Happy 2011 babyssss !

So excited to see what 2011 has in store... !!

XoxoXo Blondes on a Budget (Lynn) <3

Ulta Haul!

Hey girls!

Lynn told you yesterday about how Ulta has a huge sale going on...so of course I checked it out!
Here's what I got!

a 3 pack of combs and a 100% board hair bristle brush!!! (it was $10) And so far, I love it. It's so much softer than all the other boar brushes there. 

A two (full-sized) pack of UDPP! It was only $28 which is a saving of $10 

A lifetime supply of sponges and cotton rounds. hhaha! They were buy two get two free!

Some nyx lipliners (yes they are all brown lipliners...it's a phase) A jumbo lip pencil in chocolate and an eye pencil in cottage cheese. Yummy! btw all the eye pencils were on sale for $1.79

These brushes from studio basics were buy one get one %50 off. So I decided to try this line out. It was $13 for the 5 of these. 

So, I'm really excited to try out all of my Ulta purchases! Also, I'm trying the "high fashion messy bun" that Lynn blogged about earlier. I'm not crazy about it. I noticed that my face looks really square today too...maybe it's the "facelift effect" that updos like this have on you?

Hugs and happy new years!!!

<3 Jordan

Lynn's ten favorites from 2010

The Infinity Scarf
Can be worn so many different ways
I wear them all the time.
They've definitely been a huge staple in my wardrobe.

THE PHILLIES <3why yes... They'll always be my team.

                  Big Sunglasses (featured above and below on my BFF) I just love them... I'll never get over my love for huge sunglasses

PRAYING
God is always listening

Little Women
I have the pleasure of playing the lead role of Jo in my University's production of Little Women The Musical and I am stoked!!!

Bright PINK LIPSTICK

Le Shio (The New Asian Fusion Restaurant in DE)

Jordan and Kelly (My fellow blondes on a budget)

A Certain cute boy who surprises me MAC brushes and Lauren Conrad books and listens to me go on and on about make up and clothes <3

The City of Philadelphia...
<3 the city will never go out of style !!

What were your favorites from 2010?

xoxox Blonde(s) on a budget <3 (Lynn)

Small business lovin

Hey all!

I enjoy supporting small businesses as much as the next girl. It's even better when they have sales.
If you've ever heard of Danalajeunesse on youtube (she typically does more costume and ornate makeup tutorials) she recently posted a video about a sale on bubblebabez, her homemade soap business.

So, if you need any belated Christmas gifts, stock up!
I am ordering a few samples later today myself!

(This is their bath bomb in "Le Cougar".  It is made to smell like Chanel No. 5. They also have a soap called Pretty in Pink which is made to smell like one of Juicy Coutures perfumes)

http://bubblebabez.com/store/Default.asp

Ulta...

ULTA.com is having a sale......... (when aren't they)
mix and match or try out a brand you've never tried before
we love too-faced and urban decay!
xoxo blondes on a budget <3 (Lynn)

Forever21 SALE

Take advantage of this fantastic sale
there are some great tanks and layering tee-shirts.
Click me for awesome Forever21 sale!!!

Also, Aerie (the underwear / bra collection of American Eagle)
is having a HUGE sale !!!
Check it OUT
cheap bras!!

xoxoxo Blondes on a Budget

Calling all VIP’s

Hey All!
If you have ever tried LORAC products but can’t stomach the price tag or you just have heard tons and would like to try them out, you will probably love this section of their site.
They have a “Last Call” for products they are discontinuing at some seriously deep discounts.
Check it out!
I think I’m going to try a few things later :)

http://www.loraccosmetics.com/LastCall.aspx?CategoryID=-1

Mac (et al) sale

Hey all!

Today appears to be the day of many sales.
You probably watch a lot of youtube beauty gurus and wonder “What do they do with all of that extra makeup they buy/get sent?”
Well Koren (EnkoreMakeup) is one of my favorite gurus and he, along with a couple others, are putting it to good use. They are putting their extra, unused, mac as well as some other professional brands such as Kryolan, up for grabs and donating the profits to charities.
You can find the website here:
http://www.surplus.enkoremakeuponline.com/Home.html 

xoxo blondes on a budget (Jordan)

Trying the top knot...

It's winter break... Christmas is over and I'm hanging around my home town until I leave for vacation in a few weeks. My break so far has consisted of shopping, making returns, sleeping, reading, and going out to eat. (not so fun right?) While searching the internet I saw a couple of "how to" videos on a specific hairstyle that is totally perfect for lazy days OR winter nights out.
It's called the "Top Knot"
yeah, I know... I'm totally late on this
In my defense... I've been calling them "messy buns" or "sleek ballerina buns" for a while now
and I didn't know they were back in style.

Here is my take on the top knot...
I actually HATE the way I look with it.
My face is super long so the little ding on my head looks stupid.
I'm sure this look would look super cute on Kelly and Jordan (they were blessed with normal faces).
You never know what looks cute until you try it. Unfortunately, I tried and failed.
Let me know if you have better luck with this cute look!
xoxo Blondes on a budget <3 (Lynn)

BH Cosmetics Sale

BH is sending some discount love to their fans as well!
People rave about coastal scents palettes but these are great too!

Just add whatever you want to your cart (excluding the holiday specials) and the discount will be taken off :)

URBAN DECAYYYY

Oh baby!

The Urban Decay website is dropping prices on some of their palettes. These look awesome :)
Go shop!! xoxo Blondes on a budget!!

Merry Christmas from Lynn's family to yours!!

Your Avon Representative-Kelly

Hello Budgetistas!  Merry ALMOST Christmas!
So I am blogging this evening to let you know that I am OFFICIALLY an Avon sales representative!  I am SOOOO excited about this new opportunity!  I am a BIG fan of Avon cosmetics and especially the M.A.R.K. brand which serves a younger demographic.  If you would be interested in receiving mailings from Avon or placing an order you can either visit my website at kkolyer.avonrepresentative.com or email me at kk388@eagle.pbu.edu.  I cannot wait to start blogging about new products I try and I look forward to being your sales representative!  :)
Merry Christmas All!
Until Next Time!

Blondes on a Budget <3 (Kelly)

To ebay or not to ebay, that is the question

Hello Budgetistas!
If you’re like me or 95% of the people in the united states according to a poll I made up for this post, you’ve probably tried to find a deal for one thing or the other on ebay.
Just the other day I purchased a mini too-faced palette for $2 (yes, it’s the real thing).
But as far as beauty items and ebay, it’s strictly buyer beware!
Exhibit A:
April 2010. I found a ghd (the rolls royce of straighteners) on ebay for $140. That is incredible as the “Rare Styler” was sold out on the ghd site (It was my favorite design with the black and silver damask print). I bought it without hesitation.
After paying some extra for expedited shipping, the total came to $180.
At first unboxing, everything seemed perfectly fine. The box looked like a standard ghd box and it came with all of the amentities. I thought it was strange that it included brochures for the UK but didn’t fuss over it.
I first expected something was off after the second time I used it. I noticed that it didn’t stay heated and I would have to hold the arms shut and move around the cord to get it to heat up.
Long story short, because I trusted the buyer and missed the ebay time period for reporting a counterfeit item, I didn’t get a penny back.
MORAL OF THE STORY:
Be extremely cautious when purchasing beauty items, especially when it appears as though you’re getting a super deal, from ebay.
Counterfeit items are not only unauthorized from the seller, whether it’s ghd, mac, or any other brand, they are not only counterfeit but because they are not genuine and authentic they do not have to go through the same safety standards and may cause harm (ie my fake ghd which had exposed wiring after just a few short uses)
Moral B:
Wait for the real thing!                                        This is me + authentic ghd straightener from the store >>>>>
 (I’m wearing Ruby Pump from China Glaze)
Yayy!!
Hugs and happy straight hair!
     
<3Blondes on a budget (Jordan)

7 nail polishes for $23?

Ulta is constantly handing us good deals. 

Here is how I got 7 high end nail polishes (read not Sally Hansen) for $23, that’s an average of around $3 per bottle. 

Here are the colors I got:
Borghese Tuscano Nude
Borghese Blanco White
Borghese Clarite Top Coat
China Glaze Innocence
China Glaze Ruby Pumps
China Glaze Delight
Orly Shine 

First up was a Borghese French Tip kit that was on clearance for only $10.
Next was a “buy two get one free” deal for the  China glaze polishes for $13. 
You might be thinking “Hey now, that’s already $23.” Don’t worry we in no way, shape, or form support theft. 
Lastly was the most impressive, the orly polish was free!

Go here to print your coupon. Maybe, just maybe, your Ulta might have some left. 

http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/blog/seventeen-orly-nail-polish-coupon

I gave some away as gifts, but what I have tried is Ruby Pumps. Oh my! It is my new favorite red. It definitely needs two coats but its got that perfect red shade with just enough cute not annoying amount of red fine glitter in it. 

Hugs and cute nails!

<3 Blondes on a Budget (Jordan)

Look what my man got me for Christmas

Like I said in my last post... I got Christmas presents from some people a little bit early and I cannot wait to show them off. There are a lot of products that I received that I can't wait to review BUT today... my man bought me the MAC brush gift set. AHHH!
I screamed when I opened it for multiple reasons
1. I've been honestly searching for a small hip bag that I could take into the city. All it would need to hold would be cell phone, wallet, keys, and lip gloss... small stuff. So I haven't been able to find a reasonably priced little bag and I pretty much gave up on my search. 
--- BUT today when I opened my MAC present... I realized that the chic bag that the brushes came also came with straps to make a long hip bag... um.. cute! The bag is the perfect size and the perfect winter pattern to match a lot of my holiday dresses.
2. It comes with five brushes. Sure, the brushes are smaller in length but they are the exact same as MACs regular brush collection. The 187, 219, 209, 252, and the 168 are all included in this cute little case.

boyfriends/family members of girls who love makeup-- LISTEN HERE.
One MAC brush alone costs around $30 or more... Look into getting this gift...where you get five brushes for basically the price of one.

I'm obviously stoked about it and can't wait to do my make up tomorrow morning!! Agh!

xoxo Blondes on a budget (Lynn)


 

It's FINALS week here at school...
I can't wait until I'm home and can blog properly about all the cute

little gifts my budgeting besties gave me for Christmas this year.
Right now I am in the library trying to write papers and freezing my bum off.
WHY IS IT SO COLD?
I'm cold. but thankfully my skin isn't dry or itchy because....
I've been using Aveeno lotion!
Let me just tell you how much I love it.
I put it on after I shower at night and it almost immediately takes my dry skin itch away.
The product also keeps my skin hydrated for hours.
<--- Here is a picture of me posing with my new winter skin saving BFF.
Please do not look at my awful hair or make up
Give me a break on my appearance lol (IT IS finals week after all)

soft skin and comfy hoodies, xoxo blondes on a budget (Lynn)

my best budget purchase EVER!

                                                                         Hey budgetistas :)
If you’re anything like I used to be, you’ve probably thought about flea markets and yard sales with contempt or at least a wrinkled nose.Finding nothing but stinky lazy boys and old ugly paintings. I mean, come on, they are FLEA markets.
That was until one day a college friend of mine invited me to go yard sale hopping with her.  Then I found this little white gem.
I learned that the secret to finding cool things is to going to either upscale townhouse developments or just finding houses in nicer areas. This was found at a really ritzy townhouse development. It was an old spice rack and the lady said “I just don’t want to clean it up”
So, 5 minutes of elbow grease and this gleaming rack was on my dresser ready to be adorned. Oh, it was only 5 dollars. It was probably the best $5 I’ve ever spent!
Hugs and cute yard sale finds

<3 Blondes on a Budget (Jordan)

I have always wanted a pair of Victoria’s Secret PINK sweats. Unfortunetly, I never got a pair because I couldn’t will myself to spend over $30. BUT… right now Vicky’s is having a great sale and they’re only 25! HOLLA. It’s coming towards the end of my college semester and sweats are all I want to wear. Finally I can rock these puppies for a price that I want to pay. I’m ready to kick finals in the BUTT.

I forgot!

       
http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=promo_stockup&Page=all&promotype=2 
FOREVER21 is having a really good sale…
I’m really into open cardigans and bright leggings right now.
Unfortunately, I’m saving money for Christmas, so I’ll have to live through you.
Check it out, Blondes on a budget <3 (Lynn)

mmmm!

Let the starbucks keep you going
keep shopppping !!!

Eating is always in style

xoxox Blondes on a budget <3 (Lynn)

Pre Thanksgiving Cleaning

For a bunch of reasons, my family has decided to have Thanksgiving dinner TOMORROW.
Bummer right? Thanksgiving on the biggest shopping day ever and I'm going to miss it. Oh well family first!!
This year the meal and family gathering will be taking place at my parents house.
During the school year, I live on campus and visit my house every other weekend.
Because I'm only home for two days at a time, my room sits and collects dust.
Yesterday I cleaned and did a bit of decorating... it took me almost the whole day.
I apologize for the horrible quality pictures but at least you can see my room decor.
I really like the way my room looks... My hardwork payed off and I am excited to show
my family that after a year of being in this house... my room is finally clean and decorated.

 

Clinique Splurge

Ok! So I got the Clinique free-gift from my grandmother and it came with a lot of cute things…
One of THE BEST products inside was the Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser.
I put it on in the shower and it was so smooth.
I didn’t really want to rinse it off.
After rinsing and getting out of the shower, I noticed that my face felt unbelievably soft and looked quite awake. It was as if this face wash woke up my skin cells and brought them to life. I was glowing.
With that said, I’ll probably be asking Santa for a little bottle of this face wash. Until then, I’ll be squeezing it out of the sample

Here’s to pretty skin and happy faces, Blondes on a budget <3 (Lynn)

Nail polish tip

Nail polish tip

One of the benefits of purchasing higher quality nail polishes such as OPI, Borghese, or Essie is that they typically stay un-chipped much longer than drug store polishes.
But they typically begin to wear down at the end of day two. How do you put off that wearing away you get?
Here’s a few tips:
1.) Buff lightly over the tip of the nail before you paint.
2.) 2 solid coats over the entire nail.
3.) Brush an extra coat just over the tips. Imagine you are doing a self french manicure.
4. A great top coat.
These tips should help you to make your polish last (a functional) 3-4 days at least.
Hugs and pretty nails!
<3
Blondes on a Budget (Jordan)

A Kiss of Moisture

I currently own two if nivea’s chap-sticks and I use them both religiously. It’s that time of year when the weather is killing my lips. I’ve searched high and low for that “perfect” lip balm and by golly, I’ve got IT!. “A kiss of moisture” is thick but goes on smooth, and it feels like I’m putting lotion on my lips. I think what I like the most about it is the tact that it has no scent or color so my boyfriend can borrow it, and isn’t grossed out when he kisses me while I’m wearing it. Nivea’s lip care products are cheaper than burts bees and can be found at most drugstores, targets, and walmarts!
My lips have never been happier :)
xoxoxo blondes on a budget (Lynn)

My New Favorite Product!

Hello all!  I realize that I (Kelly) have not personally posted anything on here for a week or so and I apologize!  As Lynn mentioned, we had fall break and I enjoyed fall in BEAUTIFUL upstate New York with my lovely family!
Now to the good stuff….
I have a great steal/deal for you bargain beauties.  The e.l.f. “Zit Zapper.”  This little bad boy works miracles!  I tend to have breakouts when I change water, change shampoo, or pretty much change anything!  I personally know that witch Hazel and Tea Tree are great natural ingredients for healing.  However, purchasing them separately and making your own “concoction” could be quite pricey!  Fortunately, this little prize is only $1!  I have been using it for a week now and have only used a tiny bit of the tube.  Since it is roll on it is very EASY to use!  Oh and did I mention, it has been clearing up my face!! I give this product 5 STARS!!!!
You would be wise for investing in this little jewel to keep in your purse on the go and in your regular cosmetic case regardless of what kind of skin you have!
Till next time!
Blondes on a Budget <3

My Everyday Eyeshadow

Hey all :)
It’s Jordan again!
This post is going to be about my everyday eye makeup. While I do love to put lots of effort into my eye makeup, sometimes you just don’t have time!
My favorite palette is the Covergirl Eye Enhancers 3 Color Kit in “Shimmering Sands”.

It creates a sort of nude natural light smokey eye.
Here’s what I do:
1.) Prime eyelid with your favorite primer (I use elf mineral eye primer)
2.) Sweep the middle color all over your lid
3.) Put the lightest pink shimmery in the “beauty spot” which is a little larger than the inner corner of your eye.
4.) Using a Flat eyeliner brush, gently pat the darkest brown into your crease and a bit above.
5.) With a fluffy brush buff the lines together to create a “fade” effect.
6.) Finish with normal eyeliner and mascara
It sounds like a lot, but it only takes about a minute when you get used to it.
Hope you enjoy! And have a wonderful day :)

SURPRISEEEEEEEEEEEEE !

 Last night, Kelly came down the stairs and into my apartment bearing gifts! She surprised me with the E.L.F conceal set!! (what a pal). I am so excited about this set because it includes the zit zapper (the one she reviewed), a concealer brush, and concealer. As you can see, the packaging is so cute and at $3.00, this is a great little gift. Thank you Kelly!

Wishing you all the best of everything, Blondes on a budget (Lynn) <3

It's one of those days

The sun is NOT shining and I’m exhausted
I woke up this morning with a case of the “Mondays” :/
But! There’s no need to fret…
Dressed in my boot cut jeans and my favorite hoody, I’m comfortable and ready to take on all my classes. Lucky for me, my 8AM class was canceled and I was able to go to breakfast. Sometimes dressing down and eating comfort food just feels good. Take at least one day this week to dress however you want, eat like it’s your last meal… and don’t feel guilty! Fabulous girls are allowed to take a day off!
Wishing you all the best of everything, Blondes on a budget <3 (Lynn)

Skin Doctor: Lemon Trick

Hey everyone!
My name is Jordan. I’m Kelly and Lynn’s friend and also a blonde on a budget! I’ll be a guest contributor on their blog from time to time on primarily beauty items, as I am a freelance makeup artist!
Have you ever just stood in the face wash aisle and stood in awe of how many options there are for exfoliators? I have to. And I have never found one that I truly liked until this one.
Here’s what you need:
Cotton round or ball. Lemon juice (fresh or from a bottle is fine). White Sugar.
Here’s what you do:
(remove makeup first)
Warm up face with warm water first to open up your pores.
Take a cotton round or ball.
Saturate your cotton with lemon juice.
Sprinkle sugar on top of it.
Then scrub all around your face in a small circular motions. Concentrating in the areas where you may have more acne or blackheads.
Then rinse your face off!
The acids in the lemon juice contains AHA’s and BHA’s that help remove dead skin cells and kill bacteria. The sugar also removes dead skin cells but also softens your skin. Yay!
If you have sensitive skin, you can use an orange because it’s less acidic than a lemon.
I recommend doing this about 3-4 times a week.
(yes, I did learn this from guru Kandee Johnson)