Discount Makeup and Cosmetics

This is rather time sensitive. I happened to visit Harmon Face Value yesterday because I wanted to pick up Revlon ColorStay foundation. Before I even reach the Revlon section, I quickly spotted some great discounts on NYX products they are having this week in the store. I also brought my SECRET WEAPON, Bed Bath and Beyond COUPONS. I used to think Buy One Get 2nd 50% off is big at those drugstores (CVS or Walgreen, their original prices are generally higher than Walmart and Harmon), until I discovered the power of BBB coupons. I always carry them in my purse. You can't go wrong with these coupons, you can use them at Harmon and in multiples as well (they even take expired ones, this is in Jersey and I am not sure about other states). I had 10 of the 20% off per item coupons and 1 of the $5 off from $15 purchase. As far as I know, Harmon has the lowest prices on makeup and cosmetics. Although Walmart should have somewhat close prices, but you can't beat the coupon value (unless they are having clearancs or super sale at other stores). Most importantly, I think Harmon is the only local store that sells NYX products and I am able to sample some. After all, the saving could be bigger than buying from NYX site with pro discount. I certainly took the advantage of it. The only drawback is that Harmon does not carry all the colors, nor the Round Lipstick (only BLL).

Here are the fabulous purchases I made with these marvelous coupons.

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NYX Products (Jumbo pencil is on sale also, but I already have good amount of them)

Black Label Lipsticks
$7.29 (on sale for $4.74 with 35% off + my 20% off coupon)
Final cost $3.79

BLL105 Cherry
BLL106 Peachy
BLL108 Dusty Rose
BLL114 Diva
BLL117 Earthy

Lipliner Pencil
$3.50 each and I bought 5 of them (used $5 off BBB coupon)
Final cost $12.50 for 5 and $2.5 each

803 Burgundy
809 Mahogany
810 Natural
813 Plush Red
817 Hot Red
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Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad
$4.69 (used 20% off coupon)
Final cost $3.75

04Q Charcoal Smokes
06Q Amethyst Smokes

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Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter
$5.79 (used 20% off coupon)
Final cost $4.63

025 Peach Parfait

I immediately wanted to try this color, when I saw the ad in Glamour magazine. It just look so springy and lovely on Emma Stone.

Emma Stone with Peach Parfait

Me with Peach Parfait

The color is a warm peach almost coral shade with a bit of golden shimmer. I love it on Emma Stone, but still had doubts in my mind if it will look good on me (I usually don't go for the color that has orange tone in it). Surprisingly, it looks very flattering on me but nothing like how Emma looks in the ad. My lips tend to be pigmented sometimes (depends on the weather and mood lol), I think that is why the redness of my lips tone down the orangy color. I think this is going to be my everyday lipstick for now on, but I still want to try something more peachy like the ad shows. Maybe Tutti Frutti?

PS. I do have a small complaint about the packaging. Color coordinated casing is GREAT, but the bottom part of lipstick is rather tiny for me to have a better grip when pulling out the lipstick. I don't know if it's just me, but I do not have enormous hands.

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Revlon ColorStay Foundation
$9.79 (used 20% off coupon)
Final cost $7.83

200 Nude
240 Medium Beige

I have read a lot of great reviews about this product, people claim that it is the perfect dupe for Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation. I was certainly happy with my MUFE (my best choice for a flawless look so far), but thinking it doesn't hurt to try the another product and not to mention the price is only less than a 1/4 of what MUFE cost.

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Enjoy shopping, but don't break your bank!!

Making your own Swarovski Crystal Shoes

Women scream over shoes and never have enough shoes. There is always that extra pair of shoes you want to own. But, have you ever thought about owning a pair of shoes that is made just for you? I started searching for ideas from Youtube since I decided to pimp up my wedding shoes (didn't want to go with the ordinary ivory/white bridal shoes). First, I ordered the authentic Swarovski crystals. I bought them in the bulk package (1440pcs/pack). I think it cost me around $55-70 a pack, depends on the sizes. You will need the smaller size one to fill in some weird spot. I ordered total 2 packs of SS16 and 2 packs of SS12 in Light Amethyst (my wedding theme color is purple). It's easier to go with bigger crystals and you would need less, but the surface would be more flawless with smaller sizes one and of course you will need more crystals. I ended up using around 3500-4000pcs crystal in mixed of two sizes.

Authentic Swarovski Flat Back Crystal (bulk pack)

Loose Swarovski crystal from the bulk pack
(Light Amethyst)

I also ordered all the necessary tools to make this whole thing happen. There are craft glue, tweezers, crystals holder, tacky stick, syringe and of course, a pair of shoes (I would prefer a pair of new one since you are going to spend a good amount of $$ to "strass" them. I got mine for $49, 2 3/4" heels and super comfortable.). Unless you got a pair of old Christian Louboutin, that is a different story.

Getting ready with all the necessary tools

I started from the top and glue the crystals one by one along the rim. Once you start it, you really don't want to stop until you finish the glue from syringe (the tip will dry up if you don't use it in a day). It took me around 4 hours to go through one syringe filled with glue. You will need A LOT OF patience for this project, but trust me, you will LOVE LOVE the result.

Sometimes you will find that it's hard to fill the tiny space (unless you have all different sizes of crystal). It's okay to overlap the crystals a little or even just leave it as it is. When I just started, I was all about getting it perfect and it took extra time. In reality, people will not able to see the minor flaws from above (even up close sometimes because of the BLING that blinds them :D). You will get a hang of it after couple hours of gluing, so the 2nd shoe usually comes out better. Again, you really can't see the differences. This pair took me around total of 25 hours to finish.

Finished

**Bling**

 I wore them for my engagement photo shoot, as well as the wedding day.

Engagement photo with Swarovski
 Crystal Shoes

Wedding day with Swarovski Crystal Shoes

I received tons of compliments from the guests on my wedding day. They sparkle like diamonds at night, on the dance floor. Most of people asked where I bought my pretty shoes and their jaws just drop when you say "you can't buy them, it's handmade by myself". I have to say I got enough patience for this is all because it's for my wedding day. Maybe I will make another pair just for fun one day.

Happy crafting~