$50 in Sephora Gift Cards, For Only $40! That's $10 FREE!

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share an awesome deal with you that I recently found on one of the makeup Facebook groups that I'm in! With this deal, you can get $50 in Sephora Gift Cards, for $10 off!

If you are a Kroger Plus Member, this deal is for you! If you are not already a Kroger Plus Card member, you can get your own Kroger Plus Card for free at the customer service desk at Kroger! Go sign up for your card, and create an account with Kroger.com and connect your card to your account.

Then, go online to kroger.com or go to the Kroger Mobile App on your phone and go to the "digital coupons" section and search for "Sephora". After that, load the digital coupon to your card. Then head to Kroger to pick up TWO Sephora Gift Cards. You have to purchase two different gift cards at the same time, and they both have to value at $25 or more for this deal to work.

When you get to the register, let them scan your Kroger Plus card, and then load $25 to each of the cards. Let the cashier take the total, and $10 will come off immediately! Then just pay $40 for your $50 in gift cards! Take them to Sephora and spoil yourself, or give one to a friend! :)

This offer expires August 1, 2015, so snag it while you can! Enjoy! And thanks for reading! :) I'll try to post more deals like this soon, for you guys! <3

The beginning of my weight loss journey!

It is officially after midnight, on 7/19/2015, and today I begin my weight loss journey. I'll be taking some supplements as well as portion control to reach my goal weight. I will also be starting back on the birth control shot on Monday (tomorrow), as well. That was the only birth control method in which I was truly happy with how my body reacted to the hormones, so I know that I can trust it to help me balance my hormones and hopefully help to keep me from continuing to inflate like a balloon. I would be exercising as well, but right now my boyfriend has a pinched nerve in his back and is unable to do much, besides laying on the couch and resting his body. But as soon as he can get up and go with me again, we will be walking a mile a day on the nature trail. :)

The supplements that I'll be taking:

- Garcinia Cambogia
- Geritol Women's Multivitamin
- Biotin (5,000mcg)
- Probiotics

My goals:

- Goal Weight: 120lbs
- Current Weight: 184lbs
- Goal Date: January 1, 2016

(I need to lose 64lbs in 5 months. Can I do it?)

Apps I'll be using:

- Pacer
- Instant Heart Rate
- My Fitness Pal

I'll be taking a "before" picture in the morning, and each week I will take a new photo to show my visual results, as well as posting "before and after" measurements. I really need to get back to a healthy weight again. I am only 5'4 and I weight 184lbs, and most of my weight sits around my waistline, which is a horrible precursor for my heart health. I really don't want to have cardiac arrest or stroke before I even turn 50!

So, wish me luck on this journey, you guys! :) If anyone else is currently on a weight loss journey, or getting ready to begin their own, please comment down below and tell me what you're doing to aid yourself in this journey, and let me know if you have any of your own tips or pointers! :) I would love to read your comments and talk to you guys about this! Thanks so much for reading, I'll talk to you all again soon <3

DIY Self Tanner! :)

Hey everyone! I know I haven't posted anything in a few days, and I am super sorry for that. I decided today that I am going to do a a DIY lesson so that we can all add something new to our beauty products collection, for super cheap! :)
Today we will be talking about Self/Gradual Tanner! I know that summer is coming to an end, and natural tans will begin to fade. Self tanner is the best way to keep your summer glow all year around without having the damaging effects of tanning beds! I will show you a few different methods to make your self tanner, and then you can choose which one you like best! :)

Method 1: Cocoa Powder/Instant Coffee

With this method, you will need:

A mixing bowl
A spoon
Cocoa powder or instant coffee
Scented or unscented lotion WHITE lotion

How to make it:

First you will need to pour your lotion into the bowl. Try to start off with about 1/8 of a cup. Now add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or instant coffee to the bowl, and mix with your spoon. Depending on how the color turns out, you may want to add more lotion, or add more powder. Add and mix until desired shade is achieved.

How to apply:

I would recommend using gloves when doing this method because it can stain your hands really easily. It may also help to use a memory foam sponge, like what is used in the high-end self tanner gloves. This will leave a streak-free, natural brown color to your skin. Be sure to apply daily!

Method 2: Brewed Tea/Coffee

With this method, you will need:

A spray bottle
Brewed tea or coffee

How to make it:

Simply brew about 2 teabags per cup or water, or 3 tablespoons of coffee per cup of water. Let it sit out until it is room temperature, and then pour it into the spray bottle.

How to apply:

I would recommend grabbing a basic sponge for this method. Just spray onto the skin, and blend in with a regular sponge. Allow the first coat to dry. Repeat if necessary to achieve the desired shade. Be sure to apply daily!

Method 3: Coconut Oil and Tea

With this method, you will need:

Coconut oil
White scented or unscented lotion
Tea bags
Mixing bowl

How to make it:

Heat the coconut oil in mixing bowl until liquid, and hot to the touch. Steep about 4 teabags per tablespoon of coconut oil. Once the coconut oil is nice and dark, remove the teabags, and drain excess coconut oil back into the bowl. Throw away the teabags, and allow the coconut oil to cool until almost completely solid. Pour about 4 tablespoons of lotion into the bowl with the coconut oil, and mix well. If color is too dark, add more lotion. If the color is too light, add more coconut oil.

The amount of teabags used per tablespoon of coconut oil may vary to achieve different results. You may also substitute the tea for instant coffee, or even cocoa powder :)

How to apply:

I would recommend using gloves when doing this method because it can stain your hands really easily. It may also help to use a memory foam sponge, like what is used in the high-end self tanner gloves. This will leave a streak-free, natural brown color to your skin. Also, the coconut oil will help the pigment seep deeper into your skin, as well as moisturize your skin, resulting in better staying power. Be sure to apply daily!

Well, that's all for today! I hope you enjoyed learning how to make your own self-tanners. Go try one or all of these methods out, and comment below to let me know how it worked for you! 

Thanks for reading! :) I love you all <3

First Impressions, Demo, & Review: Lamora Flat Top Kabuki Brush

So, I posted the video to YouTube last night, and totally forgot to post it here! I'm so sorry everyone! Here it is, I hope it is helpful to you :) Love you! <3

Don't forget to follow me on my social media! :)

Coming Soon: First Impression and Review Vlog! (Flat Kabuki)

I'm so excited! I got my new Flat Kabuki brush today in the mail! :D I have never used a flat kabuki brush before, so I plan on doing a First Impressions Vlog on my YouTube channel sometime tomorrow evening.

I actually got five of these brushes today, and I obviously don't need ALL of them, so I will be including one of these in my next giveaway! :) Keep an eye out for more details on that. And check back tomorrow for my first impression vlog! :)

Thanks for checking in! I love y'all! <3

Makeup Talk: Lip Primer

Let's have a discussion today! :) I was just scrolling through my newsfeed on Facebook, and I saw this post about "Lip Primer: is it worth it to buy it?" So, I commented on it. And then I decided to start a discussion on here with my viewers. 

The topic will be about lip primers (obviously), and I am asking all of you to answer these three questions:

1. "Do you use lip primer?"
2. "Why do you (or why don't you) use it?"
3. "Is it worth it to buy it? (Would you recommend it?)"

My answers are:

1. Yes I do! :)
2. I honestly love lip primer. I have two different brands of lip primers: Femme Couture, and e.l.f. Cosmetics. Frankly, the Femme Couture ($8) does not work nearly as well as my e.l.f. Cosmetics ($3) primer. Plus, the e.l.f. Lip Primer is a nude-ish color, so when you put your lipstick over it, the color is definitely TRUE color.
   Even if I eat or drink or anything, the color stays. Don't get me wrong, some of the lipstick or gloss will come off, but it keeps the color intact. It really helps if you blot your lipstick after applying primer and color. That's the best way to keep it on all day. 
3. I would say, yes. It's worth it. For me, it keeps my lip color on all day.

I want to hear from you! Comment with your answers, and feel free to discuss it with each other, too!

Thanks for stopping by! Keep checking in for more posts like these :) I love you all! Peace, love, and namaste! <3

Instagram Giveaway Winner! 8.15.14

Unfortunately, I only had 6 entries in my giveaway from this week :( But I still picked a winner anyways. I used a random number generator online, so that it would be totally fair. I got the number 352, so I chose the person who picked the number closest to this.

Our winner was @xo.yasminn with a winning number of 450! Congratulations! :) I will mail your makeup on Monday! Thank you for participating, and keep an eye out for my next giveaway! :)

Super Cheap PERFECT Urban Decay Naked Dupes!!

Check out these super cheap Naked Palette dupes! They look identical to the authentic palette, with little difference in color! 

These palettes sell for $54 each, on Urban Decay's website (www.urbandecay.com/naked/naked-color), but you can find them right here for around $7 each! They are the perfect duplicate for the original Naked Palettes! 

I am so excited to order these and review them for you sometime soon. The part that makes me the happiest about these is that I can watch makeup tutorials online, and I don't have to guess which color on my dupe palette that I should use in replacement of the Naked color that the vlogger is using! All I have to do is find the same color on the same place in my palette as they used in theirs! 

Go check out this amazing deal! :)

$21.74 and Free Shipping <<<-----Click here for the deal!

Makeup Tip!! 8.15.14

So, I'm not sure if this is already posted on the internet or not (not sure if anyone has discovered or announced this yet), but I just found out that there is a miniature sharpener for your lipstick on the bottom of the e.l.f. Matte Lipstick and the Lorac Pro Matte Lip Color! (At least I THINK it's in the Lorac Matte Lip Colors. Please try it and let me know!) Don't ask me how I figured it out. I was bored and I like to take things apart when I'm bored, apparently :) Go check it out, though! This is awesome information :)

Makeup of the Day 8.14.14

You know it's gonna be a great day when your eyebrows turn out perfect! Haha :P 

Today is a very special day for me!! My boyfriend and I are celebrating our one year anniversary today!! :)

My look for today features a soft smokey eye, and a red lip. I was trying to achieve a pinup style look for the day. On the eyes, I used Nyx Love In Paris palette, and the rest of my face is literally e.l.f. Cosmetics. 

20 Facts About Me

Hey everybody! I posted a lot of things last night, and I'm so excited to get back to blogging again :)

I saw this photo on Instagram just a few minutes ago, and I thought "how fun would it be to do a blog post like this?" Lol So this is basically like a Get To Know Me type article :)

I hope you enjoy this! Haha Here goes nothing :)

1. I bite my lips and the insides of my cheeks when I am deep in thought

2. I also play with my hair all the time. I constantly find myself twirling my hair and rubbing my scalp, and my hair gets oily must faster because of it.

3. I am a complete hippie (modern-day, not Woodstock original lol)

4. I really really love cats <3 (we have 4 of them!)

5. I really love pasta. And Coca Cola <3

6. I didn't used to like makeup when I was younger. Actually, I didn't really start loving makeup until these last three years.

7. I am battling (and winning) against depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. I have my boyfriend to thank for helping me get as far as I have come. Without him standing by my side and holding my hand through this all, I probably wouldn't be alive to this day <3

8. I quit smoking almost a year ago, thanks to electronic cigarettes. Vape life!

9. I'm left-handed.

10. I speak a little bit of Spanish.

11. I have a Vocational Degree in Office Administration and Business Technology. I am certified in Microsoft Office.

12. I also graduated high school with an advanced diploma and completely a three-year Finance and Accounting Program.

13. I am terrified of spiders and snakes. And the unknown.

14. I love DIY projects!

15. I love to sing and write music. My genre of choice is EDM :)

16. I don't like rap music much, nor do I like much country music.

17. It has always been my dream to own my own business and work from home.

18. I have also always dreamed of opening a strictly no-kill animal shelter, a homeless shelter, and a foster home.

19. I love couponing. When I get really good at it and I start getting a bunch of great deals, I plan on couponing to donate food and hygiene products to the local shelters.

20. I love kids so much! I have literally had baby fever since I was 15 years old, and I'm 21 now... So, 7 years haha :)

Well that's all for now! Thanks for reading, and keep checking in for more blogs :) I love you all! Peace, love, and namaste! <3

Follow My Social Media!

I post most of my beauty blogging stuff on my Instagram. For instance, I posted a giveaway this past Friday (8.8.14) and yes the giveaway is still going on until this Friday. I will actually be giving away a set of three eyeshadow palettes, and three liquid eyeliners. I used one of these eyeliners and one of these eyeshadow palettes in my Makeup of the Day look for 8.8.14 (the greens and golds). All you have to do is go follow me on Instagram, like the photo of the giveaway, share that photo with the hashtag #jennasbeautygiveaway and then comment on my giveaway picture with a number between 1 and 500 :)

I will be selecting a winner on Friday, so jump on it! :) Y'all might want to start following me, because I have many more giveaways coming up soon :)

P.S. This giveaway is not international, but the next ones will be. Sorry about that!

Thank you all so much for reading! Keep an eye out for more posts and giveaways! :)

Makeup of the Day 8.8.14

My makeup of the day for August 8, 2014

Products used:
1. Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
2. e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Ivory
3. Black Radiance Foundation in Brown Sugar (for contouring)
4. e.l.f. Liquid Concealer (for highlighting)
5. e.l.f. Contouring Duo in St. Lucia
6. e.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder
7. e.l.f. Eyebrow Duo in Light
8. e.l.f. Highlighting Powder
9. e.l.f. variety of mascaras (including Mineral, and lengthening)
10. e.l.f. Matte Lip Color Pencil in Nearly Nude
11. e.l.f. Eyebrow Gel
12. e.l.f. Liquid Eyeliner
13. NYX Matte Finish Spray
14. Assorted brushes
15. Up+Up Beauty Blender Dupe
16. The Color Workshop Eyeshadow in Envy, Splendid, and Popular
17. The Color Workshop Liquid Eyeliner in Purple

Couponing!!! (FREE Makeup)

So, most of you don't know this, but I have hopped on and off and back onto the bandwagon of couponing for a few years now, and I just recently got back into it again. I bought two Sunday papers this last sunday (8/10) and clipped all of the coupons. Then I went online to a few of my favorite couponing websites, and I found one of them had posted about this amazing deal at CVS! And I just so happened to have had the coupons that I needed for it :)

Here is the breakdown of how I scored free makeup and chocolate today:

1) Buy 2 Almay Shadow Softies Eye Shadow $5.29, regular price- Buy One Get One 50% Off Through 8/16- Use two $4.00/1 Almay Cosmetic Product, Including Makeup Removers from SS (Smart Source) 8/10*Final Price: BETTER THAN FREE! $0.07 moneymaker when you buy 2!

2) Hershey's Snack Size Candy Bars $1.49, regular price- Sale price, $3 for 3- Use three $1.00/1 Hershey's Snack Size Candy Bars 6-pack*Final Price: FREE when you buy 3!

Total before coupons and sales: $15.05Total after coupons and sales: -$0.07Total after taxes: $0.91!!

I can't wait until next week so that I can find some more deals on free makeup :) If my Dollar Tree had carried the 8oz bottles of Nivea Skin Radiance Lotion, I would have gotten 4 of those for free this week as well, but unfortunately my local stores don't carry that product lol 

If I see another good deal coming up, I'll be sure to post it on here that way you all can go snag some free makeup too! :)

Love you all, and thanks for reading!

I'm back!

Sorry everyone! I know I haven't posted anything in quite awhile. My life has gotten completely chaotic over the last few weeks. Things are settling back out now, and I'm getting ready to do a new Makeup Of The Day look, as well as a product review and a giveaway! Check back later for the details :) I'm excited to be blogging again! Thanks for everyone's patience :) Love you all! <3

Makeup of the Day 6.6.14

On the eyes:

• Eyeshadow- NYX Love In Paris
• Eyeliner and Mascara- e.l.f. Cosmetics
• Eyebrows: e.l.f. Eyebrow duo kit in medium

Lips:

• Primer- e.l.f. Lip primer & plumper
• Color- Femme Couture Matte Lipstick in Kiss Me Coral

Face:

• Primer- Rimmel Stay Matte primer
• Foundation: e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain
• Contour and Blush: e.l.f. Contour and blush duo
• Finishing spray: NYX finish spray

Makeup of the Day 6.5.14

Makeup of the day for Saturday, 6/5/2014. In this look, I used NYX Love In Paris eye palette, e.l.f. contour and blush duo, e.l.f. eyebrow palette duo, and Baby Lips Doctor Rescue in pink.

I love the entire look of this makeup and outfit. It shows that a girl can look "grungy" or "dark" without going totally goth. I love showing off my alternative style when the mood strikes :)

Beauty Haul 6.5.14

This was a spur of the moment beauty haul. I didn't get to buy a whole lot of products today, but I bought several things that I needed :) The haul was on the lower-end price scale, and I got it all from either
Wal-Mart or Target.

Walmart:

1. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes: $4.97
2. Black Radiance Foundation in Brown Sugar: $4.98 on Clearance!
3. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Nude Eye palette $9.36

Target:

1. e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain: $5.89
2. NYC Quick Dry Nail Polish in Fashion Safari: $1.72
3. Up&Up Beauty Blender Makeup Sponge: $4.99

My total today was $35.08, with taxes and everything. I feel like this was a very successful haul! I now have two eye palettes that are allegedly "great dupes" for Urban Decay's Naked palette. I can't wait to play with the Physicians Formula palette tomorrow <3

Makeup of the Day 6.2.14

This was my look of the day for Wednesday, 6/2/2014. I used mostly e.l.f. products. The eye-shadow was from NYX's Love In Paris palette. I got that palette because I heard that it was a nice dupe for Urban Decay's Naked, and while I can't personally compare it to Naked, I can definitely say that these are some absolutely beautiful colors at an unbeatable price :)

I apologize ahead of time for my crazy eyebrows haha :P