[[.I'm still here...]]

<p>Hey chicas! Long time, no talk. It has been a world wind of the past couple months, so I owe it to my readers to explain why. In the past couple months, I moved out of my mom's and into my own apartment along with my fiance. Yay! I have wanted to move out for a long time and was a big relief. Addition to that, I have been working a lot to try to furnish our new place. It's hard to furnish on a budget,  believe me. Another reason why I have been on a hiatus is because my laptop crapped out on me. :(  Hopefully, within the next couple weeks, I can buy either a new laptop or a tablet to start blogging again. I appreciate all your comments and taking out the time to visit my blog. I will be back to posting soon!

[[.Do you guys coupon??.]]

With all the hype of the now-infamous show "Extreme Couponing" on TLC, it seems like the whole country has now taken a look at the old Sunday paper. I, myself, have been swept up in the craze. These days, money doesn't flow through anyone's fingers as freely as before. Little by little, many Americans across the country are looking for any way to save money. I have been interested in beauty bloggers that solely blog about drugstore makeup (that I love so much) and deal/sales/offers, etc. It is the best of both worlds, coupons and makeup.

One person that definitely combines the two is a blogger in particular, NouveauCheap. I have been following for several months now, her name is G and she writes this wonderful blog. It is an amazing blog that features weekly sales, steals and coupons. Her blog is a good way to start saving on beauty products. For instance, every week she posts all the drugstore deals and steals... What a great concept! I know on a firsthand basis, this helped me match up coupons to sales. She has her loyal following of readers that also contribute to the blog with photos and sneak peaks of new products that are hitting the shelves. Her blog is a great way to jump on the money-saving bandwagon. I know it helped me for sure. Her blog is also straight to the point when it comes to sales, giveaways, etc.

In the end, it's all about saving money, which everyone can use nowadays. Be sure to be on the lookout for coupons in magazines, online (like coupondivas.com), and of course, newspapers. It can always help here and there and really add up in the end.

[[.Today's FOTD.]]

Hey chicas! I'm definitely in a roll with posting this week! High five! Anyways, I have been in the really neutral rut lately, because of job interviews and whatnot. Today,  I wanted to use some of my new makeup in a sort of cut-crease look. I always have wanted to perfect it but I found my own way of doing it. I apologize in advance for for nothin being on my lips. I was so happy with the look that I just started snapping pictures.

Here is the products I used:
-Revlon Indigo Cream Liner (to sketch out the line)
-Dark blue e/s from 120 palette (on top of liner)
-M.A.C. Blue flame e/s (soften edges)
-Black (matte) from W&W Greed palette (crease & setting black liner)
-Ben Nye Lumiere Luxe powder in Turquoise (lid)
- E.L.F. studio eyeshadow in butternut (?) (Highlight)
-Milani Runway eyes in beauty in blues (lower lash line and inner corner)
-Cheapie black l/l
-Milani l/l in infinite
-M.A.C. Dazzlelash

[[.My Mini CVS Haul.]]

As you guys must know, CVS is having a beauty promotion on cosmetics. If you buy $10 of cosmetics, you get a $3 off coupon. I definitely had to take advantage of that. So, I went to my local CVS and printed out my coupon and went to shoppin! I immediately knew that I wanted to take advantage of the buy one, get one 50% on Milani cosmetics... I have heard so much about them that I had to pick up a couple items.

This is my little haul:

-Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner in "Infinite"

-L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser

-Milani Runway Eyes in "Beauty in Blues"

In total:

My purchase was $8.08, including tax.

Also, I had the CVS coupon ($3 off $10 purchase), L'Oreal skincare product coupon ($2) and I had a Physician's Formula coupon ($5) that the cashier couldn't remove (I wanted a PF eyeshadow but it was out of my budget.) In total I saved $15.45!! I love those types of savings...

What did you guys get recently at CVS/Walgreens?Rite Aid, etc.???

[[.Snob Reviews: L'Oreal SkinGenesis Line.]]

A while back, I was browsing through Ross for their beauty products. Recently, a lot of people on the Interweb (lol) were raving about Ross and the products that they carry in their beauty section. I saw a lot of Calvin Klein makeup (foundation, powder, blushes) and their usual nail polish and lipgloss sets. I was looking for the Bare Escentuals sets that they most often have, but came up empty-handed. I was also looking for products for my skincare regimen and I hit the jackpot. I was looking for a good brand to incorporate into my non-existent skincare regimen. I stumbled across the L'Oreal SkinGenesis Eye serum. It was just what I was looking for. I later found the Skin Genesis Micro Smoothing face wipes.
Here's a rundown on the products...

Skin Genesis Eye Serum

This product claims to diminish the signs of dark circles and minimize puffiness. It states that you will have brighter eyes in 4 weeks. It also states that it has a skin perfecting complex of Vitamin CP and caffeine. Side note: I am a compete sucker for packaging and I love the size and shape of the bottle.

What I have experienced with the product:
I have noticed a difference in the appearance of my dark circles

My eyes have appeared a bit brighter than before
This is a nice, light formula for the eye area. I have experienced some eye creams that were thicker in texture
Price:

$5.99 at Ross. This product is usually around $10 in drugstores (CVs, Walgreens, etc.)

Can't beat that deal!

Skin Genesis Micro Smoothing Towelettes

This product claims to make makeup removal and skin cleansing a breeze... The package states that the fabric used in the towelette grips onto the dirt and impurities on the skin better than traditional wipes. It also has BHA to "naturally enhance cellular renewal to provide smoother, brighter, and fresher skin." It also says that it gently cleanses the skin with natural respect to the skin's moisture balance.

What I have experienced with this product:

I really like the feeling of the fabric on my skin as I'm cleansing. It really wipes out all the dirt and makeup off in a quick swipe. It has a tingly sensation after using them (might be BHA working). I have noticed that my skin is much smoother than before and the appearance of my pores has reduced. I also noticed that makeup goes on a little smoother (especially around my undereyes.)

Price:

$3.99

Conclusion:

I woulddefinitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a full skincare regimen. It is great for someone that likes to use one brand or line for a skincare regimen. I plan on getting the pore minimizing wash and daily moisturizer.

[[.The Power of Coupons..]]

Saving money is always #1 in my book. Just being able to save a couple of dollars here and there can really make a difference. And when it comes to makeup and cosmetics, it really can make a significant difference. Recently, I was browsing through the Latina magazine and saw an advertisement for the new Maybelline FitMe products. It had samples of all 18 shades on the front and 2 coupons on the back page. I really have had my eye on a new foundation since my Revlon Colorstay is too dark for me. So I went ahead and tore out the page. It was my birthday last week, and I decided to buy some makeup for a late birthday present. I quickly checked out Nouveau Cheap's blog to see the weekly sales at my local drug stores... Score! Maybelline FitMe products were marked down 40%!!! I quickly hurried to Walgreens and picked out the foundation, concealer and blush. I ran to the register and whipped out my coupons... Here is the rundown...
- Maybelline FitMe Concealer #35 $3.89 sale price
- Maybelline FitME Blush in Deep Rose 3.29 sale price
- Maybelline FitMe Foundation in #355 4.79 sale price
With $4 in manufacturing coupons ($1 off foundation, $3 off 2 FitMe products)
My total came out to $8.69 (with tax)!!! On the bottom of the receipt, it says WAG Advertised savings: $8. MFG Coupon savings: $4. My total savings were $12!!! I love it! When being on a budget, using coupons can help you purchase items that can be a bit out of budget. Coupons can also save more money when matched up to the advertisements on savings in-store. Side note: Have you guys seen the show on TLC called "Extreme Couponing"?? I love that show, but I wouldn't be stockpiling toothpaste or anything like that... LOL. But since I have sen that show since it first premiered, it really has been clipping coupons and looking out for printable coupons online. Tammy of Portrait of a Lady has also posted about coupons and savings she has used... Check it out.. Oh, before I forget, I just got a $5 off coupons from Physician's Formula for an eye booster or any other product... I got it from CouponDivas.com. Oh, and that lipgloss that you see in the picture above??? I got it for $1 at the Dollar Tree! What makes it amazing is that it was a long discontinued limited edition color. It had sold out over a year ago after Lauren QueenOfBlending mentioned it in one of her Youtube vids. I had to have it and might go back... Well, that is my little post on couponing! Happy shopping!

[[.Mini Haul From Walgreens!.]]

I just came back from Walgreens after making a quick stop and I made my way around the beauty section (like always) and spotted a basket full of goodies! I quickly rummaged through it and found a Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in Life's a Peach!! Score! And better yet, it was marked down to $1.99! I was so estactic! While browsing some more, I saw the Milani display... I have had my eye on the Rose Hip lipstick for a while and finally decided to pick it up. I had waivered for so long because the difference in price between CVS and Walgreens. At my local CVS, the same lipstick was selling for up to $6.39 and I picked it up at Walgreens for $4.99. To me, that seems like a significant difference in price. Well, anyway, here are the swatches and pics! Enjoy!

[[.I am still alive....]]

Sorry guys, I have been M.I.A. for about the past month. I had a lot of things in my life that I was dealing with. In addition to being M.I.A., I had totravel up to New York in February for my grandmother's funeral. It was a sad time, but, I got to see my immediate and extended family. It was so freaking cold up there! Not to mention, the ridiculous prices of EVERYTHING over there!!!!! I wanted to move back to New York in a couple years, I doubt that will ever happen with the way prices and gas are going. Right now, I am taking everything one day at a time. I think that is all that one can do after life's unexpected events pop up. I will be back with a post about beauty! I promise! Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

[[.M.A.C. Wonder Woman Haul & Goodies!.]]

Today, I headed down to my local M.A.C. freestanding store to look at the Wonder Woman collection. I was kind of standoffish after all that I have heard and seen in the Blogosphere. Whatever. I headed down there with my bestie Steph in tow. I walked in, and was surprised that there were not more people in the store. Anyway, I met a wonderful MUA named Jason and he made my experience wonderful. I looked at the display and was indecisive. But one thing kept jumping out at me, "Those lipglosses are f***'ing huge!!!!!!!". They were humongously huge, just like everyone said. I would be looking ridiculous using that. Although, they were pretty color glosses; I skipped out on them. The lipsticks did catch my eye; well, only one. I ended up picking Spitfire lipstick because it was such a unique color and I have nothing similar.



Next, I moved on to the face products. There were 2 MSF's and 2 blushes. I skipped on the blushes because I have similar colors in my collection and they are easily dupe-able. Next, the MSF's. I never owned a MSF before and I was excited. The only thing that kept repeating in my head, "Will I ever use up all of this in my lifetime??". Lol. The MUA Jason assured me that I would not be disappointed with buying this. I took his word for it. It looked beautiful swatched and I decided to buy it.




While chatting it up about everything M.A.C., he gave me a sneak peak of Viva Glam Gaga 2! We walked over to the table, and he let me put on the lipstick with the accompanying lipgloss. He topped it off with a little hodgepodge lipliner. Love it!
Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipstick and lipgloss

Well, here are the swatches (I'm sure you have seen them already):
MSF in Golden Lariat (mixed, three colors separated)

Spitfire Lipstick

Hope you enjoyed my post!

[[.M.A.C. Wonder Woman!.]]

Have you guys senn this yet????? Some of you have heard since summer 2010 that M.A.C. will be coming out with a collection featuring the ever-iconic Wonder Woman. I am so excited for this set and plan to save up to purchase almost all of the products. For the past couple of M.A.C. collections, I have had my eye on a couple products, but when the collection comes out, I miss out out on it. This time I am determined to purchase whatever my heart desires, tee hee :).
Here is a run down of all the products:

Lipsticks:
Marquise D - Sandy Cream Beige (L)
Russian Red - Intense Blue Red (M)
Spitfire [LE] - Bright Magenta (S)
Heroine [LE] - Brown Bronze (F)


Lipglass:
Emancipation [LE] - Pale Pink
Wonder Woman [LE] - Red
Athena's Kiss [LE] - Fuschia
Secret Identity [LE] - Copper



Opulash:
Victorious[LE]- Purple
Army of Amazons[LE] - Green
Themyscira [LE]- Blue
Black


Penultimater Liner in Black


Nail Lacquer:
Obey Me Red [LE]- Real Red
Spirit of Truth [LE]- Navy Blue


Quads:

Defiance[LE]:
-Defiance:Iridescent white pink (VP)
-Paradise Island:Warm, soft pink (S)
-Star Studded:Mid tone violet pink (S)
-Real Drama:Deep Burgundy w/ pink pearl (S)

Lady Justice [LE]:
-Lady Justice: Silver (F)
-Insurmountable: Blue grey (VP)
-Bold Babe: Blue w/ white pearl (F)
-Deep truth: Dark blue(F)[Permanent]


Valiant [LE]:
-Valiant: Lime w/yellow pearl (F)
-Spinning Transformation: Deep Olive (F)
-Diana Undercover: Dark forest green (S)
-Manila Paper: Pale Frost white gold (VP)[Permanent]



Photo courtesy of Musing of A Muse

Reflects Glitter:
-Reflects Pearl [PRO]: White glitter with pearl sheen
-Reflects Bronze [PRO]: Sparkling Rich Gold
Pigments:
-Bright Fuschia [Permanent]
-Marine Ultra [PRO]


Blush Duo:
-Mighty Aphrodite:
-Amazon Princess:


MSF's:
-Pink Power:
-Golden Lariat:


Wonder Woman Makeup Bag
-Wonder Woman Red (Limited Edition)
-Bulletproof Blue (Limited Edition)
Utility Belt Eye Brush Set (Limited Edition)
Utility Belt Face Brush Set (Limited Edition)
Invicible Mirror (Limited Edition)

ALL PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF GOOGLE AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. These are not my photos.

[[.My Revlon Package.]]

In the second to last week of November, Revlon was hosting a Twitter giveaway for the first 500 Twitteristas to tweet the Revlon page. The first 500 people were to receive an 8 piece set of the new Fire & Ice Collection. I recieved a DM from Revlon informing me that I was one of the lucky 500!!! YAY!! I waited the alloted 4-6weeks (seemed like an eternity!) but I finally recieved my package. Delivered from UPS ;) I furiously opened the packge and out came 4 beautiful lipsticks and 4 matching nail polishes. They all were packaged in the vintage Revlon casing. Lipsticks were in a black glossy tube with the vintage Revlon script around the barrel, with a clear window on top to show the beautiful color. the nail polishes were in a clear glass bottle with the vintage black glossy top.

The lipsticks colors are:

• Demure: A wonderful pinky-nude color (prefect with Nude Lustre on top)
• Fire & Ice: A true bright red
• Siren: A orange-coral color. Bright but smooth and pigmented
• Temptress: A rosy pink

The nail polishes are:



• All Fired Up
• Demure
• Siren
• Temptress




Within this collection, Revlon had re-released the first lipstick shade the company has ever created, Fire & Ice. This shade first came out in 1952. Nonetheless, These lipsticks are very smooth and have the right amount of pigment. Both Temptress and Siren are new shades. All these shades are beautiful! I personally love Siren lipstick when wanting to wear a bright lippie! Hope you guys enjoyed my post!

[[.Massive CVS Haul!.]]

So, I got the tip from a fellow blogger that CVS is having their sale on cosmetics... I immediately ran, not walked, to my local CVS. I actually went to a couple different stores to check out the selection of products... I was actually surprised by the selection of products that included L'Oreal H.I.P., Sally Hansen inspired by Carmindy, and Revlon super lustrous lipglosses. I ended up picking up 9 items with a grand total of like $78.67! Wow! On the two kohl eyeliners alone, I saved over $20. Any way, here is a run down of what I bought:

• Sally Hansen inspired by Carmindy Powder Blush in Poppy

• Orly Cosmic FX nail polish in Halley's Comet


• Sally Hansen 12 Hour Diamond Shine lipgloss (3) Asscher, Engaging, and Gem (Two of these came with an invisible lipliner as a bonus.)


• Revlon super lustrous lipgloss in Nude Lustre & Lilac Pastelle (not pictured)
  
  


• L'Oreal H.I.P. Kohl eyeliners in Black & Burgundy
  
  I am overall very pleased with everything I picked up. To be honest, I would not have picked up half of these items if they weren't on sale. I have not tried anything from the Sally Hansen/Carmindy collection, so I was excited when I saw this blush on sale. I got it home and realized that I had a blush that was similar to it, Wet N Wild's Pearlescent Pink. Anywho, I did try it yesterday and it was a little too sheer for my skintone. But I will try it again. The Orly nail polish is wonderful! It is a greenish-blue with plenty of shimmer and sparkles. The lipglosses retail at more than $6 a piece, I dont like spending more than $5 on anything in a drug store. I love the lipglosses for the fact that they have pretty duochromes. The white one flashes with a pinkish, sort of magenta color. So gorgeous! I missed out on the Cham Pale lipgelees but these are a nice dupe! These have the same flash/duochrome wothout the chunky glitter that can get left over after the gloss wears off. Score!!! Lol ;) More lip stuff... The Revlon super lustrous glosses are smooth and evenly pigmented. They have a very light formula. I got Nude lustre the first time around, then spotted Lilac pastelle, and I had to pick it up. I heard somewhere that it might be a good dupe for M.A.C.'s cremesheen glass in Ever so rich. I picked it up since I used my cremesheen glass sparingly so I don't run out. I got it home and it's a bit thicker than I thought. I use it with a little clear gloss to get clost enough to the cremesheen. I got the kohl liners because I always wanted to try them. I also thought it would be easier to cut the crease with these liners. I used them for about a week now. You get a bit of fall out but the pigmentation and smoothness is worth it.