HOT drugstore sales starting tomorrow (Sunday, 9/30)

I've been working as quickly as possible to get the Weekly Drugstore Makeup Sales post up tonight instead of tomorrow because I wanted to give you plenty of time to prepare for some fantastic deals headed our way. Sadly, I'm not quite done and I have to head out for dinner, but my usual post  will be up by tomorrow morning at the latest (morning my time, that is, and you know I'm in CA!). 

So until then, here are some can't-miss deals that start tomorrow (Sunday, 9/30):

CVS: ALL Wet n Wild cosmetics will be BOGOFREE (9/30 - 10/6)

(This is not a typo. Everything's buy 1 get 1 FREE)

 

CVS: Spend $10 on any Physicians Formula cosmetics get $7 Extra Bucks (9/30 - 10/6)

(A product can be $9.99 and still qualify for the Extra Bucks)

Rite Aid: Spend $15 on any EcoTools brushes get $5+UP (9/30 - 10/6)

Hopefully this heads-up will enable you to get to your drugstores bright and early tomorrow for the best selection! (And apologies to those of you who don't live near a CVS that carries Wet n Wild...some stores carry NYC and some carry WnW and it all depends on the region).

Nouveau Cheap readers have spoken: Your favorite lipstick texture is...

I can't recall another landslide like this in the three years I've been doing these reader polls. Wow! So what's the most popular lipstick texture around here? I think it's pretty obvious...

What's your favorite lipstick texture?

(2,842 total votes)

A whopping 1,280 of you (out of a total of 2,842 votes) chose Creme as your favorite finish when it comes to lipstick. I've gotta say, I was happy to see this because it's my favorite too, and I hope that means that many of you might be happy to see more creme lipstick reviews here on the blog!  

I'd say Matte, Satin and Sheer were pretty much tied for second, with Frost coming in last.

So...how do you feel about the results of this poll? Do you agree or disagree? I'd love to hear from you!

PS: The new Reader Poll for October is now up (see right-hand sidebar) and I'd love it if you would take a minute to vote. As always, we'll meet back here to discuss the results next month!

My Weekend Manicure: Kleancolor Aurora

Weekends are the time when I really cut loose and have fun with my nails, and for this weekend I chose what is probably my all-time favorite glitter polish (strong words, I know, but I really, really love this one):

Kleancolor Aurora

(retail: around $1.99 at indie beauty supply stores across the nation, 0.5 oz)

Here's a macro shot:

Aurora contains irridescent medium hexagonal and small hexagonal glitter (no chunky hex glitter here), and also medium pink star glitter. This wonderful glitter cocktail is floating around in a light pink jelly base (not really visible on the nail unless you do multiple coats).

My favorite way to wear Aurora is over a plain black creme, as I think this really brings out the rainbow of colors in the hex glitter. Aurora is one of those polishes that can mirror the color of the base you're using, and you can see that in these swatches here.  So I prefer to wear it over black because it provides a striking contrast, but it's also gorgeous over lighter shades for a softer look.

Lots o' swatches after the jump...

Target Daily Deals: Sonia Kashuk brushes and more (free shipping today only)

Thanks to reader Meng for the heads-up that many Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes and other items are on sale as part of the Target Daily Deals for today only (9/29). As of the time of this post, you've got about eight hours to jump on these while shipping is free (no minimum order required).

Thanks for the heads-up, Meng!

Five Buck Friday

It's Friday and you know what that means! Here are some Nouveau-Cheap-approved beauty bargains for your Friday that, when purchased together, add up to...you guessed it...five bucks!

e.l.f. Essential Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Cherry Tart (retail: $1 at Target and the e.l.f. website). To be honest, I'm kind of "over" the whole click-pen delivery system for lip colors, but I do love it when they have the sponge applicator and you can see the gloss come up through the holes (kind of reminds me of Play-Doh from when we were kids). For a buck, I think Cherry Tart delivers such a pretty, natural-looking wash of color to the lips, and it's one of those universally-flattering shades that would look great on practically anyone. You can check out my original review from 2010 here, with swatches. As far as glosses go, this is one of my all-time favorites.

Keep reading for more Five Buck Friday fabulousness...

Butter LONDON lacquers and lipglosses B2G1FREE at Macys NOW

Big thanks to reader Chelsey for letting us know that right now on the Macy's website, all Butter LONDON lacquers and lipglosses are B2G1FREE (per the email Chelsey received from Macy's, this offer is good through through tomorrow, 9/29, though no specific time was given for the when the offer ends tomorrow).

Click here and look for the items that say "SPECIAL OFFER" in red to see which products qualify for the B2G1FREE promotion.

Also, there are a few offers to go along with this B2G1FREE deal:

1) Free shipping at $50 (I believe this is an everyday promotion)

2) With any Butter LONDON nail lacquer purchase, you can get a Backstage Basics kit for $25 (purchase with purchase):

This kit regularly retails for $39 on the Butter LONDON website but it is a "$55 value". (NOTE: you can also purchase this kit for $25 at Ulta right now).

Thanks so much for the heads-up, Chelsey!

Sephora is giving away FREE $10 Gift Certificates today only! (Facebook)

A huge thanks to reader Annette for this one! Today only (Friday 9/28) on the Sephora Facebook page, "like" them here and you'll have access to download a new app called Wrapp (if you don't have a smartphone that's ok--you'll be asked to connect using your Facebook account):

image source: Sephora Facebook page

From there, you'll be taken to the Wrapp website for further instructions.

NOTE: if you run into any issues, please take note of this message from Wrapp (courtesy of Annette):

Please note Wrapp is currently having issues with their servers. They are working to have the offer back up and running as soon as possible. For additional assistance, please contact support@wrapp.com. Thank you for your patience!

I just tried it and it worked for me, so hopefully they've got things under control, but just in case you get an error message, keep trying!

Thanks so much for the great heads-up, Annette!

Five-minute nighttime look using the NYC Animal Instinct Palette

The other night, Mr. G had a craving for Japanese ramen and since ramen houses around here stay open until 2AM, he convinced me to get out of my PJs, jump in the shower and drive out for a little late-night snacky-snack. I didn't have much time to get ready, but I wanted to do something a little fun and dramatic since we never really go out for late-night dinners. So I grabbed my NYC IndividualEyes Animal Instinct palette from the Limited Edition Fashion Predator Collection (full review with swatches here) and got to work:

  NYC Limited Edition IndividualEyes Palette in Animal Instinct

(retail: $4.99)

My five-minute nighttime eye look, after the jump...

New beauty freebies, deals, sales and a Pinterest contest

NOTE: if you haven't clicked on the You Tell Me page lately (link in the upper menu bar of this blog), I strongly urge you to give it a read. In the past 48 hours there are have been so many great deals submitted by YOU that I just can't begin to list them all. Thanks, as always, to all contributors for making that page an invaluable resource for all of us!

I've got some great deals to share with that that are either going on now or about to start within the next few days, so keep these babies on your radar, add them to your calendar, etc.:

Here's one I received directly from L'Occitane: 

Have you tried L’Occitane’s world famous Shea Butter Hand Cream? If not, now is the time to do so! It is so popular that one is sold every three seconds around the world! Starting October 1st through October 14th, log onto Facebook and click to “Like” the L’Occitane fan page to receive a free 10ML tube of the hand bag essential – perfect to combat dry hands during the colder months ahead. If 500,000 fans are reached from October 1st-October 14th, the Shea Butter Hand Cream will be upgraded to the 30ML size tube and you will receive a voucher for 15% off your next purchase that can be redeemed at any L’Occitane store, nationwide!

Keep reading for lots of additional deals...

Newly-revamped Sation Nail Lacquer hits TJ Maxx, Marshalls (and Winners if you're in Canada)

This just hit my desk and I'm excited to share it with my fellow lacquer heads out there! Check it out:

Miss Professional Nail (Miss) announces that 24 colors from its signature nail lacquer line, Sation, will soon be available at select TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Winners (Canada) stores. The color selection may vary from store to store and will be a mix of Sation’s Classic and Limited Collections. Miss Vice-President Mike Vo shares, “We are proud to offer continued value and increased accessibility to our diverse customer base.”
 
Miss holds the distinction as the only Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified nail polish manufacturer in the United States with presence in a big-box retailer.

Sation officially hits the shelves at the end of September; check your local store(s) for availability.

Miss Professional Nail has given their Sation line an "epic rebranding" with a "fun, fresh image, customized bottle/brush design" and new collections (Limited/Seasonal) in addition to the Sation Classic polishes. Take a peek at some of the new collections:

(click to enlarge)

Two additional collections, after the jump...

Breaking Beauty News: Markwins to acquire Physicians Formula

My pal Jess of Polish Insomniac blew my mind this morning, and now I'm about to blow yours. Markwins (makers of Wet n Wild and Black Radiance) is acquiring Physicians Formula.

From Bloomberg Businessweek:

Physicians Formula, based in Azusa, Calif., said Thursday that Markwins will acquire all of its outstanding shares for $4.90 per share, which represents a 33 percent premium to the company's closing price of $3.68 on Aug. 14...

 To read the full article, please click here.

(Alternative sources: NASDAQ,  Wall Street Journal Market Watch,  CNN Money Watch.)

I don't even know what to say. I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts about this and how you think this may or may not change the course of PF moving forward. I'm thinking about how this could improve the distribution of PF in the future (will we eventually see this brand at all of the same retailers that currently carry Markwins products?). Also, could this possibly mean that we might eventually see more color cosmetic offerings from PF (limited edition eyeshadows, lip colors or...dare I say it...nail polishes?!)? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

And thanks again, Jess, for the scoop of all scoops!

Sneak Peek: Scunci Ponytail Bracelets

Hair ties that double as bracelets are all the rage these days, but sometimes you have to buy them online or from fancy boutiques. Well, that's no longer the case because check out the info I just received from Scunci:

scünci just moved the ‘arm party’ trend of stackable bracelets to your hair!  Introducing new scünci® Ponytailer Bracelet—the perfect accessory that doubles as a bracelet and a hair tie!

Wear just one scünci® Ponytailer Bracelet or a few to rock out a great hairstyle, or stack a few on your wrist to sport the stacked bracelets trend!  scünci® Ponytailer Bracelets are available in nine complementary colors and styles and match any outfit! 

 More info, after the jump...

Review: L'Oreal Limited Edition Project Runway Fall 2012 Electric Fantasie Colour Riche Lipstick in The Muse's Kiss

Continuing my coverage of the L'Oreal Limited Edition Project Runway Electric Fantasie Collection items that I purchased at Rite Aid recently (click here for my review of the purple gloss and here for my review of two of the eyeshadow quads), today I'd like to show you the one lipstick that I purchased, The Muse's Kiss.

As I've stated several times already (sorry for repeating myself here!) this collection has been spotted at Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens over the past few weeks, and you can also purchase everything (minus the nail strips) online at Ulta where, as of the time of this post, they're B2G1FREE.

I thought that the other three lipsticks in this collection were quite nice, but this one seemed the most different when compared to the other lipsticks in my collection, so that's why it came home with me:

 L'Oreal Limited Edition Project Runway Colour Riche Lipstick in The Muses's Kiss

(retail: $8.95 at Rite Aid, 0.13 oz)

Swatches, after the jump...

New beauty freebies!

Two new freebies to tell you about today!

Thanks to reader Annette for the heads-up on this new Facebook freebie:

Click here to be taken to the Herbal Essences Facebook page, where you can send a HoneyGram message to a friend and, in turn, receive a coupon for FREE trial-size sample of the new Honey, I'm Strong shampoo or conditioner. But you've got to hurry because this offer will probably go pretty quickly.

I am currently testing out the new Honey, I'm Strong shampoo and conditioner and, without spoiling too much, I absolutely LOVE it. If you've got hair that it's in need of hydration and/or prone to tangling, you might want to get this sample and give it a whirl. My hair has been loving it (check back for my full review soon).

 Keep reading for an awesome new CVS freebie, no purchase necessary...

China Glaze White Cap vs. Julie G. My Private Palace

As I was working on a future post where I'll be reviewing some of the Jesse's Girl Julie G. nail colors, I noticed that the shade My Private Palace looked a little familiar to me. Then I realized that it reminded me of China Glaze White Cap from the Spring 2011 Anchors Away Collection. 

So I thought I'd do some side-by-side swatches.

(Note: Julie G polishes are available exclusively at Rite Aid and on the Jesse's Girl website.)

Jesse's Girl Julie G Nail Color in My Private Palace

(retail: $3.99, 0.35 oz)

China Glaze White Cap

(retail: around $6.50, 0.5 oz)

Keep reading for comparison pics...

Wet n Wild Where's the Party? Interactive Sightings Map

Due to popular request, I've created a sightings map for the Wet n Wild Limited Edition Where's the Party? Collection (8-pan eyeshadow palettes). Please feel free to post a marker on this map if you find this collection in your area (detailed instructions below).

NOTE #1: I've added a NEW FEATURE to this map but I need your help to make it work. When you add a marker, please enter the store name, city and state in the very first box on the entry form. By doing so, your marker will come up in a list visible on the right side of the map when you view the map here. Hopefully this will make it easier to search for markers in your city and state. (If you don't like viewing this list when you're in full-screen mode, there is an option to remove it by clicking the little arrow at the top of the list.)

NOTE #2: I approve markers at least once a day, so if you do not see your marker after you create it, please allow UP TO 24 HOURS for it to appear on this map.

If this map will not load for you, try viewing it in a different browser or on a desktop. You may also access this map directly by clicking here, but if you want to add a marker, you must do so by visiting the map via this blog post. Thanks for your cooperation!

BEFORE ADDING A MARKER, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: 

1) Find the location you want to mark on the map above.

2) After you find your location on the map, click "ADD" in the upper right corner of the map and follow the instructions. PLEASE BE SURE TO ENTER THE STORE, CITY AND STATE IN THE FIRST BOX ON THE ENTRY FORM. In the "location" box you can enter the street address of the store, if you'd like. In the "description", feel free to enter any other pertinent info such as when you spotted the display, where it's located within the store and how many items were left when you were there.

3) If your marker does not appear on the map after you refresh the page, PLEASE DO NOT ADD ANOTHER MARKER. It might take up to 24 hours for your marker to appear based on when I approve it. 

Thanks SO much for your help!

New feature added to the interactive sightings maps

Heads up, sightings map users! I hope I'm about to make everyone's life a little bit easier when it comes to getting around these maps. 

Effective immediately, when you view the maps in full-screen mode, there will be a list that appears on the right-hand side that will show you the title of every marker on the map (click here to view the e.l.f. Villainous Villains map in full-screen mode to see exactly what I'm talking about). Once you click on a listing, the pop-up for the corresponding marker will appear on the map. Pretty cool, huh?

But to maximize the benefits of this new feature, I need your help.

Moving forward, whenever you leave a marker on one of the sightings maps, please list the store, city and state in the title of the marker. In other words, don't just put "Walgreens" as the title of your marker. Type: "Walgreens San Diego CA" (obviously change that to the city and state of the Walgreens where you found the display).

If this plan works, you'll be able to quickly scroll through the list on the right side of the map, find your exact location and then match it to the corresponding marker. BAM! 

Thanks everyone, for your continued help in making these maps so incredibly helpful to all of us.

PS: I'm about to post a NEW MAP for the Wet n Wild Where's the Party Collection, so we've got a clean slate to test this new map list feature. *fingers crossed*

The Wednesday Question

What's your go-to drugstore eyeliner, and why?

Most of you probably know my answer before I even say it: Jordana FabuLiner in Black. For $2.99 at Walgreens, that liner literally changed my life. Before I tried that liner (thanks to the lovely Yuliya who kindly gave me my very first one a few years ago), I was never really a felt-tip liner person. But the ease of use, the pigmentation and the staying power make it a liner I reach for at least four times a week. I think it's perfect for both newbies and longtime liquid liners users. One pen lasts forever, and it never smears/smudges on me, even in hot weather (it's not waterproof through, in case you've never tried it). It's perfection for me. PS: Don't get the Brown version--it's not nearly as good as Black.

theBalm Nude 'tude palette and more on Haute Look NOW (ends 9/27 at 8AM Pacific)

I know I already posted about this a few days ago, but I wanted to remind you that theBalm is now on Haute Look (sale ends 9/27 at 8AM Pacific) and they've got the Nude 'tude palette for $18 again (they've sold this in the past and it's always quite popular). For those unfamiliar with this palette, it's an Urban Decay Naked Palette dupe (mentioned in my UD Naked dupe list here).

 image source: HauteLook.com

theBalm Nude 'tude Palette

(retail: $36, HauteLook price: $18)

If you've never tried anything from theBalm, their eyeshadows are wonderful (in fact, everything I've tried by them is first rate). So if you've been looking for a good Naked Palette dupe, you might want to consider this one before it's gone on Thursday morning.

PS: Haute Look's got lots of other goodies from theBalm on sale right now, including Cheater Mascara ($9), which I did a mini-review of here (LOVE it) and also Balms Away ($10) which is a heavy duty makeup remover (one tin will last you forever) that I love as well.

Walgreens Balance Rewards members: earn 5,000 points with any $30 purchase today and tomorrow only

Attention Walgreens shoppers: I received the following info directly from Walgreens and wanted to share it ASAP since this offer is only good today (9/25) and tomorrow (9/26):

To celebrate the 10-day anniversary of Balance Rewards, on Tuesday, September 25th and Wednesday, September 26th, customers who spend $30 on almost anything in-store and online will get 5,000 Balance Rewards points.

Balance Rewards point offer good 09/25/2012 thru 09/26/2012 except when otherwise noted. Points will not be earned in a transaction where Redemption Dollars or Store Credit is used. Point Promotions will not apply to and Points cannot be earned on purchases of: alcohol; dairy; tobacco; stamps; phone/prepaid cards; money orders/transfers; transportation passes; lottery tickets; charitable donations; pseudoephedrine or ephedrine product; prescriptions, health tests, contact lenses, or certain items that are excluded in particular Point Promotions, and any other items specified as exclusions by the Company from time to time or where prohibited by law. See Balance Rewards terms and conditions for full details.

If you're new to the Walgreens Balance Rewards program, you can sign up in-store or online here. Here is a summary of some of the benefits of the Balance Rewards Card:

HOT beauty deals (Annette's on fire again!)

How does free shipping for a year to many of your favorite websites sound? Or perhaps a LORAC Femme Fatale palette for $14? Or how about two bottles of my very favorite brush cleaner with free shipping for ten bucks (today only)?

Keep reading for all this and more in this Hot Deals round-up...

(UPDATED) Attention all first-time Missha customers!

If you caught my Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream review from yesterday and you're new to the Missha website and are considering a purchase, you must read the comment that reader Angel left on the blog today:

Angel writes:

...after reading this review I decided to look into the Missha [BB cream]. When I saw the smaller version was 30% off, I thought "what the heck?" and decided to get it in the same shade as you since I am a little lighter in complexion. Here's the awesome part: when I went to their website, they had a deal where if you signed up for emails, you got a BB Boomer 40ml for free, which is a primer/luminizer. THEN when I signed in, my gift as a first time purchaser was a full size bottle of the Perfect Cover in #21! All that was required was a purchase of $1 or more. I purchased a hand cream for $2, and shipping was $8.99. So, including shipping, I paid $10.99 for $57 worth of product! Even if it doesn't work out for me, I can't complain given the great deal I'm getting!

Whaaaaa? My mind has been officially blown! That is one crazy combination of offers! Thanks so much, Angel, for taking the time to share (and please do let me know what you think of Perfect Cover once you give it a try!). If you're NOT new to the Missha website, you can still get Perfect Cover on sale here and here but you obviously won't get the other offers for first-time customers.

UPDATE: Angel kindly shared a screen cap of her order for reference. If you don't see your coupon in your account after you register, it may take a little while so keep checking and hopefully it will appear soon. Also, Angel shared a great idea since the Missha site only accepts Visa and MasterCard. If you don't have either, Angel suggested going to your local grocery store or drugstore and buying a pre-paid Visa Card to use when placing your order. Great tip!

See Angel's photo after the jump.... 
 

Hidden gems on our favorite websites...

I don't often have insomnia but last night I did, and my loss (of sleep) is your gain, because I found some great hidden gems and sales while searching through various websites on my phone at 3:30 in the morning!

 Let's start with Target.com:

 image source: target.com

• The Limited Edition eos BCA set ($6.99), which includes a strawberry lip balm and a berry-strawberry lotion, is now available for purchase on the Target website (and also in-store). Click here for details. I love the texture of eos lotions (which are vegan and cruelty-free; you can see my previous review here) so I'm excited for this one.

• Did you know that the e.l.f. Warm Python palettes (click here for all the details about these if you missed my original post) are now available for purchase on the Target website? Check it out here. I hope this helps if you've been wanting this and haven't been able to find it in-store.

Keep reading for more hidden gems...

New from Lip Smackers/Bonne Bell: To.ki.o Treats & Lip Blushes

I want to thank several of you for the heads-up about these new collections from Lip Smackers and Bonne Bell. Apparently they've been spotted at Walmart for a few months now, but since I don't shop at Walmart regularly, they're brand new to me and I of course wanted to share (in case you haven't seen them either). They're super cute! Check 'em out (spoiler: there's a strawberry mochi-flavored lip gloss!):

image source: colorandflavorshop.com

Keep reading for all the details...

More info about the Limited Edition Maybelline Baby Lips Two-Packs

I just updated my original post from yesterday with a new pic (of the actual sticks), scent descriptions and pricing info thanks to reader Nikki.  Click here to take a peek. Also, Nikki confirmed that these new LE 2-packs are included in the BOGO1/2OFF sale this week at Walgreens (through 9/29).

e.l.f. Villainous Villains update

Just a quick update and a question for a few of you...

First of all, I want to personally thank each and every one of you who has left a sighting marker on the Villainous Villains interactive map. Every time I approve more markers (I just approved 20+ new markers today, by the way), I practically get choked up. I know this sounds cheesy, but each of those markers represents someone in this little community who was kind enough to share info with another member of this community, and it really fills my heart with joy to see such kindness and generosity. So thank you, again, for taking the time to share this info with us. I've heard from so many people who couldn't find this collection until they spotted a marker on this map, and that could never have happened without YOU. I know this is just makeup, but a kind gesture is a kind gesture and I want you to know how much it is much appreciated!

Second, 99.9% of the markers on the map are for sightings at Walgreens (e.l.f. stated that this was a Walgreens-exclusive in-store only collection). But there are also two markers on the map (in two different states) that are for sighting at Target. If you left a marker on the map for a sighting at Target, could you either leave a comment on this post or email me directly (my email address is in the About/Contact tab in the upper menu bar of this blog)? I would love to know if this was a typo and you meant to say Walgreens, and if not, where in your local Target you found this collection (beauty department, holiday aisle or...?).

Thanks SO much, everyone!

G. xo

(Updated 9/25 with more pics and info) Spotted: new Maybelline Limited Edition Baby Lips Two-Packs (new shades)

Reader Nikki left a comment on the You Tell Me page today letting us know that she spotted some Limited Edition Maybelline Baby Lips 2-packs at her local Walgreens. I was excited to hear this, as I like Baby Lips for a quick wash of color when I'm in a hurry (click here to see my full review of all the permanent shades in this line). I also like that these balms have an SPF of 20.

As luck would have it Nikki later sent me some pics of the 2-packs that she purchased:

image credit: Nikki for Nouveau Cheap

Maybelline Limited Edition Baby Lips Two-Packs
(retail: $7.99 each at Walgreens)

Coral Crush & Twinkle (left) and Pink Wink & Peach Kiss (right)

Keep reading for another pic and more info...

Review: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 in No. 21

Finally, right? I feel like it's taken me months get this review up (actually, it has, since I bought this product a few months ago). But since this is my first Asian BB Cream review, I wanted to be perfectly sure of my feelings before posting my review. There's obviously been a lot of controversy over the past few months regarding American BB creams and their lack of similarities to Asian BB creams, so I really wanted to take my time and take note of the differences.

That said, let's not waste any time...

 Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 in No. 21 Light Beige

(retail: $12, 0.68 oz)

Keep reading for my full review with before-and-after photos...

Review and swatches: New Nicka K. New York Nail Color Collection

Nicka K. New York, an affordable cosmetics brand, is probably best known for its NK nail polishes, which you can often find at indie beauty supply stores for around $1 each (or order online). Back at the beginning of August, I posted a sneak peek of the new Nicka K. New York Nail Color Collection, and today I'd like to review a few of these new polishes for you.

I received four holiday-themed polish shades from Nicka K., but these are actually part of the permanent collection, which means you can order them now.

Nicka K. New York Nail Color Collection polishes

Left to right: NY127 Velvet Green, NY116 Red Hot, NY120 Silver Star, NY124 Sparkly Sand

(retail: $3.99 each, 0.5 oz)

Keep reading for more pics and swatches...

Reader Spotlight: Darcey

For this week's edition of Reader Spotlight, I'm interviewing the lovely Darcey, aka femputer. Darcey has been a reader since practically the very beginning of Nouveau Cheap, and is still an active commenter to this day. In fact, she even remembers when all of my photos here were taken with my Blackberry phone (RIP) and how I lovingly referred to that phone as my CBC (you'll see what that stands for in a second). It's my honor to share this interview with Darcey with you. She's always got great insights into the world of drugstore makeup and the swatches and reviews she posts of drugstore makeup on her own blog are amazing--you should check 'em out!

Keep reading for my interview with Darcey, plus a glimpse at her lipstick stash...

Spotted: Wet n Wild Limited Edition Where's the Party Collection (8-pan eyeshadow palettes)

After my post from yesterday about the new 8-pans from Wet n Wild, reader Candice Nicole kindly shared some pics of the display and palettes that she spotted at her local Harmon (FYI, Harmon stores are located on the East Coast and often get new collections earlier than the rest of us. Hopefully this collection will start showing up elsewhere in the days/weeks to come).

image credit: Candice Nicole for Nouveau Cheap

 Wet n Wild Limited Edition Where's the Party? Collection 

(retail: $4.99 each)

Keep reading for close-up photos of each palette...

The Weekly Drugstore Makeup Sales (9/23 - 9/29)

PRINTABLE BEAUTY COUPONS

NOTE: If you're going to use any of these coupons this week at your local drugstores, remember that you can combine them with rewards deals for even better savings (coupons are deducted AFTER you have met the rewards threshold, not after). And as of September 1st, Dollar Tree now accepts manufacturer's coupons. Yes, it's true.

Click here to access the following coupons:

• $2 off any Monistat product when you buy any 1 Monistat product (I know a lot of you use Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel as primer so I thought I'd mention this one)
• $2.50 off 2 Simple products (NOTE: this becomes a $3.50 off 2 product coupon when you watch a brief video. Look for the little green box with the "+$1.50" on it and click there) 
• $1.50 off 1 Simple product

Click here to access the following printable coupons:

• $1 off any L'Oreal Ever styling product
• $3 off any two Sebamed products (valid only at CVS) 

Click here to access the following printable coupons:

• $2 off any Simple moisturizer
• $1.50 off any Simple product
• $2 off any Degree Woman Clinical product
• $3 off any Burt's Bees Intense Hydration facial care product
• $2 off any Burt's Bees Acne Solutions product
• $2 off any L'Oreal face cosmetic
• $2 off any 2 Dial body washes
• $1 off any Nivea Women's body lotion
• $1 off any two Axe products

TARGET-ONLY COUPONS (click here to access):

• $1 off any Revlon Nail Art Kit (these are the nail duos such as Moon Candy, which just landed at Target)
• $1 off any L'Oreal eye cosmetic
• $1 off any L'Oreal nail color
• $1 off any Method product
• $3 off any L'Oreal anti-aging skincare product
• $0.50 off any NYC cosmetic
• $1 off any Garnier skincare product
• ...and more

 Keep reading for the weekly summaries and sale listings...

40% off NYX, Revlon, Physicians Formula and Almay at Ulta NOW

A huge thanks to everyone who commented/emailed/tweeted and left messages on Facebook for the heads-up that starting TODAY and running through 9/29, all NYX, Revlon, Physicians Formula and Almay cosmetics are 40% off both online and in-store at Ulta:

The only exclusion is clearance items.

Be sure to grab this $3.50 off a $10 purchase coupon (good online and in-store) before you make a purchase. And for those of you new to Ulta, they accept manufacturer's coupons so if you have any Revlon, Almay or PF coupons lying around, now is the perfect time to use 'em.

SAN DIEGO PEEPS: This weekend the new Ulta stores in Mission Valley and El Cajon (Parkway Plaza) are having grand opening sales with freebies and specials, so get down there to take advantage of that before the weekend is over.

PS: If you're in San Diego and you don't follow me on Twitter or Facebook, I often tweet and post on Facebook about San Diego-only deals that I don't mention here on the blog, So give me a follow on Twitter or Facebook and I'll do my best to keep my SD peeps in the know about local beauty deals!

What are you planning to buy during this sale? I'll be stocking up on my beloved PF Healthy Wear SPF50 Powder Foundation since Ulta is one of the only remaining retail locations that still sells this product (boo!). And thanks again to everyone who took the time to share the heads-up about this deal. I really appreciate it!

The Lipstick League – week of 9.17.12

The best beverage I've ever had in my life.

If I weren't concerned with driving you crazy, I probably would have written at least three full blog posts by now about my love of Tea's Tea Half & Half Green Tea With Coconut. Seriously, you guys would be saying, "OK, G., I got it. You love it. Stop already." But I just can't stress enough how delicious this drink is and how much I crave it on a daily basis (and for the record, I haven't received any free samples or any contact whatsoever with the manufacturers of this fine beverage). If you like green tea and you like coconut, this is the perfect marriage of the two. The perfect marriage. You can taste the green tea and the coconut equally, and it's not too sweet (it's actually sweetened with pure cane sugar and stevia). Every time I drink it, my face lights up like I'm on a TV commercial and then I lean my head back, smack my lips together and exclaim, "This is just ridiculous." I'm not sure where you can find it in your area, but I buy mine at a local Japanese market here in San Diego (Nijiya Market if you're in SD) and it's about $2.50 per bottle. Worth. Every. Penny.

Lipstick League Question of the Week: 

Your three favorite fragrances, name them…

G's answer: This is probably the most difficult LL question I've had to answer to date. If I absolutely have to narrow it down, I'm going to go with three fragrances that I've been wearing consistently for the longest amount of time, which means I haven't come close to growing tired of them yet. Chantecaille Frangipane, the original China Rain from Body Time (seriously, this is the first China Rain fragrance ever made, so any China Rain fragrance you've smelled not by Body Time is an imitation), and Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune. But I also have to give shout-outs to Demeter Snow, Philosophy Baby Grace, Auric Blends Egyptian Goddess and Fresh Sugar Lychee which are all consistent, go-to fragrances for me. Oh, and an extra special shout-out to Diesel Plus Plus Feminine as we head into winter because it's my favorite milky, powdery, sweater-wearing scent of all time (and it's super cheap to boot).

Links of the Week:

Pink Sith – HOT PINK FUCHSIA SEX ON A STICK! Do I have your attention? I thought so. Check out the NARS 413 BLKR Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. It lives up to the all caps introduction.

Prime Beauty – welcomes Fall with bareMinerals The September Issue Eyeshadow Palette, the perfect mix of neutral and jewel tones!

Phyrra – gives in to her desires and loves the Urban Decay Vice Palette. She reviews, swatches and shares a few tutorials.

we heart this – You know the fabulous Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel that everyone always touts as a must have (us included)? Hiney pimples and arm bumps, be warned, it now comes in a Body Towel.

Beauty Junkies Unite – In the event that you haven’t seen how hyped up the blogosphere is over Urban Decay’s new eyeshadow collection, The Vice Palette, you better check out the preview & swatches before it hits stores officially on the 27th!

Clumps of Mascara – Tarte can do no wrong in my book. Such is the case with these awesome Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipsticks. They’re long lasting lippies made of clay. Hot stuff, uh?

EauMG – Is there anything better than champagne? If you answered, “no”, you need to try Sonoma Scent Studio Champagne de Bois perfume. It could change your mind. It’s that good.

Gouldylox Reviews – Ever wonder what it’s like to get serious hair extensions ala every celebrity in Hollywood? I took the plunge for science and am sharing every gory detail!

Nouveau Cheap – finally found the L’Oreal Limited Edition Fall 2012 Project Runway Collection at her local drugstore and picked up the mysterious purple lipgloss. Was it everything she hoped for?

Guest Post of the Week, as chosen by Pink Sith – Well, going with the Fragrance theme, I thought I would share with you one of my fave fragrance blogs. It’s called Eyeliner On A Cat. Carrie Meridith is clever and knowledgeable and just an all around fun read! Enjoy!

What are your top three fragrances?