Everyone's Talking About Phones!

The Apple Pie Phone 6
(now with real fruit filling)

I don't have any strong feelings towards a particular brand or model of smartphone.  As a gadget enthusiast, I like them all!  If my wallet could support it, I'd buy one of each.  But alas, my fate is such that I can choose only/barely one.

Recently, for some reason, a lot of my friends and acquaintances on social networking sites have been asking for advice or complaining about new smartphones.  They're eligible for an upgrade and want advice about switching from an iPhone to an Android, or they just switched over and now they're not getting text messages anymore.  They just can't figure it out! 

I'm going to sound like an asshole for saying this, but I'm going to say it anyway: technology is only as advanced as the people using it.  I'm not saying that to make fun of anyone or to be cruel.  I'm saying it because, whether you're going from iOS to Android or vice versa, you need to take the time to learn the new system before you can get used it.  A smartphone is only a tool, and it can only do as much as you know what to do with it.  Unless your new phone's giving you real problems, don't give up so quickly.

That said, here are a few tips for those of you who are getting rid of your old iPhones (even if you're upgrading to another iPhone).  Many of these tips also apply to non-iPhone users.

1.  First and foremost, back up your data!
Your contacts, your photos, whatever.  Plug your iPhone into your computer, open up iTunes, and "Back Up Now."  Alternatively, you can use iCloud by going to Settings (on your iPhone) > iCloud > Backup > Back Up Now.

If you're upgrading to a newer iPhone, then this step will be instrumental in seamlessly resetting all of your old contacts, settings and apps on your new phone.  Just plug in your new iPhone and hit "Restore Backup..." (you'll most likely have to choose which backup you want to restore from - they're all designated by the date and time of the backup).  If you're switching over to an Android phone, then you will have to transfer your old contacts to a Google/Gmail account (Android is developed by Google and, therefore, makes use of a Google/Gmail account).

If you're switching from an Android to an iPhone, then follow the steps outlined in this article to transfer all of your contacts, photos, and other media.

2.  Make sure you turn off iMessage on your old iPhone before activating your new smartphone.
Why?  Because of this.  Many former iPhone users have run into a problem where they no longer receive text messages because their iMessage is still active on their old phone.  Remedying the issue can be easy if you have your old iPhone still on you.  If you don't, you'll have to deal with Apple Customer Support, which can be not as easy.  Go to Settings > Messages to access this option.

3.  While you're at it, delete your iCloud account and restore your phone to factory settings.
Go to Settings > iCloud, and scroll to the bottom to sign out.  Why are we doing this?  To make sure the next person who uses your old phone won't have access to your info and files.  This is also so you don't get random pictures in your iCloud Photo stream.  And just to double make sure, go ahead and wipe the memory clean.  You can restore your phone through iTunes or by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

4.  Get your old smartphone unlocked.
Unlocking your old phone will give you more options when trying to sell it because it opens it up for use on different wireless networks and in different countries.  If you've fulfilled your 2-year contract with your carrier, your old phone should be eligible to be unlocked.  Here are links to instructions on how to unlock your smartphone on the 3 major wireless providers (U.S.):

• AT&T
• Verizon
• Sprint

5.  Don't forget to remove your old sim card and/or get your phone deactivated by your wireless provider!
Since you'll need your sim card for your new phone to work, make sure you take it out of your old phone before you give it away.


Now that you've prepped your old phone for a proper send off, it's time to sell it.  Most smartphones (iPhones in particular) have pretty decent resale values.  Assuming you haven't already promised your old phone to a friend or family member, you could stand to make at least $100 (depending on the model and the phone's condition), enough to cover some of the costs of your new phone.

Etude House - Another YouTube Beauty Tutorial Find

Etude House is one of South Korea's most popular cosmetics companies, with hundreds of standalone stores throughout Asia.  If you're a fan of South Korean popular culture, you may have seen one of their commercials (starring some of South Korea's top K-pop idols) or caught a quick glimpse of one of their shops in a video or blog somewhere online.  With their cute, pink, European-style decor, the shops are hard to miss.

And the best thing about the products is that they're super affordable!  Their prices are comparable to drugstore make-up prices (in the U.S., at least), averaging under or about $10 USD for most items.  The products are geared towards teenagers and young adults (hence the affordability and cute packaging), but the quality is pretty much on par with more expensive brands.

** Quick story - During an extended trip to South Korea a couple of years ago, I sent my mom a letter with some BB cream samples I got from one of my many trips to Etude House (ohmigod the SAMPLES!!!).  Let me take this moment to note that my mom is very particular about foundations and the like.  She doesn't like how most of them look or feel (no, thank you, orange bottle of Maybelline) and is convinced that the only ones that suit her are from expensive, Asian (usually Japanese) brands (Shiseido or die).  Anyway, she liked the sample so much, she had me buy her a full-sized bottle.  If Etude House has the stamp of approval from a picky Korean woman in her 70s, it's good enough for me.  End story. **

Anyway, Etude House has had a YouTube channel for ages now, offering various tutorials and tips for make-up and skin care trends popular in South Korea.  Aware of their growing global audience, they recently started adding English captions/subtitles to their videos.



Many of their videos aren't translated but are still pretty easy to follow along.



Where can you buy these products?  ...  Sigh.  That's the problem; unless you live in Asia, it won't be easy.  If you don't have a generous pen pal who lives in Korea, your only option is to order online.  Unfortunately, since Etude House doesn't do global orders at the moment, you'll have to try your luck with third-party sellers (in some cases, at exorbitant prices).

In regards to these tutorials, though, you don't necessarily need these particular products.  Improvise with what you've got or can get, and start creating these looks on your own!


UPDATE (11/4/14): Etude House now ships worldwide! Go to their global site and shop away!

Amazon: Sometimes You Get What You Pay For

I posted this to my Tumblr page several months ago, but wanted to share it again here.

Amazon is an amazing online retailer!  You can find pretty much anything you're looking for, and you can get it at a fairly decent price.  When I first started shopping there years ago, I had no intention of ever looking elsewhere for anything ever again.  These days, unfortunately, I find myself shopping on Amazon less and less.

For Mother's Day earlier this year, I decided to introduce my mom to the world of smartphones by getting her a Samsung Galaxy SIII.  I needed to purchase accessories for her new phone, so where else would I look?

I knew from reading other blogs and the customer reviews on Amazon that some of their sellers were not being very honest and were selling counterfeit items.  One important piece of advice that pretty much everyone had was, if you're buying from a third-party seller, make sure that it says the order is being "fulfilled by Amazon."  That way, the item that you're purchasing is going through an additional check point (the seller's items are actually being sent from the Amazon warehouses) before it gets to you.

I went one step further - I chose to buy directly from Amazon.  It didn't work.

Authentic Samsung products have a holographic "Samsung Original" sticker.

You can tell the cardboard packaging was cut by hand - the edges are off.

They totally sent me a knock-off.

To be honest, for what I paid (a mere fraction of the MSRP), I would've been happy if the stupid case had just fit on the phone, but it didn't even do that.  I basically paid for trash.

I filed a complaint, returned the case, and got my money back.  It seemed like Amazon was having one of its third-party sellers fulfill their orders; the original link I had for the item now directs to a different seller.  From what I understand, though, that wasn't the first nor will it be the last seller to completely dupe customers on the site.  Instead of trying my luck again with Amazon, I decided to head to my local Best Buy, where I could actually see that I was buying the real thing.

My friends, this problem doesn't end with smartphone accessories, unfortunately.  I would be very, very careful when purchasing anything from third-party sellers online.

This is also true with imported cosmetics, especially BB creams from Asia.  Many of the bigger companies (Missha, Skin79, Skinfood, etc.) have websites/online shops operating in the U.S., as well as operating actual brick and mortar stores.  Even though the prices there can be a bit higher than what you can find on Amazon or Ebay, I would really recommend purchasing from legit places.  You really don't know what you're getting from these third-party sellers.  It could be completely fine, or it could just be older or stolen merchandise, but it could also be lower grade, possibly harmful cosmetics disguised in brand name packaging.

In any case, when making purchases online, make sure you do your research so that any decisions you make are well-informed ones.  Caveat emptor!

***
UPDATE (May 26, 2014):  I was recently looking up YouTube videos on Clarisonic facial cleansing systems, and I came across a video illustrating the differences between real and knock-off Clarisonics.  The woman in the video was gifted a Clarisonic Mia2 that was purchased on Amazon, which isn't an authorized dealer of Clarisonic products.  I just wanted to add this as more reason to be careful of what you buy through third-party sellers.
*** 

Some Online Discounts

I hate promoting irresponsible consumerism, especially these days. However, here are a few discount codes for those of you who have been planning to purchase from these brands anyway:

Urban Decay
30% Friends & Family Discount (valid through August 20): FNFF1

Korres
30% Discount, courtesy of Musings of a Muse (valid through September 15): MUSE

These discount codes are only valid on their respective websites (i.e. not at Sephora, Ulta, etc.).

Remember, shop smart!

Urban Decay 30% Discount

It's that time of year! Enter code FNFS9 at checkout, and get 30% off your entire order from Urban Decay.

If you've signed up to receive newsletters from other skincare/cosmetics companies, you probably noticed that many of them are having similar discount events right now. These are tough times for many, so it's that much more important to shop wisely. Of course, not spending your money at all is the best way to save, but these discounts are great for those things that you "just need to have". They come about twice a year (one right around now and another around Fall), so plan wisely!

Too Faced Vintage Sale

Get all of the older Too Faced items at close to 75% off in their Vintage Super Sale. Lip glosses, eye shadows, brushes, palettes - all for under $20 (and many for under $10)! Can't beat those prices!

The sale ends April 6.

Prescriptives Friends & Family 30% Off

Use promo code FRIEND9 to get 30% off and free shipping on your Prescriptives purchase. This offer is good through Saturday, 3/21.

* And don't forget to hit up Ebates for your 6% cash back!!!

Valentine's/Presidents Day Weekend Deals

Heads up on a few online deals:

• ULTA: Free shipping on orders over $25 (normally $50). Use promo code 22519 at checkout.


• Shu Uemura: Free shipping on orders over $35 (normally $75). Use promo code FEB09 at checkout.


• Belli Skincare: 20% off all online purchases. Use promo code VDAY20 at checkout.


• Benefit: 14% off all online purchases. Use promo code BEMINE09 at checkout.


• Clinique: Free shipping on all orders. Use promo code WEEKEND at checkout.

Remember, many of these online retailers are affiliated with various cash back services (such as Ebates), so be sure to take advantage of that.

Also, Glen Ivy gift cards are also on sale again. Get a $100 gift card for only $75 (offer good until Valentine's Day).

To get news about more online deals, be sure to sign up for the email newsletters of your favorite beauty companies.

Ulta 20% Off Friends & Family Discount

Need to stock up on new makeup for the new season? Looks like it's your lucky day! Ulta is having its Friends & Family Discount. You get 20% off your entire purchase (excluding fragrances by Chanel, Estée Lauder, and Lancôme, as well as clearance merchandise), both in store (with a coupon) and online (using promo code 82548 at check out). If you haven't already subscribed to the Ulta email list, then check their website for coupon information. This is valid only until 1/19 (this Monday).

If you're shopping online, don't forget to redeem your Ebates bonus!!!

New Year, New Season, New Collections

Welcome 2009! What's in store in the world of makeup? A new year, a new upcoming season (Spring), all bring new collections. Don't have enough time to check out what's new at the mall? Thank God for the internet! Just visit the websites of your favorite brands to see what's new. In the mean time, check out some of these new collections (in no particular order):

• MAC Collections (including "Brunette Blonde Redhead" and the Dame Edna collections)
  
• NARS Spring 2009 Collection
  
• Shu Uemura "Mirage" Spring 2009 Collection
  
• Urban Decay Spring 09 Collection
  
• Clinique "Blackberry Bloom" Collection
  
• Benefit
  
• Estée Lauder "Fuschia Now" Spring 2009 Collection
  
• Giorgio Armani "Pink Light" Spring 2009 Collection
  
• Lancôme "Pink Irreverence" Spring Color Collection
  
• Chanel Spring 2009 Collection

And there are MANY more new collections to come (like MAC Hello Kitty!!! >_< )!

I know this list contains mostly brands that are a bit more on the expensive side. Drugstore brands usually don't have seasonal collections, so other than any new products, the "What's New" pages on their websites aren't that up to speed. If anything, you can at least take a look at the above just so you can get an idea of where the new trends are headed, and then head to your local Walgreens or someplace to buy some decent, reasonably priced dupes.

RELATED POSTS:
Discounted Luxury Make-up
Cheap Make-up

25% Off MAC

Get 25% off MAC online purchases through January 8. Enter code MACFF9 at checkout.

The "New" Black Friday...

So, as many of you are probably already aware, the sales cease to end. I've heard several people/places/things reference the day after Christmas as the "new" Black Friday (what happens when Christmas doesn't fall on a Thursday?). Here are but a few deals you can still check out for: a) a late Christmas gift (hey, today's only day 2 of 12); b) next year's Christmas gifts; c) an upcoming birthday/anniversary; or d) a little gift for yourself. Enjoy!

• LUSH - Buy any holiday item; get one free.
  
• Benefit "Sale-abration"
  
• Bath & Body Works Big Semi-Annual Sale
  
• Belli 30% Off End of Year Sale (enter promo code YEAREND30 at checkout)
  
• Boscia $25 off of a $100 purchase (enter promo code 25off at checkout)
  
• Drugstore.com End-of-Year Sale
  
• Crate & Barrel Winter Sale
• Sephora Big Beauty Sale

Ends Today: 20% Off Cherry Culture

Cherry Culture, an online retailer of affordable cosmetics, is offering 20% off all purchases. Unfortunately, this only lasts through the end of today (Dec 18).

I was recently turned on to Cherry Culture by YouTube makeup artist xteeener. They carry one of my new favorite cosmetics brands, NYX.

For those of you not familiar with NYX, this is some really great stuff! The brand has developed a sort of cult following among many makeup fanatics, many of whom rank these products higher than many luxury boutique or department store brands. Here are a few of my own favorites:

• Round Lipstick - Smooth and highly pigmented. Doesn't dry out your lips. Has a scent/taste that I can only describe as "Asian scented pen" (a mix between fruity and floral; people who shop at Sanrio and other Asian stationery stores know what I'm talking about), but I don't find it too offensive.
  
• All eyeshadow - Very soft and smooth texture. Blends SO easily. Great color payoff.
  
• Powder Blush - Again: soft, smooth, blends easily, and great color payoff.
  

The only thing that I can see people having a problem with is the fact that, while NYX is an American company, their products are made in China (they try to be fancy by using "P.R.O.C." instead). I, personally, don't find a problem with it. I have extremely sensitive skin, and I haven't noticed it giving me any weird reactions (unlike MAC, by the way, but that's an entirely different post). BUT there has been some major concern regarding products made in China within the last year, so I can understand people wanting to steer clear of it.

Anyway, if you're brave and want to give your support to inexpensive, good quality makeup, then take this opportunity to try NYX out.

Today Only: 20% Off Benefit Cosmetics

Get 20% off your entire order from Benefit Cosmetics by entering TWENTY08 (that's "zero eight") at checkout. This offer is only good until midnight tonight (Dec 17, 11:59 pm).

I'll be honest, I'm not exactly the biggest fan of Benefit. I feel like a lot of their products are overpriced and mediocre (subpar, even). However, there are a few products that I've wanted to try, so I feel just a little more inclined to try them out with this discount. I can also activate an Ebates ticket for Benefit to get extra cash back, so there's an extra (little) incentive.

Anyway, check out their website and see if anything catches your eye. I might try giving their Lemon Aid eyelid primer a test run, but we'll see.

Macy's Friends & Family Sale

Hey all. The sales DEFINITELY did not end with Black Friday a couple of weeks ago. Here now is the Macy's Friends & Family sale. Enter the code MACYSFRIEND at checkout, and get 20% off your entire purchase. Spend more than $99, and you'll also qualify for free shipping. The only downside is that this offer does not apply to cosmetics, fragrances/perfumes, toys, and Coach products (uh, then why even bother, right???).

Anyway, if you decide to make use of this promotion, remember that Macy's is also an Ebates affiliate, so make sure you get that extra cash back.

This offer is only good through December 15.

20% Off Bare Escentuals, This Weekend Only

Hey bareMinerals fans. Through this weekend only (Dec 5-7), Bare Escentuals is offering 20% off your entire order of Bare Escentuals and m.d. formulations products. This includes the ever popular i.d. bareMinerals products - just in time for gifting, but also perfect for stocking up. Just use promo code BELUV at checkout. (Shipping is free only for purchases over $75.) Also, Bare Escentuals is an Ebates affiliate, so be sure to log in for extra cash back!

Remember, this offer is only valid for purchases made through the Bare Escentuals website.

Black Friday, Shmlack Friday

I only participated in Black Friday once in my life, and that was at a Walmart about 4 years ago. The doors were supposed to open at 6:00am, so my brother and I left our house at 5:30, thinking it was an appropriate time to leave.

WRONG. We arrived at the Walmart at around 5:45am, and there was already a line of shoppers with shopping carts winding around the parking lot. My brother got out of the car to save us a spot in line while I went to find parking. Amazingly, the line moved pretty fast as soon as the store opened. Unfortunately, people didn't slow down once they got inside. Everyone thought they were competing in Supermarket Sweep.



My brother and I, having left our house with intentions of getting a flat-screen TV, ended up leaving Walmart with nothing. We were positively traumatized by what we saw and what we had to endure during our 10 minutes there.

If you, like me, decided to sit out Black Friday this year (or, in my case, forever), don't fret. According to many financial experts, with the current economic maladies, "Black Friday" will actually be more like "Black Winter." Don't regret having missed any incredible deals last Friday because, according to them, we'll still be seeing more great deals to come before Christmas.

Meanwhile, take some time to read a few tips from Oprah's favorite money coach, Jean Chatzky:

6 Ways to Find Great Holiday Deals

Belli Cosmetics 20% Off Thru Monday

Enter code GETSAFE20 at checkout and get 20% off all purchases from Belli Cosmetics. This promotion will only be with us through Monday, December 1, so don't dilly-dally. Shipping is free with any order over $75 (otherwise, it's $9 for regular ground shipping).

Belli Cosmetics is a cosmetics company that caters specifically towards expectant and new mothers, although anyone can use their products, really. They tout themselves as being the "#1 recommended skin care brand by OB-GYNs," and even have a celebrity following.

I don't use the products myself, but I've heard much praise about their Elasticity Belly Oil and Acne Clearing Facial Wash, which is supposed to be the "safest acne solution for pregnancy," but it seems to be popular with those without child as well.

I won't lie: the products are a bit pricey. However, many women swear by them. Even if you don't think these products will suit you, try considering them as gifts for that next baby shower you attend.

Shu Uemura Friends & Family Event

Through December 1, you can get 20% off plus free shipping on any Shu Uemura order with the code SHUFRIENDS. This deal is also available in their boutiques in Boston, San Francisco, and Costa Mesa (South Coast Plaza, y'all!).

Shu Uemura is a high-end, luxury cosmetics brand and, as such, is a bit more on the pricey side. But if you ever had the urge to try some of their stuff, this would be your chance. If you don't know where to begin, check out their bestsellers. Their mini eyelash curler was also featured on both Oprah's TV show and magazine. My own personal favorites include their lipsticks, blushes, and cleansing oils (treasured by most makeup fans, this stuff takes off a full face of makeup and rinses CLEAN off your face - literally, one-step cleansing).

Anyway, take a sec to browse and see if there's anything you like. Also, keep in mind that Ebates also has a cash back offer with Shu Uemura (5%). Happy shopping!


* NOTE: The discount codes that I mention anywhere on this blog/website, unless specified otherwise, are only valid on the company's website, and not with any other retailer (e.g. Sephora).

Hard Candy 75% Off Sale

Times are rough, let me tell you! "Black Friday" has become "Black November" for many retailers.

I don't know what Hard Candy's deal is... Maybe it doesn't plan to be with us much longer? Who knows? But its 75% off sale is back!!! You get 75% off EVERYTHING online, no code needed (shipping is still $5 via USPS).

I am concerned, though, because between this 75% off sale and the one earlier this year, everything's been half off. AND you can't even find these products in stores anymore. Hmm... Is master Urban Decay trying to cut off this ailing limb?

In any case, most of this makeup is fairly good quality (it did have a fairly good run at Sephora back in the day). The packaging is cute, and the colors are nice and girly. With the 75% off deal, most products fall under $10. If anything, these could make good holiday gifts for tween girly girls.