It's all about the money, money, money...

So as some of you know I've been out of work for awhile now.  

We moved back to the U.S. in August of last year and unfortunately our household didn't make it here until just before the holidays.  I didn't think that it would take 5 months for our stuff to arrive and I had only packed comfy clothing and one nice dress in my suitcase (not exactly work ware).  During those five months I tried to think of what I could do to make a little bit of money, without having to spend any money.

Along came clinical testing, my new best friend.  Basically I get paid to test cosmetics, from skin cream to eyebrow gel and everything in between.  I usually make about $40 dollars a product, but sometimes up to $200 for longer studies.  I am now known as test subject number 17 at a local San Francisco company, Biometrix, and I've probably made about $500 since October (not huge money, but money is money).  Some studies pay upwards of $500, just not the ones that are local to me :-(

I did a little bit of research and if you'd like to test cosmetics and get paid to do it (plus you get to use their products for free for 4 weeks) there might be a clinical trial in your area.  You can Google clinical studies + your city to find them and here are a couple to get you started.

Clinical Studies in Irving, TX

Clinical Studies in Princeton, NJ & Essex, U.K.:  I believe this company, Princeton, may also mail samples for trials to other locations as well.

Clinical Studies in Bozeman, MT

Clinical Studies in Fairfield, NJ:  Damn, I wish I lived in NJ...seems to be a popular place for clinical studies.

While this is not an extensive list it only took me about 10 minutes to find them so you should be able to see if there are any by you in no time.

I've also been participating in focus groups and other marketing studies.  These are easily found on Craigslist and are usually under the "Gigs" section.  I just made $175 last night for 5 hours of my time, but many only take about an hour or so.  

Another bonus to focus groups are some of the people you meet.  Most are normal, but there are some interesting folks to say the least...last night I had the pleasure of meeting the reincarnation of Baby Jane.

Good luck in your quest for extra money.  For now I'll keep on keeping on and eventually I will find my dream job and then use the money from that job to start my own skin care line (a girl can dream can't she).