Ebates for Holiday Shopping

The Holidays are coming and if you are like me than you probably do a lot of Holiday shopping.  So why not get a little something for yourself when getting things for others?  Enter Ebates.

I’ve talked about Ebates over and over again and if you have signed up for Ebates then you go girl (or boy… whatever).  But if you haven’t signed up yet, or if you have signed up, but “forget” to go to Ebates first before online shopping (hint, hint Mom) then shame on you!   So let me tell you about Ebates again. 

Ebates is a company that rewards you with cash back for shopping online.  Yes, it sounds too good to be true, but how it works per Ebates website is:

stores pay Ebates a commission for sending our members to shop at their websites.  Ebates then splits that commission with you, in the form of Cash Back.

There are tons of different stores participating with Ebates with varying cash back options.  And these cash back percentages change throughout the year (I've seen up to 20% cash back, right now up to 15%).  For example, It Cosmetics is offering 4% cash back right now.  If you read my last post (here) and decided to become an It Girl and purchase some of my favorite It Cosmetics products for yourself, then you would get 4% cash back for any purchase made through the Ebates website.  Basic math here: if you spend $100 you get 4% cash back or $4.  $4 to some may not seem like enough of an incentive to sign up for Ebates, but every purchase you make online adds up and free is free!  So maybe you are a baller instead and want to purchase the $1190 Soho Leather Gucci Disco Bag I've been dreaming of from Saks Fifth Avenue, who is offering 8% cash back on Ebates right now.  That is essentially $95 off the purchase of this gorgeous Gucci Disco Bag.  But $95 cash back doesn't entice you?  I forgot you're a baller.  You see my point...

Additionally, Ebates has a mobile app for on the go shopping and offers in store cash back options, which I've personally never tried, but plan to do next time I go to Buy Buy Baby.  I'll let you know how that works out.

I plan to do all my Holiday shopping though Ebates so mama can have a little spending money.  When you have a new baby, every penny counts including this Big Fat Check for $12.57 that I just received for my recent purchases through Ebates.

So have I convinced you yet to sign up for Ebates?  Use my referral link here and when you sign up and make a purchase you will get $10 free for joining and I will get $25 plus a chance to win $50,000!  And then after you have joined Ebates start referring all your friends so you too can get referral commission.  Everyone wins here.  Plus, if you sign up by November 19, every purchase you make through Ebates gives you an entry into a chance to win $500.  Now that would pay some of my Holiday bills, probably yours too... Fingers crossed!

It Cosmetics Friends and Family Discount

OMG... It Cosmetics Friends and Family discount is here!  Can I get a WOOT WOOT?  It Cosmetics is one of my favorite brands of makeup because the products are high quality and easy to use while offering anti aging benefits.  Lets face it, we all want to enhance our appearance and a product that does just that while making my skin look better with continued use is a winner.  Since the Friends and Family discount is here I wanted to share the It Cosmetics products that I can't live without starting with:

Superhero Mascara

Bye bye eyelash curler.  This mascara lengthens, thickens, and curls.  And the curl holds all day without flaking off or smudging.  Plus it contains collagen, biotin and peptides to condition your lashes.  If you try nothing else from It Cosmetics, try Superhero mascara!  

Vitality Lip Flush

This is essentially a long lasting lip stain and hydrating lip balm in one.  Hydrated lips = fuller, youthful lips  I've been wearing the shade Je Ne Sais Quoi for years.  It is the most perfect natural pink.  I hope I get one of these in my stocking this Christmas... hint, hint. 

Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil

The It Cosmetics website says it best: Brow Power™ features an exclusive oval tip that works on both thin and thick brows to mimic the look of real hair.  Some makeup is obvious.  This eyebrow pencil, however, is extremely natural.  It gives me the illusion of the brows that I should have been born with and frankly without Brow Power I look unfinished.  Plus if you are a blonde this is the perfect shade for you (Universal Taupe).  I've tried a few different eyebrow products from It Cosmetics and I always go back to Brow Power.

Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7

If I could only have one makeup brush from any brand this would be it.  I use it for everything from applying (Celebration) foundation, concealer, and blush to contouring.  I always have this in my makeup bag because you never know where the day will take you.

Celebration Foundation

This is my go to foundation during warmer months.  It literally gives you a flawless, matte face in a few seconds and lasts all day.  I also use it to powder my nose if I'm looking a little too dewy.  I recommend applying it with the Heavenly Luxe Complexion brush for the most flawless application. While I love this foundation for the majority of the year, I transition to CC cream during winter months when my skin goes cray.  Which brings us to my last must have...

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

The name says it all.  This provides full, yet natural looking coverage while soaking your skin with anti aging benefits.  When my skin is feeling dehydrated, like now, I turn to this product for added hydration and radiant finish that lasts all day.  I put this on and those fine lines are blurred.  Plus it protects my skin from the sun with SPF 50.  However, I can't wear this in the summer without a setting powder since I get a little too shiny in the T zone when its warm.  And if you are the type that likes a matte finish then you would need to set this with a setting powder. 

Use code ITFRIEND17 for 25% off your purchase of $30 or more.

For those of you who have tried It Cosmetics what are your favorite products?  For those of you who haven't, what are you waiting for?  In a few steps you can have flawless skin and with continued use your skin will look better.

I really think you will fall in love with It Cosmetics after you try it.  And if you do and want to spread the It Girls love sign up to be an It Girl.  It is free to join and you can win awesome prize packs with your social media posts such as this set here:

I want!  If you love It Cosmetics as much as I do give me some love and sign up here to be a It Girl through my personal link.

Beauty Deals and Gifts

IPSY

In addition to getting an awesome bag filled with fun samples for $10, Ipsy also offers deals on various beauty related goods at a fraction of the retail price that ship for free.  Normally I like the deals, but pass them up because I have to restrain myself or else I would buy, buy, buy.  But this month the deals are too good to pass up.

I love Pacifica Body Butter for the its moisturizing effects and the tantalizing smells.  You can use this as a hand cream or lather it from head to toe to smell delectable everywhere.  The two scents are Indian Coconut Nectar, my personal favorite, and Sugared Amber Dreams.

Indian Coconut Nectar is a sensuous and delicious blend inspired by travels to faraway destinations. This warm, sultry blend of coconut and delicate creamy vanilla is pure ambrosia.
Sugared Amber Dreams is a dreamy blend filled with sparkling sugar, heady vanilla and warm amber. An intoxicating aura of rainbow wishes, magic, and love for the bravest of hearts.

This is a great stocking stuffer.  Is it wrong that I want to buy two sets so I can keep one and give the others as a holiday gift?  For $7 (retail $12) I don't feel guilty about it.  Buy, buy, buy...

I can't believe this It Cosmetics Contour Palette is only $20!  I've wanted this kit forever so Merry Christmas to me.  I am obsessed with all things It Cosmetics.  This brand is top notch and easy to use.  I could go on and on, but I'll spare you.  If you are scared of the dark shades just remember that you can blend different colours for a more natural look.  Check out this how to video featuring the fabulous Jamie Kern Lima.
Plus, the word on the street is that this palette is great for darker skin girls.  If you already use this I would love to know what you think.

If you aren't already on Ipsy then you can't get these great deals so join here so I can get some points for your referral.

SEPHORA

I am loving this free gift from Sephora.

Sephora never disappoints with free gifts and samples and this bag is no exception.    

Not only do you get a cute bag, but you get 8 samples of awesome products with the purchase of $25.  

This offer is only good for an online purchase so take advantage of it while you still can.  Code is PARTYPICKS.

EBATES

And don't forget to use Ebates for all your holiday purchases.  Ebates is free to join and gives you cash back on all your online purchases.  Right now I have over $70 in my account from holiday shopping.

Sign up here and get your free cash on.

How I do my brows with It Cosmetics Waterproof 5-in-1 Micro-Fiber Creme Gel Stain

It Cosmetics Waterproof 5-in-1 Micro-Fiber Creme Gel Stain is by far the best eyebrow product I have tried to date.  I first saw this product on QVC and for those who know me, I'm a sucker for QVC.  David in the Kitchen is always a winner!  When you get to see and learn about a product on different models it spikes my interest because you can see real results "live" in front of you.  Jamie Kern Lima, the creator of It Cosmetics, is constantly on QVC not only showcasing her product, but often modeling her items on herself.  I watched a segment on QVC featuring the Creme Gel Stain in which one models showed how she used this product to fake the illusion of fuller brows.  That model's brows that day blew me away and I instantly had to order this product.  

With It Cosmetics Waterproof 5-in-1 Micro-Fiber Creme Gel Stain you can have the illusion of the brows you should have been born.  The makeup is easy to apply, dries in seconds, and lasts until you wash your face with makeup remover.  

This is Justine tried, tested, and approved.  

QVC is still currently offering both the Creme Gel Stain and the accompanying brush for $27.36.  Blonde, however, is only available on waitlist.  Not sold that the QVC price is the way to go?  The brush alone costs $24.  Ya, I would buy the set from QVC if I were you.  

If sparse brows are your problem I highly recommend It Cosmetics Waterproof 5-in-1 Micro-Fiber Creme Gel Stain.  Otherwise, if you simply like to enhance what God already gave you It Cosmetics Brow Power Waterproof Perfector is an excellent product.  

Carefree Acti-Fresh Body Shape Pantiliner

Let me preface this post by saying this is going to be some TMI.  If TMI is not your thing I would stop reading right about now and go check out itcosmetics.com because they extended their friends and family event one more day ending today!

You're welcome.    

I joined Influenster and had the privilege of receiving my first Voxbox.

My sample contained Carefree Acti-Fresh Body Shape Pantiliners.

I was shocked.  I thought my sample would be a liner or two, not a full size bag of 20 regular liners.  But hey, I'll take it!  Reviewing liners is not something I'm going to shy away from.  As a woman, a nurse, and a graduate student pursing degrees in Midwifery and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, I know women are afraid to talk about their vaginas.  Vaginas get discharge and it can be normal.  Think of your menstrual cycle.  Your body produces more mucus when you ovulate and you can have discharge with hormonal fluctuations.  (Your vagina also produce discharge for other reasons, which sometimes require treatment, but that's not the point of this.)  A woman wants to feel clean and fresh, and pantyliners are a great way to be able to help with that without feeling like you need to throw on a funky pair of underwear because frankly I still want to be able to wear my cute bras sets from Adore Me.

These Carefree liners were absorbent enough for me to last all day and discreet enough for me to throw in my Ipsy beauty bag to have on hand.

Prior to trying the Carefree Acti-Fresh Body Shape Pantiliners I was using U by Kotex Barely There Panty Liners that claimed to be the thinnest of them all.  The U by Kotex do not seem to stay in place as well as these Carefree liners and are definitely not as absorbent.  I actually prefer (gasp) these Carefree liners even though they are thicker than the U by Kotex.  I guess size does matter...go figure.  They are a great product and I will definitely use the Carefree liners in the future.

And while I have not tried them I just wanted to mention that Carefree Acti-Fresh Body Shape Pantiliners also come in thin, long, extra long, and thong.  My review is on the regular size liners, which I tried out with thong underwear and they fit just fine.

Note: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  My review of this product, however, is my opinion after my own testing of this product.  

It Cosmetics Friends and Family Event - Save 25%

Guess what day it is?  Guess what day it is!?  Not hump day.  Even better.  It's that time of year where It Cosmetics decides to bless us with their Friends & Family Event.  It Cosmetics is probably my overall favorite beauty brand.  Almost every product I buy I like and they continue to improve upon their products.  Their mascaras and eyebrow products get better with each new launch.  It Cosmetics is truly innovative and high tech makeup.

The first two rows are my tried and true every day products in the colors I wear (if applicable).  The last row features products I'm purchasing with 25% sale event.

Row 1, from left to right: Vitality Lip Flush in Je Ne Sais Quoi (favorite lip product ever), Celebration Foundation in Light Medium or Medium-Beige, Heavenly Luxe Complexion Brush #7, CC+ Radiance Palette
Row 2, from left to right: YLBB Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain in Buff Nude, CC+ Radiance Ombre Blush, Brow Power Waterproof Perfector in Blonde, Hello Lashes Extensions, Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer in Neutral Medium
Row 3, from left to right: CC+ Radiance Vitality Brightening Creme Disc, Heavenly Luxe Build-A-Brow Brush #12, Build-A-Brow in Blonde (I'm really excited about the Build-A-Brow)

Before I even knew of the Friends & Family Event I posted a selfie on Instagram giving some love to It Cosmetics.  Random?  I think not.  My everyday work look takes less than 5 minutes and all makeup products I'm wearing in the picture below are from It Cosmetics as featured above.

A photo posted by J$ (@justineelise13) on Apr 13, 2015 at 6:03am PDT

Use code Friends2015 and save 25% off your It Cosmetics purchase of $30 or more.

Ipsy is for beauty lovers...

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

Here is a glimpse of my Ipsy Glam Bag and I already know I am going to love the NYX Butter Lipstick!  The color to me screams Barbie pink.

The other items in my personalized Glam Bag are:

A super cute floral bag

Coolway Glow Oil Treatment

Crownbrush Infinity Shadow / Crease Duet Brush

Pixi by Petra Mesmerizing Mineral Duo

skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

Not bad for $10 a month.

But for those of you who haven't met, let me introduce you to Ipsy.  Ipsy is a great website that brings you a vast assortment of high quality cosmetics to sample each month.  After taking a quiz to personalize products to your preferences, hair type, skin type, likes, and dislikes you get a cute makeup bag filled with 5 products each month.  The products are chosen for you and many of the items you receive are full size.  To top that off, the cost for this service is $10 including shipping.  (It's a splurge that I am willing to indulge in since I don't buy Starbucks everyday like some of my friends.  If you do the math, that is way more expensive.  End rant.)  Ipsy offers discounts for most of the monthly glam bag items if you want to buy full size products through the manufactures website.  In addition, Ipsy also offers special beauty deals for members only on products from brands like Cargo to It Cosmetics.  And you can cancel at any time, but why would you want to?

My favorite item I received last month was a Luxie blush brush.

Luxie Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush 504

The Luxie brush retails for $16!  That was a steal.

Ipsy is a great deal, fun, and an affordable way to be exposed to new products that you might end up falling in love with.  Give it a try and sign up here.  You won't regret it.  You'll just regret not signing up.