discount code

Can anyone tell me how to make this a 'permenantly on top' post?  Is that what permalink does?

Normally, I use retailmenot as my primary resource for discount codes, but sometimes, certian stores are not allowing RMN to post codes anymore.  So, I'll try to add codes I come across THERE, but if I can't, I'll post them here & update the labels so you can find them.  If you attempt to use one that is expired, please post a comment so I can remove it from the list.  Thank You.

Karmaloop blndsundoll4mj saves 15% off first purchase

mywardrobe.com  AW12STYLE01 for 80 of 300 purchase
mywardrobe.com MIDSEASON30US for 30% off sale

Mac Pro Scuplting Cream

I'm not normally one to be a slave to MAC's releases, but I happened to stumble across their Face and Body release last week.
I ordered 2 pro-sculpting creams (then later picked up a 3rd at the store), and the 163 brush.

The 3 PSC's that I got were Copper Beech, Coffee Walnut, and Richly Honed.
Copper Beech is a very yellow/orangy based color.
Coffee Walnut is more of a green based brown
Richly honed looks somehow like a red based brown with yellow (?)
Supposedly these dry to a powder finish.

I was torn about which colors to get because I also have a Cover FX 'kit' that has several different color browns that I could use for contouring.  But I managed to convince myself I 'needed' these MAC ones because they dried to a powder finish - which will look better on my oily skin.

For reference, the skin on my wrist is about NC42.

Here are the swatches of the MAC Pro Sculpting Creams:

(Richly Honed, Coffee Walnut, Copper Beech)


Here they are again, with the comparable Cover FX creams swatched in between.  There were only 2 comprables in the Cover Fx kit.  I didn't bother comparision swatching the yellow one (which I believe to be B0).  The two that I did swatch were (what I believe to be): B25, B45. Unfortunately when you get this Cover FX kit, they don't label the colors of the cream foundations included :(

(As swatched on arm, left to right: Richly Honed, Cover FX B25, Coffee Walnut, Cover FX B45, Copper Beech


I then blended them out lightly with the brush, so you can see how they blend.  I'm sure they could have been blended out much more sheerly.

In my opinion, if you already have the Cover FX kit in B, you don't need the MAC in Copper Beech - the 2 colors I swatched could be blended to make the perfect dupe for CB.  The other 2 colors: Coffee Walnut (more 'ashen' undertone) and Richly Honed (more brick-red undertone) are not found in the Color FX kit.



Then, I waited 20 minutes to see if there was a difference in the finish (you know how the MAC's suppposedly dry-to-powder-finish...) there was no difference in finish (I didn't powder them).  So, I wiped them a few times with a dry paper towel to see if there was a difference in staying power.  Here were my results:

I purchased all these products myself.
You can purchase the Cover FX kit for $75 in several shade options from either Sephora or the Skinstore.com (skinstore usually has specials.  If they're not currently having a special, use the code: SSM76001 to save 10%).  The brushes in the two kits are different, but honestly after getting the kit from Sephora specifically for that brush.  It makes no difference, I have to use a sponge to put on their cream foundations.

You can purchase the MAC products on their website, or in a store near you.

About the CoverFX kits (the middle color is the biggest portion):
(Note: NC42 is an M80 in Cover FX.  In the summer when I'm tan in my face, I wear B15.)
 * B Series - shades of golden brown to ebony (contains B0, B25, B45)
* C Series - shades with primarily pink undertones. (contains C10, C40, C80)
* E Series - shades with a balance of pink and yellow. (contains E0, E30, E80)
* M Series - shades with yellow and/or olive undertones. (contains M20, M40, M80)

Authentic Pre-Owned Designer Items

http://www.yoogiscloset.com/

http://www.fashionphile.com/  <--has been accused of poor customer service, accused of sometimes selling fakes

https://www.portero.com/ <--malleries will some times have same EXACT items @ diff prices

http://www.malleries.com/  <---has been accused of selling fakes, yoogi's will some times have same EXACT items @ diff prices

http://www.luxedesignerhandbags.com/

http://hgbagsonline.com/cart/

http://www.luxuryexchange.com/

and a good link for identifying fake Chanel's:  http://www.vintageheirloom.com/captions_how_to_spot_a_fake_2.55_chanel_bag.html

reference of measurements dimensions of similar sized/shaped bags

Alexander Wang Mini Rocco:          12"L,    9.5"D,   8.5" H (strap is standard)
Louis Vuitton Speedy 30:                 12"L,    6"D,       8"H (avail w strap as bandolier style)
Balenciaga (incl Giant) Part Time:   17"L,    7"D,      8.5"H (strap is standard)
Louis Vuitton Speedy 35:                 13.75"L,    7"D,      11"H (avail w strap [for extra $] as bandolier style)
Balenciaga (incl Giant) City:            15"L,    5.5"D,    9.5"H (strap is standard)
Balenciaga (incl Giant) Work:          18"L,    8"D,      10.5"H (does not come w shoulder strap)



And some of the more popular designer footwear/shoe sizing/fit

Vera Wang- TTS (wide)

Casadei - TTS

D&G- down 1/2-1 size

Rene Caovilla- up 1/2 size (run small)

Chanel- runs small

Gucci- true to size

Dior- runs small by 1/2 size

Prada- TTS (if open toe/ open back); otherwise up 1/2 to 1 size

- others say true to size

- male: run larger, go 1/2-1 size smaller

Versace-large

Costume National- TTS to1/2 size bigger

Christian Louboutin - Narrow

Burberry - TTS

YSL Rive Gauche- TTS but very narrow

Gucci- long and narrow depending on style; closed toe- run smaller; sandals - TTS

Chloe: run 1/2 big

Tods- all over the place

Chanel- TTS

Sergio Rossi: run big (up 1/2 size)

Salvatore Ferragamo - TTS, narrow

Stuart Weitzman - TTS, Narrow

Emporio Armani: TTS

Louis Vuitton: TTS, sneakers run big; pumps- go half a size up

Vivienne Westwood- runs 1/2 size large

Jimmy Choo- run narrow; half a size small

Michael Kors- slightly narrow

Blahnnik- narrow & 1/2 small

Valentino - TTS

Versace - TTS

Zac Posen - TTS 

Discount Online Shopping

Yes, I get it.  I'm supposed to be 'not shopping as much.'  But, I have to be honest, I still do sometimes.  That said, I AM still trying to reduce the amount of stuff I have & build a capsule (-esque) wardrobe.  So, I'm looking for high-quality staples... and not interested in spending original retail for most of it.  Actually, I almost NEVER pay full price for stuff.  And I've found usually I can save the most by shopping online.  So, sometimes I'll try something on in a store, or find an item I like in the store... and (on the spot) use my phone to see if I can get it for less online.  Usually I can.  In fact, I RARELY buy something before comparison shopping.


- First, I always check my 'cash back' site to see if I can get any money back through them.  These sites work in that you set up an account, then you search for whatever store you're going to be shopping at & click the link. Then buy through that link.  To make sure I'm getting the money back (I get distracted looking @ products in new windows)... what I do is get my whole cart together at a website.   THEN, when I'm absolutely sure I'm ready to check out, I go through Mr. Rebates to actually make my purchase.  The % back does NOT come off your purchase directly, instead will show up in your Mr. Rebates account 90 days later.  Then you can request a paypal deposit (or check mailed to you).  In about 2 years, I've received over $600 back (!).  I used to comparison shop here too (checking ebates to see if they offer a higher percentage back).  But ebates was a let down for me,  they rarely offered as much rebate.  In 2 years I earned less than $2 at ebates, so I just closed that account down.

- Also, the other thing I do EVERY TIME I shop. I google for coupons.  Usually, I find them at
RetailMeNot, Dealigg or CouponCabin.  RMN is my favorite, it's the most esthetically pleasing.

- I check these flash sale sites daily: (In Order To keep on my 'limited shopping', I will ONLY buy what I already have on my 'list' no matter HOW great a deal is... it can be hard to not get carried away by the sale).  There are others, but I've found these two to have higher-end items.
Gilt
My Habit

HauteLook is also good sometimes, but they're kind of hit/miss - so I don't check them all the time.
Bluefly has some good deals sometimes too, but you have to sign up for their (millions of) emails, to get the best deals.  And with their ever-changing promotions, prices can fluctuate by up to 30% daily.

- And, the 'sale' section (which is not up year round) of SSense has yielded some AWESOME deals on high end & designer stuff.

**NOTE: regarding many of the shopping site links, I'm getting referral credit if you sign up through my links **