Anti-Getting Old!

Ok, I am in my late 20's and when it comes to skincare, my focus is now directed towards anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products, including eye creams.  So as a big Sephora fan, I have way too many samples of everything.  I don't put just anything on my face so many of those samples remain unused.  However, I recently ran out of my Clinique yellow moisturizer, and I was desperate to use just about anything.  I went through my container where I store all of these samples and chose to try the StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles.  OMG, it smells sooo good and refreshing!  I can't tell you about the results because it was a small packet sample and lasted perhaps 2 days when used sparingly.  However, my face felt really fresh and pepperminty for those 2 days.  I went to see how much it was for a tube of this thing, and wow, it's $135 for 5 oz.!!!  Seriously?!  I know, I'm behind on this product because it came out ages ago, but ages ago, I wasn't worried about aging.  :)  Anyway, so I really want to give it a try and use it to prevent wrinkles, not for stretch marks because I feel my stretch marks aren't going anywhere and it would be a waste of $135 to put it on something that are probably permanent.  This product better be some sort of miracle worker or I'm going to be highly disappointed for paying that much.  I will let you know once I start using it and if there are any noticeable results!  Remember, the best anti-aging agent is SPF!  The sun and those tanning beds will make your skin appear older than they really are!  Happy shopping (and aging)!

Tarte True Blood Collection

So this collection has been out for a couple of months now and it's on top of my wish list at Sephora.  Of course, I buy most of my cosmetics and beauty products there for the simple fact that I want to build up my reward points.  :)  Anyway, I've never been a big fan of Tarte cosmetics but I always did find their packaging to be really cute.  Well, now that they've launched this True Blood make-up line, I am "glamoured" LOL!  (Inside joke for Truebies...)  Ok, but seriously I am absolutely in love with the palette. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the makeup artist for the show had a hand in choosing the colors for the collection. The palette is very versatile, in the sense that you can create both Sookie's natural look as well as Pam's and Jessica's sultry looks.  I'm so excited to try out this entire line!  But they can keep the price though... $106 for the collection?!  Witch, please... (pun intended)

Anyway, go check out the collection for yourself!  Click on the picture below to be directed straight to Tarte's website.  I would normally direct you to Sephora, but Tarte gives you more information about the collection as well as the different looks you can create.  However, I'd still get mine from Sephora.  Well, I hope you give this a try, especially if you're a True Blood fan like myself!  Definitely can't pass this collection up!  Aww Sookie Sookie now... lol! ;)  Happy shopping!  XOXO!

Free Stuff?! Yes, Please!

I feel bad that I've started to neglect my beauty blog already!  Sorry, I've just been busy lately with work, and plus, I'm a single mom raising a 4-year-old!  I don't have all the time in the world to be on the computer.  However, with every chance I get, I will try to get on my blog and update!  I haven't been doing a lot of shopping lately, mainly because I'm trying to save.  Although, I don't really understand the purpose of saving because in the end, you're going to use that money for a bigger purchase than if you were to spend it along the way.  It makes sense to save if you're in the market for a house, but otherwise, what are people saving for?  The future?  I mean, I do set money aside for my daughter, but trust me, once she graduates from high school, that money will probably go towards a new car... and BOOM!  Years of saving all for one big purchase.  Anyway, all I'm saying is that, in the end, that money goes to a purchase.  So I don't understand why people get on my case about saving.  I save by being a smart shopper.  Granted, I hardly find anything in the sales section but I do put a limit on myself.  

Anyway, I want you guys to all check out this app I just discovered called Checkpoints!  When you sign up and register, make sure you put "sophyphan" in the bonus code section so that both you and I will receive bonus points.  This is just like foursquare.  If you're familiar with checking into places, you'll catch onto this quickly.  You get points with check-ins and by scanning certain products.  When you reach a certain number of points, you can redeem them for some awesome gifts and gift cards!  Ummm, I already have my eyes and heart set on the $500 Louis Vuitton gift card and the $50 Sephora & Victoria's Secret gift cards!  Agh, this is too much for my heart to handle!  Of course, it's not easy to get 154,500 points.  It requires a LOT of checking in and scanning items in the store.  But I'm always out and about, so I think I might as well work up towards something.  I have a feeling this app is going to be my new BFF!  Ok, go check it out!  I'm excited!  Happy shopping!  XOXO!

Btw, I'm pretty sure this app is not some kind of scam.  It has been featured on ABC, CNBC, NY Times, USA Today, and CNN!  Not that that gives it any credibility, but I'm all for trying it out! :)

My Holy Grail

I am absolutely IN LOVE with this Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer!  If I were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 makeup items, this would definitely be one of them!  I mean, it has a built-in sunscreen of SPF 20 and on top of it all, it's OIL-FREE!  For people with oily skin like me, this product is a dream come true! And although it comes in a tube, it really ensures that you get every last drop of product.  I'm in the color "caramel", but it looks like I need to go a shade darker for the summer to "tan". I have tested this bottle out in all kinds of extreme weather, from freezing cold to sweltering hot heat and it has withstood it all.  When it's cold and dry out, the moisturizer part of this product keeps your face hydrated and well-moisturized.  And when it's humid and hot, the oil-free ingredient keeps your face from melting and being shiny.  You pretty much get the best of both worlds.

This does last at least 6 months from everyday use.  I apply it with a small MAC 188 stippling brush and it just goes on smoothly and flawlessly.  I'm on my second tube now and I can't seem to switch to anything else.  It is a bit on the pricy side, $42, but I think it's totally worth it.  I even tried Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation and it doesn't compare.  This provides medium coverage but it feels lightweight on your face, whereas the silk creme foundation provides full coverage but you also feel how heavy it is.  I'm not a big fan of the foundation.  Anyway, I only have good things to say about this.  I wear it alone most of the time, and other times, I use a foundation primer, depending on how much time I have in the morning.  :)  So I hope you all would give this a try and tell me how you like it!  Get it at Sephora or Nordstrom! (I'd get it at Sephora so I could get reward points!)  Happy shopping! XOXO!

Benefit Brow Bar At ULTA

I have visited the Benefit Brow Bar at Ulta (Scenic Hwy. location is closest to me) twice now for my brow waxing and shaping and I love it!  It is a bit pricy than the normal $5 at a nail salon, but the person who does mine spends a lot of time, about 30 minutes, finding the right arch for my face structure along with tweezing, plucking, and waxing.  Apparently, I have a high threshold for pain because it feels like nothing when they pull the wax off.  Anyway, I'm blogging about this not because I want you to spend $20+ on just a brow wax, but because they have a great offer!  On your birthday, you get a FREE brow shaping!  Isn't that awesome?  That's a $20 value and you get to see if you like it or not, and in the event that you do, you can book your next appointment!  However, please be warned, they might try to sell the Benefit Brow Zings kit ($30) to you, but you can always kindly decline (unless you're like me and you're easily persuaded, a sales associate's dream come true).  I declined at first but see blog post 2, where I eventually caved in and bought it at Sephora.  And I don't regret it one bit.  :)

Menu of Services

Brow Arch $20*

Lip Wax $10

Brow & Lip Wax $25

Lip, Chin, & Sides $28

*Brow arch is free on your birthday!

Remember, you do have to leave a tip for your arch expert!  I usually leave $2-$3. :)  

Happy grooming!  XOXO!

When It Comes To Saving

Ok, if you haven't heard of Groupon by now, then you must be living under a rock. I am addicted to Groupon, along with all of these other deal sites popping up everywhere in Atlanta, competing with Groupon. Most of them use the same concept as Groupon, except ScoutMob, where you have to purchase these deals in advance. Well NOW, Groupon also came up with Groupon NOW where you use it on the spot, just like ScoutMob! No pre-purchases! You'll only get charged if you use the deal and if you don't, Groupon will automatically refund your money back into your account! Now, buyers beware! If you're a complete shopaholic like me, you are stepping into some very dangerous territories! LOL, because I still have 8 Groupons sitting in my iPhone app and a few are very close to expiring. I just can't pass up a great deal! Most of these deals include 50% or more off of local restaurants and many more activities. They offer a wide range of everything - from shopping to spa/salon services to white water rafting (something I must try one of these days) and even getaways. Anyway, here are all of the other deal sites that I have found useful and check on a daily basis! I'm addicted! Happy shopping! XOXO!

You know what to do - click on any of the logos to be directed to these amazing deals! Most of them have their own iPhone, Android, etc apps as well! If you guys know of any other deal sites that I may have missed, please leave a comment so I can check it out! Thanks!

 

     

Victoria's Secret Pink NFL Collection - Atlanta Falcons!

It has just been brought to my attention from my friend this morning that Victoria's Secret Pink line is now finally selling Atlanta Falcons gear from their NFL collection!  I'm so excited!! AAAGGGHH! I have been so disappointed that they didn't have Falcons gear the past couple of years, almost to the point of being jealous that they had other teams that no one cares about.  Well, jealous no more!  They actually have all 32 teams now!  (But really, who cares about the other teams? Lol)  Also notice that some of them have the number 66, and I thought, well 66 is not any current player's number.  Well, I believe it represents the year that the Atlanta Falcons had their first official game - September 11, 1966 at the Atlanta Fulton County Stadium.   Anyway, I want ALL of it!  That's how greedy I am.  I'm going to get everything, that's final.  I can't wait! Click on the picture to be directed to Victoria's Secret website and represent your Falcons!  Rise up!  :)  Happy shopping! XOXO!

Are You Taking Your Vitamins?

I have been taking biotin every day for the past week for my skin, hair, and nails.  I'm not sure if I've seen any improvement but I know for sure that when I was pregnant (5 years ago), those prenatal vitamins I took really made a huge, dramatic difference in the appearance of my skin, hair, and nails.  If you're like me, and you manipulate your hair every day by applying products and extreme heat to it, then these vitamins will help your hair become healthier from the inside out.  While I was pregnant, my skin was perfect.  I did not have any breakouts and of course, I had that natural pregnancy glow (I'm not sure where that comes from).  My nails grew at a rapid pace, for some odd reason, and it was incredibly strong.  The reason I decided to start taking biotin was because my nails have been very brittle after I got gel nails on my natural nails.  Also, my hair has been dry and frizzy from the harsh sun this summer.  It's horrible!  I've started a new hair treatment regimen and I will blog about that later.  I've seen noticeable improvements in my hair after one week with this regimen.  I can't wait to share it with you guys!

Anyway, I bought this bottle of biotin at Walmart for only $3.  I take one a day around lunch, however the bottle says you can take 1 tablet, 1-5 times daily, preferably with a meal.  The bottle states that biotin helps promote the health of skin, hair, and nails by nourishing cells throughout your body, especially in hair follicles, nail beds, and the outer layers of skin.  I will continue to take this everyday for the next month and let's hope I start to see significant improvements in my skin, hair, and nails!  I will report back to you in a month and let you all know how it goes!  Until then, XOXO!

Disclaimer:  Biotin may not be for everyone!  If you're not sure, as always, please check with your physician to see if it's right for you. (Lol, why does this sound like a disclaimer for viagra?)

Forever XXI

Hurry up and use it!  It's normally always free shipping over $50.  Happy shopping!  XOXO!

Reaping the Benefits of Sephora's V.I.B. Rewards

I have raved and ranted about having VIB status at one of my favorite stores, Sephora.  I tell my friends about all of the benefits every chance I get because I think it is such an awesome rewards program.  Anyone can get a free Beauty Insider rewards card at Sephora by going online or visiting one of their stores and all you have to do is provide an email address.  With every $1 you spend at Sephora, you get 1 point.  I know, I know.. $1 for 1 point isn't that great but trust me, if you're a frequent shopper like me, it's well worth it!  Once you accumulate 350 points by spending, well, $350 in a calendar year from January-December, you are automatically upgraded to VIB status for that year and the next.  Furthermore, when you reach 100 points you get these awesome exclusive, deluxe samples, or you can save up to 500 points and get an even better reward!  Let's take a look at some of these perks I've been receiving! (My VIB expires 12/31/12.)

Sephora had a VIB Appreciation Weekend this past weekend and as you know, I took full advantage of this deal!  You get double points for every $1 spent that weekend, which is very rare for them to do this!  Anyway, look at all of these deluxe samples I got!  I'm so excited to use them all!  I already have the Benefit Stay Don't Stray eyeshadow and concealer primer as well as the Bare Escentuals Buxom mascara (one of my favorite mascaras, I might add).  However, the Stila Coconut Crush cheek & lip stain was replace with the Stila tinted moisturizer, which I'm a bit bummed about because I'd love to sample the cheek & lip stain.  I don't really use any other tinted moisturizer other than my Laura Mercier Oil-Free tinted moisturizer with SPF 20.  I'm not complaining though.  :)  Free is free.  Well technically free, since you have to spend $35 or more to receive this gift.  

I wasn't sure what I wanted to buy when I walked into Sephora but after a few minutes of deciding between the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer and the Benefit Brow Zings in dark, I decided to go with Benefit because I already have a few primers and I really needed something convenient to fill in my brows.  However, it was only $30 so I needed something else ranging from $5-$10 and I found the perfect thing near the checkout line!  It was only $6 and I definitely needed it - the Rosebud salve.  It's great for any dry skin areas but I mainly use it for my hands.  You may not realize it, but our hands and our eyes are the areas that are quick to show signs of aging.  We use our hands constantly for every day-to-day tasks and using this salve or any other hand cream can keep your hands looking young and firm!  Anyway, click on the images below to be directed to these products!

     

Furthermore, I think I may have forgotten to mention this, but when you're a Beauty Insider, you'll receive an email on your birthday for a free gift regardless if you're VIB or not!  So this year, they are giving this bottle of Philosophy bubble bath in Vanilla Cupcake.  I LOVE IT!

So I don't know what you guys are waiting for, hurry up and get to your nearest Sephora store and get your Beauty Insider card and start shopping and saving points, if you don't have it already!  I will post pictures of the deluxe samples and gifts I've received these past few months, so keep looking out!

Disclaimer:  I am in no way affiliated with Sephora.  I just love this store and their Beauty Insider rewards program and wanted to share this information with everyone.  Images are from Sephora.com.

Happy Shopping!  XOXO!

New Blog, New Direction

Hey everyone!  So I've decided that I wanted to take this blog in a new direction.  Instead of posting about my boring, mundane life, I've decided to blog about the one thing I am truly most passionate about, BEAUTY!  Of course, fashion falls into this category as well.  I am a COMPLETE makeup addict and shopaholic and this is just a great way for me to review some of the products/clothes that I have purchased.  I will also start back up with my YouTube videos, where I will do more hauls, reviews, tutorials, and outfit-of-the-day vids.  Please subscribe, rate, and comment on my videos!  They'll inspire me to continue doing more!  Ok, I'm really excited about this!  So I hope everyone reading this will enjoy shopping with Sophy! (That's me!) XOXO!