October 2014 PINCHme

 A few days ago I received my October samples from PINCHme.  I think I’ve talked about them before, but PINCHme is an online sample site that anyone can sign up for.  Once a month they have a sample day and you can request samples of newer products that companies are testing and want feedback on.

The items that I got in October were actually pretty pitiful. 

The first thing I got was a sample of the American Crew Power Cleanser Style Remover.  This is a shampoo to remove hair product buildup.  I don’t really use a lot of product in my hair but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it.  Then I opened it.  The only conclusion I could come to was that this product is intended for users of the male persuasion.  It smelled like strong cologne.  Needless to say, I didn't try it.   After looking at the website, I have determined that it is definitely for men.  Unfortunately I didn't know that before I opened it and since it came in a foil packet, I can’t even give it to someone else.  Ooops.

The next thing is a sample of the Bullet Pocket Acne Aid.  This is a spot treatment/daily preventative face gel.  I haven’t actually used this yet, because I wanted to save it for a time of great need.  From what I can figure out, it’s not a face wash.  You just put in on any trouble areas.  There’s no need to wash your face before either.  This concept actually seems really strange to me.  I think when I use it I’ll wash my face like normal and apply before bed.  I don’t know if I’ll really get the full effect from this since it is such a small sample, but it’s worth a shot! (Get it?  Bullet…Shot…?  OK, OK, moving on.)

The last item that I got is a full size Sheamoisture African Black Soap Face and Body Bar.  As the name suggests the soap itself is black.  Now if you’re anything like me, the thought of using black soap on your face will give you a little bit of anxiety.  However, if you press on like me and try it anyways, you will realize that it’s actually really nice!  I don’t like to try new face washes because they normally break me out, but this is really gentle and very cleansing.  My only complaint is the smell.  I can’t really describe it, but it would definitely not be my first choice in face soap scents.  It’s not that its bad…it’s just not good.  Anyway, despite the smell, I really like this face wash and will definitely use it!

Unfortunately I didn't get any PINCHme samples in November so it may be a couple months before I have another post like this. 

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah

Fall Nail Polish Finds

If you've read my blog before, you know I’m a sucker for OPI nail polish.  I know it’s good quality and there are so many colors to choose from!  I recently found some at TJ Maxx and Ross that was just too good a deal to pass up!

I found the four colors below at TJ Maxx for $3.99 a piece!  Just for reference the normal price for a bottle of OPI is anywhere from $8-$10.

Roadhouse Blues – When I first picked this up I thought it was a purple, but after closer examination (and reading the name), I realized it was a deep navy blue!  I don’t usually wear super dark colors like this, but I decided it would be a good staple to add to my collection!  It’s also a great color for fall!

The two on the left are part of the OPI Mustang Collection. 

Girls Love Ponies – It’s pink and so I decided it must be mine.  No further explanation necessary.

Angel With A Lead Foot – One of my favorite YouTuber’s was talking about this white in her fall nail polish picks video that I had just watched before I found it. (You should check out her channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/amylynnbeauty)  She recommended that you get it if you find it, so I did as I was told!

In True Stefani Fashion – Who doesn't love a great glitter polish?  Although it’s such a pain to get off your nails, I can’t resist the sparkle!  This is silver with various sizes of glitter that will be great on its own or on top of another color.  I used it on top of a mint green color and got several compliments on it!

Finally, I found these two colors in a set together at Ross for $5.99.  That’s $3 a piece people!!!

Miss Piggy's Big Number – This is a great sparkly sapphire blue.  Like I mentioned before, I didn't have a lot of blue polishes before, so I’m working on expanding my collection!

Muppets World Tour - Another glitter, but this also has larger flecks of silver and blue in it.  I wore this over a light pink a few weeks ago and loved it!  I’m guessing since they were sold together it’s intended to wear over Miss Piggy’s Big Number so I’ll definitely try that out soon!

If you like OPI polish but feel guilty spending $10 on a bottle of nail polish, definitely check out Ross, Marshall's, and TJMaxx!  While they may not have the widest selection, you can’t beat that price and you never know what you may find!

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah

Beauty and the Boots

So it’s officially fall, and you know what that means!  Time to break out the sweaters, scarves, and boots!  Only problem is it may be difficult to afford all that great fall fashion on a limited budget!  I can usually find good deals on sweaters and scarves just about anywhere throughout the year, but finding a good deal on shoes is not always an easy task.  You can look at Ross, or TJ Maxx for discounted name brands but those can still be pricey and they usually don’t have a very wide selection.  So what if the brand doesn’t matter to you as much as the price and style?

If you’re not living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of JustFab or Shoedazzle.  These are online retailers best known for their footwear. 

I signed up for JustFab.com last year and got an introductory offer of $19.99 and free shipping on my first purchase.  I bought this pair of flat brown boots and I absolutely love them.  It was my first time buying shoes online which made me nervous, but I am so glad that I took the risk.  These are the perfect everyday boot!  They’re no Tory Burch, but I get compliments on them all the time and I’m proud to say I spent less than $20 on them!

Last week I decided to sign up for Shoedazzle.com just to see what they had to offer.  Little did I know that they were having a special of $9.99 plus free shipping on your first purchase!  I had been looking for a pair of black flat boots for over a year and $10 was just too good a deal to pass up!  I ended up picking Sylvee.  They’re very comparable to the pair I got last year in quality and they were just what I was looking for!  The material around your calf is slouchy which is what I was expecting and I really like.  The only bad thing is the fabric folds in different places on each boot.  This is obviously my OCD side coming out because there's no way they could have been made exactly the same.  I'm probably the only one who notices or even cares!

My sister also got two pair from JustFab a couple weeks ago!  The first pair was Zella in black and she got these for $9.99!  The second pair is Jewelle in brown which she paid the regular VIP price of $39.95.  

Here's what she had to say about her new boots!

I was worried to buy boots online because I didn't think they'd fit or they'd look cheap, but JustFab allows you to return any shoes that don't fit to get the right size.  I took the risk and was so happy that I did.  The two pairs of boots that I bought have become essential parts of my wardrobe.  When I buy shoes that I like, I tend to wear them non stop and that's what's been happening with these boots.  They fit so well, are extremely comfortable, and are very fashionable.  The main part of the boot that I was afraid would be too big was the top of the boot that goes around my calf.  Most that I try on are too big and flap around, but these ones are tight enough that I can wear them with a skirt and they still look good.  My only problem is with the buckle at the top.  There is a little tab that will get folded the wrong way when you cross your legs if you're not careful, then it sticks out instead of laying flat. But that is such a small thing.  I'm very excited about my purchase and don't regret it at all.

The only downside to signing up for either of these websites is that it is a membership.  There’s no monthly fee per se, but you have to sign on to their website before the 5^th of each month to “skip the month” if you don’t want to buy anything.  If you don’t do this by the 5^th, your card gets charged for $39.95 (the normal price of most of the shoes) and it is added as a credit to your account.  You can however call and cancel at any time.

What I suggest, is that if you do find something you like, you join the website and make a purchase with the introductory discount (Sometimes $9.99, $19.99, or 2 for $40).  Who can pass up a pair of boots for $10?  Like I said, don’t expect the quality of a designer shoe, but they are definitely worth every bit of $10 or $20 a pair!  Just remember to go in and skip at the beginning of each month, or call and cancel after you get your shoes.  They have pretty much every style of shoe imaginable so if you’re more interested in flats or heels you should still check it out! 

Thanks for reading!!

~Sarah

Confessions of a Shopaholic

So I went shopping this weekend (I know, complete shocker), and I just had to share some of the amazing deals I found!  Stores usually have some of their best deals as the seasons are changing.  This is when they’re bringing out all their new merchandise and they have to make room for it all somehow!  While you probably don’t need any of those shorts or bikinis that are on clearance, you never know what else you may find!   

Bath & Body Works currently has all of their fall scents 50% off!  (And we all know what a sucker I am for B&BW!!)  They also had a Facebook coupon last week for a free body cream with any purchase that I hope some of you were able to take advantage of.  I bought a Nutmeg & Spice wallflower refill for 50% off and got this Moonlight Path 24 hour body cream for free!  The Nutmeg & Spice is a great fall scent, and I'm currently obsessed with all things fall.  My first choice in lotion is always Twilight Woods, but I got a free body cream a couple weeks ago in that scent, so I went for Moonlight Path which is probably my second favorite B&BW scent!  Total Retail Value of the two items; $19, I paid $3.56!

Charming Charlie’s is one of the most overwhelming, yet completely wonderful stores in the mall!  If you’re ever looking for a specific color necklace, scarf, or bracelet, it’s seriously the place to go!  They also have a clearance corner that’s full of amazing deals!  This weekend they had a special on all clearance bracelets, 2 for $5.  I ended up buying a silver and gold that I can pair with pretty much anything.  Total Retail Value $28, I paid $5.52!

While I normally don’t shop in Wet Seal, the 70% off sign out front intrigued me.  What the heck; I’m here, I’ve got time, let’s check it out!  While most of what they had was not really my style, I did find a few great items!  My favorite thing I bought was this black and white striped dress!  It’s a super comfortable cotton dress with capped sleeves that is easy to dress up or down!  It was almost 80 degrees on Tuesday so I wore it to work paired with a pink bauble necklace and cardigan!  Total Retail Value $32, I paid $5.40!

Seriously people, I can’t make this stuff up!   Next time you’re shopping, go straight to the clearance racks!  It’s definitely worth checking out.  You never know what sort of treasures await! 

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah

October 2014 Ipsy

Ipsy’s October theme was beauty candy.  This month wasn’t really a great one for the products, but the makeup bag that they came in is one of my favorites!  It is a teal quilted bag with a side zipper.

I got 5 items this month with a good variety of products.  (But not enough makeup if you ask me…I know, it seems like I say that every month!)

Figs & Rouge Rose Berry Shea Butter Hand Cream $6.56 full size – I don’t have much to say about this since it’s a hand cream and pretty self-explanatory.  It does smell nice and it’s a great size to throw into your purse or keep at work! 

http://www.feelunique.com/p/Figs-and-Rouge-Rose-Berry-Shea-Butter-Hand-Cream-20ml

MICA Beauty Mineral Eye Shadow; $14.95 full size in Reluctance – I really like mineral eye shadow, so my only complaint with this is the color.  It’s a very pretty shimmery green, but I don’t usually wear green eye shadow. 

http://www.micabeauty.com/mineral-eye-shadow-earth-colors.html

Nourish Organic Moisturizing Organic Face Cleanser with Cucumber and Watercress $13.99 full size, trial size $2.34 – I have to say that I absolutely hate trying new facial cleansers.  There’s just too much of a risk that my skin will hate it and my face’s way of punishing me is breaking out.  I did try this for the sake of the blog but did not like it at all.  It smelled bad.  Like dirt.  Plus I had to wash my face twice to even get all my makeup off. 

http://nourishorganic.com/products/moisturizing-face-cleanser

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths; Full Size $15, trial size $5 – I don’t normally use face cleansing cloths.  I always feel like I have to wash my face after I use them anyway, so I don’t really get the point.  But I’ll save these for when I’m travelling.  I could see them coming in handy in the airport! 

http://www.skyniceland.com/product-36-glacial-cleansing-cloths

Starlooks Lip Gloss in Guilty Pleasure; full size $12, trial size $6? – I really didn't like this lip gloss at all.  It was sticky and it went on really goopy so even when I tried to blend it in, I could see streaks on my lips.  If this is what all their lip-glosses are like, I definitely warn you to stay away! 

http://starlooks.com/collections/lips/products/lip-gloss

The total value of the items in my bag this month is $34.85.  It’s not as high as it usually is, but not bad for the $10 I spent!  Although most of the products were a complete dud for me, the cute bag definitely redeemed it!

If you’re interested in trying Ipsy for $10 a month, here’s my referral link! http://www.ipsy.com/r/6b49?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general

I've heard rumors that the holiday bags (November and December) are usually pretty awesome so it may be a great time to give it a shot!!  If you don’t like some of what you end up with, I’m sure they’d make great stocking stuffers and you can still cancel anytime!

Thanks for reading!!

~Sarah

Thank You L'Oreal!

So we all know my obsession with trying new makeup products.  I recently signed up to be a product tester for L’Oreal!  How cool is that?!  I wasn’t really sure if I would ever get selected to test anything, but I thought I might as well try!

Every couple weeks they post a new questionnaire on their website.  If your answers fit into the criteria for the testers they’re looking for then they ask you if you would like to test a certain product.  I got selected at the beginning of September and I got the product in the mail a couple of days later.   They asked me to use the tester for a week and fill out a survey after my first application and another longer survey after the week was up.  It was super easy and really fun!

This blog is not to talk about the product that I tested, but what they sent me as a “Thank-You” for participating!  I really didn’t expect to get anything other than the rest of the full size product that they sent me to test.  But last week I came home to a package with two make-up items in it!  What a wonderful surprise!

The first item was the Studio Secrets Professional One Sweep Eye Shadow in the color Natural for brown eyes.  This eye shadow has 3 different color blocks in one pot.  It comes with an applicator sponge that matches up to the shape of the eye shadow so you can sweep it once and be done.  I’ve used this several times now and I really like it!  These eye shadows usually sell for $9.95.  I don’t know that it’s worth that, but if you ever see them on sale somewhere I would definitely recommend trying it out!  http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Eyeshadow/Studio-Secrets-Professional-The-One-Sweep.aspx?shade=Natural-Blue-Eyes

I am really excited about the second item that I got!  It was the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in blackest black.  I’d never tried gel eyeliner before because I thought applying eyeliner with a brush would be too difficult, but I absolutely love this!  I’ve tried liquid liner before, but this is so much better!  You can make the lines as thin or thick as you want and it gives you a super clean line.  I’ve been using this everyday and will definitely buy more when I run out!  It’s $9.99, but Ulta often has their products buy one get one 50% off and with one of their $3.50 off coupons, I can get two for a little more than the normal price of one.  If you use gel eyeliner but haven’t tried this, or if you’ve never tried a gel eyeliner but are interested in trying one, I definitely recommend this one!  http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1790211&categoryId=cat80042

So far I haven’t been selected for any more product trials, but I’m hoping that will change soon and I’ll have some more products to tell you about!

Thanks for reading!!

~Sarah

The Benefit of a Birthday

In my last blog, I talked about the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette that I bought from Ulta for my birthday.  I also bought the Benefit Cosmetics Frisky Six makeup set as an additional gift to myself.  I like buying the trial sizes of more expensive products so I can use them and decide if it would be worth buying the full size.  Most of Benefit’s full size items are $20 and up, so I really don’t want to waste my money if I don’t like the product as much as I thought I would.

Ulta has several gift sets that include some of Benefit’s most popular items.  This set came with 6 minis of Benefit products that I had never tried before.

They're Real! Mascara; Full Size $23, mini $10 on Ulta – This mascara is supposed to give lashes the added oomph of false lashes.  Although I wouldn’t go as far as to say my lashes looked as thick as fake lashes, I did notice more volume and length than I get with my Maybelline Cat Eyes.  I also tried this as a second coat on top of my Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara which seemed to work really well.

Lollitint Mini; Full Size $30, mini $9.36 – This is a lip and cheek stain that has a purple-pinky tint.  I haven’t used it on my cheeks because I don’t know if I’ll be able to blend it evenly.  It takes a while to dry so I’m guessing it wouldn’t be difficult but I’ve just been too afraid to try.  I have tried it on my lips but the color isn’t that different from my normal lip color, so I don’t notice much of a difference.

Lollibalm Mini; Full Size $18, mini $1.80 – The most disappointing thing about this is how small the “mini” is.  The first time I used it I tried to twist it up and realized that it was already all the way twisted up, there was that little of it.  I’ve used this a couple times over my Lollitint but there is no way I would pay $18 for this when I can achieve the same look with Babylips for less than $5.

Sun Beam; Full Size $26, mini $7.54 – This is a liquid bronzer/highlighter with an application brush.  I use this on the top of my cheek bones as a highlighter.  I have to be honest that I really don’t notice that it makes a difference when I wear this.

Sugarbomb; Full Size $28, mini $10 – This powder really confused me.  I think that it’s a blush, but I’m not really sure about that.  It’s got rosey peach tones in it that work OK as a blush, but it’s still a little lighter than I normally go for blush.  It has a bit of a shimmery quality to it that I really like, and the sample size is pretty decent.

Ooh La Lift; Full Size $22, mini $7.04 – This is probably my favorite thing from this set.  It’s an under eye brightener and it works really well!  I just put a couple dots of this under each eye and rub it in.  I am not a morning person at all so this helps give the illusion that I’m wide awake!

The total value of the products I received was $45.74 and I paid $27 ($4.50/product).  I’m really glad that I bought this set and was able to try all of these products.  Half the fun of makeup is trying new things!  I think of all the products, I would be most likely to buy the Ooh La Lift in the full size!

I also got a free Benefit make-up bag and sample of the Porefessional with my purchase from Ulta.  The bag is really nice quality and I can always use more 

primer!

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah