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March 22, 2016

Luxurious Easter Baskets for Grown Ups

We all know kids go crazy for Easter baskets. Who doesn’t love a rainbow basket full of plastic toys and sweet treats? Adults, that’s who. So if you’re ready to take this spring celebration back to the big kids’ table this year, we’ve got some recommendations on how to build some grown up Easter baskets anyone over the legal drinking age will absolutely adore. As an added bonus, these Easter treat ideas for adults all come with Cash Back at Ebates!

Beauty Gifts

From must-have makeup palettes to best-selling hair care, you can treat your family and gal pals to a whatever makes them feel beautiful without breaking the bank. All of these items are under $15! Easily find affordable beauty gifts to fill Easter baskets for grown ups with Cash Back from Sephora, The Body Shop, ULTA Beauty and more.

Pretty Plants

Mini succulents are not only easy to take care of, they are just too darn adorable. Your bestie may be no green thumb but she can still enjoy a little taste of nature at her office or home thanks to your thoughtful gift. Lowe’s has a great selection of cacti and succulents with Cash Back.

Finishing Touches

Help your BFFs top off their spring style with a few lovely baubles on a budget. Score simple jewelry pieces and accessories at stores like Old Navy and Claire’s in the spring colors and styles they need to stay on trend.

Fancy Feasts

Ditch the empty calories of candy and treat your main ladies to artisanal foods like cheeses, caviars, cured meats and more. Check out our gourmet foods section to find stores that offer high-end nibbles with Cash Back.

Spirited Away

If your friends appreciate a good bottle of wine, why not add that to your grown up Easter basket ideas? Find great selections at Wine Insiders, Direct Wines or Wine Library. Or you can give them a cute way to sneak a sip during the hubbub of family festivities with this adorable bunny flask from Etsy.

February 17, 2016

Get Instant Lips with Sephora Virtual Artist

Oh Sephora…a beauty maven’s heaven on earth. With free 2-day shipping on all orders with a Flash Subscription to free samples with every order, what more could they offer? How about the ability to try on new lip shades without having to leave the house? With Sephora Virtual Artist, you can take every single shade the company stocks for an instant test run. For the lipstick-obsessed, this is one big game changer.

Sephora Virtual Artist is available on iOS as well as the Sephora site. Upload or take a photo and you get the option for hundreds of lipstick options ranging from reds to nudes, mattes to glosses, metallics to shimmers. Try on your favorite colors or pick something unconventional. Who knows? You might fall in love with it!

I gave it a whirl on the iOS app and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the experience. Being able to see various shades of reds, berries and pinks without applying (and re-applying) store samples was satisfying. You can compare shades side by side to see what looks best.

I personally enjoy bold lip colors from time to time, so I definitely wanted to try on a fun red and a bright fuchsia. I also tried on a simple brown as well as something outside my comfort zone—a frosted, metallic gold lipstick. I don’t think the full frost is portrayed in the app, but I ended up really liking how it looked in the photo.

This app is definitely both fun and functional, especially if you shop at Sephora online with Ebates. You’ll be able to try on any lip color and get a good idea of how it is going look on you. What are some of your favorite lip colors? Let us know in a comment below.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 29, 2016

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Clueless Dudes

Guys, we get it. Valentine’s Day can be a pain. The early days of playing it safe with flowers and candy may be behind you. Or you may have been tempted in the past to “get creative” and ended up like this poor sap over here:

Whatever your apprehension to shopping may be, we understand and we have your back with some gift ideas from stores she knows and loves. These Valentine’s Day gifts for her are chic, modern, practical and best of all, they give you Cash Back at Ebates.

Dear Dudes Who Are Reading This During Their Lunch Break on February 13th,

Before you choke on that sandwich because you completely forgot about the big day, take in the good news that all five of the below stores offer In-Store Cash Back at Ebates. So now you can swing by their nearest locations and pick up the gift without missing out on Cash Back. You’re welcome.

Ann Taylor, 2% Cash Back

If your girl looks like she just walked off the pages of Vogue and it’s only a Tuesday, Ann Taylor is the place to find what she thrives on–sparkling accessories and quality pieces she can mix and match into any outfit.

Saks Fifth Avenue, 4% Cash Back

Quirky meets high fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue is perfect for the woman who has a daring side and isn’t afraid to tell the world that she loves avocado on everything, even her shoes. It’s a good fat, after all.

EXPRESS, 2.5% Cash Back

EXPRESS is the destination for hip, youthful fashions ranging from casual to fabulous. If you know your lady is into exercise, go with an activewear set. If not, stay away. This is not the time to suggest she needs a fitness routine. Apply chocolate instead.

The Body Shop, 4% Cash Back

Help her unwind with some of the best pampering products on the market at The Body Shop. From luxurious massage oils to exfoliating scrubs, they have everything she needs to feel like a brand new woman.

American Eagle, 4% Cash Back

Whether Bae likes to bake or loves the gift of flirty lingerie, satisfy her penchant for kitsch and classic, casual style at American Eagle. Score silly gifts that will make her smile or stylish staples to put the swing in her step.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 11, 2016

26 Things That Happen Every Time You Shop at Sephora

A love of makeup can make us do crazy things, and being surrounded by a rainbow of palettes and powders upon entry into any Sephora can bring out our inner beauty beast in seconds flat. Here is a breakdown of what happens to us all — whether we’re noob Beauty Insiders or pro-level Sephora VIBs.

1. You enter the dragon’s lair with a few practical things on your mental shopping list. “Just a refill on my foundation and an eyelash curler, please and thank you,” you tell yourself.

2. You say, “No, thank you,” to the lovely cast member (that’s her actual title, BTW) who offers you a basket because you’re just here for foundation, an eyelash curler and maybe that blue-based red lipstick she’s wearing, because it’s stunning.

3. IT BEGINS.

4. You notice they’ve rearranged the store, moving the Urban Decay display to the front, where you can easily see they are having a build-your-own palette special.

5. You dip one finger into dreamy orange Fireball. (A finger, not a tester brush. Because remember, you’re not shopping for eye shadow. Just foundation, an eyelash curler and definitely that red lipstick.) Oh, how it sparkles.

6. You play the “I just want to hold it” game that you used to play as a kid to see if your mom would break down and buy you a toy if you took it to the register with sad puppy-dog eyes.

7. Then you realize you’re a grown-up with your own money and you can treat yourself for all the adulting you did this week. Plus, you have a Sephora gift card and gifts are meant to be enjoyed, right?

8. And then you remember the Sephora return policy that lets you bring back any item, even if it’s open and used, for a full refund. So if you can’t pull off that Fireball like you pictured, there’s no risk. You’d be insane not to get it.

9. You finally locate the red lipstick and notice it has a sister — a sultry, deep merlot. You test it out on your hand.

10. You think, “What type of eye would I wear with this?” You test a matte gray shadow on your hand.

11. You test a bronze blush. It’s too bronze.

12. You test a mauve.

13. That would go perfectly with a plum lip. You test a plum lip.

14. You suffer a test-frenzy-induced blackout and come to with a full-blown swatch hand.

15. “Hi. Yes, I will take a basket after all, thanks.” She actually has to hold the basket for you while you empty your grimy little hands into it.

16. A cast member notices you using the complimentary makeup remover to return your hand to its normal monochrome hue and reminds you about the magic that is Sephora Color IQ, no swatch hand required.

17. Exhausted, you get in line to buy the stuff in your basket.

18. You see a charcoal face mask while in line, and you obviously need that too.

19. You blow all your Beauty Insider points on a face-primer sample. Something’s gotta keep all this in place!

20. You say goodbye to enough money to make packing your lunch for an entire month seem like a great idea. Who cares? You’ll be the most stunning sandwich-eater in the office.

21. You leave.

22. You get home.

23. You realize you forgot the foundation and eyelash curler.

24. But it’s OK! You can continue this shopping spree online with Cash Back at Ebates, Sephora coupons and your Color IQ to be sure all your color selections are perfectly suited for your skin tone.

25. You wonder why you didn’t do this in the first place.

26. You remember. You miss your swatch hand.

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

Holiday Gift Guide for Every Beauty Junkie

Whether you know your BFF like the back of your hand or you could use some help gathering gift ideas for women, our complete beauty gift guide is here to take your holiday shopping to the next level. We’ve compiled the best makeup, beauty tools and more to get them primped and pampered like a professional model. Check out our holiday gift guide for the beautiful women on your shopping list to help them shine even brighter. And don’t forget to use Ebates for all your holiday shopping this year to rack up that Cash Back!

Karen Walker Beauty Brush Set + Stand

This Sephora exclusive six-piece brush set with stand is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to achieve a full-face look with pure designer luxury. Featuring a tortoise shell pattern and 24 karat gold plated accents, this set can be displayed proudly on the vanity. Set contains a powder brush, large angled foundation brush, angled blush brush, shadow brush, crease brush and display stand.

Urban Decay Vice4 Eyeshadow Palette

The Urban Decay Vice4 palette is perfect for any friend that wants to make a statement with their makeup look. It features 20 stunning colors including velvety nudes and rich jewel tones in buttery-smooth mattes, shimmering metallics and micro-glitter packed shades. This limited-edition palette also includes a huge mirror, double-ended shadow and crease brush and a coordinating bag for easy transport.

Deborah Lippman ‘Roses in the Snow’ Nail Color Duo

Add a little sparkle and shine to someone’s life this holiday season with this beautiful Deborah Lippman nail color duo featuring Modern Love and Some Enchanted Evening. Break the tradition of red and green nails with this gorgeous dusty mauve color and an accent nail featuring a rose glitter for the ultimate winter manicure.

Honeymania Premium Selection Gift Set

Give a gift that gives more this year with the Honeymania Premium Selection Gift Set. The Body Shop has partnered up with WaterAid and your purchase of this gift provides one day of safe water for a family in Ethiopia. Blended with Community Fair Trade honey from Ethopia, this gift doesn’t get much sweeter! Set contains shower gel, body butter, mini body scrub, mini eau de toilette and mini hand cream.

John Masters Organics Essential Travel Kit for Normal Hair

Mixing beauty with travel can get tricky with all those tiny bottles and TSA regulations. Ease the stress this holiday season for your travel-loving friend with the John Masters Organics travel kit for normal hair. (Dry hair kit also available separately.) Set contains Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair, Citrus & Neroli Detangler, Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer and 100% Argan Oil.

Sephora Favorites Superstars

This multibranded set with seven full-size beauty essentials is perfect for beauty beginners and gurus alike. Containing everything needed to highlight features, let eyes stand out and to create basic or sultry makeup looks, this set has it all. Set contains mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, primer, highlighter and more.

philosophy treats and sweets set

Indulge someone this winter with a body-pampering set that smells good enough to eat. Scents infused with fresh cream, raspberries, apricots and peaches will make any bath or shower the best time of the day. Set contains four all-in-one shampoo, shower gel and bubble baths.

Dior Holiday Couture Collection Creations Deluxe Palette

A little luxury goes a long way. This deluxe palette from Dior allows anyone to create a radiant glow or professional smoky makeup look. Get a radiant complexion, enhanced eyes and add natural color and shine to lips, all in one zippered palette. Set contains illuminating powder, blush, six eye shadows, lipstick, gloss, blush brush, eye shadow applicator and lip brush.

iluminage Sleeping Beauty Deluxe Set

Beauty gifts don’t always have to be makeup, nail polish or bath sets. Surprise someone this year by giving the gift of luxurious sleep. Using the benefit of copper technology, these silky and soft textiles are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles for smoother, younger-looking skin. Set contains two Standard/Queen Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcases and Skin Rejuvenating Eye Mask.

My Burberry Perfume

Perfume as a gift may be intimidating, but it’s a wonderful way to give a loved one a personal and thoughtful present. One of the most popular scents of the season is My Burberry which captures the fragrance of a London garden after the rain. Featuring notes of sweet pea and geranium, this scent is both effortless and timeless.

NYX Dream Catcher Shadow Palette in Golden Horizons

The best eye shadow palettes are compact and full of colors that are easily mixed and match to create an effortless look in minutes. This NYX palette in Golden Horizons features maroons, golds and browns to give your best friend the perfect glow she deserves.

Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter

This Kiehl’s body butter not only leaves skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized, it also continues to give throughout the season. 100% of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of these limited edition products, up to $100,000, will help provide a million meals to families this holiday season through Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity.

Smashbox Double Exposure Palette

The magic of double exposure will transform before your eyes as 14 shadows become 28 shades when activated with water. Each shadow transforms in one of four ways when wet – amped up vibrancy, deeper color, a metallic shine or additional sparkle. The possibilities are endless. Set contains 14 eye shadows, double-ended brush, Full Exposure Mascara sample and #SHAPEMATTERS insert with how-to’s for six eye shapes.

‘The Original’ Makeup Eraser

Do you have a friend or family member who doesn’t really NEED any more makeup? Hard to believe, but it is possible. Help them ease their makeup removing routine with this cloth makeup eraser, which removes 100% of makeup with water only. No more disposable products to buy or lug around because this machine washable cloth will last up to 1,000 washes.

Get all these amazing beauty gifts and more with coupons, promo codes and Cash Back at Ebates!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

October 21, 2015

Easy Halloween Safety Tips

Can’t wait for the Halloween fun to begin? Whether you are staying in to greet trick-or-treaters or are venturing out with your little ones, it’s always important to do everything you can to avoid injury to yourself and others. Check out these super simple Halloween safety tips to make sure everyone has a happy and healthy evening.

Be visible. One of the most important safety tips for all outdoor, nighttime activities is doing what you can to be seen in the dark. Glow sticks are a simple, cheap and fun way to glow in the dark while collecting treats.

Travel in small groups. Large groups can be hard to keep together and going solo in the dark can be a little more spooky than you would like. Stick to groups of four or five. If you’re chaperoning a lot of kids, ask other adults to help keep track of your pack of ghouls.

Use soft accessories. If your costume includes staffs, swords or other faux weaponry, make sure these accessories are flexible and soft. This way, you can avoid accidentally hurting someone.

See clearly. Make sure you can see where you’re going. If you’re wearing a mask, be sure that the eye holes don’t obstruct your vision. Also, carry a super cool flashlight! You never know when street lights just won’t cut it. Pick up a few Halloween flashlights for everyone in your ghostly gaggle.

Avoid homemade treats. If you or your children receive homemade treats from strangers, consume with caution. You may just want to play it safe and throw them away, especially if anyone in your party is prone to food allergies.

Wear flame-resistant costumes. All pre-packaged Halloween costumes should indicate whether they are flame-resistant. This is extremely important since open flame from candles and lanterns will likely be encountered.

Test Halloween makeup. Using Halloween makeup is a great alternative to wearing masks that can get in your way. However, always be sure to test your makeup on a small patch of skin. If you know you are prone to skin allergies, review the ingredients before applying.

Keep Jack-o-lanterns out of the way. Again, open flame can be dangerous, even from a tiny candle. Keep Jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and walkways so costumes are less likely to brush against them.

Don’t overload extension cords. If you decorate your house with lights galore, make sure you use enough outlets to avoid a short. This could be a major fire hazard.

Have a super safe Halloween!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 14, 2015

Get Wicked: Wet n Wild Disney Villains Collection

For all of you planning Disney-themed Halloween costumes this year, dare to go devilish and let Wet n Wild help with their sinfully sensational Disney Villains makeup collection. Whether your inner villain is an evil queen or a cunning sea creature, you can play with these amazing colors and even come up with some makeup ideas of your own to make your Disney costume radiant and ruthless. These complete kits also come with makeup brushes so you can start getting your face game together for the big night of tricks and treats in a snap.

Below are just a few of our favorites from the collection, now available at Walgreens. Get them before they’re gone and shop at walgreens.com with up to 4% Cash Back at Ebates for even more makeup must-haves inspired by Disney villains.

Cast a Spell Beauty Book Ursula ($9.99) | Matte Red Lipstick Ursula ($3.49) | Spellbound Sculpting Contouring Palette Maleficent ($3.49)

Cast a Spell Beauty Book includes nine eyeshadows, kabuki brush, lipgloss, eye pencil and two blush shades
Matte lipstick is a bold red with long-staying power
Spellbound palette includes blush, contour, bronze to highlight and define your features

Perfectly Arched Evil Brow Eyebrow Kit Evil Queen ($5.99) | Leviathan Shimmering Powder Ursula ($3.49) | Wicked Shadow Shimmering Eyeshadows Ursula ($5.99)

Eyebrow kit includes two brow shades, brow wax, clear brow gel, eye pencil and brow stencil
Shimmering powder is loose and lightweight for just a touch of glam
Wicked Shadow includes eight shadows and double-sided shadow brush

Jealous Blush Evil Queen ($3.49) | Makeup Remover Wipes ($3.49) | Vixen’s Kiss Lip Color Set Maleficent ($5.99)

Jealous Blush works for most skin tones with a smooth application
Makeup Remover Wipes pack includes 25 wipes that help remove dirt, oil and makeup
Vixen’s Kiss Lip Color Set includes three lip balm stains to wear alone or as base under gloss

What are you going to be for Halloween this year? Scary or silly? Easy or expert-level? Let us know with a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 11, 2015

6 Fall Makeup Trends to Get Your Face Game on Point

A new season brings opportunity to explore new styles and playing with your makeup routine is a great way to experiment with your look. Fall makeup trends that are bold and exciting are not just for runway models. You can inject a little fierce into your everyday routine with these six fashion-forward makeup trends for fall.

Vampy Lips

Dark, baroque-inspired lipstick is statement-making while completely simple. A little mascara and highlighter on your eyes is all you need for the perfect balance. Plus, dark lipstick looks amazing against fall whites and tans. Take the look a step further and pair semi-black lips with black outfits for a gothic appeal.

Dramatic Cat Eyes

Use an angled makeup brush to sweep dark eye shadow into a show-stopping cat eye. Pair this little slice of drama with a pink or nude lip to really let your eyes do all the talking.

Statement Lashes

Glitter tipped lashes and luxe long lashes will definitely up the flirt factor in your beauty routine. Make your eyes look wide and wondrous with a little white eyeliner on your waterline and ultra-black mascara.

Electric Eyeshadow

Bright jewel-toned eyeshadows in shades that contrast with your eye color will really make those peepers pop. Sweep across both your top and bottom lids to create an haute couture statement that will amp up those fall neutrals in your wardrobe.

Full-Blown Brows

via Harper's Bazaar — via Harper’s Bazaar

Gone are the days of wimpy, pencil-thin eyebrows. Full bodied brows are where it’s at. Groom yours with a good brow brush and fill in sparse areas with brow powder or brow gel for a perfect, face-framing pair.

Cray for Gray

Gray eyeshadow and, yes, even gray lipstick are striking serious notes on the runway and beyond this season. Gray shadows are fabulous with wine-colored lips and gray lipsticks pair wonderfully with brown and neutral smokey eyes.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 17, 2014

Win $100 Gift Card to ULTA

Lipstick, eye shadow, blush, and more. Perfume, hair care, gifts galore! ULTA has all your beauty favorites and gift sets that it can be hard to decide what to buy. We’re here to help make your shopping a little bit easier! We are giving away a $100 ULTA gift card to two lucky Ebates members. They’ll come in handy this holiday season when you want to shop for your friends, family or even yourself!

Be sure to visit Ebates before shopping at ULTA and you’ll earn 6% Cash Back on your purchase. We also have a bevy of coupons that will help you save even more. Black Friday online savings at ULTA begin at 7PM CST, stores open at 8PM. Sign up and be the first to know about ULTA’s Black Friday Deals by clicking the image below:

How To Enter The ULTA Gift Card Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, visit us here and complete the free & simple signup: www.ebates.com. You’ll be on your way to saving money and earning Cash Back at over 1800 stores!

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstake ends on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 11:59 PM PST. The winners will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as winners will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take advantage of ULTA sales and deals!

See ULTA Coupons Shop ULTA with 6% Cash Back

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook and Twitter!

Get $75 by Inviting 3 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

March 24, 2014

Five Spring Trends

Spring has technically arrived! Even though some of the country is still enduring the harsh reality of Winter, we have our eyes on sunshine and flowers. While Fall may be our favorite season to shop ( we can never have too many boots), Spring is *very* fun. We have spent some time perusing the blogosphere and picked five trends that we are excited to participate in. What are your favorite Spring fashion trends?

1. Stripes –

It seems like stripes reemerge as trendy every few years. We can’t deny – we jump on the stripes train every time since they never *really* go out of style. Stripes all suite a variety of fabrics AND body types. We tend to prefer bolder rugby-type stripes, the options abound. They add a stylish simplicity to a wardrobe. Pop on a great pair of jeans, cute flats, a striped tee (black and white), and some lipstick – voila! Selections below via Old Navy.

2. Pastels –

We know this may seem like a cop out, but we couldn’t not include it. Pastels are popping up everywhere – from tees to sweaters and dresses to eye shadow. Pastels are a very pretty fashion statement that is perfect for the warmer Spring months. While we love all the fun pastel clothing options, sometimes our messiness makes light hues a bit trickier. Perfect solution: nail polish! In a perfect world we would snag 5 beautiful pastel polishes and paint each finger a different color. Crazy? Maybe. But nails seem like the perfect place with a bit more exciting fashion statements. Selections below via Sephora.

3. Floral –

Another obvious choice. but florals are having a moment. We have been seeing floral shirts, tees, jeans, skirts, dresses, and more. Nothing screams Spring more than a beautiful floral item. The pieces we have selected are very much seasonal – and priced accordingly. You won’t find us suggesting floral investment pieces from Forever 21, however, while the sun is shining we would encourage you to have fun with your wardrobe however you see fit. Want some more versatile florals? Try and stick to a black and white color scheme – those will be suitable all year ’round. Selections below via Forever 21.

4. Distressed Denim –

we waver a lot on this trend, but we can’t give you a credible list without including it. Distressed denim seems to be making a bit of a comeback and we are having mixed feelings about it. On one hand it can look super rockstar cool. On the other hand, when styled improperly, it can look messy and poorly put together. Luckily the reemergence of this trend is giving us a lot of different options – from different washes to variety in distressing. With a great selection we think everyone could find the right level of distress for their taste. Selections via Nordstrom.

5. Bold Pouts –

We know we blog about it all the time, but a pretty pout just screams Spring. We are seeing fashion and beauty bloggers putting away those bold plums and reds for violets and pinks. We love bold lips for a few reasons. First of all – if you have anything on your face that isn’t your favorite (for us it is dark circles under our eyes) they are an immediate distraction. Second – pops of color create visual interest, creating the illusion that a possibly bland outfit is much more exciting. Selections below via Sephora.

What are your favorite Spring trends?