Hi guys! Wow, it's been a while!
Hi everyone! How's life?
I know I've been MIA during the last four weeks, and I sincerely apologize. Whereas I thought I might be a little busier than usual when school started, it turns out it kills all my free time!
With that being said, though, the first unit of my esthetics training is complete! I finally get to move out of the classroom and... well, into another room where I'll start my hands-on training. ;)
I'm hoping to finally have a little more energy at the end of the day for things like blogging, but if not, hang tight - just a few more months and things will start clearing up.
A huge thanks to everyone who's sticking by me through this. It's great to know my readers and friends are still around and are as supportive as ever.
See you all soon, and check back for some good posts (I hope!) in the next few weeks!
PS - I've been getting top scores on all my exams... just so you know that all my studying and non-blogging is paying off! ;)
Since this issue came up with the recent giveaway, I wanted to publicly remind everyone the following:
Only one entry per giveaway is allowed, and multiple entries will have you disqualified.
That being said, there's a new winner for a pair of the Makeup Show NYC tickets - Vanessa S.! Please check your e-mail and respond ASAP!
Thanks, everyone!
Hello, lovelies!
Things have been slowing down around here, as I'm sure you've noticed. Between being sick (don't worry, it's not swine flu!), trying to sort things out with various healthcare providers and my insurance company, and preparing for a big change coming up in my life, I've been swamped.
And while I don't make many personal announcements at BBB, I thought I'd share my newest endeavor!
As of next month, I'll be putting my university studies on hold so I can attend beauty school and become - drumroll please - a licensed esthetician! Yep, that's right... I'm going to be trained to be an expert on everything skincare, with a focus on clinical esthetics and a laser technician certification!
I'm so incredibly excited that I've finally gotten the chance to take my life in the direction I've been hoping for! And in this poor economy, trade school seems much more profitable right now than a regular Bachelor's degree - so I'm hoping the time and money will be worth it!
I've considered putting the blog on hold, but decided I simply couldn't do it. Despite how busy I am and will be over the next six months, blogging is practically what I live and breathe. So, while posts may be scarce sometimes, you can bet I won't be giving up!
Thanks for your continued support, everyone! :) Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to bed...
I'm a little late posting about this, but... since a reader was so kind as to point it out to me, I have to thank them!
Today is the day! Bare Budget Beauty is finally celebrating its first anniversary! Can you believe it? Much like my friend Fabuless Beauty, I figured this beauty blog thing would be a passing phase. (I hear the average life of any new blog is about three months - which sounds about right.) There are so many new blogs being created every day, yet so few of them survive.
This is why I'm proud to share this day with you, my readers and audience. I've thanked everyone several times before, but I want to take this time to do so again. Without all your love, support, comments, and inspiration, I would have never gotten this far! Also, an extra special thanks goes out to those of you who have already wished me a happy anniversary!
I've had loads of fun working on BBB, but have also discovered how much hard work it requires.
Throughout the year, I've switched layouts numerous times - eventually settling on this amazing custom-made design - and added new content and features, reviewed numerous products, discovered tons of new blogs, and made great friends with fellow bloggers! All of it amounted to a fantastic experience that I wouldn't change for the world.
So, thank you yet again, for everything. Here's to another wonderful year - and, hopefully, many more to come.
xoxo,
JennBee
Lately, a few gracious and sweet fellow bloggers have honored me with the Triple Award! Many thanks to Beauty Tyrant, Phyrra, and T! All three of these ladies really brightened my day, and I'd love to pass it on!
Here are the rules for the recipients:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.
Congratulations to these awesome bloggers! Sorry I could only pick 10... it was so difficult! A few of you have already received it, but if this is your second (or third) time, I really think you deserve it!
1. Diva 4 Less
2. Paint Me Gorgeous
3. She's Little and Lovely
4. Yummie Bitez
5. Nessasary Makeup
6. Fabuless Beauty
7. Askmewhats
8. Musings of a Muse
9. Home Spa Goddess
10. Peace.Love.Makeup
Have a wonderful day, everyone!
Happy Valentine's Day, beauties!
What are your plans for the day? Single ladies' night out? Romantic date with your significant other? What will you be wearing, both clothing and makeup-wise? Feel free to let me know!
I plan on spending the evening with my boyfriend at a great Chinese restaurant, and supposedly he has several surprises up his sleeves. Some new makeup, maybe? A girl can dream. ;)
Have a lovely day, everyone!
Happy February, beauties! As it turns out, this is a very special month for Bare Budget Beauty... and why's that? Because February 17 marks the blog's anniversary!
To celebrate my first year in the blogging world, I've been saving up some special surprises for my readers.
First, though, I have something to confess: I've been hiding some great products from you for a while now, so as not to ruin anything. And while I was thinking of giving everything away in one big contest, I've instead decided to give everyone a chance to win something by breaking it up into four smaller giveaways.
Yep, you heard me... four giveaways this month! All month long, I'll be giving out free stuff to my readers as a thank-you for sticking with me this past year. Each contest will begin on a Monday and last through the following Monday, so enter quick!
Some of the prizes will be smaller than others, but in my opinion, they're all wonderful! And, as I said, this way everyone has a chance to win something. Sounds good, right?
Ready for February? I know I'm excited! Check back later this evening for the first giveaway! Here's a hint: baby-soft skin!
Over the course of 2008, I reviewed, raved, and ranted about over 35 products! Today, I've compiled my list of favorites - then ten best products I covered during 2008.
These products are considered my go-to favorites and shining stars - everything from nails to foundations to brushes to mascara. Enjoy the list!
Sally Hansen Complete Care 4-In-1 Nail Treatment, my first review of the year, also proved to be a huge favorite of mine. This nail treatment, along with its moisturizing counterpart, do it all - smooth, strengthen, grow, and shine.
Neutrogena Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy is an effective, soothing lip treatment that heals dry, chapped lips and adds a soft sheen for a pretty pout. It also smells and tastes delicious - so addictive!
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets turned out to be the perfect on-the-go beauty product, reducing shine and oil throughout the day without budging makeup!
Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment stole the spot for my number one night cream. With an array of anti-aging ingredients and a formula that is creamy, wonderfully scented, and amazingly moisturizing, this treatment redefines "beauty sleep!"
Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser, while not a budget product, was one of my HG facial cleansers. It easily removed most traces of dirt, oil, and makeup in a minute or less, and left dry skin moisturized to boot!
Clean & Clear SOFT, with two great no-fuss products - the In-Shower Facial and the Day Moisturizer - left my skin clean, soft, and smooth all day, without oiliness. If only everything in life were this simple!
Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara may not have impressed some, but made me say "Wow!" After one coat, my lashes were left dark, lush, and full of volume. Loved it!
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer was a big step outside my comfort zone, but totally worth it! This 100% natural, organic tinted moisturizer had a great scent and blended beautifully into my fair skin.
ecoTOOLS Brushes were easily my favorite brush discovery of the year! These high-quality, low-cost tools are made from all recycled, renewable materials, making them very eco-friendly and allowing us budget girls to enjoy quality brushes for less.
CoverGirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation, with new AquaCurrent technology, was one of my favorite foundations of 2008. With a solid-to-liquid-to-powder formula, it provided great coverage while allowing my skin to breathe and drawing in moisture.
Here's to another great year of beauty products!
Happy New Year, everyone!!
Thanks to all of you for making 2008 such a bright year for me! Soon we'll be coming up on BBB's one-year anniversary, and I couldn't be happier with how things have gone! Your readership and support has helped me so much, and I appreciate everything you've done for me and the blog! :)
I hope all your wishes for the new year come true!
Hi everyone! I'm super-excited and happy today! Have you taken a look at the website yet? If you're reading this via e-mail, I highly encourage you to visit!
That's right, Bare Budget Beauty has a wonderful new layout! Isn't it beautiful? A huge thanks to Zoe for creating it for me - she does amazing work! You can check out her link near the bottom of the page.
I hope you all enjoy the 2009 layout. I'm loving it! :)
Hi everyone! It's been a while, I know!
Well, I always feel it's necessary to explain myself for any leave of absence I take, especially if I don't give any warning. This time I wasn't able to, unfortunately, because I ended up in the hospital suddenly for about four days.
Don't worry, though, because I'm back and feeling much better! Sorry again for not notifying you all before disappearing like that. :)
Be sure to stick around this weekend, because I've got something cool in store for the website, and - as always - more treats just for my readers!
Hello lovelies! It looks like I decided to extend my vacation by a few days, right? Sorry, but it was hard to resist... :) Thanks to everyone who wished me a great trip!
I'm back from California now, though, and had a fantastic time! The resort we stayed in was absolutely gorgeous, the weather was beautiful, and the spa was a positively divine experience! I wish I never had to leave!
While in California, I of course had to visit Rite-Aid a few times, which has a superior beauty department compared to anything we have here! I was so jealous, but I did manage to pick up a few goodies along the way. (Can we say, "New ecoTOOLS brushes?!").
Like many of my friends have done recently, I've decided to take the plunge and buy my own domain name for the blog. I've been wanting to do it for a while, and since I've had the blog for over six months now, I really wanted to take the next step for the site. I'm so excited!
Please feel free to update your links to:
http://www.barebudgetbeauty.com
The old URL will still work, but it will redirect you here instead.
Thanks so much for your support, everyone! I hope to keep the blog growing. :)
Once again, Jenn has become busy with life outside of her blog, regrettably. I really apologize for the huge lack of content this month - school has really been kicking my butt lately. As an example, this week has a huge project, two large exams, and an oral test. When does this bee get a break?
Never fear, though - y'all know I'll be back in usual style as soon as possible, happily updating and reviewing new products. I've got tons in store, so just sit tight and be a little more patient.
Thanks, everyone... love you all! Come back soon now. :)
Sadly, it's time for this bee to go back to school for a new year. I've had a ton of fun this summer blogging like crazy, but unfortunately, I won't be able to keep up such a fast pace during the semester. (I really need to focus on my major!)
Of course I'll still be writing as much as possible, but it won't be the same while I'm going to school full-time and working part-time. I hope everyone understands. :)
In the meantime, I'll be working on some exciting new fall features, looks, reviews, and more. Bear with me and my busy schedule, and please keep lending me your support!
Thanks so much!
xoxo,
JennBee
Hi everyone! I know that updates have been a little more sparse than usual lately, and I apologize. I've been busy working, getting ready for school, and preparing for my birthday.
I'll be gone for 2-3 days starting today for this year's festivities (camping and sight-seeing up north!!), but don't worry, I'll be back to posting soon!
Thanks for your patience and support. See you soon!
That's right - Bare Budget Beauty now has its own Facebook page! The Facebook page will provide another method of keeping up with posts and updates, conversing with myself personally and other members, and discussing the blog. Since everyone and their mothers (literally!) owns a Facebook account by now, I decided this would be a great way for us to come together!
If you'd like to join BBB's Facebook page, just follow this link and become a fan! Then we can finally start talking. :)
I hope the page is a success, and with your help, it will be! :)
I discovered yet another delightful surprise today while browsing my visitor sources - a website called nzgirl has featured me in the fashion and beauty manager's Top Five Beauty Blogs list!
I was so incredibly flattered that I was speechless for several minutes. I couldn't thank this website enough if I tried, and I truly, deeply appreciate the honor. Thank you!
And another big thanks to my readers, who help make this all possible. Come back this evening for something special!
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