Prime Time Smile

Let's face it, people notice how white your smile is, and no one will tell you when your teeth are yellow. I've wanted to whiten my teeth for a while, but haven't for a few reasons. The main reason being the dentist-hater I am; the thought of making an appointment specifically for teeth whitening is a nightmare (not to mention the hefty bill). I only go for regular check-ups, and really do not want to go more than I have to. Not only do I not want to go to the dentist, who really has the time?  I've been looking for a teeth whitening product, but I wasn't interested in the trays or strips. I didn't want to fiddle around with a tray or have to sleep with a product on my teeth, but I couldn't find a system that was same day whitening. Was there even a product that was essentially whitening for busy people? Or those with little patience? When Duane Reade sent me on a mission to try Prime Time Smile, I got my answer. 

I did a bit of browsing on the Prime Time Smile site before I shopped in-store (check out my shopping trip on Google+ here), and thought that the Dual Action System would be best for my needs. The system includes a Pre-Treatment whitening pen and a Teeth Whitening gel pen. I like the idea of a pen, and that there wasn't anything messy, too difficult to apply, or something that would be too difficult for every day use.

I like the convenience of having both products, but you can also purchase the whitening pen and gel pen separately, and you can use the pre-treatment pen for a different system. 

Currently Playing: Google's Ingress

I'm not a gamer in the traditional sense, but you can definitely catch me playing most of the popular games available on my Android device. Duane Reade gave me the chance to test Google's newest game, Ingress (created by the Niantic Project) and I'm hooked! Admittedly, it took me a while to understand the game and really get the hang of playing it, but I love the idea of real-life game play.

Here is the synopsis (and check out the video here):

Weekend Winter Meals...

The best thing about winter in NYC is the slight chance that there will be one weekend that will be unseasonably mild. This weekend was perfect - it was a long one that I spent shopping and walking around Union Square, and I stopped in to Duane Reade for a tasty mission (#DRAsianmeals). One of my favorite quick weekend meals is soup, so I was excited to try one of the new Asian Meals noodle soups from Malaysia Kitchen. Out of the Shiitake Mushroom, Sesame Garlic and Lemongrass flavors, I chose the Sesame Garlic. For a quick meal, the soup quality was similar to that of some of the best Asian soups I've had in the city. The little bowl included makes it so convenient if you need to eat and run. I also love that the soups don't contain any MSG, preservatives, trans fat or added coloring. I'll definitely be stocking up for when the mercury dips again.

Get Happy and Healthy with Duane Reade (Part 2)

I don't know if it's the change in weather, the fact that a stranger sneezed close to me the other day, or if I just need a pick me up, but I woke up feeling very ill this morning. I'm making more of an effort to take care of myself, so I took a bit of Vitamin C and a Tylenol. I still needed a little something to brighten my mood, so I headed to Duane Reade for some shopping. The focus is still being Happy and Healthy ( #CBBigApple), and I knew I needed to pick up my favorite Delish tea I mentioned in mylaast post, and a few other indulgences #DRHappyandHealthy.  The "Happy and Healthy" guide (found here and in-store) also has great health & wellness tips in addition to the items on sale. For everything I found in-store, check out my Google+ story here.

The wellness section is really helpful if you're battling a cold, and the cold & flu section has a wide variety of medication.

Winter Style | Duane Reade Legwear

My latest Duane Reade shopping mission couldn't have come at a better time, as the temperatures have officially turned frigid in NYC. For my mission, I checked out the variety of Duane Reade Legwear and was pleasantly surprised at the selection. I have tried other drugstore brand tights in the past, and was not happy. They either snagged in the first hour or the fit was off, I normally purchase my tights from department stores and online retailers to avoid this, but the quality of the Duane Reade tights is definitely on par with more expensive brands. The in-store selection had plenty of both patterned and plain tights, that can take you from work to play. I picked out a thick pair of black cable knit tights ($8) that were perfect to layer under my dress. I loved the pattern, but I was really impressed with how warm they were! I also really appreciated the range of sizes. It can be a little difficult to find tights if you're fuller figured, but these tights were comfortable, stylish and fit well. The price-point is so wallet friendly that I'll definitely stock up on a few more pairs to take me through the colder months. Check out my entire shopping experience here!

Jacket: F21// Dress: ASOS // Tights: Duane Reade // Shoes: NY&CO // Necklace: ShopLately // Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Like my tights? Show off your style and enter the Duane Reade  "Show Us Some Leg Contest".

The winner of the Grand Prize for the best overall photo will be chosen by public vote on Facebook, and will receive an Apple iPad®, a $200 DR™ Gift Card, and $100 worth of DR™ hosiery products.

Enter the contest via the Duane Reade Facebook page, and show how you rock your tights!

Check out Duane Reade's Social Channels for news and updates, and to find out more about #DRLegwear:

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Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective BiasTM Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective BiasTM.

Get Happy & Healthy with Duane Reade

With the most hectic time of the year approaching, it can be hard to find time to care for yourself amidst the holiday hustle and bustle. My latest Duane Reade ( #CBBigApple) blogger mission was to find ways to stay Happy & Healthy everyday #DRHappyandHealthy. I wanted to focus on little indulgences that help me pamper myself, and I found a ton of products to help me do just that! The "Happy & Healthy" guide (found here and in-store) also has great health & wellness tips in addition to the items on sale.  For everything I found in-store, check out my Google+ story here.

With the theme being "Happy & Healthy" I wanted to purchase items that make me feel like I've spent the day at the spa. The first thing I wanted to pick up were my favorite peppermint and acai berry Delish teas, that I love to have while winding down after a long day. There's a good variety in store, and since they were on sale I stocked up!

Next I stopped in the bath and body aisles, to pick up Dr. Bronner's all natural soap (in lavender), and the Neutrogena rainbath and body oil which are so soothing in the winter months.  I also picked up my favorite cucumber face mask to rejuvenate my tired skin!

And finally, you can't relax without a healthy snack right? I'm obsessed with the yogurt raisins, but I decided to go with this probiotic mix, which has a good array of fruits and nuts.

How do you stay Happy & Healthy throughout the year?

Check out Duane Reade's Social Channels for news and updates:

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Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective BiasTM Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective BiasTM.

L'Oreal Limited Edition Project Runway Collection with Duane Reade

For my latest Duane Reade VIP mission, I excitedly attended a launch party for the latest L'Oreal Electric Fantasie collection, inspired by Project Runway. If you watched the latest episode of Project Runway, you would have seen some of the makeup from the collection being used on the show.

The Electric Fantasie collection consists of four different looks: The Artsy Muse, The Seductive Temptress, The Enchanted Queen, and The Wise Mystic. To celebrate the collection, L'Oreal makeup artists were on hand at Duane Reade to offer guests free makeovers and makeup tips from the look of their choice. It was a hard decision (all of the looks are gorgeous!), but I chose The Seductive Temptress. I loved the warm tones of green and brown, and couldn't wait to see the final look.

Diana, the lovely and talented L'Oreal makeup artist applied the eyeshadow, eyeliner lipstick and lip gloss from the collection, and the final look was amazing. I loved it so much I went home with the entire Seductive Temptress collection!  I also loved the looks on fellow bloggers Tineey and Granola Glamour. All of the guests enjoyed L'Oreal goodies (including coupons towards purchase of L'Oreal products), Baked by Melissa treats and of course, shopping the store!

My Seductive Temptress goodies!

You can check out more photos from the #DRLoreal event on my Google + page, and look out for an full review on the products I picked up from the collection.

The full Electric Fantasie line is currently available in-stores; will you purchase the collection?

Check out Duane Reade's Social Channels for news and updates:

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Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective BiasTM Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective BiasTM.

Hollywood Comes to New York with Duane Reade

For my latest Duane Reade VIP blogger mission, I attended the Hollywood Comes to New York Glam Show (#DRHollywood). It was a fun event hosted by Sirius XM Satellite radio personality Tanya Simpson, and featured beauty looks from theBalm, Cargo, Avene, Klorane and Vera Moore. Guests were treated with complimentary gift bags,  beauty demonstrations by Klorane and Whirl a Style, and the best part...a beauty runway show! I arrived a few minutes before to chat with the Duane Reade team, and to browse around the store before the show began. I loved the elaborate makeup looks on the lovely models.  Check out the video below for a peek at the fun!

 

Check out Duane Reade's Social Channels to find out more!

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Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective BiasTM Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective BiasTM.

A Little Beauty Shopping with the New Duane Reade Balance Rewards!

Have you heard? Duane Reade has launched their new rewards program, Balance Rewards (formerly Flex Rewards). The Balance Rewards card is also valid at Walgreens stores, so it's even more convenient if there isn't a Duane Reade near you. I stopped in to switch over my account, and I did a little shopping when I was there. Before heading to the store this morning, I checked the Duane Reade site to see this week's bonus points offers, as well as the weekly circular, and was ready to go! The Balance Rewards do add up rather quickly, and with your new card you can get 500 points for every prescription, earn points on thousands of items each week, and you can redeem instantly with as few as 5,000 points.

The Balance Rewards points system works as follows:
5,000 points = $5 

10,000 points =$10 

18,000 points =$20 

30,000 points =$35 

40,000 points =$50

Now to what I saw in-store!

 I stopped by the beauty section (of course) to see the new products out for Fall...

 And then I made my way to the skin and hair care aisle, because I knew some of my favorite brands were on sale.

 Shea Moisture was 20% off!

 And Alba was 10% off!

 At the register, I switched over, and received 10 points just for signing up!

 Check out Duane Reade's Social Channels to find out more about the #DRBalanceRewards:

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 Have you enrolled in the balance rewards program yet?

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective BiasTM Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective BiasTM.

Duane Reade's Fashion Night Out

NYFW is here with a vengeance, and Fashion Night Out was the official start. I ran around the city like I'll be doing all week, and my first stop was at Duane Reade for #DRFashionWeek and their #FNO event. As a VIP blogger, I was fortunate enough to get a peek at the festivities before the public, and it was so much fun! As the promo stated, Maybelline was on hand with makeovers, Conair was offering blowouts and styling, DUO provided lash applications, and my new favorite, Hollywood Fashion Tape gave out samples of their products.  It got pretty hectic before I left, but the ladies had tons of fun!

The red carpet was out for the night, and the lovely Duane Reade team were in the FNO spirit!

DUO lashes waiting to be applied, and some of the guests getting styled by Conair.

Me and the gorgeous ladies from the Hollywood Fashion Tape team, and I couldn't resist a little shopping! How cute is this Rimmel palette?

Check out Duane Reade's social channels throughout the week for more NYFW coverage:

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Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric

Duane Reade Shop: CLEAR Scalp & Hair Therapy

I'm sure you have all seen Heidi Klum in new commercials for CLEAR Scalp & Hair Therapy recently, and I was so excited to try the new products as part of a VIP blogger mission for Duane Reade. CLEAR's huge selling point is that it promises to strengthen your hair and scalp after 7 days of use, but I was a little skeptical. I've tried so many products curly afro, but I decided to give it a try. I purchased the Total Care Nourishing Shampoo and Daily Conditioner, and used both products the same day.

The scent of both the Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner were both great, but my hair did feel a bit dry. I normally co-wash (wash with conditioner), and don't even use shampoo on my natural hair, so that could be why I experienced dryness. Unfortunately, the Total Care line just wasn't right for my hair texture, but the amazing folks at CLEAR sent me the complete Ultra Shea line, which I love! Look for my review in another post.

Be sure to follow CLEAR on Facebook and YouTube, and visit your local Duane Reade to try the full line of CLEAR products.

Have you tried any of the CLEAR Scalp & Hair Therapy line?

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric

My Ramy Brow Shaping at Duane Reade

My third mission as a VIP Blogger for Duane Reade was to have my eyebrows shaped by the experts from Ramy Beauty Therapy during their free Brow Intervention Day. Hard work right? I had been purposely growing out my brows after a bit of a waxing mishap, and was so excited to have them shaped! Marie, the lovely young lady who shaped my brows, did such an awesome job that I don't think go anywhere else for brow maintenance. Seriously, it was that good.

To find a Ramy Brow Bar in a Duane Reade near you, visit Duane Reade online.

And don't forget to follow Duane Reade on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates!

Disclaimer: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own. #CBias 

Why I Love Duane Reade! (#DReade)

I don't enter many contests, but when I saw that Duane Reade is looking for VIP Blogger Influencers, I had to seize the opportunity!

Why do I love Duane Reade?
I'm a beauty junkie, and as much as I love high-end items, but I don't always want to splurge on the latest beauty trends. Duane Reade does an amazing job of carrying the latest and greatest beauty items, but at an affordable price. As a New Yorker, part of the fun of shopping for beauty items is going to a luxury beauty department and trying out products. Duane Reade has definitely recreated this by turning a quick trip to the drugstore into an experience! I love the overhaul to the beauty department, and that I find a wide range of brands every time I shop.

I'm a sucker for the nail color section in the Union Square location! (photo taken by me)

Why should I be chosen as a 2012 VIP Blogger?

Just as Duane Reade has set itself apart from other brands, I strive to consistently create a unique experience for my readers with my own brand of style. I'm a multi-faceted blogger, and active in all social mediums. My brand is constantly growing, and I only align myself with brands that are in step with my vision. Duane Reade is definitely a brand I'd love to be apart of!


Consider this my entry :)