A Little R&R

Hello Friends,

If you follow me on Twitter then you may already know, but for those of you who didn't see my tweets, I had to go to the doctor yesterday and wound up having same-day surgery. I wasn't able to get any posts or videos completed yesterday, and today needs to be a day of rest. I know I don't need to explain my absence, but I don't like being inconsistent with my posting schedule, so I felt it best to let you all know what was going on.

I only need a few days to heal, so everything should resume as usual by Monday. In the meantime, I'll be on Twitter and Facebook (thank goodness for phones!), so please feel free to chat with me!

Love you all, K

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You Tell Me! (Vol. XXXIII)

»» How can NeutraKris Beauty Blog be more enjoyable for you? ««

Every so often I like to do a progress report and find out from you what you like to see. Is there anything you'd like to see more of? Anything you'd like to see less of? Would you like me to keep something, but change it up a bit? This blog would be nothing without you, so please share your opinions in the comments!

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Get the Look: Hot Chocolate

Thanks to Natalie for naming this week's Get the Look!

You will need:

• Eyeshadow Primer (Too Faced Shadow Insurance)
• Brown base (L.A. Colors Brown Eyeliner Pencil)
• Salmon-toned eyeshadow (Wet n Wild I ♥ Matte Palette)
• Dark brown eyeshadow (Wet n Wild I ♥ Matte Palette)
• Light brown eyeshadow (L'Oreal Devious HiP Duo)
• Cream eyeshadow (Wet n Wild Brulee Eyeshadow)
• White, off-white, cream or beige eyeshadow (Wet n Wild I ♥ Matte Palette)
• Deep brown gel/cream eyeliner (MAC Added Goodness Fluidline)
• Black eyeliner (e.l.f. Black Brightening Eyeliner)
• Black or brown mascara (Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara)

Apply your eyeshadow primer from the lid to the brow. Taking a rounded crease brush (bdellium Tools #785), apply the salmon-toned eyeshadow to your transitional space. This is the area just above your natural crease - it will help to blend out your crease color. Apply your brown base to your lid, stopping at your natural crease. Take your rounded crease brush and lightly buff the edges. Taking a flat shader brush (Studio Tools Medium Shadow Brush), apply the dark brown eyeshadow to your lid, over top of the brown base. Then, apply to your lower lash line. Take a clean blending brush (Sigma E40) and blend the edges lightly. Taking a crease brush (e.l.f. Blending Eye Brush), apply the light brown eyeshadow to your crease, taking the color slightly into the transitional space. Blend as needed (using the cream eyeshadow to clean up the edges) with your blending brush. Using your favorite highlighting brush (e.l.f. Defining Eye Brush), apply your highlight shade to your brow bone and inner corner. (I used the white shade in the I ♥ Matte Palette, but depending on your skin tone you may need a cream or beige shadow.)

Using a fine-tipped eyeliner brush (Sigma E05), apply the deep brown eyeliner to your lash line, angling or winging it out towards the outer corner. Using a black eyeliner, tightline and line your waterline. Curl your lashes and finish with mascara.

For my lips I first applied NYX Cosmetics' Milan Soft Matte Lip Cream, then I blotted it down and topped it with Sinful Colors' Goddess Extra Shiny Lipgloss.

→ Readers, please let me know how you're liking the Get the Look segment. Would you like a full list of products (blush, foundation, etc.)? Would you like to see a full-face shot? Are you happy with it as-is? Share your thoughts in the comments! ♥

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NEW: BH Cosmetics BH Party Girl Palette

"This 40 Color BH Party Girl Eyeshadow Palette was made to fulfill the ultimate socialite’s dreams. Whether you want to go for flirty or cosmopolitan, this makeup palette contains must-have shimmer & matte shades for double-taking beauty at your next big event."

Features

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A mix of matte and shimmer shades in both neutrals and vibrant colors.

Available

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Online via bhcosmetics.com for $17.95. However, it's currently on sale for 30% off, which makes it just $12.57!

→ Readers, will you be hauling? ←

BH Cosmetics BH Party Girl Palette

BH Cosmetics BH Party Girl Palette

BH Cosmetics BH Party Girl Palette

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NYX LE The Crimson Amulet Collection

NYX Cosmetics' limited edition The Crimson Amulet Collection is a multi-layer palette inspired by the movie Dark Shadows. Per NYX, "Captivate and mesmerize with your beauty using the Crimson Amulet collection. This palette inspired by the film “Dark Shadows” comprises of 24 matte and shimmery lush eye shadows, 5 intoxicating blushers, 1 luminous highlighter, 4 succulent lip colors, 1 HD Studio eye shadow base for a more intense eye shadow hue, and 1 extreme black liquid eye liner".

The packaged is laid out similar to a book, with the inside cover housing the 24 eyeshadows and four dual-ended sponge applicators. Next to the shadows is a large mirror, which turns over to reveal three looks from a female character from the movie (Josette, Dr. Hoffman, and Angelique). The back cover houses the primer, liner, blushes, highlighter and lip colors, and the entire palette closes with an interior magnetic closure and an exterior snap. Between each side of the inner flap (with the mirror and looks) is a plastic sheet to prevent product from spilling around inside. There's also a plastic flap over the lip colors to prevent the powder products from contaminating them, which re-adheres nicely.

The Eyeshadows

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Per NYX's claim, there's a mix of matte and shimmer finished eyeshadows. They're split in half, with the most colorful/bold shades at the top (12), and the more neutral shades at the bottom (12). The shadows are a mixed bag of texture and pigmentation (some better than others), but the majority perform very nicely! Each shadow is pretty soft, so there's some fallout, and I noticed the the shimmer shades seemed a bit firmer than the mattes (in a good way). Though, while the shimmers have better texture, the mattes have better pigmentation. All of the shades applied evenly, not chalky or patchy, and blended easily without sheering away. They all wore all day and night when used over a primer.

Dupe Bonus: I spied an Urban Decay Naked dupe in The Crimson Amulet Collection! The first shade on the second row from the bottom is very close to Naked, with the only visible difference to me being NYX's shade has a subtle sheen to it. (See swatch comparison below.)

The Blushes & Highlighter

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There's a nice array of blushes to choose from in this palette, ranging from a natural, baby pink flush to a rich, bold raspberry. There aren't any peach shades to choose from - they're all varying ranges of pink with blue or yellow undertones, which may prove difficult for some complexions. The shade third from the top is very close to the largest blush shade in tone, but the largest shade has more pink. All five shades were very nicely pigmented and blended easily, wearing all day and night without fading. The highlighter is a chalky off-white with subtle shimmer. I didn't find it offered any luminosity, but it can definitely be used as a brow highlight!

The Lip Colors

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The Lip Colors really wowed me in pigmentation, texture, and wear. I'm not thrilled to have lip colors near any powder products, but the plastic barrier NYX has re-adheres nicely to keep them air-tight, so I'm not that worried about cross-contamination. There are four shades, which are a bold, blue-toned fuchsia pink, a yellow-toned carnation pink, a bright, blue-toned pink (think OCC's Narcissus Lip Tar), and a neutral beige-nude with a hint of peach. They're incredibly creamy, ultra-pigmented and lay evenly on the lips (without drying or settling), and they wear for a respectable four hours.

The HD High Definition Shadow Base & Liquid Liner

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NYX's HD Shadow Base has a doe-foot applicator and a creamy, skin-toned color. It dries down without color, but slightly evens out the veining on my lids. It takes a little longer to dry than I like, which I haven't experienced before with either NYX's Eye Shadow Base, Urban Decay's Primer Potion, or Too Faced Shadow Insurance. While it does help intensify the pigmentation of the shadows, it doesn't hold up on my oily lids. Such is the case with any primer I've tried other than Too Faced Shadow Insurance, creasing ensues about halfway through the day, with the end result being a migrated, sloppy mess. The Liquid Liner is a brush-tip eyeliner, and is jet black with a nice shine. The brush is surprisingly easy to control (I'm not that skilled with brush tipped eyeliners), and I can create both a thin or thick line without error. It, too, takes a while to dry, so I definitely don't recommend immediately following with your lash curler. Once it dries down, though, it doesn't transfer or fade.

IN CONCLUSION...

NYX Cosmetics' limited edition The Crimson Amulet Collection is a well-rounded palette offering quite a bit of product with a inexpensive price tag. The shadows are a mixed bag of textures and pigmentation, but the they're good overall. The blushes are fantastically textured and pigmented, and so are the lip colors. The highlighter and eye base left much to be desired, and the eyeliner would be great if it didn't take so long to dry down. I think this palette would make a nice gift, and it's not too bad for travel, either!

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

NYX's limited edition The Crimson Amulet Collection can be found in-store at ULTA, online via nyxcosmetics.com and ULTA.com, and retails for around $24.99. NYX is a cruelty-free brand!

Click to enlarge photos!

DISCLOSURE: The product(s) featured in this post were provided by the brand or their PR company for consideration. Read my full disclosure here.

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City Color Summer Glow Bronzer in Sunrise

One of City Color's latest Summer Glow Bronzers is Sunrise; a reddish-toned bronzer with a gold overlay and fine, subtle gold shimmer throughout. It's a large bronzer (about the size of many body bronzers), and is packaged in a compact with a clear lid and copper-colored base. I really dislike how this bronzer doesn't have a product name, shade, weight - anything really. I had to go back into my posts to find the display photo to know what it was called!

Sunrise has a palm tree and waves embossed with a gold overlay. There isn't much, so you could easily wipe away the overlay if you prefer, but the gold honestly doesn't transfer much on the skin, and when blended you can't see it at all. Sunrise's texture is buttery smooth, but does crumble a bit even with the gentlest touch. It applies as a reddish bronze with some shimmer, and when blended gives off a lovely tan appearance with only a subtle sheen. The reddish tone does dissipate, but I still find it's a bit much for my fair skin. (I do love to use this shade as an eyeshadow, though!) Sunrise wore all day and night without fading.

IN CONCLUSION...

City Color's Summer Glow Bronzer in Sunrise has a nice texture and performs well, but this shade isn't a good match for fairer skin tones. I feel as though Sunrise is definitely the type of bronzer to bronze with rather than contour, and I like to use it as an eyeshadow.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

City Color's Summer Glow Bronzer in Sunrise can be found in-store at Rite Aid and retails for $3.99. City color is a cruelty-free brand!

City Color Summer Glow Bronzer in Sunrise

City Color Summer Glow Bronzer in Sunrise

City Color Summer Glow Bronzer in Sunrise

DISCLOSURE: The product(s) featured in this post were provided by the brand or their PR company for consideration. Read my full disclosure here.

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NEW: Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color Display!

While at Target yesterday I spotted a new display from Sally Hansen (then saw the same display later on at Walgreens)! It's their new Magnetic Nail Color collection, consisting of eight iron-infused polishes with a built-in magnet. The bottles are shaped similar to Nails, Inc.'s Magnetic Polish, but where Nails, Inc. offers just five shades, Sally Hansen offers eight:

Features

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• Polar Purple - Plum purple with lilac waves.
• Red-y Response - Maroon with pinkish-red waves.
• Golden Conduct - Chocolate brown with beige waves.
• Kinetic Copper - Dark bronze with gold waves.
• Ionic Indigo - Classic blue with baby blue waves.
• Electric Emerald - Hunter green with light green waves.
• Silver Elements - Charcoal grey with white/silver waves.
• Graphite Gravity - Black with dark grey waves.

Available

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In-store at Target and Walgreens for $8.99 and $9.99 respectively, and online via target.com and walgreens.com. (Walgreens has an informational pamphlet with a $1.00 coupon attached in-store.)

Click here to watch Sally Hansen's how-to video!

→ Readers, will you be hauling? ←

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color Display @ Target

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Reviva Labs May Giveaway!

NeutraKris Beauty Blog has partnered to bring you a series of exciting skin care giveaway, with May offering Reviva Labs' Tan Without Sun Face & Body Milk and Vitamin E Stick! Reviva Labs is a cruelty-free, paraben-free, all-natural company who produce high-end creams, serums, peels, and more for all your preventative and correcting needs. Two of my personal favorites are the Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream (a great night cream), and the Vitamin E Stick with SPF 15 (it's so multi-purpose), which is the very same product featured in this month's giveaway!

As usual, I'd like to give you a brief description of the two products so you have an idea as to what's in store for you. First up, Reviva's Tan Without Sun Face & Body Milk; a tanning lotion that tans in four hours and "lasts for days".

Tan Without Sun Face & Body Milk

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Tan Without Sun Face & Body Milk has a creamy lotion texture and smells, to me, like vanilla yogurt. Honestly, I'm not a big tanning person (even with self tanners), so I didn't give this a try, but it has an off-white color with a lovely consistency, claims it fades like a regular suntan, and it's hypoallergenic. It's not recommended for acne-prone skin, though.

Vitamin E Stick with SPF 15

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Vitamin E Stick is a handy moisturizer safe for use around the eyes, lips, and more. It's packaged as a lipstick for easy application and increased portability. It protects against dryness, wind damage, or sunburn with its smooth, translucent, and fairly long-wearing formula. I highly recommend keeping Reviva's Vitamin E Stick with SPF 15 in your beach bag, or any bag for that matter, to keep your lips in tip-top shape this Spring and Summer!

Giveaway Eligibility:

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This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only. Minors (under the age of 18) will need to have parental permission before entering this giveaway. Participants are allowed up to five entries, and can enter only once.

How to Enter:

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One winner will be chosen at random when this giveaway closes on May 20, 2012 at 12:01AM EST. The winner will be notified via email on May 21, 2012, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. Enter to win using the Rafflecopter form below! (You must leave a comment - that step is mandatory to be entered!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Top 5 Mascaras (Drugstore and High-End!)

Not too long ago I did a post showcasing my Go-To Crease Shades, and I thought it might be fun to keep the theme going with some more of my favorites - my Top 5 Mascaras for both drugstore and high-end (thus far)!

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara in Black. ($7.99)

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While it doesn't do exactly as it claims, Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara does thicken and lengthen my lashes, while providing a nice coat of color and all-day wear. It has a great not-too-wet formula, it doesn't flake or smudge, isn't difficult to remove, and it doesn't hurt the wallet at less than ten bucks!

Where to buy: In-store at CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens, Walmart and ULTA, and online via drugstore.com and ULTA.com.

Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara in Blackened Brown. ($8.99)

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If you're looking for a mascara that really delivers, check out Revlon's PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara! Blackened Brown lengthens, separates, upholds a curl and plumps the lashes enough to appear thick while still looking natural. In my opinion, it's similar - yet performs better - than Benefit's They're Real! Mascara!

Where to buy: In-store at CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens, Walmart and ULTA, and online via drugstore.com and ULTA.com.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara in Ultra Black Organics. ($9.99)

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What's eco-friendly, cruelty-free, all-natural and has a recyclable brush? Physicians Formula's Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara! In addition, its formula is pretty good, too. It isn't terribly volumizing, but it does separate nicely, coats my lashes in a natural way, and upholds a curl.

Where to buy: In-store at CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart and ULTA, and online via drugstore.com and ULTA.com.

bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara in Black. ($18)

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Where most mascaras fall short in filling in the roots of my lashes, bareMinerals' Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara provides. It also nicely defines and lengthens my lashes, while coating them in rich, black color, and while it's on the higher-end of the scale, it's doesn't shock with its price tag.

Where to buy: In-store at Bare Escentuals stores and Sephora, and online via bareescentuals.com, sephora.com and ULTA.com.

Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black. ($25)

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Concluding my Top 5 Mascaras is Dior's Diorshow Mascara, and while this list is in-order by price, I really did save the best for last. It plumps, lengthens and separates my lashes, and even though it doesn't fill them in at the roots, it provides the best look out of all. It also layers nicely with other mascaras, so if you have one that does fill in-between your lashes, Diorshow will do the rest!

Where to buy: In-store at Dior counters and Sephora, and online via dior.com and sephora.com.

→ Readers, which mascaras make your Top 5 list? ←

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The Weekly Steals and Deals (5/14/12)

CVS
→ Get a free Summer Tote when you spend $30 on any P&G products marked with a * + spend $50 on P&G beauty products and get a $10 mail-in rebate! (www.pgbeautyolympics.com)
→ Get a free John Frieda Shampoo or Conditioner when you buy any 8.45-10 oz. John Frieda hair color.

→ Get $10 ExtraBucks when you spend $25 on any designer fragrances.
→ Get $10 ExtraBucks when you spend $25 on any Playtex, Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat or Schick products.

→ $3.99 Secret, Old Spice or Gillette Antiperspirant/Deodorant.*
→ $5.99 Family Size Pantene or Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner.*
→ $8.99 Clairol Nice'n Easy Color Blend Foam Hair Color.*
→ $20.99 Olay Regenerist Facial Care, Total Effects Tone or UV Moisturizer.*
→ $22.99 Olay Facial Hair Removal Duo, Regenerist kit or treatment.*

→ $1.88 Dial or Tone bar soap + $1.00 ExtraBucks towards next purchase.
→ $4.99 on all Got2b hair stylers.
→ $5.99 L'Oreal Colour Riche serum infused lip colour or Voluminous Mascara.
→ $5.99 Clairol Natural Instincts, Nice'n Easy or Root Touch-up Hair Color.
→ $6.48 Olay Ultra Moisture lotion, body wash, bath bar, Total Effects or Ribbons body + $2.00 ExtraBucks towards next purchase.
→ $7.50 COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Color or Liner.
→ $7.50 COVERGIRL Lashblast Mascara (all versions).
→ $8.99 Gillette Venus Pro Skin, Embrace, Breeze or Venus/Olay razor + $4.00 ExtraBucks towards next purchase.
→ $9.99 Wet n Wild Nail Pail + $4.00 ExtraBucks towards next purchase.
→ $10 COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation or Primer.

→ 2/$5.97 Aussie or Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers.
→ 2/$7 on all TRESemme.
→ 2/$7 Softsoap body wash, bar soap or liquid hand soap + $4.00 ExtraBucks towards next purchase.
→ 3/$10 Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers.

→ BOGO 50% off on:

• Wet n Wild cosmetics
• Milani cosmetics
• Revlon cosmetics and/or beauty tools
• Olay wet cloths, cleansers, scrubs, Age Defying, Complete or Anti-wrinkle
• CeraVe skin care
• Dial bar soap or NutriSkin lotion or body wash
• Secret or Gillette Clinical Strength Deodorant
• Gillette Disposable Razors
• Trim beauty tools
• Goody and/or Revlon hair accessories and hairbrushes

→ Buy one, get one 75% off on:

• Lumene skin care

→ Buy one, get one free on:

• Right Guard and/or Dry Idea Antiperspirant/Deodorant

→ Buy two, get one free on:

• Spoiled Nail Color

Rite Aid

→ Get $4.00 UP Rewards when you buy any Physicians Formula eye makeup. (Limit 2.)

→ Get $4.00 UP Rewards when you spend $10 on Revlon Colorstay and beauty tools + $3.00 rebate.

→ Get $5.00 UP Rewards when you spend $20 on any Gel Perfect, Bikini Zone, Scar Zone, Nutra Nail, Cherry Vanilla Fragrance or Hair Off.

→ $2.99 Softsoap liquid and bar soap + $2.00 UP Rewards with purchase.

→ $5.99 L'Oreal Ever hair care.

→ $8.99 Clairol Nice'n Easy Non-Permanent Hair Color + $2.00 in-ad coupon = $6.99.

→ 2/$3 Chapstick and/or Nivea Lip Balm.

→ 2/$6 Herbal Essences or Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers.

→ 2/$7 Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers + $2.00 UP Rewards when you buy two.

→ 2/$8 TRESemme Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers + $1.00 UP Rewards when you buy two.

→ BOGO 50% off on:

• Almay cosmetics + $2.00 rebate
• COVERGIRL cosmetics
• Rimmel cosmetics + $5.00 UP Rewards when you spend $15.
• Olay skin care (Excludes Pro-X.)
• Jergens or Natural Glow skin care + $3.00 UP Rewards when you buy two.
• Eucerin and/or Aquaphor skin care
• Nair hair removal products
• Right Guard and/or Dry Idea Antiperspirant/Deodorant
• Sure and/or Brut Antiperspirant/Deodorant

Sephora

→ Get a free deluxe sample of Dior's Diorshow Mascara with $25 purchase with code "DIORLASH". (Online only.)

→ Get a free mini Caudalie S.O.S. Thirst-Quenching Serum with $25 purchase with code "SOSERUM". (Online only.)

Target

→ Get a free John Frieda Mini Brush with purchase of a select hair appliance through 7/07.

→ Get a $5 Gift Card when you buy three select "gud" Burt's Bees items through 5/19.

→ Save $4.00 when you buy two L'Oreal Excellence hair colors through 7/07.

→ Save 10% on select swimwear with $50 purchase through 5/19.

→ Save 15% on Plus Apparel through 5/19.

→ BOGO 50% off on Select Shoes and Handbags through 5/26.

→ Buy one, get one free on select hair care items through 7/07.

ULTA

→ Save 20% on one item with coupon (in-store) or "75802" (online).

→ TONS of free gifts with purchases can be found here! (Too many to list!)

→ BOGO 50% off on:

• NYX cosmetics
• L'Oreal cosmetics
• Neutrogena cosmetics
• COVERGIRL cosmetics
• Physicians Formula cosmetics
• Physicians Formula skin care
• L'Oreal Preference hair color and select Ever Treatment hair care
• Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Foam hair color and Garnier hair care
• John Frieda Precision Foam hair color and John Frieda hair care
• Umberto U Color hair color and Salon Grafix hair care
• L'Oreal cleansers

→ Buy one, get one free on:

• CARGO mascara

→ Buy two, get one free on:

• Revlon blush, concealer, foundation, lip color, nail color, powder, and/or Primer Beauty Tools
• Maybelline eyeshadow, lip color, blush, concealer, foundation and powder
• Elegant Touch nail products
• Sally Hansen Complete Manicure and Nail Art pens
• Redken hair care (in-store only)

→ Buy two, get two free on:

• Mix & match ULTA cosmetics, brushes, beauty tools, implements, sun care, skin care, hair care, bath, Smoothies, anti-bacterial and candles

Walgreens

→ $1.99 Skintimate Shave Cream or Gel.

→ $2.99 L'Oreal hair care.

→ $5.99 Jergens Lotion and/or Biore Scrubs and Strips.

→ $5.99 Garnier Nutrisse or HerbaShine hair color.

→ $19.99 L'Oreal Youth Code or RevitaLift Clinical Repair 10 Serum or Moisturizers.

→ 3/$3 Chapstick Lip Balm.

→ 15% off Olay Regenerist skin care or Smooth Finish hair removal duo kit.

→ BOGO 50% off on:

• Maybelline foundation, primer, concealer, powder, blush and lip cosmetics and beauty tools
• Revlon cosmetics and beauty tools
• Gillette Disposable Razors
• RoC skin care
• Eucerin skin care

→ Buy one, get one free on:

• Dial Bar Soap, Complete Foaming Hand Wash or Body Wash
• bioINFUSION hair care

→ Don't forget to check out the Shop/Deals page for more specials! ←

DISCLOSURE: This page contains affiliate links. When you shop through an affiliate link on this blog, you help support the site. Thank you! Read my full disclosure here.

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