less pressure but go no further than 1/3 of the way up the nail. If the line created by painting the tip earlier is not properly disguised, go over it again with the sponge and a little more polish but do not repeat the entire nail.

Once the sponge application is complete, allow it to dry before applying a top coat.

DIY: Spa Facial

2011-06-08T09:00:00.005-04:00

A spa facial is a relaxing experience as well as an amazing way to pamper the skin. Unfortunately, a typical facial performed by a licensed esthetician costs upwards of $50 an hour, making it a rare luxury for most people. With a few supplies and a little time, anyone can replicate this treatment at home for just a few pennies.

Any spa experience begins with setting the atmosphere, so the environment is key to reducing stress. Light calming candles: lavender, vanilla, chamomile are all soothing scents, but personal preference is what matters most. Dim the lights if possible, but if not unscrew a couple of bulbs from the light fixture (BEFORE it is turned on; they get hot!). Play relaxing music or white noise soundtracks like rainstorms or crickets chirping.

Cleanse the skin in preparation for treatment. Remove all eye makeup first, then the rest of the face using face towelettes or baby wipes. This prevents any makeup from being rubbed around and pressed into the skin during the next step.

Use a gentle cleanser and massage it over the face in circular motions for several minutes. This not only removes any traces of makeup as well as surface oils, but the movement relaxes the skin and facial muscles. Rather than splashing water on the face to rinse off the cleanser, use a wet washcloth or sponge and wipe the cleanser away, rinsing and repeating several times with fresh water to remove it all. This is far more relaxing than throwing water on the face and makes it feel like a special experience.

Apply an exfoliant and repeat the circular massaging motions used when cleansing. Continue this step for a few minutes; one or two for sensitive skin, three or four for normal skin. Do not press hard or “scrub;” this must be done slowly and gently. When finished exfoliating, run a washcloth or tea towel under very warm water and lay it over the face (be sure it is not too hot). Leave it on not more than one minute, then use the warm towel to remove the exfoliant.

If there are black or whiteheads on the skin, extractions can be performed as the steam from the towel opened the pores. It is crucial to sanitize everything used during extractions because if any bacteria is introduced into the pores it will cause breakouts. Also, it is important to be very careful with the skin so it is not damaged. This means absolutely no squeezing, and under no circumstances should an extractor tool be used as most people press too hard and it can either leave a small abrasion or force sebum and bacteria deeper into the pores and aggravate acne. The safe way to remove black or whiteheads is to cover the index fingers with tissue and press with the fingertips around any affected areas. If they do not pop out, do not force them by pressing harder or squeezing; it will only cause redness and inflammation. Lay a warm towel over the face again, this time for only about 30 seconds then wipe the skin clean of any sebum that was left from extractions.

Apply a face mask: moisturizing cream for dry skin, clay for oily skin. For a homemade mask use some oatmeal and mix it with honey or yogurt for dry skin or for oily skin mix it with citrus juice or pureed berries. After the mask is applied, set a timer for 10 minutes. Cover the eyelids with moist chamomile tea bags and relax. After 10 minutes, use a warm washcloth to remove the mask. Rinse it several times and repeat to be sure all the mask is removed.

Use a cotton round or square and wipe a toner over the skin to remove any remaining impurities.

Massage an anti-aging serum or cream into the eye area, then a moisturizer over the entire face.