Beauty.Com 20% off Sale...Ends 5-17-13

You can skip over to Temptalia's blog/website for the info, here: http://www.temptalia.com/beauty-com-friends-family-sale-may-14th-through-may-7th

When it comes to makeup....ALWAYS ask the sales associate for help!

I decided to write this post after having a conversation with a good friend of mine.  I used to feel the same way too actually, so I decided to share.  If you are "new" to makeup and have questions or want to try new products, go to a department store/Sephora/Ulta and ask for help!! I know getting into makeup can be daunting, but at the end of the day these people are PAID to help you! Accordingly, you're more than welcome to stop in, ask questions, get product recommendations and SAMPLES of foundations to work with.  

Some stores are better than others, and of course you get better service on certain days/certain times when the sales person/makeup artist has more time to spend with you.  So I'd recommend avoiding weekends at least.  Also, Nordstrom and Saks are very helpful, but don't feel compelled to purchase because your sales person may be pushy.  Ask questions, get samples, go home and try them out for a few days.  You may get a sample and get home only to realize that in the light the color is too light or too dark, or that you just don't like the "type" of foundation (too streaky, too cakey, not enough coverage, too much coverage, etc).  No one expects you to waste hundreds of dollars on foundation and not be pleased.  Sephora, Nordstom, and Saks all offer samples, so do not hesitate to ask for one.  

If you're not initially comfortable with "bothering" a sales person, then I'd recommend doing some online research and having in mind certain types of foundations you would like to try.  Then, you could just go into the store and strictly ask for a sample of that product in a shade that looks to you to be best for your skin.  Either way, feel comfortable and explore different brands and colors, until you find your fit.  

I know that for me personally, matching my foundation has become the world's hardest task.  Kinda like calculus.  For years MAC's NC 42 was perfect for me.  All of a sudden over the past year its too light and too yellow.  So then I began the task of foundation hunting.  I currently use Lancome, which works best for me, but I'm still not going to call it my "go to perfect best foundation ever".  So in the meantime I've got a bunch of samples that I'm trying out over time, to see if I find one that performs well and lives up to my expectations.  You should do the same!

I know it gets expensive and depressing buying a foundation (especially a high end one) that matched in the store, or that you were 'pressured' into buying...and then to get home and have it not work or not match your skin tone is super annoying.  That's why I recommend never purchasing a foundation on the day you go to look at it or get matched up.  Just try the sample and if you get home and like it, then consider going back to purchase. 

Matter of fact, I went to Sephora today and got two samples of Tarte's BB cream, because I hear good things about it.  Unfortunately, I'm probably going to have to mix shades since neither really worked for my skin.  Sigh.  

If you're looking for a person who is super informed about makeup I'd recommend going to a department store.  In my experience, personally, I've found they have done better jobs of color match ups for me than the employees at Sephora, and tend to spend more time with you.  But again, to each his own.  And i'm not sure if Ulta does samples or not, but either way, I haven't found their staff to be uber helpful.  Just my opinion.

I'm going to attach  a pic to this post in a few minutes so you guys can see the "sample" stash I've acquired over the past few months.  FYI out of all these samples, there are two that I'm still 'considering'. The rest were not close at all. 

I also view getting samples as being less wasteful as well. Sephora and Nordstrom both have great return policies. Even if you use the item, if you're not satisfied you can still return it. Personally, I'd much rather get a sample than waste a whole jar even if they refund my money. 

Master Cleanse: Day One

Not sure if today can actually count as day one or not.  Either way, I started the morning with the salt water flush.  Ugh.  32 ounces of warm water with 2 teaspoons of salt mixed in, all shaken up.  You basically have to chug this solution down, or do it in as few gulps as possible because once you begin drinking and stop, you taste the salt water.  It wasn't absolutely horrible, but it wasn't pleasant either.  Maybe I'll get more used to it as time goes on.  I would say that within 30 minutes of consuming the drink I was in the bathroom.  And then a second time within 15 minutes of that.  The point of the flush is to aid in waste removal.  I found that it did the job.  Not sure if I would do daily though, especially with the tea. Considering its a little uncomfortable and the drink isn't too tasty.  We'll see though.

The reason why I said I'm not sure if today could count as day one is because I had solid food technically.  It is amazing at how much food we probably eat without realizing.  There was a candy tray/dish at work and the first thing I did when I walked past was grab a few pieces and inhale.  Then I realized I wasn't even supposed to eat it.  Can you imagine how many calories a day are consumed from mindless, robotic eating? Anyway, I still had the lemonade.  I wasn't hungry at first, but I am starving now.  When I get home I will have another glass or two, since so far I'm only at four. 

I feel okay, not tired or sluggish.  But not energetic either. We'll see tomorrow :).

Master Cleanse aka Lemonade Diet

**Just a note: these are my thoughts on the cleanse and its history, etc, so do your research and inform yourself should you actually be interested in the cleanse .**

The Master Cleanse is an age old "cleanse" that was developed by Stanley Burroughs in the 1950s.  It has been around for some time now, and has been used by people worldwide, for cleansing, detoxing, or weight loss.  There are just as many advocates as there are antagonists.  The original purpose of the diet is to cleanse the body of toxins and old fecal matter during which time a person's health may improve or whatnot.  As a side effect, many individuals lose weight, whether it be a small amount or a great deal, during their time on the cleanse.  In theory, anytime you are only drinking liquids and not consuming food you are super likely to lose weight.  Some consider the cleanse controversial and misused by people only seeking to lose weight.  

Essentially while on the cleanse you consume 6-12 glasses of the 'spicy lemonade', as well as do a salt water flush in the morning, and a laxative tea at night.  The salt flush and tea are meant to cleanse your intestines.  The lemonade is supposed to provide your body with all the nutrients you need.  You are not to consume any other food or drink while on the cleanse, except filtered water.  You can google the 'recipe' online, or find it in the original Master Cleanse book.
  

The plus: detoxification, improved energy, mental clarity, weight loss.

The negative: weight loss is temporary, skin likely to be flabby, may decrease metabolism, lack of energy, easily fatigued. 

I'm only going into a little background because I am going to California in two and a half weeks and I'm so scared of the seatbelt not fastening/being kicked off the plane/forced to buy an extra ticket due to being overweight.  Its been a fear of mine of late and before I even realized it, California has crept up upon me.  So now that its so close away I could diet and exercise and lose a couple pounds the correct way, but instead I'm going to do the lemonade cleanse.  I'm aware of the effects, downsides, etc.  And I'm aware that its not permanent but for me the need to lose the extra ___ pounds so that I'm not frightened at the thought of flying there is more important for me.  So i'm going to post daily for each day I do the cleanse and post how I feel.

I expect that I will be consuming about 6-8 glasses of the lemonade, not 6-12.  If you're trying for added weight loss and not just detoxification, 6-8 glasses is more ideal as you'll be consuming less calories.  For the laxative tea I picked up Smooth Move from my local Whole Foods.

Tomorrow will be my first day, so I'm all prepared with my ingredients and I will have my tea tonight.  I'll keep you guys posted :) Wish me luck :)

CCO Store in Aurora Farms (Ohio)

Today I visited the CCO in Aurora Farms for the first time ever.  I can't believe I've walked past it sooooo many times and never even knew it was there! For those of you who don't know, a CCO is referred to as a Cosmetics Company Outlet store.  From what I know, they are owned by Estee Lauder, and sell only Estee Lauder products.  They sell items that have been discontinued and items that you may currently find in a department store. Some brands they have include: Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Origins, Smashbox, and Prescriptives.  They sell all types of makeup, perfume and cologne, and some hair products. They also sell gift sets, which were probably at one point and time "free gift with sale" sets.  I thought it was pretty cool and would def go back.  I picked up all MAC items, lipstick and lipglass, most of which were discontinued.  My items ranged from 10.50-11.00.  The items are generally discounted at 20-30% off.  

They sell lots of things that you can find in your department store which is great.  All the Clinique and Estee Lauder skincare items are in stock.  The ladies who worked there were also super nice.  This is probably my last makeup purchase for a while.  I've spent more than I should, but I had to restock my stolen/lost makeup.  I'll probably blog on things I've purchased and haven't used, or things that I can't live without.

Left to Right: Viva Glam Gaga 2 (lipglass)--limited edition released sometime early 2011, Revealing (lipglass), Rich & Witty (lipglass), Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipstick--limited edition released sometime early 2011, Pure Zen Lipstick--limited edition part of the Marilyn Monroe collection fall 2012, Ruffian Naked Lipstick--limited edition released online only in June 2012, Mocha Lipstick--limited edition Mac Surf collection released summer 2011.

Rite Aid Revlon Mini-Haul

Today was the last day of the 40% off at Rite Aid sale (no biggie really, each week CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid has a similar sale).  Anywho, I picked up 2 more lip butters (Sugar Plum and Pink Truffle) that I'm going to try out.  I picked two darker shades, hoping they'll perform better than my other 3.  If they don't, I'm going to just assume that they're not my cup of tea.  I also picked up a Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Socialite.  Its described as a "modern matte" finish lipstick, and promised to provide up to 16 hours of wear. I also picked up a Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Pop.  Lastly, I chose shade #360 Golden Caramel in the Revlon ColorStay Foundation.  I hope this color works.  I picked two at first, but the next shade up seemed too dark, and the next shade down too light.  Ugh.  I found the lip butters to be better than my first ones, color round.  But they're def not the holy grail like I've seen some people discuss on the Internets.  

Here are some pics below: 

Swatches left to right: Lip Butter in Sugar Plum, Lip Butter in Pink Truffle, Suede Lipstick in Socialite and Lip Gloss in Pink Pop. 

**Yes I know my knuckles and hand are lotion-free lol.  Don't judge me.**

40% off Revlon at Rite Aid

Went to Rite Aid to get milk.  In my houseshoes.  Because it is around the corner.  Don't judge me.  On my way out I saw all Revlon was 40% off.  My Revlon usually has a decent stock of makeup, because it isn't a great seller in my area (most business is from the older living apartment building across the street). Anywho, I didn't have time to look because they were closing in 10 minutes, but I know it'll still be on sale tomorrow (most sales end Saturdays and new sales begin on Sunday).  I think I'm going to try 2 more lip butters, darker colors, to see how they perform, maybe they'll be better than my last batch.  I think I'm also going to try the ColorStay foundation, which gets good reviews on the internet, because if I hate it it was 40% off of 12.99, so I won't be too mad.