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).

  

Free Sampler Pack from Derma e

You know me, I love free.  I've used the Tropical Solutions™ Facial Cleansing Gel before and it was very nice.  Great smell, no yucky ingredients and lasted a long time.   They also have great prices in case you sample something that you'd really like the full size of.

If you'd like to try some of their products Derma e will ship you a free sampler pack containing some of their best sellers for just the price of shipping ($4.95).   This is a "real" free deal, not one of those lame deals where you receive a product for free and then end up in a monthly club plan.

Check it out by clicking HERE

Enter essensu's Facebook Fan Giveaway!

I love anything free, especially if it smells great and doesn't contain any SLS. Check out the new giveaway contest from essensu. What makes this even more interesting to me is the founder is from my home town...what a small world it is.

essensu holistic skincare is having a GIVEAWAY just for their Facebook fans in appreciation for all their support. You have the opportunity to win an 8 ounce bottle of Blueberry Smoothie Moisturizing Body Wash and a Jumbo Bath Pouf.

Q-Tip: Free Samples of Mineral Makeup

I love me some freebies and Signature Minerals serves them up, as well as a great product. Unlike some companies that put you into a "club" program and call it free, Signature Minerals, is the real deal. 

If you're not sure of the color you should choose then checkout their guide for picking the correct color, which can be fond here.  Select a couple shades of base that you think will match and give it a try.  If the shades don't work, no worries, you can receive another sample pack for free, as long as the shades are different from the first one.

I recently decided to try a different line of mineral makeup, because every woman should experience a bit of variety in her life.  I found my perfect match and also sampled an amazing blush, Pink Jazz, and a stunning eyeshadow, Aurora.  Their products contain "no toxins and no irritants whatsoever- its actually nice to your skin!"

If you're new to mineral makeup then check out my article on why you're going to fall in love with it.

Q-Tip: Free Samples of Yes to Carrots Products for Bloggers

UPDATE: Unfortunately the sampling program is done until June, when they receive more product. Check the Yes to Carrots web site and/or blog for updates.

I am the queen of everything free and I found this great offer today.  If you’re a blogger, love skincare and are willing to write a review of their products then Yes to Carrots will send you samples.

Check it out!

Q-Tip: Sampling Program from Raya Labs

Raya Labs has an excellent sampling program. If you’re a product whore like me than this is an excellent opportunity to try out a TON of products for free.

Here’s the catch – you need to be a licensed Esthetician in order to participate in the sampling program. Find out more here: http://www.rayalab.com/sample_program.html