Black Friday Sephora & Bath and Body Works Haul

Hi Ladies!

No you are not seeing things, yes I had to write a post as it has been almost a month!

I have been having a serious tough time of it at school lately and things are finally starting to slow down for me.

And what did I do with my newly found spare time?

Why its black friday of course! (Canada style)

I don't remember there being this many sales last year as black friday is sort of an American tradition (we have boxing day) but I'm not complaining.

Now I'm not sure if you have been following Sephora on twitter or Facebook but there has been a whole lot of talk about their 12$ wonder sale.

It started at midnight EST online (and in some stores) and there were about 15ish products for you to choose from for only 12$ each ($10US).

As you would expect their servers crashed and us Canadians weren't able to get in to the website.

But alas, I looked up my local Sephora and it opened at a resonable time of 10am.  So I woke up this morning and headed over to wait in line at 9:40.

Here is what I got: 

My Name is Sarah and I am a Julep-Aholic

October Maven: Maven's Choice Box & September Mystery Box

Why hello dear readers!

Today I am delighted and slightly horrified to bring you my recent Julep boxes that I have been putting off for far too long.

I recently just finished my midterms and have a week or two before the next onslaught of exams and paper writing.  No rest for the wicked! 

Except for today.  I decided to take the night off of work (I work weekends in a bar) to claim a day of sanity.  Now what keeps me sane you ask? writing in my blog!

While I was pondering what to do with my first weeknight off in months, I decided to bust out the camera and write a few posts today.

To begin, the October Julep Maven box:

Illamasqua "Rubber Effects" Nail Varnish in Prosperity

Oh Hai There!

Tonight I am delighted to introduce you to a brand of nail polish and cosmetics I could not resist the other day while in Sephora.

Illamasqua 

Meaning, "self-expression"

Which is as accurate of a statement as you can get when first browsing around on their website.  I was mystified and enthralled by the fantastic colors and intense pigments that lined the nail polish, eye shadow palettes and lipstick's (oh my!)

Illamasqua draws their roots from the theatre and film scene of 1920's Berlin (where professional makeup was born) and promotes fundamentals such as  

Expressing your inner-self

non-conformity

freedom of expression 

embracing imperfections 

and to top it all off is against animal testing.

May I have one of everything please?

Praise for GlossyBox September (Canada)

Good Morning Ladies,

I thought I would do a quick post today to let you all know I am alive.

Man alive, I have so many posts I want to write about but just haven't had the time to sit down and do them!  I'm sorry I missed the August Glossybox post but by the time I was ready to write that one I got a shipping notification for the September box!

Go figure.

I am still in the process of trying to figure out how to balance life, school, and blog.  School being the particular offender for time-eating.

If I ever figure out that magical balance equation I will let you know. 

I received the September edition Glossybox last week (IN September, way to go glossybox!) and was pleasantly surprised by its contents.  They went a step beyond all other box companies and included something extra special.

Urban Decay Vegan Palette Review & Swatches

Oh Hi Ladies!

Today I am very excited to tell you about my latest purchase: The Urban Decay vegan palette.  

This was a limited edition set, that was released in 2010 (I believe) and they are discontinuing it so I got it on a Haute Look Sale for $12 however is a girl to resist? 

This is called the Vegan Palette because Urban Decay is one of the few companies that can boast all vegan ingredients in their products and cruelty-free/ no animal testing on their products.

In fact, their products are certified by both Leaping Bunny AND PETA for cruelty free products. 

To go even farther, the ink used for the packaging is soy ink, and is made from 96% recycled parts.

Urban Decay, I am already in love with your bold colors and beautiful packaging you didn't need to go this far to impress me.

Shoppers Drug Mart is Having a Sale!!!!!!

Oh hai there,

It appears that I have been a bad blogger lately and I promise to try my best to get back to regular posts as soon as I can figure out how to balance this, work, and school (good luck to me)

But I just wanted to give you a quick share on my recent Shoppers haul.

I had $60 worth of my optimum points saved up so I went in, intending purchase my foundation ($32) and perhaps another Benefit Blush ($38)

I dont mind paying the extra $10 + Tax on what I would consider essentials.

Boy was I in for a treat!

Heres what I got:

September Julep Maven - Bombshell

Oh hi there!

So this month I was tempted yet again, to purchase, yet another, Maven box.  Every month I always tell myself that I will skip.

Alas, every month my resolve fails.

I decided to switch things up.  I usually fall for the "Classic with a Twist" colors but this month I was drawn to the bright and happy shades of the "Bombshell"

Now, this month julep teamed up with Uber designer Trina Turk.  She was inspired by the German Bauhaus movement and an artist by the name of Sonia Delauney.  

The best I have been able to research about the Bauhaus movement, is that it is a type of architecture that became popular in the early 1930's.  The basic principles are flat roofs, smooth facades, and cubic shapes. Colors are white, gray, beige, or black.

Best I figure, Sonia Delauney enjoys bright, vibrant colors, because the concept of Bauhas style is white/grey/beige and this is a pretty fantastic line up of colors.

Fall Luxe Box by Loose Button (Picture Heavy!!)

Good Afternoon!

I am very pleased and excited to show you all the new and re-vamped Luxe Box!

I'm going to start off by being truthful with you, I was recently given a spot to join TopBox and receive my first box in October.  When I found out Loose Button was only going to be putting out 4 boxes a year (seasonal) instead of 12 (monthly), I hadn't been that impressed with them.

In fact, I hadn't been that impressed for a few months prior to the announcement.  It seemed like their boxes were going downhill.  I decided to stay for one box and then decide if I wanted to jump ship to topbox. 

I have been a loyal customer since June 2011 so I figured I should give them the benefit of the doubt.    

New and Exciting Things

Hi ladies,

Now I don't know if any of you have noticed but I have been playing around with a blog button for about 3 days now. 

I got 3 different codes from 3 different tutorials, and nothing seemed to work out for me!  So I changed where the image was located and still nothing!  Then I changed the size, and still nothing!

I finally found one that worked properly and this is what I came up with:

MACBOOK PRO!

Ok ladies,

there are a few reasons why I have not posted anything this week.

1.  Getting ready for school.

2.  I bought the beautiful MacBook Pro!!

I have been playing with this thing for 2 days straight.  Trying to upload all of the fun things I enjoy on computers.

The cool thing is that it has iCloud so it can communicate with my iPad!

Fancy.

Just because it CAN do this, doesn't mean I have figured it out yet.

Silly Technology. 

I have been saving up for months to buy this and I got it right before school!  (next tuesday)

So me and riley had a photo shoot.

Please excuse the fact that I am still wearing my makeup from work last night, and have yet to brush my hair.

Meooooow!!

NOTD - My First Attempt at Nail Art

Hi Ladies!

I decided that since I have so many Julep polishes that I would try my hand at braided nails.  Now, this is my first ever attempt at trying something freehand like this so it is a tad smushy but I think it turned out pretty darn ok!

Julep Maven August - Classic With a Twist

Why Hello Ladies,

Today I wanted to share with you my long overdue haul from Julep.  This month the theme was "Metallics and Chromes", designed to match with this seasons jewelry trends.

I don't know about you ladies, but when I saw the color lineup, I was excited.  I was a little hesitant to order because: 

1. I am broke.  

2. Metallics tend to be a little streaky

But it's Julep!  I couldn't resist! 

How Much Does Your Face Cost?

Hello Ladies!

So I have seen this post by many people floating around recently so I figured I should give it a go.

The concept is, if you see a post like this, you make one for yourself!  Basically let us all know which makeup products you use on a daily basis and how much they cost.

Add it all up and that's how much you face costs!

Keep in mind, I do own drugstore makeup but these are my go-to products.  As you will be able to tell, I love Sephora.

Recent Julep NOTD's

 Hi Gals

So as many of you may have been able to tell, I change my nail polish color every few days and lately have rarely used the same color twice.  I always seem to take a picture but don't always get around to posting about my new flavor of the week.

I decided to lump some of the nail polishes together so you can have a chance to see what they look like out of the bottle.

We have Gayle, Leah, Toni, and Frieda

First up: Leah

NOTD - Zoya Shelby

Isn't this just the cutest color you have seen lately? 

I got it in my July Glossy Box.  As this is my first Zoya polish, I had to try it right away.

Benefit CORALista Lip Gloss & Blush

Hey Gals, 

I decided to break out of my blogging funk as of late, to do my first ever Benefit review.  I was walking through shoppers and couldn't help myself in grabbing up one of these bad boys.

Benefit recently came out with this line of six lip glosses to match with their best selling (and best looking for lips) blushes.

I purchased CORALista because it is my favorite blush.  

AND THE WINNER IS......

Ladies and gentleman we have a winner of my 3 week long, 50 follower giveaway!

50 Follower Giveaway and Julep Mystery Boxes

Hi ladies!

I wanted to remind everyone about my super awesome 50 follower giveaway!

Click HERE to enter 

Don't be afraid to tell your friends

Ends SOON:  August 7th, 2012

Magnetic Nail Polish - Sally Hansen

Hey Everyone!

Today I wanted to talk to you all about a trend I have been wanting to get my hands on for quite some time now: Magnetic Nail Polish

Have any of you been noticing that the crackle polish trend has been dying out? well that's because there is a new player in town.  In the past the crackle polish has been fairly expensive, and in my own personal experience, a pain in the ass.

July Glossy Box Canada

Good Afternoon!

Much to my surprise, today I received my July Glossy Box!  Just squeezed in for July lol.  I was pretty impressed with Canada Post (we really can't say that too often) because living in Vancouver, my delivery date was August 5th, over a week early!

So I decided to get on posting right away because many girls haven't received them and I know many like to see spoilers.

Riley was just ecstatic when I got my box.

Lancome Luxe Box by Loose Button (LOOK WHAT I WON!)

Why Hello Everyone,

About a month or two ago Loose Button teamed up with Lancome and Michelle Phan.  Loose Button had these special edition luxe boxes sent out to a select few beauty bloggers.  And in turn the beauty bloggers held a giveaway for a box.

Turns out I won one!

The Shopping Channel Beauty Tote Bag of Goodies

Hello My Lovelies!

Today I wanted to tell you a little bit about my recent purchase from the shopping channel.  I saw a post by Alexandra at Plumpish Beauty who bought the shopping channel's Beauty tote bag.  Seeing as I have no self control, I bought it.

NOTD - Pink Sparkles!!!!

Hi Eyeryone & my new followers!!

Today I wanted to quickly share what I did with my Julep Maven July Box.

I used 3 coats of Audry to reach opacity, and a thin coat of O Canada! for some pizazz.

50 Follower Giveaway!!!!! First Ever Giveaway!!

Hello everyone!!

I am so excited that I reached 50 followers this past week and to celebrate I am hosting a little giveaway!

Now bear with me as this is my first giveaway and I am still trying to figure out rafflecopter and twitter, so be kind.

What to know what I'm giving away?

July Julep Maven Box

Hello My Lovelies 

I received my July Maven box in the mail yesterday and was blown away by the beauty of its contents.

I must admit however, that I meant to skip this month but I was a day late in trying to do so.  I sent an email to Julep asking if they could do it for me and they said no.

Rather than raising a stink, I just switched my box to "classic with a twist" instead of "American beauty" because I wasn't very fond of the colors in my beauty profile 

Win Shellac for life!!!

Hello to my lovely readers

I recently read Jayne at cosmetic proof 's blog and found out about this fantastic giveaway!  I just had to enter.  Who wouldn't love to be able to do shellac nails on yourself???

And they last for up too 2 weeks.

Here is what we are looking at:

Now I thought seriously about not sharing this with you guys because I figured, the less people who entered, the more of a chance I would win.  (haha)

But I couldn't do that to my lovely readers.

Rachel, over at nail polish Canada sent over a press release outlining the details of the giveaway:

WIN SHELLAC FOR LIFE ($1266 value) - NAILPOLISHCANADA.COM TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE

“To be fair, it’s actually only a 25 year supply, so we can only hope the winner dies early to keep me an honest woman” - Nikki Smith, VP of Glitter, Nail Polish Canada.

CND Shellac is a cross between nail polish and gel which is cured under a UV lamp and lasts up to 14 days without chipping.

Chipped nails are an important issue that affect lives in many ways. “We’ve invented substantial research and the reason women slap or bite in a catfight is fear of chipping their nails. Hopefully, together, we can build a world where a woman can throw a punch at the bitch who kissed her boyfriend without worrying about chips” said Ms. Smith

The prize will go to whomever can show that their life will be most impacted by winning Shellac for life.

Be it better, or worse.

Maybe it stops your polish addiction long enough that you can save money, go to school, become a doctor, go to Africa and start saving lives. Did we say that this contest saves lives? Now we did.

Or maybe you’re just looking for a little understanding, “My husband will finally understand that other people take polish as seriously as me...” - Sarah P.”

Or perhaps the result won’t be as positive, “I’ll probably spend all my time painting my nails, not go to work, get fired, now I’m homeless, damn you NPC.” - Beth C”

If you or a loved one is still stuck in a world of chips, smudges and wasting countless hours re-doing nails we urge you to take a stand.

Enter here to win a Lifetime Supply of CND Shellac 

Grand prize will go to the best description of how winning a lifetime supply of Shellac will change their life. 

Winner selected August 7, 2012.

Prize Details & Entry

Grand Prize (Value $1266): 33 Bottles of CND Shellac + 36 Watt UV Lamp + 5 Topcoat + 5 Basecoat + Scrub Fresh.

How much Shellac do I need to last 25 years?

1300 (weeks in 25 years) / 2 (weeks application lasts) / 20 (applications per bottle) = 33 bottles of Shellac color

Open to Canadian and United States residents only.

So, overall I think the idea for the contest is rather ingenious, and they show some of the other peoples entries.  Now, if you think this is for you, don't be afraid to head on over and tell Nail Polish Canada how a lifetime of shellac could change your life.

Again, the LINK to enter.

Good luck!

Sarah  

NOTD: Orly French Manicure

This look was accomplished because I was in winners and saw this:

2 polishes + Pedi Creme + Free Shipping = $14.99

Just saying.......

Looks like an excellent deal to me.

But remember, If you are new to julep use my referral link : HTTP://JULEP.COM/?R=18941516

and use the code PENNY or COLOR2012 to get your first box for a penny!

Sarah

Glossy Box June Edition

Hello to all the lovely readers out there.

So I am aware this post is a little late to the party but  just haven't been on my A game for the past week so I'm going to try and get caught up on posts.

I will try and keep this one short and sweet with lots of pictures because most people know what is in the boxes this month!

I Just Twat. I Mean Tweeted.

Hi Everyone

I just wanted to share some updated with you as I have been sort of absent for the past few days.

1.  I Joined Twitter

I am expanding farther out in the social media world.  I am still not 100% sure how everything works but I am sure I'm smart enough to figure it out.

Please follow me:

https://twitter.com/crazedandcaffe

The Holy Grail of Skin Care - Mario Badescu

Well, at least in my humble opinion.

I was introduced to Mario Badescu by my mother.  She filled out an online questionnaire and was sent free samples of a personalized skincare regime.  I thought this was a great idea so I jumped at the opportunity and completed my own questionnaire.

NYX Spring Fling Palette & Swatches

" Promenade in beaming rays of sunshine looking delicately splendid in springtime's favorite pastel hues with NYX's Spring Fling Palette! This colorful palette consists of 12 blossoming eye shadows that are perfect for the season of awakening and enchantment.  This set is complete  with a rosy dual blush set and 2 flushed lip glosses that complement every springtide"  

I recently picked up this palette because I have no self control and it was on sale for $10 (originally $18) on Hautelook.  So in my opinion, it was a steal, right?

About Me

Hi guys!

I was reading Laura's blog  recently and she had a questionnaire that will allow us to get to know one another.  I thought it was a cute idea.

I'm going to do what she did and TAG anyone that reads this to do it :) 

This one is a little old.

Julep June Mystery Box

Hello to my lovely readers,

I know this post is a little late to the party but UPS shipping leaves little to be desired.

Julep Maven is a monthly subscription service that caters solely to nail polish.  For $19.99 a month you usually get around $40 worth of product.  I can't really justify spending $20 on nail polish a month, but every month or two they come out with a mystery box that is the same price but guarantees at least $60 worth of product.

How is a girl to resist?

New Blog Hop on the Block

Hey everyone so Mimika over at Mimika's Little Wonderland Just started a new blog hop I think we should all check out and support.

I think there is about 12 blogs on there at the moment so click HERE, add your blog name, and make sure to follow and comment when you do!

Cheers!

Sarah

D.I.Y. Photo Box!

Hello Lovelies!

How would you like to take a picture like this for under $10?

AND I used my camera phone.

I thought I would show you how to make your very own camera box so we can all have blog's that look like we are rock star photographers.

E.L.F Haul.

Hello Ladies!

About two weeks ago I placed my first ever E.L.F order!  E.L.F stands for eyes lips face and is a company designated to providing affordable makeup to us gals.

One Lovely Blog Award

Hello Beauties!

Diana from dianaluv nominated ME for the one lovely blog award!  How cute is that?  Thank you! (check out her blog she has a good and sarcastic sense of humor just like me)

Now, best I can figure this is like the blog hop.  Its a great way for everyone to browse other blogs as I am to nominate other Lovely blogs!

NOTD - Julep's Marisa

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to share this colour with you because I thought it was really cool.

Z. Palette Review & Depotting Madness

Hello Everyone

Today I wanted to gush a little bit about one of my favorite products I own: The Z PALETTE:

Some of you may already have heard of this but lets elaborate for those who have yet to experience the world of magnetic palette's.

May GlossyBox Review!

Hello Everyone!!

I thought I would do a quick review on my goodies I received in this months GlossyBox!

Once again this was May's box but I received it on June 1st....  The shipping still seems to be a little late.  I also never received a tracking number for this bad boy but GlossyBox informed us that this was Canada post's oops and no one got one.  Oh well on to the loot!

Also I apologize if the pictures are a little dark as it is a very gloomy day here in Vancouver (like most days in spring its raining AGAIN)

Blog Hop!!!

Hey everyone!!!!

 I just found this site that is a great way to meet and follow other bloggers!! Cool idea right? Blog Hop gives you a list of fellow bloggers every week and you can "hop" around and follow if you so desire.

   

 The current blog hop is HERE  where they have a list of blogs for you to check out (mine is on there too)
 thanks to: http://mimikaayu.blogspot.ca/ where I first got the idea!

Cheers,
Sarah

May Luxe Box by Loose Button

Hello All,

Yesterday I finally received my May Luxe Box by loose button in the mail!  I was very happy to see it but a little miffed that I never even received a tracking number (lets blame Canada post for that one)

But lets blame loose button for not even giving us an update on when the boxes will ship.  I got no email and they did not update us through the month on the status of the boxes.  They also disabled the wall on Facebook because so many people were posting nasty comments on it (about shipping problems, no responses when emailing....) I personally think that was a bad move but hey I'm just one person.

So this box is my 11th (yes 11th) box from loose button.  I got a one year subscription last year and it is almost up and I am officially on the wait list for topbox.  I dont know if I would ever switch or not but its nice to have the option.  I think I need to switch to monthly billing before Loose Button charges me $120 next month.  

NOTD - Pink tips

Hello to my lovely 6 followers!!!

I thought I would share my first attempt at a french manicure using polish guides:

 

So as you can see its a bit of a mess but I tried my best.

I used all Julep colours.  For the base I used the beige Alyson and on the tips I used Carrie (an adorable cotton candy pink)

Now I must say that even though these colours are lovely, they were a PAIN IN THE BUTT to use.  Both had a very thick texture that didnt go on evenly.  Hence why my manicure looks a little lumpy (yes I blame the polish lol). 

To help me out I used Nailene Perfect Tips and Toes which I bought for $3 at shoppers drug mart and you get 96 guides:

So all I can say is at least I tried!! lol I dont think it looks very good, maybe nail polishes that are easier to use will be better!!



Have a great day!

Sarah

P.S. My Luxe box came in the mail today so I will show what I got hopefully tomorrow.





Julep Cinco DE Mayo Mystery Box + EXTRAS!!!

Merry Afternoon!

Today I would like to talk about (yes another) subscription service company called Julep Maven.  This one is uniquely different from the others that I have posted about because it is strictly for nail polish and nail care.  So how does it work?

1. Julep is $19.99 a month (YIKES) but includes shipping.

2.  They will typically send you 2 nail polishes and some sort of nail care item (the nail polishes retail for $14 each)

3.  Here is the best part: they are aware it it more money than any of the other subscriptions so you can choose which box you want from 5 different ones AND you can choose to skip a month at any time.

4.  The total value of the boxes are always at leas $40.

How did I get hooked on Julep Maven?  They gave me my first box for a PENNY.  No joke they didn't even charge for shipping (I will give you a code later)

Now every now and again they come out with a "Mystery Box" that is the same price as the monthly box but they promise at least $60 worth of products.

SO, in the spirit of full disclosure: I got my first box for a penny, I got the March Maven box and have been skipping every month since then! Except when they come out with the Mystery boxes (maybe I shouldn't have told that, i'm a bad maven haha).

So without further ado! Here is my most recent one the "Cinco de Mayo" themed box.

Not too shabby right?

Lets break it down:

1. Emma

A soft seashell pink shimmer, so elegant alone or for extra shine over any shade.

My Thoughts: This is soooooooo pretty.  It is definitely something that looks like you could put it over just about any shade.  Perfect consistency for a nail polish.

2. Hayden

Neon peach creme.

My Thoughts: Yup. Definately NEON.  This colour can only be described as an orange creamsicle, and does not flatter my pasty skintone one bit.  But like all the julep nail polishes it has a nice consistency (a little thicker than some though).  So overall I am not really a fan.  Oh, and now I have 2 of these.

3. Alyson

Almond creme featured on all the runways for spring.  The new neutral.

My thoughts:  Not exactly my cup of tea.  But hell, I will try anything once.  I just have a feeling that it wont exactly complement my skintone... 

4. Marisa

Dark, rich cobalt blue shimmer.

My thoughts:  OH fun!!! I have exactly zero colors like this in my collection and am super excited to try this out.  My only thing though is that it is spring and I have been really into the bright, happy colours.  This is a very dark shade but I will try none the less.

5. Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub (sample size)

Potent glycolic acid combined with apricot seeds provides powerful double exfoliation that leaves your hands noticeably softer and looking younger after just one use.  Naturally scented with orange oil  for a refreshing aromatherapy boost with each use.

My thoughts: Yay! I love getting stuff like this.  I work in a bar so my hands are constantly wet and sticky (there is just no helping this) and I wash them A LOT.  So anything that will help with dryness is ok in my book.

6. Julep Crystal Nail File

  

A fine grit glass nail file that is gentle on your nails.

My thoughts: I'm in love.  This makes me really happy. It works so well and I have a feeling that if you had gel or acrylic nails this would be a great go-to file for you.  I highly recommend it!  

Now lets break it down:

1. Four Julep Nail polishes @ $14 each = $56.00

2. Hand scrub @ one ounce = $10.67

3. Nail file @ $6.00

Total Value: $72.67

I'd call that a pretty good deal.  So if you would like a box of your own please use my referral link:  by clicking here and fill out a beauty profile.

Now when you do this make sure you use the code SHAREONMAY so you can get your intro box for only a penny!!!! No joke.  Do it.

Now on to a little something different........

Last time I got a mystery box the LOVELY people at Julep Maven gave me a $50 gift certificate to spend on whatever I wanted in the store so I picked out some shades I thought I would like check it out!

L to R: Carrie, Drew, Toni, Leah

1. Carrie: Classic, cotton candy pink creme.  Embrace your girly side!

2. Drew: Fabulous fuchsia creme.  Show off with summer sandals or barefoot.  Looks great coated with sand.

3. Toni: Grey creme with a hint of purple, this colour goes with EVERYTHING. A favorite of beauty editors.  Featured in Lucky magazine.

4. Leah:  Vivid and refreshing grass green with a hint of shimmer.

Now to tell you the truth I got at 8 nail polishes at the same time (a little extreme I know) and couldn't decide which one I wanted to wear so I picked 2:

Carrie and Toni!!!

I think Carrie (pink) is my favorite but it chipped a hell of a lot faster than Toni (Grey), probably because it was a thicker formula.

So overall, I got about $130 worth of product and I spent right around $30.  I usually buy OPI nail polish but Julep has such great deals and if I'm quite honest:  A better formula (goes on so nice).

Seriously try it.

And use my link please:  http://julep.com/?r=18941516

And remember: SHAREONMAY code so you can try it for a penny!

HAPPY SATURDAY!!!!