update!

Okay... so regardless of how I feel, I'm not dead! I have been so busy with all the changes at work, I haven't had the time to post as much as I would like...

BUT, I will be back next month (seeing as this is the 30th, tee hee!) with even more fabulously frugal posts! ;)



Coming Soon:
♥ ...more hauls!
♥ ...more LOTDs!
♥ ..."inspired by..." posts!
♥ ...even more randomness!!!!

mini haul.

Feels like it's been ages since I posted!!! Went to TJ Maxx like a week ago and was a little disappointed... until I saw these! :)

I love Urban Decay, so to find some of their products for cheap made for an awesome day! Here we have two edible shimmer body powders and a lipgloss.

Let me just make this clear... I WOULDN'T EAT THIS! I'm sure that since they claim it to be flavored, there is no doubt that it is, but I don't think it's a good idea to stick anything other than food or drink down the hatch! The body powders are scented like popular cocktail beverages (the Pina Colada, Mai Tai and Cosmopolitan [not pictured]). I've only used the Pina Colada, but it smells absolutely scrumptious!! Both were only about $7 marked down from about $17. Next is UB's Sparkler Pen Lipgloss in Bombshell. It's a lovely shade of taupe infused with gold glitter. Careful though... if you don't like what is referred to as the 'glitter bomb' this is not for you. You can wear it alone or over top of a stain of lipstick. In my opinion it's best for nighttime. Retail at TJ's was about $4. Over all, I'd have to say a haul well done! ♥

LOTD...

And here we are again... I thought I would toughen it up a little today. I tried out the Loreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gilded. I had been searching for this for the longest time! Everytime I stopped by the HIP display to pick it up, it was gone! But finally, I found it in Target (the last one, mind you...), and it was on sale. The shadows are already affordable, especially for the quality of the product. I really love this eyeshadow pairing. It's glitzy and eye-catching without being over-the-top. I paired it with a few extras and came up with this look!

Face:

Skindinavia T-Zone Makeup Primer

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse foundation in Caramel

CoverGirl TruBlend concealer in #5

Prestige Skin Loving Minerals Sunbaked Bronzer in Rich Bronze

Rimmel Poweder Blush in Peach

Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion

e.l.f. Duo Eye Shadow Cream in Black Licorice [black side]

Loreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gilded

Palladio Herbal Eyeshadow in Black Raven

SallyGirl eyeshadows in Champagne and White Chocolate

Loreal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Black

Flirt! Big Flirt Thickening Mascara in Black Wink
Lips:

Essence of Beauty Lip Butter in Citrus Coconut
Maybelline Shine Seduction Glossy Lipcolor in Apricot Aura

...all that smoky black plus peachy-keen lips equals one tough, but cute looking chick! ♥

i like it soft and supple...

Today I thought I'd share some of the frugal moisturizers that I love. None of these items are super expensive and by no means a secret, but sometimes we need a reminder that they are there, right?

1. Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Creme

I LOVE this stuff! I use it every morning and before bed. I love the way it locks in moisture, gives me a healthy glow and it retails for about $4. It does have the tendency to be a little greasy, and if left in a hot place the oils and creme in this product will separate. With that said, if you don't like that feeling or consistency, this is not a product for you, but QH also makes a lotion. I have not tried it, but my guess is that it will do the trick with no slickness left behind.

2. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), fragrance free and dermatologist recommended. How could one go wrong? This product is approved for all skin types and daily use. It is definitely lightweight and there's no strangling, perfumy scent either. I tend to use it at night so as not to combat with my SPF infused moisturizer for daytime. If you use separate products for sun protection and daily hydration, this would be a good choice because it won't leave your skin feeling caked with residue and retails for about $12. (...if you have a Sam's or Costco club card, buying a package of two 20 fl oz bottles for $15 saves, instead of the $12 16 fl oz bottle!)

3.Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly

That's right folks, I said Vaseline. This stuff has so many uses it's not even funny. It's one of the ultimate moisturizers, and one tiny jar from the trial size aisle for $1 or less is enough to keep you set for a couple months or more... I like to use my mini jar for cosmetic purposes of course (lipbalm, highlighter, glossing my eyeshadow), but you can choose to use it as you please. You can't say this isn't frugally fabulous!

4. Johnson's Baby Oil

(obviously not pictured... hehehe.)

Lastly, plain and simple baby oil. It's not JUST for babies, you know! I listed Johnson's because it's well known, but that does not mean the generic brands don't work just as well; retail is anywhere from $2 - $4. They also come in an array of scents and/or in gel form. Gels are less messy, but a little more expensive. To cut down on waste, while in the travel/trial aisle, I also grab a few spray bottles in order to hydrate easily after my showers without getting oil all over sheets, clothes, towels and the floor. Plus, the sprayers are reusable! Just because the oil is affordable, doesn't mean you want even a few pennies worth being wasted if it's not necessary...

Just thought I'd share a few of my favorites. Maybe there's a few more I have yet to discover?

dammit!

I thought these were too funny not to share...

Just imagine what it would be like if you were caught on film when you just dropped that perfect shade of lipstick you've spent weeks searching or waiting for. Does it look anything like this???





The shock when it hit the carpet... (it not only smashed, but picked up some fuzz too.), the immediate urge to cry (as it continues to roll away...) and finally the myriad of swear words (you'd never say in front of your mom, of course!) that are echoing in your head once you recall that struck of luck when you got the LAST ONE!!!!

Unfortunately, I think this has happened to us all in one way, shape or form...

LOTD!

Experimented with some color today... I stopped in Walgreen's and they were having a sale on some of the Milani items. I picked up Java Bean eyeshadow and Luminous blush. I love the way the golden flecks in the blush give you a sunkissed glow. Here goes...

Face:
CoverGirl Clean liquid foundation in Toasted Almond
Black Radiance concealer in Walnut
Black Opal Invisible Translucent Powder
Milani Powder Blush in Luminous

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Jane Aguaceuticals Aqua Mousse Eyeshadow in Beachcomber
Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Aubergine
Milani Eyeshadow in Java Bean
Femme Couture Mineral Shadow in Truffle
SallyGirl Eyeshadows in Burgandy and Bark
Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Very Black
NYX Felt Tip Eye Liner in Jet Black

Lips:
Essence of Beauty Lip Butter in Citrus Coconut
CoverGirl TruShine lipstick in Watermelon Shine

...whew! All done.


*****update*****
The Juice Beauty kit is doing wonders for my skin... the blemishes are almost completely gone! ;)

randomness

Okay, I had a rough day and just thought i'd share some silliness... maybe a few of these pictures will be the impetus behind a smile. ♥

...happy hump day! ;)

"...so i'm a dressaholic."

I have to admit that dresses are my thing. There is one for any mood, in almost any shade of the rainbow, for any occasion, that will conceal flaws and flaunt perfections. What's not to love??? Finding a great deal on one tends to make my week! Marshalls and TJ Maxx usually have a whole bunch to choose from. As far as my 'go-to' outfit of choice, it will almost always be a dress! Nothing makes me feel more sexy, girly and stylish. I'm in a love affair with a few of them now. Take a look...

...sexy.

...girly.

...& stylish.

...enough said. ♥

(btw, anyone notice the ruffly, recurring theme?)

LOTD!

I wanted to try something saucy today...

I'm a red hot chili pepper!

Face:
CoverGirl Clean liquid foundation in Toasted Almond
Black Radiance concealer in Walnut
Stila Rouge Pots Cheek Mousse in Sweet Pea
Lorac TANtalizer bronzer

Eyes:
NYX Felt Tip Pen Eye Liner in Jet Black
Loreal HIP Gel Liner in Black
Ardelle falsies in #45

Lips:
NYX lip liner in Toast
Wet N Wild Wild Shine Lip Lacquer in Rapture
Essence of Beauty Lip Butter in Citrus Coconut

I'll update on the dress later! SO cute!! ;)

i say yes to Sprummer

What is Sprummer, you ask? Sprummer is that little pocket of time between Spring and Summer where the weather has decided it can do whatever it wants from 80˚ scorching, sunny days to blustery winds and mini-monsoons (is mini-monsoon an oxymoron?)! So then why say ‘yay’??! For the cute style opportunities of course! Take a look at these…

Aren’t those some of the cutest shoes? One of the coolest things is that they were each less than $10! The black pair is from Payless. One word: BOGO. Because of BOGO I got them for $9.99, when they were originally about $30. Saved myself twenty dollars! As for my faves (cream pair), these were just too cute to resist! I got them from the Gap and they were marked down to $14.99. I know, I know. That’s not ten dollars, right? Well, it was after I applied my discount coupon I received via email! If I recall right, I was able to purchase those sandals, another pair in black (for my mommy), a cute plaid skirt and some boxers to sleep in. Less than $25 spent, which would have been the Payless shoes alone, full price… If you ask me, that is true fabulosity! Now, what will I pair these with? ;)

woo-hoo for besties!

Bestie: 1.) your best friend, 2.) the one who knows just what you need before you do!

Okay, so this is a little random seeing as it happened a couple of months ago, but who cares?! I thought this was a little story worth sharing. Some time ago, me and my girl went on a little shopping trip. I don’t know why we always end up in a store, but we always find a deal too. This wasn’t long after New Year’s when the holiday stuff went on sale. My bestie called me and suggested we go get into some fun (or trouble, if that’s what you want to call it…). She told me she wanted to take me someplace she knew I would like, but couldn’t remember the name of the store. Whatever though, cause I was down for the ride anyways. Lo and behold! When we got there I found out that she meant ULTA! Only this one was at the new Hamilton Towne shopping center! I was just too pleased… Not only did she unveil a new Ulta location, she also introduced me to way better stock! While in there, we both decided to purchase the Ulta holiday shadow box set. This has got to be one of the coolest things ever! The set is like one large palette …only in a box. It houses 56 mini shadow rounds (pearl, matte, shimmer), 15 lip gloss shades (sheer and opaque), 4 small blushers, applicators, two eye/lip liner combos and 3 application brushes. The best thing though? The little magnetic palette… you can interchange or customize it however you want. And for all you MACaholics, you might even be able to find some dupes for your favorite shadows or the ones you don’t have yet in something like this! For these pretty, pigmented colors I’d say a $10 well spent! Still, don’t take my word for it, see for yourself!

…now you know why she’s my BFF! ♥

freebies

Who isn’t psyched for free stuff???!! Uhhh… Nobody! I was so pleasantly surprised yesterday. I tend to frequent Sephora and Ulta. Usually, I am on the prowl for a deal/sale, but this time I went in for something specific. I was going into Sephora in order to purchase the Juice Beauty Clear Skin Kit. Scandalous Beauty had been talking about their products for a while and seemed genuinely pleased. Normally, I wouldn’t spring for anything more than my beloved Biorè line, but sometimes my skin needs something new in order to jumpstart a response. I’ve got these stubborn little blemish scars that have just refused to go away!! Arggghh… Anyways, as I am always out to save some change, the kit was totally the more affordable option. Purchasing those products on their own would cost me close to $70 or $80 bucks easy and the kit is about $40.

But, that’s not the best part! (I’m getting there, I promise…) You know those free, little cards we all sign up for, along with email alerts? Well, I didn’t realize how many points I had racked up! It was enough for a free sample and there was small group to choose from! I chose the mini Lorac TANtalizing bronzer. How ‘fabulous’ is that??! Next, I sauntered across the street to Ulta to use my 20% off coupon… and that’s right, you guessed it! MORE free stuff! They were having a ‘buy 2 get 2 free’ on some of their items. I zoomed in on the NYX display and got these…

I am already in love with the lip (freebie #1) and eye liners. The felt tip on the eyeliner makes for total precise application which is awesome! The package insisted that it was as exact as pencil and as intense as liquid. So true! The mascara is pretty nice too. I’m all about volumized lashes, but I don’t know that it lives up to my other favorites. Hmm… I think I’ll be comparing later on to see. The lipstick (freebie #2) is nice and creamy, but I don’t know what to pair it with yet. I sense some new combos coming about…

the cheap stuff.

Since my blog is about staying stylish for half the price (or on a good day, even less than that!), I figured I would share the stuff I found at Target the other day. There they were, just calling my name... I promise I can smell a deal from a mile away! Anyways, here's a couple of pics of the stuff I got...

Cute right?! And all the red stickers mean they were all on sale! The three pack of earrings in the first shot (top right) was only $1.74 and all the stuff in the second picture was $1.00 each! My favorite is the cute rose necklace on the right. I also picked up some $.99 polish. Sometimes, they get a bad rep, but with a good base and top coat, they can last about as long as OPI...

On the left is Wet N Wild WildShine Nail Laquer in Blazed. I'm wearing this now on my toesies and it's a nice combo between girly and feisty. The one on the right is N.Y.C. Long Wearing Nail Enamel in Big Apple Red. Walgreen's was out of Red Red by Wet N Wild (which has received CosmoGirl's Kiss of Approval), so I opted for the N.Y.C. brand, which has yet to let me down. I haven't tried it yet, but I usually change up my polish after a week. With this 'summer-esqe' weather, you'll want to pull out the sandals and it's a no-no for icky feet!! Plus, you can be a little wilder with color choice cause you can always cover up with closed-toe shoes. Just wanted to share some fun finds... I wonder what's waiting for you at your local 1-stop shop??! ♥