Bargain Shopping Tips & Pics from Christmas

Hey everyone!
So I know its been a while since I've posted, but I've been busy with the holidays and being sick. I just now got the energy to get up out of bed and get my mind working again to come up with a good post.
Keep reading until the end of the post for some pictures from my Christmas.

First of all, how was everyone's Christmas? I know a lot of you might have gotten money and gift cards for Christmas and want to go shopping! So I am going to show you how to get more for your money and shop wisely!


Do your research:
The key to shopping wisely is doing your research. I like to do a lot of shopping online because I can go to websites like www.shopping.com or just the shopping section of Google, Bing, or Yahoo and type in exactly what I want. If you don't want to shop online you can type in what you want and sort it by price and find the store that has it at the cheapest price.



Know what you want:
Another good thing is to know what you want. I know it is really irritating to go shopping for the day and be searching around everywhere, not knowing where to go, just to find one specific thing. So its good to look online with the shopping websites, find a store, then call the location near you to ask them if they have it in the store, or just order online.
I also like to make lists. The main times that I go shopping is for each major season. When I look through  fashion magazines and see what is popular for the season, I make a list of what I am looking for the most.
For example my list for winter had things like: scarves, black suede boots, gray ankle booties, leggings, sweaters, black pea coat, etc. The more specific the better, and less stressful your shopping trip will be.           
A lot of times that I just go to the mall not knowing what I want, I browse around for hours and then end up coming home with nothing or something I didn't want and just settled for.


Choose wisely & Wait:
Do your research ahead of time to know what you want actually costs. Avoid impulse buying. If you see something in a store that you really like but is expensive WAIT! Things always go on sale, usually a in a few weeks, or if the season is going to change. I know it is exciting when the store first gets them in, but they mark them up at first, then put them in the clearance. Also, SLEEP ON IT. If you want a major purchase, wait a few days and really think about whether you really like it or even need it. 

Use coupons & Sales:
One of the good things about shopping online is you can always find discount codes. There are so many sites that provide tons of coupons like:
http://www.couponcabin.com/ 

http://www.bestonlinecoupons.com/ 
http://www.couponmountain.com/ 
Just type in the name of the store and coupon codes. There are so many sites. Just look around! Never checkout online without at least searching for a coupon. The only thing with this is people post these codes so sometimes they may not work or they are expired. Usually beside the code it will have a percentage of whether the code worked or not. Most stores will not let you use more than one so try out different ones to see which ones make you total the lowest. 
Sign up for emails from stores. They will send you coupons and alert you when they are having a sale. Sometimes it can get annoying to get a ton of emails, but if you are shopping, use them! Sometimes they even send you stuff in the mail with sales and coupons. I know Victoria's Secret does this a lot. 
Ask the sales person if they have any discounts or sales going on. One time I was at the checkout at American Eagle and my mom happened to mention my birthday and they said they give discounts if its your birthday or even a family members. Just yesterday I was at Charlotte Russe and they had a sign in the dressing room saying 10% off if your a student or in the military. They just asked for my student ID and I got a discount! A lot of times they don't like to advertise those kind of sales but they do have them, just ask!


Another thing I like to do when I go in a store is go straight to the clearance and sale sections. I don't even bother looking at the new arrivals first. Then if there is something I really like in the new section if I wait a week or two it will be on sale. 
Also watch out for false sales. A lot of stores put up signs saying SALE when they just marked up the items then put them on sale and you're not really getting a deal. So its good to know what things cost. And don't let yourself get sucked into sales or buy something just because it sounds like a good deal. That's what they want you to do.


Shop opposite seasons:
I know this is a hard thing to do because we all want the new stuff that just came out for the season. But for basic things like jeans, tees, camis, and shoes, its good to buy them opposite. Jeans are usually cheaper in the summer, along with long sleeves and boots. But things like tank tops, flip flops, and definitely bathing suits in the winter. Bathing suits are SO much cheaper in the winter. Victoria's Secret online and in the catalog always have swimwear sales in the winter. 

Shop at Outlets & Factory Stores:
There is a mall near where I live called Potomac Mills Mall that has all discount stores. They have things like Abercrombie outlet, Hollister outlet, Bebe outlet, BCBG outlet, Victoria's Secret outlet, Charlotte Russe outlet, H&M outlet, department stores outlets, beauty outlets, and a lot more. So search for outlets near you to shop at. Also a lot of designer stores have factory stores where they sell things cheap. 
Online wholesale stores are also great. Just type in what you want in a search and add 'whoelsale'. A site I use a lot is:
www.ioffer.com 
It is kind of like Ebay but is based in China so the shipping is high. But with the price of the goods being so cheap, it is still worth it. I usually buy purses, sunglasses, and other accessories on there. But be safe about it and always use PayPal to checkout.
I get my designer bags for $50!

I also do a lot of shopping on Ebay, Amazon, and Overstock. These are great for electronics and phone covers and stuff.

Compare:
Comparing to generic brands is a good thing to do with beauty products. Beauty products are really overpriced mainly to pay for the packaging and advertising. Compare the main ingredients on bottles. They are usually exactly the same. Some things are just better with the brands but basic things are not worth paying more for.
 

Be smart & Happy Shopping!


Let me know if any of this worked for you. I'll probably be adding to it when I come across more. 

And for some Christmas pics:

          

My car was buried in the 2 feet of snow we got last week! I was stuck at my boyfriends house for like 5 days and it was a nightmare to get my car out.

 Oh and I got my hair highlighted! Its not showing up very well in the pics but it has red and blond highlights.

 

Comment & Follow!

XOXO,

Gena 

Purchases & Review- Sigma brushes, ELF, Coastal Scents

Hi guys!
So my last update I was talking about some stuff I ordered and I have gotten it all in now. Except the nail polish rack, which hasn't even shipped yet-- I don't know what's up with that. But anyways the stuff that I got is:

Sigma 12 piece brush set!!!

 Pros:

-Pretty much a brush for everything

-Cleans well

-SUPER soft

-Well made

-Minimal shedding

-Good packaging

-Came with a brochure about the brushes

My favorite brushes are the concealer brush (SS194) and the shader brush (SS224).

Cons:

-I don't really like the pencil crease brush (SS219). Maybe its just the eyeshadow that I'm using it with, but I don't know it just doesn't seem to blend well.

But these are awesome!

It was $76 with shipping and all. Its more if you get the brush roll.

www.sigmamakeup.com/

I am in love with the Coastal Scents palette!

Pros:

-Every color you'll ever need!

-Very pigmented

-Good formula

-Nice case

-Great packaging

Cons:

-Small size (dime size)

-Not enough neutral shades

(I'm asking for the Neutral Palette for Christmas!!)

-Kinda hard to open (with acrylic nails)

Overall I defiantly recommend this and would make an awesome present!

www.coastalscents.com

Next thing i got was this Mini Eyelash Curler from ELF.

It is only like 1/2 an inch wide. This is good or the inner and outer hard to reach eyelashes.

The only thing I don't like about it is since its so small and doesn't go across your whole lash line you get a little gap where the metal edge separated them. Its hard to explain, but if you comb them afterwards or go over it with a regular curler they group back together.

This was only $3

Next I got the ELF Face Primer. It was $6.

Pros:

-Makeup lasts longer

-Makeup goes on evenly

-Dries fast

-Moisturizes

Cons:

-Smells bad

-Weird texture

-Small bottle

I have never used a face primer before so I am not sure exactly how it compares to others.

Last thing I got is the ELF Corrective Concealer. It was $3.
I was not too impressed with this product. It was hard to get any of it on my brush. Then the coverage was not very good with the green and pink. The green is not green enough.
The neutral shades covered well under my eyes but it settled in my pores under my eyes.
The creamy texture is nice though, but you have to swipe your brush back and forth a lot to pick it up.

I am going to continue using this but I will probably not buy it again.


www.eyeslipsface.com

Let me know if you have any questions about this stuff!
Tell me some blog request in the Mini Updates box on the left side--->

And perhaps a 100 follower giveaway coming?!?!?

XOXO,
Gena

Outfit of the Day

Hey!
This is just a quick Outfit of the Day for you all.
I have been really into scarves this season and leggings with big shirts.
My shirt is from Old Navy. Its tan with flowy sleeves and elastic around the hips. I couldn't find it on the website but they may still have it in the store. I got it a few months ago.
Ckick here for Old Navy
My navy leggings are from Charlotte Russe. I love the bottom of them the have little buttons, but you can see it with my boots.
Click here for Charlotte Russe
My scarf is from Abercrombie.
Click here for A&F
My boots are the Tan Tall Ugg boots.
Click here for Ugg
My belt is just a belt off of a blue plaid button down from Hollister.
Click here for HCO
My ring is a tan flower ring, but its hard to see. It is from Charlotte Russe too.

Let me know what you think, or if you have any questions!
XOXO,
Gena

Acrylic Nail Tutorial

Hey everyone!
I'm going to show you how I do my acrylic nails. I am not a professional and I am not saying this is the right way, it is just my way. I have been doing my own for about 4+ years and I have learned by trial-and-error.
Note that if you have acrylic nails regularly and keep them on a long time, they will mess up your nails. They make them weaker. But if you don't have them that often and your nails are hard then they should be fine. Mine are pretty thin from years of nails, but as long as you take breaks from them and keep them clean, its fine! If your nails are super super thin and parts of your skin are showing or irritated do not do acrylic nails, it is harmful if it gets on irritated skin. But the most important thing to keep your nails healthy with acrylic nails is to remove them properly. DO NOT rip and pull them off! SOAK them off the correct way with pure acetone. And DO NOT bite them! If you rip them off your real nail will come off with it, and it hurts!

Here's the stuff you'll need:

• Bonding acrylic powder 
• Bonding acrylic liquid
• Primer
• Tips
• Nail glue 
• Buffer block
• Electric sander (optional but recommended)
• Nail File (at least 100 grit)
• Acrylic nail brushes (whatever size works for you)
• Cuticle Oil
• Nail clippers
• Paper towels
• Nail liquid and powder containers

Prep:
So the first thing you are going to do is prep your nails. Cut them to a decent length, long enough to glue the tips on but short enough that if you break a nail it will not hurt. Do not cut them so short that your skin is bulging over your nail. The glue and tips won't stick if there is skin in the way.
Push your cuticles down and scrape off any skin that is stuck to your nail. You can use cuticle remover for this is you want.
Then using a buffer block, buff the natural shine off your nails. Be careful not to file too much or you will make your nails thinner.

I use Polar Block 203006 from Sally's.

Tips:

Then get your tips. For this look I am using white tips that are just the original with the well (the indented part at the bottom).

I used Terrific Tips French Manicure White 202170 from Sally's.

Position the tips on your natural tips to where the well is not too far down on your nail. Lay out all the sizes before you start gluing. If a tip does not fit perfectly pick the bigger size and file down the sides of it. If your tip is too small you will have a hard time getting the glue to stick because it will pop up. And they will be sore if they are too tight.

Next put the nail glue it the nail tip well and place it on your nail. Hold it still for a few seconds for it to dry. Make sure you don't use too much glue because it will run down around your cuticle which will cause lifting. Once it is on tight you can apply a little glue on the top of your nail right where the tip and your nail meet.

Then cut the tips down.  You can use regular nail clippers or acrylic clippers would work best. I just use regular clippers but they have to be strong. If you use regular, clip each side first, then bend the tip back and forth and twist it until it comes off. Then file and shape the nails the way you want. I do mine square with rounded edges. Just make sure they are all even.

Then using the buffer block, file the tips, concentrating on the line, so they blend into your nail better. DO NOT file too much. This is just to get the glue off and blend.

Then wash your hands to get the dust off and dry fully.

*Try not to touch your nails before applying acrylic. The oil from your fingers makes it not stick.

Prime:

Next apply primer. Primer dehydrates the nail making the acrylic stick better. I use Contours Non-Acid Primer or No Lift Nails Gentle Primer is good too. Apply this to your natural nail but avoid contact with your cuticle and skin. A little goes a long way with this so you'll prob only have to dip it once per hand. (The picture of primer is in with the liquid and powder.)

Acrylic Application:

Now you're ready for the acrylic. This takes LOTS of practice to get it right. Pour some liquid into the container and then the powders.  DO NOT dip your brushes directly into the containers or dump leftovers back in. This contaminates it. Take a folded up paper towel and put it under the containers in case of spills. Also fold one up and set it aside. You will need it to wipe of brushes as you go along.

These are just little jars I got at Sally's.

I used pink and white acrylic powders. This can be tricky using both but I do it just to make the white tips brighter since I am using an intense pink color. If you are a beginner at this then I recommend just using a clear, natural, or regular pink powder. Then you only have to do one application of acrylic all over the nail.

I used ASP Bonding Acrylic Liquid, (primer is in the middle), and ASP Bonding Acrylic Powders in Intense Pink 156200 and White 156204. This is all from Sally's.

Next take which ever size brush you prefer, make sure its clean, and dip in into the liquid. I like using a large flat brush for my bigger nails and a small rounded one for the smaller ones, and the tips.

These are Beauty Secrets ones I got from Sally's. The bigger one is the #22 and the smaller one is #8

The first time you dip it submerge the brush to get the air bubbles out then wipe the sides off well and dip just the tip in. They key to this is getting the right consistency. You do not want too much liquid or it will just run all over your nail. But you need enough to fully mix the powder.

Then lightly dip it in the powder and drag it until you get a small ball formed. All of the product should mix to where there is no more powder on your brush.

If you are using the white acrylic then dip it in the white and apply it over the tips, following the smile line. You only need to use the white acrylic if you want the intense pink color because if you don't put white over the white tip the pink will cover the white tip and make it less visable.

Hold the brush almost flat but angled up a little. Apply it by barely pressing down and just letting the acrylic fall. Wipe off your brush and then wipe the smile line making it straight along the tips outline.

Every time you get more acrylic wipe off your brush.

Next apply the pink acrylic (or whatever color you are using). This time, apply a medium sized ball (depending on the size of your nail) to the center of it, but closer to the smile line. Let the acrylic fall and barley touch it to position it correctly. Once it starts to harden and shape more, lightly brush even stroke over the entire nail. DO NOT get it on the cuticle. This will make it lift right away. Keep a small gap between your skin and the nail. Continue shaping and spreading it over the entire nail. Look at it from the side to see how flat it is. You want it thick enough, but not too thick. Add small balls of acrylic to any dips in your nails.

*The mistake a lot of people make when applying acrylic is pressing down to hard when spreading it which ends up just wiping it off and you waste a lot of acrylic and it takes forever. So put it on and let it spread and gently shape it. Don't brush it on like nail polish.

Sanding & Shaping:

The next thing you are going to do is sand your nails smooth. I used to just use the buffer blocks, which takes forever. So then I got an electric sander that takes batteries. It has different attachments for sanding and you can get refills for the sander cylinders.

 Mine is the SuperNail Professional on from Sally's. I do not recommend getting this one. I got the cheapest because I was just learning but when you put the brown sander on the white top it flies off when your sanding. But it might have just been the one I got. So I had to glue it on with nail glue and when I have to replace it I have to rip it off, so it's a pain. So maybe a better brand would be best.

*DO NOT over file or touch your skin with it. It will burn you and it hurts bad! Also never use it on your natural nail. And do not dip the tip down or you will get ridges. Keep it flat so your nail will be smooth. This is also good for if you make mistakes and put too much acrylic or have lumps in the acrylic because it flattens it.

Then use the nail file. Mine is a Beauty Secrets 100 Grit 169160 one from Sally's.

Put the file under the edge of the nail and file the sides in a vertical motion. Then file the tip flat and round the corners so they are not sharp. 

Next apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and rub it in. I like to go back over them with a buffer block to make it extra smooth with the oil, but you don't have to.

This is the HaKen Essential Fragrance Cuticle Oil in Kiwi Strawberry 153000. 

Now wash your hands and apply a top coat. If you use a tanning bed I recommend using a anti-yellowing UV protection polish, or else they will turn yellow.

Now your done!

Make sure you clean out your brushes. I just use pure acetone, but there are also brush cleaners for this too.

Maintenance:

Apply cuticle oil to your nails every few days. This will keep them from looking dry and flaky around the cuticle and make the acrylic look better when it gets old. DO NOT pick at them or bite them.

If you brake one just soak it off in acetone and re-do it, but don't pull it off.

Sorry its so long!

This process takes practice! But you'll get it.

Good luck!!! 

 

Let me know if you have questions or need help!

Comment if you tried this out.

XOXO,

Gena

Love Your Blog Award

I was nominated by Ellie at
http://elliesbeautyblog.blogspot.com/
and Dea at
http://mzdae.blogspot.com/

Thank you all so much! I appreciate it. :]

If you want to pass this on just nominate 15 blogs that you love to read, let them all know, and post about it!

I nominate:

THESE ARE IN NO SPECIFIC ORDER!

BUBBLEGARM

EuchanteTV

Fafinette

FernLaura

Kandee

Lollipop26

Makeupandbeauty.ie

MakeupByRenRen

MissVantiyVixen

BareBudgetBeauty

Natasha

Sandra

Jimin

Kathryn

MakeToBeUp


XOXO,
Gena

Update, Discount codes, & Purchases

Hey!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving or whatever holiday you celebrate.
Mine was great! I visited my boyfriend's parents and my whole family on my mom's side.
And it was my birthday!!
I had so much fun and got great gifts. It was nice seeing everyone too.
Here's a few pics at my grandparents and at Nathan's!

They threw me a surprise birthday party!

Comment and tell me what you did for your holiday. :]

I am really excited for some stuff I ordered to come in the mail. I ordered the Coastal Scents 88 palette, Sigma brush set, and a nail polish rack to store all my polishes.

*Images from Coastal Scents, Sigma, and Yahoo images

I cant wait! I will do reviews on the palette and brushes.
I really needed something to organize my nail polishes with I have them all in a bin now which is a pain because you cant see what you have and you have to dump it all out to get one from the bottom. So, I'll post pics when it comes in!
I have been looking FOREVER for the right brushes at a reasonable price. I was not about to buy every brush from MAC and pay 30 some dollars per brush. So I was looking on Ebay for a MAC set but everything was replicas. WARNING: they don't tell you in the description that they are not authentic! I had to ask each seller and they all said they are fake MAC. Good thing I asked! So I thought about Sigma because I've heard good things, but I still wanted to find cheaper. But every site was fake MAC.
So I decided to just spend the money and get what I wanted. So I got the Sigma brush set which was $70. It cost more if you get the brush roll, but I don't really need it.

I also purchased some stuff from E.L.F including Face Primer, Mini Eyelash Curler, and the Corrective Concealer. If anyone has tried any of these products please let me know!

Anyways here are some discount codes and sales I've been getting from stores:

E.L.F codes:
75% off all makeup cases and elements: EH75CE
70% of minerals: EHCMM
50% off studio collection & bath: EH50SB
www.eyeslipsface.com

Sephora Sales & Codes:
Orders over $50 get FREE shipping
3 FREE samples with any purchase
FREE Mini Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel with $25 purchase: JURLIQUE
FREE flower clutch with $25 purchase: CLUTCH4U
FREE Tarte Mini Cheek Stain with any order: CLOUD9
FREE shipping on select gifts: HOLIDAYSHIP
www.sephora.com

ULTA:
FREE shipping on orders over $25: 33069
FREE Smashbox Cream Eyeliner Trio with any Smashbox purchase
20% off any item: 24999
20% off flat irons
www.utla.com

Abercrombie, Hollister & Gilly Hicks:
A&F, HCO, and Gilly Hicks spend $100 and get a $25 gift card
HCO All tops buy one get one 50% off
http://www.abercrombie.com
www.hollisterco.com
www.gillyhicks.com

Forever21:
FREE shipping on orders over $75
FREE shipping over $40: FREESHIP09
$10 off any $40 purchase: HOLIDAY
www.forever21.com

Please let me know if you use any of these.
Also let me know if any don't work so I can fix them!
Any blog requests?

XOXO,
Gena