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February 23, 2017

The Fashionista’s Travel Checklist for Looking Fly on the Go

We all know how difficult long trips can be, from overseas flights to cross-state road trips. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look as fresh as a daisy the minute you arrive at your destination! All you need are the right packing tips. Check out this simple travel checklist of fashion and beauty must-haves that will keep you looking radiant on the run. All of these items will fit in your purse or carry-on, and you can earn Cash Back at Ebates when you buy them. Don’t forget to browse The Smart Shopper for even more travel tips and ways to travel on a budget.

Extra hair ties. Just bring a whole pack. These little guys are easy to lose, and you never know when you might need an emergency bun.
Face wipes. These are especially great for overnight flights when you don’t want to sleep in your makeup.
Hand cream. Airplane cabins get incredibly dry, but you can stay moisturized with a travel-size cream.
Foldable flats. These are the ultimate carry-on checklist item. Get on the plane in your heels, but lounge in these stylish flats that won’t take up excess space.

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Pointed cotton swabs. Eyeliner runs. Keep your MOTD in line with a mini pack of these babies.
Mini hair brush. Need we say more?
Mini lint roller. Don’t let airplane seats or the backseat of a minivan leave a mark.
Non-aerosol dry shampoo. Aerosol cans may leak on airplanes, so opt for a non-aerosol version of the jet-setter’s solution for clean-looking hair.
Face primer. When it’s morning and you’re still en route, a little face primer is all you need for a rested glow.
Lip tint. Don’t mess with lipstick in bumpy situations.
Brush-on sunblock. No more messy application — just land and dust this lightweight powder onto your face for instant SPF protection.
Earplugs. The first step toward looking your best is getting the best sleep possible.
Sleep mask. See No. 12.
Bonus item: wrinkle-proof dress. Plan a travel outfit that will stand up to wrinkles and keep you looking crisp. This dress is simply elegant and will be your best friend for the duration of your trip. Bon voyage!

January 20, 2017

The Best Beauty Rewards Programs With Cash Back

Let’s face it: Makeup and skin care can get expensive. Even when shopping tried-and-true bargain beauty brands, you can easily find yourself filling up your cart when you just wanted to replace your mascara. The good news is that you can keep being the makeup maven you are while cashing in on some serious perks. These six beauty rewards programs offer everything from free products to rewards points while you earn Cash Back at Ebates.

Sephora Beauty Insider

Sephora is your one-stop shop for the best makeup and skin care brands on the planet. Their loyalty rewards cater to the most serious makeup shoppers, but rest assured: There is something for every level of spender. Anyone can be a Beauty Insider, but you can reach Sephora VIB status when you spend $350 or more per year and VIB Rouge when you spend $1,000.

Beauty Insider

Free birthday gift
Free beauty classes
Flash two-day shipping for $10 per year
Get access to the Rewards Bazaar every Tuesday and Thursday. Rewards at 750 points and up ship free, with no purchase required!

VIB

All Beauty Insider perks
Seasonal savings
Hand-picked gifts
One free custom makeover per year

VIB Rouge

All Beauty Insider and VIB perks
Unlimited free custom makeovers
Free flash two-day shipping
Private hotline
Invitations for exclusive events

Ultamate Rewards

Ulta Beauty offers both high-end and drugstore cosmetics for shoppers who want the biggest bang for their buck. You can even book expert beauty services in-store for your hair, skin and brows. The Ulta rewards program is completely free and unbelievably easy. Spend $450 in a year and go Platinum for even more pretty perks!

Ultamate Rewards

Free birthday gift
Earn one point per dollar
Double points on purchases during birthday month
Up to five times Ulta points on select products
Redeem Ulta Beauty rewards points on any product

Ultamate Rewards Platinum

Earn 1.25 points per dollar.
Redeem points any time. They never expire!
Free birthday gift, plus a $10 coupon
Shop items marked “Platinum Perk” for extra bonus points

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Walgreens Beauty Enthusiast

For those busybodies who score beauty go-tos along with toothpaste and tea bags during their lunch break, the Beauty Enthusiast program at Walgreens is essential. You can sign up with your email or your Balance Rewards number for exactly zero dollars.

Spend $50 on beauty items and get 5,000 points for a $5 reward
Coupon to earn 20 times everyday points after signup
Exclusive promotions and samples

Sally Beauty Club

We love free beauty programs, but the next best thing is a beauty program that is essentially free. A Sally Beauty rewards account requires the purchase of a $5 membership card, but you immediately get a $5 reward back! Here’s what else you can expect from the Sally Beauty loyalty rewards program:

Spend $25 a month and get 15 percent off one purchase
Members-only discounts every day
Special birthday offers
Renew your Sally rewards membership on time and get a free product

MAC Select

Similar to Sephora’s loyalty program, MAC Select offers three levels of membership. Join at the “seduced” level, spend $150 or more per year to become “devoted” and get “obsessed” when you spend $500 or more per year. Here is a list of all the MAC perks at each level:

Seduced

Exclusive products
Anniversary gift
One free sample per order at checkout
Free shipping on all orders

Devoted

Exclusive products
Anniversary gift
One free 30-minute makeup application per year
Two free samples per order at checkout
Free two-day shipping with $50 minimum order

Obsessed

Two free 60-minute makeup applications per year
Be the first to shop exclusive collections
Deluxe anniversary gift
Two free samples per order at checkout
Free two-day shipping with $50 minimum order

The Body Shop’s Love Your Body Loyalty Program

If skin care is more your jam, we’ve got you covered too. The Body Shop offers savings every single time you shop! Earn one point for each purchase between $20 and $49.99, and two points when you spend $50 and up. (Note: Each purchase can earn a maximum of two points.) Here’s what each Love Your Body member will enjoy:

$15 discount for every four points earned
$25 discount for every eight points earned
10 percent off all qualifying purchases
$10 off for your birthday
Exclusive offers

December 4, 2016

Beauty Tips for Looking Stunning in Holiday Photos

The holidays are all about marking another year gone by and the blessings that came with it. One of the ways we do that is by taking holiday photos and professional family portraits. But the thought of getting camera-ready can cause anxiety for some. If that’s the case with you, we’re here to help. Take a look at these simple beauty tips that will have you glowing and looking gorgeous for all your photo ops. This complete holiday beauty guide will give you the skinny on what you need and how to get it with Cash Back at Ebates.

Hydration First

You may think skipping the moisturizer will help you keep your face on longer, but remember: We’re approaching winter, and the cold air is harsh. Protect your skin by always starting the day with a moisturizer. Stick with non-SPF moisturizer (it photographs better) and keep it light. A sensitive-skin formula should do the trick.

Get Matte, Then Get Even

Applying a pore-reducing, matte primer is your next step. We recommend Benefit’s The POREfessional: Matte Rescue Invisible-Finish Mattifying Gel. It will give you an instant glow, and your foundation will glide on like butter. Speaking of foundation, you’re going to want to go heavier than normal for full-on coverage. Then, even out your skin tone with a concealer that blends easily with your foundation. Finish it off with powder, and you’ve got the perfect canvas. Pro Tip: If dry spots pop up while you apply your foundation, mix it with your moisturizer and reapply to only the dry areas.

Brows That Wow

Filling in your brows is a must for photos, even if they’re naturally full. Harsh light can wash them out, leaving your eyes looking frameless. The key to keeping the look natural is filling with hair-like strokes. This Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer does just that with a push-up, angled tip.

Stop. Selfie Time.

Now that you have your face and brows done (the foundation of your makeup look) take a selfie. Mirrors will only deceive you. Make sure to do it in bright, natural light to make sure everything looks even, and angle the shot so that your brows look as symmetrical as possible.

Primp Those Peepers

Believe it or not, you’re now past the hardest part, and highlighting your eyes will be a breeze. All you need is neutral shadow at the crease, light-yet-matte shadow at the brow bone, a little dark shadow on your lash line at the outer corners (top and bottom) and a touch of shimmer at the inner corners. Before you finish it all off with your normal mascara, sweep on some Lancôme CILS BOOSTER XL Mascara Base to create the look of thick, long lashes. No falsies required!

Pucker Up

You may not normally wear lip liner, but it’s absolutely essential for photos. Start with your liner, then apply lipstick (preferably matte, for staying power) with a lip brush. You’ll be amazed how much longer lipstick lasts this way, as opposed to when you apply it straight from the tube.

Now Freeze!

Once everything is applied perfectly and you’re full-on feeling yourself, spray on some NYX Cosmetics Makeup Setting Spray. Don’t worry — it may feel wet, but it’s really like hairspray for your face, and will make everything sweat- and element-proof for the whole day. Be sure to keep blotting papers and translucent finishing powder on hand in case your skin starts to get shiny. Pro Tip: Ripped-up pieces of toilet seat covers actually work wonders for absorbing oils when you’re in a pinch.

November 23, 2016

Gift Guide: 10 Beauty Gifts for All the Makeup Lovers in Your Life

Stumped on how to wow the beauty lover in your life this holiday season? Surprise her with unique beauty gifts she’d never spring for on her own. Our can’t-miss list of this year’s best beauty gifts is sure to bring a smile to her face and will also mean Cash Back at Ebates for you. Win-win!

Gnome For The Holidays Airbrush Sponge Set, $18 (JC Penney)

Help your beauty maven contour flawlessly with the cutest cosmetic gift set of blending sponges around. Gifting this will surely put you on the nice list for life.

Juicy Shaker: Pigment Infused Bi-Phased Lip Oil, $21 (Lancome)

Shake things up with a nourishing lip oil with serious shine. This cocktail-style shaker lets you mix pigments and oil for the perfect shot of color.

Trademark Hands Free Hair Drying and Styling Stand, $20.10 (Walmart)

Treat your favorite beauty junkie to this fabulous hair drying and styling stand that will help her style those strands with ease.

Tory Burch Neoprene Molded Cosmetic Case, $115 (Tory Burch)

If beauty is her passion, surprise her with a gorgeous travel case in a playful, graphic print.

Da Bomb Bath Fizzers Earth Bomb, $7.42 (Hot Topic)

A tiny sea creature reveals itself as this bath fizzer dissolves. A portion of the proceeds from the Earth Bomb go to cleaning up the world’s oceans. So you can be responsible and gift some fun while you’re at it.

Claire Doherty Chanel Lipstick Case Patent Framed Art, $52.99 (Overstock)

Think outside the box with the gift of classic, beauty-inspired artwork like this cool patent drawing print.

Frog Prince Lip Gloss, $25 (Barney’s)

Green lip gloss turns fairy-tale pink, thanks to this color changing, pH-reactive lip gloss. This magical gift goes above and beyond the call of beauty.

Slip Silk Pillowcase, $99 (Sephora)

Thought to have anti-aging properties, silk pillowcases are all the rage, making awesome additions to any beauty arsenal.

3 Piece Lot Nail Snow Series Watermark Stickers, $2.49 (Light in the Box)

Give the gift of fashion-forward nails, and celebrate the snowy season with unique snowflake nail-art stickers. Let the beauty maven on your list flash festiveness on her fingertips!

Lipstick Graphic Muscle Tank Top, $9.99 (Saks Off 5th)

Don’t want to add to a mountain of beauty products? Try a fun top in a thematic print you know she’ll love.

October 7, 2016

5 Fall Makeup Trends Anyone Can Try

The best part about a new season is freshening up your look from head to toe. Andpa the best place to start is with your face! With so many fall makeup releases, knowing where to start is the hardest part. So we’ve taken the liberty of picking out five fall makeup trends that can be easily featured on all styles, budgets and skin tones. These looks are fashion-forward but can be worn for any occasion. And you can top off your new beauty routine with Cash Back at Ebates.

Full-On Cat Eye

Winged eyeliner has always made a sassy statement but this fall, we’re taking things up a notch with top and bottom, thick pointed liner. To make this look versatile, line the top by day and add the bottom liner after hours for some extra drama.

Get The Look

Benefit Cosmetics Hard Angle Brush, $20 (Macy’s) | Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, $25 (Paula’s Choice)

You: Refined

Not all fall makeup ideas are so bold. Some just highlight your natural beauty to create a soft yet striking look. Easy-to-use contouring kits come in a plethora of colors and finding a nude lipstick that is just a touch darker than your own lips is an absolute must.

Get The Look

MAC Nude Lipstick, $17 (Nordstrom) | ANASTASIA BEVE RLY HILLS Contour Kit, $40 (Macy’s)

Spider Lashes

This staple of 80s beauty is back with a vengeance. While many are divided on this daring trend, one can’t deny it is a head turner. While you can get this look with a little face powder and multiple coats of your own mascara, we recommend mascaras that are specifically formulated to give you this effect.

Get The Look

Maybelline The Colossal Spider Effect Washable Mascara, $4.97 (Walmart)

Berry Nice

Brown lipsticks may be the ultimate 90s comeback but it is not the “it” shade for fall. Berries in pinks and even purples are where it’s at and look great with the tried and true fall smokey eye.

Get The Look

Lipstick Queen ‘Sinner’ Lipstick, $24 (Nordstrom)

Goth To Have It

Black lipstick is something anyone can pull off with the right finishing touches. The key is to keep your eyes bright and skin glowing with a good highlighter to really let that vampy lip have its dance in the moonlight.

Get The Look

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick, $21 (Sephora) | Smashbox Cosmetics Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand, $29 (Macy’s)

October 1, 2016

Quiz: Which Makeup Collection Are You?

Every person uses makeup differently. It can be the statement piece of our entire look or just a handy tool to highlight our best features. However we like to boast our beautiful faces, we can all agree on one thing–makeup collections are life. Why shell out beaucoup bucks on individual makeup items when you can get an expertly curated set from a top makeup brand that will mingle in perfect harmony upon your dermal canvas? But the real question is, if you were a makeup collection, which one would you be? Would you be an essential eyeshadow palette or a set of sassy lippies? Take the quiz to find out! And when you’re done, grab your match-made-in-MOTD-heaven makeup pallettes with Cash Back at Ebates.

Shop Your Results

Do you follow The Smart Shopper? We’re always discovering new trends and Ebates is always adding new stores and coupons, and rounding up more ways to get paid to shop for the things you love. Whether you’re into fashion, tech, home and garden, travel or sports, The Smart Shopper has the inside scoop on the best products and deals online and in-store. If you’re not an Ebates member, join today to free for access to thousands of coupons and promo codes in addition to Cash Back. Then download the Ebates App and add the Cash Back Button to your browser so you never miss out on Cash Back again. Be sure to check out our In-Store Offers. Just add your credit card, link an offer to your card, and purchase with that card in stores to get Cash Back. Ebates is where it pays to shop!

September 14, 2016

Face the Rainbow With the MAC Good Luck Trolls Collection

You may have heard that your favorite baby-butted, crazily coifed toys were getting their own motion picture, but did you know you’ll be able to wear a rainbow face to the premier? Trolls the movie comes out this November but MAC Good Luck Trolls makeup is here now! With bright lid pigments, shimmering glitters, luscious glosses and more, the MAC Good Luck Trolls collection is the statement-makup lover’s fantasy come true. But for the rest of you who like to keep your colors a little low key, there are plenty of products to add just a tiny kick to your everyday face, like MAC Trolls beauty powder and their pearly pink eye shadow. While the entire Good Luck Trolls MAC collection can be yours with Cash Back at Ebates, we picked just a few of our favorites to add to our beauty wishlists–especially in time for Halloween!

Before you dive deep into MAC Troll makeup shopping, check out this adorable video featuring some mischievous makeup-thieving Trolls! Then pick up your favorite items ASAP because you know what they say–“hair” today, gone tomorrow.

ATLANTIC BLUE Eye Shadow, $17

Apply this shade as an all-over, electric smokey eye or mix with a little water to create one daring liner.

CHARTREUSE Pigment, $22

This loose powder pigment will pair amazingly with a deep lip for a fun contrast that will turn heads–fuzzy or otherwise.

REFLECTS Transparent Teal Glitter, $22

Add a touch of glitter to your lip, lids or cheeks for those special occasions that call for a little “outrageous.” We call them Tuesdays.

DANCE OFF PANTS OFF Lipstick, $18

This frosted hot pink MAC Trolls lipstick is fabulous with a little mascara and neutral blush to really let those lips pop.

GLITTER GRUNGE Lipglass, $17

Go all out and pair this glittery gloss with the darkest smokey eye you can muster. After all, grunge is in the name.

GLOW RIDA Beauty Powder, $28

This amazing highlighter will make your feel like a golden goddess. It’s a must-have for your upcoming holiday looks.

187 SH DUO FIBRE Face Brush, $43

No makeup look can be half as successful without the right tools. This brush is essential for both application and blending.

TEASE AND THANK YOU Chroma Craze, $25

And now, the Pièce De Résistance–a bright spray-on hair color that completes your transformation. Or should we say Trollnsformation?

August 20, 2016

Lip Glosses Under $25 for All Skin Tones

Just less than a year ago, it was all about the mattes. Bone-dry finishes that would make your lips the boldest part of your MOTD were a total must-have. Now the tide is finally turning to a wet look that is all summer. Thankfully, there is such a huge variety of lip glosses from natural to edgy and everything in between. But before you pick your new favorite lip gloss, let us show you some of our favorite shades for every skin tone. These lip colors are all under $25 and come with Cash Back at Ebates so you can update your face game without breaking the bank.

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Lipgloss in Forbidden, $18 (Sephora) | Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Seedless Watermelon, $1.99 (Walgreens) | Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Bordeaux, $16 (ULTA Beauty)

Light skin tones look fabulous with a mauvey nude for day, sheer pink for the weekend, and dusty brick red for evening.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Sandstorm, $5.99, (Walgreens) | Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Like A Boss, $22 (Sephora) | NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler, $4.99 (ULTA Beauty)

Don’t shy away from a little sparkle. Olive and warmer tones should give a glittery gold a whirl, go bold with an electric violet or spicy with an orange-toned red.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss in Sunset, $10.49 (Walgreens) | Black Up Lipshine in Champagne, $19 (Sephora) | BAREMINERALS Moxie Buttercream Lip Gloss in Electric Fuchsia, $18 (ULTA Beauty)

These lip glosses for dark skin will take you from the board room to the boardwalk in a snap. Go peachy pink for day, metallic copper for evening and fiery fuchsia for the weekend.

stila Lip Glaze in Watermelon, $22 (Sephora) | Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Maui, $16 (ULTA Beauty) | L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Gloss in Rich Red, $5.89 (Walgreens)

Some of the best lip glosses just take your natural lip color up a notch. A sheer pink will make your lips pop ever so gently while a pale coral will look bold yet beautiful against deep-toned skin. Then, go redder than red for a sultry evening look.

Which one of these shades are you dying to try? Let us know with a comment below?

June 16, 2016

9 Poolside Beauty Essentials for Hair, Skin and Style

Summer is here and it’s time for long, luxurious days spent out lying by the pool. Pool days are the quintessential summer activity and poolside is the perfect place to hang out with all your favorite people. You probably already have your bathing suit picked out, but have you packed your pool bag with all the beauty essentials you need to stay looking glamorous all day long? With some proper planning, you’ll look like a bathing beauty, no matter what the day throws your way. Here’s our list of top poolside beauty essentials that will have you looking fabulous and pool party ready in a snap. Plus, you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates when you shop! Step up your poolside summer look and check out these dazzling beauty essentials and hair products to kick your pool days off in style!

Coola Mineral Daydream Makeup Primer

Spending the day poolside means you’re getting some serious sun. Number 1 on our poolside beauty tips list is sunscreen! Prep and protect your face with this quality makeup primer available from SkinStore. Don’t miss Coola’s other products like sunscreen and SPF lip balm that comes in yummy flavors like citrus mimosa and vanilla peppermint.

Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

We often forget that our hair can also get damaged by the sun, so don’t forget your locks when you’re applying sunscreen! This protective hair veil is the perfect hair product to protect your tresses.

Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara

This one is a beauty essentials no-brainer. No one wants mascara running down their face when they jump in the pool. Keep your lashes looking perfect all day long with this amazingly waterproof mascara.

Laguna Liquid Bronzer

It’s easy to look sun-kissed without the sun damage thanks to this awesome liquid bronzer from NARS. Keep an eye out online at NARS Cosmetics for summer deals like a beauty essentials promo code to stock up on other NARS Cosmetics goodies too!

Tropical Floral Print Knotted Bow Headwrap

Keep your hair out of your face and tucked back neatly on pool day with this bright summery headband.

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

All that sunscreen and chlorine can leave your hair feeling a little icky. A great hair product like this dry shampoo can breathe new life into your locks and add volume. Plus, a great dry shampoo can help you go from pool day to night out in a flash – and make it look effortless!

Island Vanilla Perfume Roll-on

Banish the smell of chlorine with a handy and portable summer scent! Smell fresh all day long when you toss a roll-on perfume like this one into your pool bag.

kate spade new york Seahorses Cosmetics Bag

Find your makeup and hair products in a snap with a dedicated beauty container inside your pool bag. Check out this cheery kate spade new york makeup bag to keep your poolside beauty essentials in order.

Chloe Sunglasses

Protect your beautiful eyes and crank up the glam for pool day at the same time with a pair of giant sunglasses like these ones from Chloe.

May 28, 2016

Summer Beauty Tips: Melt-Proof Makeup

Sizzling summer sun and humidity mean melty makeup looks and beauty blunders. It’s time to make the switch into the sunny season with makeup ideas that’ll outlast those soaring temps. Skip the drip and get a flawless, fresh-faced look you’ll love with a few helpful summer beauty tips and some sweet savings with Cash Back at Ebates.

Bye-Bye Foundation, Hello Tinted BB Creams

While they can provide great coverage, thick liquid foundations can cake on and end up sliding around your face once you set foot outside. Swing by every beauty maven’s favorite store, Sephora, to check out easy ways to make the switch from your favorite long-lasting foundation to a lighter, more warm-weather friendly BB cream or tinted moisturizer like tarte‘s BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer. As a bonus, many BB creams offer a broad spectrum SPF, which is necessary year-round, but crucial during those hot summer months. Designed to help diffuse light and minimize skin imperfections, BB creams help give you that glow you love, minus the slip and slide look of a heavier foundation. Plus, matte finish options keep your skin from looking like a summer oil slick. Get the best foundation for summer and refresh your summer makeup bag while you save with Ebates!

Gel and Cream Blushes Blow Powder Away

Layers of powder and sweaty summer skin don’t mix. Let your skin breathe while adding a fresh flush of color thanks to light gel and cream blushes. Shop your perfect pop of color at Saks Fifth Avenue and save on your shade with a makeup promo code. This best-selling Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks and Lips is a multitasking cream color designed to make skin glow. Plus it’s a breeze to apply, is long lasting and comes in an array of shades fit for any skin tone. It won’t give you that dried-out look and is hyper-pigmented so a little goes a long way. While you’re lightening up your look, try transitioning from a darker, smokey eye to a Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eye Shadow from Sephora for a glowing new summer eye makeup look.

It’s Prime Time

Give your summer makeup a base to adhere to in order to give it a little staying power. A primer can minimize pores and provide the perfect foundation for your beach beauty look. This Clear Makeup by philosophy is a colorless skin perfecter that diminishes skin flaws while acting as a primer and oil-free mattifier. Wear it under your favorite BB or CC cream or use it alone for a lightweight, airbrushed look that screams summer.

Polish Your Pout With Light Lip Color

Heavy matte lipsticks and sticky glosses can smudge or weigh down breezy summer makeup looks. Instead, opt for a bright pop of color like this lip crayon from Origins. Crayons mean fuss-free, fresh color, plus nourishing oils keep your pout perfect. Layer it on for bolder color or keep it light for a hint of your favorite hue.