Ulta Haul

I'm a terrible person when it comes to cosmetics. It's still a relatively newfound obsession for me - I used to buy every kind of every brand available until I was about 20. I took almost a ten year hiatus, guys! Go easy on me! So this past year I've kind of been making up for everything I've missed out on, skincare wise. I absolutely fell in love with benefit but there are a few other brands that have my heart as well: tarte, philosophy, Urban Decay, Too Faced...and my secret weapon, Neutrogena. That being said, I don't have a huge budget. So I wait around for great sales, especially stackable ones, and splurge at Ulta/Sephora when they have nice free products or deluxe samples. Two weeks ago, I found some nice deals at Ulta, stacked them, redeemed points, and got my regular moisturizer as well as a new set from benefit for super cheap. Behold the glory!

I bought the full sized Total Moisturizer and the Flawless Four boxed set, then got the deluxe It's Potent! eye cream, moisturizer packet, and the tote bag for free. (The Ultra Radiance spray was purchased in another order.)

These were all free items from my order. An Urban Decay set (Revolution lipstick, Eyeshadow Primer Potion, 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in LSD; and All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray); It Cosmetics CC+ packet and Brow Power brow pencil; Lorac POREfection mattifying face primer packet; and the above shown facial cream, tote bag, and eye cream from benefit)

This is the Urban Decay lipstick. I am NOT normally a lipstick person. I love balms and stains but often feel out of my element (either like an old lady or a stripper) when I wear lipstick. This one was a pleasant surprise. It's their Revolution lipstick in "Jilted" and it's a nice pink with subtle bluish undertones. I felt it went well with my skintone and would be very flattering on a wide range of different skin colors as well.

The benefit products aren't new to me, so I'm not reviewing them here. The It Cosmetics Brow Power brow pencil is nice, but although it says it won't smudge, it definitely does. I've mentioned in earlier posts, but I do have oily skin so that may have something to do with it, but when used without a face primer, it smudged quickly. The spooly brush at the opposite end of the liner is quite nice, though. I have yet to use the other items but I'll review them as soon as I do.

Benefit Reviews: Ultra Radiance, Agent Zero Shine and NEW Roller Lash

My latest Ulta order came on Valentine's Day -- the best and only present I got! Lucky for me, it came with a few freebies so it absolutely made my day.

I ordered Ultra Radiance and Agent Zero Shine and got for free:

• Deluxe sample of Benefit Fake Up
• Deluxe sample of the NEW Benefit Roller Lash
• A bareMinerals bag with blush, veil, lip gloss, and foundation primer. The bag quality as well as the items were nicer than most stuff in my monthly Ipsy bags! Ha!

I absolutely adore the Ultra Radiance facial spray. It works great as a makeup setter or just an overall refresher. I do have oily, sensitive skin and this doesn't bother it at all. It makes my skin feel great and it smells awesome.

I've only used Agent Zero Shine twice. As stated earlier, I do have oily skin. I don't think this will last ALL day for matte skin *but* it did last over four hours and for my oily skin, that's a miracle. I don't mind having to touch up once in the middle of the day. It's also a great product because it's self contained: you open the lid, tap powder into the lid, remove the bottom which is a push up brush, apply the powder, then cap it all back together into one neat little stick. I will definitely use this item regularly.

The new Roller Lash was a hit too. I tried it first without even pre-curling my lashes and was amazed at the results. I've tried many "curling" mascaras and didn't see half the results that this gave me - BUT. It smudged more quickly than my favorite mascara by tarte. Again, I have oily skin. It's a curse and a blessing. All mascara seems to smudge on me more quickly than others. The curling and separation powers of Roller Lash, though, are quite nice.

The FakeUp sample is A.MA.ZING. This little push up concealer stick has a ring of clear, creamy moisturizer around it to hydrate your skin as you conceal. A little goes a long way, much like their Erase Paste. Love it.

I haven't yet used my bareMinerals set but I'm sure it'll happen soon. I'll update you as soon as I do :)

Freebies

Fabric swatch samples

Jeep Calendar

Chaco Sticker

Abba Paleo Bars

**HOT** Sample of philosophy's Hope in a Jar

Southern Shirt Company Stickers

Flavored Latex Gloves (let your imagination run wild. But not here. Do that alone, in your own house.)

Free Lapel Pin

Stickers from Sticker Genius

Freebies

Free Lighter

Free Orca Whale Stickers

New Samples Released at PinchMe.com
(I got Mr. Sketch scented markers, Expo dry erase markers, and Gevalia ground coffee.)

Freebies

Free Goat Sticker 

Free BlueOx Sticker

Free I Stand for the Arts Sticker

Free GearAid Sticker

Free Yellowstone or Bust Sticker (super cute!)

Free No Farms No Food Bumper Sticker

Free Nivea Lotion Sample

Free MuscleTech Samples

Free BreatheRight Strip

Send a Free SlimJim to the Troops

Free Stuff Friday

Here's a few recent freebies that I've scored. Check them out!

Free sample of Twinings tea

Free samples from Target: Nature Made Adult Gummies

Free samples from Target:  Pedialax Probiotic Yums

Free Beech Nut Toddler Kit

Free Green Mountain Coffee Sample (K-cup or ground): You must watch a short video (about a minute and a half) and "Like" their Facebook page.

Free Waffle Fries from Chick-fil-A: Today Only! Plus More Freebies!

TODAY ONLY: Free Waffle Potato Fries at Chick-fil-A (3/4/11 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm):

Like our waffle fries? Then, you’re REALLY going to love Friday, March 4.

An innovation in ketchup calls for a celebration. Between 2 and 4 pm local time, ketchup lovers who ask for Heinz Dip & Squeeze and the Free FryDay promotion at all Chick-fil-A restaurants will receive a FREE medium order of Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries®, limit one per customer.  Now the question remains, to dip or to squeeze? Pick a side and change the way you eat ketchup on-the-go.

• 10 Pampers "Gifts to Grow" Points:  Enter code "500000Pampers10" at the Pampers website. 
  
• Free Sample of OxyClinical from Wal-Mart.
  
• Free bag of Mission Chips:  printable coupon found here.
  
• Free Hyland's Cold n' Cough Medicine:

To get a free Free Hyland’s Cold ‘n Cough Medicine, you have to "share" their post on your Facebook page and then tag Hyland’s and Mothering’s Facebook pages in your post. You then have to leave a comment letting them know that you did, and which kind you prefer (nighttime or regular). They will contact you to get your Hyland’s sent out. Follow their instructions on their page.

They will post a note on top of their website when they run out of the Cold ‘n Cough. 

Lastly, I recently joined a new product review website- it's called "QuestionMoms" and it's made so that mommies like you can give your input on the latest and greatest products that make your hectic life just a little easier.  Answer just a few short surveys about your lifestyle, family, and preferences to begin receiving awesome products at no cost to you. 
 

Happy Birthday to ME!

Since my birthday is on a Friday this year, I get to celebrate a whole birthday weekend.  I think that's pretty awesome, personally :)  And I figured, if I'm getting goodies and having a swell time, why shouldn't YOU get some awesome goodies, too?  So, ta-da - and here's a very merry unbirthday to you!


Free cookie from Quiznos:  Click here to print.  Expires 10/18.
Free chips and queso from Chili's:  Sign up for their newsletter here.
Free appetizer at T. G. I. Friday's:  Click here.Expires 11/30.
Free waffle from Waffle House!  Click here to print.  Expires 11/1.
Free Reach floss from Wal-Mart:  Print out  by clicking on Personal Care (get $1 coupon for floss that costs .97)
Free sample of Healthy Choice organic dog food:  Visit website (offer located in left sidebar of website)
Free Harley Davidson sticker:  Copy and paste link- http://www.2011hdposteroffer.com/sticker.aspx
Free Royal Canin Discovery Box at Petco: Click here. Expires 10/31.

Taste for Life

Taste for Life is a product review company, that allows you to test products and post your opinions of them, or search through existing opinions to get the scoop on items before you buy. From their webpage:

Receive free samples of products from leading manufacturers of health and wellness products

Have your input and feedback taken seriously by companies and brands

Share your honest opinions in an open forum with people just like you

Right now they are sending out free samples of Herbal Clear Outdoor Whole Body Deodorant. It's all natural and works in the ways that deodorants should, without scary chemicals or blocking your body's sweat release, which is actually vital:

Underarm antiperspirants don’t make you stop sweating: They work by closing sweat ducts so the perspiration can’t escape. It also means that toxins can’t escape—and how this toxin trapping impacts your health long-term hasn’t been thoroughly studied. What has received some attention are some ingredients used in antiperspirant products.

Most antiperspirants contain some type of aluminum-based compound, such as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum hydroxybromide. Aluminum is under scrutiny for a possible link to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although a 2002 review of studies determined that the connection between aluminum and AD was inconclusive, it also recommended limiting exposure to aluminum as much as possible, because danger from this metal couldn’t be ruled out. A more recent study indicated that chronic exposure to aluminum might promote the development of AD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Daily application of an antiperspirant would certainly qualify as chronic exposure!

An association between antiperspirant use and breast cancer has also been suggested, with the rationale that trapping toxins could lead to cancer. While many cancer experts dismiss this theory as an Internet hoax, new studies might reopen the antiperspirant/cancer debate—but from a different perspective. A 2005 study found that aluminum chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate act as metallo-estrogens, a term used for metals that interfere with healthy estrogen function. Results of the study demonstrated that these forms of aluminum hamper the function of estrogen receptors associated with certain breast cancer cells. The scientists called for more research.

Aluminum isn’t the only concern when it comes to cancer, though. Studies also show a link between certain preservatives called parabens and some forms of breast cancer. Parabens influence cells in a manner similar to natural estrogen—and they may also be linked to estrogen-dependent breast cancers. The extent of parabens’ impact via underarm products is unknown.

Rather than plugging your pores with antiperspirant, stay fresh with a natural deodorant. These products allow your body to perspire but use natural ingredients to kill odor-causing bacteria. Some natural alternatives use antibacterial hops, lichen, lavender, or tea tree oil to stop odor in its tracks. Natural products may also include baking soda for absorbency.

Also try a deodorant crystal. Ted Alflen of Naturally Fresh explains that deodorant crystals are made of natural mineral salts that kill odor-causing bacteria. Simply wet the crystal and apply to the underarm (or foot) area, leaving an invisible protective barrier against odor-causing bacteria on your skin for up to 24 hours. Because they are hypoallergenic, deodorant crystals are perfect for those with sensitive skin.

SheSpeaks

Have you guys signed up for SheSpeaks yet? Why NOT?? I've given you the link a thousand times! Sign up today to possibly receive products to test and evaluate. Plus, SheSpeaks has tons of member reviews and interact with other women to get the scoop on real items before you buy.

The last thing I received from SheSpeaks was Sinupret. Here's the scoop from their webpage:

* Supports the upper respiratory system.*
* Promotes healthy nasal passages.*
* Strengthens the immune system.*
* Sinupret has been the subject of multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials for efficacy and safety on more than 3,000 patients and recommended for children ages 2 & up.
* Does not contain stimulants, caffeine, ephedra or pseudoephedrine.
* Sinupret has no history of dangerous side effects
* Sinupret is cited as safe and effective in several medical journals such as the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Plant Medica, the Pharmacists's Letter for Efficacy and Safety and the American Council Guide to Herbs.

Sinupret is a proprietary blend of European Elder, Common Sorrel, Cowslip, European Vervain and Gentian, so it's full of all-natural ingredients. I love that! While I want to say that you shouldn't start or stop taking medicine unless your doctor instructs you to do so, this worked out very well for my daughter's allergies. She normally has to take Zyrtec almost every day, because she is as sensitive as I am to allergens. However, within a week of taking Sinupret, her symptoms were greatly reduced. She wasn't waking up with an itchy throat or sensitive eyes. Her nose wasn't running, and she seemed to have more energy to play. This is much better than waiting until your allergy medicine kicks in. Now I want some Sinupret for myself!

I loved receiving my Sinupret kit from SheSpeaks, and encourage you all to check out Sinupret's webpage. And don't forget to sign up for SheSpeaks so that you don't miss out on the next great offer!

PS If you want to try Sinupret for yourself, SheSpeaks has given me this coupon to share with you all:

Get $3.00 off a 3.38 fl oz. bottle of Sinupret for Kids syrup! Use coupon code "sinupret" at Amazon and Sinupret For Kids.