Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty- Fall Calendar

Just a quickie post to remind you that ulta’s 21 days of beauty starts next Monday!

I had totally forgotten til I saw it just now.

I have $8 in “points” but that won’t get me far.

heres a pic of their first 2 weeks….

Here’s the direct link for the calendar
http://www.ulta.com/21days/#image-1

so what will you be getting? I’m on the hunt for some Tarte foundation, bronzer and blush,,,,I also want to try the melted lippies.

got to go for now, off to a carnival/fair with the family!

Valleau Apparel Photos, Review, and a Giveaway for You!

As you know I have been trying to lose like 40 pounds through diet and exercise. I mostly power-walk with the stroller but there are days when I jog. I have 2 Fabletics outfits and I love the 2 pairs of pants that I have. But both bras that I got from them, well, sucked. One was padded (which I am really small chested so I love padded bras) but the cups were in an odd position for me so that got returned. The 2nd bra that goes with my black/red stripe pants that you see me in a lot is OK but lacks in support and makes me bounce when I am running. It is more of a low impact bra.

Anyway, if you’re looking for GREAT sports bras let me tell you about Valleau Apparel. They don’t just have bras, either, they have pants and tank tops and a few other things.  All the colors and designs are so cute and amazing too. There are many styles to choose from and I will show a few pics so you get the idea. All pictures that I provide that are not of me, are from the Valleau Apparel site with their permission.

Here are a few pics of their gorgeous bras-

The Mermaid (back view)

Firework (back view)

Cute Pants- Many colors to choose from

 

They just started a line of workout headbands as well!

First of all,  the company was founded by Katie Valleau- who’s that you say (or maybe you know)- she’s an NCAA gymnast. So she knows what it’s like to want her ‘girls’ in the right places at the right times and she knows that having the right support makes your workout (and life) so much easier!  She designs each bra with it’s own ‘story’ and uniqueness, probably making them the most unique bras on the market.  And wait till you see the backs on these babies! So gorgeous! The detail is amazing. Not only is the detail and design amazing but the fabric is awesome. I only walk and jog but I do get pretty sweaty and these felt like they help absorb a lot and keep me from dripping.

Me in the Valleau Apparel Starfish Bra

What a Model Looks Like In the Starfish 🙂

Speaking of fabric- I mentioned that I like cups in my bras. The only ‘downside’ currently of Valleau is that they don’t offer cups in their bras- Yet. I’m sure she is working on it! But the bras are double lined. And since they’re double lined, I don’t feel so ‘exposed’ and I feel it gives a little extra padding without the padding. Does that make any sense?  And since they are double lined it also definitely helps support the ‘girls’. I am usually a 36B (ish) and range from a medium to large depending on the brand. (I was a large in Fabletics). I was going to order a Medium but I was told that they run a little on the tight side so I got a large. The large fit pretty good but still gave me some armpit fat (but that’s not their fault. Once, I lose some weight I’m sure it will be fine!). I would say I would try an XL but I’m pretty sure it would be way to big and then not give me any support or cleavage.

So what have we covered- cups, support, fabric, details- oh and all the colors are so cute and amazing too. And their are a lot of styles to choose from and I will show a few pics so you get the idea. All pictures that I provide that are not of me, are from the Valleau Apparel site with their permission.

Speaking of pictures- I chose to finally take the TERRIFYING plunge and actually take a picture of me in the Valleau bra and post it on the blog! EEEEK. Sorry, if it hurts your eyes but I wanted to show you guys that I did wear the bra and how it fit. Unfortunately, I did not have anyone around to help me take a pic of the gorgeous back of the bra  but I will also provide that pic from their site.

Me in Starfish Bra

Model showing gorgeous back of Starfish Bra

I chose to get the black and teal “Starfish” bra. I wear A LOT of black and teal is my FAVORITE color EVER. So that was a given. Although, I did have to think twice because they do have the same bra in the ‘color of the year- Radiant Orchid’. But I knew the black would match with more.

Radiant Orchid- Starfish Bra

Not only do they have the ‘regular’ bra collection, they have a “Sexy” collection as well. Sexy collection meaning it’s more low cut in the front. I did want to try this but since I am 30 and a Mommy I wanted to keep it casual. Maybe next time though!

This is the Sexy Starfish that is low cut in front

I am very happy that I got to try out this bra and I highly, highly recommend checking them out and maybe even taking the plunge and trying something.

In fact- Right now they are having their “Spring Sale” and you can get some bras for $32! as well as pants for $45 instead of their normal $55 price.

I really want to grab this top while it’s available on sale- it is $40 though… So I will have to check the budget.

Their website is- http://www.valleauapparel.com

Their Pinterest is- http://www.pinterest.com/valleauapparel/

Their Facebook is- https://www.facebook.com/ValleauApparel

Their Instagram is- http://instagram.com/valleauapparel#

They are also on Tumblr- http://valleauapparel.tumblr.com/

Definitely scoop up a bra while you can at that price! But for those of you who don’t have the extra money or just feel lucky we are hosting a giveaway!

Valleau Apparel will giveaway one bra of the winner’s choice! Great right? I wish I could enter and I’d get the radiant orchid one or the Sexy Starfish!

Rafflecopter to be posted on the FB page

http://www.facebook.com/BudgetBeauty

Here is the link to the Rafflecopter entry-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Obsessed with Contests

I have entered a few contests lately and I will share them with you= Mostly in hopes that you will vote for me but also so if you want to enter, you can.

The first and most important one to me is the one from Fabletics.

The link to vote for me is here-

http://bit.ly/1gir6O7

once there you must like Fabletics *which is workout clothing line sponsored by Kate Hudson. If you like at a later date you can  unlike them. They don’t clutter up my fb feed so I don’t mind them. Anyway, after you like them you have to hit ‘vote’. I think a lot of my friends hit like and not vote. hit both if you want. It says I have something like 78 likes on my pic  but only 21 votes…. so that stinks. The most votes I have seen is like 80-100 so I’m really losing lol. So please help! Also this is a daily voting contest. so you can do it once to help or if you really love me you can do it daily. Also, another thing that you must do is they ask you to allow to post to your wall.  you must hit yes othewise it wont let you vote for me. All they post to your wall is that you voted for me *or whomever else you choose to vote for. You can also undo this at a later date. And thanks in advance for your help!

If you enter, let me know and I will return the favor.

The next one that I would like your help for and like you to enter yourself is the IT Cosmetics #ItsGotYouCovered contest. You can enter on Ig or FB. All you have to do is post a pic of you wearing your It cosmetics and share with the hashtage #itsgotyoucovered why It cosmetics is great for you. I have a lot of votes on this one but I would love to be one of the finalists picked to win a grand prize! I have 34 votes currently but more is always better 🙂

I believe this link will take you to my pic. it is of me and my baby 🙂 who just had her first  bday today 🙂 but she has a double ear infection so it wasn’t a very happy few days.

https://www.facebook.com/itcosmetics?sk=app_451684954848385&brandloc=DISABLE&app_data=view-vote%2Cfor-2755228

again, if you enter let me know and I will return the favor. If you want more info just to go their FB page.

And check out my birchbox post bc that offer ends 5-26

Try Birchbox for $5!!! Yes, please!

If you’ve been thinking about trying birchbox but didn’t wan to spend the ten plus dollars- now is the time to try! They’re having a promo where you can get your May box for $5!!! Use code summersub and it will bring it from $10 to $5 (and some change for tax). Plus there’s supposed to be some sort of Kate Spade promo in the May box…. I can’t wait!

This deal is only good til 5/26. The theme of the box is “Free-Wheeling”.

Before I got super broke, I got 2 Birchboxes and I absolutely loved both. I even got a few full sized products.

Again, the code is summersub

if you’d like to sign up please use my link

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/vfjxj

Id be ever so grateful!

this is the email I got from them-

Our “Freewheeling”-themed May box is packed with samples to shake up your beauty routine, and leave you feeling footloose and fancy-free. We’re bringing that carefree, weekend-all-week approach to our (and your) wardrobe too, with an exclusive Kate Spade Saturday offer in our May box. Plus, for a limited time, get your next box for only $5 (that’s half the usual price!) when you purchase a women’s monthly subscription. Use code SUMMERSUB at checkout. But hurry—you only have
until 5/26!

 

Get Fresh Bath, Body and Spa Products- Review and Giveaway and Discount!

On the days where I feel like I have been pulled in every direction and I just need to relax a nice smelling bath is just what I need. I recently go to try a few products from a company called Get Fresh. They smell amazing and the products don’t have harsh chemicals.

“Combining natural botanicals with the power of advanced body care technology, Get Fresh Spa offers a complete line of luxurious and aromatic spa-strength body products that target dry and aging skin. Our Spa products are formulated without parabens, synthetic dyes, or sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates.”

They are donating a some money from the sales of products in their Warrior Princess line that goes toward helping men and woman from the US Military that sustained injuries whether physical or physcological. The Warrior Princess line smells like Blackberry Vanilla. Out of all the scents I got to try it was by far my favorite! The minerals in the soak supposedly pull out impurities from the body’s surface- sounds cool but I wonder if it really does! I felt soft after. That’s all I know!

I also got to try the Grapefruit and Black Currant Hand Cremes and they left my hands feeling super moisturized. I even gave one to my Fiance to take to work because his hands are always dried out dealing with the cardboard boxes. His hands are a lot better than they were!

The product/products that I am dying to try from them is the Look Better Naked kit that contains body scrub, body mask and body creme. I already got to try the body creme and loved it so I really want to try the scrub and the mask! The mask also supposedly pulls out toxins and impurities so that intrigues me! I love sugar scrubs/body scrubs so I am dying to try theirs!

A couple months ago I tried a dry body oil for the first time. I really didn’t think I was going to like it because I hate feeling oily. Honestly, I used it once and forgot about it! I decided to try the body oil from Get Fresh since summer is coming and it’s nice to use after a day of tanning. I got the Starfruit Dry Oil Body Spray. It absorbed right away and didn’t leave me feeling oil or sticky! I liked the Starfruit scent a lot although it was more on the light scent side. So if you want a lighter scent than go for that one. (The giveaway will be for one of these body oils but in the scent of your choosing!) The Starfruit scent reminded me of fruit salad or a melon-y scent. Get Fresh describes it as “playful, lively, delightful”.

I also got to try the Black Currant Rich Body Creme which I loved! If you don’t know what Black Currant smells like it’s like a combo of plum with a little grape that is how I describe it anyway! Get Fresh describes Black Currant as “exotic, sensual, and enticing” which it definitely is. I fell in love with the scent of black currant back when I worked at Pier 1 Imports. It was the best candle ever so I had to see what this lotion smelled like! The body creme was really moisturizing! And it wasn’t sticky or oily. I used it on my legs, knees, and elbows and it took care of the dry Massachusetts skin! It came with a cap and a pump.

If you’re dying to check out their stuff the website is

http://www.getfresh.net

or

http://www.facebook.com/getfreshnet

Get Fresh is offering my readers a 20% off discount side wide! Code BUDGET

If you’re interested in trying the dry body oil leave a comment here with what scent you’d like to try and fill out the Rafflecopter form.
Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream Review- Facebook Blogger Group Info- Etc.

I feel like I am the last of MANY to write my review! So if you have read a bunch and want to skip it go right ahead! But before you start skipping- I just want to say sorry I have been MIA for the last week! My 10 month old has serious issues! We childproofed but she still manages to get into anything and everything she shouldn’t! I should be back at the beginning of next week with a great review on Spa products and a giveaway!

Onto the Studio Gear review-

I got to try Studio Gear’s Hydrating CC Cream in Natural thanks to BrandBacker and Studio Gear Cosmetics! I do wish that I had gotten Linen because the color was a little off for my fair skin.  I will probably wear it more with summer coming. I will use it for the SPF 20 and once I get some color it probably won’t be off in color.

I have two slight complaints with this CC cream BUT keep in mind that I have seriously BITCHY skin! If you’ve been a reader of mine for a little while, you know pretty much anything new makes me break out! I rarely wear foundations, sunscreen or moisturizer, etc. because I just break out from it. So if you’re not one to break out easily you should be fine! My first ‘complaint’ is the CC cream made my skin, as with any face products, break out in little bumps on my chin and forehead. It starts the day after I use the product and it starts with little bumps that I can feel and then see. Then if I continue using the product they turn to whiteheads or blackheads and then full fledged pimples. I hate pimples so I usually just stop using whatever product made me start! The second ‘complaint’ I have is that I don’t really need moisturizer… and this is a ‘hydrating’ product but it made my skin feel greasy or sticky- very unnatural feeling. With the greasy feeling came a nice ‘glow’ look though!

Since I do breakout so easily I can’t say that I have tried many CC creams. This is probably the 2nd or 3rd. I do like it though! I like it enough to wear it once a week! Sometimes I wear it alone with just lip gloss or sometimes I put on my It Cosmetics powder over some areas and then do a full face of makeup. If you follow me on Instagram my cat eye pictures and a few others were taken wearing this product. (If you want to look for me on Instagram my username is Cstone412cs but there should be a follow link allllll the way at the bottom of my blog.)

The Hydrating CC Cream is said to transform and enhance your complexion in an incredibly light, smooth formula. This foundation simultaneously fights aging, retains moisture, and covers and treats blemishes with a non-oily, perfectly radiant finish.

Key Benefits:

-Prevents fine lines and wrinkles with collagen-building ingredients

-Restores skin elasticity by promoting moisture retention

-Brightens and illuminates skin with a non-oily, complete coverage application.

-Offered in 3 colors- Linen, Natural, and Wheat.

I kinda disagree that it’s a light, non-oily formula. It’s definitely a heavier feel at least on my skin. And I’m not sure how it ‘treats’ blemishes but my blemishes (zits?) get worse. But I do use it once a week so I must like it enough! Basically it’s not the ‘best’ but it’s good enough for now or until something better comes. That’s how I feel about it to be honest!

Also- If you’re interested in trying Studio Gear here is a discount code for my readers:

Reader Discount: 10% Off
Reader Discount Code: bloggercc

 

Did you try it? If you’re in my blogging group on Facebook I have probably read your review!

If you’re a blogger who would like to join a group on Facebook of wonderfully nice and talented bloggers (mostly if not all ladies) I will leave the link. You may have to ask to be added but just say Budget Beauty sent you and you should be all set!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/beautyfashioncommunity/

You don’t have to be a beauty or fashion blogger (or at least you didn’t used to have to. just be a nice blogger!)

I’m so tired! If I sound LoOPy I apologize! Baby hasn’t slept in like a week! She sleeps maybe from 4am til 6am beside that 2-3 hours she is up which means I am up every hour all night.

Take care all!

My 30th Bday is Saturday! If I don’t post before then have a great weekend! I can’t believe I’m 3-0! Ick.

 

NeoCell Giveaway Entry Form

Beauty Builder

Serum

Here is the Rafflecopter link for those who want to enter my giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It is for your choice of either the Serum that I reviewed or the Beauty Builder Collagen Supplement that I reviewed. Both are awesome!

Here’s link right to the review:

Beauty Starts From The Inside Out- Neocell Review

It is also up on my Fb page on the giveaway tab for easier access.

http://www.facebook.com/BudgetBeauty

Beauty Starts From The Inside Out- Neocell Review

~NeoCell Beauty Builder, $20 at GNC~

I had seen a couple bloggers blog about NeoCell. NeoCell makes collagen supplements. Collagen supplements help with everything from loss of elasticity in the skin (fine lines, wrinkles), to thinning hair to nail growth. Basically as we age, our body doesn’t make enough collagen. So take some supplements from NeoCell and you should be all set. Right? That’s what I wanted to know.

I am going to be thirty this year… Yah. Actually, I’m going to be the big 3-0 next month. BOO. I’m also a smoker. Another BOo. I also used to worship the sun and tanning beds like they were going out of style and grew up on a lake in the sun daily. I have had a wrinkle on my forehead since my early twenties. It started as a fine line, obviously, and now is a full fledged wrinkle. And it brought it’s friends. Not only do I have fine lines but I have thinning hair. Oh the joys. My nails actually weren’t a problem until I accidentally used acetone nail polish remover but they are getting better slowly. Another joy of getting older is the pain in my knees and ankles and pretty much everywhere from my hips down.  So I wanted to try NeoCell as a last resort before I start saving for Botox and knee replacement (just kidding about the second one, for now).
I have been taking the pills for four days. I am not sure if it’s a ‘placebo effect’ but after the 2nd day of taking it the pain in my legs was half as bad and almost gone at some points. Am I crazy or is this for real?  It didn’t say anything about bones and pain on the Beauty Builder box. I had a momentary brain lapse and I looked it up- collagen and cartilage. Not only are collagen pills used for fine lines and wrinkles but now they think that they can actually help with arthritis!

(Source- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-191224/How-collagen-pill-beat-arthritis.html)

The pills weren’t too big but big enough to take one at a time.

   NeoCell sent me the Collagen Beauty Builder and Hydra and H.A. Serum for review. If you check their site they sell sports recovery supplements, collagen plus C supplements, as well as Hyaluronic Acid supplements and more.  All of them contain a good amount of collagen to help with a good amount of issues. If you’re interested in their story or product line up:

http://www.neocell.com/

  I can’t say that the beauty builder is working on my wrinkles, yet, but it definitely did something to my pain.  The only ‘bad’ thing that I’ve noticed about the Beauty Builder is that it’s 3 pills twice a day and they’re fairly large. I actually don’t mind taking pills but for those of you who do, it may be a problem. But they have chews for you guys! I heard they taste ok but I don’t know. Maybe I’ll try those when I run out of the pills. Out of the 4 days I’ve been taking the pills, two of the days I forgot to take them the 2nd time. Other than them being a little large and remembering to take them, I have had no issues.

 

NeoCell Advance Hydra and H.A. Serum, $25-33 online

Like I had said, they also sent me a serum. I just learned about H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) the other day. It’s key for moisture and cell turnover. Also, as we age our body seems to not have as much (like collagen). The first night I used it, right away, I felt such a difference! I’ve been using a new Konjac sponge and I am in love with that *that’s another post, but now I was ‘wowed’. It felt so soft. It was a lightweight feeling serum, not sticky and not greasy. It also absorbed fairly fast and after it left my skin baby soft. It also seemed to work pretty well on the wrinkles right away. Now was it going to make me break out was the issue. I have also used this for 4 nights now. I have not broken out! I’m amazed. My wrinkles aren’t gone but they do look a good amount better.

 

Here is what the serum looks like….

The NeoCell Serum absorbs very quickly and makes skin baby smooth. I don’t know if you can see the difference… I can see it on my forehead not sure about my hand.

I will do a follow up post in about thirty days. The Beauty Builder comes with 150 tablets at three pills, three times a day, that’s a little under a month. It’s like 25 days. I’ll check back in then and let you know how things are going. But my first impression is- A+ I’m amazed! And I really mean it, not just because it’s a sponsored review.

Kiss Lashes and Me

i got some nice falsies in my Jadore Voxvox from Influenster. I love the way fake lashes look! BUT I suck at putting them on! I can always get one on real good then the 2nd one ends up crooked or just messed up in some way. And I always have an issue with the question of do I put makeup on before, after or before then touch up after.

How about I tell you how I do it and you can tell me where I’m going wrong or if I’m being too picky.

I also really stink at gel or marker type eyeliners… So it’s no surprise that I don’t usually wear it. But sometimes when wearing falsies, gel eyeliner is best. I start with either a line of gel eyeliner or pencil. I do usually trim the lashes to fit my eye length as well. I also learned in hair school/beauty school that it’s usually beneficial to apply the glue to the lash and then wait til the glue becomes tacky.

now here’s where I have issues…

I wait til the lash becomes tacky. Then I put it up to my eye and try to put it on right near my natural lash line working from the outer corner to the inner corner. Sometimes it comes out great in one or two shots. Sometimes it comes out crooked, no matter how hard I try. Then my problem is getting the glue off and reapplying etc. It doesn’t sound too problematic but it is.

thats pretty much all I do. THEN if I have to, I fix my eyeliner and finish my makeup.

So how do you apply your fake lashes? Do you ever have issues?

Have You Heard of Rootflage- It’s The Best Idea EVER!

One of the first blog posts and giveaways I ever entered or read were for something called Rootflage.

Have you heard of it? Have you tried it?

If you are not a ‘natural’ blonde and your answer was no, you really need to try it!

I’ve been highlighting or dying my hair since before high school.

I’m not the best at keeping up with my roots either…

Rootflage, as it’s name suggests, is Camoflage for Roots.

And better yet, it actually works!

One problem that I have a lot is turning brassy. Nevermind roots, right above my roots I get a layer of orange brass. Not all the time, usually just when the hairdresser messes up the bleach or dye.

I HATE brassy hair…

But I found a ‘cure’!

I got my hair dyed right before Christmas and she did a pretty good job but I was a little brassy.

I used my Rootflage on it and Boom!

No more brass!

So now not only do I use this stuff on roots when I need a dye job but on the brass after a dye job!

this stuff really is the best!

Think of all the money you can save if you can put off dying for a few weeks every time you need it.

I really wish I had this stuff about ten years ago when I used to dye my hair myself and was really brassy all the time.

What exactly is Rootflage?

Basically, it’s mineral makeup powder for your hair.

I won 3 bottles in September. She sells Cool, Light Blonde, and Warm Blonde. I wasn’t sure which one to try so I got one of each.

I liked the cool and light the best. The warm wasn’t light enough for me.

I still have about half of each 10g bottle left!

You can check out their site at

http://www.rootlfage.com

I believe it costs $25 a bottle but there are a couple coupon codes you can earn by liking their Facebook page.

She just updated her bottle design and it looks even more amazing!

When I first got my bottles I was so amazed that I did one of my first posts about it. I have a lot of new readers and I just got 2 new bottles (with the new design) so I am writing a new one for those who didn’t read the first one.

Rootflage also has a YouTube channel with a few cool videos where you can watch her apply the product to her own hair and voila! No more roots right in front of your eyes!

I’m having a hard time pasting the link from the iPad so you would have to search Awesomesaucehair on YouTube.

Today I do not have pics of it in my hair but I will promise to do make hair this week with it and post!

I have a 10 month old so blow drying rarely happens and you cant see the full effect when my hair is pulled back.

I’d like you too see some pics of it in action now so if you’d like, you can check out one of my first reviews/posts.

Rootflage- My First experience with it-

Before *Yes I know I REALLY need a dye job*!

After  Rootflage!

I know these pics aren’t the best. They’re from November 13, but I wanted to try to show you how well it works!