Loving as of Late

Just wanted to make a little post about a couple things I've been a tad bit obsessed with for the past little while. With Christmas coming up, (I dunno about you, but) all my money is being spent on the people around me (which is one of my favourite things! I love buying/ making people gifts xD), buut it's leaving a little bit to be desired on my end. So while you're running around trying to get people new things, I think it's nice to take a bit of time out to do something special for yourself. So instead of going out and buying a present, why not re-gift some of your old stuff to yourself?

Making the Old New Again, DIY Fixes!

  Decoden Phone Cases!

Well it's not JUST  phone cases that are getting bedazzled, but they're my favourite accessory out of the bunch. Taking something as boring and utilitarian as a phone case, and making it look that spectacular and personal is something I think more people should do. Really, it's not that hard to do for yourself (just a little pricey for the materials, $20 or so if you shop smart and look for discounts), there are plenty of tutorials on Youtube, the hardest part is just picking out and finding your colours. I love these so much, maybe it's just me, but I can't help but smile when I see them (I'll post a picture of my current work in progress in the next week). They're also great because when you get bored of it, or want different colours you can switch it with another. I also really like them because they make great gifts, and really show someone how much you care by all the effort put  into them.

Decora Nails!

So again, maybe you've seen these, maybe you haven't. From just past your finger tips to two inches long, I think they're fabulous (though maybe not so practical for the super long ones) and can really make a statement. Plus they're great for giving you that extra little bounce in your step, because so often people neglect their nails, even though they can be one of your best accessories (not to mention that they can really polish up your look). Basically for those who don't know they're painted nails with little 3D appliques like small charms or rhinestones. You can either do this right on your nail, or you can use false nails that you design and then glue on. Personally though I prefer to just do this right on the nail, though again you can do a false set and then re-use it later or make a set and gift it to a friend. Again, there are plenty of Youtube tutorials.

Cut-it-out T-shits!

I don't know about you, but I have a MILLION old concert shirts that I've accumulated over the years (GIANT t's) that I mostly just wear around my house or to bed because they're just so big. Recently it's been pretty popular to cut the collar hole larger and make them more of a "slouchy" off the shoulder top (which is nice), but I prefer to take it a step further. You can easily add shape by cutting the sides into strips and tieing them at the back to add shape and show a little more skin. Or if they're long enough, even turn them into a dress with no more than a pair of scissors and a couple knots. Another idea is creating a messy v-neck collar by just cutting the "v" shape into the neckline, or cutting off the sleeves down to mid-torso and creating a tank-top. Of course, I don't really like to advertise to the world what my bra looks like, so I would deffs advise wearing either a bandeau or making some kind of tube top to wear underneath.

         Add Glitter to Everything!

Remember those "glitter jeans" that used to be in style for kids ten years ago? Well that's pretty much the idea here. I was out with a friend and I saw this skirt that I've been wanting for a while, it's by Tripp NYC, and is essentially denim covered in a distressed metallic finish. I love it, but am not willing to pay $80 for it. Later I was at home and decided I'd use the idea to make something similar. So i grabbed a skirt (denim looks best for this in my opinion), some spray glue (the hardcore industrial stuff from the hardware store) and some facial glitter (it works best because the pieces are smaller) and went at it. First I sprayed the skirt then added a modest sprinkle of glitter, doing one side at a time and letting the glue dry. Overall the skirt was a little stiff, but still wearable and cute.

Unconventional Accessories!

I really love unconventional uses for things (scrunchy as a bracelet? Or better yet, around your ankles with a pair of co-ordinating heels, sounds crazy but try it! It's a little more daring, but who knows, you might love it). I find there are a lot of things that have a lot of uses if you just think a little outside the box. For example, old broaches can become hair accessories, as can bigger rings. Necklaces can become bracelets or belts, or even be used on your shoes to change-up a pair of heels. Purse charms can be attached to a belt or pair of pants to add interest to a look, as can bracelets with bigger charms. It might sound crazy to read, but the right accessories can work in a lot of different ways. Old broken necklaces can have pieces popped off and made into a really cool ring with a little glue. So get creative with your style and experiment a little.

Winter skin care

The temperature is starting to drop, and the wind is picking up, it's starting to get pretty clear that Winter is almost here (oh no!). With that in mind you may have already run out to gt a new winter coat, some cute but warm boots, or even a pair of gloves or earmuffs (which is good). Unfortunately getting so caught up in what you want to wear can cause you to forget about what you're already wearing, your skin. Preparing your skin for harsher weather conditions is soooo important, especially if you're planning on attending any events (xmas parties, new years), and or want to still be looking fresh and bright in the spring.

First things first, we know that our skin naturally adapts to it's surroundings, hence why it reacts so differently in winter as apposed to summer (example, cold wind tends to shrink your winter pores). But we often ignore when our skin tells us it needs something extra, so here are your tips for keeping that gorgeous skin clean, glowing, and lush, all season long.

Prep Work: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Tone.It's just as important to keep your face clean in winter as it is all year round. Cleansers and toners, with a bit of lighter exfoliation will work wonders. Foaming cleansers from 'Clean and Clear', 'Biore', or 'Neutrogena' get the job done, and are easy to apply (I prefer to use them in the shower so there's no mess on the bathroom counter). They're also pretty cheap (under $10), and easily accessible at your local pharmacy or superstore.
The next step is exfoliation. Some people prefer to go out and buy an exfoliating tool such as the 'Neutrogena WAVE' (available for around $15.99 plus taxes in your local pharmacy section) which is more of a two in one for a lighter cleansing and very gentle exfoliation (not really the best exfoliant, especially for winter, but i still like it or regular skin care). Though if you don't plan on going out and spending about $20 on a tool, a simple washcloth works wonders. It's important that you start with a clean cloth (to avoid adding bacteria to your naked skin which could cause breakouts or blackheads), getting it nice and wet with warm-hot water then ringing it out just to get rid of the excess (NEVER use a dry cloth on your face, this will cause rashes and or blistering. Trust, not cute). Next start to scrub your face, applying necessary pressure to remove dried and dead skin (if it's your first time, go easy. Over time your skin will become more accustom to the pressure, you should feel something, but it shouldn't hurt!), remembering not to over-do it (a minute or less of exfoliating is really all you need). Remember, you really don't need to be roughly exfoliating every day, your skin regenerates every three days, so a couple times a week should have you covered (don't be scared off by any redness, it should go away after an hour or so).

Finally, the hot water was used to open your pores, so this is your optimal time to really clear out whatever gunk is in there and prevent the accumulation of new gunk. For this you'll want a toner, again 'Neutrogena', Clean and Clear', or 'Biore', offer some affordable and findable options. Though you'll want to find something that is alcohol free, since a major skin symptom of winter is dry skin, the alcohol will amplify this (potentially causing some major skin flaking). Toner is generally applied with a cotton swab or face pad, evenly all over the face.

Lastly, without washing off the toner, splashing a bit of cold (and i mean COLD) water on your face will seal the deal and tighten your pores, making them smaller and thus harder for bacteria to infiltrate.



Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
from Sephora $19.50



Don't Forget!So now that your skin is clean, it's time to get into the actual maintenance. After cleaning and before applying makeup, moisturizer is a must. Now if you have relatively easy-going skin that isn't too oily, dry, or sensitive, it shouldn't be too hard to find a basic moisturizer for your face. Overall you don't want anything too heavy or oily (most opt for 'oil-free' moisturizers. Bad idea, the base ingredient is water which won't blend properly with your face because it produces oil. Oil + water = non-blending mess), the more ingredient on your face, the more likely it is to clog your pores. Something light and nourishing would be optimal (unscented), again taking your skin's needs into consideration (example, I have really oily skin, so i need something super-super light that will quickly be absorbed to level out my natural oil production). A great option for easy and on the go is a tinted moisturizer (easily available at most drug stores or 'Sephora' if you're looking for competitive pricing and coverage click here). Most come with SPF 15 or so, this is also beneficial because a lot of people forget to use sunscreen in the winter. A dime-sized amount of product is all you need, work it evenly into the face and you're set to do your makeup.

Below the Jawline



Purchased at 'The Body Shop' for $8
plus taxes50mL, also comes in 200mL
for $20 plus taxes



Great winter skin doesn't end with your face, dry hands and feet are another thing to consider. As well, your arms, legs, and everything else can be effected too. A simple moisturizer can get pretty necessary in the dry weather. You can pick one up pretty much anywhere, things you should be looking out or though are cocoa or shea butters, these add natural moisture and work to soften your skin long-term. I bought a little tub of 'Body Butter' from 'The Body Shop' last year and that's lasted me a while (I don't really use moisturizer ever, but it smells amazing and isn't greasy). As well, if you're looking to soothe any dry or itchy winter skin, look for alovera in the ingredient listing, this is a natural calming agent. You can even get moisturizers with glitter added to them to give you a cute sparkle effect for going out at night.
For an easy fix for dry hands, try moisturizer gloves. I've seen them at places like 'Winners' or 'Shoppers Drug Mart', (I don't think they'd be too hard to find) basically they're thin little gloves (usually with cute designs on them) that are lined with a kind of thin plastic that won't allow any thing to escape the inside. You put them on at night with moisturizer inside and they let your hands soak it up while you sleep (my sister and mom use them a lot).

At Home Fixes

Facial ScrubCombine two tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of sea salt (ionized salt, NOT table salt. Findable at most grocery stores or health stores) together in a small bowl. After mixing, apply this to your face and gently scrub for about a minute. The texture of the salt will loosen and remove and dead or dry skin, as well it will stimulate new skin growth. The honey serves to keep the skin clean during the exfoliating and as an antioxidant. Remember to rinse with warm water after.

   Skin Softening Masks
1. Apply about a tablespoon and a half of natural yogurt (non-flavoured) to your skin and let sit for about twenty minutes. Plain yogurt contains lactic acid, a natural skin smoother that will keep your skin soft and happy. Also if you have any pimple or even acne, the zinc in the yogurt will help to lessen the redness and even prevent future breakouts. You can find it at your local superstore grocer or at health food stores and smaller markets.

2. Combine one egg white, one tablespoon of yogurt, and one tablespoon of honey together in a small bowl and apply to face. Leave to sit about twenty minutes and remove with warm water. You can even try adding ingredients like olive oil (half teaspoon) to add more moisture to your face, just remember with olive oil you really will have to work to get it all off, you only want that absorbs into your skin, the rest that sits on the surface needs to go!

In combination with these treatments and regimes, your daily requirements of vitamin C and at least eight glasses of water are crucial to keeping your skin looking it's best (hydrated skin is healthy skin).

Don't forget to follow me here on blogger for the latest tips and tricks for beauty and style, or even leave a comment with your thoughts or responses!

Just an Update - My epidermist is showing D:

Updates
1. So today I have some disappointing news, I may not be able to get the three new tutorials i promised up in the next week (don't hurt me!). See I have a some moderate acne scarring that I've wanted to get taken care of for quite a while. Last week I found a place that was having a 'sale' on microdermabraison (mostly them trying to pick up new clientele for the upcoming season. In other words, it's NOT a sketch just-opened-no-one's-heard-of-us-we-might-not-be-licenced place), I called and they booked me sooner than I had originally planned.
Getting to my point: I'm not supposed to put anything on my face except for possibly a light powder until the redness goes away, ergo no facial makeup tutorial (sadface). On the brighter side though, I'll be able to take you through the process and let you first hand what it's like if anyone is thinking about having it done (as well, I'll plug the place I went to, they're offering some REALLY great deals until November 31st).

2. I'm looking to get a smoother format going, just to keep things easier for you guys to follow. I'm thinking of trying to get two blogs up per week (we'll see how that goes as far as schooling and possibly work?), Eight or so a month. Generally one should be a tutorial/ review/ tips & tricks, and the other will be more random. I'm going to try to space them out though, not get two tutorials in one week (unless requested). Also, again if there is anything you want to know about (anything at all, really!) just leave me a little comment under any of my blogs and I can either go into more detail or even do a specific blog with a full explanation/ answer.

Microdermabraison!

Generally (for those who don't know what it is) this process is used to reduce/ eliminate surface imperfections on your skin such as:

• redness
• minor wrinkles (recently appearing, not deep set)
• acne scaring or scaring in general
• brown spots from the sun (NOT moles/ 'beauty marks')
• broken capillaries (noticeable tiny veins)
• uneven skin tone
• large pores & blackheads

This is done through a three step process (Felt like more than three, but oh well) that involves light exfoliation, correcting of target areas, and finally a facial buff and refine with tiny crystals (the also include a complimentary mask to dredge out your pores, and ease your skin after the treatment).
Overall I would say the process was nice and relaxing, I'd heard that it can be really painful which initially scared me off, but I can honestly say the process didn't hurt in the slightest (except maybe the makeup remover and cleanser she used on my eyes, it stung a little).

Things I liked about it..It was nice having so much care and attention paid to my skin by someone else. Sandra (my consultant) really did seem knowledgeable about what she was doing, and constantly asked if there were any questions I had while informing me of what she was doing and putting on my skin. I also found it was a nice environment to have the treatment done, I really do value a person who can focus on the task at hand, while taking an interest in my life and actively engaging in conversation to make time pass faster (what can I say, I love to talk). Another plus was that even though I was already getting my treatment for half price (originally $125, I paid $62.50), Caryl Baker Visage offers a plan for multiple procedures at a reduced price with other bonuses included (for details scroll down to the 'overall' section:3).

Things I could have done without..
I felt the staff was a wee bit pushy in trying to sell me other products and services. Seriously, after I say "no thanks" at least twice, you'd think they'd understand I don't want it (well really just cannot afford it).
Also, even though my hair was wrapped up and covered with a cap, I still was finding the micro crystals they use to buff your face in my hair and ears later (felt like sand), which was a little annoying. I also wish I'd been informed upfront that typically you won't seen any real results with only one appointment (though that would be common sense).

Overall..
I felt this procedure was a good step in the right direction for my skin and i actually WOULD recommend it (at the discounted price anyway).
Where: Caryl Baker Visage (Bramalea City Center Location in Brampton Ontario, Canada).
The deal: From now until December 30th, 3step microdermabraison for $62.50 (plus taxes, regularly $125 plus taxes per treatment) OR 5 3-step treatments for $300 (plus taxes) with the availability to pay in installments (which I took). In addition, if you purchase the package deal (prion to December 30th) you also receive 25% off of all Caryl Baker products, which isn't too bad. I plan to buy some of their 'acne solution' which I will also be reviewing on here.
Site: Caryl Baker Visage

Three Cheers for Material Objects!

Just going to take a couple minutes here to to unload this happy-pink-sugar feeling I have over actually getting to go out and buy things in the past week n____n

L e  P u r c h a s e s

Available in store or at www.hottopic.com

1. 'Hello Zombie' Shirt from Hot Topic
Cost- $28 plus taxes

Okay, so I saw this shirt online a couple weeks ago and was instantly smitten. Seeing as it combines two of my most favourite things (Zombies and Hello Kitty), I knew I HAD to get it. Overall it's a comfortable t-shirt, with a nice fit to it (shape-wise), and on top of that it didn't shrink in the was (bonus). That being said, I know I paid a little too much for it, really I think we can all agree that $28 is a bit too much for a t-shirt. Still, I love it to death, the 'Hello Zombie' Hello Kitty line was an excellent idea from Sanrio, I hope they do more promotions like this in the future. The line also includes another shirt, sweatshirt (which I want but cannot find), a plush keychain and 6 inch plush, hair ties, clips, purse, necklace, and bracelets.



Most styles available at Winners or various
online stores, check in from time to time!



2. Betsey xox Socks from Winners

Cost- $2 - 9.99 plus taxes

I love Winners (equivalent to T.J. Maxx in the States) They always have great little finds at great prices, in the last week I purchased two sets (four pairs total) of discontinued Betsey Johnson knee-thigh high socks($2 for set of two), and one pair of tights ($9.99). Unfortunately in my haste to try them on when i got home I ripped through the packaging and tossed it, thus losing the sku information so I can't give you an item number to look up. Also on the down side, since i lost my camera cable connector, I don't have a picture of any of the five items (fail) and was unable to track down images off the net. Overall though, the stockings, (which are a deep green-black colour, adorned with neon pink rose buds and grey leaves in a tattoo style print) were my favourite of the bunch, a close second to the skeleton leg knee high socks (black knit socks with a skeleton leg design, and pink bow print). My only issue was that the second pair of socks that came in each set were rather boring, all black with pink tow accents (not quite my style).

3. Iridescent Heart Necklace from Hot Topic



Available at Hot Topic.

Cost- $8.50 plus taxesMy mother actually saw this and instantly fell in love with it, so she bought it for me. I really like it though, measures about an inch and a half in height, same in width. It's a 3D plastic heart on a metal chain, treated to give off a rainbow sheen in different lighting. I thought the price was good, and have so far been able to work it into a variety of outfits, it's pretty neutral but really gives a cute and somewhat flashy element to your look. Since it's a bigger accessory, I wouldn't pair it with any other necklaces (though I did wear it with a pink pearl string, in a more extravagant outfit and in my opinion it didn't look too bad). That being said, I took it off last night before going to bed, left it on the table in my room, and in the morning when I went to put it on it had split down the middle (inexplicably), which leaves a question of quality (seeing as the other heart necklace, I bought from Hot Topic also broke after a couple days of wearing and cost twice the price). So I'd say if you really like it go for it, but if you're looking for durability you might just want to pass! This necklace also comes in a pendant style, with a chain that's about two point five times the length.
4. Black Suede, Strapped, Studded, Micheal and Bordeaux Ankle Boots
Cost- $39.99 plus taxes


Not the exact boots I bought, but a similar style.



I'd been looking for a pair of boots like this for a while (and I mean a WHILE). Three things I've really wanted for the fall are: a pair of ankle boots and a pair of boots that reach my mid calf (one grey, one black, one leather, one suede), and a nicer leather bag, preferably studded. MY only issue was that I didn't want to pay a fortune for them. After looking around and being my picky self ('I must LOVE them to buy them' being my mantra) for months, I popped into a little mock-brand-name discount shoe store called 'Micheal & Bordeaux' (I'd give you a link, but for some reason they aren't findable anywhere online) and fell in love (relatively). I really like the style, having the top being so wide allows for you to really wear anything with the boots, (especially if you have bulkier pants around the ankle). The studs and straps also allow you put a little more of your personality into them, plus the fact that they're flat make them more practical for challenging weather.

 Other features I'd say to look out for would be:

• Always buy boots a size up! It's just a good rule of thumb, usually they run a little small.
• Look for a warmer lining (faux fur, microfiber, etc.) fall is COLD in Canada.
• Buy something neutral that you're not going to end up hating! If you're buy it because it's trendy, that trend will end and then you're stuck with boots that you're not going to wear again.  

5. Grey and Black Knit Thigh-High Socks from Winners
Cost- $4.99 each plus taxes

An excellent idea for fall/winter, the thicker the better! I bought a pair in both black and charcoal grey from Winners, though I also saw them selling for up to $9.99 each. The ones I bought have a cable knit design, which turns into a closer knit ribbing at the top. I really like them for the element of texture they add to an outfit, not to mention the warmth! The first time I wore them I paired them with the Betsey print stockings I mentioned for number 2 in this blog, as well as the boots i listed as number 4. Though usually worn with a skirt, they work over pants, under pants, over legging/ stocking or just on your bare legs. Seriously get some, they're a great staple in a wardrobe for any time of the year, and for the trend conscious, they keep circulating back into popular fashion. I'd advise starting out with neutrals and then building upon different prints, textures, and colours. They're usually pretty inexpensive, and just add to a look, giving it the impression of being more 'styled'.
6. Butterball Bath Bomb from Lush
Cost- $4.75 plus taxes


Available in store or at Lush.com



Words cannot describe how amazing this little bath bomb is for your skin. This Bomb is filled with tons of little cocoa butter chunks, that release on your skin in the tub so that when you come out you can't help but touch yourself (mind out of the gutter, I mean like your stomach and legs!). It smells like vanilla, and ugggh it's just so hydrating and nice! The average size in about ninety grams, so a good idea is to break the bomb in half and get two uses out of it versus just plopping it in the tub and getting one. It's a great idea for having a little you time in the tub, or as a gift for a friend. The down side is the cocoa butter leaves a bit of a residue on the tub that you'll have to clean up later (though you'll be cleaning it with super soft skin that smells like vanilla, so it won't be a totally daunting task). Initially launched as a Christmas item (Mr. Butterball, same thing only snowman shaped), I'm really happy they continued it all year long.



Soon to Come:3

Kay guys, just a heads up that I'm going to be posting a few bigger tutorials in the next week or two (by request from youu).

• One on zombie makeup using liquid latex,
• another for perfect skin, and possibly
• another for eye makeup application (style yet to be decided).
  Each will include a product review of the things I used as well as a comparable option, price list, and where to get it all. So look out for those, hope you like themC:

Also, I may be doing a product haul for winter/fall, not sure yet, depends on how much money i have left after paying off my replacement blackberry (lol).

Hearts&stars Taylor Dur.

Broke, but Fabulous?

Sorry guys, this last week and a bit has had me so frazzled (moving my sister into her new condo, painting said condo, cleaning said condo, and a little partying on the side xP) that I haven't really had a chance to do much conceptually for this blog, so you're going to have to bare with me here.

Anyway! Today i wanted to talk about, well, essentially how broke I am. As some of you may have experienced, it's been pretty hard to find jobs this past year. I personally have handed out/ emailed about five million resumes, only to find that absolutely no one is hiring (except for a few less than legal jobs I was offered, but turned down on account of my darn morals).
So getting around to the topic of the day, free stuff!
I know I've said in a couple other blogs that I've received different products from people I know, and though some of you may not have that luxury, they're a ton of things out there you can get for zero dollars (or at least on major discount), which are fantastic!

Free Things!

To start out, a lot of different store chains and independent retailers from time to time offer free samples (very rare for drug stores) either as a promotion or for specific offers.

One example would be Sephora. Each of their locations offer a free 'Beauty Insider Card' which allows frequent shoppers to accumulate points off of each purchase that in turn to towards free products in the future. The only down side to this is that the choices on what you can get are limited between what they are currently offering (this varies from season to season). Alas, another excellent perk to the card is that upon going to the store a week before or after your birthday you are given a 'birthday present' (again, it changes yearly). Generally the gift is a three pack sampler of store-brand items such as a tri-pack of tinted glosses, or a mini set of Sephora-brand eye liner, shadow, and mascara (all of which i still use today, other than the mascara which was tosses after the three month usage period). 

Finally, when shopping at Sephora.com, with every purchase you are given the option of choosing three free sample products which may be anything from eyeshadow to perfume to brand name skin products (a perk I very much enjoy).

My second example (and probably the more frequently used one) is MAC Cosmetics. Now, unless you're working for MAC and or are on their list of artists, the chances of you getting into their sales are well, highly unlikely. But something that MAC offers to everyone are free samples of the majority of their products. Now when I say sample you may think "okay, wow I can use this once, great." Fortunately the portions are relatively generous, comparable to the amount of loose powder you might find in a shaker from Faces. The sample container dimensions are about the size of a quarter around, and a centimeter in height (usually filled all the way, though it depends on the person filling them. A couple times I've had to question if there was actually any makeup inside of the jar). This is a great way to try out different colours and levels of sheen on your skin in the comfort and lighting on your own home. I'll warn you though, I have only tried to get samples of foundation (liquid) and loose pigments, I doubt that anything solid would be sampleable (never hurts to ask though?). As well, the maximum number of samples is generally three per person so I'd recommend not going in and trying to 'sample' the entire store (lol).

 
Finally we come to Lush, one of my FAVOURITE stores, ever. They also have a sample program, much similar to both listed above. They offer product samples (up to three per visit) on everything from face masks, shampoos, shower jelly, soap, bath bombs, and bubble bars. Generally though these samples are one use, and quite small proportionally. However, they frequently have sales, and do promotions that allow for free products to be won or given out to patrons, no strings attached. I seriously cannot talk up how much I love this store (to get off topic for a moment), I have been truly impressed by every product I have purchased, and on top of that the staff is always so friendly and informative. I love that each product has a cute name and little story, and for those who need to grab a gift for a friend, they offer colourful and fun wrapped boxes with excellent assortments inside. As well, for vegans and alike, they have a large assortment of usable products, that are in addition: fair trade and all natural. They even have stickers on every packaged product telling you who it was made by on which date, and when it will be expired. All in all, the store it's self is an experience I would really urge you to pursue. Currently, their online promotion is that you get ten dollars back when you spend over a hundred dollars online (though that's a little much for a blog about being cashless, oh well).

So there we have some of the bigger places I like to go to for my free products. Another great strategy though is by looking at sites like Groupon or likewise who let you know about special promotions such as buy one get one free or other deals. Also, if you live in Canada, for those who shop at Zellers, the Bay or Home Outfitters, you can collect points on an 'HSBC Rewards Card' (costs around $30 to sign up for though). Which can later be redeemed for gift cards you can use at The Bay's beauty counters (MAC, Anna Sui products, etc). Lastly, there are always a ton of style/ photo/ makeup competitions going on all over the internet. Usually all you need to enter is a camera, computer, and mailing address. A recent one I saw was for Sugar Pill Cosmetics, it was a Halloween Competition where the winners in each category received free shadow pallets from the new brand. However if you're going to choose this rout, I would strongly advise doing some research ahead of time, don't want to end up on some creepy mailing list for something you've never heard of (or illegal, lol).