Everyone loves a good deal but FREE is so much better!

1. Contact your local mall for events sponsored by department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Macy's to learn about free beauty events they are hosting. You can check out their website for information on trunk shows, sample sales, and seasonal happenings. I received a leather Dior waller when I attended Nordstrom's annual Trendshow. (See pic below)
2. Reach out to Dior beauty counters directly for a free makeup or skincare consultation. These one on ones include a mini facial customized for your skin type and a complimentary makeup application (I've even had my eyebrows plucked before). Foundation or skin care samples are typically offered.
3. Make a purchase and you will also receive samples from perfume to foundation. This is true for online and in store purchases.
4. Join the Dior Diva VIP program which gives you points for every dollar spent at Dior Beauty that you can use for even more freebies.
5. Perform a mystery shop and get paid to learn more about the brand while interacting with a Dior Beauty Analyst. I call this one learning and earning, your average shop pays $10-$25 per visit.
6. Ask for a freebie! Most department stores keep samples just for patrons to become introduced to new products.

DiamondLife Tip: Whenever possible interact with the Dior brand in person! This will help you build relationships with beauty analysts and you'll hear about new events and products sooner!

Deluxe samples are a great way to test a Dior product before committing to the purchase. They are also perfect for travel! Many high end brands offer the same amenities so claim yours!

Yours in Dior,

Diamond

In an earlier blog I shared with you the very first step in getting what you want in your Diamond Life, deciding what you want. Taking this intial step will give you an inner look at your deepest desires and can motivate you with a new found purpose. This first step is not a one and done item on your checklist either. When you really step into your Diamond Life you'll have new adventures that will create different desires and those experiences will stir up new dreams and aspirations, leading back to step one.

Those of you that read the first blog in this series and did your homework are now armed with a purpose, a goal, and your Diamond Life motivation! Now that you know what you want, you have to determine what you are willing to sacrifice to get it. As we all know nothing in this life is free and anything worth having is worth working for. Your Diamond Life will require you to give something of yourself...daily.

Decide what you are willing to do/sacrifice to get what you want.

I'll continue using myself as an example here. Initially, I decided some time after I graduated from college that I wanted to enjoy the finer things in life. I was an adult and on my own with the world at my fingertips. I was gainfully employed, living in New Orleans (far away from home) and had access to most things I desired, but I quickly realized it was expensive and I needed to be able to take care of far less glamourous adult responsibilities in my life too. At that point, I amended my goal to this: I want to enjoy the finer things in life, for FREE or at little cost. That small addendum saved me soooo much money and really encouraged me to get creative and to start thinking outside of the box.

My original goal was going to cost me lots of money plus my time since I had to work to earn the money. I was clear on what I wanted - CHANEL, DIOR, YSL, GUCCI but after a few mini shopping sprees I knew I wasn't willing to sacrifice my hard earned money so easily. My revised goal, however, allowed my to keep more of my money while still getting what I wanted in my Diamond Life.

What did it cost me? TIME. It's more valuable to me than money but they really go hand in hand. I had to learn something new while working a full time job, dating, etc. and it took me months to really lay a decent foundation. There were times when I went out and got every FREE item available to me and other times I lived off of what I had. The extent of my sacrifices along the way changed as other goals and life events became a priority but my desire never changed.
 

DiamondLife Tip: If you lay a strong foundation for your dreams you should be able to step away, as needed, without things falling apart. IE: You earned a degree in a field you love but you're working in a non-related industry.

One of the first ways I discovered to get all types of freebies, not just the premium brand products, was to sign up for newsletters. The sacrifice was, having to read those newsletters and submit requests daily to ensure a steady stream of goodies. I could easily do this for months but when something else in my life became a priority I could walk away from submitting requests because the foundation was laid with the newsletter subscription. If I ever wanted to return my inbox would still be filled with opportunities for more free stuff.

What are you willing to give to get what you want? Your Diamond Life may require money, time or new connections and like me, you might discover you may need to make adjustments along the way. It happens, it's ok. When you want to quit remember why you started in the first place!

What sacrifices have you made this year to move closer to your Diamond Life? Share your experiences below!

Summer 2014, Beachwood Place's Nordstrom is now offering spa services! If you live in other markets like California (I see you San Fransico) or Phoenix then you may already be taking advantage of your local Nordstrom spa services. Those of us in Ohio can finally enjoy them too, well some of them, there's a limited selection now but hopefully after they test the market more amenities will be added.

Now you won't find any information about this new venture at Beachwood Place's Nordstrom website but it's there and as a DiamondLifer you just got the inside scoop. I became aware of the new spa services while attending a summer beauty event in early June. I met with the sole staff member dedicated to the spa services and received a handful of coupons for 10% off any service.

Here's the tea:

Currently, they offer personal services like facial and body waxing, professional facials and anti-aging services. Other markets offer full body and speciality massages, nail services and much more. I treated myself to a 30 minute facial to get my feet wet. The spa services are offered off the sales floor in room complete with all the tools you need to beautify your skin, take a peek above to see what my room looked like. Dim lights, calming music and a place to lay your weary bones in your terry cloth cover up was just what the doctor ordered. The room was so peaceful, at the end of this 30-45 minute facial I was wishing I had gone for the one hour treatment.

What I love about this facial, besides the private room, is that  you can pick the skin care line you want to use while working with a Beauty Analyst from any line sold at Nordstrom to select products customized for your skin concerns. Finally a way to get all the great benefits from top luxury brands lines like LaMer, YSL and Dior without paying thou$ands of dollars. I went with Chanel, my go to high end skin care line, but LaMer is next on my list when I return. Have you tried their firming and lifting mask yet? It's made my beauty bucket list ;) but I digress.

My facial included a pre-cleanse, a deep cleanse with the Clarisonic Mia, an anti-aging mask, a hand and arm massage while my skin was getting a healthy steaming, an eye serum, a facial serum and a rich moisturizer to seal the deal. There was even some light aromatherapy too! The only thing I missed was having extractions performed, for me, it's like having a pedicure without the callus or dead skin removal but perhaps they'll add that procedure in the future. Overall my skin felt renewed and I had a good time getting to know the spa specialist personally.

If you're out shopping and need a quick beauty pick me up this is an option!

Want your 10% discount? Leave a comment below.

As promised here's the first close-up look at the goodies I grabbed from my trip to the L'Oreal store last month. I only bought two though! The other three I recevied as compensation for my work with the company. Let's move left to right...

Mizani's True Textures Curl Soft is creamy but still light weight. I don't have curly hair so this is not one I used personally but I have used this in a relative's hair and found it to be non-greasy and a great aid in creating structured curls that are still pliable.

Thermasmooth Shine Extend is a triple threat if your using any heat on your hair! You get shiny, smooth hair without the frizz. If you want the shine and have low maintenance hair then the Gloss Veil is for you. It absorbs well into your hair and has a non-greasy formula plus its a unisex product so the whole family can use it!

The last two products are the ones I grabbed at the store to round out my Mizani arsenal. The Silk Finishing Gel is great for ponytails and updos I wear in the summer and because it's wax free I don't have to worry about messy buildup.

And finally, Mizani's Iron Curl is formulated with breakage protection that helps prevent split ends so if I decide to flatiron or curl my hair I know my tresses are shielded.

DiamondLife Tip: If you want to see the best results use as many products from the same line as possible. Remember they were formulated to work together to maximize results!

Do you use Mizani products? Which combination leaves you with hair that is "bouncing and behaving"? Leave your comment below.

For years now I have worked with the L'Oreal Paris/USA company testing great products from lines like, Lancome and Garnier. Here recently I have climbed their cosmetic ranks and learned in my time with them, that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to this beauty powerhouse!

Did you know the L'Oreal Luxe division includes brands like: Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent Beaute', and Ralph Lauren? Did you know they bought you the Clarisonic brand? Or The Body Shop stores and products? There is probably a piece of their merch in your purse, medicine cabinet or make-up bag right now!

Last month, I visited the employee only L'Oreal store here in Ohio for the first time. I've earned access to this store about once a month in the past but I've never had time to drop in before. Who knew what a treat was awaiting me? Curious???

 Here's the tea:

• I am only permitted to enter the facility once with each pass I earn and that pass carries an expiration date
• I must travel alone, well practically, younger kids are ok but no adults are permitted to join you
• There is a strict spending limit, as well as, some purchase quantity limits on certain product lines
• I can NOT re-sale anything I get there
• Some items are cash only
• No weekend hours

 

DiamondLife Tip: When excercising the benefits extended to you by your favorite brands: follow directions! Remember membership is a privilege and access/perks can be revoked for the smallest infractions.

Despite the laws of the land you can easily get all you need with some products being sold for $1 each! Check out the pic above to get an idea what I hauled away and look for future blogs highlighting the products I'm experimenting with. 

The list of brands available is quite extensive, very informative and too long to list in its entirety here so to save you some time I've listed the remaining brands in the LUXE line below. There are several other divisions, think Matrix and Maybelline, that work to make sure they are your first string players when you want to keep your hair bouncing and behaving and your skin radiant.

You know how much we at The Diamond Life value doing our research, so here's some homework ;) I've included a link of all things L'Oreal Paris/USA here : http://www.loreal.com/default.aspx#Section_CorpTopic_Brand


Lancôme 
Biotherm 
Kiehl’s 
Shu Uemura 
Cacharel 
Helena Rubinstein 
Clarisonic
Diesel 
Viktor&Rolf 
Yue Sai 
Maison Martin Margiela 
Urban Decay 
Guy Laroche 
Paloma Picasso

Want to learn more? Leave your questions/comments below!