What's in my Beach/Makeup Bag?

Flip Flops - 2 for $5
Up & Up Sport Sunscreen SPF 50 - $8
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen SPF 30 - $8
Matrix Biolage Protective Hair Oil - $18
ELF Studio Makeup Remover Wipes - $3
Glamour Magazine

Makeup Bag - $9 (black and white striped one found in Target Stores)

::In my Makeup Bag::
- Mini Secret Deodorant Clinical
- Bath & Body Works Mist in "Country Chic"
- Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream
- Face Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 55
- Philosophy's Take a Deep Breath Oil- Free Moisturizer
- Nail File
- Hair Tie, Clip & Bobby pins
- NYX Lipstick in "Georgia"


Have a safe & happy Summer!!!!!  :)

Here are your beauty deals this week!  Enjoy shopping, remember to look for coupons to stack on top of sales to knock the sale prices even lower!

CVS

EXTRA CARE BUCKS DEALS
- Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion, Body Wash, Bath Bar, Total Effects: $6.29 + $2 ECB = $4.29/ea
-Venus Pro Skin, Embrace, Breeze or Olay Razor: $8.99 + $4 ECB = $4.99/ea
- Wet n Wild Nail Pail: $9.99 + $4 ECB = $6/ea

BOGO 75% OFF
- All Lumene Skin Care

BOGO 50% OFF
- CeraVe
- Dial Bar Soap/Nutriskin Lotion or Body Wash
- Maybelline Face Eye or Lip
- Milani Cosmetics

ON SALE
- All Cover Girl Lashblast Mascara: $7.50
- All Jergens Natural Glow: $8.99
- Clean & Clear Body Wash or Facial Cleansers: $4.99
- Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation or Primer $10
- Cover Girl Lip Perfection Color or Liner: $7.50
- Curel Lotion/Jergens Moisturizer/Biore Cleansers or Strips: 2/$12
- Eucerin Lotion or Creme: $9.50
- L'oreal Advanced RevitaLift $12
- L'oreal Age Perfect Serum, Golden Balm Face, Neck & Chest or Eye Cream $14.99
- L'oreal Age Perfect Moisturizer $12
- L'oreal Colour Riche Serum Infused Lip Color: $5.99
- L'oreal Voluminous Mascara: $5.99
- Neutrogena Moisture or Light Night Cream: $9.99
- Olay Facial Hair Removal Duo/Regenerist Kit or Treatment: $22.99
- Olay Regenerist Facial Care, Total Effects Tone or UV Moisturizer: $20.99

WALGREENS

REGISTER REWARD DEALS
- L'oreal Youth Code Kit: $34.99 + $10 RR = $24.99
- SoftSoap Body Wash: 2/$6 + $3 RR = $3 for 2 or $1.50/ea
- U by Kotex Sleek Tampons: $3.99 + $3 RR = $0.99/ea

BOGO - FREE
- Bioinfusion Hair Care

BOGO - 50% OFF
- Banana Boat or Hawaiian Tropic Sun Care
- Cover Girl
- Gillete Disposable Razors
- L'oreal Cosmetics
- Maybelline
- Revlon Cosmetics and Beauty Tools
- Roc Skin Care

ON SALE
- Aussie or Herbal Essences Hair Care: $3.99/ea or 2/$6
- Conair Infiniti Hair Appliances $29.99
- Garnier Nutrisse Foam Hair Color $7.99
- Garnier Nutrisse or Herbashine Hair Color $5.99
- Jergens Skin Care $5.99
- L'oreal Hair Care $2.99
- L'oreal Youth Code or Revitalift Clinical Repair 10 Serum or Moisturizers: $19.99
- Olay Regenerist Skin Care or Smooth Finish Hair Removal Duo: 15% off
- Skintimate Shave Cream or Gel $1.99

RITE AID

UP REWARD DEALS
- Jergens or Natural Glow (BOGO50%): Buy 2, get $3 UP reward
- Kotex U Tampons/Pads/Pantiliners: 2/$8 + $2 UP reward = 2/$6
- Pantene Shampoo/Conditioner: 2/$7 + $2 UP reward = 2/$5
- Physicians Formula Eye Makeup: Buy one item, get $4 UP reward
- Revlon Colorstay and Beauty Tools: Spend $10, get $4 UP reward
- Rimmel (BOGO50%): spend $15, get $5 UP reward
- Treseme Shampoo/Conditioner/Stylers: 2/$8 + $1 UP reward = 2/$7

BOGO - 50% OFF
- Almay
- Cover Girl Cosmetics
- Jergens or Natural Glow
- Olay Skin Care (excludes Pro-X)
- Rimmel

ON SALE
- Nivea Lip Balm: 2/$3
- Herbal Essences or Aussie Shampoo/Conditioner or Stylers: 2/$6
- L'oreal Ever Hair Care $5.99

I don't know about you, but I'm very quickly collecting these empty bags from My Glam.  It's a good idea in theory to give you products in a makeup bag, but do you really need 20 empty cosmetic bags?  I sure don't.  I've come up with a few ideas to help you find some uses for your empty bags instead of just tossing them into the trash.

Bridal Party Emergency Kits - This is mainly what I'm going to use them for.  Keep things like q-tips,
                                                     lip gloss, bobby pins, hairspray, etc. on hand for those wedding day
                                                     emergencies.  With so many empty bags, every bridesmaid is able to
                                                     have her own kit.  Plus she can take home the cosmetic bag.

Vitamins - Forget to take them everyday?  Keep some stocked up in your purse to have them on-the-go
                  when you remember you need them.

Receipts - For all those budget-conscious girls.

Coupons - Instead of carrying around a giant coupon binder to the store, pack multiple bags and
                  organize your coupons by category.  Makes checking out a breeze.

Coins - Trying to stuff coins in my wallet is a lost cause.  Keep your change from rattling around in the
             bottom of your bag and stick extra change in your empty My Glam bag.  For those city girls,
             keep quarters in them for those pesky quarter-only parking meters.

Hair Accessories - I'm always on the hunt for hair ties, bobby pins, clips, etc.  Keep them in all one
                               place with an empty My Glam bag.  

Gifts - Give gift cards, makeup, small presents and much more with your empty My Glam bag.
           Another plus is that the receiver keeps your bag, therefore, it's out of your hair.

Jewelry - They're great for traveling with jewelry.  Organize your jewelry by day or by outfit.

Hope that gives you some ideas for your empty My Glam bag.  If you have other ideas, please feel free to leave me a comment!  I'd love to hear about it!

xoxo.

Laura

It's that time again.  Time for this week's drugstore beauty deals.  Nothing too huge going on this week.

CVS

EXTRA CARE BUCK REWARDS
- Olay Total Effects $18.99 + $2 ECB
- When you buy Wet n Wild Nail Pail ($10) get $4 ECB

BOGO 50% OFF
- Almay
- Artificial Nails or Eyelashes
- Cover Girl Lip Products
- Essence of Beauty Cosmetic Accessories
- Essence of Beauty Skin Care
- L'oreal Foundation, Powder, Blush or Concealer
- Neutrogena Skin, Hair, Sun Care or Cosmetics
- Perfect Scents Fragrances
- Revlon
- Women/Men's Designer Fragrances

ON SALE
- EOS Lip Balm 2/$5
- Nivea Body Wash or Body Scrub $4
- Olay Daily Facial Cloths or Cleansers $3.99
- Physicians Formula: Save $5
- Skin Effects Facial Care 25% off
- Spoiled Nail Color: $0.99

WALGREENS

BOGO 50% OFF
- Conair Hair Accessories or Brushes
- Cover Girl Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush and Eye
- Select Fragrances
- Garnier Fructis
- Garnier Skincare
- John Frieda
- L'oreal Studio Secrets and Color Riche
- Maybelline Cosmetics and Beauty Tools
- Olay Total Effects Skin Care
- Pantene
- Revlon Lip and Nail Cosmetics
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength or Gem Crush Nail Color

ON SALE
- Aveeno Cleansers, Anti-aging Kit or Smart Essentials Eye Roller 20% off
- Aveeno Facial Moisturizers
- Dove or Axe 2/$10
- Fragrances $10 off
- Jergins Natural Glow Skin Care $8.99
- Neutrogena Lip or Eye $5.99
- Neutrogena Skin Care 25% off
- Revlon Hair Styling Tools $5 off
- Studio 35 Professional Beauty Tools 25% off

RITE AID

UP REWARDS
- All Aveeno Skin, Sun, Bath and Baby Care: Spend $30, get $10 UP Reward
- All Burts Bees Skin, Sun, Bath or Lip: Spend $15, get $5 UP reward
- All Frangrances Selection: Spend $30, get $10 UP reward
- All Nail Enamel, Nail Art and Salon Effects: Spend $30, get $10
- Cosmetic Bags and Wallets: Spend $10, get $5 UP reward
- Sally Hansen Cosmetics, Bleach, Depilatories and Beauty Tools: Spend $10, get $5

BOGO FREE
- Physicians Formula Bronzers

BOGO 50% OFF
- Almay Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer or Bronzer
- Cover Girl Foundation, Powder, Concealer, Blush or Bronzer
- Garnier Skin Care
- L'oreal Sublime Sun Care and Sunless Tanners
- Neutrogena Cosmetics
- Nexxus Hair Care

ON SALE
- Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color $4.99
- Garnier Fructis Shampoo and Conditioner (10-13oz) $2.99
- L'oreal Age Perfect or Revitalift $11.99
- L'oreal Eyeliners and Voluminous Mascaras $6.99
- L'oreal Facial Cleansers $4.39
- Nivea Skin Care (excludes firming) $5.99
- Revlon Cosmetics and Beauty Tools 40% off
- Wet n Wild Cosmetics (normally $1.99) : $1.29



Note: These are the prices/deals based on ads for California.  Double check your deals with your local drugstores :)

NEONS

(from left to right)

Sinful Colors - Why Not

China Glaze - Flip Flop Fantasy

China Glaze - Sun Worshiper

Essie - Play Date

PASTELS

 (from left to right)

Essie - Fiji

China Glaze - For Audrey

Essie - A Crewed Interest

Sinful Colors - Unicorn

NEUTRALS

(from left to right)

China Glaze - Sea Spray

Essie - Marshmallow

Revlon - Aloof

Essie - Topless & Barefoot 

GLITTER

(from left to right)

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Disco Ball

Sinful Colors - Queen of Beauty

Wet n' Wild - Sparkled

What are some of your favorite nail polish colors for summer??  :)

This has been a stand-out product for me for awhile now.  It has quickly become blog-worthy.  It's Essie's "Disappearing Trick".  As I was looking for a base coat, I came across this cute little green tube promising to make your dry cuticles disappear.  I was intrigued and shelled out the $8 for it.  I was a little skeptical at first, but the product very quickly impressed me.

The Good:
- Really does a fantastic job at softening your dry cuticles
- Goes on smooth
- Moisturizes very well
- Dries to a soft, non-sticky consistency
- Lives up to it's promise to make dry areas "disappear"
- Very travel friendly
- The applicator is very nice
- No crazy scent to it

The Bad:
- The price.  I don't think it's worth $8...maaaybe $5, but you know how Essie is kind of pricy anyways

- The liquid-like consistency has a habit of shooting out of the tube if you squeeze it too hard

BEFORE

AFTER

So you can tell from the pictures that it did significantly reduce the appearance of the dry spot on the left side of the nail.  I just applied it via the tube and then used my other hand to rub in the product a little bit.

Bottom line??  BUY IT!! :)

I was inspired by nail guru MissJenFabulous' nail tutorial that she called it "Delicate Pink with a Touch of Sparkle".  It's like a french manicure, but instead of white tips, they're glitter.  And I took my own twist on it changing the pink color used to a light purple.  I'm in love :)

Polishes Used:

Base - China Glaze "Sweet Hook"

Glitter Accent - Sinful Colors "Queen of Beauty"

1. What made you want to start doing YouTube Videos, blogs, etc.?
2. Where do you draw your most inspiration from?
3. What was the first product you remember using?
4. What was the worst trend you participated in?
5. What nail color (if any) did you wear non-stop as a kid?
6. Do you remember your first high-end brand you purchased?
7. What was the most important beauty advice you got from a female role model in your life? (mom,
    grandma, friend, aunt, cousin, etc.)
8. What was the worst beauty advice you ever got?
9. What was the one beauty "rule" you stuck with religiously in high school?
10. Has makeup help you overcome any obstacles in your life?

Don't forget to TAG more people!!  :)

Laura

CVS

EXTRA CARE BUCK REWARD DEALS
- Any Rimmel Cosmetics: $3 ECB
- Cover Girl: spend $10 (lip or eye), get $3 ECB

B2GO-FREE
- CVS Cotton or Nail Polish Remover Balls
- Essence of Beauty Cosmetic Accessories
- CVS Moisturizing Lotion, Body Wash or Bar Soap

BOGO-50% OFF
- All Cetaphil
- Goldbond Lotions, Powders or first aid
- Revlon Cosmetics

ON SALE
- Cover Girl Lashblast Mascara $7
- Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer $7.99
- Olay ProX $42
- Olay ProX Kit $62
- Olay Regenerist Facial Care, Total Effects $20.99
- Old Spice Body Wash: $3.99
- Nicole Nail Color by OPI - $7.99 (go get you some Kardashian Kollection!)
- Roc Skin Care - Save $4

WALGREENS

BOGO-50%OFF
- Clairol Nice N Easy or Non-permanent Hair Color
- Cover Girl Cosmetics
- L'oreal Cosmetics
- Revlon Cosmetics
- Rimmel Foundation, Primer, Powder, Bronzer, Eye or Nail

ON SALE
- Australian Gold Sun Care $2 off
- Aveeno Sun Care $2 off
- Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color $8.49/ea or 2/$13.99
- Clean & Clear Skin Care of Body Wash $5.49/ea or 2/$10
- Dove $4.49/ea or 4/$15
- Herbal Essences or Aussie Shampoo/Conditioner 2/$12 or $6.49/ea
- John Frieda Preciscion Foam Hair Color $11.99
- Noxzema Disposable Razors $3.99
- L'oreal Skin Care and Sublime Sun or Bronze 25% off
- Olay ProX Skin Care or Acne Protocol Kit $39.99
- Olay ProX Wrinkle Protocol or Starter Kit $59.99
- Olay ProX Cleansing Device $29.99

RITE AID

UP+ REWARD DEALS
- Conair Dryers, Curling Irons, Straighteners, Hot Rollers: Spend $30, get $15 UP Reward
- Jessie's Girl, Sinful Colors, Petite, Brucci, Color Fever and Chameleon Nail Enamel (limit 3): Buy 3
  and get $3 UP Reward
- L'oreal SkinCare (limit 2): Spend $30, get $10 UP Reward
- Revlon Cosmetics: Spend $10, get $4 UP Reward
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color: buy 2, get $1 UP Reward (2/$5)

BOGO-50%OFF
- Conair Hair Accessories
- Cover Girl Cosmetics
- L'oreal Lip and Nail
- Maybelline Eye & Lip
- John Frieda
- Revlon Cosmetics
- Sally Hansen Depilatories, Wax or Bleach
- Scunci Hair Accessories
- Simple Skin Care

ON SALE
- Almay Eye Cosmetics $5.99
- Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color $5.99
- Clean & Clear Facial Cleansers 2/$9
- Nivea and Nivea Sun Kissed Body 25% off
- Jergens All Natural Glow $6.99
- L'oral Skin Care 25% off
- Maybelline Volume Express Mascara, Line Express Eyeliner or Color Sensational Lip Color: $5
- Nivea Lip Balm 2/$3
- Roc Skin Care $7 off (in-ad coupon)
- Softlips 2 Pack 2/$4

Moisturizer:
Origins  - $35

Makeup:
Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer - $6
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation - $38
Maybelline Super Stay 24-Hour Concealer - $7
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - $9
NYC Bronzer - $2
NYX Powder Blush - $5
Urban Decay Primer Potion - $20
Urban Decay Naked Palette - $50
Maybelline EyeStudio Master Drama Eyeliner - $6
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara - $9
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - $7
Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray - $12

Tools:
Beauty Blender Sponge - 2/$24
Eyes Lips Face Studio Brush Set - $30

Spring/Summer 2012 Nail Polish Haul

Ok, so when there are sales on nail polish....I can't help myself.  And this week it was a gold mine for nail polish sales.  I justify it in my head as "it's cheaper to buy a bottle than get a manicure".  Well, then I look in my drawer and figure I have spent way more than a monthly manicure.  Owell.  Some people collect stamps, others collect dolls.  I collect nail polish.

Walgreens is having a Sinful Colors sale $0.99/ea!  They do this regularly, so if you happened to miss this sale, don't worry.  Keep an eye on their ads for their next sale.  So I got 5 for $5!  I haven't tried any of these on my nails yet, but descriptions of each color are below.

Queen of Beauty: Chunky silver glitter polish.  I tried it out as soon as I got home and it gives just enough sparkle without being over powering.  *perfect!*

Cinderella: Soft baby blue with pink micro shimmer.  It's not chunky enough to be a pain to take off, but it catches the light just beautifully.  Kind of reminds me of the opposite of Kimpletely in Love by Nicole OPI.

Unicorn: Your soft yellow.  If you are wanting to try a yellow nail polish, but not sure which hue will suit your skintone...give this one a try.  Softer yellows can compliment any skintone.  Plus yellow is perfect for springtime!

Folly: Bright deep pink that leans towards the red color family.  This will look gorgeous on any skintone.  I'm thinking of using this as a pedicure color.

Glass Pink: The reason I went to Walgreens.  I wanted to get Kimpletely in love, but this looks like an exact dupe.  It is a soft pink with a shimmer to it.  The only difference I noticed is that Kimpletely seems to be a little less shimmery.

*********************************************************************************

Now for the China Glaze portion.  Sallys AND Ulta were having a buy two get one free sale this week.  So I got 3 at Ulta and 6 at Sally's.

Gothic Lolita: A beautiful purple.  It's almost like a deep-colored neon.  SO pretty..Especially on those toes!

Wicked Style: Your average bright pink, but it has some red mixed in to make it a tad bit of a deeper shade.

Sun Worshiper: I thought this one was so unique.  The camera makes it look yellow, but it has more orange in it.  It's a bright yellow-orangy neon.  So pretty!

Peachy Keen: A perfect peach color.  If you want to branch out and try new, bold colors, start with peach and work your way up to yellows, blues and greens.

Flip Flop Fantasy: I finally tracked down this sucker.  I wore it yesterday and it's a gorgeous neon pink.

Happy Go Lucky: A brighter, lemon-colored yellow.

For Audrey: A classic shade that everybody always buzzes about.  It's a gorgeous minty-turquoise.

Sea Spray: A greyed-out blue.

Electric Beat: I think it is best described as a neon baby blue.  It's not super bright, but gorgeous on the nails.

*********************************************************************************

Hope y'all enjoyed it.  Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite polish colors are for spring/summer.  Blog post coming soon about which ones in my collection I'm going to pull out for these next few summer months.

xoxo.  Laura

This probably wins for "best budget find" of the spring season this year.  I was looking for a bag that looked like I spent my savings on it, but still was very affordable.  I can't tell you how many hours I spent looking online, browsing through the mall, etc.  It all seemed like a lost cause until I found this......

OMG Styles. Large Charm Hobo Bag - $39 - The style I have is "Dove Brown"

It is all faux.  So no animals were harmed in the making of this bag.  It has a removable charm.  Magnetic closure PLUS a zipper (I thought was genius).  There are zipper compartments as well as open pockets on the inside.  The lining is also a fun print and it's large enough to hold my iPad plus everything else I think I need on a daily basis.

It comes in an array of colors & it's budget-friendly enough to purchase a couple different ones.

Dove Brown

Black

Brown

Navy Blue

Deep Red

Desert Orange

Green

Pewter Grey

Tan

White

Yellow

Hope you enjoyed it.  Be sure to check out my latest "what's in my purse" video where I feature this amazing bag.

Have a wonderful day!

L