Sephora Haul

I did a Sephora haul last month with a birthday gift card and have finally had to chance to put it together to show you.  I will describe each one and if I have tried it and what my thoughts are. 

Urban Decay 24 hour All Nighter Liquid Foundation

First off, I purchased the Urban Decay 24 Hour All Nighter Liquid Foundation in the color 2.0.  This foundation claims full coverage with a matte finish. The formula has a higher amount of pigment so a little goes a long way.  It's important to choose to right shade by testing them out and getting a sample from Sephora before purchasing it.  This foundation oxidizes so it does turn a shade or two darker depending on your skin.  I love this foundation but I try to only use a little as it will cover my entire face and neck with just a little bit.  You don't want cake face! I give it a thumbs up and worth the $40 price tag.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Dusty Rose

This is a long lasting, full coverage matte lipstick for $20.  It has a very saturated color and is smear resistant.  I wore this for 2 hours and only saw a little come off on my bottom lip from my mouth.  It is drying to the lips as in most matte lipsticks are so later I topped it off with a gloss.  Me wearing it!

Tocca in Florence

I used some of my points to purchase this perfume.  The retail price for a large bottle of this is $68 but getting the small one and using my points, it was free. Florence is described as "A Parisian beauty and sophisticate, Florence conjures memories of old-world Paris.  It is an alluring combination of Italian bergamot and crushed violet petals. Ivory gardenia combined with blonde wood evokes a sophisticated and feminine scent that conjures the elegance of a Parisian sophisticate." Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit Leaves, Green Pear, Apple, Ivory Gardenia, Crushed Violet Petals, Jasmine, Tuberose, Blue Iris, Blonde Wood, White Musk.  It is a very feminine and romantic smell.  I love it!

Sephora Collection Lip Mini in Belly Dancing

I received a free lipstick from Sephora for making a $25 purchase.  I always look for codes on Sephora's website so I can try something new for free.  Perfect for the fall and winter!

Free Samples

The rest of my Sephora order were samples.  See below for more information.

FlowerbyKenzo

This luxurious and unique fragrance appeals to the feminine and sensual woman. As precious as it is addictive, it reveals the essence of the Flower woman is the description from Sephora's website.  I wore it today and it was not too strong and really did smell very feminine and sensual.  It seems to be lasting on my body for a long time, but not overpowering. It is very feminine and refined.

Atelier Cologne Collection Azur – Mandarine Glaciale

I have yet to try this cologne but from reading on it, it appears to have a citrus fragrance with notes of mandarin, ginger and heart of vetiver.  It is suppose to be sophisticated, succulent and passionate smelling.  That sounds right up my alley. 

Earth's Nectar Hair Care Green Olive & Lavender Scalp Oil

This scalp oil appears to have a lot of uses depending on your hair.  This multitasking product combats hair loss, supports natural, healthy hair growth, controls itchy scalp, and calms the senses. Great for all hair types including thinning and oily, the gentle, quick-absorbing formula removes excess buildup, strengthens, and retains moisture and shine. It leaves hair looking and feeling healthier and more manageable.  I don't personally have issues with hair loss, itchy scalp or excess buildup but I will try to use it as a deep conditioning treatment to help strengthen cuticles and soften my hair.

And that's a wrap.  Thank you for reading and letting me share my goodies with you.  I hope some of you find even the samples helpful if you are looking for something special or even different to try.

Beauty Trends for the Fall

This fall you will see a lot of colorful makeup.  Here are some trends that you have got to try.

Hot Pink Lips

Yup!  Wear the fuchsia lips! Don't be afraid. Pair it with a nice matte face and naked lids. Every brand carries fuchsia.

Burgundy Eyeliner

Wear this liner only on the top super thin and don't line your bottom line. Covergirl has one and Stila one is out.  I bet more will be coming out very soon.

Bright Colorful Mascara

Wear a mascara with a color to make your eyes pop and keep the rest of your face natural looking.

Candy Apple Lips

Wear with the perfect cat eye!

Neon Lids

Red shadow or hot pink on your eyelids with nude lip adds the perfect color punch! You can find these color shadows almost anywhere.

Blue

A bright blue eye or even a metallic blue shadow on your eye lids also trace your lower lash line with it. Keep the rest of your makeup simple.  Loreal has a great palette that has the blue metallic.  Tons out there.

NEW HAUL FROM ULTA

Hi!  I have been gone for a while trying to organize my house, which BTW is always a continual process with kids.  I'm not one of the bloggers that have a huge following but would like to :) so I'm not sent PR products to review for free.  Everything I purchase is with my own money.  I'm showing some hot new things that I have researched and purchased recently for the fall with a gift card I had recently. 

Here is my Ulta purchase with flash to show the true colors.  Reviews below.

tarte shape tape concealer:

tarte has been producing some amazing products lately.  I have always have been a fan of tarte cosmetics.  This creamy concealer is very concentrated and pigmented.  I immediately swatched it in light at Ulta and knew it was the perfect color for me and used it under my eyes.  AMAZING!  You will not go wrong with this concealer it's worth the price tag of $24. It is vegan too!

NYX Matte Lipstick in Maison

This matte lipstick has a smooth, silky matte finish.  It is wonderful!  NYX is a goldmine of great products and dups so many high end products.  This is a dup to Mac in Stone.  I purchased it for $5.99.  Perfect color for the fall - see me sporting it! :)

Revolution Makeup Salvation Velvet Lacquer in Vamp

Ulta had Revolution Makeup on sale, buy one get 50% off 2nd one.  I had not seen reviews on these new products so here are my first glance review.  This goes on liquid and dries matte.  Claims to be long wearing.  I swatched it and it does seem a little patchy but definitely stains.  It has a weird smell but not something that bothers me.  I think this probably would be fine for short times but for long wearing I'm hesitant but will try it out.  The color is gorgeous!! 

Revolution Makeup Ultra Blush Palette in Hot Spice

The palette was $8.33 for these peachy pink blushes, based for fair skinned girls.  I have swatched all of them in natural light.  The top row is really pigmented in colors but the bottom row you will need a ton of building up to get a good color on your face or flat out might be easier with a blush brush.  You will see a mixture of shimmer, matte and baked blushes.  You can use an individual color or combine colors to make your own blush color.  I have not tested on my cheeks yet but will do so and let you know. It does come with a nice mirror which is always a nice treat.  Reviews on Ulta's site says it's pretty good :)

Money Saving Sites for Some Amazing Deals

I'm sure most of you have heard of Groupon but for those that haven't I'm including information on them as well as some other great sites to find cool deals on restaurants, activities and even little getaways.  Some of these offer referral links so you can refer your friends to make even more money.  Also, don't forget to use Swagbucks or Ebates to make your actual purchase and you will make even more money on the deal.  See my posting on how to do this below with Swagbucks. http://sunshineandpumpkin.blogspot.com and my ebates link - http://www.ebates.com/rf

Groupon

This is the largest deal site offers restaurants, vacation and products deals.  By far the best site for getting the most for your money. https://www.groupon.com

Living Social

This is the 2nd largest growing daily deals sites.  It is very similar to Groupon just offers different deals. https://www.livingsocial.com

Yipit

You can search for the best deals in your area for your city all in one place. http://yipit.com

ScoutMob

One of the great things about ScoutMob is instead of buying right on the spot you only pay for it when you redeem them. http://scoutmob.com

Amazon Gold Deals

Daily deals on anything from jewelry to tools, household and personal items.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/

Fab

This is a site for really cool design stuff for your kitchen, home or personal.  The stuff is so unique and so creative. http://fab.com

Refinery29 Reserve

Fashion and lifestyle focused deals for women! http://www.refinery29.com

Woot!

Daily deals on electronics, home, wine, and a lot more. www.woot.com

BoomStreet

Deals on everyday items.  From apparel to beauty to electronics. https://boomstreet.com/

Goldstar.com

Pay half price on comedy shows, sporting events, plays, concerts and more. Venues partner with the website to fill their seats, so unlike with a broker, there’s never a markup—just lots of last-minute opportunities!  I used this site to purchase tickets for my family to see Hairspray and I was blown away by the price and the performance. https://www.goldstar.com

GiltCity

Offers members access to exclusive experiences all over the U.S. at great prices.  They offer high end products for a lower price.  Definitely not a cheap site but for designer names and unique travel experiences its worth the extra money. https://www.gilt.com

Travelzoo

Offers restaurants, airline, hotel, activities, entertainment and spa deals. http://www.travelzoo.com/

TechBargains

Compare prices on laptops, GPS devices and more, and find bargains and coupons. Plus, sign up for e-mail alerts when your desired brand goes on sale.  http://www.techbargains.com/

Makeup Tips for Beginners

1.) Invest in good makeup brushes.  They will last longer and give you a better and smoother look. 
2.) Get a beauty blender. 
3.) Get a great makeup remover that removes waterproof eye makeup.
4.) Purchase wipes for those travel or lazy days.
5.) Have cotton swabs to clean up mistakes easily.
6.) Purchase a face and eye primer to make your makeup last longer and go on easier.
7.) Purchase an eyelash curler so your lashes do not leave mascara on your brow area.
8.) Purchase a waterproof mascara.  Let your mascara dry in between coats. Basic black.
9.) Purchase a creamy eyeliner pencil that is waterproof.  Start off using a pencil liner which is easier to use and smudges easily for a smoky eye.
10.) Brow Comb.
11.) Tweezers.
12.) Concealer - pick a creamy formula that can hide blemishes and your under eyes.
13.) Foundation - pick one based on how much coverage you want to have.
14.) Blush - choose a warm tone color.
15.) Translucent Powder - sets makeup to stay longer and controls shine.
16.) Neutral eye shadow - a neutral beige or taupe to put on your eyelid.
17.) Defining eye shadow - a medium, neutral shade to put in your crease.
18.) Lipstick - lipstick for everyday wear.

Best Lipsticks for Your Skin Tone

There are a ton of lipsticks out there in so many gorgeous colors.  Your skin's undertones is a great guide to the kinds of lip colors that will work best for you.  Your skin naturally has a variety of underlying colors so the first thing you need to do is to determine your skin undertone.  Once you determine the shade in your skin, then you will read which lip colors are most flattering for you. This doesn't mean you can't break the rules every now and then.

Here is a quiz to determine your skin's undertone:
http://www.popsugar.com/beauty/What-My-Skin-Undertone-Quiz-34403268


Three common undertone are warm, cool and neutral.  Warm complexions have a golden cast, cool ones have a blue/pink tint, and neutral undertones are perfectly balanced between the two.


Now that you have determined your skin tone, see the lip colors below that are best for you.

How to Try on Lip Colors?

If you're sampling shades in the store, the best way can actually be to try a whole range out on your fingertips. You can see the colors react with the acidity of your fingertip and your eye will draw to the colors that look best.

Fair Skin:
Lots of colors look great on fair skin.  Pinks, peaches and nudes complement your skin, as do browns with a pink undertone, sheer berry, mauves, and reds. Avoid colors that will wash you out or if it is too brown.

For Olive Skin:
You can pretty much wear any shade of red.  Any blue-based reds, to brown-reds, to true reds. Coral looks great too, but avoid orange, pink-based reds, nudes, and berry shades.

For Dark Skin:
Try dramatic plum, raisin, coffee, deep wine, and plum-red shades. Avoid pinks, pastels, and orange colors as they won't be flattering for your skin. 

For Warm Skin:
If your undertones are more yellow, look for warmer reds and hot pinks. Browns will look great too.


For Cool Skin:
No matter how light or dark skin is, cool undertones work perfect with pinks and blue-based reds.




Thanks to Influenster and SugarPop!

Where To Find Coupons From?

So, you want to save money?  Who doesn't!  The big question is where do you find coupons from to use at the grocery store or drugstore.  Also, how do I find ones for the products that I use?  Here is my experience and advice on where to find them!


First, get the Sunday paper every week!  Unless Monday is a holiday, like the 4th of July, they typically don't have coupon inserts in the Sunday paper that weekend before.  Usually P&G (Proctor and Gamble), SmartSource and Red Plum are the companies that put them out.  I usually check out the following website for a preview of the coupons that are coming out and then determine if it's worth it for me to purchase the paper that Sunday.  http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/. 

 

The next place to look for coupons are online.  Below is a list of the coupon website where you can print coupons directly from their site.  Keep it mind that printing costs you ink so factor that in as well to make sure it's in your benefit to print that coupon.  I always print in black and white which saves on my color ink which is more expense to purchase.  Some of the sites require you to download the latest flash player or coupon installer.  All of these are legitimate sites.

 

http://www.coupons.com
http://www.redplum.com
http://www.hopster.com/coupons
http://saveinstore.com/
http://www.smartsource.com
http://coupons.target.com
https://www.pgeveryday.com
http://coupons.walmart.com/
http://www.coolsavings.com/coupons
http://www.boxtops4education.com/coupons
https://www.valpak.com/
http://www.commonkindness.com/ - organic coupons
http://www.mambosprouts.com/ - organic coupons
http://www.healthylifedeals.com
https://ecoupons.upromise.com/coupons
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons - if you have a Whole Foods Market
http://www.shaws.com - if you have a Shaw's Grocery Store

 

Here is a great site to search for brands of coupons:
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/print-coupons/

 

Also, go to products websites that you use.  Most times they offer coupons for certain products to print off or have mailed to you.  Also, sign up for their newsletter and you will find coupons in there sometimes.


Also, you can find coupons in stores near the products.  they sometimes have peelies on the products or have coupon booklets right there on the display.  These are known as tear pads. Or even blinkies in a machine in the aisle.

Note Coupon Fraud:

Coupon fraud is defined as “intentionally using a coupon for a product that he/she has not purchased or otherwise fails to satisfy the terms and conditions for redemption, when a retailer submits coupons for products they have not sold or that were not properly redeemed by a consumer in connection with a retail purchase, or when coupons are altered/ counterfeited.” 

 

1.) Never try to use a coupon intended for a specific product and size/or count on something not what the coupon states.  
2.) Photocopying coupons is fraud.  You are allowed 2 prints per computer - anymore than that is coupon fraud.
3.) Disregarding expirations dates. When a mistake happens it does not constitute fraud because that was not your intention to mislead, but if you make a practice of it, then you are purposely doing coupon fraud.

• Read the fine print on the coupon.  Make sure you follow the terms and conditions on the coupon.
• Coupons may not be transferred.  You can not trade, buy or sell a coupon.
• Limit four per transaction by a household in a 24 hour period. 
• DND - DO NOT DOUBLE. Some state not to double but that is based on the store and what the managers policy is.

Penalties of those convicted of coupon fraud vary but the longest prison sentence has been 17 years and highest financial is $5M.

The Best Self (Sunless) Tanners and How to Apply!

See the best sunless tanners out there and how to apply it!  Just because I'm a consultant for Rodan + Fields does not mean I'm voting them in as #1.  Total Beauty just rated all of their top brand beauty products online focusing on self tanners for 2016 and below are the Top 5.  Their rating was done by real women testing out the products, giving their experience and reviewing the products.  No matter how pale or freckly you are, you too can get that faux glow!

Remember laying outside and layering ourselves with baby oil just to get that sun look or should I say lobster look for some of us, and then the whole peeling stage - just makes me shiver thinking about it.  Well, we all know that the sun is dangerous for us and how essential wearing a sunscreen/sunblock with SPF in it is a must. 

If you want a natural tan looking skin, self tanner is the way to go.  We've all been duped by too-orange self-tanners or even our own method of applying it and we end up with dark knees and elbows and streaks.  We all want the most natural looking results and here's how to get the best self tan!

Here are some tips on how to apply self tanner:

1.) Shave first and then exfoliate!  When your skin has dry, flaky patches, it's a lot harder to apply self tanner evenly, and you'll end up with a patchy look instead of a nice tan finish. The chemicals in self tanner react with amino acids in the upper layers of your skin by it's important to remove the uppermost layer.  Dry skin tends to absorb more color, increasing the likelihood of an uneven tan. To exfoliate, use a washcloth, a scrub brush or scrub gel to thoroughly exfoliate all of the areas you're tanning.   Focus on rough spots like your elbows and knees. The self tanner tends to darken these areas more than other parts of your body, since it soaks in faster. Rough skin will cause the application to look even more uneven.


2.) Dry off! Make sure you are completely dry before applying it. Open the bathroom door to get the humidity out before you apply.



3.) Watch out when apply when it comes to your knees, hands, elbows, feet, ankles and face. These are the areas where self-tanning mistakes show up. Use a minimal amount of the tanning lotion in these areas or you will get streaking and dark elbows, etc.


4.) Consider wearing latex gloves or a tanning mitt to apply it.  If you do use your hands I like to wash them a couple of times in between applying the tanner because I don't want the palms of my hands to look freaky and I also scrub under and around my nails.


5.) Best to start from the ankles up toward your torso. Spread the tanner over your skin in broad circular motions. Apply it to one body part at a time so you can be sure not to miss any spots. Each self tanner has specific instructions so be sure to read what your bottle says.  If you're using a spray tanner, follow the directions regarding how far you should hold the can from your body and how long you should spray any given area. Holding it too close or spraying too long could result in an uneven tan. 


6.) Around your feet, spread the tanner from your legs onto your ankles and the tops of your feet, and use as little as possible in this area. Don't apply any to your toes, heels, or the sides of your feet, since these areas don't tan much naturally.


7.) If you're applying it to your back, use a strap or a band for even application. I can never get my back that well so better to ask someone to help you out.  While most people don't have tanned underarms, so it's better to apply self tanner there and lightly wipe with a damp washcloth about five minutes later so that way your underarms are not totally white and have a mild tan look natural look.


8.) A great tip is to blend the self tanner with a regular lotion around your ankles, wrists, knees and elbows.  By doing this will result in a lighter, more natural looking application around these areas.  Apply regular lotion to the tops of your feet and blend it with the tanner that you've already applied around your ankles.  Put a small amount of regular lotion around your knees, especially just below the knee.  Do the same thing to your elbows.  Use plenty of lotion on your hands, and blend it into your wrists.


9.) Apply the self tanner to your face and neck. Your skin will darken easily so use the self tanner sparingly on your face and neck.  Use a steady circular motion when applying it to your face working your way from your forehead and down.  A little trick is to put some petroleum jelly to your eyebrows before so that area doesn't darken too much with the self tanner.  Also, your top lip can absorb more lotion so be careful not to get too much tanning lotion there.  Apply it behind your ears and the back of your neck. 


10.) Keep in mind self tanner processes over several hours so make sure you are not sweating or going to the gym right away.  Most dry off within minutes and you can get dressed.  Wait at least 8 hours before using more self tanner or showering.  Reapply self tanner for a darker tan.


11.) Lastly, keep your skin hydrated.  By applying lotion daily is the key to making it the tanning lotion last. Don't apply lotion the day you do the self tanner, just that evening and every day after that.

Top 5 Self/Sunless Tanners:

1.  Rodan + Fields Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan, $24.00 https://vfolsom.myrandf.com/

2. Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid & Professional Mitt $26.50 https://www.amazon.com

3. Tanceuticals CC Self Tanning Body Lotion $32.00 http://www.tanceuticals.com



4. Sun Laboratories Ultra Self Dark Tanning Lotion $49.00 https://www.amazon.com

5. Lorac TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer $33.00 https://www.amazon.com

Below are a couple of drugstore self tanners that hit the top 10 rating too!

7. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion $7.99 - you can purchase it from Amazon or your local drugstore.

9. Sally Beauty Salon Bronze Airbrush Tanning System $12.99 https://www.amazon.com

Keep in mind there are many more great options out there but this is based on Total Beauty's Top Rated ones for 2016 and my own personal experience with Banana Boat and Rodan + Fields.