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/

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.

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

ALLURE WINTER HOLIDAY BEAUTY BOX - Nov 19th @ 12:01PM EST (IMPORTANT / HELPFUL TIPS)

GET READY! On November 19th at 12:01PM EST the ALLURE WINTER HOLIDAY BEAUTY BOX will go on sale!

You will receive over $300 worth of "WINTER HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL" beauty products for the low cost of only $39.99 with an additional $10 for shipping and handling. The total cost is $49.99 plus tax. Typically $5 of the purchase price goes towards a charity of their choosing. This year it is the "I AM THAT GIRL" foundation - "A global community, a support system, and a movement of girls (8-108) turning self-doubt into self-love". You can read more about the charity here.

I've always purchased the beauty boxes in the past (check out the 2012 Fall box here and here) and I am always surprised by all the great products included in them. Check out the 2013 Summer Beauty Box here. Check out their 2013 Fall beauty box here. There is always something for everyone in them and there is plenty to share with others too.

*** PLEASE NOTE ***

Important / Helpful Tips
1. If you want to be alerted for when they go on sale again you can sign up to be a beauty enthusiast here. There is no cost to be a member and there are a lot of great opportunities to receive free samples or deals on many new and old beauty products. I would recommend signing up now so the day of the event all you will have to do is log-in and wait for the link to become active.

2. The link when it becomes active will be an image similar to the above pic. You must click on the image and it will take you to the order form. Fill out the order form as quickly as possible and be sure to have your credit card ready as well.

3. In the past people have experienced dead links, or unable to load page, or any other issue with the Beauty Box link that Allure posted on their Allure.com webpage then please use this link: AllureAccess.com. It is a direct link that allows you to purchase the Beauty Boxes or any other products, contests, etc. that are sponsored by Allure.

4. I'm not sure if this is true for all but according to others who commented on Allure's Facebook page in the past if you used 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 direct link for the 2013 Allure Winter Holiday Beauty Box 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 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.

ALLURE FALL 2013 BEAUTY BOX - TODAY @ 12:01 PM est.

GET READY! On JULY 23rd at 12:01PM EST the ALLURE FALL BEAUTY BOX will go on sale!

You will receive over $350 worth of "FALL ESSENTIAL" beauty products for the low cost of only $39.99 with an additional $10 for shipping and handling. So the total cost is $49.99 plus tax. Typically $5 of the purchase price goes towards a charity of their choosing. This year it is "Cancer and Careers".

I've purchased the beauty boxes in the past (check out the 2012 Fall box here and here) and I am always surprised by all the great products included in them. Check out the 2013 Summer Beauty Box here. There is always something for everyone in them and there is plenty to share with others too. If you want to be alerted for when they go on sale again you can sign up to be a beauty enthusiast here. There is not cost to be a member and there are a lot of great opportunities to receive free samples or deals on many new and old beauty products.

I'll be sure to update this post with the link for the 2013 Allure Fall Beauty Box 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 sold out. In the past it has taken 24-48 hours to sell out but the Summer Beauty Box took less than 10 minute. So you might want to jump on this ASAP.

Here is the link:: ALLURE BEAUTY BOX Just click on the image once the link is activated (@ 12:01 PM est.) and it will take you to the order form.

SOLD OUT: ALLURE 2013 SUMMER BEAUTY BOX

Sorry Beauty Enthusiasts,

The Allure Summer Beauty Box has sold out! I don't ever remember the Beauty Box selling out as quickly as this one. Within ten minutes they were all gone. I know I barely had time to get my order placed before the dreaded "sold out" image appeared.

I'm not sure if this is true for all but according to others who commented on Allure's Facebook page if you used a web browser other than Firefox you may have experienced difficulties accessing the site. Personally, I was able to access it just fine but then again I was using Firefox as my web browser.

For those that missed out or decided to skip the Summer Beauty Box, check back in August when Allure will be announcing the official release date for the Fall Beauty Box. Additionally, for those that experienced dead links, or unable to load page, or any other issue with the Beauty Box link that Allure posted on their Allure.com webpage then please use this link: AllureAccess.com. It is a direct link that allows you to purchase the Beauty Boxes or any other products, contests, etc. that are sponsored by Allure.


GET READY! On April 23rd at 12:01PM EST the ALLURE SUMMER BEAUTY BOX will go on sale!

You will receive over $250 worth of "SUMMER ESSENTIAL" beauty products for the low cost of only $39.99 with an additional $10 for shipping and handling. So in all the cost is $49.99 plus tax and typically $5 of the purchase goes towards a charity of their choosing.

I've purchased the beauty boxes in the past (check out the 2012 Fall box here and here) and I am always surprised by all the great products included in them. There is always something for everyone in them and there is plenty to share with others too. If you want to be alerted for when they go on sale again you can sign up to be a beauty enthusiast here. Or you can join here as well There is not cost to be a member and there are a lot of great opportunities to receive free samples or deals on many new and old beauty products.


Click here to purchase the Allure Beauty Box or copy the link below into your web browser: https://www.allurebbfulfillment.com/april2013/

I'll be sure to update this post with the link for the 2013 Allure Summer Beauty Box 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 all sold out. In the past it has taken 24-48 hours less than 10 minutes this time.

ALLURE HOLIDAY BEAUTY BOX - STILL AVAILABLE

Attention Allure Beauty Enthusiasts: (you can Subscribe Here) it's time for the Allure Holiday Beauty Box! On sale November 23rd, this box of goodies (you can get Yours Here) is still available. I've ordered the Allure Beauty Boxes before and I have always found a lot of great useful items. Many of the items I share with family and friends but some of the products are just too amazing to part with. The Beauty Boxes tend to sell out within the first few days so you might want to hurry and get yours while you still can.

The cost is $29.99 plus $10.00 shipping / handling and keep in mind that $5.00 from each purchase will be donated to the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer fund. Also, there is a max limit of no more than 5 per purchase. Here is a list of everything that you can expect to receive with your Beauty Box:

WHAT'S IN MY 2012 ALLURE FALL BEAUTY BOX

I totally forgot to post this! This is everything that I got in the my 2012 Allure Fall Beauty Box.

AVEENO Natural Protection Sunblock lotion w/ SPF 30
BUXOM Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Dolly
BIOMEGA Firm and Fabulous Hairspray
BIORE Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
BURT'S BEES Intense Hydration Night Cream
COLORESCIENCE Primers
DR. LEWINN BY KINERASE Wrinkle Repair Daily Lotion SPF 30
ECLOS Plant-Based Beauty Anti-Aging Starter Kit
GKHAIR Serum
GLYTONE Exfoliating Body Wash
JERGENS Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturizer
JOHN FRIEDA Clear Shine Luminous Glaze
JOHN FRIEDA Frizz-Ease Dream Curls Perfecting Spray
JOHN FRIEDA Full Repair Perfect Ends Deep Infusion
LIPTON Tea and Honey
MISS PROFESSIONAL NAIL Sation Nail Lacquer Rock-a-Guy Blue
NYC NEW YORK COLOR Sparkle Eye Dust in 14 Karat Rose
NYX Stick Blush in Orchid (SB06)
OSCAR BLANDI Pronto Dry Texture and Volume Spray
REDKEN Smooth Lock Stay Sleek
ZAPPOS.COM $15 coupon

I was really impressed with the wide variety of full sized items I received in my Fall Beauty Box. From haircare, body care and makeup products to even iced tea packets. The Allure Fall Beauty Box really covers the broad spectrum of all-over health care.

GKHAIR Serum
JOHN FRIEDA Clear Shine Luminous Glaze
REDKEN Smooth Lock Stay Sleek

COLORESCIENCE Primers
BIORE Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
DR. LEWINN BY KINERASE Wrinkle Repair Daily Lotion SPF 30
AVEENO Natural Protection Sunblock lotion w/ SPF 30

LIPTON Tea and Honey
GLYTONE Exfoliating Body Wash
ECLOS Plant-Based Beauty Anti-Aging Starter Kit
JERGENS Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturizer

NYX Stick Blush in Orchid (SB06)
MISS PROFESSIONAL NAIL Sation Nail Lacquer Rock-a-Guy Blue
NYC NEW YORK COLOR Sparkle Eye Dust in 14 Karat Rose
BURT'S BEES Intense Hydration Night Cream
BUXOM Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Dolly

SCORE ALLURE'S FALL BEAUTY BOX WHILE IT'S HOT!

Mark your calendars because Allure's Fall Beauty Box will launch on July 24th. I bought the Summer Beauty Box and it had some fabulous products that I have come to love ♥ 

Don't miss out!

ALLURE'S FALL BEAUTY BOX

Get ready to stock up on the must-have beauty essentials of the season. Allure's Fall Beauty Box is packed with full-size products from your favorite brands, including Aveeno, Bioré, Burt's Bees, Miss Professional, Oscar Blandi, and more. On sale July 24, so act quickly. For details, pick up the August issue of Allure or visit allureaccess.com.

Olay Regenerist Night ...$40.56 Sam's Club

NOW AVAILABLE: ALLURE "SUMMER" 2012 BEAUTY BOX

Allure Summer 2012 Beauty Box - Available April 24th @ 12:01PM EST.

It is officially Spring but Summer is only two months away and I am so ready for the warmer weather. Although this year's Spring season has been rather warm at times which has me worried about how hot it will get this Summer. Hopefully it won't be too hot though.

Anyway, last year I ordered the Allure Beauty Box (you can check out my post here) and I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by everything that I received. So I am definitely going to order it again this year when it becomes available.

This year's Allure Beauty Box seems like it will be as great, if not better, than last years. The cost is $39.99 plus shipping and handling (last year it was $10 for shipping) and $5 from each purchase will be donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Here is a list of all the products you will be receiving:

• ALOXXI COLOURCARE Leave-In Conditioner
• BIORE Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser
• BURT'S BEES Lip Shimmer
• CERAVE SA Renewing Lotion
• CETAPHIL DERMACONTROL Oil Control Foam Wash
• CETAPHIL DERMACONTROL Oil Control moisturizer SPF 30
• CLEAN & CLEAR MORNING BURST Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser
• DR. LEWINN BY KINERASE Instant Dermal Wrinkle Filler
• FEKKAI GLOSSING Cream
• GILLETTE VENUS & OLAY RAZOR
• NEW! JERGENS NATURAL GLOW & PROTECT Daily Moisturizer with SPF 20
• JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ-EASE Sheer Solution Lightweight Frizz Control for fine to med. hair
• JOHN FRIEDA FULL REPAIR Style Revival Heat-Activated Styling Spray
• JOHN FRIEDA Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray
• MISS Nail Lacquer
• NEUTROGENA Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunscreen SPF 70
• NEUTROGENA MoistureShine Lip Soother with SPF 20 in Gleam
• ORLY Nail Lacquer
• OSCAR BLANDI Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray
• PANTENE Normal-Thick Anti-Breakage Shampoo
• PANTENE Normal-Thick Anti-Breakage Conditioner
• PUREOLOGY PERFECT 4 PLATINUM Miracle Filler Treatment
• REDKEN POWDER REFRESH 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo
• TANTOWEL LOOK GOOD NAKED Self-Tan Towelette

Sale begins April 24th at 12:01PM EST. while supplies last.  

There are no guarantees that you will get one but when it becomes available you can order it from here: https://allurebbfulfillment.com/april2012site/   

Keep in mind, that last year after the Beauty Box sold out online, Allure disabled the virtual store link to purchase the Beauty Boxes. So if you don't find the listing for the Beauty Box in Allure's virtual store, then they may have already sold out of them all.    

ULTA HAUL / SHOP SPREE

This is just a quick haul / shopping spree of some drugstore makeup and haircare products that I recently picked up at Ulta. I am really loving the John Freida line of haircare products; especially the Luxurious Volume line. My hair is really long, medium to fine in thickness, and has a slight wave. So when its humid outside my hair tends to get a little frizzy.

This shampoo and conditioner really helps to tame my hair and gives it a wonderful shine that is amazing! Now I do alternate my shampoo and conditioner routine so this is just one of several that I use when I wash my hair in the mornings. I'll try and post some of the other haircare products later.

The Maybelline color tattoo cream eye shadows are the big thing to have right now. So many people are raving about their texture and staying power. Now, while I haven't tried these yet, I have used other cream eyeshadows. I typically apply the cream shadow right after I use an eye shadow primer. For me, it helps to set the eye area and aids in reducing eyeshadow creasing.

I think the big draw for most everyone is the price. These are so affordable compared to the pricier brands. Just about everyone can afford to purchase the Color Tattoo cream eyeshadows. They currently retail for $6.99 at Ulta and there is a promotion going on right now. If you buy two of them you will get a third one for free.

The last item that I bought was the L'Oreal infallible eye shadow in iced latte. It's a powdery eye shadow that glides on smooth like butter. It is a light vanilla golden color and is similar to Stila Kitten but not quite as shimmery. I currently own both and I find that Stila Kitten leans more warm where as the iced latte, has more of a shimmery vanilla, almost neutral tone. If that makes sense, ha ha! Don't get me wrong, I do love both, but Kitten is $18 and this was only about $7- $8. So for the money and if you are on a budget, the L'Oreal iced latte is the better deal and the closest dupe, in my opinion, to Stila Kitten.  

jaydeddreaming.com

SAMPLE SOCIETY: MARCH SAMPLES

I recently received my first Sample Society box of sample beauty products for March. Not sure what it is, then read my earlier post about it here. I signed up for the sample service several months ago and I couldn't wait to share my first box of goodies with you.

When I first opened the Sample Society box I was a little disappointed. I was expecting to see more makeup products rather than the skin and hair care products that I received. Although the skin and hair care products are nice, I still would have preferred makeup samples and hopefully next month's Sample Society box will be just that.

I also received an Allure booklet that gives skin and hair care tips about the products along with a $15 coupon. The $15 coupon is good towards any future purchase of $50 worth of products and at least one or more of the products has to be a full size version of one of the samples that I received in my beauty box. The coupon does expire so there is a time limit on the $15 savings.

Since I just received the box of samples I haven't tried everything yet, so I'll definitely follow up with several reviews on the various products and what I thought about them.

Be sure to visit here: Sample Society to sign up for your box full of sample beauty products and don't forget to use the special referral code: MHEF5811.

Here is everything that was in my March Sample Society box:

• FEKKAI ADVANCED Glossing Creams
• DERMALOGICA Daily Microfoliant Deluxe Sample
• SKYN ICELAND Icelandic Eye Relief Pen
• REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Peel Mask Deluxe Sample
• OSCAR DE LA RENTA Esprit d'Oscar Deluxe Mini Rollerball

SEPHORA 2011 V.I.B. HOLIDAY PARTY

TONIGHT ONLY: Sephora is having their annual V.I.B. party. Yes, this is the V.I.B. Holiday Shopping Event that you all have been waiting for ♥♥♥
The party starts tonight, Thursday, November 10th, from 6-9 PM so don't be late or you might miss out on some of the festivities!

Plus, not only do you get 20% off but bring a friend and they will get 20% off as well.

So who's ready to P*A*R*T*Y...

What's that??? You can't make it to the party (*sob*). 

No worries my dear friends. Use code VIBDREAM at checkout and receive the 20% off on all purchases from November 10th - 14th. 

**(Some exclusions may apply so check your local store or the website for the specific exclusions that may pertain to you.)

Allure Beauty Box 2011

This year’s Allure Beauty Box is huge and I was one of the lucky ones that was able to purchase it before it sold out. Here’s what it contains:

• Aveeno Positively Nourishing Energizing Body Wash
• Aveeno Smart Essentials Pore Purifying Facial Wash
• Benefit the POREfessional PRO Balm Pore Minimizer
• Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
• Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Debbie
• Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste
• Clean & Clear Morning Burst Boost Body Wash
• Clean & Clear Morning Burst Surge Energizing Power Cleanser
• Colorscience Pro Pressed Eyeshadow Palette
• Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel
• John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer
• John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight Semi-Permanent Styling Spray
• John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray
• Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil
• Joico K-PAK Moisture Intense Hydrator Treatment
• Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
• ORLY Coquette Cutie Nail Polish
• Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray
• RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
• Roc Brilliance Anti-Aging Face Primer
• Spornette Little Wonder Brush
• Suki Eye Lift Cellular Renewal Cream

To be honest I had never heard about the Allure Beauty Box until a couple weeks ago when I received a tweet about it on Twitter. It sounded like a good deal; receive a bunch of full size products for $39.99 plus $10 shipping and $5 of the total goes to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Sounds good to me and I know that I will use just about all of the products and what I don't use I might have as give-away prizes!

According to several bloggers and beauty addicts this year's Allure beauty box contains one of the best assortments of products that has ever been offered. I asked around and did a little research and apparently the Allure Beauty Box is offered once a year and is one of the most coveted purchases offered to beauty addicts like myself. So I will definitely be on the lookout for it again next year!

SHOPPING SPREE - ULTA 20% OFF HAUL

Recently Ulta had a 20% off sale and I was fortunate enough to be able to splurge a little on some items that I had been dying to try. I had considered splurging on makeup but there weren't many makeup items that I really wanted from Ulta. However there were a lot of face, body, and haircare items that I really needed so it was a pretty easy decision as to what I was going to spend my money on.

Now on to my purchases....

Neutrogena makeup remover cleansing towelettes (makeup wipes!) - 

Normally I buy these at my local Target but the last few times Target has been sold out of them. So when I made my online shopping trip to Ulta the other day this was the first item on my list. There are several different kinds of the Neutrogena wipes but I like to buy the night calming ones. I use these right before I go to bed because they do a good job of soothing my tired skin and they work really well at getting any dirt left behind from my makeup too!

These are currently on sale for $6.36 for one pack.

Neutrogena micro mist airbrush sunless tan - 

This next product I had seen advertised and reviewed in a recent magazine article (I think it was Allure or People Style Watch) and according to the writer this is the new "MUST HAVE" product for the summer; a spray tan in a can. I honestly have no clue how well this works or if it will even work. I just bought it as an alternative to sunbathing or forking out the money for a professional spray tan. The latter of which I have seen some really horrible orange looking spray tans. So good or bad I will be sure to follow this up with a review about my thoughts on this product after I have had time to use it.

This is currently on sale for $9.76.

Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45 -

I bought this because a common problem that I encounter when applying sunblock is how messy it is. It is hard to apply and once you have finished it is even harder to get the greasy mess off your hands. Which is why I wanted to try this to see if the hands free formula is just as good as the messy stuff! I will be sure to follow up with a review on this product too!

This is currently on sale for $8.49.  

John Freida Brilliant Brunette Color Glaze -

I've used this product in the past and really liked it but then I stopped seeing it in the stores. I honestly had thought it was discontinued so I was pleasantly surprised to find it at Ulta. What makes this product so special is that it helps to extend the life and/or color of brunette color treated hair. First you shampoo your hair, next you will need to use a conditioner, and then you apply the color glaze leaving it on for about five minutes after which you will need to really rinse it out of your hair. The color glaze can be messy but the results are totally worth it.

The cost for this is $9.99 however Ulta usually has John Freida BOGO 1/2 off promos quite frequently so you might get it even cheaper than the current price.

Essie Midnight Cami Nail Polish -

If you follow me on Twitter then you know that I have raved about this polish and how much I love the color. Why the obsession? It all started back when the reality TV show "The Hills" was being aired and the actress Lauren Conrad was sporting a bluish, almost black, colored polish on her nails in one of the episodes. I loved the way it looked on her short nails and I just had to have it. I never could figure out what color it was that she wore in that episode but I think this color seems to be as close to it as I can find.

The cost for this is $8.00 per bottle but Ulta is running a buy two get the third free promo so it will be even less if you take advantage of the current offer that is advertised right now.

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FREEBIES: MY TARGET BEAUTY BAG REVIEW

I love a good deal especially when the good deal ends up being a freebie offer. A couple of weeks ago Target was offering a free beauty bag on their website. The only requirement was to fill out a short survey and then sign up for their e-mail alerts which was optional of course. When I first heard about the offer my first thought was this must be a scam. You know, one of those offers where you have to fill out a bunch of surveys and you never receive the gift. So I was pleasantly surprised when this actually turned out to be legit. The items that I received were trial / sample sized items which are typically big enough for you to try but small enough to leave you wanting for more which make these perfect for travel! The only thing that worried me about this offer was on the Target website one of the disclosures stated that due to demand not all beauty bags will have the same items enclosed. Hmmm, interesting! So I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. Anyway, I made it a point to share this offer with my co-workers so we could compare our items.

Here is a picture of the items that I received in my Target Beauty bag..

And here is a picture of the items that my co-worker received in her Target Beauty bag...

I have listed the names of the items here for you in no particular order:

• Sonia Kashuk makeup bag
• Nivea Express Hydration Daily Lotion
• Pantene Color Preserve Shine Shampoo
• Fekkai Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo
• Fekkai Shea Butter Moisturizing Conditioner
• Neutrogena Naturals lip balm
• Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss
• Coupon booklet with over approx. $25 in savings

After my co-workers and I compared our Beauty bags that we received in the mail from Target we realized that everything was exactly the same - same items and same coupons! Pretty cool!

Final thoughts...

1. I love makeup bags and truly believe you can never have enough of them. They are very useful for holding all sorts of items other than makeup too! The Sonia Kashuk makeup bag that the items were packaged in is very nice. The quality of the bag is exceptional, extra roomy and can hold a lot of stuff.
2. The Nivea lotion however has a slight perfume-y scent which according to the bottle is Sea minerals and Lotus Flower. Although the scent is not strong or overpowering it doesn't add to the quality of the product. It actually would have been nice if a more neutral scent had been used instead. But overall the lotion did make my skin feel soft and smooth.
3. I have my hair colored / dyed on a regular basis and in the past I have found that certain shampoos tend to make the color fade much faster. So I have to be careful when using new products. I have had great success with Pantene's Restore Beautiful lengths conditioner so I wasn't to worried about their shampoo. The Pantene shampoo that was sent has a nice clean fragrance (scent) and manages to really clean my hair. In regards to color fading, I didn't notice any which is always a plus but multiple washes is really needed to truly judge whether or not the product speeds up color fading.
4. Even though you should try to wash your hair every other day, I am one of those people who has to wash their hair everyday due to an oily scalp. So when I saw that I had received a sample of Fekkai shampoo and conditioner I immediately put it in my giveaway pile. I have used this product in the past and did not have good results. For me it enhanced the appearance of an oily scalp and I felt that it didn't wash as well as it should. 
5. I love the Neutrogena Naturals lip balm that was included in this freebie. I had never tried this brand or product before so it was a nice change from what I currently use and love - NIVEA A KISS OF product line. 
6. I am not a fan of the packaging for the Revlon Colorburst lipgloss sample because it is hard to actually use the product without making a mess. I found it was easiest to use a q-tip to swatch the product on my lips and even then there wasn't much product to work with. I guess that is why it is considered a sample...ha ha! I would have preferred that the Revlon Colorburst lipgloss sample had come in a mini lipgloss tube like so many other companies package their lipgloss samples. Anyway, overall the lipgloss itself was really nice and not to sticky.
7. The coupon booklet was an added bonus for me because the coupons don't expire until the end of July and there were some products listed in the coupon booklet that I had never tried before. So this gives me plenty of time to try some of them and at a discount as well.

Here is a list of the coupons that I received in my Beauty bag
• $1 on 1 Revlon item (Custom Eyes mascara or Top Speed Nail color or ColorBurst Lip Gloss) (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 1 CoverGirl Cosmetics item (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 1 Olay Facial Care item (excludes trial / travel size)
• $0.75 off 1 Suave Professionals hair care item (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 1 Neutrogena facial care item (excludes cleansing bars and trial/travel size)
• $1 off 1 Nivea Skin Care item (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 2 Hair care items: Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, Aussie (excludes trial / travel size)
• $2 off 1 L’Oreal hair color item 
• $5 off 1 John Frieda Precision Foam Colour hair color item
• $3 off 2 John Frieda Full Repair hair care items (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 1 TRESemme hair color item (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 1 Aveeno body care item: Skin or Sun (excludes trial / travel size)
• $3 off 1 Nivea body care itemGood-bye cellulite serum (2.5 oz.)
  Sun-Kissed Beautiful Legs moisturizer (6.7 oz.)
  Good-bye Cellulite gel-cream (6.7 oz.)
  Sun-Kissed Radiant Skin (8.4 oz.)
  Skin Firming Moisturizer (13.5 oz.)

• $1 off 1 Burt’s Bees Lotion (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1.50 off 1 Pond’s facial care item (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 1 Neutrogena cosmetics item (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 1 Maybelline FitMe cosmetics item (excludes trial / travel size)
• $1 off 1 Sally Hansen nail item: Color or Care (excludes trial / travel size)

So overall this was an excellent promotion from Target. Would I be more likely to shop there in the future for my beauty items? You bet I would! When a store takes the time to get to know their customers and offer them a chance to try brands / products for free it is most definitely a WIN in my book!