Better update than never

Had to redye my hair. After my coupon I spent $5. I'm not too picky here as far as brand, I just go for color. I wish I had a better color care shampoo to keep my color from fading as fast,  but I still have all that free shampoo I won at a raffle. The cost of the hair dye frequency is ok by me considering what I saved on shampoo. I am tempted to try going 'Poo free ( Google it) but I may wait till we have made more of a dent in our supply here.

Got some festive sally hansen nail polish stickers on sale for $7.99 I had 2 coupons which took off $1.50 so I spent $6.49. These aren't worth the price for solid colors but the prints are! Plus, when you have a toddler there is no time for drying or multiple coats. It's a splurge, but I feel fancier without much extra effort. If you use these I strongly advise you to either wipe your nails with alcohol or polish remover to get a better result.
I also finally had to get a new foundation so I settled on Mary Kay mineral powder foundation $18. It isn't as good as my Bare Minerals as far as coverage. I have splotchy cheecks and usually a blemish somewhere that I really like to have covered as much as I can without looking like a China doll. I give it a B+. However, the price is great and its 2 ounces larger than my Bare Minerals. When I run out I will probably do what I can to find my usual on eBay.
Total spending $29.49.

My hinting paid off and I got a clarisonic Mia 2 from Boyfriend for Christmas and he, smartly, hit the sales girl up for lots and lots of free samples of cleansers. So that was a 100% free ( to me) item! Yeeehaw.

cheap solutions

I had looked at my face very closely in the mirror a couple nights ago. the very light wrinkles on my forehead were suddenly very pronounced.  I started thinking about how I'm only 26 years old and I shouldn't have these severe expression lines...not yet at least.
then I realized what the problem most likely was. my throat was dry, my hands were dry, my cuticles... forget about it. this dry winter weather that we have been having was dehydrating me and my poor face was paying the ultimate price. 

free beauty tip: drink lots and lots of water aside from the obvious health benefits it will make your skin look younger by keeping your skin hydrated and thus plumping up any fine lines.

another area of our body that can be neglected is our hands. your hands are one of those funny places that people tend to forget about during beauty regimen.  just like your neck are your test your hands can give away your age regardless of how much time you have spent youthanizing your face . my favorite trick is to put sunscreen on the backs of my hands when getting in my car.
Voila. 2 free or very cheap tricks to keep you looking young and beautiful .
until next time, bye bye beauties .

Amazing coupon!

Check your red plum insert from the mailer yesterday (with all the grocery ads). There is a coupon. For $1 off a  (I think any) wet n wild product. it's been a few years since I've bought any wet n wild product but if my memory serves correctly they run about a dollar a piece. if this coupon includes nail polish or eye liner then this is a super duper deal.

I also need to update my current spending total. I found a hair treatment product from John Frieda (one of the Full Repair products for damaged hair)  that I have been patiently waiting for to go on sale. It is normally $8.99 it was on sale at Target for $7.99 and I had a coupon for $2 dollars off bringing my spending total to $5.99. What I would have preferred is the Bumble and Bumble mending complex but for the deal that this was the product is wonderful and I'm so happy that I was able to get it at a good price.

I was also reminded by my sister (who, by the way, is in another country right now), that I need to re-dye my hair. I had a coupon for off of a certain brand of hair color however the color I needed was not available so I had to improvise. I was able to find a color close to what I needed in the clearance section that was already marked down $2 to $5.98. It just goes to show you that sometimes you don't need a coupon to get an amazing deal. 

That's all for now, bellas.
I hope you all can find that wet n wild coupon!

deal steal

I got my daily groupon.com email yesterday and was very happy to see that it was for The Body Shop! $20 for $40 worth of products. The tea tree oil skin care set I got recently was from The Body Shop.
Some of you have been asking how I like some of the new products I've tried so let me share about this set: so far I like where it is taking me. I feel like the past 2 weeks or so it has been purging my face of all the rubbish that was hiding below the surface. My pores look smaller and I love the smell ( although it is a very strong medicinal odor which some of you may not love). I'm starting to feel like my skin is more deeply clean. I hope to see a significant reduction in blemishes in the next week or 2. But I would say this groupon is worth getting to try this set and save some cash.

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Like a Bandit

So as promised, here is the photo of my fabulous haul (splurge?) at Sephora.

The only items I paid for were the Tea Tree Oil Set (center back row) and the Smoky V Set (left side back row) everything else was FREE!!! If each item were purchased separately it comes out to $3.05 each!!! Watch out, extreme couponers!!!

I also came upon some really good luck. We were at a fundraising event over the weekend and after the raffle I came out with a MAC lip gloss, a lip treatment (not sure of the brand), and two sets of Shampoo/Conditioner from Bed Head and Regis. That should tide me over for the rest of the year! Woohoo!!! And since I didn't pay to get in to the fundraiser (boyfriend did that. score) it doesn't count towards my total. Good luck, eh?

I feel pretty good about my stash so far! I hope this new facial set works well.

Ciao Beauties!

Birthday Binge

After a light inspection of my make up box I decided I didn't need much but I could stand for some extra color. I took a digital trip to Sephora and here is what I got:

4 piece tea tree oil facial care system (I don't love the Aveeno wash I got with coupons at Target): $29
Bare Escentuals "Smoky V" set: $22 (originally $32)
with my online purchase I got 3 free mini samples (these vary)
I also got a birthday gift from Philosophy: shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath for $0!!!
For having 500 Beauty Insider Rewards points I also got a deluxe sample of some Tarte products for eyelashes: $0
I also got a free Yves Sainte Laurent deluxe mascara sample for $0

Order Total $54.95, and of course I got FREE shipping. Pretty good considering the amount of stuff I got.

I forgot about the Smashbox Sample I wanted, which just goes to show you that being prepared and making a list can help you save money and get more for your buck.
I'm actually quite pleased with my order. I got some of my favorite brands and was able to still get products that are natural and high quality. One of the items I paid for was full priced, but I'm going to allow it because I got SO much else for free. I'll upload a photo of everything once it arrives. I'm a visual person so looking at everything really helps me see how well I did.

The bad part about my shopping trip is that it brought my current spending up to $114, just over 1/3 of my allowance FOR THE YEAR! Time to REALLY get back to square one and no more splurging. I let myself celebrate too much without taking the time to do so frugally. I'm going to have to think more thoroughly about my upcoming purchases.
I've actually now bought 2 facial cleansers which I believe will last me at least 6 months (but probably closer to 8) which makes me happy. I am hoping the Tea Tree Oil cleanser makes me happier than the Aveeno wash. Both of these have been significantly less expensive than my preferred Bare Minerals Exfoliating Cleanser ($26). I'm hoping that I may have found a good alternative.

Maybe I'll amp up my work out routine and eat some extra kale to bring out more of my inner beauty to save money.

Purchases and Punishments

In the haze of my life, between keeping a home, working full time, and caring for me 1 year old I have managed to lose TWO receipts of recent purchases. My punishment is that I will round UP the price since I can't recall the exact amount of either item.
I got a box of hair color before S's birthday party (which btw was beyond beautiful...the party, not the box of color). I had a $2 off coupon for the color which came out to around $7 and some change so I'll round it up to $8 (ouch). I also got a BEAUTIFUL  lip color from Bare Escentuals for $12 and some change so I'll round it to $13. I actually feel really great about the lip color, even though I kind of cheated since I used my employee discount to purchase it. It looks great and lasts for HOURS longer than any other lip color I've tried. This is my new favorite.
I also got a hair cut, which I'm not sure I want to count towards my total. Does it count? It isn't a beauty products technically. What do you think?
Total spending to date: $59.05
I think I'm doing really well so far, however my lack of frequent trips to the make up counters and Sephora are giving me severe cosmetic withdrawals. Since yesterday was my birthday I got a free offer from Sephora for a body wash from Philosophy. It isn't something I really care about, but its free and I will need body wash in the near future. Not to mention I just got an offer for deluxe samples from Smashbox with a $35 purchase from Sephora. I am comfortable indulging myself for my birthday and treating myself to a little something. I'll shop the clearance section to see how much I can get away with and still stay within budget.
My plan for hitting Sephora is to maximize the freebies, combine as many offers as I can, and to stick to items that are marked down (especially since it is a rule). I'm also going to do a little inventory of my current Caboodle, yes, Caboodle, and see what is over a year old, what is running low, and what I haven't used in over 6 months.
I hear all the time about make up and expiration dates. I honestly don't know how much of it I believe. The conspiracy theorist in my says "It is just a ploy to get consumers to spend more on products that they already have."  So I admittedly go much longer before replacing certain items. Mascara I keep until it feels drier than it should. Eye liner...well, I've never thrown any away since I use it up. Shadows I keep until they are hard to get color out of or until they seize up and become hard to apply. Blush I keep way too long, and usually only discard it when I find a color that I like better.
I'm off to hunt the Sephora sale rack. Wish me luck!

ciao, bellas!
A

Un Peu de Moi

I though it might be helpful if I offered a little information about myself and what I look for in various products.

I'm 26, vegetarian, have a 1 year old son and care very much about what goes on and in my body. I believe that my body deserves the best because it is the only one I have. If you mess this one up you don't get another one. I know that sounds cliche but if you think about the fact that your skin is an organ it might help you understand the significance of using good quality products on and in your body. Would you rather eat government cheese or fresh mozzarella? So why would you settle for anything less than the best for the largest organ in your body? I decided I wouldn't.
When I shop for products I look at the ingredients. I like to see ingredients that I can pronounce, ingredients that come from the kitchen or the garden (organic is best), and products that have good reviews from users. I really like to know what I am putting in and on my body.
Unfortunately, the world I live in doesn't make those high quality products readily available for people who don't have a large disposable income. That is part of the reason I wanted to do this challenge. I wanted to find a way to get the things that I want for my body and still be able to support my family.
That being said, I bought a lip gloss today, my first cosmetic purchase so far. I kind of broke my rules. I bought it from work so I got my employee discount, however it wasn't marked down. So I didn't pay full price but I still feel like I almost cheated. I have a baby climbing all over my computer so I'll post the price break down when I have some free attention.
Til then,
Ciao Bellas.
-A

In a Pinch

I had my second challenge last week. I was in a pinch, which is not a good place to be when you're trying to commit to a challenge. During our move I had forgotten shampoo, conditioner and face moisturizer. I rushed across the street with 2 coupons from my arsenal.
My first stop was Ralphs. It wasn't my obvious choice for personal care items, but I instinctively thought they might have a good sale on something I needed. I was right. I had a coupon for a Garnier shampoo which saved me $1.00 and a coupon for L'oreal conditioner which saved me $2.00. Total before coupons: $10.58. After coupons: $7.58 and I got good quality products that I wanted.
I headed over to Rite Aid to see if they had a better selection for moisturizer. Instincts were right again! After I narrowed it down to a few that I wanted, I found one that stood out above the rest. I didn't have a coupon and it wasn't marked down, but if I signed up for their rewards card I would save FIVE DOLLARS. Before the discounted price: $8.99, after the discount: $3.99.
Total spending for these 3 items: $14.57
Total spending so far: $38.05

So far I think I have been doing really well. I won't need to buy shampoo for a while, which is awesome. I am a little worried about my cosmetics. That is something that is really hard for me to experiment with. It took me years to find a foundation that was perfect and I hate the idea of trying to find something else. I keep getting e-mails from Sephora about different specials so I think I will keep my eye out for a killer deal on my foundation. Other items don't worry me as much but I refuse to use Wet n' Wild eye liner ever again. If you have ever used it then you know what I'm talking about. I will not stab myself in the eye ball just to stay in my budget.

It has been interesting so far. We are on the right track to do this right though!

Till next time, Beauties!
Love, A

First Flight

I made my first trip to Target to get a few things I need and a few things that I had coupons for. I definitely needed face wash since my samples from the cosmetics department at work ran out. Other than that, I really didn't need anything but I had some really good coupons.
Here is the recap:
Aveeno face wash - normally $6.49, marked down to $5.84. I had a coupon for $1.00 off - total spending = $4.84
Nivea Express Hydration lotion - $5.99. I had a manufacturer coupon for $1.00 off and a Target coupon for $1.00 off - total spending = $3.99
Nivea Radiant Glow Lotion/Sunless tanner - $6.99. I had a manufacturer coupon for $1.00 off plus a Target coupon for $1.00 off - total spending = $4.99
Lady Mitchum deodorant - $2.69. I had a coupon for $0.75 off - total spending = $1.94
Men's Gillette deodorant - $4.24 with $2.00 off coupon - total spending = $2.24

Combo Coupon:
Revlon Eye Lash Curler - $4.49 plus $1.00 off manufacturer coupon
Revlon Lipstick - $4.99
My coupon saved me $3.00 when I bought a cosmetic AND a tool so my total spending for these 2 items came to = $5.48

Total spending for these 7 items = $23.48

Woohoo!!! I felt so accomplished on this trip. I was able to stock up on lotion and deodorant for myself (and C), I got a new face wash that is good quality that I like (so far), a new (but not needed) eye lash curler and a new lipstick that I like. My average price per item came out to $3.35. Had I gone to Sephora for the same items I would have spent an average for $6.71 per item (calculated by the least expensive item from each category). TWICE AS MUCH PER ITEM!!!!!!
This means a lot for me. It means I am on track to stay under my budget of $300. Actually now the budget balance is down to $276.52. However, I will still need a food foundation, razors, hair color, shampoo and conditioner. Unless I get some amazing coupons I am not sure how I will pull those off just yet, but I am confident that I will be able to pull it off without compromising quality or my bottom line.
I think there are certain products I will have to be creative with. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that don't involve coupons or Target :) but we will see how those go.

We just got some good news that we may be able to move into our own place soon so my budget is more important than ever. It started out as a fun experiment but now has a real life application. Let's call it motivation.

So far I have had good luck combining Target coupons with manufacturer coupons since Target stacks them.
I personally don't have the patience to comb through ads and compare them with coupons. Sorry, Extreme Couponers.

Til next time, Beauties :)

Just Like Starting Over

After looking over my purchases for the past year at Sephora alone I
am almost embarassed at how much I have bought there! Most of it I can
easily rationalize away but there are a few items in there that I have
no excuse for getting aside from good old fasion vanity.
So I realized that I would get an opportunity to get this experiment
started sooner than I thought. Only problem was...I didn't have a
coupon for a face wash that I would be willing to use. I have
troublesome skin so I can't just use any old run-of-the-mill wash from
the drug store. So what are my options? I have nothing left because I
put it off until the last minute. Well, that isn't entirely true. I
have a wash that was given to me as a gift but it seems to aggravate
my skin rather than clean it. I can't get away with the bumpy skin
like I could when I was 15.
The product I want, need, yearn for is the Bare Minerals powder ($26)
or foaming cleanser ($20). I definitely am not willing to shell out
nearly 10% of my yearly budget on 1 item that I'll need to replace at
least once this year. I work for a company that sells this product and
I get a discount, but even with my discount the cost isn't within my
new budget. And that is where my light bulb went off. DUH!!! I went
down to the Bare Escentuals counter at work and got a couple little samples of the wash I had wanted. I promise not to abuse free samples, but I refuse not to take advantage of a service that benefits my experiment and myself as a consumer. This way I can test out the products I am interested in without commiting any of my budgeted money before really knowing how I'll like it.
So my first day of the experiment was a success. I didn't have to sacrifice my love of high end products or any of my budget to get the product that works best for my fickle skin. The next issue I'll run into is that trying to find something that works with the rules. I doubht the product I want is going to go on sale any time soon and I don't have any coupons right now for any cleansers I am familiar with. There is only one way to find out!

Beauty: 1
Budget: 0

Beauty vs Budget

After reading a post from Room to Dance Studio's April Maclean, I was inspired. She went on a year long comparison experiment between high end cosmetics versus drug store brands. My initial internal response to her experiment was incredibly defensive. I spend hundreds of dollars a year on those products and here she was, telling me that her findings proved that Sephora doesn't always beat out Walgreens when it comes to quality. This happened to coincide with a rough pay period at work. And thus I had an idea for my own experiment. Could I quit my expensive habit?
I decided I should give it a shot, I had nothing to lose...right? So I am setting out to see if I can one full year without spending full price on a single beauty product. This includes make up, cleansers, nail polish/care, lotions/moisturizers, hair care and hair color. I still need to work out my exact rules. After one Google search for the average amount spent on beauty products each year (between $200-$5000....super accurate, eh?) I have decided that I will attempt to spend no more than $300 on products for the next 365 days.
Rules:

• I can still use anything in my Caboodle, so I don't have to start from scratch.
• Anything given as a gift will not count towards my total, however gift CARDS given will count towards my total dollar amount spent.
• I will avoid Sephora and the make up counters at Nordstrom but they will not be excluded entirely. 
• I will not spend full price on any item. All items must be on sale or bought with a coupon.
• I will not use and then return any item unless necessary.
• I will still attempt to buy the best quality products I can.

I'll post any deals I find as well as reviews on the products I use. I've pretty much always been a product junkie so this will be a fun experiment. Although sticking to a budget of $300 will be tough, especially considering that I have spent half that amount in one trip to Sephora before. Yikes.
And away we go!