Not a Fan Friday: Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara

I know what you're thinking, "Revlon makes mascara?!"  The answer (obviously) is yes, they do.  However, mascara is definitely not the shining star of the Revlon brand and certainly cannot compare to our beloved Revlon Lip Butters.  In fact, the one and only mascara I've tried from Revlon is horrific - it's the Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara in waterproof.

Chic for Cheap Spotlight: New York & Company

In this new series entitled "Chic for Cheap Spotlight," I'll be featuring some of my favorite brands and how you can get your hands on their products while on a budget.  Please note that these spotlight posts are not sponsored in any way; I just want to share my favorite brands and products with you in hopes that you'll love them as much as I do!

There was a time not long ago when I wouldn't even have dreamed about shopping at New York & Company.  As a 20-something in college, I thought "those kinds of stores" were for real grown-ups - you know, people with REAL full-time jobs who have cars with power windows and people who think "eating out" is more than just grabbing a bite at Taco Bell.  It was those kinds of people who should be shopping there, not t-shirt-and-jeans-wearing, I-don't-have-a-clue-what-fashion-is me.  My first encounter with the brand was me walking into a NY&C store to apply for a job (I was hired, of course).  Thus began my love affair with New York & Company.

Quick Tip: CVS Coupons

As a member of the CVS ExtraCare Rewards Program, you can save a TON of cash especially if you're a frequent CVS beauty shopper like me.  Coupons are available online and in-store at the coupon center. Also, as a member of the ExtraCare Beauty Club, you can earn $5 rewards for every $50 spent.

If you're not a member, you NEED to enroll!  It is by far the best drugstore rewards program (I should know, I have them all!).  I've been a member of Walgreens' rewards program for about the same time as CVS, and I'm still waiting to get cash back from Wags.  I've earned at least four $5 beauty rewards and countless ExtraBucks!  Check the CVS website to learn more!


Yesterday as I approached the register at CVS, the cashier noticed I had a handful of coupons printed off from the coupon center.  Although I told her I didn't think I had picked up anything that would qualify for any of the coupons, she said she would scan them anyway, just to make sure.  She ended up saving me an additional $5.24 (even after my $5 reward and a coupon for $6 off $30)!  Thank you, CVS cashier!

So whenever you find yourself with a few coupons that you think you can't use, just have the cashier scan them anyway; you might end up saving even more $$!

Holy Glitter, Batman!

For those of you who are not fans of glitter, you can stop reading and go back to your gloomy, sparkle-less life.  You will not enjoy this.  I mean it - GET OUTTA HERE!

Now that it's just us glitterholics here, I'd like to share my new favorite nail polish by Milani called Pink Flare.  I'm not sure how long it's been on the market, but I'm pretty sure it's nothing new (what took me so long, right?).  I love light polishes like this as chipping is less noticeable.  I applied this on Saturday, and it's just now starting to really chip away, so if you use a good basecoat (like Orly's Bonder) it should last a good while.

Smart Shade Do Whaaaat?!

I, like many makeup enthusiasts, have a hard time believing half of the claims beauty products make these days.  Some claims are as promising as "blurs imperfections" or "miracle skin perfecter," others are as simple as claiming to be "waterproof" or "long-lasting."

I have been aware of a line of beauty products from Almay called Smart Shade for quite a while.  I've seen the commercials where Kate Hudson takes a smidgen of Smart Shade makeup that blends perfectly into her most-likely-professionally-airbrushed-and-video-edited face.  Like others, I have continued to ignore these ads due to their ridiculous claims like the one found on Amazon.com: "Shade sensing micro-beads start out white and instantly adjust to match your skin tone."  Shade sensing?  Really?

The Perfect Summer Dress

Here it is, y'all: the perfect dress for summer!  It's the Shift and Swing Dress from mark.!

I love the coral paired with purple trim and think this handkerchief-style dress is great for summer.  It's bright and flowing, and light enough to keep you cool.  The only downside is the price - $36.00.  I'm not one to spend over $20 on any one thing; the thrill of shopping for me is the challenge of snagging a beautiful, quality item at very little cost.  However, there are instances when I just can't stand not to buy something I am in love with.  Buying this dress would be one of those instances.  It's simple.  It's beautiful.  I LOVE IT!

Be sure to check out other mark. fashion and beauty favorites at meetmark.com!

Pssst... Here's a sneak peek at two of my favorites from the upcoming magalog (magazine/catalog) available June 13th!  Mark your calendars!

All-American Style Tank, $20

Go to Print Dress, $36

Get Julep for FREE!!!

I was just checking out one of my favorite blogs, Nouveau Cheap, when I saw an ad for a free box of Julep products.  I'd heard of Julep's monthly beauty subscription service before, so I immediately caved and clicked on the link.  Lo and behold, I actually got a free (yes, FREE!) Introductory Maven Box!  After entering your email, you'll take a style quiz to see which box would best suit you.

You can switch boxes, so if you're a control freak or just plain picky, you aren't forced to stick with the first box.  Here are a few previous intro boxes to give you a good idea of what goodies you can score for free:

Also worth mentioning (as if the free products weren't enough), when you are checking out you can choose up to 4 deeply discounted add-ons.  I picked a polish in the color Portia ($4.99; regularly $14) and the Freedom Polymer Topcoat ($6.99; regularly $18).  All in all, I got the Modern Beauty Box, a polish, and a topcoat all worth $76 for $11.98 (including shipping, which was also free)!  Crazy, right?!

If you're interested in getting your Maven Intro box for free click here!

Thanks for reading!