Recently in Salon & Beauty Category

As part of a cosmetics settlement, you can get free make up today at a number of stores, including Macys, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom. A Web site has info about the lawsuit that is resulting in the massive giveaway.

Seem suspicious? I thought that too, until I found this story from The Boston Channel about the $175 million make up settlement. Each person who qualifies can ask for one item between $18 and $25 free.

"To qualify for the giveaway, a person must live in the United States and have purchased a cosmetic on the settlement list made or sold by the defendants between May 29, 1994, and July 16, 2003. Some of the retailers among the defendants include Foley's, Dillard's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus. Manufacturers include Clinique, Estee Lauder, Chanel, M.A.C., and L'Oreal."

Browse the list of free products available while supplies list here. Thanks Tina and Lynn!

Today, Jan. 14 only, register online to receive a coupon in the mail for a free bottle of Suave Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Spray, Styling Aid, BodyWash, or Body Lotion worth up to $3.00.

To get the coupon you must register your name, address and email. I did and got a message saying I would receive a coupon in 2-4 weeks. The coupon is good through Feb . 28, 2009 so I need to use it shortly after receipt.

Registration ends at 8:59:59 p.m. PT today.

Caveats: one coupon per household.

A savvy reader named Cece sent me a fabulous tip recently. The cosmetology department at West Valley Occupational Career Center offers free haircuts on Monday and half price services for seniors aged 55-plus every Tuesday and Wednesday.

The details are a bit complicated but it's a great deal so listen up. Thanks to May Lahham in the cosmetology department for explaining it to me.

Twice a year WVOC holds an advanced haircutting class for licensed professionals. The professionals spend the first part of the class learning the cuts, then they try out their new skills on you, which is why they are free.

The free cuts are Monday from 10 am to 1:30 pm, walk ins only. You must be at least 10 years old to get the free cut. The free cuts happen...

To celebrate their first anniversary, Ziba Beauty in Glendale is offering a free eyebrow threading or a mehndi henna tattoo on Thursday, November 20, 2008 to those who RSVP. You do not have to be a first time customer.

Ziba is not taking specific appointments - it is first come first serve on November 20 - but feel free to specify a preferred time while RSVPing.

RSVP sooner rather than later and RSVP no later than Wednesday, November 19, 2008. Rebekah King is booking the appointments and can be reached at Rking@zibabeauty.com or (888) 259-4432. Leave a message if Rebekah if she doesn't pick up.

It takes about 10-15 minutes for threading and 10-20 minutes for mehndi.

Pucker up. When times are tough, women buy more lipstick. At least, that's the theory behind the lipstick index. Guess how lipsticks have been moving lately?

"Sales in the last few months are up 40 percent," says a tidbit in the NY Times. "What do women want when they aren't allowed to want too much? Traditional lipsticks in more-sheer neutral shades; the bright reds of days gone by have been replaced by pinky browns and rosy taupes."

The NY Times highlights 41 different lipsticks, from Wal-Mart's $2 Brandy Sparkle to Neiman Marcus' Sisley Hydrating No. L17, for $55. Look good, feel good.

Eyes Lips Face, the maker of $1 makeup, has introduced a new slightly more expensive "professional studio line." Every item is $3, including mascara, eye shadow, blush, powder, concealer, and more.

The last time I wrote about E.L.F., reader comments were very mixed. Some hated it, some loved it. At least one reader said the quality of the makeup was not even worth spending $1. Others said they had good experiences with certain products or that it was great for teenagers.

The $3 studio line is new so I have not tried it. I'm tempted, however, because lately I have been wearing a bit more makeup. If you do buy any of the $3 E.L.F., please let me know what you think!

Two quick deals wrapped into one post:

Bev Mo's nickel wine sale is on. Buy one wine and get a second bottle of the same wine for a nickel.

Some 150 wines are eligible for the discount. The sale ends December 7, 2008. Could be a good time to stock up on wine for holiday gifts and parties.

This weekend only get free standard shipping on any purchase at MAC cosmetics online. Use code 3DAY when checking out.

Valid through 8:59 pm PST on Sunday November 2, 2008. Good on orders shipped to US and Canadian addresses only.

Get $5 off a purchase of $20 or more at Walgreens today and Saturday, October 25, 2008 only. Print the coupon here. To use this coupon, your total must be above $20 after you use other coupons. Tax does not count towards the $20.

Online use code SAVEMORE. Not sure if it is case sensitive. Each customer can use the online coupon up to five times.

Caveats: cannot be used toward purchase of alcohol, stamps, tobacco, prescriptions, prescription co-pays, gift cards, pre-paid cards, transportation passes, and charitable contributions. No cash value.

Find a Walgreens near you.

Here is a fun story from the Associated Press on looking beautiful on a tight budget. Some of the tips - like making your own deodorant - are really curious, though I have not tried many of them.

"Sure, we've got problems with the economy," the story goes. "But no one wants to looked stressed-out about it. Some ideas for keeping your skin, hair and nails in shape without breaking the bank:"

FACE STUFF

"Skip the expensive creams. Janet Luhrs, author of the newsletter, "Simple Living" and the book, "The Simple Living Guide," used to buy moisturizing cream at the dermatologist's office, spending $108 for a 4-ounce jar. Now she uses 100 percent jojoba, apricot or avocado oil, that she gets for around $4 for the same size container.

"Make your own acne treatment. Dina Falconi, an herbalist and author of "Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair," offers this recipe: Combine a quarter cup of water, a quarter cup of...

Get free standard shipping on any purchase from MAC Cosmetics this weekend only. Normally you don't get free shipping unless you spend at least $60.

The deal expires 8:59 pm pacific time this Sunday October 12, 2008. Use code 3DAY when checking out.

Browse the site by product type, designers and looks, or basic building blocks and last chance products.. They also have a page for Halloween makeup ideas, including an eye-catching blossom, above.

Caveats: free shipping valid on orders shipped to US and Canadian addresses only.

The latest issue of Shop Smart magazine reviews a slew of beauty Web sites, including BuyMeBeauty.com, which they say has the best prices. The trade off is limited selection.

For instance, under mascara they have a total of five choices, from $4.69 to $15.25. On the cheap end Max Factor stretch and separate mascara is $4.69. It comes in four shades, plus two waterproof options. The site offers free shipping on orders of $35 or more.

Shipping is free on Skin-one.com, which focuses on skin care. The site has an aesthetician you can e-mail questions to. Cool! Also, no tax outside of Illinois, where the company is located. Get 12% off your order now until September 30, 2008 with code SAVE12.

CosmeticMall.com has a generous return policy - 30 days for almost any reason, even if product are open. You do have to pay $5.95 plus an additional $.93 cents per pound to return items, however.

They recommend staying away from BeautyDepot.com, which does not accept returns on cosmetics and has no toll free customer service number.

Read the full story here.

Join the Body Shop's Love Your Body frequent customer program for $10 and get 20% off in stores and online Thursday, September 18.

After the sale members get 10% off, plus bonuses depending on how much they spend. The $10 card is good for a year but often you can get a free renewal.

The Shop has a few other discounts for members on Thursday, including Divide and Multiply mascara for $10.40 (orig $18). Online use code MULTIPLY.

Get $5 any one product from their new Wellbeing Blissful Calm line when you try one on in stores. An enlivening body gel with ginger and guarana extracts, above, is $24 before the discount.

Caveats: discounts for members only. If you are still skeptical about joining, shop with a friend who is already a member.

Find a Body Shop near you.

UPDATE: This free deal starts TOMORROW, Saturday August 23. I went in today and had to ask nicely three times to get the free sample. I apologize if anybody else has this trouble! The email I received from Sephora does NOT mention a start date so I assumed it started immediately. Print out the email if you go in today to make your case. If you can, wait until tomorrow.

PREVIOUSLY: Get a free 10-day supply of bareMinerals SPF 15 foundation and mini brush from Sephora when you make any online purchase or ask for one in stores. The Bare Escentuals foundation comes in six shades, fairly light, light, medium beige, medium tan, medium dark, and golden dark.

Online use promo code MYSHADE. No purchase is required to get the freebie in stores, though supplies are limited.

Caveats: not valid on previous purchases, or with gift cards. One offer per order. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion codes.

Find a Sephora near you.

Get five free samples from Estee Lauder with any purchase now until 9 am PST Friday, August 22, 2008. You get to choose from 15 perfumes, creams, makeup items and cleansers in sample sizes.

I would stay away from the lip gloss and powder compact because if the shades don't match your skin it is a total waste.

This little extra makes it a good time to stock up on any Estee Lauder products you already buy. But don't delay because the clock is ticking!

Shipping is free on purchases of $50 or more.

Spa Week is September 15 to 21 on the West Coast and October 13 to 19 in the Midwest and East Coast. If you don't know about Spa Week, hundreds of spas across the country offer two or three services (their choice) for $50.

It's basically a way to get you in the door and try something new. Treatments may include massages, facials, scrubs, manicures, pedicures, and more exotic options.

Visit Spaweek.org to check what treatments are available and make an appointment. Log in or register to access the spa week appointments. The $50 treatments are listed under the name of each spa in pink. Book your appointment now to guarantee a $50 treatment.

Makeup, brushes and tools are all $1 at e.l.f.. The first time I blogged about this site I was pretty amazed, but one reader immediately burst my bubble.

"This make-up is terrible, it's only a $1.00, because it's barely worth that.....i purchased a lot and threw it all away...."

I have not bought anything from e.l.f. but I still think this $1 makeup may not be a bad idea for certain occasions. Why pay more when you need bizarre colors to go with a costume, have to fill gift bags, want to test out a new shade, or are in need of disposable tools?

A set of four powder puffs, above, are $1. Lip gloss sold in tiny tins are $1 each. Many items, like makeup kits, cases, bath supplies are much more than $1, including a $20 mineral powder starter kit.

Get $2 shipping at e.l.f. on orders of $25 or more until August 31, 2008. Use code EGSHIPT.

This is LA so I had to! Well, actually I didn't have to, but who can resist these eye-popping pictures of famous glamor gals looking incredibly blotchy and tired and...regular.

Some of them are so drastic that I bet if you cover the "done up" picture on the right you won't even recognize who they are!

The risk factor is higher than going to your local, trusted salon, but keep beauty schools in mind when you want to save a buck. They often offer discounted services for cuts, makeup, and nails. How else are their students going to learn?

Find a local beauty school near you at BeautySchoolsDirectory.com.

Some questions to keep in mind when you call your local beauty school:
+ What services do they offer and at what price?
+ How much experience does the technician you are making an appointment with have?
+ Do they have experience cutting hair that is curly/thick/thin (or whatever type hair you have)
+ How long will the cut take? (if it is during a class, it may take longer than usual)
+ What happens if you are unhappy with the result?

Readers in LA might remember last year I blogged about the Paul Mitchell school in Sherman Oaks, where students give hair cuts for $12. Make an appointment at (818) 380-8120.

Here's a 10-step guide to the basics of putting on makeup. It is a good place to start, though some of the steps you can skip, like if you don't want to darken your eyebrows.

The guide has good tips, like if you have to blend in blush, it's too bright. If you find the 10-steps too vague there are links to more specific makeup topics. Some of the best are below.

How to choose a lipstick color ("Choose a color that complements the natural shade of your lips and skin. Plums, wines and deep reds flatter a dark skin tone, while light-brown beiges with pink or orange undertones complement a lighter skin tone. Olive skin looks good with brownish reds, light browns and raisin shades of lipstick.")

How to apply makeup for photographs

How to achieve a natural look with makeup (chose shades that closely match you skin tone and use earthy shades on your eyes)

How to give makeup as a gift (chose a variety of tones or stick to items like brushes, cases, a small vanity mirror or gift certificate).

As I mentioned in a post earlier today, a few weeks ago I went to the MAC store to get my makeup done for a new Bargain Hunter photo. (A formal job costs $50 but on a slow day you can usually talk a salesperson into quickly showing you a few things. It helps if you make it clear you are interesting in buying some products.)

While the saleswoman was making me up she had me hold a mirror up so I could see exactly what she was doing. She also explained every step along the way. Here are some of the best tips I learned from her.

+ When choosing a foundation or powder to even out your skin, match the shade to your neck, not your face.

+ Applying foundation or powder with a brush will leave a lighter coat than applying with a foam pad.

+ When applying eye shadow start by...

It seems many gals have a complex about makeup. I discovered this after chatting with my former neighbor who always looks perfectly done up. I was telling her about how I had talked a MAC saleswoman into painting my face because I had to get my Bargain Hunter photo redone (new pic on the left).

When I confessed to my friend that I knew next to nothing about eye shadow and mineral powder, she gushed that she, too, was clueless about makeup. But she always looks so good!

So I decided to do a theme day about make up that combined deals with tips. I hope you enjoy. As always, shoot me your idea for a theme by emailing me.

A hairdresser named Heidi at Studio H Salon in Calabasas is offering a special deal just for Bargain Hunter readers. Get a complimentary haircut ($70+ for women and $45 for men) with any color treatment OR get 20% off any service now until November 1, 2008.

Heidi is offering the deal to entice new customers and to help folks save moolah. "Valley Girls, please save yourself the gas, the road rage, and the parking ticket," she said in an email to me. Calabasas may be a shorter drive than going downtown.

Here are the services she offers. Blow dry $45+, updo $100+, single process $60+, shine treatment $60+, partial highlight $100+, full highlight $130+, conditioning treatment $25+.

Appointments are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 5. Mention the Bargain Hunter to get the deal when you book.

Caveats: you can only choose one of the deals. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires November 1, 2008. New clients only. Must book with Heidi to get the deal.

Visit Studio H Salon at 22247 Mulholland Hwy. in Gelson's Plaza in Calabasas. (818) 224-4200.

I had to have my picture taken for the Bargain Hunter blog today and knowing next to nothing about makeup, I turned to my friend Connie, an ace bargainista and very fashionable gal. My instinct was right because she knew exactly what to do.

"We'll go to the MAC store for a makeover," she said.

So this morning we headed over to their store in the Topanga mall and Connie sweet talked a saleswoman into painting my face. It wasn't easy, though. At first she wanted to charge us $50. But Connie knew how to work it.

"She's interested in buying a powder or something, but she wants to try a few things out," Connie said.

"Well it's not going to be picture perfect," the woman said.

"That's okay, I just don't want her to walk out with only half her face done," Connie said.

Showing you how to apply makeup on one side is common because it encourages you to buy everything they use to finish the job. It's also...

Get seven free eye samples when you place an order of at least $25 on Sephora.com. Use code JULYEYES at check out. You may have to join their beauty insider program, which means getting occasional emails from them. You can always unsubscribe later.

The freebies include an Anastasia Brow Powder Duo, Dior HydrAction Hydra-Protective Eye Crème SPF 20, Kinerase® Under Eye Rescue, Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer,
Ole Henriksen Fresh Start Eye Creme, Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eye Gel and
Per-fékt Skin Perfection Gel OR Vincent Longo Crème Concealer.

Mineral eye shadows are popular these days but with the summer sun putting on a show I'm more interested in moisturizers with SPF. A one-ounce tube of Boscia oil-free hydration lotion with SPF 15 is $27, just enough to get the free samples.

Caveats: unclear when the code expires but I'm guessing at the end of the month.

Get $3.50 off a $10.00 purchase at Ulta beauty, an online makeup and hair store that has good prices, especially if you can swing free shipping. The coupon works with regular priced, sale and clearance merchandise. Use promo code 94427. Expires July 26, 2008.

Right now Ulta has a lot of stuff on sale. Neutrogena, Pantene, Tresemme, L'Oreal and Clariol Nice & Easy are buy one get one 50% off. You can also get a free 13-piece makeup set when you buy $17.50 of Ulta makeup, minerals, or formativ skincare. Read all the sale offers on the left side of this page.

A starter mineral eye kit is $49 and includes four eye shadows, four brushes and tips on how to apply the makeup. A similar and much cheaper set sold under the Ulta brand is $25 but sold out, unfortunately. But check back in case they get it in stock again!

Caveats: the $3.50 off coupon excludes salon services, fragrance, hair artistry brands, Re:nu, prestige cosmetics including Bare Escentuals, prestige skincare, GoSmile and T3. Cannot be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Cannot be combined with any other ULTA coupon offers. Not valid on prior purchases. One per customer.

Testers at the consumer-friendly magazine ShopSmart tested out four lip stains that claim to last for 8 to 16 hours. So which ones held up? Very few. But three lasted much longer than regular lipstick.

They recommend Cover Girl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor, L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour, and Maybelline Superstay Lipcolor. All are about $9. They recommend not buying Estee lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Duo, which is $24.

Caveats: the long-lasting lip colors have two parts, the stain and the gloss. ShopSmart's 14 testers said they had to reapply gloss during the day.

Other interesting lipstick facts: A poll of 1,600 ShopSmart readers said the own an average of 13 lipsticks and lip glosses. 41 percent of women said they carry between three and 10 lip colors in their purses. Readers buy an average of 6 lipsticks per year. 20 percent of women have returned lipsticks.

Get $5 off a purchase of $20 or more at Walgreens Friday, June 27 only. Some caveats. Print the coupon here.

Caveats: excludes alcohol, tobacco, prescriptions, prescription co-pays, gift cards and pre-paid cards. One per customer. Sales tax does not count towards the $20.

Find a Walgreens near you.

A Burbank hair stylist is offering new customers 35% off all hair treatments now until July 22, 2008. Make an appointment with Sossie at Dream Beauty Supply, Salon, and Spa and mention the Bargain Hunter to get the discount.

Take 35% off these prices: haircuts are $35+ and includes shampoo and conditioner but not blow dry, color (roots only) is $45 and includes shampoo and conditioner but not blow dry. Color (single process) is $55+, a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment is $20+, a blow dry is $15+ depending on hair length.

Sunkist highlights are $45 for 6 to 8 foils but the blow dry is not included, partial highlights are $65 and the blow dry is not included, full highlights are $110 and the blow dry is included, relaxer (roots) is $65 and blow dry is not included, relaxer (whole head) is $110+, Japanese and European straightening is $300+, body waves and perms are $65+, hairloc hair extensions are $200+, updos are $65+.

Whenever a deal sounds too good to be true I always like to confirm the discounted price over the phone and then in the salon before the process begins so everyone is on the same page.

Visit Dream Beauty at 3001 W. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank. (818) 913-2793. Monday to Saturday 10 to 6. If Sossie does not pick up remember to leave your number clearly on her voice mail so she can get back to you.

Through Thursday, June 26, a slew of products are buy one get one free at Rite Aid. Hubby returned with four bottles of sunscreen and a $15 bill (about $3.75 per). Certain Revlon, Garnier, Nature Made vitamins and Doritos products are also part of the sale.

The Revlon sale includes face makeup, lip color and nail enamel but excludes eye products, implements, trial sizes, pre-priced and clearance items.

Read the weekly sale flyer for your local store to find out exactly what is one sale. Find a Rite Aid near you.

Get 15% off MAC Cosmetics now through June 16, 2008 during their friends and family sale. Coupon works at MAC stores but not at their booths in department stores. Print the coupon here.

Caveats: cannot be combined with other coupons, valid only on merchandise, not valid on Viva Glam products, gift cards, past purchases, pending purchases or out of stock items. Valid on items shipping to a single address.

The MAC Web site is having a family and friends sale online June 16 only. Look for a online coupon code that day.

Find a MAC store near you.

Get $10 off a $30 purchase at Walgreens today only with some caveats. In stores only. Print the coupon here.

Caveats: excludes alcohol, tobacco, prescriptions, gift cards, and pre-paid cards. Find a Walgreens near you.

Fancy schmancy is the Mélange Apothecary in Sherman Oaks (formerly of Woodland Hills) but a 30% off coupon puts their prices within reach, especially for gifts or special occasions or splurges (there is always a reason, right?) The trendy store carries their own line of scents, oils, perfumes, beauty products, and home fragrances, plus brands like Seda France, Mor and Cote Bastide.

Online use code May30 at checkout. Try clicking here to print out the deal for in store shopping. If it does not work and you *really* want to use the discount in the store and not online, try signing up for Daily Candy deals. They may send the coupon to you. Offer expires May 27.

A 60ml bottle of Melange's Casablanca Lily perfume, above, is $42 before the discount.

Visit them at 13632 Ventura Blvd, just east of Woodman Avenue in Sherman Oaks. (818) 385-0495. Summer hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 5.

Knock $10 off your order at the Body Shop with no apparent minimums. I tried it with a $16 purchase and it worked! You still have to pay for shipping unless your tab is $70 or more. Use code BODYSHOP. It is case sensitive. Online only. Unclear how long this code will last but I don't expect very long. Really good deals never do.

I love the Body Shop's Seaweed Day Cream, above, for $16, though you still need to put on sunscreen because it does not contain any. I also find their Vitamin E Eye Cream makes a difference if I use it regularly. Yikes, the price went up to $17. I think it used to be $14. I've also had good luck with their lip products.

A stylist at Dream Beauty Supply, Salon and Spa is offering a really big promotion just for Bargain Hunter readers. The salon opened recently (I have not seen it myself) and they are trying to get new customers. The deal is spread over three visits and is free.

During your first visit you get a shampoo, deep conditioning treatment and haircut. On the second visit you get highlights (6-8 foils) or a sunkist glaze. On the last visit you get eyebrow/lip waxing or threading. These treatments would add up to $120 normally.

Call Sossie at (818) 913-2793 to make an appointment and don't forget to mention the deal. Sossie is also offering a 30% discount on other services, including color, Japanese straightening, Hairloc hair extensions, and chemical services. Expires May 31, 2008.

Visit them at 3001 W. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank. Mon through Sat 10 to 6.

Get 30% off at Footlocker during their quickie friends and family sale, today through Saturday, May 3. Print the coupon here. It is also good at Kids Footlocker and Lady Footlocker. If your total *after* the 30% discount has been applied is above $100 you get an extra 10% off.

Caveats: not good online or through the catalog, cannot be combined with other offers or school rewards programs, not valid on gift cards or past purchases. Find a Footlocker near you.

Get 30% off the entire Urban Decay line of makeup and beauty products now until tomorrow, April 30, 2008. Use coupon code FFA30. Good online or over the phone (800-784-URBAN). No minimum purchase required.

Reader Michelle wrote in with the code and this recommendation: "They have unique colors for eyeshadows. And in my opinion the best liquid liner there is. Stays on the whole day and does not smudge. Their cosmetics line has an edge when it comes to packaging and they are known for the best eyeshadow primer which is the Urban Decay primer potion. Your eyeshadow will stay on the whole day without creasing or smudging."

They also sell vegan makeup?! Thanks, Michelle!

Get $3.50 off an order of $10 or more until May 11 OR get free shipping on orders over $25 until May 3 at Ulta Beauty. The offers cannot be combined, unfortunately. For the $3.50 off use promo code 92524. For the free shipping deal use code MOMSHIPSFREE. They suggest fragrances and other gifts for your Mom. Donna Karan's Eau de Toilette is $58 for 1.7 ounces.

Caveats for $3.50 off: excludes salon services, fragrance, hair artistry brands, prestige cosmetics including Bare Escentuals, prestige skincare, GoSmile and T3. Cannot be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Limit one per customer.

Caveats for free shipping: tax and gift cards do not apply towards total, some restrictions.

Get five yummy smelling liquid soaps and lotions from Bath & Body Works for $25 for a limited time. Some are priced at $11 each so technically you could save as much as $30. There are 132 items to choose from that are part of the promotion so you won't lack for a variety of girly scented goop. Smell like the freshly picked flower of your choice!

Look for other sales and package deals on the left side of this link. Unclear if the sale is also in stores. Shipping is free on tabs of $65 or more with code SENDFREE65.

Tax day hurts, especially if you are paying out instead of taking in. To ease the pain (and get a share of those refund checks), Walgreens is taking 15% off online orders of $50 or more Tuesday, April 15 only. Ends 11:59 p.m. CST. Use coupon code DAY2SAVE.

Caveats: excludes photo, pharmacy, and gift cards. One per account. Does not apply toward taxes or shipping charges.

Don't forget to book a $50 treatment during Spa Week, April 14 through 20. Hundreds of spas across the country are participating. The way it works is each spa can choose up to three treatments that they price at $50 each during spa week. Normally, they would run much higher. Treatments may include a basic massage, facial, laser treatment, manicure or pedicure. Make an appointment by registering here. Book now before all the good treatments are gone.

Spa Week is happening in 21 cities across the country at 400+ spas. Participating cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Denver, Detroit, Philly, Portland, Seattle. Plus Florida, Arizona, Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and Toronto.

Get a $59 Clinique makeup kit for $25 for a limited time through Sephora. The Black Honey set, above, includes color surge eye shadow trio, Kohl shaper for eyes in black honey, high impact mascara in black honey, almost lipstick in black honey, full potential lips plump and shine in blackberry bloom, and a cosmetics bag. As a bonus they toss in a free travel-size makeup remover. To get the discount enter HONEY at checkout. The freebie makeup remover will automatically be added to your cart.

Caveats: one promo code per order, offer not valid in Canada, in stores, or on previous purchases.

Get a free item up to $11 at Bath and Body Works in stores only with any purchase when you have this coupon. Expires April 12, 2008. The fine print makes it sounds like you get to choose the freebie from items they have selected. Not valid online.

Caveats: while supplies last, selection may vary by store, no substitutions. Find a store near you.

Get 10% to 33% off at MonsterHair.com during their spring sale - but it ends today. Brands like MOP, Fudge, Brocato, Osis, Bonacure, Nioxin and Pureology are on sale. Code mhm06 is supposed to knock a few dollars more off your order but it didn't work for me. Browse their sale specials. Products that are on sale have prices in red.

A 3.5 oz jar of Fudge hair shaper is $15.16 (orig $20). Thanks, Melissa!

I think spas and salons must be having a hard time because I'm hearing about many promotions at these types of businesses. The latest comes from Serene Haven in Sherman Oaks. For the rest of the month they are offering 15% off everything from facials to nail services, hair extensions and product purchases. Waxing services are 30% off Tuesday through Thursday and three spa packages are 20% off. With these kinds of discounts I'm thinking there is room for negotiation if what you want is a little different than what they are offering, especially if you are booking multiple treatments or a group outing.

Package one includes a customized facial, mega detox manicure and pedicure, and a gift certificate for a foot and hand scrub, for $121 (orig $152). Package two includes a vitamin c facial treatment, nourishing treatment manicure and pedicure, and a gift certificate for a paraffin hands and feet treatment, for $138 (orig $173). Package three includes an anti-aging facial treatment, a traditional ginger combo manicure and pedicure, and a gift certificate for an ear coning treatment, for $152 (orig $190).

Visit them at 13511 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. (818) 986-3001. Thanks, Jen!

On April 20 get 50% off on haircuts and brow waxing at Elements Aveda in the Calabasas Commons. The stylists and estheticians are working for free that day and all proceeds will benefit the Surfriders Foundation, which helps keep our oceans and waterways clean. Make an appointment soon before they are booked up and mention the benefit to get the discount.

Cuts normally cost $65, not sure yet about the brow waxing. Note, the haircuts are 30 minute appointments and assistants will help with the blow drying. Visit them at 4732 Commons Way in Calabasas. (818) 224-3442.

The latest issue of Shop Smart magazine, a fun, informative glossy put out by the folks at Consumer Reports, puts expiration dates on everything from lipstick to sunscreen. Test your know-how, then run to the bathroom and toss your festering lip gloss like I did.

How long should you keep the following products? Answers are either A, between two weeks and four months, B, six months to a year or C, one year plus.

1. Blush
2. Eyeliner
3. Foundation
4. Lipstick
5. Makeup brushes
6. Makeup sponges
7. Mascara
8. Moisturizer
9. Self-tanner
10. Sunscreen
11. Tweezers and eyelash curlers

For the answers click below.

Time to stock up on beauty products. Get $3.50 off a $10 purchase at the online beauty store Ulta.com plus three free samples. Read all their special offers, including a free 14-piece cosmetics gift set with any $17.50 purchase of Ulta cosmetics or formativ skincare. (Excludes Ulta mineral kits and Ulta professional.) Browse their sections for makeup, skincare, and haircare.

Coupon expires Saturday, March 22, 2008. Use code 93454 online or click here to print the coupon. Free shipping on tabs of $50 or more.

Caveats: excludes all fragrance brands and products, salon services, colonial candlesa and a number of brands of excluded. Click here to see the whole list.

Estee Lauder has a relatively generous offer for three free sample size skin potions with any $25 purchase. The freebies are Advanced Night Repair AND Advanced Night Repair for Eyes, plus either Idealist or Perfectionist [CP+]. If you want the duo with Idealist use code 3IDEAL at checkout. If you want Perfectionist use code 3PERFECT. Online only. Unclear when the deal ends.

To get your tab up to $25, buy one mascara ($19.50 to $21) and you're almost there. A pencil sharpener is $5. An eyeshadow duo is $25 exactly and comes in ten different shade pairings. Powders are $25 to $35. Free shipping on $50 or more.

Spotted a flier in the lunchroom that said you can get 15% off your next treatment at Sylvie's Skin and Body Care in Encino when you buy a gift certificate. Mention the Daily News to get the discounted treatment. Expires March 31, 2008.

A list of their facial services is here. I believe they also offer massages. The site has some basic common sense tips for beautiful skin.

Visit them at 17071 Ventura Blvd. Suite 101-A in Encino. (818) 905-8815.

Spa Week is like restaurant week, but for massages and other body treatments. During Spa Week, April 14 to 20, participating spas will offer two to three treatments for $50 each. Normally they run $100 to $200. Treatments can include a basic massage, facial, laser treatment, manicure or pedicure. Organizers are focusing on "green" treatments so many of those offered will involve organic materials, detoxification or herbs.

Note they are not booking appointments until Monday, March 17. To make an appointment you must register on the site, sharing your name, e-mail and zip code. After registering, search for participating spas by city and find out what treatments are available.

Spa Week is happening in 21 cities across the country at 400+ spas. Participating cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Denver, Detroit, Philly, Portland, Seattle. Plus Florida, Arizona, Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and Toronto.

Get $10 off any purchase at the Body Shop when you sit for a free skin consultation or makeover. Good through Monday, March 10. Bring in this printable coupon for the discount. Find a store near you.

Not sure if the store is having trouble but I find employees are being much more flexible with my Body Shop rewards card. It costs $10 but you get 10% off every purchase for a year and $10 off any purchase during your birthday month. They don't send you a reminder and I forgot, but the employee let me use it a few weeks late. Also, last year they renewed the card for free.

Get free shipping from the $1 makeup Web site I blogged about yesterday when you purchase at least $30 worth of stuff. Use code ECTAPBY when checking out. If it's hard to ring up $30 worth of sales at e.l.f., where nearly all the prices are a single dollar, consider buying one of their kits.

Man oh man oh man. All the makeup at e.l.f. - all of it - is a single dollar. Eyeliner, eye shadow, lipstick, blush, powder, tint, concealer, nail polish, nail files, brushes, brow combs...shall I continue? Today get half off your second item with coupon code EGPRESBC. After that expires use coupon code EGPDAYAC to get half off your third item thru March 1.

Why is the makeup so cheap? The site says "...it's our goal to enable every woman to look and feel her personal best through the perfect blend of both the inner and outer person. With that goal in mind, e.l.f. cosmetics was born - a line of simple, luxurious, problem-solution tools that allow you to showcase and believe in your unique, personal beauty...Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget."

Whatever. This could be a great place to put together gift bags for parties, bridesmaids, and to experiment. I'd like to test out their liquid eyeliner (I can never get my black pencil to get as close to my lashes as I want). A smudge brush looks more effective than my usual blending tool - my fingers and their candy shop lip gloss tins also look fun.

You may recognize the e.l.f line (stands for eyes, lips, face) because 150 Target stores sell it. Find out if e.l.f. products are sold near you. The site also has a fun list of beauty secrets.

BONUS: If you spend $20 or more you can get a free subscription to Working Mother, worth $10.

Caveats: The company does not accept returns because the makeup is so cheap.

Thanks, Jen!

UPDATE: Stylist Shogik Pesnilyan is offering 50% off all products and 20% off all salon services for new clients, good thru the end of March. Call Shogik at (818) 843-0000.

If you find yourself in Burbank stop by the Divine Salon for a free haircut, courtesy of stylist Sossie Koulouzian. To get the deal you must be a new client. Sossie is also offering 30% off all other services available in the salon, including color, highlights, Japanese hair straightening, hair extensions, facials and eyebrow threading. Mention the anniversary special (they have been in business six years) when scheduling your appointment to get the discount. Previously they were offering just 20% off.

Call Sossie at (818) 913-2793 to make an appointment. Offer ends March 31, 2008. The salon is open Tue thru Sat 10 to 5. Visit themu at 2701 W. Olive Ave. just west of Buena Vista in Burbank.

Get free shipping from Estee Lauder online when you make a purchase of $50 or more or buy any foundation, concealer or powder. You also get to choose four free samples like a lipstick, perfume, concealer or moisturizer when you make a purchase. Browse their concealers, foundations and powder makeup.

A locket of shimmering shell powder, above, is $32. Expires Feb 17, 2008.

I bought the coolest lip gloss by Lola Cosmetics for $16 recently. I like it because the color is intense (compared to most lip glosses) but it's also very moisturizing. It's really more like a cross between a lip gloss and a lipstick. Usually I search for a good color and deal with putting on chapstick after every application. With this that's not needed. Plus you apply it with a little brush, which is fun.

Makeup.com sells seven shades of the stuff. (I have Berry.) New customers get free shipping on tabs of $25 or more with code NCSHIP. Ulta and Sephora also sell the Lola line, which Victoria Jackson created using the motto "there's a little Lola in every woman."

Divine Salon in Burbank is hurting from the ongoing writer's strike and is offering 20% off all salon services to entice new customers during especially slow times. To get the discount schedule a haircut, highlights, hand paraffin wax, or eyebrow shaping from 10 to 5 Tue thru Thur with Sossie. You may be able to swing a free treatment, which they have offered in the past.

Caveats: they prefer you schedule one week in advance. Visit them at 2701 W. Olive Ave, southwest of Buena Vista, in Burbank. (818) 913-2793.

Golden Scissors Family Salon (Tijeras De Oro) in Reseda is offering new clients 25% off all their services, including cuts, color and highlights, hair straightening services, and spa services like nails and facials. To get the discount mention the anniversary special (it's their third year in business) when making a reservation. Expires Feb 29, 2008.

Caveats: Gotta be a new customer. Discount not valid on gift certificates. Note, I have not been to this salon so I can't vouch for it's services. But you can get a feel for the salon by checking out their Web site or by dropping in. They are open Mon to Fri 10 to 8, Sat 9 to 7 and Sun 10 to 3. Visit them at 7325 Reseda Blvd. in Reseda. (818) 609-9999. Thanks, Mark!

Get free shipping at Sephora with a tab of $25 or more using code BEAUTY25. Usually you have to spend $75 to get free standard shipping. You also get three free samples of creams, perfumes, and other beauty aids with every order. Free returns up to 60 days after purchase.

Puttin' the caveats right up top on this one. I have not been to this salon so I cannot vouch for the quality of its services. That said, a free hair color is a free hair color and Yossi's Salon in Woodland Hills is offering them to new clients until March 3, 2008. Yossi said he got 1,000 packages of dye from Wella and is passing on the savings to new customers. Normally he charges $65 to $75 for a hair color. Of course, once you go into the salon they are likely to try and sell you other services. If you've been to Yossi's let us know what you think by leaving a comment (a tiny "comments" link appears beneath each post).

Visit them at 5349 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Woodland Hills. (818) 227-9667.

Choose one of four free trios of skincare samples with a $25 purchase at Estee Lauder online. They include anti-wrinkle, prevention, even skintone, and lifting/firming "solutions." All include a 10-day sample of the coveted Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex. Use code WRINKLE08, PREVENT08, EVENTONE08, or LIFTING08 depending on which one you want. Expires Jan 31, 2008.

Get a free sample of Vera Wang's Princess perfume by filling out this quick questionaire. Requires name, address, email, dob, and asks you a few questions about the perfume and cosmetics you buy.

Caveats: Must be 14 year old, limit one per household, takes 4 to 6 weeks to get to you.

A story yesterday in La.com had tips from Barbara Dally, an image consultant who makes up stars for TV. She has some vaguely useful tips for doing your own makeup (always keep foundation neutral: Load on mascara or color on lips, but keep your makeup soft). Soft? I guess you need to know a little bit about makeup to start. What caught my eye was her tip for buying makeup on a budget. The story reads "Dally recommends these drugstore finds: Loreal lipsticks; any of the facial products, especially serum, from Boots Botanics, a U.K. line; and Chanel or Prescriptives foundation or mineral powder."

The online beauty store Ulta (with locations in Burbank and Pasadena, I think) has a promotion now where you get a free metalic-colored purse and nailpolish when you buy $35 of Bourjois products. Won't be hard because they have four pages of lip products, brushes, mascara and other beauty items. Here's the skinny on the free gift. I have found their prices to be slightly below what you get at a Rite Aid or CVS, but a $8 lip shimmer I bought came in a cheap container that does not twist up or down. What you see is what you get!

Get $3.50 off a purchase of $10 or more at Ulta Beauty online thru Dec 8, some exclusions but not many. They have stores in Burbank, Pasadena, and West Hollywood and their Web site is pretty good. Use code 84361 when checking out. Free shipping on orders of $25 or more. I like this crocodile wallet that holds 10 lip glosses and 10 eyeshadows, plus a dual-sided brush for both types of application for $8 (orig $13). In black or white.

I don't know how these folks pay their bills but Yossi's Salon in Woodland Hills is again offering free haircuts for the rest of the month. Everyday but Saturdays, by appointment only. Visit them at 5349 Topanga Canyon Blvd, just south of Ventura Blvd. (818) 825-3467.

Here's a great coupon that can be used for holiday gifts. Spend $30 online or in stores at Bath & Body Works and get $10 off. Good thru Dec 2, 2007! Online use code VELVET10, in stores bring in the printable coupon. Get $10 off and free shipping when you spend $65.

This Mani/Pedi kit is $10 (orig $18) and includes a nail clipper, toenail clipper, nail file, cuticle nipper, cuticle pusher, slant tweezers and scissors. It comes in a red hot faux crocodile case. Get three, give them out to your buds (or bridesmaids) and get the discount. All of their fall themed stuff is half off, including this vanilla-scented moisturizing mousse with a touch of shimmer for $6 (orig $12).

Coupon caveats: gift cards, egift cards and gift wrap don't count towards purchase total. Find a store near you.

Get 20% off at Sephora online for a limited time. Use coupon code FF2007. Free shipping with code FIFTY at checkout, or if you spend more than $75 (before the coupon). Unclear when the coupon expires so don't wait. I like this Lights, Camera, Glamour! kit from Too Faced for $40. It includes 8 Eye Shadows (.033 oz each), 6 Lip Glosses ( .032 oz each), 2 Blush Powders (.098 oz each), Bronzer Powder (.098 oz), Face Powder (.098 oz), Shimmer Powder (.098 oz), Brow Powder (.049 oz), and Eye Liner Powder (.049 oz). I also love the scent of Armani Di Gio, $47.50 for 1.7-ounces. Don't forget to choose 3 free samples with your order.

TODAY ONLY! Avon has slashed their online makeup prices by up to 50%. Plus get free shipping on tabs of $10 or more with coupon code BEWITCHED. Beyond Color Lash Fortifying mascara is $3 (orig $7.50). Paired lip colors and moisturizers, above, are $3 (orig $6) and a Glazewear Lipstick with gloss and color combined is $4 (orig $8). Emery boards are 69-cents (orig $1) and precise satin lipcolors, below, are $2 (orig $8). Search all the makeup sales here.

A friendly bargain hunter who lives behind the Orange Curtain brought me a copy of the Sunday OC Register, where I found a glossy pullout ad full of color from Ulta Beauty. The deals seemed amazing, $1 off here, 50% off there! I checked the Web site's prices on a few items I buy and the dream seems to be true. Prices are very good. For ex, Ulta sells an 8-ounce container of the facial cleanser Cetaphil for $5.39, which I paid $7 for at Rite Aid. They sell a 12.6-ounce bottle of href="http://www.ulta.com/control/product/~product_id=2146071">Pantene shampoo for $3.39, which sells for $3.50 to $4 at most drugstores.

So now onto the makeup. They have two kits that seem like a great deal. For $25 you can get a Holiday Blockbuster pullout kit that includes 28 eye shadows, 12 lip colors, 4 lipsticks, 4 nail polishes, 2 lip glosses, 2 concealers, 2 pencil liners, 2 shimmer powders, applicators, and it all comes in a shiny gold or black case. Use code 90890 and get it for $20! The value, according to Ulta, is $195.

If that's just way too much makeup for you, I like the Smashbox Try Me Set for $29 (value of $98, site says). It includes a sample size foundation primer, lip closs in crystal, under eye brightener tube, a brow and eye liner palette with 10 colors, two brushes, and an instructional DVD with makeup tips.

They also have a buy 2 get one free on OPI nailpolish and L'oreal skincare OR cosmetics (but they can't be combined). Nearest store seems to be in Burbank, but a lot of the deals are online only.

A new makeup store/beauty salon called Ziba Beauty recently opened at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park and they have a special deal just for Bargain Hunter readers! Ziba specializes in Indian and Eastern techniques, like Mehndi (think henna tattoos with glitter and crystals) and eyebrow threading, which removes hair by rolling cotton threads over them. No idea how painful it is but sounds quick, if that's any consolation. Bring in this Thursday's column for a free eyebrow threading (normally $9 and up). Good thru Sun, Nov 4th only at the Topanga store. They are also giving free Henna tattoos on Halloween from 5 to 9pm.

Read about all their services here, and their threading prices here.

Yossi's Salon in Woodland Hills had so much success with earlier coupons I posted on this blog that he is offering a new deal for Bargain Hunter readers: free 6-foil highlights and a clear cellophane treatment. Now, 6 foils are not enough to do your whole head, but enough to frame your face with a few wisps of color. The clear cellophane treatment is new and it helps seal the color and makes the highlights shiny but not frizzy, Yossi said. He is offering the freebie between Oct 17 and Oct 31, 2007 to attract more customers. Not bad if you want to do a "test run" before plopping down major dollars to highlight your whole noggin.

Visit them at 5349 Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Woodland Hills. (818) 825-3467. Tell Yossi you read it on the Bargain Hunter!

Jasmin Hair Studio in Burbank (no Web site unfortunately) is offering $6 hair cuts for "a few months," according to Mike, who cuts hair at the salon. They don't use students but are offering the cheap cut to beat their competition. It's good for men, women, and kids. You don't have to be a first-time customer. To get the deal, call and make an appointment while mentioning the $6 hair cut. Hope you like your new 'do.

Visit them at 516 S. Glenoaks Blvd. at Santa Anita Ave. in Burbank. (818) 953-9681 or (818) 953-9682. Thanks to the anonymous reader who mailed me a note about this bargain.

The Body Shop has marked down all their gift sets by 25% to 50% off. Sounds like the store is trying to jump start people's holiday shopping. You will see the full price initially, but once you click on an item it comes up at the discounted rate. I like the spring home fragrance set for $21 (orig $28). Home scents are big these days, ya know. The picture is slightly misleading as everything in the kit is pictured twice. It actually includes "Cool Watermelon Home Fragrance Oil, Pina Colada Home Fragrance Oil, Small Silver Oil Burner, Tealight (2 pcs)." Watermelon and pina colada? Maybe for teeny boppers. The men's grooming kit ($45) is NOT on sale, unfortunately. I hear it's one of their biggest sellers. The grapefruit "glorious gift" sounds like a decent deal. For $24.50 (orig $34) you get a Pink Grapefruit Bath & Shower Gel 8.5 fl oz, Pink Grapefruit Body Butter 1.7 fl oz, Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub 1.7 fl oz, Pink Grapefruit Soap 3.5 oz, and a Ultra Fine Pink Grapefruit Bath Lily.

Free shipping when you spend at least $55. Unclear when promotion ends.

Get free black and white bangles from Revlon when you spend $10 or more. Keep your receipt and fill out this rebate form. Buy before Sept 30, mail in the paperwork before Oct 15, and the bangles are yours. Register here and get $2 off an color cosmetic (not sure what that means).

Lush Hair Salon in Redondo Beach is offering $15 off any service until Sept 30. Print out the coupon here. Visit them at 259 Avenida Del Norte, Redondo Beach. (310) 403-9193.

Estee Lauder is giving away four free samples when you buy a concealer ($19.50-$24.50), foundation ($32.50 to $33.50) OR a powder ($9.50 for a refill, or $25 to $29.50). Normally shipping is only free when you buy $50 worth of stuff but use code FACE07 for free shipping a your choice of four samples from four powders, two extreme lift creams, three scents, a washer, pore minimizer, or correcting serum.

Thru Oct. 7.

Beauty.com has a coupon for $10 off $60 plus free shipping. I like the sound of the Murad Environmental Shield
Essential C Eye Cream SPF 15 for $65 (.5 fl oz). All those capital letters in the title sure make it sound effective. The product info says "Renew the delicate eye area. Our patented Skin Repair System with Co-3 stimulates collagen synthesis. Caffeine and tiger's herb increase elasticity and firm the skin. Light diffusers soften the appearance of fine lines and dark circles for a luminous glow."

Discount taken at checkout. Thru Sept 30. Caveats: Not good on prescriptions, contact lenses, gift cards, gift certificates, magazine subscriptions, bulk orders, not applicable shipping charges or sales tax.

To celebrate their 7th anniversary online, the makeup maven Estee Lauder is offering free shipping with a purchase of $25 and your choice any four samples. Choose from four perfumes, mascara, Idealist creams, and makeup. Use code HAPPY7 at checkout.

All the body care products at Wild Oats are 25% off starting tomorrow, Sept 19 until Oct 2. The newspaper pullout ad shows they sell Tom's of Maine, Burts Bees, Kiss my Face, and other upscale brands. Decent prices on a few other things: 69-cent soy yogurts from Whole Soy &Co, 99-cent Cliff, Luna, or Mojo bars (not a great price but decent), plus 20% off Snapware containers and Progressive kitchen gadgets. Nearest stores are in Santa Monica and Pasadena.

I'm finally getting around to sifting through the ads in the Sunday papers. Since it's at the end of the day, here's a quick and dirty round up of the best deals. Most prices are thru Sept 22.

Rite Aid seems to have the best candy prices. 8-packs of Butterfingers, Snickers, Hershey's and Reese's are 78-cents, and regular sized Hersey's, Skittles, and M&M's are two for 88-cents. In the cosmetics dept, the following have buy one get one 50% off deals: Hip cosmetics, Revlon tweezers, and Salley Hansen nail polish. Wet 'n Wild cosmetics are 40% off. The quality is not great, but perfect for trying out a new color or shade. As part of their 45th anniv sale they have deodorant (Old Spice, Aarid, and Arm & Hammer) for 99-cents, Ajaz dish soap for 88-cents, and laundry detergent (Xtra and Nice 'n Fluffy) for $2. COLLEGE STUDENT ALERT: A dozen packages of Top Ramen costs 96-cents. That's 8-cents each. It doesn't get much cheaper than that.

At Walgreens has two 64-ounce containers of cranberry or grape juice for $4, two packs of Ajaz dish soap for $1.79 (3 cents more than at Rite Aid), and three movie-size candy bars (Junior Mints, Raisinets, Hot Tamales, Dots, Snickers, Butterfinger, and Reese's) for $3. Also 16 packs of AA or AAA Duracel batteries are $9. Pantene Pro-V Texturize shampoo or conditioner are free after mail in rebate.

Michaels has 50% off all its floral items, five T-shirts for $10, and 99-cent bags of rocks (great for indoor plants or vases), marbles, and gems. Many frames and art supplies marked down, and 40% off wicker and natural baskets.

Aaron Brothers has a coupon for 40% off one item (except for digital photo frames and custom orders) thru Sept 23, plus lots of markdowns on frames, easels, and prepared canvas.

Yossi's Salon in Woodland Hills had such a great response from Bargain Hunter readers after I spotted a free haircut sign outside his salon that he has come back with another offer: a haircut, 30-minute European facial, and manicure for $47. Not a bad deal if you are looking to pamper yourself or have a spa day. Thru Sept.

They are at 5349 Topanga, just south of Ventura Blvd. (818) 227-9667.

JC Penny is having a one day half-off sale Sept 15 on all its shampoos and conditions, including Avlon, Bed Head, nexxus, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Sebastian, and Sexy Hair. Caveats: Limit 3 items per customer. Doesn't include styling products, hairsprays, brushes, etc.

If you miss the sale you can get Paul Mitchell products at a buy 1 get 1 50% off (effectively 25% off if they are priced the same) until Sept 22. The Sunday paper also had a $10 off coupon for purchases of $30 or more until Sept 22. Need the paper coupon to get the discount.

Locations here.

Hair cuts are a big deal, if the response to my posts about cheap or free cuts are any indication. Today I received a short letter from a BH reader stapled to a Polaroid shot of the Academy of Barbering Arts in Northridge with a sign advertising $4 cuts! I called and it's the real deal (Though ladies are $7). Visit them at 19557 Parthenia.

Caveat: the cuts are given by students in training.

Remember the post a few weeks back about a free haircut? Well, apparently y'all jumped on it because Yossi, the salon owner, called to say that he's booked on Tue and Wed - the days he gives free cuts - for four weeks!

Because that was so successful, he's extending another deal to Bargain Hunter readers! Get a complimentary coloring (usually $55 to $65) when you book a haircut, which he charges $45 to $55 for. It's good any day of the week for the month of August. Maybe it IS time to take a chance and go...auburn!

His salon is at 5349 Topanga Canyon in Woodland Hills. (818) 227-9667. Or visit them online.

Thanks to ShopSmart mag for insights on four great sites to buy beauty products, and two to avoid:

benefitcosmetics.com for all-around good beauty products. I have their ooh la lift! for lightening skin under the eyes, and it works great...when I use it! Shipping can add up tho ($4.49 plus $.99 per item). Fyi, they have booths in many department stores.

threecustom.com to re-create lipsticks, foundations, and blushes that are discontinued.

beautysak.com for gifts and fancy stuff.

perfumebay.com to search for old favorites by the decade they hit stores. But watch out for "tester bottles," they are too good to be true.

ShopSmart suggests AVOIDing these sites:

ulta.com which says they have discounted prices, but SS testers found that to be untrue.

beautydepot.com says they will match any competitor's price, but you have to wait for them to get back to you after emailing the competitor's link.

Unfortuantely, Consumer Reports is still building ShopSmart's web site, but you can buy it at major books stores and at grocery stores. Get a free 30-day trial here.

JCPenney's Salon is marking much of its styling products at steep discounts. In my Sunday newspaper circular there was a 5$ off coupon in addition to these sales:

750 ml Bed Head products are $10 (orig $20). Also on sale are BioSilk, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Sexy Hair, and Matriz. They have a buy 1 get second at $1 deal, but there are lots of exclusions: not good for shampoos, conditioners, appliances, and brushes.

Sale until Aug 11.

Yossi Salon on Topanga just south of Ventura has a banner outside its door offering a free haircut. Gulp. Guess there's no excuse for my shaggy do anymore!

Caveats: Tue and Wed only. The deal is for new customers. Make an appointment to guarantee the free deal! Check it out and let me know if it's the real thing! They are at 5349 Topanga, (818) 227-9667.