Editor’s Note – May, 2013
***If you or a loved one suffers from a serious and persistent mental illness, visit NAMI.org for information on how to help your loved one and yourself.***
Maintaining good mental health is as important as sustaining good physical health! Whether you are an individual living with a serious mental illness, or you experience many of life’s stressors, there are times in our lives when we have to step back and practice self care. In observance of Mental Health Awareness month, I will share some luxurious products I enjoy using (primarily beauty related, of course!) to give me that little “pick me up” or to help me unwind from a stressful day.
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Editor’s Note – April, 2013
Being Green!
Every April we celebrate Earth Day and are encouraged to find new ways to recycle qualifying items, reduce waste, and reuse products in creative ways. I thought I would provide a couple of beauty-related tips to being “green” and, of course, discuss this year’s Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year: GREEN (emerald, to be exact)!
Tip 1: Reusing Containers
My favorite candle company, AQUIESSE, houses many of their uniquely-scented, luxury candles in thick glass. After finishing my first candle, I could not bear to toss the glass container, so I cleaned it and started storing my makeup brushes in it. The smoked color of the glass fits perfectly with my decor and each container holds about 25 brushes (lip pencils and eyeliners also store well).
As a scrapbooker/paper crafter, I have plenty of decorative paper laying around, and as my best friend reminded me this weekend, it can be used to cover coffee/soup cans, or any other container with a smooth surface. It is an inexpensive way to add a pop of color to your room, as well as organize/store frequently reached-for items.
Tip 2: Shop from Eco-friendly Companies
One of the reasons I continue to shop from MAC is due to their “Back to MAC” program. For every six empty containers you return, you will receive a lipstick, lipglass, or eyeshadow of your choice (MAC counters in department stores only offer a free lipstick). Let’s be frank, the mark up on cosmetics is immense, so when a large corporation offers its customers free FULL-SIZED products for bringing back the empty containers, they earn points for good customer service. I wish more companies would follow suit because it is a simple way to help the environment, as well as show some appreciation for our investment.
Aveda is another eco-friendly company known for charitable contributions and various ways the company “strives to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility.” Aveda offers liter-sized shampoos and conditioners, which not only “uses up to 66% less packaging” (compared to purchasing four 200 ml bottles), but also saves you 25% per ounce. I get a little giddy at an opportunity to save money on products I love!
Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year!
As I have mentioned in the past, green is a color that makes me smile. I find the earthiness of it is quite soothing, so when Sephora + Pantone announced this year’s color as emerald, I knew it would be fitting for April’s Editor’s Note. The easiest way to add this bright green to your makeup look is by popping on an emerald mascare, or lining your upper or lower lashline with the color (keep the rest of your eye makeup neutral so the green shines!). If you are feeling a little daring, consider washing your entire lid with an emerald green, and use a deep blue in the crease and a shimmery gold in the inner corner to highlight.
If you are not diggin’ the green makeup, consider getting lacquered up with the jewel-toned polish. Of course, the safest way to follow this year’s trend is by accessorizing with an emerald colored scarf or handbag. Lastly, If your birthday/anniversary is coming up, then flutter those lashes and beg your sweetie to purchase those Harry Winston earrings you have been eyeing ever since you saw them on the Red Carpet!
So, whether you are trying to find more ways to conserve, wanting to accessorize with emerald, or simply feeling green with envy, this month I encourage you to go green!
Zoya Meg Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches
Zoya Meg Nail Lacquer
Meg-a Metallic Shine and Finish!
Green is one of those colors that makes me smile and, of course, reminds me of spring. Zoya Meg Nail Lacquer ($8 USD for 0.5 oz./15 ml.) is described as a “light yellow-toned mermaid green with heavy gold and silver metallic shimmer and a sparkling foil finish. A light and fresh looking green with added sparkle and shine.” To me, it looks like a subdued lime green with silver and gold micro glitter and a foiled, metallic finish. At first glance, this color looks slightly warm, but the mixture of gold and silver glitter with this light green adds dimension, making it suitable for all skin tones.
Given the texture is neither thick nor thin, Meg applied evenly and opaquely in two coats. Zoya’s website states this color’s intensity as a 5 (1 = sheer – 5 = opaque). If you are in a hurry, you could get away with applying one thick coat. Although application of this color was effortless, removal was a little more difficult. Nail polishes with ample amounts of glitter require a little more patience and a little more remover.
My experience with Zoya’s lacquers is they last at least seven days with just minor tip wear and no chipping. Meg wore well for the seven days I tested it. I did notice a minor chip on my finger after the forth day, but the rest of my fingers only displayed tip wear after seven days. I used Zoya Anchor and Zoya Armor for my base and top coat.
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The Final LAB Report for Zoya Meg Nail Lacquer
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Beautiful on a Budget: Money Saving Sundays – March 3-March 9, 2013
I hope everyone is having a nice Sunday. Here are this week’s coupons and sales. Happy Shopping!
COUPONS:
P&G:
CoverGirl $1/1 product
CoverGirl $3/1 Lash Blast Mascara
CoverGirl $2/1 Blast Eyeshadow or Liner
Olay $2/2 Fresh Effects
Olay $2/1 Total Effects
Olay $3/1 Regenerist Product
$15 Rebate when you spend $50 on P&G Personal Care itms at CVS. Visit www.CVS.com/PGBeautyRebate
Red Plum:
Garnier $2/1 moisturizer
La Roche-Posay $5/1 product
L’Oreal $2/1 Face product (Excludes Magic Perfecting Base)
SmartSource:
Biore Buy any pore strip ets, get 4.5oz+ cleanser or 30ct makeup removing towelette free up to $7
Revlon $2/1 cosmetic item – TARGET COUPON
SALES:
CVS:
CoverGirl Buy one, get one 50% off ALL Face, Eye, Lip, or Outlast Nail. Limit 6.
L’Oreal Spend $10 on Color Riche Lip or Nail, get $3 Extra Bucks.
Maybelline Spend $10 on Eye or Lip, get $3 Extra Bucks.
Neutrogena Buy one, get one 50% off Grapefruit or Blue Line Cleansers. $2 instant coupon for Beauty Club members.
Olay $20.99 Regenerist or Total Effects Tone
Olay $18.99 Total Effects Facial. Get $1 Extra Buck
Olay $12.99 Fresh Effects, Complete Defense, ALL Age Defying Anti-Wrinkle, Cleansing System
Olay $9.99 Complete or Age Defying Lotion, Cream, Eye Gel, or 2 in 1 Cloths
Olay $22.99 Regenerist Premium or Facial Hair Removal
Olay $4.99 Daily Facial Cloths or Cleansers
Rimmel Buy one, get one 50% off ALL. $1 instant coupon for Beauty Club members.
Sally Hansen Spend $10, get $5 Extra Bucks.
Simple $2 off skin care item (In-ad coupon)
Rite Aid:
Almay Buy one, get one 50% off ALL.
Aveeno Buy one, get one 50% off ALL skin care.
CoverGirl Buy one, get one 50% off ALL. Spend $15, get $5 Up Reward.
L’Oreal Buy one, get one 50% off Face Makeup. Spend $25, get $10 Up Reward.
L’Oreal $1 off Eye product (In-ad coupon)
L’Oreal $2 off Lip product (In-ad coupon)
Maybelline Buy one, get one 50% Shadows and Liners.
Maybelline $5.99 Voluminous Express The Falsies Mascara.
Physicians Formula Buy one, get one 50% off Eye or Concealers.
Revlon $4.99 Lip and Mascaras
Revlon $3 off nail (In-ad coupon)
Wet ‘n’ Wild $0.69 items regularly priced $1.
Walgreens:
Almay Buy one get one 50% off ALL. Get $2 off with card.
CoverGirl Buy one, get one 50% off ALL.
L’Oreal Buy one, get one 50% off Blush, Concealer, Foundation, Primer, Powder,
L’Oreal $6.99 Eyeliner or Mascara.
Maybelline Buy one, get one 50% off Blush, Concealer, Foundation, Lip, Primer, Powder
Olay 20% off Total Effects, Complete Moisturizers or Treatments, Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo Kit.
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About Beautiful on a Budget:
Many, if not all of us, strive to save money, and shopping for beauty items should not be an exception. As I try more and more products from drugstore brands (and get a little older and wiser), I realize it is not always necessary to spend oodles of money for high quality cosmetics. You can find an abundance of impressive products, at affordable prices, in your local pharmacy.
I review many products from high-end or luxury brands. I also realize not everyone chooses to spend their money on prestigious brands, for whatever reason. It is important for me to provide you with enough information so you can choose the best products for you, no matter what your beauty budget is.
EVERY WEEK stores such as Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens, etc. offer discounted prices and rewards for beauty products. With a few exceptions, you should never have to pay the manufacturer suggested retail price for drugstore cosmetics. With a little bit of research, patience, and some delayed gratification, you will be surprised at how much money you can pocket.
The consumer advocate within me is itching to come out! By reviewing products found at your local drugstore, and providing weekly information on store sales and coupons found in your local newspaper, I am going to help you save money so you can use it towards other parts of your life you deem necessary (maybe even use your savings towards that luxury product you’ve been lusting after!).
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Disclaimer: TheLABofLuxury cannot guarantee the information provided in this post is accurate. Sales, prices, and coupons may vary in certain areas. I will update information as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Disclosure: TheLABofLuxury is not affiliated with the retailers mentioned in this post.
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UPDATED! MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 Review, Photos
MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50
Not the Primer it Once Was!
It is almost heart-breaking for me to have to update this review. About a week, or so, ago I repurchased my favorite foundation primer, noticing some labeling changes on the packaging. I expected there would be changes to the labeling to comply with new FDA regulations regarding products with sunscreen. It was not until yesterday that I noticed the formula has been drastically altered. What was once a Holy Grail product for me, is now a good moisturizer with SPF 50.
MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 ($30 USD for 1 oz./30 ml.) is supposed to be ”a skin-protecting cream with SPF 50. Applies under makeup to prime the skin for the sun. Featherweight, fast-absorbing, oil-free, invisible. Will not affect the look, texture or long-wear integrity of your makeup. Specially formulated with oil-absorbing powder, helps prevent oil breakthrough. Provides high-level broad spectrum sun protection. Worn daily helps guard the skin against discolouration, premature aging, dryness and other effects of sun exposure. Suitable for all skins.”
What really hurts the rating of this product is the brand’s claims. It no longer contains the ingredients that curb oil breakthrough, prolonging the longevity of your foundation. This cream is not oil free, no longer has Zinc Oxide (a beneficial ingredient for those with sensitive skin and/or prone to breakouts.), and will not leave your skin with a matte finish. Instead, this leaves a slick (but not really greasy) look. I would not recommend this product for individuals who have very oily skin.
I re-tested this product with a foundation that dries down to a matte finish, but my skin did not look as matte as it did with the previous Prep + Prime Face Protect formula. After four hours, my nose became slightly oily, and was noticeably oily after 6.5 hours. Also, my foundation did not apply as smoothly as it once had, and when I blotted my nose and chin, a good amount of product transferred to the tissue. Again, I did not experience these problems with the previous formula. With the exception of the areas where I blotted, at the end of the day, my foundation was still intact and looked nice.
Luckily, the addition of active ingredients such as Avobenzone (and others) gives your skin broad-spectrum protection (protection against UVB and UVA rays), which does ebb against signs of aging, discoloration, and dryness. This also contains a fair amount of antioxidants, which also prevent signs of aging. Lastly, it is still a lightweight formula that does absorb quickly. MAC does receive points for those claims, and for their anti-aging and sun protection declarations.
Personally, I’ll save this product for days when my skin is feeling dry. With the warmer months quickly approaching, and my skin starting to become oilier, I will be on a the prowl for a mattifying foundation primer.
This is a prime example of false advertising, something MANY cosmetic companies are guilty of (particularly with skin care products). MAC either needs to change their inflated description of this product, or re-market this as a sun-protective moisturizer for normal, dry, or very dry skin. If the company did so, it would be rated much higher.
To see my previous review of this product, please click HERE.
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The Final LAB Report for MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50
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