SEPHORA LOYALTY REWARDS AND RECOMMENDATIONS - DEC 2015

Sephora Loyalty Rewards are finally arriving so start checking the mailbox and/or your email! The loyalty rewards are redeemable starting today, Dec 2nd and consist of $25 off purchase of $50 for VIB Rouge, $20 off purchase of $50 for VIB and $15 off purchase of $50 for BI (Beauty Insiders). The loyalty reward is good for a one-time use and doesn't expire until Dec 13th for BI and Dec 14th for VIB Rouge and VIBs (they're given an extra day to redeem theirs).

Here is a roundup of several beauty recommendations to use with your loyalty reward and a few items I am considering purchasing as well.

My latest makeup brand obsession is Burberry; especially their wet / dry silk shadows. I recently purchased three and am currently testing them. So far they have exceeded my expectations. These shadows have a silky texture and are incredibly soft to the touch. There are a total of eighteen to choose from and I am eager to purchase more. If you plan on purchasing any of these I recommend you do so now as they tend to sell out rather quickly.

For those that crave a subtle eye look I highly recommend the Lancome Auda(City) in Paris eyeshadow palette. The color selection in this palette is not over the top or super bright. It is more of a subtle wash of neutrals with a slight punch of color. This highly underrated palette houses sixteen gorgeous shadows with amazing staying power. See my full review and swatches here for reference.

A few lip products I have been dying to try are the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro lip colors. They are a matte lip stain with a velvety soft texture. These are quite popular and over half the colors tend to stay sold out. I am most interested in trying 507, a mauve rosy pink and 508, a pink nude. Hopefully Sephora will restock these before the loyalty rewards end.

This next item launches on the Too Faced website Dec 8th, the Chocolate Bon Bons eyeshadow palette. The palette IS available online at Sephora during their loyalty rewards period. I have the original Too Face Chocolate Bar palette and it contains a mixture of warm and cool toned eyeshadows. While this new palette is rumored to be all cool toned shades. I've seen a few online swatches on Instagram and it seems to house quite a few pink shades.

My last two recommendations are the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani eyeshadow palette and the Marc Jacobs The Sofia Five Piece Petites Le Marc Lip Creme Collection. The first item, the UD eyeshadow palette, is limited-edition so I would purchase this now as it will definitely sell out. The palette itself was created and developed with Gwen Stefani. It houses 15 of her must-have shades with the majority of the palette being somewhat neutral. The Marc Jacobs Sofia lipstick collection is available in store at Sephora and consists of five gorgeous mini Marc Jacobs lipsticks. I own several of his lipsticks and this is such a great value for your money!

BEAUTY BEFORE BRUNCH SEPHORA VIB ROUGE EVENT - SUNDAY, AUGUST 2ND, 2015

Don't forget to RSVP by July 31st for this exciting event!

Sephora always has the best beauty events and I'm super excited for this one! I have a few beauty items (face masks, lipglosses, a setting powder, maybe a fragrance or two...) on my "WISHLIST" that I've been wanting to get so I'll definitely have a great excuse to purchase them now.

Click on the image above or click on the link here to RSVP: SEPHORA.COM/ROUGE-RSVP

Check out this fabulous "FREE" gift for VIB Rouge members

HURRY-SPACE IS LIMITED. RSVP By friday, JULY 31, 2015.

• A MORNING OF CLOSED-DOOR SHOPPING FOR VIB ROUGE AND A FRIEND
• 4X POINTS ON ALL PURCHASES**
• MINI MAKEOVERS AT THE BEAUTY STUDIO
• AMBASSADORS FROM YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS
• A LIMITED-EDITION COSMETIC BAG FILLED WITH SAMPLES†

Can’t make it? Enjoy 4x points on all purchases online and in stores during Beauty Insider Appreciation Week, August 3-August 9, 2015. 

Please note: Qualified VIB Rouge will earn quadruple points, VIBs will earn triple points and Beauty Insiders will earn double points on merchandise purchases made Sunday, August 2, 2015 thru Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 11:59pm PDT

EXCLUSIONS / FINE PRINT - 
* Select Sephora stores will have different hours; only select Sephora inside JCPenney stores will have closed-door shopping events. Check the RSVP Site for participating stores and exact times.

** Qualified VIB Rouge will earn quadruple points, VIBs will earn triple points and Beauty Insiders will earn double points on merchandise purchases made Sunday, August 2, 2015 thru Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 11:59pm PDT. Bonus points will be automatically credited to your BI Accounts the same day of purchase. Points not earned on sales tax, shipping, Sephora gift cards, eGift cards and prior purchases. This offer is subject to change, alternation or termination by Sephora in its discretion at any time.
† The Sephora Cosmetic Bag with samples is only available to VIB Rouge members in select Sephora stores during the Beauty Before Brunch Event with any merchandise purchase. Limit of one of each offer per VIB Rouge client. May not be sold or otherwise transferred. Guests of VIB Rouge that are Beauty Insiders are also eligible to redeem the Sephora Cosmetic Bag with samples with any merchandise purchase, limit one per client. Valid while supplies last, quantities are limited, sample bag assortment may vary. Not valid on previous purchases, or purchases of eGift certificates and gift cards. Sephora employees are not eligible for offers. No returns or exchanges. These offers are subject to change, alteration or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time.

SEPHORA VIB ROUGE EVENT STARTS TOMORROW, APRIL 12TH, 2015 - WISHLIST AND MUST HAVES

In case you haven't heard the Sephora 15% off discount starts tomorrow for VIB Rouge members. Typically Sephora offers 15% off in April and 20% off in November (both with limited exclusions). During the November event I stocked up on the Make Up For Ever artist shadows. Remember those pesky limited exclusions? Well the discount doesn't apply online (limited exclusion) along with the discounted pricing for the Make Up For Ever artist shadows but it does work for all in-store purchases. So you better believe I made it work to my advantage and bought nearly all of the artist shadows that were in stock at my local Sephora stores. Hopefully this time around you can use both online.

If you are a VIB Rouge member you should have already received either an e-mail or a mailed invitation to a special "Beauty Before Brunch" party at your local Sephora. My local Sephora is hosting the event tomorrow morning - super excited! Don't worry if you haven't received either one of the invites just call Sephora to find the closest location hosting the event. Then call that location to be added to the list. If you can't make it to the event, no worries! The discount is good for multiple uses starting Sunday, April 12th and lasts until Tuesday, April 21st. OMG, I'm gonna do so much damage!!! LOL

For online purchases use code ROUGELOVE and for in-store purchases either show the email or the mailed invitation. If you forget to bring either of them just show your VIB Rouge card and a sales associate will make sure to give you the discount.

On my wishlist / must haves -

Clinique Cheek Pop blushes - $21.00 USD
Previously launched about a year ago there were only four shades available - Plum Pop, Berry Pop, Ginger Pop and Peach Pop. I purchased two of them Plum (read here) and Berry (read here). Now, there are twelve shades to choose from - the original four and eight new shades. At this time the eight new shades are exclusive to Sephora and are available only online. So expect to see these sell out super fast!

Nars Radiant Creamy concealer - $29.00 USD
This is a "MUST HAVE" for my daily makeup routine. So I'm definitely gonna stock up on these. I like to purchase several different shades for concealing, highlighting and contouring. Fortunately these are available in-store so swatch away to find the perfect color for your skintone. It does apply thin with buildable coverage. For those who are extremely dry around the eye area like myself, it doesn't look dry or flaky once applied. LOVE THIS!!

Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE ÉCLAT Radiant Touch - $42.00 USD
Although on the price-y side it is absolutely amazing! I love this product so much and it gives my face a luminous glow especially underneath the eye area. On days when I haven't slept so well and my eyes are obviously having a moment, LOL, this along with the Nars creamy concealer camouflages those pesky dark circles and puffy eyes.

Speaking of YSL there are quite a few lippies I have absolutely been lusting after so expect to see major haulage! Here are two formulas on my wishlist: YSL VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY Glossy Balms (retails $34.00 USD) and YSL Rouge Volupté Shines (retails $36.00 USD). I've purchased a few previously (check the blog for swatches) so I'm familiar enough with them to know that I "MUST HAVE" more. One other formula I have been dying to repurchase are the YSL glossy stains (read here).

Giorgio Armani products -
Just the fact that Sephora carries this brand online now makes this a no-brainer! Giorgio Armani has some of the best beauty products - check out blush swatches: 400 Fusion blush here, 500 Fusion blush here, and 506 blush here. Here are two of the Fluid Sheers (which are HOLY GRAIL!!!) 8 here and 9 here. I recently ran out of a few of these Fluid Sheers so currently on my wishlist are 2, 7, 11 and 12. Need a lipstick recommendation then check out Rouge Ecstasy 508 Daybreak here. AH-mazing! Next on my wishlist is 507 and 509 Rouge Ecstasy lipsticks and maybe a few glosses. One other noteworthy product I must mention are the eyeshadow quads. Check out 11 Mystery here. On my wishlist are 2 Bourdior and 10 Mirage (the latter one is very popular and is always sold out!).

Fragrances -
When it comes to fragrances I like to purchase sampler sets or travel sized versions. My scent preferences are constantly changing and I can never use up a whole bottle before it expires so these just work best for me. Two fragrances on my wishlist are: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia and Burberry Brit Rhythm For Her Floral. Both have a clean and slightly floral scent that just appeal to me.

Makeup Brushes -
I don't have a particular brand in mind but I do know I want to invest more in synthetic or fiber bristled makeup brushes. In my opinion they last forever and are a better quality brush. The Sephora brand has quite a few to choose from and one in particular I'm excited to try is this one here. It is definitely on my MUST HAVE list. 

Another brand I have purchased from is the Make Up For Ever Artisan brushes. I have quite a few of their fiber bristled brushes and have been dying to purchase this set here. It is on the price-y side; it retails for $210 USD which is why it's on the WISHLIST and not the MUST HAVE. Also keep in mind that it does include all the brushes you will need to create any make up look. So if you were to purchase each of the brushes separately it would end up costing you a great deal more.

Worth Mentioning / Must See - 
These are some products I'm SUPER EXCITED to swatch and try on tomorrow:

Too Faced Melted lipsticks
Clinique Pop Lipsticks
Kat Von D Shade and Light Eye contour palette 
Hourglass Ambient Bronzers
Dior Rouge Brilliant glosses

GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY SAVINGS ALERT: 15% OFF EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING PASS WITH YOUR $75 OR MORE PURCHASE

An exclusive private shopping event for Giorgio Armani Subscribers. For a limited time enter code: EVENT15 to receive 15% off your $75 or more purchase with complimentary shipping. Offer expires on 02/24/15.

Subscribe here Giorgio Armani Beauty to take part in this private event and to receive future exclusive offers.

SEPHORA VIB ROUGE HOLIDAY SOIREE NOV 5TH EVENT AND VIB HOLIDAY 2014 SHOPPING EVENT

The biggest shopping event makeup addicts like myself, look forward to every year is almost here! November 5th kicks off all the festivities for VIB Rouge gals and guys so start making those shopping lists! This year the closed door VIB Rouge Holiday Soiree will feature a fun filled extravaganza of yummy treats, awesome gifts to reward VIB Rouge clients for their loyalty to Sephora and an additional day of shopping with 20% off your entire in-store and online purchase (**see important note below for further explanation**). The event starts at 7PM and lasts until 9PM although last year my Sephora store stayed open until about 10 or 11PM because everyone was having such a fantastic time shopping for all of their favorite things!

Good News for those who need an enabler to help convince them to buy more makeup! Each VIB Rouge invite allows you to bring a friend! So SHOP ON!!!

Be sure to RSVP here: www.sephora.com/rouge-rsvp by November 4th. The card says Nov 3rd but there was a slight delay in getting the invites out so Sephora has extended the sign-up an extra day. Don't worry if you RSVP'd but then can't make the event. Just call up your local Sephora and they will usually set aside the goodies for you to pick up later. Haven't received your invite yet, no worries! Just click the link above to RSVP to the Sephora event and you are good to go!

**Important VIB Rouge members**

Saw something online at Sephora.com but your local Sephora store doesn't carry it in-store? No worries! Just ask a Sephora Associate (preferably the Manager) during the Holiday Soiree event and they can assist you with the online order and yes, you will get to use the 20% online a day early.

Starting Thursday, Nov 6th and ending Monday, Nov 10th Sephora has given VIB and VIB Rouge members five whole days of shopping with 20% off your entire purchase in store and online plus the 20% can be used multiple times.

Use code: GIFTROUGE for VIB Rouge members and code GIFTVIB for VIB members.

GRAND OPENING CHARLOTTE PREMIUM OUTLET MALL - MY EXPERIENCE, WHAT TO EXPECT and HELPFUL TIPS

Overview -
This past weekend was a fun-filled day of shopping for my family. The Charlotte Premium Outlet mall had just opened their doors on Thursday, July 31st and they were offering shoppers a 4-day celebration of awesome deals and sales. The list of stores at the outlet mall is quite impressive and every store has a ton of people ready to assist you. Many stores were offering 20-40% off your entire purchase with some stores hosting giveaways and contests. While other stores would offer a small discount up front and then offer even bigger discounts at a later date to try and entice you back with the promise of additional savings.

This is the newest mall to be built since Northlake mall opened in 2005 and although there are several outlet malls in surrounding areas I believe this is the first outlet mall of its kind for Charlotte. The new outlet mall is quite impressive - a size of approx. 400,000 square ft (with an additional 125K square ft available for potential expansion), over 100 new stores to shop, and the main anchor store is Saks 5th Avenue Off Fifth. At this time there are 2,000 parking spaces for shoppers at the outlet mall and three overflow parking areas located in surrounding neighborhoods (Berewick Elementary School, Radiant Church and Shopton Square Shopping Center) with shuttle buses operating from 6 am to 11 pm taking shoppers to and from the outlet mall.

What to expect trying to get there -
Opening day, Thursday, July 31st, shoppers showed up as early as 6 am in the hopes of scoring some awesome deals. It was the same on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with police routinely shutting down surrounding entrances and roads into the mall to allow time for parking spaces at the outlet mall to clear out. Depending on the time of day, the shutdown could be for as little as an hour or two or at its most extreme it could be for several hours. On Saturday, the traffic fiasco was made even worse due to a special guest appearance by Bethenny Frankel, who founded Skinnygirl Cocktails. Roads were shutdown for three to four hours at a time.

Our experience trying to just get there -
Getting to the exit for the outlet mall didn't take us long - we took I485 south to exit 4 on Shopton road. We tried to turn right going towards the mall but the police directing the traffic diverted everyone away from the mall - either go back onto I485 or travel down the road in the opposite direction of the mall and then make a u-turn. After having to sit in traffic for well over an hour we finally made it to the road leading up to the mall entrance only to be turned away once again. According to police, the mall was closed. By now, it was around 5 pm and we were tired, hungry and beyond aggravated about the outlet mall closing so early. We decided to get a bite to eat before heading home and coincidentally there was a Bojangles directly across from the road leading to the mall entrance so we stopped there.

While we relaxed and ate our food cars kept pulling into Bojangles thinking they could park there and walk to the mall. Not so, the managers at Bojangles were patrolling the restaurant parking lot and turning people away who weren't there to eat at their establishment. On the roadways it was even worse, people were abandoning their cars on the sides of the road and making the really long walk to the mall. It was sheer madness! We stayed at the restaurant for about 45 minutes all the while we watched as scores of people walked along the roadways heading towards the mall. We also saw hordes of cars exiting as well but the police were still not allowing cars into the mall entrances. It was during this time we realized the mall hadn't closed it was just filled beyond capacity with too many cars and not enough parking spaces. Well, I guess we timed it perfectly because just as we were leaving Bojangles the police decided to reopen the main road leading to the mall entrance. By then hardly any traffic remained so we were able to park and shop at our leisure.

Helpful tips -
For right now the best time to shop at the outlet mall will be right as they open. Any later in the day and a person runs the risks of not being able to get in due to the police presence and them shutting down the entrances to the mall. I wouldn't advise going close to closing either as the majority of the merchandise will be picked over and not worth it.

This is an open style mall with some areas covered and some open. If it rains an umbrella or a rain jacket will be needed. If the weather is cool or hot then it might be necessary to dress in layers to accommodate the ever changing crazy weather. Also, there are plenty of places to rest with seating and benches all along the middle of the walkway.

There were a few snack shops open such as Great American Cookie and Auntie Anne's but not much else in the way of food. The food court wasn't open yet but several food trucks and food vendors were readily available along the perimeter of the mall with overpriced food similar to what one would find at the ballpark. Take for example Chick-fil-A, they had $5 dollar sandwiches with your choice of spicy or original chicken and for an additional $2.50 you could get a bag of waffle chips. One thing noticeably missing were soda machines or drinking fountains. Those were located in a few of the restrooms situated midway on both sides of the mall.

Shopping was extremely easy with a few of the more popular stores having long lines such as Kate Spade and Nike. There was a line just to enter the Kate Spade store but once inside shoppers could freely roam the store without feeling crowded or rushed. Overall there was plenty of sales associates to assist shoppers and to expedite the checkout process.

Our shopping experience -
My husband and son shopped mainly for clothes at Gap, Old Navy, American Eagle and Aeropostle while I shopped at stores such as Coach, Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, Talbots, Kate Spade and Michael Kors. We did purchase quite a few items from various other stores such as Wilson's Leather, Eddie Bauer and Adidas as well. The prices were definitely in line with what one could expect from an outlet mall so that was nice as well. Overall we were really happy with the deals / sales that were being offered and we saved quite a bit.

Be sure to check back - I'm super excited to show you everything that I got.

UPCOMING SEPHORA VIB ROUGE EVENT - AUG 3rd, 2014

Start making those shopping lists! Sephora is hosting a special 2 hour VIB Rouge event this Sunday, August 3rd, 2014. Shop during the closed-door party or if you can't make the event then shop anytime from Aug 3rd to Aug 10th to earn 4 times the beauty points. Not a VIB Rouge member? No worries, during this week-long event VIB insiders will earn triple points and Beauty Insiders will earn double the points. 

VIB Rouge Members please be sure to RSVP for the VIB Rouge event by Aug 1st and check with your local Sephora store because they will have different times for the event depending on their specific location.

Here is the RSVP link: SEPHORA VIB ROUGE EVENT RSVP

For those VIB Rouge members attending this exclusive event, a special makeup bag full of samples will be available for those making a $35 or more purchase. This kinda sucks that we have to make a purchase just to receive the makeup bag. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate Sephora hosting a VIB Rouge event and I know I will rack up a ton of points - but seriously? We have already spent well over 1K to become VIB Rouge members and now we have to make a $35 purchase just to get the makeup bag. It just seems a bit extreme is all I'm saying. Anyway, keep reading for the disclosures below.

DISCLOSURES (fine print)

*Select Sephora stores will have different hours; only select Sephora inside JCPenney stores will have closed-door shopping events. Check this site for participating stores and exact times. Sephora locations in Canada will be holding this event on Wednesday August 6th from 7-9pm. Click here to RSVP to a location in Canada.

**Qualified VIB Rouge will earn quadruple points, VIBs will earn triple points and Beauty Insiders will earn double points on merchandise purchases made Sunday August 3, 2014 thru Sunday August 10, 2014 at 11:59pm PDT. This offer is subject to termination by Sephora in its discretion at any time.Bonus points will be automatically credited to your BI Accounts the same day of purchase. Points not earned on sales tax, shipping, Sephora gift cards, eGift certificates and prior purchases. This offer is subject to termination by Sephora in its discretion at any time.

† Sephora Cosmetic Bag with samples and Rouge Tote Bag are only available in Sephora stores during the VIB Rouge Reception with any merchandise purchase of $35 USD or more. Limit of one of each offer per VIB Rouge client, non-transferable. Guests of VIB Rouge that are Beauty insiders are also eligible to redeem the Sephora Makeup Bag with samples with any merchandise purchase of $35 USD or more, limit one per client. Valid while supplies last, quantities are limited, sample bag assortment may vary. Not valid on previous purchases, or purchases of eGift certificates and gift cards. Sephora employees are not eligible for offers. No returns or exchanges. These offers are subject to change, alteration or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time.

CURRENTLY CRAVING / ON MY WISHLIST / DEALS AND SALES

GIORGIO ARMANI -

Today is the last day for the Giorgio Armani Friends and Family event. Get 20% off with code FAMILY14 once you spend $75 or more. For an added bonus spend $125 or more and get 5 deluxe samples. One of the items I've been loving from this brand are the Rouge Ecstasy lipsticks. I currently have 508 Daybreak (check out my review here) so I totally took advantage of this offer and picked up a few more lip products. I also wanted a few more Cheek Fabric blushes, I have 506 (check out my review here) so I was going to purchase 503 and 507 but unfortunately they are waitlist only right now. Anyway I'll probably get those later when they are back in stock. Another great item to add to the shopping list are the Fluid Sheers. I have a few of those and they last a really, really long time (I'll post the review links below) and the same goes for the Maestro Fusion blushes too. The last two items I wanted to purchase are a few of the single eyeshadows and a couple of the eyeshadow quad compacts. I haven't tried either one before so these are definitely at the top of my shopping list.

GIORGIO ARMANI FLUID SHEER 8 SPRING 2013 COLLECTION - SWATCHES and REVIEW

GIORGIO ARMANI FLUID SHEER 9 SPRING 2013 COLLECTION - SWATCHES and REVIEW

400 GIORGIO ARMANI MAESTRO FUSION BLUSH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW 

500 GIORGIO ARMANI MAESTRO FUSION BLUSH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW 

NARS -

Another new product I'm really excited about are the Nars Dual-Intensity eyeshadows. OMG, they look gorgeous! There are twelve shades to choose from, they retail for about $29 and they contain .05 oz of product. These are shimmer eyeshadows that can be applied dry or wet depending on your personal preference. The eyeshadows are already available for purchase on the Nars.com website but if you need to see it and swatch it in person then they should start popping up in stores starting tomorrow, July 1st. 

 

NORDSTROM -

Over the weekend I made a quick trip to Nordstrom for some sandals. I needed a cute pair for the upcoming July 4th weekend only I didn't have any luck finding anything I really liked. So after I got back home I checked online and I found these: MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Gage' Flip Flops. How cute are they! They come in two different colors: Vanilla and Brown and they were only around $59. Another bonus is the thick sole (I just hate a flat shoe) and they look so comfy! I'm super excited to be getting these! Now I just need to find a new purse to go with them! Haha! 

RESCHEDULED ALLURE SUMMER 2014 BEAUTY BOX - MAY 6th 2014 at 12:01 PM EST.

Originally the Allure Summer 2014 Beauty Box was supposed to go on sale April 29th but due to technical difficulties on the part of Allure and their website they have postponed the sale until May 6th. Now some beauty enthusiasts were able to place an order and according to Allure they will honor those orders. While others, like myself, were not even able to get the Allure website to load long enough to place an order. Hopefully with the rescheduling of the event everyone will be able to get through this time.

The Allure Beauty Box will be available at 12:01 PM Eastern time on May 6th, 2014. During the last launch Allure provided multiple links to purchase the Beauty Boxes so I will try to update my original post here and this post with any available links.

Once again - Should the time or link change I will update you ASAP. Here are some of the links below to make a purchase when they become available:

Try this link: http://www.allureaccess.com/beauty-box/ 

Here is another link to try: https://allurebbfulfillment.com/aa2014f/

An additional link to try: http://www.allureaccess.com/summer/

ALLURE BEAUTY BOX SUMMER 2014 - WHAT TO EXPECT and WHEN IS IT AVAILABLE

I love Allure magazine and I have subscribed to them for many years. I am also an Allure Beauty Enthusiast member and have been for quite some time as well. Now it doesn't cost anything to become a member and it doesn't require a magazine subscription either. Although if you are not subscribed to them you are really missing out on one of the best magazines available. Especially if you love fashion and makeup trends!

Sign up here to become an Allure Beauty Enthusiast - it's free to join.

Another added benefit to becoming a member are the special offers and discounts. One such offer granted earlier this month, Allure reached out to their Beauty Enthusiasts allowing them an exclusive pre-sale offer for all three 2014 beauty boxes. The total cost (I believe shipping was included) was 199.95 USD and the deadline was April 22nd to make a purchase. So no waiting, no watching the clock for the sale, and no missing out on the beauty boxes! 

PLEASE NOTE: 
The information listed above and below is to be used only as a guide. I do not work for Allure nor am I affiliated with them. I am posting information based solely on my own personal experience of purchasing the Allure Beauty Boxes since May 2011. Hopefully what I post will help make your experience less stressful and more enjoyable. 

Every year I purchase the Allure Beauty Boxes (I believe these were first available in May 2011) and YES they are available multiple times a year (there will be 3 for 2014) for purchase. They typically range in price from as low as $29.99 USD for the Allure Winter Holiday beauty box up to $39.99 USD for the regular Allure Beauty Box (prices are subject to change). This year the cost will be $44.95 for the Summer Beauty Box. The cost does not include shipping and handling charges which do apply and they are about $10.00 USD plus sales tax (depending on your state).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

1. The link to purchase the Allure Beauty Box when it becomes active will be an image similar to the pic at the top of this post. You must click on the image and it will take you to the order form. If you encounter another image asking if you want to make a purchase then click on the image again. This order process varies from time to time depending on how Allure sets up the website / web page. With previous sales Allure allowed you to log in to the AllureAccess.com website and then proceed from there. However this year it looks like they will just update the site with the image when it is time for the sale to start. Be sure to fill out the order form as quickly as possible and have your credit card information ready as well. The Allure Beauty boxes sell out quickly...I mean within minutes and poof "sold out"!

2. In the past people have experienced dead links, or unable to load page, or other similar issues with the Beauty Box link that Allure posts on their Allure.com webpage and on Facebook. If that happens for you then please use this link: AllureAccess.com (see new link below). It is a direct link that allows you to purchase the Beauty Boxes or any other products, contests, etc. that are sponsored by Allure. If Allure changes the link this year I will post the new link below.

3. In the past - I'm not sure if this is true for all - according to others who commented on Allure's Facebook page if you use a web browser other than Firefox you may experience difficulties accessing the site. Personally I have always been able to access it just fine but then again I use Firefox as my web browser.

I'll be sure to update this post with the link should it change once it has become active. The link for the beauty boxes will be active until all quantities have been sold. So when the sale first starts you may experience some slow down with the web page but it quickly passes. However, if the link quits working or fails to load then you know the beauty boxes are probably sold out. In the past it has taken 24-48 hours to sell out but the Summer Beauty Box took less than 10 minute and the Fall Beauty Box sold out in less than five so you might want to jump on this ASAP.

The Allure Beauty Box will be available at 12:01 PM Eastern time on April 29th, 2014. Once again - Should the time or link change I will update you ASAP. Here is the link below to make a purchase when they become available:

Allure Beauty Box Allure Access

or try this link: http://www.allureaccess.com/beauty-box/ 

here is another link to try: https://allurebbfulfillment.com/aa2014f/

HAUTELOOK SPRING LIP BEAUTY BAG - NOW AVAILABLE

Today on HauteLook the HauteLook Spring Lip Beauty Bag is now available!

It contains over $160 worth of lip products and it's only $24.00 USD plus tax and shipping.

- Set of 10 items with cosmetic case

Set includes:
Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick: The Italian Marble Lipsticks were inspired by my luxurious, Italian-made Baked Collection.This swirl of light and dark pigments creates a vibrant depth of color on the lips, while its unique formulation provides deeply smoothing and softening benefits, thanks to moisturizing emollient oils.
- Color: sugared maple (a glazed caramel with creamy vanilla)
- Size: 0.12 oz

LORAC Lip Lustre Gloss: Inspired by our top-selling 3D Liquid Lustre Eye Shimmer, these glimmering, glam glosses are paraben-free, super hydrating and infused with antioxidants of Acai Berry, Pomegranate, Grape Seed and Vitamins A, C & E. Wear Lip Lustre alone or with your favorite LORAC lipstick for added sparkle and shine.
- Color: ruby
- Size: 0.11 oz
- Paraben-free
- Hydrating formula
- Infused with antioxidants of acai berry, pomegranate, Grape Seed and Vitamins A, C and E

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Shade: Mirenesse Glossy Kiss is a 3 in 1 color created with BB Mineral Technology. Glossy Kiss takes Lip Color to a new level, delivering a high dose of color and shine in just one swipe; with the precision of a liner, the moisture of a balm, the shine of a gloss and the staying power of a stain all-in-one! Engineered from the latest in color technology, this high-pigment, glossy color is non-sticky, non-drying, and non-feathering and is infused with moisturizing vitamin E and BB Mineral Pigments to leave the lips full, smooth and hydrated and looking younger every day!
- Color: 2. Flirty Kiss (glossy red)
- Size: 3g
- Imported

Mirenesse Lip Bomb #2: A Revolutionary color that combines gloss, stain and lacquer all in one! A satisfying new innovation in lip color; beyond gloss, stain or lip lacquer. Color that drenches your lips for a juicy high impact color that's feather-light and super-moist with a velvety finish. Power packed with non-smearing pigment that lasts and lasts. Colors may be mixed easily to create countless intense or nude looks depending on your fashion mood! Infused with a breath refreshing mint taste and Lip Perfecting Spheres plus caring vitamins. Who says you can't have it all?
- Color: 2 (siren red)
- Size: 3.1g
- Key Ingredients: Lip Perfecting Spheres,Botanical Oils & Vitamin E
- Formulated for Sensitive Skin, Mirenesse Cosmetics are pharmaceutically formulated using organic Australian and safe, high quality and unique ingredients to minimize the risk of allergies.

Swoon Lip Gloss Reusable Wand: An innovative cosmetics tool that is designed to retrieve every bit of gloss from a lip gloss tube.
- Size: 5.6 x 1 x 1.5 inches
- Extend the life of your lip gloss
- Use on any brand of lip gloss; designed to reach, scoop and apply all the product in the tube
- Easy-to-clean with makeup cleaner or baby wipe
- Grooved handle enables easy gloss application
- Applicator cover keeps Swoon clean in your makeup bag
- Washable applicator tip is made of TPE

La Fresh Lip/Eye Makeup Remover Packette: Travel-savvy women around the globe rave about La Fresh Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipes. That's because they instantly dissolve even heavy-duty makeup with a silky, lite-touch formula. Perfectly portable, La Fresh makes beauty a breeze when you're on-the-go.
- Approx. 6" x 7.75"
- Dissolves makeup from eyes, lips & face
- Moisturizing formula with vitamin e
- Carry-on friendly -- no spills, no leaks
- Biodegradable and compostable wet wipes

Lord and Berry Shining Lipstick: Say hello to vibrant and kissably soft lips with the Lord and Berry 20100 Lipstick Pencil. With a smooth and silky texture, it glides on effortlessly to produce seamless, long-lasting coverage, whilst having a glamorous, shiny finish.
- Color: Fire (red)

Allegro Lip Gloss Case
- Approx. 3.5" L x 1.5" W x 1" D

Crown Brush Lip Liner Brush: Add the perfect finishing touch to any look with the oval Taklon. The soft, yet firm synthetic bristles are specifically designed to line, contour, and blend with ease. The size of the tapered tip is ideal for reaching smaller areas and smudging liquid and cream based products.
- Brush length: 180mm
- Tip length 8mm
- Hair color: brown
- Ferrule color: black patent
- Handle color: black patent

NYX Lip Liner: Slim, trim but never prim, our lip pencils come in a variety of dashing shades from auburn to orange and traffic-stopping red. The buttery, long-wearing lip liner formula goes on easily and resists bleeding.
- Size: 0.01 oz.
- Creamy formula glides on smoothly and blends easily
- Provides long-lasting wear that does not feather or bleed
- Contains Coconut Oils to hydrate and condition
- Works perfectly with any NYX lipstick or gloss
- Color: Ruby, Fruit Punch, Nectar, Nude Pink, Citrus

Makeup Bag:
- Approx. 8" L x 4.5" W x 4" D

Please note your order will be shipped directly from the brand. Orders cannot be shipped to Australia, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or P.O. Boxes.

AZALEA SMASHBOX BE LEGENDARY LIP GLOSS - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

One of the items I purchased online during the Sephora 15% off discount period was the Smashbox Be Legendary lip gloss in Azalea. It is a brightened pink fuschia gloss that is non-sticky and applies easily. The gloss kept its shine and color with a wear time of about five hours before I needed to reapply. When you first apply the gloss it may look more sheer but within a matter of minutes the color pigments in the gloss really intensify the wash of color on the lips. 

The Azalea gloss currently retails for $20.00 USD and contains .20 fl oz. of product. There are a total of sixteen glosses to choose from and they are all available on the Smashbox website and online at Sephora. When I went to Sephora at the Northlake mall on Saturday they hadn't received the glosses in store yet. So for now you may want to purchase these online but I do expect them to pop up in store at Sephora within the next few weeks.

NORDSTROM BUY 2 GET 1 FREE MASCARA MADNESS - MAY 24TH 2014 / PREORDER NOW!

About two weeks ago I stopped in at Nordstrom to check out the new Spring and Summer makeup collections. While I was there I found out that Nordstrom is already taking pre-orders for their HUGE Mascara Madness event. Last year they hosted the event twice - once in May and then again in November. This year Nordstrom will host the event In May - this one day only event will be held all day on May 24th, 2014.

For those who are unfamiliar with this event - Nordstrom allows shoppers to purchase (in store and online) two mascaras and then receive a third mascara for free. Last year there were no limits on the number of mascaras pre-ordered (I pre-ordered 9 of the Chanel Le Volume mascaras during the November event) and you were able to purchase from across multiple brands. Just remember the lowest priced mascara will be the freebie so keep that in mind while shopping.

When you pre-order for the promotion you are guaranteed your mascaras and you will not be billed for them until a day or two before the event. If you decide to wait and make a purchase on the day of the event then quantities will be limited and your favorite brand might already be sold out. The same applies for making a purchase online as well. Additionally, online purchases will only apply to select brands while in-store and pre-orders will apply to all cosmetic brands.

So don’t miss out on this exclusive Nordstrom opportunity! Hurry in and get your pre-order before your favorite brand is sold out!

There are some exclusions - the B2G1 free promotion does not apply to lash primer or enhancing products (i.e. lash plumping serum). **Please note** All information listed in this post (including the exclusions) are subject to change. I will be sure to update this post immediately should that occur.

SEPHORA 15% OFF DISCOUNT CODES - LET'S GET SHOPPING!

Sephora is offering all beauty members 15% off your entire purchase (in store and online) and it can be used multiple times! Please see below for the specific dates and codes pertaining to your particular beauty level.

If you are a BI (Beauty Insider) then starting April 4th use code: TICKET at checkout to receive 15% off your entire purchase. The multi-use code will be good until April 10th.

If you are a VIB (Very Important Beauty) then starting April 3rd use code: VIBTICKET at checkout to receive 15% off your entire purchase. The multi-use code will be good until April 11th.

If you are a VIB Rouge (Very Important Beauty Rouge) then starting Mar 30th use code: ROUGETICKET at checkout to receive 15% off your entire purchase. The multi-use code will be good until April 11th.

GET A CODE FOR 15% OFF ONLINE AT GIORGIO ARMANI - DEALS / SALES

Subscribers / Members to the Giorgio Armani website can get 15% off any Giorgio Armani order. Need a code then click here to get your exclusive members only code for 15% off any order. The 15% off is good until March 24th so hurry and get your shop on!

Receive free shipping with any purchase of $75 or more.

ULTA FRIENDS AND FAMILY EXCLUSIVE OFFER!

Thanks to Kathy aka Kathy @MakeupDetective for the heads up!

It's here -- Ulta Friends and Family exclusive offer!

I love a good sale, even more so when it involves beauty products! Ulta is offering a one time use 20% off coupon on your entire purchase for just about anyone with an e-mail address. It can be used online or in-store and the coupon is valid starting Sunday, January 12th through Saturday, January 18th. Sounds pretty good to me so count me in!

Be sure to read the disclosures below because there are several name brand companies that are excluded from this offer (oh, how I hate exclusions!)

Click on the link now for the ULTA coupon offer: ULTA FRIENDS and FAMILY

DISCLOSURES:
Coupon offer valid on all regular price and sale merchandise and on any one service at THE SALON™, excluding hair extensions (THE SALON™ offer is valid for all guests on one service only). Not valid on Lancôme, Clinique, Urban Decay Naked 1, 2 or 3, Benefit Brow Bar Services and Beauty Steals. Cannot be redeemed for cash or gift cards. This offer cannot be combined with any other ULTA coupon offer. Not valid on prior purchases. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited by law. May be used on a single purchase and is limited to stock on hand. We reserve the right to limit quantities to normal retail purchases. Limit one per customer, per visit. Please check Ulta.com for your location details. ©2014 ULTA Salon, Cosmetics and Fragrance, Inc. Valid 1/12/14-1/18/14.

CYBER MONDAY SAVINGS / DEALS

"Joining Ebates is always free - you'll never pay them any fees or memberships. Four times a year or more, Ebates will mail you a Big Fat Check, or transfer the money you have earned to your PayPal account if you'd prefer. They can even send the money to your favorite charity. All 100% free. Ready to join then sign up here: Ebates.com

People often ask: "This sounds too good to be true, how are they able to do it?" It really is quite simple. Just like almost every other online shopping center, they get a commission from the stores when you make a purchase. Instead of keeping that money - like almost all other sites do - they share it with you!

So, as long as 1,600+ of the world's top online stores are happy to pay a bonus to attract the new, valuable customers they send their way, Ebates is going to continue to send Big Fat Checks to satisfied customers across the globe."

For the skeptics out there I will even share with you exactly how much I have earned through Ebates just for shopping online:

Yes, I have actually earned a little over $400 and counting. Anytime I place an online order I always make sure to go through Ebates first. Another added bonus to using Ebates are the coupons and discount codes that are available as well. As long as I use Ebates I know that I am getting the best deal possible.

Want to know how it works then keep reading:

Below are just a few of the cash back deals that are available!
Click on the referral link here to see them all!

SEPHORA 2013 MERRY CRAZY EXCLUSIVE VIB REWARD CARD

VERY IMPORTANT BEAUTY INSIDERS (VIBs) start checking your postal box for Sephora's MERRY CRAZY EXCLUSIVE REWARD CARD. The $20 VIB reward card is Sephora's way of saying "Thanks!" for being such a valuable part of the VIB program.

The reward card can be redeemed one-time starting Wednesday, Dec. 4th and is good until Monday, Dec. 16th, 2013. The $20 reward card can be used online at Sephora.com or in-store but there is a $50 minimum purchase that is required and you must have qualified for VIB status as of October 1st, 2013. 

#ShopOn

"GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICK OF THE MONTH CLUB" GIVEAWAY SWEEPSTAKES

OMG, YES - I do want to win!

Do YOU want a chance to win a year's worth of lipstick? Then enter HERE to win a set of Givenchy Beauty's sleek, leather-encased Le Rouge lipsticks.

Ten entrants will be chosen.

The official sponsor of the "Givenchy Lipstick of The Month Club" giveaway sweepstakes is Into The Gloss.

For the official rules and disclosures click here.

SOLD OUT! - ALLURE WINTER HOLIDAY BEAUTY BOX

Now Available: The Allure Winter Beauty Box --> Click here to purchase the Allure Beauty Box or copy the link below into your web browser: 

https://www.allurebbfulfillment.com/anov13tg/

Below is a list of all the wonderful items you will receive with the purchase of the Beauty Box:

ALMAY COLOR + CARE™ Liquid Lip Balm**

Combining the lip-conditioning care of a balm with the shiny color of a gloss, NEW ALMAY COLOR + CARE™ Liquid Lip Balm drenches lips with 2X hydration.***
almay.com

AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion

This dermatologist-recommended, naturally nourishing lotion absorbs quickly and is clinically proven to moisturize your skin for a full 24 hours.
aveeno.com

CETAPHIL® Moisturizing Cream

This non-greasy, dermatologist-recommended cream is excellent for anywhere that requires intensive moisturizing.
cetaphil.com

E.L.F. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder

Create a healthy glow with the e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder for just $3. Available at eyeslipsface.com.
eyeslipsface.com

FIRST AID BEAUTY® Ultra Repair® Cream

Banish dry skin, even eczema. First Aid Beauty® Ultra Repair® Cream instantly improves hydration and delivers long-lasting moisture from head to toe.
sephora.com

JULEP Vixen Polish Duo

We believe beauty is about connection, not competition. Julep Maven creates 10 new runway-inspired nail colors and two socially innovative beauty products each month.
julep.com

L’ORÉAL PARIS® Extraordinaire by Colour Riche®**

The new vision of liquid lipcolor for the most perfect lips. Richer color. Smoother lip surface. Magnified shine.
lorealparis.com

NEUTROGENA® Crease Proof Eye Shadow

An antioxidant-rich formula with light-reflecting pearls to instantly brighten eyes, while a built-in primer prevents creasing, fading, and smudging.
neutrogena.com

NEUTROGENA® Healthy Skin Primer

A lightweight formula with natural soy and optical modifiers to help even the look of skin for eight hours, with or without makeup.
neutrogena.com

NEUTROGENA® Pore Refining® Daily Cleanser

An alpha and beta hydroxy formula clinically proven to visibly smooth over uneven patches and tighten pores.
neutrogena.com

NOT YOUR MOTHER'S® Knotty to Nice™ Conditioning Detangler

Infused with keratin protein, Knotty to Nice™ moisturizes your hair and separates tangles with ease.
nymbrands.com

NYX Love in Paris Eye Shadow Palette**

Highlight your eyes' seductive glimmer with these brilliant, high-fashion palettes, featuring nine richly pigmented shades and a dual-ended applicator for easy, on-the-go touch-ups.
nyxcosmetics.com

ONE 'N ONLY® Brazilian Tech™ Keratin De-Frizz Wand

Smooth untamed flyaways in an instant! Unique, convenient wand adds shine and keeps your hairstyle polished wherever you go.
one-n-only.com

RED CARPET MANICURE Youth Crème

Professional salon-strength Youth Crème instantly delivers non-greasy hydration to even the driest of hands, nails, and cuticles.
ulta.com

RIMMEL Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner

This ultra-smooth and creamy pencil glides on easily with instant color impact. Smudge-proof, waterproof, sweat-proof, heat-proof, humidity-proof and...scandal-proof
rimmellondon.com

RUSK® Deepshine® Color Care Invisible Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo instantly absorbs excess oil and odor, leaving a fresh, clean scent with no white residue. facebook.com/ruskhaircare
@ruskhaircare

RUSK® Deepshine® Color Care Lock-In Treatment

Offering maximum color protection from fade-out, this treatment helps extend the time between coloring. facebook.com/ruskhaircare
@ruskhaircare

SALLY HANSEN® Airbrush Legs® Liquid Makeup

This lightweight leg makeup gives you flawless-looking, irresistible, sexy legs in an instant! Now in trial size, ready for on-the-go beauty!
sallyhansen.com

SALLY HANSEN® Complete Salon Manicure™ Dry & Go Drops™

These fast-working drops dry any nail polish in 60 seconds! Grab a smooth, glossy mani without the wait!
sallyhansen.com

SALLY HANSEN® Insta-Dri® Anti-Chip Top Coat

Top it off with Insta-Dri Top Coat and give your mani no-chip shine that lasts up to 10 days!
sallyhansen.com

SALLY HANSEN® Triple Shine™ Nail Color**

Get ready for the shiniest nails ever! Water to workout, day in and day out, nothing will dull these nails.
sallyhansen.com

SATION On Cloud Wine

Miss Professional Nail offers seasonal and limited nail-lacquer color collections as well as professional-grade nail-care products.
misspn.com

SMILE SCIENCES Teeth Whitening Pen

Get up to 10 shades whiter with zero sensitivity with this made-in-the-USA, FDA-registered whitening pen.
smilesciences.com

ZOYA PixieDust Nail Polish in Tomoko

This unique, gorgeously textured, sparkling champagne-silver matte polish requires no base or topcoat. Big5Free** formula.
zoya.com