Try This: More Makeup Discounts

Thanks to everyone who wished me well on my trip, I had a blast. I got to do a little shopping and see my new favorite musical Wicked! Anyways, this week there are some great online codes out for high-end makeup.

If you are into Urban Decay or Hard Candy Cosmetics, they are having a 30% off friends and family sale going on right now until the 30th of April (2008) all you have to do is use the code FFA30. I plan on ordering the Hard Candy Fragrance I've been wanting for a while.

If Tarte Cosmetics are more your thing, use the code EARTH08 until May 2nd (2008) for 20% off. I love their Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer and their Cheekstains.

Julie Hewett has 25% off with the code luckybreaks5, though I am not sure when this one expires, most likely at the end of April (2008). Try one of her palettes, they are rumored to be fabulous!

Don't feel like spending money? Well, for Earth Day 2008 Physician's Formula (not high end, but still great) is giving away a sample of their Organic Wear Bronzer. You can win it here. Hurry up though, it is good for today only.

And happy Earth Day everyone!

Try This: ecoTOOLS Bamboo 5 Piece Brush Set

Looking for a good synthetic drugstore makeup brush? Look no further than Walgreens! The ecoTOOLS Bamboo brushes are all made with synthetic hairs, bamboo handles, and recycled aluminum can ferrules. Plus, they're super soft on the skin. Want to get the best deal on these? Go for the ecoTOOLS Bamboo 5 Piece Brush Set which includes a blush brush, an eye shading brush, an eyeliner brush, a concealer brush and a brow and lash groomer all in a canvas brush roll. The whole set only costs $10.99! Individually, brushes range from $2.99-$7.99 which is pretty good for brushes. You can check them out here, on the Walgreens website.

Try This: Drugstore Surprises

Though I heard a lot about the following liquids used for beauty reasons, I never really gave them a try. Luckily I was able to pick glycerin and jojoba oil and try them out in my beauty routine.

Glycerin: The hardest part about dealing with this liquid is finding it. I found mine at a Rite Aid, but I'm sure there are some available online or at select local drugstores*. It is usually found in the first aid area of the store. What to do with it? Well, you can make an awesome mixing medium to use with your dry shadows and pigments. Just make a small batch of one part glycerin to three parts purified water and wet your brush with it. Dry it on a tissue slightly and dip in to your pigment/shadow. It will help your shadow look like liquid liner and stay on better than if you uses water alone. You can also use this as a hydrating facial spray. Just mix about one part glycerin to eight parts purified water in a spray bottle and mist where you are dry. Be sure when using glycerin to always dilute it because the pure stuff can hurt your eyes. Also, never make a large batch of anything using this stuff, it can go bad quick because there are no preservatives. Make sure your skin is not irritated by glycerin by doing a patch test first.

*It has been brought to my attention by the wonderful Tammy that you can also find this in the cake decorating section of some craft stores, like Michaels. You might want to check there!

100% Jojoba Oil: This can be used to take off makeup. I know what you are thinking, oily skin, this stuff will make me a grease pit, but actually jojoba oil closely mimics human sebum. When you deprive your skin of moisture, it over compensates by producing a lot of sebum and oils creating oily skin. So how do you use this? To take off makeup, you can just add a few drops of it on a cotton ball and swipe. Cleanse with a damp washcloth after. It works wonders on waterproof mascara. It can also be used to moisturize cuticles, hands, and lips, just rub on. Some people are allergic to jojoba oil, so make sure you do a patch test first. I was able to find this at my local Whole Foods (ok, not a drugstore) and it is organic and 100% jojoba oil.

There are many more uses for the above liquids that can help you in your beauty routine. If you have any other tips, just let me know, I'm excited to find out more of what these wonder-liquids can do!

Try This: Wet n Wild's Wild Shine Lip Lacquer

I just discovered a cheap lipstick that I absolutely love. It is Wet n Wild's Wild Shine Lip Lacquer. The lipstick is moist and not drying at all like some cheaper lipsticks. They have a shine to them, though not glass-like like some lip glosses. The best part is the colors are gorgeous. You can see for yourself swatches of the 4 I have (sloppily applied) below. The colors don't go on too thick, so you can wear these sheer, or you can build up the color. The problem with them is that they stick out unprotected which makes it is easy to nick their tops (see picture to get what I mean). Though they are not long wearing, they last just as long as my other regular lipsticks. These cost $2.99, and this week at Walgreens they are buy one get one free! Though it is applied the worst because I was in a hurry, the last color is my favorite. Check out all the colors at Wet n Wild's Website.

Fling

Passionate

Rapture

Lustful

Try This: Urban Decay and Besame Sale

I love/hate it when products are discontinued. I love it because they are offered at ridiculously cheap prices, but I hate it because the product will be gone forever. I especially hate that Urban Decay Lip Gunk is on its way out, but for those of you who want to try it, they have two types up for only $6! Almost all of Urban Decay''s discontinued items are 50% off right now, while supplies last, no code required. You can check them out the Urban Decay site here. My picks would be Lip Gunk (of course) and those awesome Liquid Eye Liners for only $7!

Besame Cosmetics is also having a sale on products that are being discontinued or repackaged. It is while supplies last and no code is required, the site reflects the prices. I picked up their Souffle Foundation, originally over $30, now just $10. Also check out their Cashmere Powder Compact which is a beautiful metal compact with powder inside, now just $20. I bought it yesterday and look forward to receiving it. Just browse through the products here and look for low prices.

Try This: Makeup Outlets

There is a way to get high-end makeup on sale without waiting for internet codes or sales. You can go to an outlet store specifically for makeup! There are two that come to mind instantly, the Estee Lauder Cosmetics Company outlet (also known as a CCO) and the Lancome Designer Fragrances and Cosmetics Co. outlet. Each carry different brands, for example at the Estee Lauder outlet you may find MAC, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, and maybe some Stila (which used to be owned by Estee Lauder) and at the Lancome outlet you may find Lancome, Shu Uemura, and other companies owned by Loreal. The best part is all of these cosmetics will be less than retail. When there is overstock, discontinued products or packaging changes leftover products go here. They are legitimate stores owned by the companies, and a great place to get cheap cosmetics. The downside to these places is each one has different stock so you never know what you are going to get, plus they do not tell you what is there over the phone or ship out. You have to find one near you and just check. Want to locate one (in the US)? Try here for Estee Lauder outlets and here for Lancome outlets.

I am super excited because I get to go to both of these stores in Gilroy on Friday! I will definitely post my haul and let you know what is there when I get back.

Try This: Wet n Wild i-sparkle Eyeshadow

Wet n Wild has some new limited edition eyeshadows out! They are called i-sparkle shadows, and as you can see above they are quads with flower shapes on them. I love Wet n Wild shadows, so I naturally love these. The only drawback to the shadow quads would be the fact that the shadows are touching, which can make them look muddy if you run a brush directly across. The colors are gorgeous and great for spring, especially the light purple Twilight quad. The best part is they are super cheap, just $3.99 each (at my local Walgreens). I will definitely post a tutorial using one of these tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Try This: Aquafina Hydrating Facial Spray

You may be wondering what the point of a facial spray is. Though it is mainly used to cool people down during hot days (summers coming up) it can also be used for makeup related reasons. Facial spray helps set the makeup and give you a 'glow'. It works especially well with dry, powder makeup. Though there are pricey sprays out there, I chose to try Aquafina Advanced Hydration Hydrating Facial Spray. This is because the price was so low for it, $6 on the site, or where I found it on clearance, $3.50. It has vitamins A and C, aloe and jojoba oil infused in the water. Though I am not sure what the vitamins do, the aloe really sooths, and the jojoba oil moisturizes, but doesn't feel oily on my skin. The only possible drawback to the product is that it has fragrance in it, but it isn't overpowering and goes away in about a minute. I recommend this to anyone skeptical about trying a facial spray that doesn't want to spend too much money, in case they don't like it. I was like that at first, but now I am hooked!

Try This: New Drugstore Collections

It seems these days drugstore cosmetics are joining the higher end cosmetics companies in coming out with mineral makeup and limited edition collections. What’s new?

Wet n Wild has a new line out called Beauty Benefits which contains marine minerals and lotus extract. These products are said to be beneficial to the skin, but who can tell until you actually try it. The products sound fun though, from the Eye Brilliance Shimmer Sticks to the Triple Fusion Eye Shadows and everything for your eyes, face, and lips in between.

Loreal has come out with a new collection called Pink Into the Future. It contains two new shadow trios, one in a shimmer white, gray and black, another in shades of pastel blue and pink (with a highlight color), three new lip glosses and lipstick, two blush/highlighter duos in shades of pink, and some new nail polish. They come in the familiar clear plastic packaging of Loreal’s more recent Golden Globes collection, but with silver circle patterns all over them.

Look for these new additions soon at a drugstore near you!

Try This: E-mail Newsletters

The best way to buy makeup is on sale in my opinion. How to keep up with sales? Join a website's e-mail newsletter. Usually, you will be the first to know about sales, free shipping codes, and clearances that are going on. For example, I sign up for the Victoria's Secret e-newsletter and received a coupon a free lip gloss with any purchase. I am on the e-mail list for Sephora and I found out that they have free shipping for purchases over $25 until the Super Bowl is over (code: DELIVERY25). I found out via e-mail that MAC is doing free shipping (US and Canada) on any purchase until March 25th. You can even sign up at websites that do not have an e-store and get printable coupons. Whose newsletter am I subscribed to? Well, along with the ones above, I enjoy hearing about sales from Cherry Culture, Stila, Drugstore.com, E.L.F., Bath and Body Works, and Lush. Try signing up for your favorites; you never know what you might save.

P.S. Don't want all the e-mail filling your inbox? Get an address just for newsletters.

Try This: Walgreen's Coupon

Want to haul some drugstore makeup? Well, for today only (1/31/08), Walgreen's has a coupon for $5 off any purchase of $20 or more. It excludes alcohol, tobacco, prescriptions, and pre-paid cards (like gift cards), but it doesn't exclude makeup, sale makeup, or clearance makeup! If you have a Walgreen's in your area, check it out. You can get the coupon here.

Try This: Glitter Eye Makeup

If you picked up this months Allure, you are well aware that glitter is making a big comeback. If you are looking for a fun, inexpensive way to try glittering up your makeup, try the NYX Glitter Cream Pallet. It comes in four different sets of five glitters, which is enough for many different looks. I used the set called Surreal to obtain these three looks.


The first look I did was inspired by the Gucci Westman look in the February 2008 Allure. It is a gold cat eye with a lot of black liner. The first thing I did was line the eyes heavily with a liquid liner in a cat eye shape. I then patted the gold glitter cream on the lid only with a tiny brush until it was concentrated enough. I wiped off any excess above the lid with a q-tip. Last, I went back over the cat eye with more liquid liner.



For this bold teal look, I first applied an eyeshadow primer to where I was applying the glitter cream. Then, I layered on a teal eyeshadow. I picked up a lot of glitter cream on to my small brush, patted on the glitter, then evened it out with short strokes. I created the basic shape of the eye first, then filled in the rest. Using the same brush I put teal glitter underneath the lower lash line.



For this last look I applied a silvery cream eyeshadow all over the lid up to the brow. I used my finger and gently swiped on a little of the white glitter where the cream shadow was. Once I had lightly covered the eye area, I used my brush to apply the purple glitter underneath the eye.



Interested in trying glitter eye makeup? Here are some tips:

Make sure the glitter is eye safe first! The last thing you need is a scratched up cornea.

Get a good brush. Glitter in certain areas require a lot of detail work. The one I used is a Lancome #10, because it was small. Now that I think about it, a lip brush (as long as you haven't used it on your lips yet) would work too.

Apply a base. Use an eyeshadow primer (mixing medium, etc.) and/or a similar color shadow under the glitter. It makes it look less harsh.

Wear only when appropriate. Glitter makes a certain statement, and you might not want to make such a statement at your office.

You can buy all four sets of these Glitter Cream Pallets for $3.99 at CherryCulture.com.

Try This: Deeper Foundation Shades

I remember looking for a good drugstore foundation for a long time. All the mainstream lines I looked at never seemed to have the right color for me. Even on the higher end, I was sorely disappointed when trying to buy Dior Airflash, which only came as dark as Medium Beige (on Nordstrom.com). I am a deeper skinned Filipina, an NC42 in MAC and I am sick of searching for drugstore foundations to find that they don't come in my color. Due to that fact, I have compiled a short list of drugstore foundation brands that come in deeper shades. The first and probably easiest to find is Revlon Colorstay. They have a range of 20 shades from Ivory to Mocha, which can be viewed on their website. Another that is relatively easy to find is Loreal HIP. These foundations come in deeper tones with both yellow and red undertones, check it out. The CoverGirl Queen Collection was just released recently and has light bronze, brown bronze and ebony bronze hues, read more about it. The liquid makeup even comes with a money back guarantee. Black Radiance (here) and Black Opal (here) are harder to find in the area that I live in, but both have deeper foundations as well. My favorite brand, which is a little pricey for drugstore but can be found in Target or Ulta is Iman Cosmetics. They have a great stick foundation that comes in a wide range of colors. Look them up for sure. Do you know any drugstore makeup lines that would work with my coloring that I have not yet listed? Please suggest them to me and I'll add them to this list!

Try This: Stila Sale

There is nothing I love more than when makeup goes on sale! This sale happens to be at the Stila Cosmetics Website. Tons of products are 50% off, making them an excellent deal! Plus, if you spend over $50 you get free shipping (code: STILALOVER) and if you spend over $75, you get free shipping and a free eyeshadow palette (code: BELLE). My recommendation? This Stila Stars Set which has 3 full sized eyeshadow, one full sized blush, full sized lip color and glaze, plus a mini all over shimmer and a mini mascara all for $30!

Try This: Lush Clean Slate

For those of you lucky enough to have a Lush store near you, try shopping the amazing Lush Clean Slate sale. All bubble bars, bath bombs, soaps, and in some stores wrapped holiday gifts made before December 2007 are buy 1 get 2 free! Anything else made before December 2007 (excluding Charity Pot, Its a Wrap and all tins) is buy 1 get 1 free! I would recommend trying my favorite holiday products, Holiday Bubble Bar (pictured), which smells like spicy carnations, and Snowcake Soap, which smells like almond dessert. During my trip to the wonderful Union St. Lush in San Francisco, I saved $294 on my haul! This sale goes on while supplies last or until January 20th 2008. Check online to find a Lush near you.

Try This: High End Makeup For Drugstore Pices

Say you want a little something for yourself, but you do not have much to spend. Maybe you want just a quick pick my up, or to try something new. Instead of heading to the drugstore, try a few high-end items that cost under $10. One way to do this is to pick up travel sizes of some more expensive products. For example $8 will get you a Stila Mini Lip Glaze! If you are in the mood to try a lotion or cream, try Bliss Snow Wonder High Intensity Hand Cream, also $8. A mini mascara is great (because you have to throw it out in three months anyway). Try Too Faced Lash Injection Mini for $8.50 or Bourjois Mini Volume Glamor Ultra Black Mascara for $8. A cute lip gloss or balm is a must. Try a cult classic, Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve for $6. For something little more fun, get Hard Candy Lollipop Lip Gloss also $6. All of these items are available at Sephora. Here is a tip: type in how much you are willing to spend in the search bar (make sure you use the dollar sign) and you will get items in your price to come up. Its a great way to find things on sale as well!

Try This: Beauty Supply Store

Today I took a trip to my local Sally Beauty Supply. I was looking for a lighted cosmetic mirror, but I found a lot more. The store had many things that were surprisingly inexpensive. For example, they had boar hair brushes for only $9.99, Bigen Hair Dye for $5.99, manicure and pedicure products like Orly Nail Polish for $4.99, and Ardell false eyelashes for $3.49. My favorite items carried there were the Sally Girl Eye Shadow Connecting Compacts for only $1.29 each. These eyeshadow have 48 different colors to chose from. They came in bright purple to shimmery off-white with everything in between. The texture was smooth and the color payoff was more than you would expect for $1.29 eyeshadow. If you want the colors really intense, slap on a great base and you're good to go. They even connect together for easier use. I would recommend these eyeshadows if you are looking for a fun new way to try out different colors. These shadows and much, much more can be found at your local Sally Beauty Supply.

Try This: Sephora Friends and Family

Have you always wanted to try something cult-classic high end item (Urban Decay Primer Potion anyone?) Are you interested in some cool new brushes to add to your collection? Maybe you want to try some of those palettes I mentioned in an earlier post. Whatever your high-end makeup need is, now is the time to get it! Sephora is having their Friends and Family Event. You can get 20% off your entire purchase (online only). This event is US only and (should) last until 11/20/2007. Get shopping now though, things are bound to go out of stock soon. The code to use is: FF2007

Try This: Holiday Palettes and Gift Sets

Holiday palettes and sets are a great way to get high end makeup at a budget price. The palettes and gift sets usually give you a variety of shadows, blushes, and lipgloss all at a lower price than what it is actually worth. For example, Make Up For Ever Diamonds For Ever Kit is only $49, but is a $110 dollar value. Thats like saving $60! These palettes aren't boring either. Some of my favorites include really bright shadows like Pop Beauty Day to Play Wallet ($42). Sometimes you don't have to choose if you want a set of just eyeshadow or just lipstick. The Tarte Wish You Wealth Palette contains eyeshadow, eye liner, lipgloss, brushes, cheek stains and more all for $52. If you bought everything this palette has seperatly, even at a drugstore, the price would be more than this costs. Benefit Cosmetics Best of Benefit Set even has three full sized products for $46. So if you are interested in a high end makeup brand but do not want to shell out a lot of money for it, I suggest saving up a little and buying a gift set or palette. All the mentioned products are available at the best place to find holiday makeup gifts (in my opinion), Sephora.

Try This: Sonia Kashuk Brush Set

The key to great looking make-up is in the tools. A simple brush set can make some drugstore make-up look like a million bucks. If you don't want to spend a lot on brushes, I would recommend the Sonia Kashuk Brush Set in the pink houndstooth case. These brushes not only work amazingly, they are also inexpensive ($19.99). The best part? 100% of the net proceeds go towards the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I picked mine up yesterday and I'm already in love. Find this great brush set at your local Target.