My Two Cents: Kat Von D Monarch Palette

Hello Beauty Gems -

Happy Tuesday!  Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Welcome to another edition of My Two Cents. For those of you that are new to my blog...WELCOME!!! Any in-depth reviews I post about various products I refer to as "My Two Cents".  Basically, I give you the good, bad and ugly about products I've used.

A while back, I posted a My Two Cents review for the KVD Chrysalis palette (if you haven't seen it, check it out here). As promised, here's my review on the sister palette.... the Monarch. The Monarch palette contains warm colors versus the Chrysalis palette which contains mostly cool tone colors.
Similar to the Chrysalis, you have the same beautiful and intricate palette design.  One thing I absolutely love is how much precision KVD puts into the product design.  It's make the product that more attractive and unique. Many of the KVD palettes are little works of art, I think.

Inside the palette you have a nice size mirror with detailed bordering.  The palette also has a magnetic closure for ease with storage and travel.  The palette has a little weight and thickness to it but not too much. With this palette, you receive a total of 12 colors.  The description on the back of the palette says "Keep your look ever-changing, highlight eyes with 3 textural bases and accentuate with 9 transformative colors." That description couldn't be more accurate.  The 9 eye shadows can be used with other colors to create new color variations.  Alot of KVD palettes contain colors that are transitional shades which I love.   This gives you the option to create numerous looks within one palette.

Let's get started with the first set of shades (from left to right): Wrath (deep pearl orange), Papilio (pearl chocolate), Summerfly (glitter gold) and Entomology (matte cream).  Wrath is a beautiful, burnt orange color with flecks of gold. It's perfect as a crease color or on the eyelid. Papilio is gorgeous chocolate color that works wells a crease color and on the outer lid. Summerfly is one of those colors that can pair perfectly with other colors however, it's amazing on it's own. While it's described as a glitter gold, it's just enough glitter that a little can give you a great effect.

The next set of shades (from left to right): Killing Jar (pearl copper), Delaney (pearl silver), Vanish (matte taupe) and Telepathy (pearl gold). In the palette, Killing Jar looks more like a shimmery peach color.  While it does have peachy color effect, it's shows more like a light wash of peachy-pink pearl. Delaney is more like an brownish silver. Vanish is a great all over or crease color to blend out harsh lines. Telepathy can make any eye pop.  This beautiful gold can be used in so many ways.  What I love most is that you can utilize it with a number of different color combinations. 

Here are the last set of shades (left to right): Disintegration (pearl brown), Shadow box (matte chocolate), Deadhead (matte black) and Tiny Death (glitter cream). Disintegration is more of a muted pearl brown.  It's versatile in that you can wear this color as a light wash or more dramatically with added color. Shadow box is a gorgeous matte brown.  A great alternative if you want a dark color (outer "V" or lining the eyes) but not necessarily black.  What can I say about Deadhead? It's just a full punch black (deep and truly pigmented). Last but no least is Tiny Death.  Tiny Death reminds me more of a matte (as a swatch) but creamy when applied to the eye.     

What I love about this palette:

• Beautiful warm tone colors that will compliment any skin complexion. This is also a palette with colors you can wear year round.
• Quality and pigmentation is superb.  Using a eye shadow base with these colors is optional.  Alone they are just as vibrant and long-lasting. Shadow bases only give these colors even more vibrancy and life. 
• Creamy smooth texture -  These shadows apply like butter.  The lightest hand can apply great color coverage with little to no effort.
• Very little fallout....the texture is so buttery soft that there is some fallout but very little. 

I'm very happy that I purchased both the Chrysalis and Monarch palettes. However, for those of you trying to decide and want a palette that can be used for many looks, warm toned based and great quality...KVD Monarch palette is a great option.  

The KVD Monarch retails for $46 and is available online at Sephora and in Sephora stores. That concludes My Two Cents for now.  If you have both or either one of the KVD palettes, let me know your thoughts? How does it compare to some of your other high end palettes.

As always, stay in the know by following me via Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest @AngBeauty411.  Enjoy the rest of your day and as always...happy shopping!

My Two Cents: Kat Von D Chrysalis Eyeshadow Palette

Hello Beauty Gems!!!

I'm back FINALLY!!!  I've missed you all so much.  I took a 2 week hiatus due to vacation and other things.  It's been a very busy time for me. Well know your resident beauty 411 correspondent  is back and ready to share the latest and greatest on all things beauty....  So here to bring you some 411 hot off the press of a brand new KVD palette.

KVD recently released 2 new palettes the Chrysalis and Monarch. I purchased the Chrysalis palette 2 weeks ago. Just by reputation and love of most things from KVD, this was a definite buy for me. The Monarch palette consist of more warm color tones; Chrysalis has cool color tones. The Chrysalis palette is a mix of 12 matte and pearl finish eye shadows.

Before I get into the colors themselves, let's review the palette design.

If you're an avid KVD fan and follower, you're very familiar with the beautiful and unique designs of KVD products.  The Chrysalis palette is just as gorgeous as it's predecessors. The amazing butterfly design and color makes the casing a work of art. I can safely say this is one of the best designed palettes of 2014 thus far (in my opinion at least). The palette also has a magnetic closure for safe keeping.

The slim and sturdy design makes this an ideal travel companion. OK now let's get into color.....Here's a picture of the 1st set of colors:

The first collection of colors above are: Hybrid Moments (matte deep purple), Mezzanine (sparkle violet) and Transition (pearl mauve).  Mezzanine and Transition are perfect lid colors. They both give you that burst of color to draw focus to your eyes. Hybrid makes a great color for the outer "V" and/or crease color. You can even go bold and rock Hybrid as a stand-alone lid color. 

Our second set of colors are Glasswing (matte caramel), Melancholia (pearl silver) and Black Milk (matte gray). Glasswing is a perfect crease color and/or for blending out harsh edges.  Melancholia is a great color to use on the lid (one that can be used alone with just a subtle color to blend out the edges). Black Milk is a little chalky with some fallout.  However, great pigment and beautiful; one that could be used for day/night looks. I mistakenly did the swatch on my fingertips in backwards order. The swatch on my left finger is Black Milk; far right finger is Glasswing. 

The third set of colors include: Graphic Nature (pearl charcoal), Entombed (pearl blue) and Tornay (matte navy). Once again the color swatches on my fingertips (specifically the 2 on either end) are in the wrong order, my apologies. They are displayed in reverse order. Both Graphic Nature and Entombed are amazing. Ideal colors for an evening look. You could also create a great look for day (just use a light hand to apply a wash of color to the lid).  Tornay can be ideal for adding definition to the outer 'V' of your eye and/or an outline to create a cut crease look.   

Each of the above shadows is .049 ounces of product. The last set of larger shadows (.095 ounces each) are: Lifelike (matte cream), Lunar Lights (pearl gray) and Lucid (sparkle rose). These 3 make for perfect browbone colors.  Lifelike and Lunar Lights could also be worn alone.  My apologies as the finger swatches are not a true representation of the color. Refer to the swatches on my arm for better accuracy. Also, both arm and finger swatches are in backwards order. I know I did it once again. So sorry for that.    

The only not so great things about this palette are:

• Shadow Fallout - Some of the shades you'll notice have some fallout but not much.  Something to keep in mind when applying your makeup.  To avoid this, be sure to use a smaller, more dense brush when applying shadows to the lid. Also applying primer and/or shadow base before hand can help immensly.

• Color Options - This is a cool-toned palette. For those of you more into an everyday "natural" look, you may get limited use out of this palette.  However, KVD offers the Monarch palette.....may be a more suitable option for you.  

Overall, this palette is amazing and I'm so in love with it. The quality and pigmentation alone are outstanding.. KVD you just keep producing amazing products. Kudos to the folks at KVD for developing innovative and signature products.  Every aspect from the product quality, design and uniqueness are stellar. 

I'd even recommend to you gems looking into purchasing both (if you can).  The value well exceeds the $46 price tag. This palette can be purchased exclusively at Sephora stores and website

That's all for now beauty gems. As always, keep in the know by following me via Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram @AngBeauty411.  Stay beautiful and as always..happy shopping!!!

St. Patrick's Day Special....A Few of My Favorite Greens

Hello Beauty Gems -

Hope you've all been having a wonderful weekend.  I've been in all weekend still recovering.  I also hope that you've gotten a chance to take part of the St. Patrick's Day funtivities.  In dedication of the holiday, I thought I'd post a few of my favorite greens.  Here's a few of my favs (both old and new):

Sephora Picnic in the Park - An absolutely gorgeous color I came across about 3 years ago. This fabo green is a standout with it's subtle but engaging light shimmer.

Make Up Forever Aqua Cream in Acid Green & Emerald Green - MUFE aqua creams are amazing.  You can wear them alone or use them as a base to create a more beautiful look.  Acid Green gives you that ultra bright lime green color. While emerald green is also a beautiful color on its own, it does give you great color payoff with it's golden undertone.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Mildew - UD was the first brand of eye shadows I really got into (FACT: The first palette I ever purchased was from UD).  As all you gems know, this brand is a staple in the beauty community for it's bold and statement-making colors. Mildew falls in line by bringing the same intensity as other UD colors.  I purchased this color a while back but still keep it in constant rotation.

L'oreal Hip Color in Gunmetal - THROWBACK!!! Where it all started for me (before my discovery of MAC).  I was sooo into L'oreal Hip Colors.  They were one of the best drugstore eye shadows with amazing pigmentation. You can still purchase Hip Colors in your local drugstore or from the L'oreal website. I STILL have mine (WOW) but haven't used it in ages.  Tomorrow is the perfect occasion to do so.  If I do, I'll post for you gems via Instagram....TBD.

Rounding out the list is Kat Von D's Birdcage (from the Spellbinding Eyeshadow Book) - I love this beautiful satin lime green.  Just like all of the rest of KVD eye shadows, this color applies and blends beautifully on the eye. This is one of my go-to shadows when I want a splash of green.  Unfortunately, the spellbinding book is no longer available, however be sure to check out other KVD eye shadows.  They're amazing and you'll fall in love at first application.

There are many more that I didn't mention. However I just wanted to share just a few of my favs. That's all for me gems.  Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!!!

Until next time...Happy Shopping!!

Sephora VIB Haul (Part 2)

Hello Beauty Gems!!!!

My first min shopping splurge I noted in my Sephora VIB Event Mini Haul blog. That time I only featured a few items I purchased.  Please note that for any of the palettes shown below, there are no swatches included.  I did this purposely in order to provide you gems with a more detailed blog.  I'll be posting blogs on all palettes/sets I purchase separately so stay tuned!!!

So this shopping trip actual did qualify as a full-fledged haul.  It was bad but I picked up alot of things I've been wanting. My haul included the following:

Laura Mercier Artist's Palette for Eyes -Funny story about this one....tanother palette I was interested in getting.  This palette sold out within days of the VIB Event.  I called Sephora last Thursday and they were completely sold out online.  I had to call around to 2 stores (1 actually had the one palette available). I put this on hold, didn't make it to the store in time to pick up that day.  I wound up going into the store first thing the next morning to pick up the palette.  All that trouble for 1 palette.

 

However, the colors are absolutely beautiful.  I haven't used the palette yet (just finished trying out another kit for review).  This product is limited edition and will be discontinued.  So if you can, call around a few Sephora stores to check availability.  Detailed review of this palette coming soon!!!!

Kat Von D Spellbinding Eyeshadow Book -For almost 2 months now, I've been patiently waiting to purchase this.  Whenever I really want a pricey beauty product, I do all my homework first (confirming any upcoming sales, if the product is limited edition or not, etc. etc.).

The Sephora I went to had about 8 still available.  However, online this product is completely sold out.  I'll also be doing a detailed review on this palette very soon (along with some other Kat Von D products).  If you're a fan of this line, call around and see if this is available in the store. I haven't been disappointed yet by any KVD products I've purchased so far.

Kat Von D Shade Shifter in On The Road - One of my absolute favorite things are duo-chrome eyeshadows.  Eyeshadows that show as different colors from various angles really amaze me.  These types of shadows get my creative juices flowing for different looks. I've been wanting this particular color for months.  Can't wait to play around with it.

On the Road appears as a green-brown color. Considering the color payoff, I didn't think the price was too bad ($16).  There are 3 other colors you can choose from: Love Letter (purple), Stockholm (Blue), and Devotion (Copper).

Marchesa Parfum D'Extase Rollerball - The rollerballs are a great way to try-out a variety of fragrances before making the full investment.  I originally received Marchesa as a sample from a previous purchase.

I really liked the scent but just didn't want to make the $60- $115 investment to get it.  I love fragrances however, I do budget myself and try not to splurge on every single one.  I have my new Flora fragrance and a few others so I won't go through this too fast.


Flora By Gucci - I picked this up with the voucher included in the fragrance sampler. I purchased the fragrance sampler from Sephora in September.  Just finally got around to going into Sephora to pick this up. This was such a great deal. NOTE: If you're in the market for a new fragrance, stop by your nearest Sephora and check out the sampler collections. 

They sell these collections for both women and men.  Each includes a certain number of sample fragrances.  From those samples, you can use the voucher included to get one full-size (size specified on voucher) parfum or cologne. An excellent value for what you pay.

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream - OMG I found a new Holy Grail......AHHHHHHH!!!  I've heard and read about this product line throughout the year.  Oh My Word.....I wish I would've listened and picked up this wonderful item months ago.  A great hand cream that soothes, moisturizes and protects your hands from dryness.

 

The best things about this product: A little goes a long way (just a pea-size drop is all you need!!!); great product for a pretty reasonable price - $5 for the 1.7 oz.; $12 for the 4.2 oz tube of product) AND it has a wonderful and aromatic fragrance.....Yes, this is addicting, I promise you that!!! Every gem I know personally will be getting this as one of their stocking stuffers this year. Sorry about the sideway pic. For some reason I couldn't get the picture to rotate and save for me.


Soap & Glory Good, Butter, Best Kit - Again, more AMAZING products from Soap & Glory. For $15, you receive the following 3 body butter/creams (1.69 oz. size each): The Righteous Body Butter, Sugar Crush Body Buttercream and Butter Yourself Body Cream. So far, I've only dug into the Butter Yourself Body Cream.  Yes, I am OBSESSED already!!

This cream has a wonderful fragrance, keeps me moisturized throughout most of the day and just feels so AMAZING on the skin. I just have to do an in-depth review of this product line....I can't afford not too.  I want all you gems to know just how wonderful this product line truly is.  Stay tuned!!!


Buxom Dolly's Opening Act -  The holidays always bring about cheer and beautiful gift sets.  This is one of many.  Buxom has released some gift sets now available at Sephora. As I mentioned before, a great time of year to purchase these sets to try out those products you've been wanting for months.

I personally haven't tried any Buxom products but looking forward to it.  The following colors are included in this set: Emma, Michelle, Dani, Berry Blast and 2 of their best sellers: White Russian and Dolly.  Considering each lip cream/shine retails for about $19 each, this deal more than pays for itself (even considering the fact that they are all minis) - $29.  There's also a larger gift set ( with 15 minis) that retails for $59.  I already know I'll be back at Sephora picking up another.

Sephora Collection - Rouge Shine Lipstick in Heartbreaker (Color No. 47) - You know I've been on a dark lip kick since September....so why should it stop now!!!  I saw this little baby as I was strolling around the store.  I probably would've left it there and not even paid any attention to it IF:  I didn't do a swatch of the color AND if I didn't notice that there were only 3 left in stock.

Grant it, just seeing the 3 doesn't necessarily mean that the color was just that big of a seller.  However, I saw it and just fell in love. Can't wait to wear this color on a night out. A great sheer lip color that retails for $12.50.


Have you gems started your holiday shopping?  If so, let me know what you've picked up in the comments below.  Be sure to follow my blog AND yours truly on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @AngBeauty411. Take care gems and until next time.....Happy Shopping!!!! 

11/12 Tuesday Skincare 101: Peter Thomas Roth (PTR) Products

It's Tuesday Beauty Gems!!!  Back for another installment of Ang's Tuesday Skincare 101.  This week, I thought I'd share 411 on some sample products I've been using.  About 3 weeks ago, I purchased the Peter Thomas Roth 20th Anniversary Kit from Sephora. Note: Sorry gems!!! I found out recently after purchasing this kit that it was no longer available through Sephora and would be permanently discontinued.  You may luck up and find this product in a Sephora store near you. Also, check out QVC's website.  I've included the link to some of the PTR products/sets they carry Peter Thomas Roth @ QVC .  A great value for trying out various products in the PTR line.

Anywho....whose Peter Thomas Roth you ask????

Peter Thomas Roth (PTR) is a well-known beauty entrepreneur in the beauty community. With lineage operating businesses through family owned spa resorts, Peter was destined to make his mark in the beauty world. In 1993, Peter Thomas Roth introduced his skincare line to the beauty market. PTR has been recognized by industry magazines and others as one of the most renowned product lines in the country. Note: PTR was recently named as one of the 2013 QVC Customer Choice Beauty Award Winners. In my search for new cleansers and other skincare products, I decided to give PTR a try.  So here's the 411 on the products included in this set:

Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel -  This gel is formulated to detoxify pores, improve skin texture and wipe away other impurities.  The main claim of this cleanser is to help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Some of the main active ingredients include: Salicylic and Glycolic acids, lime, citric, etc. Designed for all skin types except sensitive. This gel cleanser has a very light texture with a light, citrus smell. The cleanser creates a light lather on the skin.  The payoff is the brightness of your skin after each wash as well as firmness and decreased size of pores.  So far, I really am enjoying this cleanser.  The kit included a full-size 8.5 fl. oz. bottle (retails for $35; 3.3 fl. oz retails for $10).

Firm Peeling Gel - Let me just say I absolutely L-O-V-V-E-E this stuff!!!  From the first time I used it, I was sooo impressed by the results.  This gel is very lightweight but packs power by easily removing dead skin cells from the face. The best way to describe how is works...wet your face and use a Kleenex tissue to dry. This peeling gel gently removes dead skin with the use of your fingers and massaging the product into your skin. A small amount is all you need.  The full-size product has a hefty price tag ($48 for 3.5 fl. oz.).

Laser-Free Resurfacing Eye Serum - I've been using this product since I purchased it. Thus far, I've really liked it.  I specifically love that I can use this product under eye and on my eyelids.  As well, the formula is mild enough not to irritate my eyes (due to allergies, my eyes constantly water and have redness).  My goal was to get an eye cream/serum to decrease the appearance of dark circles and some fine lines. I'll post an update on my progress in another week or so... STAY TUNED!!! A high-end product with a $$$ price tag to match ($58 for 0.5 oz.)

The last 2 items included in the kit I haven't used yet:

Camu Camu Power C x 30 Vitamin C Brightening Serum - Lately, I've been noticing alot of articles and advertisements on the benefits of Vitamin C.  I've heard the benefits of Vitamin C can help with uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, etc.  Some suggest adding a drop of liquid Vitamin C into your daily moisturizer. Another option of course is to purchase products such as this serum.  PTR launched this Camu Camu line specifically formulated with Vitamin C (an anti-aging product to revitalize the skin).  I'll dive into this as soon as I get through some other products.  I haven't seen this serum available for purchase separately (outside of the Camu Camu Anti-Wrinkle Brightening Kit).

Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion - This is a light-weight moisturizer with SPF 30. Specifically, I would use this primarily in the summer.  Another anti-aging product to protect the skin from the sun. This retails for $42 for 1.7 oz.

Although these products are higher end, don't be afraid to give them a try.  As I always say, samples, samples, samples.  As well, be on the lookout for sample sets such as this one. It's a great deal AND you're not 100% vested in something that you aren't necessarily in love with. Be sure to check out other PTR products through QVC and Sephora.

That's all for this week's skincare 101. Have any hit/miss PTR products you've tried??  Leave your 411 below.  Also, follow me on Twitter and Pinterest @AngBeauty411.  Have a good night......Happy Shopping!!!!

Sephora VIB Event Mini Haul

Hello Beauty Gems -

Just received my goodies from my first round haul from the Sephora VIB FNF Event.  This was a very small haul (probably can't even consider it as such).  However, the 2nd round was bad but not too too bad.

Here's what I got:

Stila Artist Essentials Kit -  I've been eyeing up this kit for a few weeks now.  This particular set is a new exclusive to Sephora.  The Artist Signature Set can be purchased at Sephora or the Stila website. The essentials kit includes:

16 - 0.14 oz.Eye Shadows (combined into the following 4 palettes):

• Pop Art Palette - Parity, Irony, Primary and Edgy

• Renaissance Palette - Poetry, Perspective, Fresco and Drama

• Abstract Palette - Illusion, Vivid, Visual and Linear

• Surreal Palette - Dream, Symbolic, Fantasy and Reality

All Over Blend Brush (#9)

Smudge Stuck Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingway

Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream in Peony

Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina

LIT Lit Kit in Champagne Wishes (shown in the last picture below) This set comes with 0.14 oz Clearly Liquid Glitter Base, 0.14 Glitter Color in Champagne Wishes and brush applicator. This product would be primarily used on the lid alone, over an eyeshadow or as eye liner.

I cashed in some of my VIB points to get the Urban Decay Urban Essentials Kit.

The kit includes 0.50 fl. oz. B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray, 0.50 fl. oz. All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, 0.13 fl. oz. of Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Anti-Aging Long Lasting Eyeshadow Base and a  0.85 g of Eyeshadow in Mushroom.

The remaining items I received we're just samples I chose to include with my order: 0.05 fl. oz. Korres Face Primer, 0.01 fl oz. Agave Healing Oil Treatment and Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray.

Full 411 reviews on both the Stila essentials and LIT kits coming soon. Part 2 of my Sephora shopping to be posted shortly.  Be sure to follow me on twitter @AngBeauty411 and Pinterest for the latest beauty 411.

Enjoy the rest of your day and as always....Happy Shopping Gems!!!

Special Holiday Edition - Guide to Beauty Smart Shopping

Hello Beauty Loves -

In an effort to begin getting into the holiday spirit, I created this short (and very cheesy/corny) jingle:

MakeUp Lovers Jingle (sing in the harmony of Deck the Halls)

Tis the season to be happy.....count your pennies now, new lippies are here
Brand new palettes hitting stores.....a beauty lovers dream; we'll shop even more

OK I'll stop....again just trying to be cheery and festive!!!


The holidays are only weeks away.  As you've probably noticed, stores shelves are being bombarded by new products weekly. What a great time of year to check out some new products you've been wanting to try.

Shopping can be wonderful and a little overwhelming. As a fellow beauty lover, I want to ensure you have the best shopping experience.  Part of doing so means you have do some research (the fun kind). Before you dash out the door and start spending away, here's a few helpful tips to plan a cost-effective and plentiful shopping experience:

Make a List & Check it Twice (or more) -  Yes, revert back to your childhood and make a wish list like you use to do for the holidays.  When you're going out to the stores, sample some of the new products whenever possible. If you sample or just see something you like, make a note of it.  The best way I've found to do this is by making a list I carry on my phone.  For those that prepare the old pen/paper method, carry a small notepad with you. Knowing what you want will make your shopping trip that much easier.

Price Check Please- Once you've assembled your list, search the web (and store ads) to do some price checking.  Check and confirm which stores carry the items you're looking for and pricing information.  This will tell you who may/may not have the best deals available.

**Beauty Memberships -  This is one of the most important tips. Confirm which stores you have enrolled in for memberships/clubs.  This can be CRUCIAL to your shopping trip as you may be eligible for special deals (e.g. SEPHORA VIB EVENT....CHECK OUT MY OTHER BLOG!!!).  You may think it's a hassle  to enroll but let me tell you....IT"S SOOO WORTH IT.  I've been a huge advocate for these.  You can benefit from purchases you make in those stores.  Also keep in mind, if you're enrolling for the first time now, the benefits will definitely come soon after.  The whole idea is to make your shopping experience rewarding every single time. For those of you already on the beauty club/membership bandwagon, be sure to go online (or in the store) to confirm your account information.  Be sure you're getting all the latest 411 for sales, new releases, etc.  As well, check and see what discounts are available for you to use now (e.g. bonus points that convert to $$ off purchases, free samples, etc.).

Here's a quick list of stores to check for memberships:

CVS Extra Care/Beauty Club Rewards
Sephora Beauty Insider
Ulta Rewards
Walgreens Balance Rewards


Couponing Anyone -  Yes, couponing for Beauty is a MUST!! Don't forget....check for coupons in your local drugstore ads.  They will also be running big sales throughout the holidays.

Yes, there is a little work required but very well worth it.  I can't tell you the number of times I've benefited from doing so.  Not to mention, stores will draw crowds during the holiday season and/or big sale events.  Why not be armed with your list in hand so you can get what you want and get out ASAP.  As well, some stores offer online deals you can also take advantage of.

Main Idea - Explore all your options so you get the best deals!!!

That's all for now.  I have to go and finalize my list.  Be sure to comment below if you have any other shopping tips.  REMEMBER...You can't keep up with latest unless you follow MEE!!!!   As always, happy shopping!!!!

SALE ALERT!!! SALE ALERT!!! SEPHORA VIB EVENT

Good Morning Beauty Loves!!!

Happy hump day!!  Just a quick 411 update.... Sephora VIBs can partake in the 2013 Holiday Shopping Event.  VIBs get 20% off all purchases beginning Thursday, November 7th through Monday, November 11th. Most of you may have already received an email notification yesterday (as a save the date).

Sephora has either mailed out cards to VIBs with your coupon and/or sent notification via email.  The email included the coupon code to use for this sale. BONUS -  iPhone owners have the capability to download the code to their Sephora VIB cards through the Passbook app.

You must be a VIB to take advantage of this particular sale.  However, the email does have an option for VIBs to share the sale code online with a friend. I tried to click on the link this morning and it wasn't working.  I'm not sure how that will be managed as I assume you wouldn't be able to share with everyone.

Note: Notification of this sale will not be posted on the Sephora website.  Check your email and mailboxes!!! 


If you can, be sure to take advantage of this sale.  As I've mentioned in previous blogs, there are alot of holiday palettes and/or limited edition products hitting the stores every week. A great opportunity to do some early holiday shopping.


That's all for now gems!!!  Have a wonderful day and happy shopping!!!

Sephora's WOW Gifts - Urban Decay The Mother Lode

Hello Beauty Loves!!!

Another weekend has ended AGAIN (why can't they last longer!!!).  Oh well, on to another week where I bring you my 411 on the latest and greatest.

Just received a notification from Sephora this afternoon (email went out to VIB and VIBRouge members).  It looks as though Urban Decay and others are releasing sets for you to purchase kits for certain featured  brands.

Take a look and see.....

This beauty includes (officially named as, The Mother Lode, appropriately named) includes 68 full-sized eyeshadows from Urban Decay.  Also included in this set is a four-pan build your own palette.  The kit has a great combination of matte, shimmers, duo-tones, and satin shadows.  I'm pretty certain (correct me if I'm wrong) this is the first time Urban Decay has released a kit of this size to commercial market. 

 

The lovely price tag for this kit.....$595 (a $1,234 value). Urban Decay is truly a stand-out brand in the cosmetic arena.  They're products are tried and true with high quality and resilience in wear. This would be a mega gift to the MUA entrepreneur wanting to get a quick start with building his/her kit.  However, it's a hefty price tag. For the everyday user, I'd probably weigh my options carefully with this investment factoring in how much use you would TRULY get out of this.

Personally, I fell in love as soon as I laid eyes on it (you amazing gem)l. I've longed to increase my collection of UD products (realistically knowing that it may never happen anywhere in the near future).  A beauty junkie sure can dream though!!  I'm still undecided on this. It's one of those things that you love it so much....you can't turn away.  On the other hand, because of the price, you REALLY have to give it some serious thought...to purchase or not to purchase.  As I said before, for MUAs, it's probably a no-brainer, a great buy.  However, many established MUAs get discounts through brands by applying for pro-artist memberships.

Either way, this kit will be saved under my beauty loves....siggghhhhh.

Do you think this might be worth your while to purchase??? Weigh in and let me know your thoughts.  Be sure to follow me to get the latest 411 from yours truly.  Until next time....Happy Shopping!!!