Winning is Beautiful!

How I win free beauty products in giveaways and sweepstakes.

Last week, I saw a package for me on my living room table.  That was nothing unusual.  I'm always requesting samples, so I'm always getting some sort of package. I became curious when I saw it was from Mary Kay, though.  The envelope felt like it contained actual makeup, not a sample, and I didn't remember requesting anything from them... 

When I opened the package, there was a pretty bronze cream shadow and a brush.  I had won a weekly sweepstakes from Project Runway and Mary Kay!  How exciting!

This is nowhere near my first win, however.  Last year, I got into requesting product samples after I happened to randomly see a Yahoo News article about free samples that sparked my interest.  The type of people who request samples often enjoy the hobbies of couponing and "sweeping" (or entering sweepstakes), as well.  As I began to read blogs about free samples, I also saw many sweepstakes and giveaways mentioned.  So, I thought, it didn't hurt to enter.  Slowly, I became a bit of a "sweeper" myself.

Although my friends and family make fun of me for it, I really enjoy samples, sweepstakes, and coupons!  I totally understand how, to my friends, they may seem like comical hobbies better suited for a stay-at-home mom with OCD.   But I see it differently.  I have plenty of nonconstructive online pursuits (like Facebook stalking, obsessive online shopping, random Youtube tangents, and so on. I'm sure I'm not alone...) But the thing that differentiates sampling and sweeping is that they are actually productive "time wasters."  I send my name and address out into cyberspace and often get something I didn't have before in return.  All types of nice things show up in my mailbox for free.  How cool is that?

That's why I thought I'd share the love and show you guys some of the things I've won over the past year, as well as give you some sweepstakes pointers.

This is a Dove prize pack I won last year in their daily holiday sweepstakes.  It contained Dove body wash, a nice bath pillow, aromatherapy oil and eye mask, and yummy French Vanilla tea. 

I won this Milani lipstick from a Facebook giveaway. 

I won these full-sized Vaseline products from a "She Finds" sweeps. 

I won these energy bars from a Facebook sweepstakes. (They were really good, btw!)

I got this full-sized Nivea lip butter from a giveaway on Nivea's Facebook page. 

I won Aussie deep conditioner from Allure Magazine.

I snagged a full size Suave Moroccan Infusion Shampoo in a Suave giveaway.   

I was the winner of a Palmer's weekly sweepstakes.  

And just this weekend, I got this email message:

Here are my tips on how you can win: 

1. Find sweepstakes and giveaways.  There are many ways to do this.  Connect with companies you like on whatever social media sites you regularly use.  Many giveaways and sweeps work through Facebook entries.  There are also a substantial amount you can find on Twitter, Instagram, etc.  If you like a company on Facebook, you will be able to see when they post promotions.  There are also tons of blogs and webpages made just for contest, sweepstakes, and giveaway information.  My favorite sites for finding sweepstakes are http://contests.about.com/ and Samplestuff.com's Facebook page " Free Samples And Freebies"

2. Enter the contests that you really want to win.  Since there are so many contests out there, it makes sense to focus just on ones that you actually would like to win.  What good is it to get something useless, even if it's free?  Not only that, but it is selfish, as you are taking a prize from someone out there who really wanted it.  I always think, "Would I actually use this thing?" before submitting my information. I try to only enter sweepstakes that offer something I am either dying to have, or at the very least, could be useful/fun in my daily life.

3. Increase your odds.  First, if you enter tons of sweeps, statistically you are bound to win some!  So the more you enter, the better your chances.  There are also some other simple considerations to boost your odds.  Sweeps that are for lesser known companies, less valuable items, or nitch products will likely have fewer entrants, making it easier for you to win.  Sweeps with restrictions (state/age/gender etc) also will have better odds than those with none.  Check the entry rules about how often you can enter, too.  Some allow daily or weekly entry, others are one time only. Enter each as much as possible to boost your chances.  Any contest that requires you to do something extra or creative (upload a photo, write a paragraph and so on..) will likely have fewer entrants than those that just require a form.  The more prizes given, the more likely you are to win.  With the Mary Kay sweeps I just won, they chose 5,000 winners weekly.  Those are much better odds than just 1 winner a week.  The shorter the entry period, the better the odds.  So, those quick day-long Facebook giveaways are pretty easy to win.  Many of the items I won are from this type of sweepstakes!

4. Always check your email.  I didn't get any message about winning the Mary Kay sweepstakes, but usually, with even the smallest giveaways, they inform you that you won and ask you to verify your address within a certain time frame.  If you fail to respond you can lose your prize.  Over the summer, I was travelling in Guatemala, and due to spotty computer access, I did not check my email often.  I won a lip and cheek color set from Lucky Magazine worth over a hundred dollars, but I didn't respond to the email soon enough.  Unfortunately, I lost out on my most valuable prize so far.  Not cool!  Also, many times the notification email is sent from an individual employee, and can look quite unofficial, so check your email regularly and carefully.  

5. Think like a winner.  I totally believe in visualization and positive thinking.  If you feel like you are going to win, you probably will.

Finally, and most importantly: 

6. Don't give up!!! Keep entering.  It takes time for sweepstakes to close, for the companies to choose names and contact winners.  Chances are you will forget you even entered by the time you hear you won! Give it time, and keep going.  If you are persistent you will surely win.  

I wish you the best of luck!    

So, do you enter giveaways and contests?  Have you ever won any?  Please feel free to share your own winning tips in the comments.

Bargain Brag: Free Makeup with Coupons

Hi everyone.  Today I just wanted to tell you about how I often score free makeup by using coupons.

I recently got all of these items for free at Dollar Tree.  I got Rimmel Glam Eyes HD shadow in two colors: English Rose and Black Cab, and Wet N Wild Mega Protein Mascara.  

I have been using coupons for the past year, and I have come to believe that it is 100% worth the time and effort to shop with coupons.  I get deals like this all the time!  If you want a more in-depth look at how I score free and cheap cosmetics and beauty products check out my previous post on couponing here.

In this case, I had various coupons for different drug-store brand cosmetics.  Most cosmetic coupons are usually for a dollar off of one product.  When I saw the Rimmel shadows for just a dollar at Dollar Tree, I was able to match them to a dollar off any Rimmel eye product coupon I had.  I had multiples of that coupon, so, I was able to score both shadows for nothing!

Same with the Wet N Wild mascara.  Wet N Wild often offers dollar off coupons, which I find curious, since their products have such low prices to begin with.  I have gotten free nail polish from them in the past at CVS, but finding this mascara at Dollar Tree was an even better value since it usually costs $2 or $3 in drug stores.  Thanks to my couponing, this entire shopping spree was free!    

The Rimmel Black Cab palette features shimmery silver/gray/black shadow.  I just read two articles in the November issue of Spanish Cosmopolitan about makeup looks using these shades. 

The English Rose Palette features peachy-pinks/tan/brown.  These colors are very much my style, so I know I will get a lot of use from this shadow set.  Generally, I have become very snobbish lately with makeup.  I tend to stick to my MAC and Naked palette and steer clear of buying drug store brands.  But for free, it doesn't hurt to add a little variety to my makeup bag!

I also got this Mega Protein Mascara by Wet N Wild.  I was a little wary about buying such cheap mascara.  I think the last time I tried Wet N Wild mascara was in my junior high days! However, since the mascara was free, I gave it a shot, and I was very surprised by how nice this product is!  It goes on smooth and without clumps. In fact, it is nothing like the dry and clumpy Wet N Wild mascara I remember from the past.  The effect is not very dramatic though.  The look it gives is rather natural, but I would definitely wear this on days that I want a no-fuss fresh-faced look.    

So, have you found anything cool at the dollar store lately? Do you ever use coupons on makeup?

Living Larger With Coupons

Tips on how to use coupons to get better, cheaper, or free things!

Although I love a great sale and practically make a sport of bargain hunting, my interest in coupons is fairly new.  (You can read about one of my first couponing scores HERE.)  Before, I used to think that using coupons was bothersome and a waste of time. After a few great couponing buys, however, my opinion on the matter changed dramatically.

Shopping with coupons does take time and care, but I have come to realize that the deals I get with coupons make the effort worthwhile.  I once read a blog about saving money, and in regards to the hassle of coupons and hunting down sales, the author said, "just because you are money poor doesn't mean that you are time poor."  So true!  When I walk out of the store with something for free, or a receipt that shows I saved 50% off of the total after sales and coupons, all of the clipping, organizing, and reading store ads seems well worth the trouble.     

Here are just a few of my awesome coupon deals on cosmetics:

 Almay Intense I Color Liner-FREE at Target with coupons

Physician's Formula Eye Definer Felt-Tip Eye marker-50 cents at CVS with coupons

L'oreal Creme Eye Shadow Stick-FREE at Dollar Tree with coupons

Wet N Wild Nail Polish-FREE with at CVS with coupons

L'oreal Eyeliners-FREE at Dollar Tree with coupons

While I am not anything close to an extreme couponer, I can give you the basics and some tips to get the most for your money with coupons.

Where to find coupons:

• Redplum Coupon Circulars- these are mailed or hand-delivered to homes in many areas of the US.  Do you throw away that little plastic bag with weekly store ads?  I always used to, but that's free money!  
• Sunday Paper Inserts- If, like me, you are fortunate enough to have a family member who subscribes, you can just grab these.  The Sunday paper often contains P&G circulars that have tons of coupons for popular drugstore health and beauty brands.  I don't think I would consider buying a paper just for coupons.  I personally feel like that defeats the purpose, but many people do it.
• Free samples-Many free samples also come with coupons for the product, which is a win-win!  
• Magazines-Occasionally you can find coupons for health and beauty items, or clothing store discount codes in magazines.  I never noticed they were there until I began using coupons.
• Paper Coupons Online-There are tons of printable coupons online!  I don't use these too much.  Printing uses ink and paper, and most of the coupons I find online seem to be the same as those offered in the coupon circulars that I already have.  Also, coupon sites usually force you to install coupon software, and I don't like that idea.  The only printable coupons I use online are Target..and you will see why later in this post!
• Electronic Coupons Online-Some sites allow you to add coupons to your phone or store loyalty card.  I have not gotten into using those yet.  But that seems like a better idea than printing coupons.
• On/Inside Products-Some have coupons stuck to the outside, or tucked away in the packaging.  These are easy ones, because they find you.
• Coupons that print at the store register after you purchase- These are good because they usually are for items that you purchased and not some random thing.

As you see, there are many ways to find coupons to use.  Of course, if you plan to buy a product anyway, and you use a coupon to buy it, obviously you will save more than you would have saved without it.  Use these tips though, and your savings will multiply even more...

How to get the most for your money with coupons:

• Combine the coupons with store sales- Look at the weekly store ads and match your coupons to sale products.  This requires strategy, forward thinking, and self-control, but is the best way to save with coupons.  Most of us go into a store and buy whatever we want or need for whatever price the store asks. But buy the item before you need it, when it is on sale, and use a coupon, and the savings can be amazing!   
• Read the store coupon policy- Every store has a different set of rules.  You need to know their rules to take the most advantage of available deals.  
• Get a store loyalty card- Tons of stores use these to give you savings.  Make sure you get one and keep it with you.
• Shop at stores that allow you to "stack" savings or offer store loyalty savings-"Stacking" is coupon-ese for using a manufacturer coupon and store coupon at the same time.  Most stores with loyalty points or cash back programs allow manufacturer's coupons with these deals as well. It is like doubling your savings! Not all stores do it.  Look for more about how this works in my best places to shop section. 
• Some stores double coupons under $1-This is mostly found in grocery stores, but a good thing to know, none-the-less.  If you find a store that offers both low prices and double coupons, it is amazing how much you can save!  
• Don't be brand-loyal- If you are willing to swap brands, you can save more often. If you are stuck on a certain brand or product, you can still get great deals, you will just have to wait until that specific item goes on sale.  If you are more flexible, that opens up more opportunities for bargains.  
• Don't rule out pricier brands- Before couponing, I would sometimes buy store brands or less-expensive products to save money on health and beauty items such as razors or makeup remover.  Now, I find that with the right sales and coupons, I can usually get the more expensive and higher-quality brands for the same price or less than a full-price store brand.  While you might not "save" any money, you add value, and end up with a much nicer product for the same price as the cheap one!   
• Keep your coupons with you!- This is the hard part.  If you don't have it, or forget you have it, you can't use it.  

The Best Places to Shop Using Coupons:

• CVS-I think CVS is my favorite drugstore to shop lately.  Their store ads are pretty easy to read and usually list actual prices so you can do the math of how much something would cost with your coupon.  CVS has an "ExtraCare" rewards card.  When you sign up, you get special printable coupons, offers, and discounts, but most importantly, you get "Extra Care Bucks" for certain items which are like cash vouchers. And, you can use these savings in combination with manufacturer coupons.  Sound complicated? Well, for example, I bought the Physician's Formula eyeliner... It was $7.50 full price.  CVS had a sale offering $6 in ECB for any Physician's Formula product over $7.  I combined that with a $1 off coupon and got the eyeliner for only 50 cents!  The bad thing is that the ECB are for your next purchase, you must put out the cash up front and then get refunded.  So if you do not go back and redeem the Extra Care Bucks, then you lose out on the deal.  Since I shop there all the time, that is not an issue for me.
• Target- Target has their own store coupons (available online or sometimes found in coupon circulars) that can be combined with manufacturer's coupons.  That is how I got the Almay eyeliner for free.  It's regular price was $4.99 but I had a $3 off Almay coupon, and a $2 off Almay Target coupon=FREE!
• Dollar Tree-Yes,Dollar Tree accepts coupons, too!  Their prices are already just $1.  So, it is awesome getting an already cheap item for even cheaper.  Plus, you never have to wonder how much a product is worth.  If you see a coupon for something that Dollar Tree carries, you can easily figure the cost.  I get a lot of free cosmetic items there because most drugstore brands like Revlon, Maybelline, etc. offer coupons of a dollar or more.  Every now and then Dollar Tree has closeout drug store makeup, like the L'oreal eye shadow and liner pictured.  So with the right coupon, you can walk out with makeup or other items for nothing! 
• Chain restaurants/Fast food- Many chain places offer coupons, usually BOGO deals for fast food or a certain amount of dollars off of the bill at restaurant chains.  I'm not a big fan of fast food, and rarely eat it, but the few times I have this year, I split a BOGO deal with a friend so the two of us ate for the price of one.  During the spring, Dunkin Donuts had a special coupon for free iced coffee every Monday in April! And just the other day, I got a Dunkin iced latte with a coupon for just $1.99 instead of $3.70.  Free and cheap coffee??? What a sweet deal!    
• Shoprite-I didn't really focus on food coupons for this article since my blog is geared towards beauty, but Shoprite has low prices, good sales, fresh products and they double coupons! 

So, my fellow barganistas, do you enjoy using coupons or can't be bothered?  I'd love to hear about your awesome coupon scores, or great stores for coupons that I missed!

       

Sample Haul

Hi everyone, I haven't done a sample haul post since the winter, but I continue to receive free samples pretty much every day.  So, I thought I'd show off some of the goodies that are out there for the asking.  If you live in the US, and are interested in getting samples, check out some ideas on how to get them from my previous post-->>>HERE  

These are just some of the samples I've gotten by mail lately....

Olay Fresh Effects Cleanser, Restore Sea moisturizer and eye cream, Benefit Pore Professional and BB cream sample. 

HSI hair oil, Elizabeth Arden serum, Smashbox BB Sampler

A box filled with 7 packets each of Clear Scalp therapy shampoo and conditioner.

2 Tide Pods, 2 Downy, Purex detergent, and a Ruffies trashbag.  

I have always wanted to try Amore Pacific products! This is a really nice sample that includes four products from the same line.  Expect a review when I try it.

Sensodyne toothpaste, Crest White Strips, and Breathe Right strips.

Gevalia K-cup sampler

Essie Cuticle Oil, Dove body wash, and Eucerin face lotion.

Dark and Lovely curl gel (for my best friend who has natural curls), Suave Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner, and Fructris Triple Nutrition shampoo and conditioner.

Also, I wanted to mention another freebie resource.  Samplestuff.com is a blog that lists samples as they become available.  I "like" them on Facebook, so now I see sample offers in my news feed as they happen.  I catch a lot of offers that way.  Also, don't forget to friend your favorite companies on Facebook and/or Twitter to see when they post samples and giveaways.

So, what cool freebies have you gotten lately?

What's in My Travel Bag?

I love to travel, and I'm always dreaming of my next escape!  Over time, I've become really conscious about the way I pack for a trip.  I have it down to a science.  In the future, maybe I'll share some of my packing strategies in a post.  

There are many times when packing light is of the utmost importantance, so I've started hoarding sample-sized products for various types of trips.  Most of the samples currently in my bag are ones that I received for free!  When I get a new sample that's similar to one in my travel bag, I swap out the older ones and use them, so that my bag stays fresh and I won't waste good samples while I wait to enjoy my next adventure.

Obviously, toothpaste and a toothbrush are a must for any overnight stay.  I got this cute little Hello Kitty brush at the Dollar Tree, Crest sample from a P&G sample box, and the mini-floss was in my goodie bag from my last dental cleaning.  

Single-sized products in packets are great for a quick overnight stay at a friend's house.  Why lug all your regular products for just one night away from home?  I currently have Pantene shampoo and conditioner, and some face wash, toner, lotion, and sunblock samples from Korea. 

For a weekend stay, I have a small set of Aveda shampoo and conditioner, and a couple of toner and lotion sets that I got in Korea that are the ideal size for 2 or 3 days of use.  Of course, I can't forget a contact case.  A disposable plastic shower cap is great to have if you don't want to wash your hair. That way, you won't have to tote all your hair products and styling tools.  I also have this awesome little Revlon travel kit that I've had for ages.  It has nail clippers, travel size tweezers, nail file, and eyelash curler in a tiny tote. This set has seen the world with me!

These products are perfect for a stay of 3-5 days or so.  For my skin, I have a Holika Holika cleansing foam that I bought in a travel set, and the travel size versions of my everyday Missha Super Aqua Toner and lotion.  I have a Holika Holika shower gel (from the same set as the face wash), and travel size Pantene shampoo/conditioner and Secret deodorant that I got for free in the P&G sample set. 

So what's in your travel bag? Feel free to post a link if you have done a post like this!

Free and Cheap This Week

Here are some of my newest free or almost free additions.

I placed an order on Forever 21 recently. My purchases came to just short of the $50 I needed to get free shipping.  So, I checked the accessories hoping to find something that cost only a dollar or two.  They were running a promotion taking 50% of off of sale prices.  I found these earrings for only 50 cents with the discount!  They are quite pretty and match a gray shirt I already have.

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I also grabbed this little ring on sale for 50 cents from Forever 21!  I wore it today with my Chanel earrings, which are also gold with clear stones.

I received a couple of higher-end free samples in the mail this past week. 

I got Strivectin-AR Night cream and a small sample of Aveda Invati thickening shampoo and conditioner.

So what freebies or deals have you gotten lately?

Bargain Brag- Jewelry and Freebies

 A few new bargains and freebies...

 

My sister bought me this mint green spike bracelet from Macy's for $3.  I love this!

I got this two-finger cross ring on Ebay for only 99 cents-including shipping to the US from China!!!

I worried the ring would be terrible quality for such a low price, because I've had some bad experiences with cheap Ebay items from China.  The ring is perfect, though.  And it fits great, too!

My current nail look. I don't know what possesed me to go for this color.  It is way too bright for this time of year. Yuck!

Some freebies I scored from Facebook promotions.  This is a Redken for Men sample for my boyfriend.

A sample bag of Seattle's Best Coffee.  Nothing is better than coffee! Except FREE coffee!!!

A free mug and two packs of hot chocolate from Nestle's Abuelita. Yum! 

Mythic Oil, L'oreal's version of Moroccan oil.  Everyone swears by Moroccan oil, but it makes my fine hair limp and stringy.  I'm so curious to see how this is in my hair.  I'll probably review this in the future.