3-Year Blogiversary Giveaway

3-Year Blog Giveaway

Three years ago, today, I started BeautyinBudgetBlog.  I can’t believe that it has been three years!  August 12, 2011 (so long ago!) I started this blog on a whim because I thought it would be fun (which it has been) and as an excuse to indulge my ever-increasing makeup obsession.  Despite pretty terrible pictures and not really knowing what I was doing, I found that I really enjoy blogging about beauty and how to work it into a budget.  I love hearing that I help people save money by trying cheaper alternatives to products that they’ve been spending a fortune on.   I am so thankful that you all enjoy my posts and take my opinion seriously.  It still amazes me that anyone is actually paying attention to what I have to say.  I’m thrilled when I hear that someone has found products that they really like as a result of something they read here on my blog.  I really appreciate all of the comments and support that you give me.  In the last three years, I have managed to grow my blog into something that I can be really proud of.  I have almost 600 posts, and well over 400,000 views.  I want to thank those of you who have supported me and watched me grow, and that is what this giveaway is all about.  I want to give back to you because I wouldn’t be doing this blog if it wasn’t for my readers.  So, as a thank you for sticking with me over the last three years, here are three different prize packages that you can win.  I’ve been collecting products for a while in anticipation for this giveaway.

Prize package #1

Prize package #1

• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion
• Big Sexy Hair Blow Dry Volumizing Gel
• Covergirl Clean Glow Blusher in Roses
• POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio in Smokin’ Hot
• L’Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner in Black
• Pixi Beauty Lash Booster Mascara Mini
• Covergirl Colorlicious Lipgloss in Give Me Guava
• Hedy’s Ma.nish.ma Transparent Automatic Lip Crayon in Tangerine
• e.l.f. Essential Lip Balm Tint in Nude and Grapefruit
• e.l.f. Nail Polish mini in Mango Madness
• Bonita Salon Nail Polish in Pink and Wicked Good Time

Prize package #2

Prize package #2

• Derma MD Enzyme Cleanser with Pineapple and Papaya
• CoverGirl Classic Color Blush in Rose Silk
• e.l.f. Studio Shadow C Brush
• NYC HD Color trio in Long Beach Sands
• Starlooks Kohl Eye Pencil in Obsidian
• POP Beauty Mascara Mini
• Zoya Nail Polish in Dot
• e.l.f. Nail Polish mini in Desert Haze
• CoverGirl XL Nail Gel Polish in Rotund Raspberry
• Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Aurora
• Covergirl Colorlicious Lipgloss in Craving Cranberries

Prize package #3

Prize package #3

• Freeman Feeling Beautiful Pumpkin Peeling Mask Travel Size
• Freeman Feeling Beautiful Pomegranate Facial Revealing Peel-Off Mask Travel Size
• e.l.f. Zit Zapper
• The Body Shop Coconut Body Milk Travel Size
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Mini in Zero
• Ulta Amped Lashes Volume+Defining Mascara
• e.l.f. Essential Glitter Primer
• e.l.f. Studio Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Toast
• e.l.f. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow in Golden Goddess
• e.l.f. Nail Polish mini in Jazzy Berry
• Nicole by OPI Roughles Polish in On What Grounds?
• Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Caviar Cocktail
• Covergirl Colorlicious Lipgloss in Berrylicious
• L’Oreal Glossy Balm in Vintage Rose

Wow, that was a lot.  Be sure to let me know what your preference is when you enter.  The first winner I choose will get their first choice, the second winner will get their first choice, or second if the first was taken and so on.  If you don’t order your preferences, I will assume that you are equally happy with any of the prize packages, and I’ll choose one for you.  To enter, my usual rules apply.

• You must be a subscriber to this blog (I check).  If you are not yet a subscriber, just enter your email address in the box on the right hand side of the page and hit the “Sign me up!” button.  A confirmation email will be mailed to you to verify that your address is a real one.  Once verified, you will receive email updates (you set the frequency) of any new posts so that you won’t miss a thing here on BiBB.  Or, if you have your own WordPress blog, “follow” me here and sub that way.
• You must provide a valid email address so that when you win I can get your shipping details.
• You must be willing to provide me with your mailing address so that I can ship your prize.  US only, please.  If you are under 18, you must have explicit permission from your parents to give out your address.  I don’t want any angry parents, so be honest kids.
• You must leave a comment on this post in order to be entered.  Tell me something that you have gotten out of reading this blog.  What was your favorite post?  Have you discovered a favorite product because of something that you read here?  What keeps you coming back?  What would you like to see in the future?  Anything in that general vein.

You have two weeks to enter.  I will announce the winner on Wednesday 8/27.  Good luck to you all, and thanks again for 3 great years.

And, don’t forget that you still have time to enter my other current giveaway for a duo of Derma MD products.

Monthly Favorites for May 2014

 

May Favorites

May is almost over, which means that it is Monthly Favorites time!  For those of you who are new to the blog, Monthly Favorites are those products that I reached for over and over or particularly stood out to me throughout the month.  I’ve been wearing a lot of neutral makeup the last couple months, (you know I love my taupes) but in May I took advantage of the spring season and wore a lot of green, pinks and corals.  I have also been trying to get better at masking.  It’s hard for me to remember to do it regularly, but I am tying to mask once or twice a week.  But, I am getting ahead of myself, so let’s get into the products.

KMS California Hair Stay Style Boost

Shockingly enough, I have a favorite for hair this month.  My hair is stick straight and uncooperative, so I was very impressed to discover KMS California Hair Stay Style Boost.  This product made a huge difference for me.  My hair usually is so straight that any curl or body I try to put in it starts falling out before I have even left the house, no matter what I use.  With KMS California Hair Stay Style Boost on the other hand, my style has a fighting chance and actually stays put for hours.  It has a very unique formula.  You spray it in your hand like a mousse, but it doesn’t have a mousse like formula.  It’s a lot lighter, and it crackles up and starts to shrink.

KMS California Hair Stay Style Boost

You can see the bubbles burst as the crackle gets going.  Very strange.  KMS California Hair Stay Style Boost doesn’t leave my hair sticky, crunchy, or heavy.  It has a pretty lightweight feel.  It makes my hair appear a little thicker than normal and makes a huge impact on staying power.  If you have straight hair that doesn’t want to do anything, then I definitely recommend that you check it out.

Olive Natural Beauty Olive Lip Balm

I received the Olive Natural Beauty Olive Lip Balm in Refreshing Rosemary in my May Ipsy bag, and I have really been enjoying it.  I like the formula a lot.  It’s moisturizing without getting too waxy or greasy.  I think that I may enjoy a different flavor better than the Rosemary, but I do still like it quite a lot.  I’m thinking of making a purchase with my Ipsy discount.  The only thing is that I have so many lip balms right now, I probably should wait.  Either way, I like the Olive Lip Balm by Olive Natural Beauty and recommend it.

Freeman Facial Masks

Like I said before, I have been experimenting with a lot of masks, and many of them have been from the Freeman brand.  I’ve liked Freeman masks for a long time now, and I usually pick up the sample pouches that are good for one or two uses.  I’ve tried most of the Freeman line, so last month I finally purchased the full size of my favorites.  I’m not going to go into detail for each individual mask right now, but I can say that Freeman masks are great.  They are very affordable and feel wonderful on the skin.  They are a really good budget option.

Profusion Twinkle Twinkle Palette in #03

Speaking of budget options, my next favorite was only a dollar.  This is the Profusion Twinkle Twinkle Palette in #03 which I reviewed here.  I have always loved green eyeshadow and have a ton of them in my collection.  This Twinkle Twinkle Palette really performs well, despite being so inexpensive.  The silky shadows blend easily, without getting muddy.  And I love these colors.  I know that this particular palette is not available anymore, but the Twinkle Twinkle Palettes seem to come out every year around the Holidays, so be sure to keep an eye out or them.  Also, I think that you can find other Profusion brand palettes throughout the year, so if you see one at your local drugstore don’t be afraid to grab one to try out.  I have not used any other Profusion beauty products, but if the Twinkle Twinkle Palette is any indication, then they are worth a look.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

It has been a long while since I last used Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara.  It has been a favorite of mine for years, but you know how it is, always needing to try the newest thing.  But, I wanted to go back and remind myself why I was such a fan, so I did.  According to Tarte: “This is what we call a push-up bra for your lashes a 4-in-1 (lengthening, curling, volumizing and conditioning) dermatologist tested mascara that gives dramatic, thick, sexy lashes and is clinically proven to increase lash volume by 424%”.  They aren’t kidding.  Lights, Camera, Lashes gives that false lashes appearance that we are all after.  It’s fantastic, especially if you can get your hands on it at a discount.  Ulta usually offers it in their 21 Days of Beauty deals, and Tarte often includes a deluxe sample in their value kits.  Pick it up, it’s awesome.

NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray

I have been enjoying the NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray.  I really like Urban Decay All Nighter, but I wanted to see if I could find a cheaper alternative that works just as well.  NYX Dewy Finish is a little different than UD All Nighter, but I still like it very much.  My main reason for using a setting spray is to get rid of that powdery look when I am finished with my makeup.  NYX Dewy Finish works beautifully for that purpose and I love the look it gives my skin.  It is $8 for 60ml which is about half the price of UD All Nighter, plus you can often find NYX for BOGO 50% off at Ulta.  NYX also has a Matte Finish version of the spray, but I haven’t tried it.  NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray is great, though.

That’s it for my May favorites.  I hope that you found something that interested you.  I don’t know what it’s like where you live, but summer has officially arrived here in NC no matter what the calendar says.  It has been hot and muggy the last couple weeks and it looks like it’s going to get hotter and muggier very soon.  Are you looking forward to summer?  It is my least favorite season, but I can’t really complain because we had such a wonderfully long winter.  I feel like it was hardly Spring before the hot weather hit.  It’s funny how quickly the first three months of the year went for me, but April and May have been dragging.  I have been a major stress case the last couple months, and am hoping that things will improve sooner rather than later.  I am interested to see what the next couple of months hold.