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August 25, 2017

5 Makeup Must-Haves That Pull Double Duty

It’s easy to indulge yourself in the name of beauty. After all, a new lipstick or a fun eye shadow doesn’t make that big of a dent in the budget, right? But all of those little cosmetic splurges add up. And despite what many beauty blogs tell you, you don’t need 10,000 makeup products to look great. Thanks to multipurpose products, you can get by with a minimal makeup load.

Lip Balm

Come winter, you swear by the stuff to keep your lips smooth. But a high-quality lip balm can be used in a variety of ways. Rub it into your cuticles to keep your nails looking polished, or use it on your hair to keep flyaways at bay. You can also mix your balm with a little eye shadow for a glossier look.

Stick to a cult classic with Kiehl’s famous Lip Balm #1.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
from Neiman Marcus

Mascara

A great mascara will keep your lashes looking longer and fuller, but you can also use it as an eyeliner. Here’s how: Bring the wand up to your lash line, making sure to get the brush as close to the eyelid as possible. Instead of sweeping upward, wiggle it back and forth on the bottom lash line.

Try Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara for an intense look.

Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara
from Target

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Cream Blush

A pretty cream blush is amazing for giving you a pretty, flushed glow. You can also use the product for a makeshift eye shadow, or mix it with a balm for a DIY lip color. Use your middle finger to lightly tap the cream onto your lips and lids.

Try e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blush for a natural-looking effect

e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blush
from Ulta Beauty

BB Cream

You’ve probably heard of BB cream, but what is it? It’s a beauty and blemish cream that protects, corrects and moisturizes. Instead of splurging on moisturizers, concealers and foundations, you can get it all from this one product. Many BB creams even offer sunscreen, so you can skip that step too.

For an amazing BB cream, try Bobbi Brown BB Cream.

Bobbi Brown BB Cream
from Sephora

Multiple Stick

A good multiple stick is pretty much the only thing you need to pack for a long weekend away. We love ones that are bronzy and creamy. You can blend it with your body lotion for a shimmering body cream. You can mix it with your moisturizer for a little glow to add to your cheeks, lids and the center of your lips. Or you can use it to contour your face.

For a reliable multiple stick, try NARS The Multiple Stick.

NARS The Multiple Stick
from Sephora

August 19, 2017

Which Area Rug Is Right for Your Space?

Rugs do a lot for a room. They can brighten the mood, set the vibe and keep your feet warm on tile or wood floors. Rugs are an easy way to make an artistic statement and, if used correctly, they can add balance to a space. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for a new rug.

Research Your Options

Rugs are no longer limited to Persian or European styles. You can go wild: jutes and sisals, edgy geometrics, novelty rugs, modern and contemporary alternatives. The list goes on and on. Before you commit to a style, educate yourself on what’s available and what overall vibe you want to go for in your home.

The natural colors in this rug will bring out the colors in your furniture and decor.

Safavieh Handmade Wool Rug
from Overstock

Size Matters

Tossing a tiny rug in a large space is a common interior-design faux pas. Decorators refer to this as the postage-stamp size. The measurements you want for area rugs are 6 feet by 9 feet, 8 feet by 10 feet or 9 feet by 12 feet. Center the rug in your room so the distance between the rug and the wall is the same on all four sides. If you’re unsure of the proper size for your room, err on the larger side. It’s better to go too big than too small.

You can also play around with shapes, such as this circular silver option.

Safavieh Adirondack Silver Rug
from Overstock

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Consider Your Colors

Is your room neutral, with light-toned walls and minimal decor? You may wish to try a patterned rug as a way to bring color into the space. On the flip side, solid- or neutral-colored rugs can tone down a busier room. Even if you opt to go extra on the color, make sure the colors aren’t too complicated—otherwise you’ll wind up with a complicated and visually cluttered space.

Spend time imagining different options that will work with your furniture colors. A monochromatic rug like this one looks great with patterned furniture, especially when matched to the furniture’s secondary color.

Moroccan Wool Flat Weave
from ABC Carpet & Home

Texture

Rugs are a fun way to bring new textures into a room. Silk rugs, although pricey and challenging to clean, are elegant and beautiful. If you opt for natural materials, such as sisal and jute, you can add warmth to a space.

This handwoven neutral-toned area rug plays with texture in a fun way.

Pero Flat Weave Cotton
from ABC Carpet & Home

Lifestyle and Upkeep

Do you have pets or children? You may wish to go for a patterned rug instead of a white rug, because patterned rugs hide stains better. High-pile or shag rugs also do not fit this type of lifestyle. Switch to a flat-weave or extremely low-pile rug to reduce the look of wear.

How much work are you willing to put into keeping your rug in great shape? Most require regular vacuuming. High-pile rugs are more challenging to clean; you’ll have to send them out or have them professionally cleaned in your home. As a general rule, they should be cleaned once a year. Low-pile and flat-weave rugs are easier to spot clean, and require twice-yearly old-fashioned rug beating to remove accumulated dust.

August 16, 2017

What’s Your True Shoe Personality?

Shop the Results:

8 Versatile Button-Up Shirts Every Man’s Closet Needs

When it comes to button-up shirts, there are a few staples every man should incorporate into his wardrobe. Each can be styled multiple ways to take you from the office to a night out with friends. I’ve rounded up my picks here and tried to keep them affordable if you’re in need of most or all of them. Either way, you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates while shopping for all the best products, so your bank account will thank you.

Get With the Gingham

If you don’t have a gingham shirt in your closet, now’s the time to fix that. This classic pattern is casual enough for a weekend wear but sophisticated enough for a date night. Pair it with chinos or jeans if you’re heading to the office. If you’re really trying to dress it up, a blazer and a solid tie will go a long way.

Brooks Brothers Gingham Dress Shirt
from Lord & Taylor

Choose Check

Check button-up shirts are a staple every man should have in his arsenal. They’re available in nearly every color these days, so you should have several in your wardrobe to rotate through. (I wear one about twice a week.) Roll up your sleeves and tuck it in at the office or leave it untucked if you’re running errands around town. You’ll look good either way.

Eagle Men’s Checked Dress Shirt
from Bon-Ton

Say Yes to Stripes

Stripes do a lot for your look, including making you look slimmer (if the stripes are vertical). I prefer shirts with thin stripes, because they’re easier to dress up or down. Shirts with larger stripes often feel too casual, but a subtle, fine stripe can add a little punch to your ensemble without stealing the show.

Tailored Collection Cotton Dobby Stripe Shirt
from Tommy Hilfiger

Stick With Solids

When in doubt, stick with a solid-color or white button-down shirt. White shirts are a little harder to incorporate into a casual outfit, but it’s much easier if you find one with texture. Not sure where to start or what color to pick? Every guy needs a blue oxford button-up. In fact, you should probably have a few shades of blue at the ready.

Men’s Solid No-Iron Supima Oxford
from Land’s End

Love the Linen

You don’t have to reserve your linen for hot summer days. A solid linen shirt can transform your look, especially as fall approaches. This one, from American Rag, would go nicely with some Red Wing boots and dark jeans. It’d look just as nice with tailored trousers and brogues.

American Rag Men’s Linen Shirt
from Macy’s

Pick a New Type of Plaid

Plaid is everywhere, so you need a statement piece like this one from Express to stand out. Any of the three colorways will make an impact, but the purple is my pick. It’s a nice shirt that’s safe enough for the boardroom if it’s accompanied by cap-toe shoes (with a belt to match) and a subdued tie.

Fitted Plaid Dress Shirt
from Express

Play With Paisley

Think paisley is hard to pull off? It can be depending on the color and how large the print is, but this option from Croft & Barrow is subtle and tasteful. Save this shirt for special occasions, and try to work it into your office attire. It’s sure to make an impression either way.

Croft & Barrow Easy-Care True Comfort Regular-Fit Dress Shirt
from Kohl’s

Go Geometric

Checks, stripes and solids are classics, but it’s 2017, so feel free to experiment with new patterns. I found this geometric button-up shirt, and I had to pick it up. It could change the entire look of your favorite suit if you style it correctly. A solid tie is key here to avoid making your look too busy.

Ike Behar Geometric Regular-Fit Dress Shirt
from Saks Fifth Avenue

August 8, 2017

Find the Perfect Fit: Plus-Size Jeans for Your Body Type

Those in the plus-size category know how challenging it can be to find the perfect pair of jeans. Thankfully, the fashion industry has evolved to include plenty of options perfectly tailored to fit curvier frames. These jeans are specifically designed to flatter your best assets without being uncomfortable, too baggy or otherwise ill-fitting. Below, we break down five body types and the best fits for each.

Body Type: Hourglass

You Have: A defined waistline and a full bust and hipline

Balance your hipline by choosing pants with a flared or wide leg. Try these jeans by NYDJ. The crisscross panel flattens and lifts an ample behind. The flare is flattering for a fuller leg.

Barbara Boot-Cut Jeans
from NYDJ

Body Type: Inverted pyramid

You Have: Broad shoulders, a full bust and slender hips, butt and legs

This body type looks best in a style that shows off slim legs. Wear a looser silhouette up top and keep the look straight and narrow for your lower half. A great pick is a pair of skinny jeans with a bit of stretch for extra comfort.

Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight Jeans
from Levi’s

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Body Type: Triangle

You Have: A smaller upper body (slim shoulders and arms), a defined waistline and pronounced hips

Your legs are one of your best assets, and a great pair of jeans will help show them off. Look for a trouser style (wider legs) or a pair with a slight flare to help balance out your proportions. You can also experiment with cropped or frayed styles that look smart paired with flirty heels.

Mother Denim Insider Crop Fray
from Singer22

Body Type: Pear

You Have: Narrow shoulders, curvy hips and thighs, and an ample behind

Pear is one of the most common body types for plus-size women. Play up your assets by flaunting them in a snug-fitting style. Look for a slim fit with a bit of stretch, which will maximize your shape. Accessorize with a pair of heels to elongate your legs.

Curvy Ridley Skinny Jeans
from ASOS

Body Type: Diamond

You Have: A waistline fuller than your hips and bust, and perfectly proportionate lower legs, chest and face

People with a diamond body type look amazing in flat-front styles. Show off your gams in straight or boot-cut styles. You’re also one of the only plus-size body types who look perfect in a pair of capris, like this pair of boyfriend-style jeans.

Levi’s Boyfriend Jeans
from Levi’s

August 2, 2017

5 Everyday Items That Will Change Your Camping Game Forever

Camping gear can be expensive, especially if you’re just starting out. Over the years, I’ve found the best way to venture into the great outdoors is with affordable multi-use tools that can be used both at the campsite and in everyday situations. There are plenty of specialty gadgets out there that will drain your bank account, but these tried-and-true picks will help you tackle any job — whether at work or at play — without wrecking your finances. On top of that, you’ll keep even more of your hard-earned money where it belongs by earning Cash Back at Ebates while shopping for all the best products.

Tout the Tool for Every Situation

When it comes to your everyday carry, a multi-tool is both a must and a piece of gear you probably already have on hand. It’s an essential piece of camping equipment — the first thing I pack before a trip. If you don’t have a proper multi-tool, the Leatherman Wave is my all-time favorite for its durability and the countless jobs I’ve tackled with it. Leatherman is a legendary brand, and the Wave has never let me down. Review your tool’s user manual and get familiar with its many features before your next big adventure. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube for most tools as well.

Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool
from Campmor

Wear a Watch That Works for You

Never venture out the door — especially into the great outdoors — without a trusty timepiece on your wrist. So many people rely on their cell phones for everything these days, but there’s a reason watches have been around for centuries. This one, from Casio, is powered by light, has directional and sunrise and sunset data, can give altitude readings and much more. This is the priciest item on my list, but it’s well worth the investment.

Casio Pro Trek Tough Solar Triple Sensor Men’s Aviator-style Watch
from JC Penney

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Pack the Paracord

Paracord is the new duct tape. At least that’s how I see it. This affordable rope is incredibly strong and versatile, which makes it a top pick for the campsite and as an everyday-carry item. I keep a few hundred feet in my backpack for peace of mind, and I’ve had to rely on that little bundle of cord quite a few times over the years. Whether you’re rigging up a clothesline or fixing a broken tent line, you’ll be glad you spent a little dough on this proven pick.

Nylon Paracord
from Overstock

Put Your Water Bottle to Work

I drink out of a Nalgene bottle almost every day at work, and I doubt that will ever change. It holds more water than others I’ve tried, it has multiple uses both from an everyday-carry perspective and as a piece of camping gear. In addition to holding water, it can also be a measuring cup, a dry container for rainy days or water adventures, a storage container to keep your food away from pests and so much more. It’s simply a superior bottle.

Nalgene Water Bottle
from Bed Bath & Beyond

Let Your Mind Wander and Jot Down Your Thoughts

You never know when the next great idea will strike you. It could be at the office, but it also could be at the campground or on the open trail. Always be prepared with the Fisher space pen. This seemingly ordinary writing utensil can transfer your thoughts to paper in nearly any situation (upside down, in high temperatures, over grease and even underwater). It’s a true everyday-carry essential at its finest.

Bullet Fisher Space Pen
from East Dane

August 1, 2017

Super Cute School Supplies You Didn’t Know You Needed

Whether you earned your own money lifeguarding all summer as a high school student or you’re adulting pretty hard with a full-time job, getting to pick out your own school supplies means you can splurge on the fun, quirky stuff you didn’t even know you needed. The best part is that you don’t even have to be in school to enjoy these. Who can resist a flat-bread pencil case or a “Dr. Who” Tardis lunch box? Check out these school supplies you didn’t know you needed but will surely want!

Graffiti-Print Backpack

This faux-leather pack has personality written all over it.

Graffiti-Print Backpack
from Asos

Flat-Bread Pencil Case

Good enough to eat. This pencil case can also be used for brushes, pens or even makeup.

Flat-Bread Pencil Case
from Etsy

Optical Illusion Bookmarks

Remember how excited you used to get over a bookmark? These optical illusion bookmarks are colorful and fun, and they’ll make you reminisce about your Dr. Seuss-reading days.

Optical Illusion Bookmarks
from Oriental Trading Co.

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Banana Erasers

You can never have enough erasers, so you might as well get some that will put a smile on your face.

Banana Erasers
from AliExpress

“Dr. Who” Tardis Tote Lunch Box

Home lunch for the win with this Tardis lunchbox. Who’s the cool kid now?

Dr. Who Tardis Tote Lunch Box
from Hot Topic

Zombie Cupcake Journal

Who can resist a crisp new notebook? Might as well get one with a cool illustration.

Zombie Cupcake Journal

from Cafe Press

Eiffel Tower Scissors

For the long school days when you just wish you could be traveling instead. Beautifully designed and practical too.

Eiffel Tower Scissors
from Target

Dachshund Stapler

For the dog-lover who wants to keep it classy.

Dachshund Stapler

from Anthropologie

July 28, 2017

5 Fab Face Masks for Every Skin Type

Summer weather takes a massive toll on your complexion — even when you’re diligent about applying sunscreen and limit your sun exposure to a minimum. Makeup-melting humidity, chlorine from the pool and all that time outdoors can lead to blemishes and sunburn, but you don’t need to book a pricey facial at a spa to remedy the situation. The most popular facial masks on the market can help leave your skin glowing, radiant and ready for the fall. The key is to find a mask that’s right for you. According to aestheticians, many people fail to see positive results because they’re using the wrong product for their skin type. Here, we’ve pulled together a roundup of the best masks for every skin woe.

Congested Skin

Combination and oily skin can really suffer during summertime, when clogged pores can leave your complexion looking tired and dull. Experts advise trying an antioxidant-rich mask with ingredients such as lavender and clay. Many clay masks can be too harsh for most skin types, so stick to ones containing gentle exfoliating citric and lactic acids. We love Blemish Clearing Organic Mask by Juice Beauty. Purifying clay helps to clear pores, while bamboo extracts soothe.

Blemish Clearing Organic Mask
from Juice Beauty

Mature Skin

Mature skin requires extra moisture to help it retain a plumped appearance — especially around the eyes. Anti-aging masks, loaded with toning ingredients and antioxidants such as green tea, are imperative. Omega-3s will help give your skin that coveted radiance with an uplifting boost. Try Shira Omega-3 Nourishing Mask to plump up skin instantly.

Shira Omega-3 Nourishing Mask
from Walmart

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Sensitive Skin

Summertime dirt and increased exposure to polluted air can be hazardous to sensitive skin, causing rashes and irritation. It’s important to take extra-good care of sensitive skin, and a five-minute mask could work wonders. A warning: Sensitive skin is particularly reactive when it comes to masks. It’s wise to avoid products with highly concentrated ingredients and mineral oils. Sensitive skin will benefit from calming and detoxing ingredients to restore radiance. Spot treat any problem areas, and be careful not to leave the product on your skin for too long. Less is more! Try AmorePacific’s Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque to hydrate while you sleep.

Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque
from AmorePacific

Combination Skin

This one can be tricky, as different areas of your face may require completely different treatments. For most people with combo skin, the T-zone is oily and the cheeks are dry. An instant fix: Double up on your masks. Approach your face-mask routine in layers, targeting areas by selecting a clay mask and a soft hydrating one. Try Aveda’s Deep Cleansing Clay Masque on oily patches and Aveda’s Intense Hydrating Masque to hydrate and cool the skin.

Botanical Kinetics Deep Cleansing Clay Masque
from Aveda

Oily Skin

Those with oilier skin should seek out a mask with oils. It’s similar to your body requiring good fat: Your skin needs oils. When it’s stripped of those essential oils, it creates more sebum, which results in an oilier complexion. The key here is looking for the right oils. Try a mask loaded with lightweight oils like tea tree and jojoba. Stay away from pore-cloggers, such as beeswax. Try the Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Clay Mask to refresh the skin without drying it out.

Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Clay Mask
from The Body Shop

July 26, 2017

Facebook Live “Rule the School” Giveaway

Thanks for joining our Facebook Live event on hot new back-to-school gear! If you missed the live stream, you can still watch the video and see all the items we featured. Plus, you can win one of three backpacks stuffed with the gear (worth $3,000!) as part of our Rule the School Giveaway. Be sure to watch the video for the special code you’ll need to enter.

All the items featured are also available for purchase. Just go to the product links below to snag your favorites (and earn Cash Back!).

How to Enter the Rule the School Sweepstakes:

If you’re not already an Ebates member, join more than 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40 percent Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Here’s how Ebates works. It’s free to join, and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus* at Ebates.com.
After you enter the email associated with your Ebates account, enter the exclusive promo code below. Please be aware of the giveaway rules.
You can earn additional entries by sharing the event on Twitter.

The sweepstakes ends on July 29, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. PST. The winners will be picked randomly through Gleam, and they will be posted on Facebook and on this blog. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

Elementary School Backpack

Rule the School – Elementary

Elementary School Items

Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA

Small Split to-go Container

Re-zip Reusable Bags

Dip n’ Dunk Assorted

Yoobi Document Organizer

Yoobi Glitter Glue

Yoobi Ruler

Yoobi Pencil Sharpener

Yoobi Gel Highlighters

Yoobi Spiral Notebook

Pre-Sharpened Pencils

Slime

Kids Eddy Camelbak

Eddy Camelbak .6L

“Star Wars” Lunch Box

Expanding File Folder

Middle/High School Backpack

Rule the School – Middle/High

Middle and High School Items

Holographic Cloud Coin Purse

Large Campus Notebook

Yoobi Spiral Notebook

Pocket Folders

Yoobi Holographic Pencils

Magnetic Dry Erase Board

College Backpack

Rule the School – College

College Items

14″ Lenovo Yoga 910

Binder

Marble Sticky Notes

Weekly Planner Sheets

Dividers

Vera Bradley Backback

Vera Bradley Cosmetic Bag

Vera Bradley Lanyard

Vera Bradley Campus ID

S’well Water Bottle

Diamond Ball Point Pen

6 Throwback School Supplies That Will Give You All the Feels

Millions of parents are getting ready to send their 5-year-olds to kindergarten. It’s a new and exciting transition that makes us nostalgic about our first day of school and our elementary-school years. Do you remember the smell of Mr. Sketch markers? How about the Lisa Frank scratch-and-sniff stickers we decorated our folders with? If you’re reminiscing about all the school supplies you used to love while getting ready to put your kid on the school bus for the first time, we’re here to help ease your transition. We put together a school-supplies list that will remind you of the days when having a new Trapper Keeper was all you wanted out of life.

Stuffed Animal Backpacks

There is nothing practical about these backpacks, yet so many of us had one (or two). Good news: Your kid will love it!

Stuffed Panda Plush Backpack
from AliExpress

“Star Wars” Tin Lunch Box

Tin lunch boxes for the win! There are so many more high-tech lunch boxes out there, but the tin ones are classics — and you can never go wrong with “Star Wars.” We love how it’s finally cool for girls to show their allegiance to the force too! Any kid can rock this lunch box.

“Star Wars” Tin Lunch Box
from Walmart

Pop-Up Pencil Case

So many buttons. So many features. We loved how we could spend hours organizing and reorganizing our pencil case.

1993 Vintage Hello Kitty Pencil Case
from Etsy

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Gelly Roll Pens

These pens not only come in fun colors, but they are also really comfortable to use. That’s why kids never stopped loving them.

Glaze Gelly Roll Pens
from Target

Lisa Frank Stickers and Trapper Keepers

Hugging penguins, jumping dolphins, dancing tropical fruit and, of course, so many unicorns in bright, neon colors. Introduce your child to the crazy world of Lisa Frank and have her decorate her own Trapper Keeper (also a classic) however she likes.

Trapper Keeper iPad Case
from Walmart

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers

Vibrant colors, fun to use and all the smells. Remember how you would color with scented markers and then run to your parents or teacher and say, “Smell it! Smell it!” Now your kids can do the same!

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers
from Walmart