Cut & Blow - Discounts on Beauty Rockstars!

Cut & Blow anyone?

I randomly stumbled across this fun little site and was fairly pleased at their small but powerful selections of make-up, hair and skin products. C & B offers sample sale like discounts of big name product lines (think Ruelala, HauteLook and Myhabit but more beauty focused) for a short period of time before rotating them out and replacing them with new sales.

I know many people do not like the "virtual elbow throwing" associated with sample sale sites where you literally have to log on at the very minute the sale starts to get the best deals and even then they are sometimes already sold out (I assume some prestigious bloggers get early access or maybe it's the fact that I'm Westcoast). I have had some bigger breakdowns then I care to admit when I have found the perfect cardigan, pair of boots or skinny jeans on Ruelala and there is 1 (supposed) left and I have tried to purchase only to get the boot back to the page to learn that I was a half a second behind someone as they carted and purchased my new apparel. I'm getting cranky just thinking about it.

I digress. Cut and Blow. They typically have about 15 sales going on at once and usually discount about 40% on average, some more like half and some only about 20%.

Currently on sale;  SkinCeuticals (I hear their C E FERULIC - COMBINATION ANTIOXIDANT TREATMENT is amazing) but surprise it's sold out.

Peter Thomas Roth - Big Fan, love the "unwrinkle" line for the name alone plus I think it might work somewhat.

Orlane - Huge discount here. Good thing because I am pretty sure $140 is steep for serum and the original price $300 is never happening for this girl.

Coming Soon.....Clarisonic (no intro needed), Pureology (yay!) and my favorite teeth sensitizer- GoSmile.

Wanna check out Cut & Blow fabulous? Let me know what you think.

Trina Turk Flash Sale? Yes Please!

Up to 80% off all purchases at the Trina Turk Flash Sale today only until midnight. Seriously this never happens. 

What's in my cart? Only the Best Deals and Steals. 

Suki Pants $57 down from $188

Sun Charm Bracelet $45 from $150

Safari Short $38.40

New Hugh Tee $32 from $128

Enamel Brick Ring $24.75

Tip For Summer: Secret Outlast Clear Gel

So I just received a complimentary deodorant from Influenster and while I was almost offended I decided it was summer so I should hang up my white mark laced black pieces from winter and embrace all that is showing skin!

I have on too many occasions changed my outfit 50 plus times after getting ready only to leave self tanner and deodorant all over my discarded choices and adding to my laundry pile. So annoying so am happy to say I am changing my routine to include the white-mark free deodorant. There I finally converted even though I have been convinced for years that the white stuff works better. The clear gel in Secret actually works just as well.

Love this youtube video.

Exclusive ~ It's on. Lancome & Alber Elbaz. Please.

Exclusive access to Lancome Show starts now. Only 200 pieces a day so hurry! In January it was announced that legendary designer, Alber Elbaz & Lancome collaborate a limited edition high glam eye collection. Seriously. Awesome.

The collection includes Lancôme's top mascaras and palettes in Rose Coquette, Taupe Craze, Mint Jolie, and Midnight Rush. For all you ladies who love Lancôme like myself, you'll love these gorgeous exclusives complete with packaging outfitted by Elbaz'snotorious illustrations in red hearts, blue stars, pink dots and green eyes. 

So here's the deal, you have to act quick! Lancôme is selling only 200 units per day during the VIP Phase which starts June 10th and lasts just 5 days so make sure to sign up to be one of the first to access the Lancôme x Alber Elbaz collection asap!

Dermastore & Blush Amazing Free Gifts!

There are some seriously awesome free gifts with purchase at Dermastore and their sister site Blush right now.

A few of my favorites:

Dogeared Loves blush Necklace ~ 

A stylish accessory for any outfit, this Dogeared Necklace was created especially for blush. It features a simple, beautiful design with an 18" chain. A $70 value, it's yours free with any $125 blush purchase. 

Exceptional Skin Serum ~

Fiafini Skincare Exceptional Skin Serum enhances your skin's vitality, provides hydration, fights against signs of fatigue, protects against free-radical damage and keeps skin looking firm and lifted. A $38 value, it's yours free with any $60 Fiafini Skincare purchase.

Flash Firm Eye Gel ~ 

Retrospect Flash Firm Eye Gel diminishes wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes for a more youthful appearance. Functional keratin rapidly lifts and tones sagging skin. Glycerin reduces inflammation while hyaluronic acid plumps. A $70 value, it's yours free with any $150 purchase. 

Hydrating Enhancing Facial Serum ~ 

Silk'n Hydrating Enhancing Facial Serum soothes your skin, reduces wrinkles and improves the skin's texture. 100% squalane penetrates deep into your skin to promote new cell growth and neutralize free radicals. A $49 value, it's yours free with your Silk'n FaceFX Anti-Aging Light Therapy Device purchase. 

Melt Away ~ 

Teach your cuticles to behave with butter LONDON Melt Away. It gently exfoliates the cuticle skin to make them easier to push back and trim. Use weekly for healthier-looking cuticles. An $18 value, it's yours free with any $50 butter LONDON purchase. 

Benefit for 50% Off? Yes Please! Free Shipping Code

Friend with benefits? Always count me in. 

Thru June 17th, Benefit Cosmetics has taken up to 50% off a their fantastic selection of must have makeup and beauty essentials. As if that isn't good enough, Benefit is offering free US shipping with any order; just enter JUNESALE at check-out time. I'll be loading up with creaseless cream shadows, cheek stains and liquid luminizer. 

And in case you don't know, Benefit "They're Real" Mascara is seriously the best mascara in the world and Boi-ing is pretty spectacular as well.

Goodbye to Ipsy and my last Box Contents

I know this sounds like a rant against Ipsy but I truly do think they kick ass and are probably the best bang for $10 you will find, but I loved in my I don't know what the hell to do with this stuff drawer and found that it contained mostly Ipsy products which is why I decided to take this off my 20 plus list of monthly subscriptions. Some other great things about Ipsy; they ship fast, you will almost always get a full size product and you will always get a bag full of products worth well over $10. My big gripe about many beauty boxes is that sometimes you only get product that is equal to what you paid. Now that isn't a good deal, especially if the stuff sucks.

I am parting ways with some of my beauty subscriptions and I decided I was putting Ispy (who was Glam Bag when I started with them) as one I could live without. I'm finding that in my old age of 31 that I don't quite relate to Ipsy as much as some other beauty boxes. They are a little too sparkly, shimmery and bright for me. And for anyone who knows me, that is really fucking sparkly because I will sport shimmer all day long. That being said I have learned over the years that you cannot or rather should not put on teal eyeshadow, bright pink lip gloss, bronzer, multi colored nails and bling all on together, you end up looking like you just stepped out of a fly girls video via the early 90's and while I have great respect for those feisty divas I have no desire to sport their look unless absolutely appropriate and I am still anxiously awaiting that day.

I also do not care for cheap products, even if they are full size. I don't like NYX or yabi and I don't think it is a great win to get a full size NYX eye shadow in bright blue sparkle shimmer. If I wanted these products I'd go to Wal-Mart and purchase them for $2.27.

I do have to thank Ipsy for introducing me to Bombshell which may vey well be the best liquid eyeliner ever made. And finally, I end my Ipsy subscription with this fucking fantastic bag of goodness.

•  Zoya full size polish in a pale blue, beautiful!
• Macadamia Hair Oil, I've received this previously and it's yummy.
• Juicy Beauty full size reflective gloss in a pretty pink. I love Juicy Beauty, score!
• Pacifica Bronzing Butter in coconut, yum but I try not to do shimmer on my body on a regular basis. I would have very much enjoyed the other option which was the St. Tropez Body Lotion because I have only tried their self tanners. 
• And last a refill concealer from Yabi which I find weird. Over the last few months I have received several refills from Yabi and it isn't as if we ever got some kind of container that we were supposed to house they products in. 
• And lastly, a cute little chevron print bag. Perfect summer colors :)

Sample Society by Allure May Beauty Box

So this Beauty Box by Allure's Sample Society used to be one of my favorite boxes but I found that while I loved some boxes others were not that exciting which I know, I know is all part of the sample box idea but still...
The one thing that I can say is I have tried some super spendy product samples that I wouldn't typically have the chance to. This is my last beauty box by Allure. I decided after every person in my neighborhood, not to mention my bf and mailman started to inquire if I had a problem shopping online, that I would cancel a few of my subscription boxes. While I enjoy getting multiple exciting boxes, packages and surprises each day I have acquired so much stuff that I literally don't know what to do with it all. I was also starting to get crossover from box to box which really bummed me out.
On that note I wasn't that please with this box which made it that much easier to say goodbye. I'm sure I kick myself next month when it is some super fantastic box that only come once in a lifetime (like my kick ass ipsy box I got this month). 

In this box: Alterna Bamboo Shine Luminous Shine Mist, this is like the 50th bottle I have gotten of this and I don't even like it, it's one of those products that you have to use sparingly and carefully and I don't have the ability to do anything carefully or sparingly. 

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream, again with the overkill on this product. I give this to my boyfriend who seems pleased with it but he also puts olive oil on for moisturizer. 

Dr. Brandt Flexitone BB Cream, I get the BB cream, time saver and all but I'm more of a ritualistic skincare and make-up gal. I like the whole 2 hours it takes me to apply all my layers of lotion, serum, primer and all. 

Jane Iredale Forever Pink Just Kissed Lip & Cheek, I am just not a huge Jane Iredale fan. I have yet to try anything that I thought was great from her line. I do like self adjusting lip color. 

Kate Somerville 360 Tanning Towelette, I love Kate Somerville and all she does. I love this product. Yay!

Free Lela Rose Gift Bag worth $150 at Beauty.com

I love when Beauty.com does there free gift bags from different designers, I have yet to get one that is anything less than amazing. You can see my Richard Chai Beauty.com bonus review from March that had a super cool trendy blue make-up bag filled with so many great products. All you have to do to qualify is spend $125 which is easy enough on a site that has everything from face products to hair care and of course beauty! 

Beauty.com always has alot of other GWP promotions so if you happen to choose products that have an additional GWP like this Buy $50 in Erno Laszlo products and get a free Mask a ($38 Value) you get that GWP plus this extra Lela Rose gift bag! Some of the products you will find in this beauty bonus include; 

MURAD Rapid Collagen Infusion

IT COSMETICS Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil, Universal

JUICE BEAUTY Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer

These are only a few of the products, in the past I have received about 12 full size and deluxe samples. See the entire list of included beauty bonuses. This deal is so worth it and they seem to offer one about every other month. Enjoy!

Win One of 1,000 Smashbox CC or BB creams

This rocks. You can choose between winning a Smashbox BB cream or CC cream when you like the Smashbox facebook page and enter your info!

If you have not tried this Camera Ready CC Cream, it is amazing and your skin will thank you.

I heart Benefit Cosmetics! Freebie with Purchase!

Benefit Cosmetics has a free gift offer! With any $60 purchase receive free shipping and a free full size Ultra Shines Lip Gloss worth $18 value. 

All you have to do is add your fav shade to cart and enter code ULTRASHINE at checkout. While supplies last. 

If you can't find anything that you want from Benefit, you must not be familiar with this amazing brand. "They're Real" mascara is hands down A-freaking-mazing! Your lashes will be beautiful, full and seriously look unreal!

Bonus time at Clinique! GWP when you spend $25

It's bonus time at Clinique! For spending only $25 you get an amazing 7 piece gift! If you have an ebates account (or if you don't sign-up now) you get 4% cash back. Clinique has great beauty staples and you can easily find something that you need for $25, and probably a few things you don't need which is my case.

The 7 piece set includes:

• Beautiful cosmetic bag
• 7 day scrub
• dramatically different moisturizer
• Rinse off make-up solvent
• Eye shadow trio (your choice)
• Lipstick (your choice)
• High impact mascara

A few of my favorite things:

I love Ruelala - A few reasons why....

Can I just express how much I love Rue La La.

This site is freaking fantastic! Some of my recent purchases, I literally saved over half of what I would have paid at full price!

Christian Dior Women's "Panther 1" Sunglasses - $159.90

Hat Attack Fedora - $59.90

Sparkling Sage 14K Plated & Resin Bib Necklace - $39.90

gorjana "Taylor" 18K Plated & Leather Triple Wrap Bracelet - $39.90

Free Klutch Club Box! Healthy Snacks, Supplements, Beauty & More!

I love natural supplements, healthy foods and beauty products and even better when they come straight to my door! I have just signed up for this product so I can't give a personal review, but I have heard good things!

I just got this offer that I wanted to share with you all! Try Klutch Club Free ~ Awesome, you just pay shipping and handling.

How to get your FREE box: 

1. Put a Best-of Box into your cart 

2. Use Code: TRYUSFREE during checkout 

3. That code? Go ahead and let your friends and family know about this offer! If you love KLUTCHclub, chances are they will too! Tell them to sign up on our website for exclusive promotions, food and fitness tips, and awesome deals. 

4. Don't worry about which box is in your cart, the KLUTCHclub team will see your special code on your order and send you one of the special boxes we have allocated for this limited time promotion. 

5. You just snagged a MAJOR deal- Enjoy! 

Some of things you may get in your box:

• Psst Dry Shampoo - refresh anywhere, no shower required 
• Giovanni travel size all eco shampoo and conditioner – sulfate free and Moroccan argon oil treats sun and chlorine damage 
• CocoaVia – a chocolate supplement that supports healthy circulation
• Zevia- stevia sweetened zero calorie soda
• Turbo Fire - Greatest hits – workout in your hotel room with a heart pumping 30 minute workout (from beach body- same guys who make p90x)
• FRS Healthy Energy Powder – Low in calories and big on energy, these are perfect boost for a long run, a business trip, or everyday life
• Healthy snacking options: PopCorners crunchy low calorie chips, Funky Monkey crispy fruit snacks & EcoTrek Whole Food Bar 
• Plus MORE! 

Glossybox - Limited Edition!

GLOSSYBOX just released their limited edition James Box (a collaboration with the James Hotel). The box has an Earth-Day theme: all the products are eco-friendly!

The Box: The James GLOSSYBOX You get Five natural beauty products valued at $70+ for $35. The last Limited Edition box was January's Man Repeller and it was seriously amazing!

My Habit is having a Tax Sale! 20% Off

Love, love, love myhabit! I have a deep affection for any sample sale site but this one is probably my favorite.

They offer free shipping on everything, all the time and today they are having a 20% off sale to celebrate tax day! A few of my favorites....

How about a Versace suit for just over $500

Beautiful Eva Franco Dress

Charles David Wedges in Beautiful Navy

The Beauty Blowout of All Blowouts - SMASHBOX 60% OFF

BAM! Smashbox!

Shop it now, Smashbox's biggest sale of the season, the Beauty Blowout, has just begun, and now through April 14, you can save up to 60% on the cosmetics brand's cult-favorite products. Better yet, you'll score free shipping and free samples with every order.

BeautyBar Sample Society April Box

BeautyBar has once again provided me products I've never heard or or knew I wanted. If you haven't signed up, use code BB4SS2013 to get your box in 1-2days!

What's in my box?

Borghese Gel Delicato Makeup Remover- .5 oz- Value about $3.50

I love Borghese products! I was a little miffed at first because the tube says make-up remover so I'm thinking a lotion or something but it's actually, "The first step in the cleansing process, Gel Delicato is a lightweight, oil-free makeup remover gel". Who knew I was missing the first step of my cleaning routine! 

B. Kamins Nia-Stem Moisturizer Kx- .5 oz- Value almost $40

I have never heard of this brand but for $125 for a full size bottle, I'd expect it to work miracles. 

CoTZ Face Natural Skin SPF 40- Freebie- Worth a couple bucks. 

Hanskin Hydro Sheet Mask (20ml) 1 sheet - Value $3.50

You have to leave this mask on for 20 minutes and it's one of those masks that lays on your face so it's not as if you can move around while you wait. I prob wouldn't purchase this unless I saw a serious lift. 

Jane Tran Bobby Pin Set- Value $4

These are freaking adorable! I will totally use these some day when I'm not to lazy to do something with my hair. 

Red Flower Italian Blood Orange Moisturizing Body Lotion- Value $5

I'm not a huge citrus fan but love extra lotion for my purse. 

About a $56 value which is pretty good. Overall I am not thrilled with this month but I'm usually very satisfied so I still consider this a killer deal. 

Glossy Box Bonus and Sneak Peek April

Peek Inside the April Glossy Box!

Every box is going to receive a Glow Blush from TIGI. This is a $22 value and it will be an added addition to your Glossy box.

If you haven't signed up for Glossy Box yet, this is by far one of my favorite subscription boxes. They are very consistent in the quality of products they deliver and you will always get at least one full size product and sometimes more. The only downfall to this box in my opinion is that they seem to send the current box the beginning of the following month which I find annoying but not a deal breaker.

Get your April Glossy Box here!

New Rad Beauty GWP from Ulta

Gotta love Ulta, they just finished up with their 21 Days of Beauty Steals and the very next day they announced new gifts with purchase from some of my fav brands like Benefit, Philosophy and bareMinerals. 

• With any $25 Lorac purchase get a deluxe CC cream.

• FREE bareMinerals Pure Sweetness Collection with any $40 bareMinerals purchase 

• FREE Fine One One Lingerie Bag with any $30 Benefit Cosmetics purchase 

• With any $35 Philosophy purchase receive a Deluxe Living Grace Sample.

This is only just a few of the special offers that Ulta has right now and they are always rolling out new great deals!

Free Shipping at Urban Outfitters

Right now you can get free shipping at Urban Outfitters with no purchase minimum! This means everything from Men's, Women's and Apartment will ship for free. You can buy that $20 tank top you've been wanting without having to pay an additional price to ship. I love this because I often just want one item from a website but I don't but want to pay an additional 50% of the items cost to get it to me.

This deal is only for 3 days so get your buy on! Some cute picks....

Coach 50% off Handbags Sale - Today Only

Ladies and men who want to impress their lady friends. Coach factory is having a flash sale where you can take an additional 50% off their already low factory prices. If you love Coach this sale is a no brainer. If you have never owed a Coach item (wallet, bag, laptop case) this is your chance to get a beautiful quality bag cheap! Shoot some of these bags are less than $100. As you know Coach does color well and Spring is coming.

Birchbox March Review

Oh Birchbox....Some months I love this box and others I can't understand hw they would supply the worthless stuff they do. That sounds harsh but seriously Mascara Shields? Yes perfect if I could get my bf to put my mascara on for me while I hold the "shield" in place which is not likely to happen. 

The Products (listed from best to worst!)

Benefit (which I adore) Stay Don't Stray Primer (aren't they clever?)

The claim - This little gem is a foolproof way to ensure that your undereye concealer and eyeshadows stay put from morning to night (to late late night). It comes in one surprisingly versatile shade that brightens underneath and above the eye. The lightweight formula blends in easily and won't clog the delicate skin around the eyes.

My take - I wanted to throw something I was so pissed I got another f** primer but I contained my emotioned and tried what I found to be indeed a little gem. I completely noticed the staying power of both my concealer and shadow. Unfortunately the sample was about the size of dime so I lost it after 2 uses. Guess I'll have to buy the full size. 

Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum

The claim - The patent pending YS3 Complex delivers blemish-banishing ingredients, like tea tree oil and salicylic acid, beneath the skin’s surface. Willow bark extract reduces inflammation and redness.

My Take - I have become extremely annoyingly prone to breakouts since I turned 28. This is very difficult considering I am also trying to combat wrinkles at this time. I can't use the harsh products because they make my sensitive skin that much more red than it needs to be. I found this product to be gentle yet effective for acne. I can't tell yet on the scar healing. 

Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board

I always appreciate another nail file and this ne was pretty cute. 

twistband™ Headband Collection

The claim - Perhaps the most versatile hair accessory ever, they look equally awesome paired with your workout gear or a sweet sundress. 

My Take - I made one of these on accident once when I couldn't find a hair-tie from some gift wrapping materials I had handy. This is literally just a piece of elastic tied at the ends. 

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream

The Claim - A moisturizing base of omega-rich squalene, organic shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil protects against the redness and irritation associated with shaving, while organic green tea extracts infuse skin with antioxidants.

My take - I would never, ever pay $20 for shaving cream unless it shrunk cellulite as well. This did smell amazing though.

BLISS BONUS WORTH $180

If you spend $130 you will get this $180 value bag of goodies with code TOP7Picks!

Lancome Gift with Purchase Starts Tomorrow

With any $60 Lancome purchase you will receive this amazing gift worth over $120!

Check out Lancome's top products -
GénifiqueYouth Activating ConcentrateSee visibly younger skin in just 7 days.Visionnaire[LR 2412 4%]Advanced Skin CorrectorCorrect and perfect wrinkles, pores, and uneveness.DéfinicilsHigh Definition MascaraOur award-winning mascara for length,
separation & ultimate definition.

Beauty.com GWP - Richard Chai

Beauty.com does this way too often! They continue to prompt my purchase again and again due to their awesome gifts with purchase. Every couple months when you spend $100 you will get a kick ass bag filled with all kinds of goods.

The mini-satchel sports magnetic snap closures, top-zip, durable waterproof material, and a peekaboo-paneled top flap so that packing and toting must-haves is easier than ever.

Each bag arrives loaded with more than a dozen prestige beauty samples from some of the top brands in makeup, skin care, hair care and more, boasting a total value of more than $150.

 The items are listed below and I have graded them on my scale of 1-5. 1 being poor and 5 being amazing; 

• 1. Shaveworks The Cool Fix Targeted Gel Lotion-Gave this to my bf and he loves it, 5.
• 2. Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD beauty balm-Not into BB cream, 3.
• 3. GO SMiLE® Double Action Whitening System, I'm just using these for the first time, 3-4.
• 4. NUXE® Crème Fraiche® Mask 3.5
• 5. h20+™ Spa Hand and Nail Cream, nothing special, 3.
• 6. ARCONA® Hydrating Serum, Replenish AM/PM, again not the greatest, 3.
• 7. Joanna Vargas Daily Serum, this was missing from my box.
• 8. CAUDALIE® Premier Cru®, The Ultimate Anti-Ageing Cream, pretty nice consistency, 4.
• 9. PHYTO® Phytopolleine Botanical Scalp Stimulant with Essential Oils for All Hair Types 
• 10. Murad Acne Clarifying Cleanser, love this!!!! 5!
• 11. PETER THOMAS ROTH® Mega Rich Body Wash, pretty good, not the best I've ever had, 4.
• 12. The New Black Nail Polish, this nail polish is not great quality, 2.
• 13. bareMinerals® Mini Stroke of Light Eye Brighten, love BareMinerals, 4.