See you all back on the West Coast!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Busy in New York
Hey all. Having fun in New York. Even though I'm here for work, I'm finding myself with some time to explore and enjoy the city. Here are a few snippets.
See you all back on the West Coast!
See you all back on the West Coast!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Cheap Make-up
I know a lot of us, including myself, can't really afford to have our entire make-up collection consist of luxury, department store brands (even though we'd really love to). I also know that a lot of us, including myself, snicker at the thought of using the really inexpensive stuff at the drugstore. No more.
Next time you're at the drugstore, don't rush past the following brands: Jane, NYX, New York Color, e.l.f., and Wet N' Wild. There's a reason why these brands exist and why many of them have been around for so long (I remember browsing through Wet N' Wild in elementary school). Some particular items from these brands have even reached cult status among make-up fanatics.
Now, not all the products in these brands are good, let alone worthy of even acknowledging. Let me give you a quick rundown of which items to check out in each brand.
Believe it or not, some of the products from these brands actually rank higher among reviewers than those from the more mainstream drugstore brands, like Maybelline or Cover Girl. So, next time you're in the drugstore, be sure to check these out. They're all cheap enough that you won't feel bad if you decide to toss them (although, you should remember that make-up is refundable at most stores).
Next time you're at the drugstore, don't rush past the following brands: Jane, NYX, New York Color, e.l.f., and Wet N' Wild. There's a reason why these brands exist and why many of them have been around for so long (I remember browsing through Wet N' Wild in elementary school). Some particular items from these brands have even reached cult status among make-up fanatics.
Now, not all the products in these brands are good, let alone worthy of even acknowledging. Let me give you a quick rundown of which items to check out in each brand.
- Jane - blush, eyeshadow (The colors are really pigmented, and last a good while. Try the Blushing Cheeks blush line; it's become one of my favorites.)
- NYX - eyeshadow, blush, lip color (Its eyeshadows are really what it's known for.)
- New York Color - loose powder
- e.l.f. - makeup tools, lip color, blush, highlighter (Every item is $1! You can't lose!!!)
- Wet N' Wild - blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, lip liner (Some people complain that the lip liner's a little too hard, but one particular color (#666, I think) has actually reached cult status.)
Believe it or not, some of the products from these brands actually rank higher among reviewers than those from the more mainstream drugstore brands, like Maybelline or Cover Girl. So, next time you're in the drugstore, be sure to check these out. They're all cheap enough that you won't feel bad if you decide to toss them (although, you should remember that make-up is refundable at most stores).
Friday, October 24, 2008
East Coast Tour 2008
For those of you who don't know, I'm currently on the East Coast and will be here until the second week of November. I'll be in New York for a week (work/play), swinging by D.C. on my way to Chicago to visit the brother (hopefully good news will find me there on Election Day), and then heading down to Florida to visit Miss Shana (playing it up "Golden Girls" style in Miami) before heading back to SoCal. Don't know if you're up with the weather in those places, but I have a big ass suitcase with me with both winter AND summer clothes. :-\
Anyway, talk of NY always reminds me of this:
(Specifically, I'm talking about the opening theme song, found at 2:10 in the video.)
That girl!
Anyway, talk of NY always reminds me of this:
(Specifically, I'm talking about the opening theme song, found at 2:10 in the video.)
That girl!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Jean is a Photojournalist...
... Sort of.
I have been honored by Schmap, an online travel guide, who chose one of my pictures for the 5th edition of their New York guide.
About Schmap:
I had no idea that my picture was even being considered for something like this until Schmap contacted me through my Flickr account. Now I wish I had uploaded a better version of this picture... Oh well...
Thanks again, Schmap!!! :-)
I have been honored by Schmap, an online travel guide, who chose one of my pictures for the 5th edition of their New York guide.
About Schmap:
Schmap is a leading publisher of digital travel guides for 200 destinations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The innovative technology behind Schmap Guides also lets end users publish their own ‘schmaps’ (to share trip itineraries, local reviews and more), and powers a popular range of Schmap Widgets, displaying maps with content and event schedules for travel, sports, concert tours and more on a fast-growing network of websites and blogs. Founded in 2004, Schmap is privately owned and based in Carrboro, North Carolina.
I had no idea that my picture was even being considered for something like this until Schmap contacted me through my Flickr account. Now I wish I had uploaded a better version of this picture... Oh well...
Thanks again, Schmap!!! :-)
Discounted Luxury Make-up
As you all may know, I recently took a renewed interest in cosmetics. I don't know why. Maybe it has something to do with me turning 30. I don't know. Anyway, here are some helpful resources that I discovered during my recent adventures in the world of make-up.
Cosmetics Company Store (Just a website with locations, not their official website)
This is Estee Lauder's outlet shop. All cosmetics brands that fall under Estee Lauder's umbrella is sold here at discount prices (Estee Lauder, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Prescriptives, Origins, etc.). Sometimes it's slim pickins, but sometimes you can find a really great deal (I got a lipstick there for $10 - regular retail is $14). Most of the items here are overstocked items from the department stores, mostly recently discontinued, limited edition, or gift with purchase items.
Lancome Outlet Store
- Same deal.
Discount.makeup.com
- A lot of discontinued or older items. Haven't ordered anything from them, but saw a picture of a semi-wrong-looking lipgloss (some of their pictures are of items as they are) and was a little put off. ... But if they weren't doing good business, I figure they wouldn't be affiliated with a major online retailer. Shrug.
Cosmetics Company Store (Just a website with locations, not their official website)
This is Estee Lauder's outlet shop. All cosmetics brands that fall under Estee Lauder's umbrella is sold here at discount prices (Estee Lauder, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Prescriptives, Origins, etc.). Sometimes it's slim pickins, but sometimes you can find a really great deal (I got a lipstick there for $10 - regular retail is $14). Most of the items here are overstocked items from the department stores, mostly recently discontinued, limited edition, or gift with purchase items.
Lancome Outlet Store
- Same deal.
Discount.makeup.com
- A lot of discontinued or older items. Haven't ordered anything from them, but saw a picture of a semi-wrong-looking lipgloss (some of their pictures are of items as they are) and was a little put off. ... But if they weren't doing good business, I figure they wouldn't be affiliated with a major online retailer. Shrug.
Attention All MAC Fanatics!!! (Holiday 2008 Collection)
MAC has just released its 2008 holiday collection. I can take or leave the makeup, but the thing that has sort of caught my eye are the holiday brush sets. If you're familiar with MAC brushes, you know that they are of GREAT quality... and will cost you an arm and a leg (and maybe the pinky toe from the foot you have left).
The brushes in these sets have shorter handles (they're meant for travel), but you really can't beat the price! $49.50 for a set of 4-5 brushes? PLEEZ! That's how much it costs to buy one regular brush!!!
Anyway, this is for those of you who've been wanting to indulge in some quality make-up brushes. And remember - free shipping on all purchases through this Saturday, the 25th!
P.S. For those of you who want to earn some cash back, remember to check the MAC cosmetics section of department stores affiliated with Ebates (e.g. Macy's, Nordstrom, etc.). Be careful, though. These department stores may not have free shipping deals, so the 3 or whatever % cash back may not be worth it if you have to pay for shipping.
* UPDATE * I've been hearing rumors that these brush sets are available in-store at Nordstrom for $35!!!
The brushes in these sets have shorter handles (they're meant for travel), but you really can't beat the price! $49.50 for a set of 4-5 brushes? PLEEZ! That's how much it costs to buy one regular brush!!!
Anyway, this is for those of you who've been wanting to indulge in some quality make-up brushes. And remember - free shipping on all purchases through this Saturday, the 25th!
P.S. For those of you who want to earn some cash back, remember to check the MAC cosmetics section of department stores affiliated with Ebates (e.g. Macy's, Nordstrom, etc.). Be careful, though. These department stores may not have free shipping deals, so the 3 or whatever % cash back may not be worth it if you have to pay for shipping.
* UPDATE * I've been hearing rumors that these brush sets are available in-store at Nordstrom for $35!!!
Makeup Alley
Want to read reviews about almost every cosmetic product that exists on the face of this planet? Want to swap that makeup you never use with someone else who has makeup you really want but don't have the budget to purchase? Want to participate in a forum discussing the merits of, or the best way to use a particular cosmetic product? Makeup Alley is the place for you! Makeup Alley (or "MUA") is where I go to check reviews for makeup, and it has rarely failed me. Membership is free, and it provides a valuable resource for those interested in beauty products.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Clearance Make-Up, 10/23/08
Every now and then, Sephora and other places will try to make way for new brands by getting rid of some of their less popular ones. Here's a list of what's currently going down.
Sephora is selling off their Sugar cosmetics stock at 50% off.
Napoleon Perdis products are down 75% (although, it's sort of slim pickings now).
Bourjois is also being sold off at 50% (also slim pickings).
Hard Candy has already disappeared from Sephora, but is 50% off on their website.
Sephora is selling off their Sugar cosmetics stock at 50% off.
Napoleon Perdis products are down 75% (although, it's sort of slim pickings now).
Bourjois is also being sold off at 50% (also slim pickings).
Hard Candy has already disappeared from Sephora, but is 50% off on their website.
Wow. Just Wow.
This is what they call a "literal music video", and it is too funny for words...
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
SALE! Sephora Girls Products 50% Off!
Did you know that Sephora had its own girls' line? They do, and it's all on sale for half off.
If you know a young girl (or boy) who's starting to develop an interest in cosmetics, these might make great birthday or Christmas gifts!
If you know a young girl (or boy) who's starting to develop an interest in cosmetics, these might make great birthday or Christmas gifts!
Buy Those Shoes NOW!
Don't know if you've heard, but Shoe Pavilion filed for bankruptcy over the summer and is now closing all of their stores FOR GOOD! Sad for Shoe Pavilion, but great for those of us who want to buy their shoes for even cheaper. Hopefully the one near you hasn't already closed!!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Online Cosmetics Deals!
Here's a quick list of make-up deals online this week:
Prescriptives - 25% off + Free Shipping through Friday, 10/24.
Use promo code FRIEND8 at checkout.
Apparently, they make some of the best foundations around.
My tip: Connect through Ebates to get an additional 6% cash back.
MAC - Free Shipping all purchases through Saturday, 10/25.
No promo code necessary.
MAC's known for their lipsticks and eyeshadows. I personally find their lipsticks a little drying, but the colors are great. Just have your lipbalm handy.
No Ebates link here, although some department stores listed on Ebates also sell MAC.
Shu Uemura - Free Shipping on orders of $45+ through Sunday, 10/26.
Use promo code OCT08 at checkout.
If you haven't tried their cleansing oils, you don't know what you're missing! Also, their lipsticks are like butter... A sweet, berry-scented butter.
My tip: Connect through Ebates to get 5% cash back.
Prescriptives - 25% off + Free Shipping through Friday, 10/24.
Use promo code FRIEND8 at checkout.
Apparently, they make some of the best foundations around.
My tip: Connect through Ebates to get an additional 6% cash back.
MAC - Free Shipping all purchases through Saturday, 10/25.
No promo code necessary.
MAC's known for their lipsticks and eyeshadows. I personally find their lipsticks a little drying, but the colors are great. Just have your lipbalm handy.
No Ebates link here, although some department stores listed on Ebates also sell MAC.
Shu Uemura - Free Shipping on orders of $45+ through Sunday, 10/26.
Use promo code OCT08 at checkout.
If you haven't tried their cleansing oils, you don't know what you're missing! Also, their lipsticks are like butter... A sweet, berry-scented butter.
My tip: Connect through Ebates to get 5% cash back.
Why the Sunday Paper is Great...
... or, "Become a Coupon-clipping Fanatic."
I have clipped more coupons in the last couple of months than I have in my entire life. I clipped them, organized them by expiration date, stuck them in an envelope, which I then put in my glove compartment (so I have them with me whenever I decide to take a little detour to Target or Walgreens).
I've found that there is an art to clipping coupons. A lot of times, there will be coupons for random things, like the new Swiffer SweeperVac (really?). Watch out for these coupons, because they'll have you spending money that you would otherwise have never spent.
The one thing that I do feel like coupons are good for are beauty products. Most of the coupons I've encountered for cosmetics and the like have been indiscriminate; you just have to read the smaller print. These coupons will have a picture of a particular product it's advertising and say something like, "Save $2 on Revlon ColorStay Foundation." But usually, right underneath it, in smaller print, it'll say, "Or any Revlon color cosmetic product." They're trying to get you to buy the ColorStay Foundation, but also give you the option of not.
Also available with the Sunday papers are the weekly drugstore circulars. These are also great because each week is a new deal. Don't just haphazardly go to Rite Aid to buy a fresh tube of mascara (which should be replaced every 3 months if you want to lower your risks of getting pink eye). Pay attention to these store ads because some store somewhere will have a "buy one get one free" deal. Get your mascara, and then grab that lipstick that you wanted to get but weren't quite sure if it was worth your money.
One thing I have to note, though, is that cosmetics are usually more expensive at drugstores than they are at places like Target or Walmart. If it's more cost effective for you to buy something with a coupon at Target than it is to get something on sale at CVS, then go to Target with your coupon. Hunting for deals is one thing, but saving money is another.
I have clipped more coupons in the last couple of months than I have in my entire life. I clipped them, organized them by expiration date, stuck them in an envelope, which I then put in my glove compartment (so I have them with me whenever I decide to take a little detour to Target or Walgreens).
I've found that there is an art to clipping coupons. A lot of times, there will be coupons for random things, like the new Swiffer SweeperVac (really?). Watch out for these coupons, because they'll have you spending money that you would otherwise have never spent.
The one thing that I do feel like coupons are good for are beauty products. Most of the coupons I've encountered for cosmetics and the like have been indiscriminate; you just have to read the smaller print. These coupons will have a picture of a particular product it's advertising and say something like, "Save $2 on Revlon ColorStay Foundation." But usually, right underneath it, in smaller print, it'll say, "Or any Revlon color cosmetic product." They're trying to get you to buy the ColorStay Foundation, but also give you the option of not.
Also available with the Sunday papers are the weekly drugstore circulars. These are also great because each week is a new deal. Don't just haphazardly go to Rite Aid to buy a fresh tube of mascara (which should be replaced every 3 months if you want to lower your risks of getting pink eye). Pay attention to these store ads because some store somewhere will have a "buy one get one free" deal. Get your mascara, and then grab that lipstick that you wanted to get but weren't quite sure if it was worth your money.
One thing I have to note, though, is that cosmetics are usually more expensive at drugstores than they are at places like Target or Walmart. If it's more cost effective for you to buy something with a coupon at Target than it is to get something on sale at CVS, then go to Target with your coupon. Hunting for deals is one thing, but saving money is another.
Deals & Steals Online!!!
With the economy down, we're starting to watch our spending. Although the best thing to do is to not buy anything at all, we all know that's impossible. We all have some material needs (and wants) in life that we cannot ignore.
Online shopping has become increasingly popular because of goods being priced lower than those offered at your local brick & mortar. On top of that, more online retailers are offering deals for free shipping, and sometimes you can even get away without paying sales tax. It's also a wonderful thing for semi-asocial people such as myself. No hassle of having to deal with aggressive salespeople, and no waiting in long lines to check out. Pure heaven. Now, let me tell you about a few online resources that can make your online shopping experience much more grand.
First off, there is my current favorite: Ebates.com. Join Ebates (for free), and you'll have access to getting cash back from hundreds of online retailers. How does it work? Log into your Ebates account, click on the link to the online retailer of your choice, and start shopping! Clicking on the link activates a sort of link between your purchase and your Ebates account. The money will be deposited to your Ebates account and will be sent to you directly or deposited into a PayPal account.
There are two minor snags: 1. You have to have earned a minimum of $5 in cash back before you can see any of that money; and 2. Checks are sent to you on a quarterly basis (once every 3 months). BUT I can assure you that this service works! I joined earlier this year, and have already received checks from them. Also, in my experience, dealing with customer service when a particular purchase hasn't posted to your account has been fairly easy. Of course, the burden of proof is on you, but it's as easy as sending them a copy of your invoice and evidence that you activated an Ebates ticket for that retailer at the time of purchase (which you can easily find in your Ebates account). They also have a "Daily Double" deal, where they'll choose one retailer and double the cash back percentage for the day (I'm still kicking myself for the day I missed Shu Uemura at 10% off, plus additional coupons!!!). If you're just signing up for Ebates, be sure to tell them I referred you (enter my email at hotmail.com)! ;-)
Second, there are those AAA discounts. Of course, you have to be a AAA member in order to take advantage of this, but deals like 10% off of any Target online purchase??? Save yourself the gas money, and order those funky linens online!!! AAA deals work a little like Ebates: you have to log into your account and activate the link in order for the discount to work, but it's taken off right when you check out (no waiting for any checks).
Next, there is Retailmenot.com. This one is pretty straightforward. Type in the web address for a particular online retailer, and the search engine will bring up a list of available coupons, along with a rating of whether or not it's working and comments from other users. No membership involved.
Then, we have sites like Shopping.com and BizRate.com. Enter the name of the item you want to buy in the search engine, and these sites will bring up a list of all the online retailers selling that particular item. The best part? They also indicate who's selling it the cheapest. Make sure you check out their seller's ratings, though.
Finally, register online to become a member of whatever clothing, electronics, makeup brand or retailer you have any interest in, and sign up for their email newsletters. Most of the time, they'll send you a bunch of junk advertising the latest whatever (it might be helpful to create another email address dedicated to this stuff). BUT, every once in a while, they will send you that ONE EMAIL... The one that has the line, really small in the corner, that says "25/50/75% off all purchases!" JACKPOT!
Online shopping has become increasingly popular because of goods being priced lower than those offered at your local brick & mortar. On top of that, more online retailers are offering deals for free shipping, and sometimes you can even get away without paying sales tax. It's also a wonderful thing for semi-asocial people such as myself. No hassle of having to deal with aggressive salespeople, and no waiting in long lines to check out. Pure heaven. Now, let me tell you about a few online resources that can make your online shopping experience much more grand.
First off, there is my current favorite: Ebates.com. Join Ebates (for free), and you'll have access to getting cash back from hundreds of online retailers. How does it work? Log into your Ebates account, click on the link to the online retailer of your choice, and start shopping! Clicking on the link activates a sort of link between your purchase and your Ebates account. The money will be deposited to your Ebates account and will be sent to you directly or deposited into a PayPal account.
There are two minor snags: 1. You have to have earned a minimum of $5 in cash back before you can see any of that money; and 2. Checks are sent to you on a quarterly basis (once every 3 months). BUT I can assure you that this service works! I joined earlier this year, and have already received checks from them. Also, in my experience, dealing with customer service when a particular purchase hasn't posted to your account has been fairly easy. Of course, the burden of proof is on you, but it's as easy as sending them a copy of your invoice and evidence that you activated an Ebates ticket for that retailer at the time of purchase (which you can easily find in your Ebates account). They also have a "Daily Double" deal, where they'll choose one retailer and double the cash back percentage for the day (I'm still kicking myself for the day I missed Shu Uemura at 10% off, plus additional coupons!!!). If you're just signing up for Ebates, be sure to tell them I referred you (enter my email at hotmail.com)! ;-)
Second, there are those AAA discounts. Of course, you have to be a AAA member in order to take advantage of this, but deals like 10% off of any Target online purchase??? Save yourself the gas money, and order those funky linens online!!! AAA deals work a little like Ebates: you have to log into your account and activate the link in order for the discount to work, but it's taken off right when you check out (no waiting for any checks).
Next, there is Retailmenot.com. This one is pretty straightforward. Type in the web address for a particular online retailer, and the search engine will bring up a list of available coupons, along with a rating of whether or not it's working and comments from other users. No membership involved.
Then, we have sites like Shopping.com and BizRate.com. Enter the name of the item you want to buy in the search engine, and these sites will bring up a list of all the online retailers selling that particular item. The best part? They also indicate who's selling it the cheapest. Make sure you check out their seller's ratings, though.
Finally, register online to become a member of whatever clothing, electronics, makeup brand or retailer you have any interest in, and sign up for their email newsletters. Most of the time, they'll send you a bunch of junk advertising the latest whatever (it might be helpful to create another email address dedicated to this stuff). BUT, every once in a while, they will send you that ONE EMAIL... The one that has the line, really small in the corner, that says "25/50/75% off all purchases!" JACKPOT!
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