Shopping Bag Hags by CouponWinner.com

Travel Cosmetics Essentials

 

It’s time to pack up and head out for some travel adventures in the summer sun. Don’t get caught without these summer essentials in your travel bag.

Deep Conditioning Treatment: The summer heat can wreak havoc on your hair, especially when it’s aided by the triple threat of salt, chlorine and dry, hot winds. Try Rene Furterer OKARA Restructuring and Protective Hair Mask to help zap your hair back into shape. It not only repairs hair, but helps detangle it as well.

Always Wear Sunscreen: Sunburns are not sexy, and neither is dry, wrinkled skin that’s spent too many hours baking in the summer sun and is already showing signs of premature aging. Top skincare brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno, Banana Boat, and Coppertone, offer a variety of sunscreens with sun protection factors that can help keep your skin looking radiant and healthy.

Waterproof Cosmetics: You want to look sexy and sophisticated as you emerge from the pool. And very few people look sexy with mascara and eyeliner streaking down their faces. Load up on all things waterproof, like Blinc waterproof mascara and Stila Smudge Stick waterproof eye liner. You can get these and other fantastic summer finds at Lovely Skin. And until July 4 you can get 25% off all orders (code: 4JULY2011).  

Dana Robinson

Dana Robinson is a couponing and beauty expert.

The Heat is On!

 

The warm summer sun may feel good on your skin, but increased exposure can leave it feeling dry, cracked, and irritated. Be good to your skin this summer and keep it hydrated, nourished, and moisturized for a sultry summer glow.  

Stay Hydrated: One of the best ways to ensure smooth summer skin is to hydrate it from the inside out. We all know that we’re supposed to drink about eight glasses of water per day, so make the task easy on yourself by keeping a bottle of water in your purse or on your desk at work. Taking sips throughout the day will help keep your skin hydrated and radiant.

Nourishment: Don’t forget that the foods you eat contain water as well, especially fruits and vegetables. By consuming foods with a high-water content you’ll be doing even more to protect and hydrate your skin. And all of those vitamins and minerals that are packed into the produce you eat will help keep your skin looking great as well.  

The Right Products: Now that we’ve covered inner protection, let’s not forget the merits of outer protection as well. A good moisturizer that’s applied regularly is a must-have item. There are tons of varieties to choose from (day and night moisturizers, fragrance-free, SPF-infused, etc…), so choose a moisturizer with a fragrance, texture, and protection factor that suits your individual needs. In fact, you can check out The Body Shop’s current collection of moisturizers and get $10 off orders of $40 until July 5 (code: 10OFF). Once again, it’s a good idea to keep a travel-size moisturizer with you in your purse or on your desk so that you can always get a little extra boost of moisture when you need it.   

Dana Robinson

Dana Robinson is a couponing and beauty expert.

Summer Weddings Made Simple

While summer films, such as “Bridesmaids” or “Hangover 2”, have made it easy to express amusement at the pre-nuptial jitters and preparative stressors surrounding holy matrimony, most individuals can agree that planning or attending a wedding is no laughing matter. Because many of us are destined to go to at least one marriage ceremony this summer, here are a couple of pointers to ensure that attending a wedding won’t be as stressful or financially hard-hitting as planning one.

Steamy Wardrobe Decisions: Instead of sending your best wedding-appropriate chiffon or silk dress out to be pressed or steamed at the dry cleaners, take a shower with it. Seriously. Hang your dress on a hook or towel rack while taking a warm shower to receive the same wrinkle banishing results at absolutely no cost.

The Greatest Gifts are the Memories: Purchasing the expensive china sets, home appliances, or Egyptian cotton sheets that the happy couple has selected via their registry is not always your only gift-giving option. Framing an old picture that defines the happiness leading up to their marriage, and accompanying it with a heart-felt, honest inscription will surely mean more to them than embroidered hand towels.

Dress to Impress: While it is integral to choose an appropriate ensemble for the ceremony, going into debt is not. Thanks to eDressme.com’s 30% off all orders sale (code: SUMMER30) you have until June 22 to not only purchase the perfect dress for the bride and groom’s big day, but you’ll also have enough left over to buy yourself some new shoes to go with it!

Naz Papen

Naz Papen is a frequent contributor to CouponWinner.com.

Vacation Attire

 

The time has come for trips that involve plenty of sand, surf, and sunshine, where everyone wants to look their best as they have fun in the sun. However, you don’t want to spend your whole vacation lugging around massive amounts of luggage. Take a peek at our suggestions for versatile items that will not only have you looking your best, but also guarantee that you have plenty of space on the flight back for those great finds that you just had to have.

Trendy Tunic: Slightly sheer tunics are all the rage this season for your go-to sexy swimsuit cover-up. Pack a black one, and it can easily go from day to night. Simply switch out your bikini for a black slip underneath the tunic, throw on a pair of black platform wedges, add some chunky gold bangles, and you have an outfit that can easily wow the crowds after dark as well.

Basic Button Down: Nothing is more classic than a long-sleeved button-down cotton shirt. Its neutral colors and crisp texture can make any outfit look pulled together. Pair with a casual denim mini, flats, and a strand of pearls for day, or dress it up with skinny jeans, sky-high heels, and a cocktail ring at night. There are countless different options at Thomas Pink, where you can get 20% off sale items until June 26 (code: FD200611). No matter whether you opt for sky blue, pale pink, or traditional white, you can’t go wrong with this key piece.

Grace Cahalan

Grace Cahalan is a frequent contributor to CouponWinner.com.

Summer Sales

 

Although your romanticized notions of summertime escapism may have been squashed by nine-hour work days and rowdy children who are bored at home for the summer...warm weather fashions are still as dreamlike as ever. Keep the summertime vibe alive with the following tips that are meant to keep your ensembles up-to-date and fabulous!

Shop Online: Online shopping has become one of the simplest and most effective ways of feeding your fashion fix without risking the pull-your-hair-out stress of long lines and congested sale sections. Browse and buy your way into summer styles while you wait for your herb chicken to come out of the oven, or multitask by web surfing and chatting with your best girlfriend over the phone.

Smart Shopper: Nearly all fashion enthusiasts on a budget can agree that one of the most time consuming elements of shopping is the “can I really afford this” or “do I really need this” second guessing phase. Don’t waste your time mourning those overpriced beach-perfect wedges or that beautiful, yet oh-so-expensive summer dress, when there are so many great summer sales to take advantage of. Check out retailers like Macy's and Lacoste for huge summer savings. Until June 30, Lacoste is offering 25% to 50% off during their semi-annual sale, and Macy’s clearance items are on sale for up to 70% off for a limited time. What a great way to kick off the season!

Naz Papen

Naz Papen is a frequent contributor to CouponWinner.com. 

 

Gifts Galore

Summer always seems to bring an abundance of weddings and babies, making it the season for celebratory showers. But as your social schedule grows, it can sometimes seem like your savings account shrinks thanks to purchasing all of those shower gifts. In order to both save your money while still impressing your friends, we’ve come up with some gift ideas for these special events that will have you sailing smoothly through the months ahead.

Baby Showers: You could just grab a box of diapers, put a bow on it, and call it a day, but why not opt for a gift that’s a bit more unique? Purchase a plain, solid colored baby romper and then stock up on crafting supplies, such as glitter, ribbon, paint pens, and more. Let your inner artist run wild by decorating the romper to your heart’s content, creating a one-of-a-kind outfit that is as unique and adorable as the baby who will wear it.

Wedding Showers: Something simple and thoughtful is often the best choice to give the new couple before their wedding day, and Philosophy offers an array of charming bath and body products that you can customize for the occasion. You can choose the Falling in Love shower gel, for example, and select a picture of the happy couple along with any well wishes for the bride and groom and put them on the bottle. Not only will you be giving a gift, but you’ll create a cute keepsake that both the bride and groom can enjoy every morning. Customized gifts are typically pretty pricey, but until June 16 you can get 25% off all purchases, and free shipping on purchases of $50 or more (code: PHILOSOPHY25).

Grace Cahalan

Grace Cahalan is a frequent contributor to CouponWinner.com.

Curl Control

 

Curly hair is a magnificent thing. It can be long and flowing, stacked into an Angela Davis Afro or fall anywhere in between. And like any other type of hair texture, curly hair comes with its own special set of instructions, especially in the summer heat.

Moisture: Keeping curly hair moisturized is critical. The natural oils from the scalp have difficulty making their way through the bends and curves of curly hair, therefore curly hair is much more likely to be dry. Applying a moisturizer regularly, especially during the hot and humid days of summer, can keep your tresses moisturized which will intern make them more manageable.  

The Tools: There are a few essential tools that are required in order to make curly hair look its best.

1. Wide-Tooth Comb. Detangling with a wide-tooth comb prevents breakage and helps curls stay organized.
2. Blow-Dryer with Diffuser Attachment: Diffusers evenly distribute heat on the hair and help maintain the integrity of the curls.  

Frizz Fighters: Dry, curly hair is more susceptible to frizz, and summertime humidity only makes the problem worse. There are tons of frizz control products out there, and the only way to know which one is right for you is to experiment. Experimentation can be costly, which is why we should all rejoice about the fact that Sally Beauty, the place to go for beauty essentials, not only has a huge selection of frizz control products, but nearly just as many discount deals and specials. For a limited time you can receive free shipping on orders of $50 or more, as well as 30%-70% off clearance items.

Dana Robinson

Dana Robinson is a couponing and beauty expert.

Saving on Swimming

 

Top-of-the-line swimsuits fit like a dream, last for years, hug you in all the right places, and can sometimes be ridiculously expensive. But there are deals and discounts out there to be had…

Leonisa: For a limited time you can receive $30 off, plus free shipping on your purchase of $200 or more (code: SURF30OFF).  

Alloy: You only have until June 10 to receive $20 off any purchase of $75 or more (code: 2ANFA). Time’s wasting! Get clicking!

Swimspot: Receive $15 off designer swimwear of $99+ (code: SPOTME$15). But the offer is only for a limited time.  

BlueFly: With one of the most extensive collections on the Internet, BlueFly is offering $15 off purchases of $100+ for all new customers until June 30 (code: AFF15).

Bella Beachwear: If you’re into the teeny bikini look, then Bella Beachwear is the place to go. You can choose anything from scrunch crochet bikinis to micro bikinis and receive $15 off on orders over $100 (code: KES34DK).

Perry Ellis: Until June 30 you can have your pick of the very best chic and stylish beachwear options for an extra 30% off (code: PESITE30AF).    

Dana Robinson

For the Love of Shoes

 

Shoes are one of the most wonderful inventions that were ever created by human hands. A simple swap of the shoes on your feet can change your style, your look, and your mood. Finding quality shoes that are stylish as well as affordable can be a bit tricky, but there are ways to navigate the sometimes tricky world of shoe shopping and come out on top.

Fabulous Fit: Sacrificing fashion for fit in just a flat out bad idea. (I should know. I spent last night sitting down in a pair of fabulous platforms that pinched my toes and prevented me from partying on the dance floor with my friends). Before you purchase a pair of shoes do a few laps around the store to get a real feel for the true fit of the shoes. It’s much better than being couch-bound at the club watching everyone else have the time of their lives on the dance floor.   

Location, Location, Location: If you choose to order shoes online, make sure that you’re getting the best deals. Check out ShoeBuy.com  for excellent deals on boots, bridal shoes, sandals, slippers, sneakers, and just about anything else you can slip on your feet. The site offers free shipping, free return shipping, and no sales tax! And for a limited time you can get 10% off all purchases (code: ROADRUNNER).  

Top Quality: Purchasing shoes that are constructed of inferior materials ensures that they will begin to look shabby much sooner than later. And that results in a waste of money. It’s best to splurge on a pair of well-made shoes that may cost a bit more, but will last for years to come. That, my friends, is smart shopping!

Dana Robinson

More Beauty for Your Buck

Sometimes it seems that the very products that we use to make ourselves look and feel our best are the same ones that tend to lighten our wallets considerably. So in the name of looking good without breaking the bank, we’ve compiled some tips that will transform you into a budding recessionista, stretching both your dollars and your beauty products as far as they can go.

Nail Polish: I can’t count the number of times I’ve tossed a nearly full bottle of my favorite color solely because it became too goopy to apply. To keep this from happening to you, place a few drops of nail polish thinner into the bottle and shake. Instantly, your polish will turn back into a smooth liquid that can glide easily over your nails. In a pinch, a very small amount of nail polish remover will provide the same fix.

Travel Toiletries: When traveling, it’s tempting to go out and purchase cute travel-sized products. However, you can save money by simply buying a set of reusable miniature plastic containers and pouring a small amount of your favorite products into them instead. After all, I could never leave the house without my Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo from Carol’s Daughter, but I’ll only need so much of it while traveling. That’s why I’ll not only be taking advantage of my miniature plastic container collection, but also the current $10-off promotion on orders of $50 or more (code: CWIN10OFF50) from Carol’s Daughter. The deal is an exclusive CouponWinner.com offer, but it only lasts for a limited time.  

Foundation: There’s no need to use massive amounts of foundation every time you get ready to go out. Most women can make do with coverage that is much lighter than what you get when you apply straight from the bottle. So to make your foundation last a bit longer, mix it with a small amount of SPF 30 face lotion. Not only will you save money, but you’ll prevent wrinkles too.

Grace Cahalan