Stila Makeup Sale

Don’t miss yet another makeup opportunity. Stila Cosmetics is having their warehouse sale, where you can save up 75% off their products. When you spend $50 or more you also get free shipping; no code needed. In order to qualify orders must be placed online by midnight this sunday.

While you’re on the site mak sure to take a look at the Barbie collection.

Ann Taylor Over-Photoshops Model

The women’s clothing line Ann Taylor has been in hot water these past couple of days. Everyone is speaking about their negative portrayal of women on their website. In the past they’ve been called out for photo shopping models, and even so they thought they could still pull a fast one on us. On their website you can see normal pictures of the models. Yet once you click on it to get a close look, the model’s waist smooths out dramatically.

As if the model wasn’t skinny enough already. Who is Ann Taylor trying to sell to? Maybe they should take a note from Marc Jacobs and stores like Saks who are embracing women’s figures.

Makeup Sample Sale

This is an opportunity that shouldn’t be passed off. Now until August 9th, Tarte will be having their Tarte Friends & Family Sale. Use the code FFAUG and receive 40% off your purchases. Plus you get your choice of a free gift.

Don’t miss out on the beauty sample sale.

Marc Jacobs Does Plus Size

Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy

Beauty comes in all sizes; not just sample sizes. There seems to be hope when high-end designers like Marc Jacobs is talking about adding a plus sizes to his line. At this point They are only talking; barely in the beginning stages. But Marc’s business partner, Robert Duffy, says making larger sizes is a go. Duffy spoke about how difficult he has it buying clothes because he’s so tall and hates the word “plus size”.

Primer for Eyes and Lips

I recently posted on The Importance of Primer. Primer is essential in making your makeup look its best. The better the base for your makeup, the easier it will be to apply, the better it will look and the longer it will last. Other than the face, you can also apply separate primer for the eyes and lips.

For eyes, try Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Prime Time Eyelid Primer ($16). It’s a gentle, fragrance-free formula that really makes your eye makeup stay put. It’s sheer so it won’t interfere with any color you choose to apply. Also great for sensitive skin; it’s been allergy tested by dermatologists and made without Parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes and fragrances.

Tip* Vaseline can be an alternative for primer. Apply it slightly on your eyelids to keep makeup in place. Just don’t use as a face primer or you’ll have the shiniest face.

Wearing lipstick needs to be done with confidence and it doesn’t hurt to use primer. DuWop’s Prime VENOM ($20) works as a smooth base for lipstick and moisturizes as well. This primer is a 2-in-one product working as a plumper as well.

Don’t want to splurge on primer, E.L.F. has got you covered. They’re Eye Primer/Liner Sealer is only $3 and they’re Lip Primer/Plumper is $3 as well.

Products Worth the Splurge

Have you ever gotten your paycheck and had to go out and restock your makeup bag? When you are finished, are you shocked to realize that you have almost nothing left until next paycheck? There are so many great products out and they don’t always have to cost you your entire paycheck and then some. Sometimes you can find the perfect lip-gloss for just a dollar. That being said; there are some products that are worth the splurge. Here are the products, treatments, and makeup that are worth a little more and go a long way:

Save your skin the trouble and don’t lay out too much in the sun. Bare Minerals, Warmth ($24), is the perfect bronzer to help you achieve a glowy complexion. Add as little or as much color as you want to appear to have that perfect tan.

If you’re more of a blush girl then you’ll love Nars, Desire ($26). It’s the perfect shade of pink and the color lasts all day. The best part is that you don’t have to constantly re-apply. A little goes a long way with this blush.

For quick drying, vibrant nail polish any from the Essie collection will work. With the single smooth coat that just glides on your nail, it won’t irritate you too much having to spend $8 a bottle.

Lip-gloss is fun and adds personality to your outfit. Bare Escentuals collection of Buxom ($18), glosses are to die for. It feels refreshing on your lips and the color lasts hours without the really sticky formula. Try Kanani for a girly summer look or Dolly on a sexy date.

The skin needs to be exfoliated weekly in order help remove the dead skin. Although the skin naturally sheds itself, sometimes it gets stuck clogging our pores. This leads to break outs in the skin. Sabon’s Body Scrub not only smells delicious but works wonders. You’ve never felt your skin as soft as this scrub leaves it. This is one scenario where the old saying “as smooth as a baby’s bottom“ falls true. It‘s perfect in Tropic ($30), for these hot summer days.

Origins, Clear Improvement Mask ($21) is a must have if you suffer from breakouts or oily skin. The mask has activated charcoal that works as a magnet. It gets rid of all dirt, clogged pores and other toxins. 

Spending a little extra on these products are worth it in the long run.

Be A Savvy Shopper

Shopping doesn’t have to empty out your pockets completely. In this economy, being a bit of a savvy shopper will come in handy. We are led to believe that, because a product costs more it will work best. It might take a little extra browsing time but, hey, who doesn’t want to take their time when it comes to shopping?

Putting on a pretty face shouldn’t cost you tons. Take the NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo for example. This is a combination of their most popular blush and bronzer and retails for $39. E.L.F. is like the dollar menu of make-up. All of their products are under five dollars. They have an almost identical product, the Contouring Blush & Bronzer Powder for only three dollars. Talk about a steal!

Hair care is also important. When your hair looks bad it can throw an entire outfit off. While there are so many products promising healthy hair, they can be a bit costly at times. Suave offers a collection of affordable hair products. Their shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair renewal is only two dollars a bottle. Best of all you get the same results from Suave as you would from salon brand products.

Let’s not forget our nails. Nail polish is our way of dressing them up. Essie and O.P.I. colors are vibrant and never lacking in color options. But, really, who wants to spend eight to $10 on nail polish? N.Y.C has a collection of all the hottest colors this season, and they’re only $1.99 each.

Before dropping down a wad of cash on your next product, channel your inner savvy shopper and browse for the affordable version.