Beauty Brands at TJMaxx and Marshalls are IMPRESSIVE

Once in a blue moon, I would see one or two brand name products pop up at Marshall and TJMaxx and I would get super excited to see the deals. Most of the time, that product would be from a discontinued line or a strange color that didn't sell well. However I've been seeing more and more product gracing the shelves that sometimes I feel the brand is permanently selling their line at these discount retailers.

Check out the huge selection of Anastasia, KatVonD and Too Faced on my last trip to TJMaxx.

 The Too Faced and KatVonD rack:

I was so surprised to see all the Too Faced Peach blushes and the Chocolate palette. There was a time where I had wanted the chocolate palette so much. At the bottom there is a bunch of KatVonD eyeshadow and contour palettes.

50% off Selective Items at ULTA

Just purchased a ton of stuff at ULTA because they are an extra 50% off.

Now until August 4, ULTA has select items that are an extra 50% off. At my local store, they state that it's off tags that are green.

I ended up purchasing a couple of sets and a nars lip duo.

Usually there aren't major sales in the prestige lines but this time, I was so surprised to find lots of Clinique sets and the Smashbox X Vlada collection on sale.


All the items that are on sale in the photo above is still full priced on Ulta's website, but in store, there is an extra 50%.


So definitely take a quick trip to your local store to see if you find anything worth your money.

Spotted: A Cotton Shirtdress that's been tugging at my heart

Korean actress Han Ga In appears in the March 2018 edition of Grazia. Of course I was mesmerized by her porcelain skin and ability to look amazing in everything. However there is this one dress that I felt like I've seen somewhere before.

I went back to Uniqlo's site and found that although it's not identical, it's very similar.

The dress that Han Ga In wears is Celine's Belted Dress in Cotton and Wool Satin and cost $2,500.
It is an oversized fit with more pocket details on the top of the dress. The D-ring loop belt is also thicker which I like more.

Photo by Celine

The one from Uniqlo is called Cotton Longsleeve Shirtdress.

Photo by Uniqlo

It is 100% cotton and has a fit and flare cut. The black color is all sold out but they have a light blue version which I particularly like. It's currently on sale for $19.90.

Photo by Uniqlo

If you have to have a black dress, Uniqlo has a black button down dress that also looks pretty nice. It doesn't have the D-ring belt but the bow belt makes it look more feminine. The button down dress has a more casual feel compared to the first dress.

Photo credits to Uniqlo

The dress looks strikingly similar because both have the D-ring loop belt. Han Ga In and the model both wore the dress with the sleeves pushed up and they both have this sleek open neckline. I do like the thicker belt on Celine's dress though. Of course the style and material is superior on Celine's but Uniqlo is 1/100 of Celine's price.

I'm really tempted to buy Uniqlo's version.

Which shirt dress from Uniqlo do you like better?

All photos credits to their respective owner.

Spotted: Lots of Makeup Markdowns in Target

Yesterday after work, I headed into Target for their $5 free gift card when you purchase $15 of skincare promotion. It was the last day for that discount, so I went to the closest Target after work in hopes of scoring some goodies.

However I didn't find anything that I truly wanted and after scouring the aisle, I only came up with $14 of items. I did notice all the price drops on select makeup products.

Here's what I ended up getting:

Wet n Wild's Perfect Pout Gel Lip Balm in Play for $1.48 originally $2.99
Loreal Paris Nutri-gloss High Shine Glossing Mist $2.98 originally $5.99
Milani Easybrow in Taupe $4.18 originally $5.99
Milani Baked Powder Blush in Bella Bellini $5.25 originally $7.49

I was really surprised Milani Baked Blushes were on sale because I just discovered that Target were carrying Milani in stores and was surprised they had Luminoso in stock. Luminoso is sold out almost everywhere I see and they have it for a decent price (and not marked up like they have it in Primark). I was equally shocked when I found they had select shades on sale. Other shades that I could see on sale were Bellisimo Bronze, Coralina, and Rosa Romantica. I have Coralina and it's the blush that literally brings happiness to me. I smile every time I put on that blush. At this price, it's definitely a steal to purchase Milani's Baked Blush and I will guarantee you will love it. The flower shaped blush weren't on sale but the illuminating face powder and baked bronzer were on sale.

I think Target is discontinuing Sonia Kashuk line cause everything was on sale. Now is a good time to pick up my favorite blusher brush, which won Allure's Best of Beauty in 2015. I love it but take note that it does shed.

I also noticed a couple of Rimmel mascara, select products from physician formula and Soap and Glory's entire line of Sexy Mother Pucker Lipstick on sale.

A couple weeks back, I also found my favorite drugstore sunscreen Garnier Skinactive Moisture Bomb sunscreen and my holy grail cerave night pm on sale. Both of these I high recommend so definitely pick them up if you see it on sale at your store. My sister likes using Simple's micellar cleansing water and she picked that one up also.

 Ponds extra value pack facial wipes for $6.98

I think Target is clearing out the inventory for spring releases so now's the time to head to your nearest Target and look for markdown.

Happy Shopping!

Let me know what special deals you finds.

SaveSave

Eyeing Gap's Crazy Stripe Dress

I've been wanting a quality soft sweater dress for many years now. However, I've yet landed on one. I was wandering inside gap after earning $50 gap cash from the black Friday purchase and found one item that caught my eye. It's the crazy stripe wool blend dress.

[Gap]

This holiday, Gap introduced the #crazystripe collection which has scarfs, sleepwear, sweaters and much more all decked in colorful stripes to brighten up your mood in the cold weather. I've always had a sweet spot for ribbed sweater. This dress satisfies the girl in me- wanting everything in multicolors. The rounded neckline is also perfect to keep me warm while not being suffocated in turtleneck and or freezing in v-necks.

The only thing about this dress is that horizontal stripes makes the body look wider.  I am already round in the middle section and I just hope the bodyhugging design doesn't accentuate my round belly.


More of the crazy stripes collection below:

To making noise with the ones who matter most. Get and give our coziest crazy stripes now — and score major Cyber Monday deals: https://t.co/GWxr7qmY7H pic.twitter.com/2ltzm5Wta2

— Gap (@Gap) November 27, 2017

I was surfing the web when I noticed a very familiar dress on Twice's Chaeyoung. She wears the striped dress in the 2018 January edition of Cosmopolitan magazine and it made me even more eager to get my hands on this dress. The dress looks amazing on Chaeyoung's slim figure with the dress hitting perfectly right above the knees.

[Cosmopolitan] via [kpopmap]

However at $90, I can't get myself to add the dress into my cart. They have reduced the price on the black and grey version to $57 but I still think the rainbow one looks better. The grey version is great for work though. While reading the reviews on gap, most say to go down in size as the sleeves and length of the dress is on the longer end.

[Gap]

I am still waiting to see if the rainbow sweater will go on sale. However the dress has been extremely popular, and a lot of sizes has already been sold out. On ebay, people are already selling the dress for $100. If I don't come across that dress on sale, my second option would be the ribbed stripped sweater.

I am crossing my fingers hoping the dress will go on sale and one in my size pops up in store. Let me know if you see the dress in small around the Boston area.

What have you been eyeing this holiday season?

Thanks for reading and Happy New Years 🎊

NYX Avant Pop! Art Throb Shadow Palette Swatches and Review

Back in 2015, I won a NYX makeup set from People magazine StyleWatch Giveaway. I'd like to take the chance to thank them again for all these NYX goodies which I posted on instagram.

Got a pleasant surprise the day before Christmas- winning the sweepstakes from @peoplemag 🎁🎄#youmademyday #thanksamillion #christmassurprise #whatsbetterthanwinning #nyxcosmetics #christmasgift

A post shared by Vanilla (@vanilladreamcream) on Dec 25, 2015 at 4:09am PST

When I opened up the box, all my attention went to the NYX Avant Pop eyeshadow palettes.

According to the NYX website: Avant Pop Collection allows you to express yourself with a pop of striking color. Each Avant Pop Eyeshadow Palette contains ten carefully selected shade with various finishes.

Did I Just Get a "Yes" Phone Call Scam?

So like 5 minutes ago, I just received a phone call from 857-239-5169. The person on the phone stated my name and asked if I was there. I said Yes. And then he hung up.

They gave me a call at 2:57pm today and total time was 11 seconds.

Then memories about phone scams started populating my head. Not too long ago, I heard about phone scams where the person asks if you can hear me. When you say "yes" they then hang up. They record that "Yes" sound as  a confirmation to make changes to you credit or financial account.

Hopefully I did not just fall into a scam.

So if anyone also gets a call from 857-239-5169. DO NOT PICK UP THE PHONE.

I will be monitoring my financial accounts and making sure there is no major changes.

Anyone experience a similar situation please share.

I'm a little bit freaked out right now. Just hope nothing bad happens.

Laura Geller Simply Lovely Set Review

Laura Geller's Simply Lovely set is a 4 piece collection for the eyes, cheeks and lips.
It contains a Baked Gelato Swirl Blush in Rosewater, a Baked Gelato Vivid Swirl Eyeshadow in Caramel, a Love Me Dew Lip Crayon in Mango Sorbet and a double ended sponge and blush brush.

I found the set at my local marshall on clearance for $21.

Haircut For $10 and a Good Cause

I just want to remind everyone about Ulta's annual Cut for a Cause event.

Every year, Ulta provides different ways for you to support Breast Cancer Research which includes entering to win a bag filled with beauty goodies, directly donating, buying an item with a portion of the sales going to research and the one I like the most- Cut for a Cause.

The Cut For A Cause event takes place at the Salon inside Ulta stores. You can choose from a shampoo and haircut, pink hair extension or a Microzone Express Facial. Each one of these service cost just $10. And the best part is they donate the entire proceeds earned from this event to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

That means all the people working at that time is working for free while giving you the service. This is a wonderful way for the staffs at Ulta and for us to give back because we know they aren't hiding anything or trying to profit from this event.

Of course you can just go up to any register and donate money that way, but cheapos like me, want to make the most of my money. I feel like I am killing two birds with one stone.

The first time I went to the Cut For A Cause event was last year and I found the experience absolutely smooth and hassel-free. I wasn't the first one to get there at the opening of the store and after waiting in line for 15min, I was able to reserve a spot and was told to come back half an hour later.  I was so glad they didn't just have us standing in line at the store. I went shopping elsewhere and came back in 20 min and shortly after, my name was called on the speaker. They gave me a full hair wash, hair cut, and a rough blow dry. The staff was all nice and pleasant. You can read more about my experience from last year here .

This event only happens once a year. For this year, it is happening tomorrow Sunday October 9 from 11am to 6pm. I would get there as early as possible.

And FYI at the cash registers they will ask you for the donation amount and tip amount. I would recommend giving $5 for donation and tipping the staff $5 for their wondering job, making your total come out to $20 for a shampoo and haircut. I find that it's a good deal because many salons I go to charge a minimum of $20 for a shampoo and haircut. But if you have extra cash on hand, feel free to donate more, and it's going to a great cause.

You can find out more about ways to donate for BCRF at ULTA here.

You know where I'll be tomorrow!!: )

I don't know any other company that donates to BCRF like ULTA does. Do you?

Thanks for reading,

VanillaDreamCream

Which Tarte Holiday Blush Collection Should I Purchase

It's not even October yet and cosmetic company have already started rolling out their holiday limited edition items.

Most of the time I gloss over them because I don't usually have money to buy a whole collection of makeup items from the same brand. However the Tarte blushes seem like a good value since I get to try out more colors. Since I never hit pan on any of my blushes anyways, I mind as well own more colors and get a smaller amount.

Win Prizes at Victoria Secret's Sexy Now Event This Saturday!

Victoria's Secret is doing another promotion/giveaway and it's happening this Saturday August 27.

First Macy Beauty Purchase Order Review

In my last post, I shared the amazing deals for the Macy's Black Friday Sale in July. I anxiously anticipated for the order to arrive and finally it came five days after I ordered it. 

I purchased the Tarte Cheeks stain for only $15. It originally retails for $30 so that's half off original retail. This is a major steal in my opinion and I've wanted to try it for forever. There are lots of raves for it's lasting ability and it supposedly makes it look like you are flushing from within. I'll review it after I've fully tried it out.

So what prompted me to write this review was the amounts of freebies I got from this order. Usually at Ulta or Sephora, you'd have to look for special codes, emails, links etc. After I added my items and proceeded to check out, there was a box to click if I wanted a free  Clinique 3 step card sample. Of course, it's free so I checked it and completed the whole check out process. I thought I was only getting the clinique samples because there was no mention of other samples during the entire checkout process.

I was so surprised when the order came, on top of the Clinique 3 step card sample, I got another bag of assortment of samples. 

a closer look at the clinique 3 step card sample

 I got 3 deluxe perfume samples, 2 perfume card samples, and 1 foundation card sample. I remember I bought 12 deluxe perfume sample at sephora for $50. So these are definitely worth some money. 

If it was at sephora or ulta, in order to get the samples, I would have had to hunt down the codes or used points to get samples and then remember to put the codes in during checkout. 

But with macy's beauty purchase, it was so much more simple. Just check the box if you'd like the sample. And they automatically send perfume samples.

Another perk at Macy's is that beauty items ships free so I did not have to find other products (and over buy) to meet the minimum required for free shipping.

I will definitely look out for beauty sales at Macy's going forth.

What recent online purchase that you made were you very satisfied with?

thanks for reading,

Macy's Black Friday Sale in July Special Sale

Macy's Black Friday Sale in July Special is supposed to take place on July 13 through July 17 both in store and online. It's live right now and  I quickly made an online purchase. All purchase are comes with a free gift. You don't get to choose it but I got the clinique three step skincare card sample. All beauty orders has free shipping.

I was interested in the Tarte Cheek stain as it's 50% of retail price. Since I missed it during the ULTA sale, I quickly placed my order.

Certain urban decay brushes are also 50% off.

If you are also a member of ebates, Ebates currently has 10% cashback.

You can check out the full list of beauty sale items here.

Happy Shopping

Victoria Secret Pink Giving Away Headbands

Today only. Members of Victoria Secret Pink Nation can get a free headband.

If you have not signed up for Pink Nation yet, you can sign up here. They usually give out a free panty or item once a year so it's  nice to join.

If you're already a Pink Nation member just sign in and find the free headband banner and either show it on your phone to the cashier or print it out and give it to the cashier.

 

I was there this afternoon and it was quick and hassle-free. I liked the black color more but since my friend got black I decided to get the pink one. However if I still had to choose, I would still get black.

One to each member. Ends tonight.

Just a reminder that this giveaway is at Pink stores and not Victoria Secret store ;)

What freebies have you been getting ?

Beauty Sale Deals for Week of June 19

I always find myself browsing the sale section on Ulta and Sephora.

Once in a while, I would come across a sale deal.

There were a lot of colors before but right now only Tarte's Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride is on sale for $16. I think it's a good deal if you want to try the cheek stain cause it's like 50% off.

There are also many other tarte palettes and Nude skincare has sets that are also on sale.

I've never seen an EOS lip balm for $0.87 before. Not even when the lawsuit was making waves so if you're one of those that has to have every color the Honeysuckle Honeydew flavor is on sale. Right now ULTA has all EOS lip balm on a BOGO1/2 so even better.

Any exciting sales happening this week?

Benton's Snail Bee High Content Essence Review

please ignore the dilapidated Snail Bee High Content Essence bottle, my salicyclic acid spilled over it when traveling

I bought the Snail Bee High Content Essence about 2 years ago when the concept of snail mucin in skincare was all the rage. Of course I ended up getting swept up into the hype and after thorough researching, I decided to settle on the brand Benton.

Benton's Snail Bee High Content Essence is the first "essence" product that I've tried. Prior to this, I've only used toner and moisturizer. It's only been 2 years since I've incorporated layering of skincare in my routine and I don't think I can turn back to just using a moisturizer and toner. Using only two products in my routine seems so foreign to me now.

from left to right: Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence, Mizon Multi Function Formula All in One Snail Repair Cream, Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream, Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

I've had the essence for about two years. I use it on and off so if you use it daily, it probably won't last you a year but since I have so many products, I tend to mix and match different products depending on my mood, weather and if my skin is sensitive.

Most essence products tend to be watery and liquidy. The Snail Bee High Content Essence has a texture that's more like a gel and less like a liquid. I would sort of call it a liquidy gel. When you pump this onto your finger, the liquidy gel does not drip down your finger. However this doesn't mean that it's sticky and dries to a hard shiny finish like other gels that I'ved tried in the past. It feels lightly moisturizing once it's smoothed over the face. After drying, it's shinier just like how a moisturizer would look like and it feels just slightly tacky but it's not bothersome like other gel finishes.

I love the packaging for this essence. It's one of the few aspects that distinguishes Korean skincare from American skincare and I wish all American skincare would come in an airtight container with a pump like this one.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence

For those who are sensitive to fragrance, this is scentless with no added fragrance.

What makes this essence special compared to other essence is that it is made up of 90% snail extract and bee venom instead of water. The two ingredients are supposed to help heal acne, fade scars, brighten skin tone, improve wrinkles and maintain hydration.

Putting snail secretions on your face sounds disgusting but that slime contains a number of components that's beneficial to the skin. It contains 1) enzymes that gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation 2) hyaluronic acid that holds moisture in skin cells and 3) glycoproteins that improve skin cell communication.

One thing you need to make sure of before using this is to make sure you are not allergic to bees because this essence contains actual bee venom. Bee Venom when used in large amounts can paralyze you but when used in small amounts it causes microscopic tears in cell membrane which stimulates the body to repair itself. That in turn stimulates the production of collagen that strengthen the skin's structure.

You can check out SkinandTonics' post to see the breakdown of ingredients about this product because she definitely does it better than I do.

For me, I felt Benton's Snail Bee High Content Essence helped with healing my acne and reducing my post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When my skin's all under control, I have no idea if this product would work or not. However last year, on vacation, my skin started breaking out badly from the combination of excessive sunscreen, sweat, increased sun exposure, and sensitivity towards the cruise's complimentary toiletries. The sides of my face  and my chest was all covered in acne. I thought, I am definitely going to scar. So I took specific care to apply the essence on the problem areas daily. At about month later, I suddenly tried to look for the scars and I couldn't find them. I can't even pinpoint where the acne occurred.

The only products I brought with me on the trip were Cerave PM lotion, Benton Aloe Skin Toner, Paula's Choice's Clear Anti-redness Extra Strength Exfoliating Solution and this essence. Of course they all contributed to clearing and helping my skin, but I felt the Snail Bee High Content Essence truly helped reduced all the scarring. Prior to using the essence, my skin always scarred when I get acne. But after using this essence, I found that the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scarring was reduced. I find that it doesn't help with scars that has already formed but prevents new acne scars from forming.

This product worked for me but since everyone's skin reacts differently. It may not work for you. This is a blogger who got bad results from benton  and I encourage you to check out the opinion on both sides. Skinandtonics says that the natural preservative in the essence is not strong enough during the summer and she advises consumers to not purchase it during the summer months due to unknown storage conditions during warm weather while it's being delivered.

I purchased the Snail Bee High Content Essence with a High Content Steam Cream together at a reduced price on ebay. I tried to look up who the seller was but couldn't the history that was that old.
I will repurchase this if my next snail cream and bee venom cream doesn't work as well as this one. I am planning to purchase Benton's Snail Recover Gel next.

expiration date on the back of bottle

I like how they have an expiration date on the bottle. Benton's site say to use the product within 6 months of opening. Of course I used the product for two years and thankfully nothing terrible happened to my skin.

Quick Summary:

This is clear fragrance-free liquidy gel that has healed my acne and prevented post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It has a pump to easily get the product out and the gel stays on your finger without it dripping. It feels slightly moisturizing, makes my skin a tiny bit more shiny. It does not feel oily nor tight on my face. If you want something to heal your acne, this is the item that works.

Let me know if you've tried Benton's Snail Recover Gel or if you've tried any of Benton's product or want me to review any of the other products in the photo above. Is there an essence that you're in love with?

thanks for reading,

Vote For Victoria Secret and Get A Forever Sexy Rollerball

The Fragrance Foundation is currently conducting their 2016 Consumer Choice Award. It was announced at certain VS stores that if you vote for VS and show the last confirmation page at the cash register, you would get a free Victoria's Secret Forever Sexy Eau De Parfum Rollerball. The rollerball is worth $18.

I don't know when this deal lasts and if all stores are participating in this giveaway.

Victoria Secret is Giving Away Free Mystery Gift!!! Ends Tomorrow

So I just found out about this Victoria's Secret Mystery Gift offer in my email and made a visit to the nearest store. I'm usually skeptical about these email to pull you into to the store but this is really free- no questions asked. The store associate was really nice about it too unlike my recent trip to another company who were giving away mystery dollars but tried to get me out the door ASAP.

Here's the screenshot of the email below.

You either get a free bra, panty, scent spray or pants.

You don't need a $75 purchase. All you have to do is head to the cashier and ask for a "game piece".

They will give you a card and if you peel the sticky open, you see your mystery prize. There are some restrictions to the prize like for the scent sprays it was limited to only select scents but for the bras there were no restrictions as long as it is under the price stated.

This was such an amazing offer and made me feel better after spending ~$62 purchasing a sports bra and swim bottom during their online sale.

So what are you waiting for? Head straight in and grab a mystery piece before they run out. This promotion ends 4/6/16. By the way, this is only at the Victoria's Secret stores and not the Pink store because my friend went into the Pink store but they aren't doing the promotion there. Although I believe you can bring the card into the Pink store and use it there.

And of course, I can't wait to show off my free bra- the new Body by Victoria Perfect Coverage Bra. It has this ultra soft memory foam and was the only one left in the store with that color in my size.

 I was chatting with the store associates and apparently, the pants are the hardest to come across. So if you got the pants, you're one lucky person.

What goodies did you score at Victoria's Secret?

thanks for reading,