Lipstick to Crayons » Health & Beauty

Must-Have Wardrobe Staples for Every Frugal Fashionista’s Closet

lipsticktocrayons — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:31:46 +0000

Fashion-forward shoppers know it’s not just the latest trends of the season that help to build a stylish wardrobe, but classic pieces that stand the test of time. That’s why Prime Outlets, a portfolio of 21 outlet shopping destinations across the U.S., teamed up with celebrity fashion expert James Aguiar to reveal five essential fashion pieces every woman should own as well as how to find them for a fraction of their regular retail cost.

According to Aguiar, fashion expert and host of “Full Frontal Fashion,” “Where D’Ya Get That?” and “Style Court,” in a culture where fashion trends are fleeting, the key to building a great wardrobe is starting with a few timeless pieces.

“Trends may come and go but there are essential fashion classics that will never go out of style,” said Aguiar. “From the little black dress to the classic trench coat, these are the must-have items every fashionista should have in her closet.”

Outlet malls provide access to some of the finest brands and these timeless pieces at a fraction of the cost.

At everyday savings of up to 65 percent off full retail prices, Prime Outlets’ shoppers have complete access to style icons including Gucci, Michael Kors, J. Crew, Banana Republic, Gap, Coach, Victoria’s Secret, Tory Burch, Polo Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, among many others.

Here are some of the timeless, essential pieces that Aguiar recommends:
— The LBD – Whether simple and classic or a more glamorous choice in various lengths and sheer fabrics, the little black dress (LBD) is a must-have. Think Audrey Hepburn when choosing this piece and look for a dress that’s tailored and fitted through the waist. Pair your LBD with wedges and a designer handbag for a daytime look, or strappy sandals and an ornate clutch for a night-on-the-town.

— Crisp White Shirt – Look for a crisp white shirt with feminine detailing around the bustline, a long silhouette and French cuffs to pair with skinny cigarette pants or a pencil skirt for an easy, tailored look. Take your look into the evening by pairing a white
blouse with a ball gown skirt and layers of pearls for a sophisticated look sure to turn a few heads.

— Top Handle Bag – A top handle bag with a strong shape and structure is a must-have fashion classic. Look for top handle bags in a variety of colors with interesting details such as intricate stitching and unique hardware for a stylish accessory that will last a lifetime.

– Printed Scarf -This essential accessory will freshen any look and always keep you in style. Whether tying it around your neck, head or handbag, look for colorful scarves with prints and patterns for a posh, sophisticated look.

– Classic Trench – One of the most essential wardrobe staples is a classic, chic trench coat. More than just a way to cover up, trench coats are the new accessory. Look for a trench in black, khaki, white or stone colors with details such as tortoise shell buttons and epaulet accents for a timeless trench that will truly make a statement.

Go here to join Prime My Closet and view videos of fashion classic must-haves from James Aguiar and Prime Outlets.

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My Favorite Money-Saving Magazine

lipsticktocrayons — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:57:07 +0000

I’ve mentioned before that one of my favorite sources for coupons and money-saving ideas is the All You magazine. This magazine is so full of coupons that I USE that it more than pays for itself ($10 for six month subscription and $19.95 for 12 months).

The August issue of All You has these high-value coupons in just the first half of the magazine:

$3 off Neutrogena Cosmetic products
$1 off Neutrogena Cleansing Product
$1 off two Vitaminwater Zero
$1 off White Cloud Ultra
$1 off any Powerade Multipack
BOGO Free Marathon Singe Bars
$1 off Marathon Multipack
BOGO Free Weight Watchers Yogurt
$1 off Reddi-wip

Plus, there are lots of helpful articles on how to find things for free, how to work at home, budget beauty buys, frugal recipes, etc.

You can only buy this magazine at Walmart, and it cost $2.49 per issue, versus the $1.67 for six issues or the $1.66 for 12 issues here.

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HUGE Giveaway worth almost $200 from Kymaro!

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:38:33 +0000

Kymaro Health and Beauty products are designed to help women look their best all the time. I have personally reviewed the Kymaro Body Shaper, which creates a smoother silhouette under fitted tees and dresses. I liked how the fabric is soft and lightweight, but it doesn’t roll up under your clothes. And it’s thin enough to be worn with the clingiest of fabrics.

But Kymaro Health and Beauty makes a host of other products, and they’d like to give one of my lucky readers a prize pack that includes more than $180 worth of stuff such as curve control jeans, a mini hair straightener, a backless bra, eyelash extenders and more. Here are details on the products in the prize pack:

Body Shaper
Kymaro’s New Body Shaper is the fastest way to get your figure back. You just slip it on and watch as the inches just seem to melt away. Starting from below the bust line, Kymaro’s New Body Shaper comfortably shapes all your problem areas by hugging your body to create a smooth, bump- free silhouette. This unique design focuses on your comfort.

Curve Control Jeans
Kymaro® Curve Control™ Jeans have come up with a solution to fix any body type…the special denim weave contours to your body, the same way shape wear holds you in, but this is all jean. The Curve Control ™ Jeans will shape you and mold to your body lifting your bottom, flattening your stomach, making you look and feel your best.

Kymaro’s ® Mini Hair Straightener
Introducing Kymaro’s ® Mini Straightener – ideal for short hair, bangs, touch-ups and travel! As the size of a permanent market, this flat iron straightens the hair from the root with ease. But don’t be fooled, just because its small doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. The mini beauty tool delivers instant styling results with its ceramic heater without taking up too much room. Its 6-inch long, compact and light weight design makes it the perfect styling tool to use on-the-go.

Kymaro Fix My Roots
A beauty tool that fixes your worst hair nightmares in just seconds with no mixing and no hassle! Fix My Roots can cover gray, dark or light roots without flaking or rubbing off! The special formula bonds to your hair and washes out when shampooed. Fix My Roots is an easy-to-use and mess free tool that applies expert color to your hair with control and precision. Bring this anywhere and everywhere – if you find a grey or you need a quick touch up, this is your solution!

Kymaro Glamour Eyes Eyelash Extension Kit
Getting eyelash extensions applied at a salon can cost you over $500 and the whole process can take up to 2 hours – but thanks to Kymaro’s Glamour Eyes you can now get eyelash extensions in three different lengths: short, medium, long in less than 10 minutes! With two specially formulated adhesives to bond each extension to your natural lash, one in black and one in white you can create a beautiful and glamour look!

Backless Bra
The KYMARO ® BACKLESS BRA is backless and strapless, making it ideal under tricky styles and dresses. Supportive, seamless and invisible under clothing, the KYMARO ® BACKLESS BRA even creates sexy cleavage like a normal push-up!

Portable Hair Dryer
With a powerful 1875 Watts, Kymaro’s ® Portable Hair Dryer provides maximum temperature and airflow to deliver shiny, smooth, frizz-free locks. The portable hair dryer comes with a concentrator attachment for twice as fast drying time, removable lint filter for easy cleaning and longer lasting motor life. This lightweight professional grade dryer with a folding handle to facilitate storage and easy travel makes styling fast, efficient and hassle-free!

Sunless Tanning System
Kymaro Sunless Tanning System gives you a natural, healthy looking tan without the embarrassing streaks that scream “I’m faking it!” Used in world class spas nationwide, Kymaro’s Sunless Tanning System is the only reliable option when it comes to tanning.

Rhythm Rocker by Kymaro
Unleash the dancer in you and sculpt the body you’ve always dreamed about with the Kymaro Rhythm Rocker. The Rhythm Rocker replaces boring old workouts with today’s’ Rockin’ Latin, Crunchin’ Hip Hop and Rollin’ Belly Dance Moves. The EZ-grip handles allow you to create your own perfect level of resistance, simply by leveraging your body weight against the tilting action of the seat. Advance at your own speed from easy moves, all the way to extreme muscle extensions that dramatically increase your range of motion.

If you want to win this amazing prize pack, enter the giveaway below:

Giveaway Guidelines:

To enter the contest, you MUST become an email subscriber to Lipstick to Crayons. The subscribe button is in the upper right corner of the site. Once you subscribe (or if you are already a subscriber), leave a comment below telling me you did so, and make sure the email address you provide is the one you used to subscribe. After completing this mandatory first entry method, you can gain additional entries by doing any or all of the following (but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do):

Blog about this contest
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter
Favorite Lipstick to Crayons on Technorati
Stumble this post
Add Lipstick to Crayons to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar
Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.
Post a link to this contest on your Facebook page.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time August 3, 2010. Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. Winners will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If any winner does not claim the prize by August 5, 2010, he/she will forfeit the prize to an alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

USA residents only.

Try a random post.

First-aid Situation and Bandage Coupon

lipsticktocrayons — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:07:20 +0000

Last week, my poor baby cut her ankle open to the bone on a piece of glass from a broken bowl. It happened so fast, and it reminded me of the importance of having a well-stocked, easily accessible first-aid kit in your home (and I also suggest having one in all of your vehicles).

My teen is working as a life guard this summer, and she was home with me when the accident happened, immediately going into “first-aide/life guard mode.” While I wrapped my hand around my toddler’s ankle (not yet knowing the extent of the injury), got her on her back and lifted her foot in the air, my teen grabbed the first-aid kit, tore open a large gauze bandage, handed it to me, then grabbed a long piece of cloth that is actually a cooling cloth but that we used to secure the bandage around my baby’s ankle and slow the bleeding. Then we loaded her into the car and headed to the emergency room. Here is a picture of our “battle field” dressing.

Now here’s a picture of her injury. Don’t look if you’re squeamish.

She got stitches. It was all a little “traumatic” at first, but the E.R. at Missouri Baptist Medical Center is the BEST at handling kiddos, so we’re all good. And the stitches will come out before we leave for our Florida beach vacation, so that’s a relief.

But back to the first aide kit. My teen was a little critical of the contents of our kit, so I’m re-stocking. We had what we needed, but we did use our last bandage. Here’s a high-value coupon off any Johnson & Johnson Red Cross brand product. ($2 off). That should make a package of bandages pretty cheap.

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McDonald’s Recalls Shrek Glasses

lipsticktocrayons — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:48:32 +0000

Oops. McDonald’s is having to recall those Shrek glasses they’ve been selling to promote the new movie because the designs have traces of cadmium. Apparently, they believe he glasses are probably safe for consumer use, but they’re being cautious. McDonald’s and the Consumer Product Safety Commission worked together on the recall decision. Good move, I think. Read the full story here.

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Happy Meal Celebrates Big 30, Beanie Babies Return

Save Up to 70 Percent on Contact Lenses!

lipsticktocrayons — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:06:46 +0000

Not having perfect vision is expensive! The current worldwide soft contact lens market is estimated at $5.3 billion, while the U.S. soft lens market is about $2 billion. But frugal consumers can save up to 70 percent off retail prices by purchasing contact lenses online.

Buying contact lenses online is easy at BuyMoreContacts.com. From bifocal to toric lenses, they offer a wide variety, including the most popular contact lens brands. If your order is over $75, shipping is free. Save yourself the trouble of having to go to the optometrist every time you want to purchase new contacts.

If you decide to give BuyMoreContacts.com a try, come back and let us know about your experience.

Try a random post.

Dove Visibly Smooth Giveaway – CLOSED

lipsticktocrayons — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:49:28 +0000

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a big fan of Dove products. They had me from the “real beauty” campaign several years ago.

Now, there’s another Dove product to love – Dove Visibly Smooth — an antiperspirant/deodorant that helps minimize the look and feel of underarm hair over time. The unique formula helps women feel stubble-free for longer while delivering all the benefits of Dove anti-perspirant/deodorant, including 24-hour odor and wetness protection, along with Dove 1/4 Translucent Moisturizers™ that care for delicate underarm skin, and alleviate white marks. I’ve been using it for about a month now and really like it.

How it works: Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth contains a unique formula with Pro-Epil Complex, which includes natural extract ingredients, including Palmatine and Dove 1/4 Translucent Moisturizers™ with sunflower oil. It will minimize the look and feel of underarm hair over time.

To help raise awareness of the product, Dove has been helping bloggers around the country have some fun with their girlfriends, and I was one of those lucky bloggers. I got to host a party at which all of my guests got a stick of this deodorant and a fashionable necklace, courtesy of Dove. Here’s a video of our fun:

Obviously, I need to stick to writing, eh? Anyway, we did a “renewable fashion swap party” and we had a good time. But back to the product.

Dove Visibly Smooth is available in two forms of protection – Ultimate and Clinical Protection. The “Ultimate” costs about $3.89 to $4.88 and the “Clinical” costs $7.99 to $9.99. But, five lucky Lipstick to Crayons readers can win a stick of Dove Visibly Smooth for free, along with a beautiful white Dove beach towel by entering my contest below.

Giveaway Guidelines

To win, leave a comment below telling when you are most likely to to need Dove Visibly Smooth.

Receive additional entries by doing any/all of the following, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

Blog about this contest
Subscribe to my mailing list/RSS feed
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter
Favorite Lipstick to Crayons on Technorati
Stumble this post
Add Lipstick to Crayons to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar
Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time April 9, 2010. Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. Winners will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If any winner does not claim the prize by April 12, 2010, he/she will forfeit the prize to an alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

USA and Canada residents only please.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. Congratulations to Candy, comment #4; Anne, comment #17; Freda, comment #24; Christine, comment #43 and Amy, comment #51.

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Shipping & Other Coupon Codes for E.L.F. Cosmetics

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 03:01:25 +0000

I started using Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.) cosmetics around Christmas when they ran a promotion for a free makeup kit with any $5 purchase. I didn’t really expect to LIKE the makeup in the kit – but the case was cute and had several lip glosses, so I figured I’d give it a try. To my surprise, I now use something from E.L.F. every single day (or at least every day I use makeup). I love the lip glosses, eye shadows, eyebrow powder and the blush. Next, I plan to try some of the nail polishes and mineral makeup.

It’s an inexpensive makeup line you really need to try, and here are some deals to encourage you to do so:

$1.98 shipping on $15 purchase with coupon SHIP4198

ShoptheLook.net – Free Gift ($18 Value) with $10 Purchase. Use Code FREEGIFT10

All Mineral makeup 25% Off! Use Coupon Code EGMINERALC With Any Order Of $25.

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$40 Hair Product Giveaway – CLOSED

lipsticktocrayons — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:02:23 +0000

The Tonic Shop is offering one of my readers a chance to win three of their products (valued at $40). I’ve never tried these products, so the lucky reader who wins needs to promise to come back here and tell the rest of us what she/he thinks of the products after trying them. Here are the products in the giveaway and their descriptions from the Tonic Shop:

Threesome is an innovative all-in-one hair care solution for the active waterman looking to get rid of a little extra baggage (and salt): a high performance shampoo, conditioner and body wash in one convenient bottle. Indulge with a powerful cleansing formula that utilizes a blend of proteins and nourishing botanicals enriched with vitamin B5 to help eliminate salty hair and skin that results from those long sessions. Infused with natural peppermint and tea tree oils, Threesome replenishes moisture to tired hair and skin worn by the elements. Except for the sandals and smile on your face, no one will know you just got out of the water.

3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and stimulating body wash
Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic
Detangles, protects and leaves your hair and skin sinfully clean
Lather into wet hair, rinse, and repeat (if you can handle it)
$12.00/ 8 oz bottle

Luster is a leave-in conditioning mist with powerful UV-inhibitors and natural botanical oils designed to protect hair from the damaging effects of sun, salt, wind and chlorine. Use before or after your outdoor exploits. The unique cream-to-mist technology doubles as a luxurious moisturizer that re-hydrates dull skin with aloe vera and grapeseed oil, leaving a subtle scent of remote tropical island. Think French West Indies meets the Caribbean with a delicious blend of vanilla, banana and a hint of sparkling orange extract. Luster is the answer to split ends, breakage and dry, tangled hair.

Leave-in conditioning mist and luxurious body moisturizer made with aloe vera, grapeseed oil and wheat protein, for added volume and protection.

Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.
Spray on wet or dry hair, comb through, use generously for sleek, shiny hair. Enviable!
$14.00/ 8 oz bottle

The Chronic shampoo and conditioning system is a potent formulation of superior plant-infused ingredients created to cleanse and fortify weather beaten hair. The lightweight formulas gently cleanse and restore balance while improving the overall condition of your hair with intense shine and added volume. Infused with a calming blend of flower and plant aromas.

Daily shampoo and conditioner regimen specifically formulated for normal and color treated hair.

Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.

Leaves hair silky and smooth.

Shampoo: massage into wet hair, lather and rinse. Conditioner: apply to clean, damp hair; comb through and rinse thoroughly. See you in the green room!

The Chronic Shampoo: $14.00/ 8 oz bottle

Giveaway Guidelines

To win, leave a comment below telling me what you do to abuse your hair in the summer.

Receive additional entries by doing any/all of the following, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

Blog about this contest
Subscribe to my mailing list/RSS feed
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter (you can tweet daily, but be sure to leave a comment each time you do).
Favorite Lipstick to Crayons on Technorati
Stumble this post
Add Lipstick to Crayons to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar
Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time April 2, 2010. Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. Winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If winner does not claim prize by April 4, 2010, he/she will forfeit the prize to alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

USA residents only please.

This contest is closed. Congratulations to Nan, comment #9!

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Get Some Rest — It’s a National Napping Day Giveaway! – CLOSED

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:44:31 +0000

There is nothing more indulgent than a good afternoon nap. Though I seldom get to indulge these days, I love to nap and I was the Queen of Naps during all three of my pregnancies.

But according to studies, napping is more than an indulgence. It can bolster health and creativity. In fact, history has produced a legion of great nappers. Among them are Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Edison and Lord Byron, who after sweet slumbers achieved great feats of art, science and literature.

Is this a coincidence – this combination of greatness and napping? On this Napping Day, the folks at at Protect-A-Bed think not. Napping Day is TODAY (March 15), the first Monday after daylight saving time begins. It’s the day when the majority of us, a bit weary from losing an hour of sleep, desperately long for a short siesta. And, those at Protect-A-Bed believe you should cave to that longing.

Studies abound that tout the benefits of napping, from enhancing memory and learning, to improving work performance, and increasing mental acuity and overall health.

During my first pregnancy, I was working for a not-for-profit organization in St. Louis and my position was essentially unnecessary. I know – strange for a not-for-profit. Anyway, I was constantly overwhelmed with the need to nap, and I had no work to motivate me to do otherwise, so I utilized an unused restroom on the upper floor as my place of slumber. I would literally sleep on this tiled floor for up to an hour at a time during the workday, and no one would miss me.

The only downside — I would often emerge from the restroom with the marks of the tile floor on my face. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked. Even though the conditions probably weren’t the most sanitary, the tile floor didn’t harbor some of the dust an allergens a regular pillow or mattress might contain. Those who nap the best understand a sleeping place needs protection from allergens and dust mites. After all, waking from a nap with the sniffles is no way to wake up at all.

Research shows 10 percent of the general public and as many as 90 percent of people with allergic asthma (depending on the study you read) have an allergy to dust mites. And, dust mites love spoiling our napping refuge, taking up residence in mattresses and pillows. In fact, as many as two million dust mites can thrive in an unprotected mattress.

Besides dust mites, it’s not unusual for other allergy triggers like pollen and pet dander to become trapped within mattresses. By using a mattress protector, allergy sufferers can create an impermeable barrier between themselves and the allergens within their bed. By coupling mattress protection with pillow protectors that seal allergens within pillows, people can create a virtually allergy-free nap space.

Protect-a-Bed Bed offers consumers a complete line of protective bedding products to create a Healthy Sleep Zone. The unique technology featured in Protect-A-Bed’s mattress and pillow protectors was developed in South Africa in 1980 before the company was officially established in the United States in 2000.

To celebrate National Napping Day, Protect-a-Bed is offering one lucky Lipstick to Crayons Reader a queen size Protect-A-Bed Premium Mattress Cover (retail value $79.99). And they’re hosting a Twitter contest where they will be giving away sets of Premium Pillow Protectors to those who share the funniest place they’ve ever taken a nap. To enter, follow @protect_a_bed on Twitter and use the hashtag #nappingday to share your funniest or strangest nap location (like a restroom floor). To enter my contest for the queen size mattress cover, see the guidelines below:

Giveaway Guidelines

To win, leave a comment below telling me when you are most likely to give into a nap.

Receive additional entries by doing any/all of the following, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

Blog about this contest
Subscribe to my mailing list/RSS feed
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter (you can tweet daily, but be sure to leave a comment each time you do).
Favorite Lipstick to Crayons on Technorati
Stumble this post
Add Lipstick to Crayons to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar
Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time March 23 2010. Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. Winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If winner does not claim prize by March 25, 2010, he/she will forfeit the prize to alternate winner who will be drawn at random. USA and Canada residents only please.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO PATTI, COMMENT #22.