Here are the latest fabulous beauty and cosmetics free samples that I’ve rounded up from across the web-o-sphere.

Grab a free sample of Eau Duelle perfume by “Liking” their page on Facebook, then click the Welcome tab and you should see a free sample link.

Kroger’s website is offering freebies of John Frieda Luxurious Volume hair care. Sorry, but this free sample is only valid in the following states: AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WV.

Dry skin? Snag a free sample of Vaseline Intensive Rescue body lotion to prep your skin for the upcoming dry winter months.

Print this coupon, take it to your local Sephora inside a JCPenney store, and you’ll get a Meaningful Beauty Deep Cleansing Masque free sample! This coupon is valid until October 16, 2010.

Grab a free compact/cosmetics mirror to toss in your purse for on-the-go touchups from Zoom Tooth Whitening and Discus Dental. Just click the link on the left hand side by the picture of the makeup mirror compact.

Print this pdf coupon and bring it to your local Sephora inside a JCPenney store, and you’ll get a free sample of Viva La Juicy perfume/fragrance by Juicy Couture. Offer is good until November 15, 2010.

For licensed hair stylists only: Get a free sample kit of Clairol Professional liquid hair color. I had some troubles with this one – the Captcha spam prevention image just kept “disappearing” and wouldn’t refresh… just be warned, this sample and the website coding seems to be set up a bit poorly.

Enjoy, Bionic Beauties!!

Here are this week’s beauty and cosmetics sales from your local Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid drugstores.

Walgreens

• Scünci Hair Accessories – Buy 1 Get 1 FREE!
• Organix Shampoo or Conditioner (13 oz.), FX Styling Products (2 to 8 oz.), Salon Grafix
• Hair Spray (10 oz.) hair care products – Buy 1 Get 1 FREE!
• Revlon Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush, Lip or Nail Cosmetics and makeup – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off
• L’Oréal Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush, Skincare or Sublime Bronze – Buy 1, Get 1 50% off; plus look for additional coupons in your Sunday newspaper.
• Degree or Dove Antiperspirant/Deodorant or Body Mist, Caress Body Wash, Dove Body Wash (12 or 13.5 oz.) or Active
• Clean Shower Tool – On sale, get 2 for $7
• Q-Tips (285 or 500 pack), Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion, Dove Hair Care products, Suave Shampoo or Conditioner, 2-pack Caress or Dove Bar Soap – On sale for $2.99
• Vaseline Intensive Care or Sheer Infusion Lotion, Dove Body Lotion, Pond’s face Cream or 30 pack Towelettes, Degree or Dove Clinical Antiperspirant/Deodorant, 6 or 8-pack Caress, Dove or Lever 2000 Bar Soap, and Dove body wash – On sale for $5.99
• Olay Quench Body Lotion, or Olay Trio Kits – On sale for 20% of
• Aussie, Head & Shouders, Herbal Essences or Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner – On sale for $5.99
• Natural Instincts Hair Color – On sale for $5.99
• CeraVe face skin care products – On sale, save $2 off!
• Maybelline Cosmetics and makeup – Buy 1 Get 1 50% off
• Neutrogena Cosmetics – Buy 1 Get 1 50% off!
• Clean & Clear acne and facial skin care products – Buy 1 Get 1 50% off
• Banana Boat or Hawaiian Tropic Sun Care – Buy 1 Get 1 50% off
• L’Oréal Excellence, Excellence to-Go or Root Rescue Hair Color – On sale for $6.99 with in-ad coupon
• Crest 3D White Whitestrips – Save $10 off 28 and 56-packs with in-ad coupon

CVS
Remember, you’ll need a free CVS Discount card to get these prices…

• Olay Regenerist or Age Defying wet cloths 30 ct. – On sale for $6.99
• Olay Total Effects, Definity cleanser or Regenerist scrub 5-6.78 oz. – On sale for $8.99
• Buy Beyonce Heat Fragrance – Get $5 extra bucks
• All CoverGirl Cosmetics and makeup – Buy 1, get 1 50% off!
• Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick, gloss, liner or Falsies Volum’ Express mascara – On sale, get 2 for $10
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser foundation – On sale for $10
• All Revlon Cosmetics or Beauty Tools – Buy 1, get 1 50% off!
• CVS/pharmacy Facial Care and skin care products – Buy 1, get 1 50% off!
• Clean & Clear facial and skin care – Save $1!
• Neutrogena Acne skin care products – Save $1!
• All Roc or Roc Brilliance Day rejuvenator, night recharger or eye beautifier skin care – Get $3 off
• University Medical Wrinkle Free skin care – Save $5!
• All Axe Shower Gel – On sale for $4.99
• Gillette or Old Spice Body wash 10-18 oz. – On sale for $3.99
• Olay Body wash 23.6 oz or Plus Ribbons body wash 18 oz. – On sale for $5.99

Rite Aid
Please note: Rite Aid has just launched their own discount card program called “Wellness+ Card”. Apply in store for free. You’ll now need this card to get most of the savings listed below.

• Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Perfect 10 Hair Color – On sale for $9.99, plus get $1.00 off with in-ad coupon and your final price is $8.99!
• Almay Foundation, Powder or Blush – On sale for $8.99 after in-store Single Check Rebate. See SCR Directory for details.
• Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner or hair styling products – Get 2 for $5.00
• All Cetaphil Skin Care – Buy one, Get second one at 50% Off
• L.A. Looks hair styling gel – On sale for $1.99, plus get a $0.99 mail-in rebate and your final price is $1.00! Single Check Rebate Offer requires sign up at riteaid.com/SCR or by mail.
• L’Oreal Eye Shadow, Eye Liner and Infallible Lip makeup – Buy One, Get Second One at 50% Off
• L’Oreal EverStrong or EverPure Hair Care or 360 Go Clean face cleanser – On sale for $5.99
• Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color – On sale for $7.99, plus get $2 off with in-ad coupon and, your final price is $5.99!
• Pantene Restoratives or Expressions Hair Care – On sale for $4.99
• Revlon ColorStay Cosmetics and makeup – Buy One, Get Second One at 50% Off
• All Nail Enamel and Polish (Excludes CoverGirl and Neutrogena) – Buy One, Get Second One at 50% Off
• Maybelline Falsies Mascara – On sale for $4.99
• CoverGirl Cosmetics and makeup – Buy One, Get Second One at 50% Off
• Clairol Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner or hair styling aids – Get 2 for $5.00
• Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Hair Color – On sale for $7.49
• Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner or hair styling products – On sale, get 2 for $7.00
• Secret Flawless, Effects or Scent Expressions deodorant/antiperspirant – On sale, get 2 for $9; plus get a $3.00 mail-in rebate, and your final price is 2 for $6.00! Limit 1 Rebate Single Check Rebate Offer requires sign up at riteaid.com/SCR or by mail.

All sales end August 7th, 2010 (unless noted above).
Happy shopping, Bionic Beauties!

I’ve launched a new poll on Bionic Beauty: “What Summer 2010 movies are tops on your list?”

The new poll is available in the right sidebar of Bionic Beauty (under the appropriately labeled “Vote Now!” section).  Go on… and vote! And please feel free to share in the comments section below what movies you’re longing to see, have already watched, and what you thought of them. It’s your turn to be a Bionic-version of Roger Ebert!

Below are the results of the previous Bionic Beauty poll…

What is your current hair color?
* Brunette (43%, 134 Votes)
* Blonde (20%, 61 Votes)
* Red or Auburn (15%, 47 Votes)
* Black (13%, 41 Votes)
* An unnatural color!! (6%, 20 Votes)
* Gray or White (3%, 7 Votes)

Total Voters: 310

Thanks for voting, everyone!

Here are this week’s beauty and cosmetics sales from your local Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid drugstores. Due to the 4th of July holiday it seems that the sales are pretty limited this weekend, but you can still find some good buys.

Walgreens

• Sinful Colors nail polish – On sale for 99 cents with in-ad coupon!! (Limit 3) I adore these nail polishes – they are a great way to expand your color collection and they actually wear pretty well!
• Dove or Degree antiperspirant or deodorant – On sale for $1.99 with in-ad coupon. Excludes Ultimate, Absolute Protection, Adrenaline, Fine Fragrance and body mists.
• VO5 shampoo or conditioner – On sale for 69 cents with in-ad coupon.

CVS
Remember, you’ll need a free CVS Discount card to get these prices…

• Aussie or Herbal Essences hair care – On sale, get 2 for $5
• CoverGirl Cosmetics and makeup – Buy 1, get 1 at 50% off!
• Maybelline’s new Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara – On sale for $6
• Mayeblline Great Lash mascara – On sale for $4
  *Spend $10 on either of the above Maybelline mascaras and get $3 back in extra CVS bucks.
• L’Oreal Colour Riche lip color or lip liner – On sale for $5
• L’Oreal eye shadow – On sale for $6
• L’Oreal Infallible lip gloss – On sale for $7
• L’Oreal Infallible Stars or Never Fail lipcolor – On sale for $9
• Physician’s Formula cosmetics and makeup – Buy 1, get 1 at 50% off!
• Tweezerman beauty tools – On sale for 10% off
• Vaseline body lotion, Clinical Therapy lotion, body oil or gel – On sale for $3.99
• Aveeno shampoo, conditioner, or styling products – On sale for $6.49
• Aveeno facial moisturizer or night cream – On sale for $14.99
• Aveeno body wash or body lotion – On sale for $5.99
• Hawaiian Tropic sunblock, sunscreen, and sun care products – On sale for $8.99
• John Frieda hair care including Luminous Color Glaze, Frizz-Ease serum, or Go Blonder, Color Renew shampoos and conditioners – On sale for $8
• John Frieda other shampoos and conditioners – On sale for $5
• Jergens Natural Glow lotions and foams – On sale for $8
• L’Oreal Excellence or Excellence To Go hair color – On sale for $6.99
• Clairol Hydrience hair color – On sale for $6.99
• Revlon ColorSilk hair color – Get 2 for $5
• Organix shampoo, conditioner, mousse or serum – On sale for $4.99
• VO5 shampoo or conditioner – On sale for 77 cents
• Dove or Degree body mist, Ultimate or Ultra Clear deodorant – On sale, get 2 for $7

Rite Aid
Please note: Rite Aid has just launched their own discount card program called “Wellness+ Card”. Apply in store for free. You’ll now need this card to get most of the savings listed below.

• Banana Boat suncare – Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!
• John Frieda hair care including Brilliant Brunette, Sheer Blonde, Luxurious Volume, Root Awakening or Frizz Ease – On sale, get 4 for $20
• Nair hair removal products – Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!
• All Almay eye makeup – On sale for $5.99, plus get a $1 mail-in rebate.
• NYC Cosmetics and makeup – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Revlon Cosmetics and makeup – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• CoverGirl Exact Eyelights mascara, Lash Exact mascara, Line Exact eye liner, and Eyelights eye shadow – Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!
• Neutrogena lip and eye makeup products – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Sally Hansen nail polish and nail art pens – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Dove shampoo, conditioner and styling aids – On sale, get 2 for $6
• Pantene shampoo or conditioner – On sale for $5.99 (25.4 ounce bottles)
• TRESemme shampoo, conditioner or styling products – On sale for $3.99
• Kiss, Revlon, Nailene, or Pretty Woman artificial nails – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Physician’s Formula foundation, powder, blush, concealer, or bronzer – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Head & Shoulders shampoo, 23.7 ounce bottle – On sale for $5.99
• L’Oreal Couleur Experte hair color or Touch-On Highlights – Get $2 off with in-ad coupon
• Revlon ColorSilk hair color – Get 2 for $5
• Dial 8-pack bar soap, Dial liquid soap refill (50oz.), or Dial body wash – On sale for $3.99
• Aquaphor Baby Care products – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Skintimate shave gel or cream; or Edge shave gel or cream – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Aveeno baby care products – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Secret Clinical Strength, Secret Soothing Effects, or Gilette Clinical antiperspirant/deodorants – On sale for $7.99
• Burt’s Bees baby care products – Buy 1, Get 1 half off!
• Coast 8-pack bar soap – On sale for $3.99
• Secret solid, Invisible Solid deodorant – On sale for $1.99 (excludes twin packs, Flawless, Clinical Strength, Platinum, Fresh Effects or Scent Expressions)

All sales end July 3rd, 2010 (unless noted above).
Happy shopping and have a wonderful holiday weekend, Bionic Beauties!

In preparation for my upcoming 4-part article series on at-home hair color, I thought we’d start with this quiz from Total Beauty. It basically asks you questions to “test” your knowledge about coloring your hair at home.

There are a few nebulous questions, such as how soon you can color after a perm or other chemical process. I would agree that you should always err on the side of caution, especially if you inexperienced with coloring your hair; however, the time frames given could be too long in my opinion, for someone who has many years of experience. In any case, the quiz did it’s job. I didn’t pay too much attention to the brands they recommended since it’s “sponsored” content, but like I said, it helps you understand your at-home hair color “IQ”.

How Much Do You Know About At-Home Hair Color?

Test your skills by taking this quiz

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article Should you condition before you color? Leave color on longer than the recommended time on the box? If you know the answers to these questions, you might just be an at-home hair color guru. Take the quiz

Share your results in the comments below! And don’t forget to check back for my DIY hair coloring, preparation, highlighting and after-care tips!

I’ve launched a new poll on Bionic Beauty: “What is your current hair color?”

The new poll is available in the right sidebar of Bionic Beauty (under the appropriately labeled “Vote Now!” section).  Go on… and vote! And please feel free to elaborate on your current hair color in the comments section. Do you have highlights, chunks, streaks? Planning a drastic, or even subtle, change?

Below are the results of the previous Bionic Beauty poll…

Do you wear makeup every day?

• Yes, definitely! (47%, 102 Votes)
• Only on days I’m headed out of the house. (37%, 80 Votes)
• Nope, just occasionally. (13%, 28 Votes)
• I never wear makeup. (3%, 7 Votes)

Total Voters: 217

Thanks for voting, everyone!

This week’s Bionic Asks… Do you color your hair?
Whether it’s at home, or at the salon, hair color is one of those beauty rituals that many women indulge in. Some of us do it for the range of colors, others to cover grays, and some just for highlights to add dimension; or any combo of the above. I guess I color mine for all three of those reasons… plus, I get bored with my hair color very easily.

So, do you color your hair? At home, at the salon, with a stylist friend? Do you even change colors with the seasons or your moods?

Yubi, Yub eee chop nub!!

• Walmart is giving away free samples of Dove Men’s Care body wash. Sign up quick! After all, a body wash doesn’t really care if it’s being used on a male or female body.
• Starting at 12 noon ET TODAY (yup, April 1st 2010), the first 1000 to visit this Natural Instincts’ page will get their own box free box of Natural Instincts hair color.

And after extensive research, I’ve decided to add a new option here at Bionic Beauty. Well, it really isn’t an option, but it should make for entertaining reading. All freebie articles from here out will be written in the native language of the Ewoks from Endor. Yub, yub wakka!!

Also please visit the right sidebar of Bionic Beauty, I’ve launched a new poll and would LOVE to hear your thoughts! I really, REALLY need your help with this… See, I’ve had a few guys propose in the past few weeks, and I owe at least one of them an answer. So I’m turning the decision over to my faithful readers. Too many men, so little time…

It’s always interesting, and sometimes quite surprising, which articles become popular. And it’s not always the initial subject that makes the article “popular” but in many cases the comments section has taken on a life of its own! Fellow Bionic Beauties making their own suggestions, sharing tips, asking questions. That spontaneous conversation is one of my favorite aspects of blogging… even if we get a bit off topic.

And now, in no particular order, the Top 10 articles of 2009 from Bionic Beauty…

With the economic downturn, many beauties are looking for ways to save money while keeping their skin in tip-top shape. So I shared my favorite ultra-cheap and all-natural face mask- The Aztec Secret Green Clay Healing Mask.

15 Beautiful Uses for Jojoba Oil – When I first started using Jojoba Oil in my skin care routine, I couldn’t believe how versatile it was. Perfect for dry, combo and oily skin- Jojoba balances your skin and can also be used on your nails, hair and body!

Combing my love for Jojoba Oil and the Aztec Secret mask, Robyn from Purely Cosmetics came up with a brand new face mask recipe!

I titled the article “Acne Tips for Teens” but it’s actually the regimen I follow myself and recommend to family/friends of all ages. If you have acne, you might find some alternative therapies here. And be sure to share your best tips as well!

Most free samples that I post go super quickly. However, these Freebies from the Past have quite a few that are still active!

Make your own eye makeup remover and save some dough! After testing the typical favorites, I decided it was just as easy, and much cheaper, to whip up my own version.

On a whim, I picked up Clairol’s Perfect 10 hair color to review it on Bionic Beauty. Some women love it, but most don’t; however the comments section has spawned a whole discussion on at-home hair color tips, tricks, brands and techniques. At this point, it’s almost enough for a short book!

5 Tips for the Matte Nail Polish Trend – Some of us loved the matte nail trend, others didn’t think it was that great. Personally, I’m still rocking my matte nails as often as possible.

Applying fake eye lashes can be tricky… after trying several brands, sizes, and varieties, I came up with this list of Tips and Tricks for False Lashes. Share your own tips too!

“Clinical Strength” antiperspirants popped up everywhere in 2009. I tested two of the main brands and fellow Bionic Beauties weighed in with their personal experiences. The comments section also has loads of information on hyperhydrosis, when to see a doctor, and tips for teens.

Later this week I’ll be publishing the Bionic’s Best (and worst) of Beauty for 2009, so please stay tuned!

I recently had the chance to interview Leonardo Manetti of ION Studio! Leonardo is an amazingly talented hair stylist who recently worked at New York’s Spring 2010 Fashion Week. Before we dig into the interview, I wanted to give you a run-down on Leonardo’s latest look from backstage.

Leonardo Manetti working backstage at NY F/W Spring 2010

For the Timo Weiland presentation, Leonardo created a look inspired by blending the Edwardian Era and New Romanticism. To get this half-up look, Leonardo used a variety of Davines products (don’t miss my Davines review on Bionic Beauty). First however, Leonardo took the front sections of the girl’s hair and pinned it half way back. Then for the back he sprayed the hair with Davines Defining Texturizer (Leonardo’s favorite product from Davines!), to enhance the texture. Next, he applied Davines Defining Volume Mousse to create volume and add shine.

Once the products were applied, Leonardo dried the hair creating voluminous locks. With a one-inch curling iron, Leonardo took different sized strands of hair and curled them. To finish, he used the Davines Glam Power spray, a unique a versatile finishing spray used to set any style and provide a strong, long-lasting hold without stiffness.

Not a look we could pull off everyday, but certainly something all us ladies can work with. Lots of texture, a half up-do, and you’re looking pulled together but relaxed (and not all “high maintenancey”).

And now on to the interview with Leonardo…

1. What’s the most exciting part of working backstage on a fashion show?

The entire process is hectic and exciting. The draw though, is being backstage and being able to be an integral part of the creative process. Seeing the entire look that you helped to create and put finishing touches on, walk down the runway, you cannot explain that feeling. Working with the most talented, creative minds is another plus, not to mention the beautiful women I am constantly surrounded by.

2. And what’s the most hectic part?

When the production company calls five minutes until “first look” and you are still missing five models.

3. What do you do if a certain model doesn’t have the “right” hair to create a look for a show? Are extensions used or..

It depends on the particular look and the circumstances. We do use extensions yes, if they will look natural and will flow with the rest of the runway presentation. If the girl has a “cool” look with short hair that can echo the theme of the rest of the collection, than we will use her hair as it is. Agyness Deyn is a perfect example. She always looks feminine and cool, and always looks like she is part of the world the designer is creating. Putting a wig on her would not only look abnormal, but most of the time, cheap. Unless the collection calls for uniformity and control (YSL F/W 2008) we would not use wigs on a one off basis.

4. What are the trends from Fashion Week Spring 2010 that you can see transferring into the lives of real-world women?

Well we’ve seen a lot of pulled back hair, although the emphasis this season is on a “wet” look. That means sleek gel, and a lot of shine. These looks are easily replicated at home, yet should be tamed down a bit for reality, as things could get messy! Try pulling hair back and using a spray shine on top to echo the trend, yet not take it to a literal reference. We also saw a resurgence of the “new-romantic”, aka big bouncy feminine curls, which is an easy trend to take from runway to reality without a lot of alteration.

5. What’s your single MUST-HAVE item in your styling case?

A tail comb. Its multiple uses: you can comb the hair, untangle unruly problems, back comb the hair for height and volume, use the tail for creating a perfect part, you can use it as a styling tool to hold the hair up and out of the way.

6. How did you decide to become a hair stylist?

Truth? Women. Women of all shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds. I love women, and I love women’s hair.

7. And since the Bionic Beauty blog is all about women loving themselves, showing their best sides- whether through makeup, smiling, self-esteem, etc- how do you define “Powerful Beauty”?

There is beauty in everyone, you simply have to take what your strengths are and emphasize them. Use your best assets to your advantage. If your eyes are your strongest feature, get a new cut that accentuates them and brings them to the center of attention. Carve your own path in the world of beauty. Be an individual, be yourself! You never need to copy the girls on the runway or try to be something you are not. Take whatever you feel strongest about, and pump it up!

Thank you so much, Leonardo! It was a true pleasure, and honor, to do this interview. I had always wondered what they did when a model’s hair didn’t fit the “look” of the show; and what stylists see through their eyes backstage at a fashion show.

And ladies, wasn’t his Powerful Beauty message just plain incredible?!?! And before I forget… stay tuned, because YOU are going to have a chance to WIN all 5 of Leonardo’s favorite Davine’s hair care products!!