Tag: shopping haul

Current Mood: forBitches (…am I that b*tch?)
How do you discover a new brand?

I love seeing what’s new in luxury and learning what’s trending out in the fashion world. And I while I have my trusted go-to brands I enjoy browsing online and obsessing over their runway looks, I also like to mix up my style with some up and coming/underground brands (which are realistically more in my price range).

And what’s sometimes the best way to discover something new?
Accidentally.

I first came across forBitches earlier this year when I was online window shopping on italist. I was looking for a new brand to obsess over and wasn’t feeling the ones that were being fed to me on social media. Not knowing where to start, I scrolled the designer list, came across ‘F’ and there it was – ‘Forbitches’.

I laughed to myself and clicked on the name as I was curious to see what was designed for these so-called ‘bitches’. And with one glance, I loved the concept instantly.

Plastic Barbie looking purses and shoes.

Like, excuse me? Tugging at the heartstrings of my 8 year old self?
How dare you. I want it all now.

Unfortunately, I had just been on a handbag shopping spree and didn’t need another one to add to the collection. Especially, since I knew nothing about this brand other than I liked the name.

So I did my research.

Italian designer. Label is a play on his real name ‘Forbice’.
Designs inspired by toys and dolls.
Very girly. Very nostalgic.
Literally a life size Barbie bag.
I. Need. This. Now.

Now, I can already tell this brand is not for everybody. Once it grows in popularity, I predict the traditional luxury world will describe it as very kitschy. Or, gaudy. Or, even childish. And after scrolling through their IG, I wasn’t sure if it was for me either.

Though, something about that bow bag was calling me.

So, I put it on my mental wish list in hopes I would have an excuse to buy it for the summer.

And low and behold, a wedding invitation arrives in the mail weeks later. Of course, I had no idea what my outfit or shoes would be, but I knew damn well what bag I was bringing.

Now that I needed this bag for ‘wedding purposes,’ I had to make sure it was practical as it was cute, but where in the heck would I find this bag in-store? Unfortunately, while it’s so easy to discover new things on the internet, it’s not always tangible or available in your area. So I couldn’t try it on and get the full picture.

There were also no YouTube videos or reviews on this bag. And the select few I found, almost no one opened the bag to show what could fit inside. People… always open the bag and show us what can fit!

So once again I had to be my own guinea pig and blind buy – just like the time when no one was doing lash extensions and I wanted to try them, but had no experiences to fall back on so I just had to go and hope my lashes didn’t fall or burn off. Well, after that success, almost everyone around me started getting extensions and then they blew up to what they are today… but I digress.

After scouring the internet and social media, I finally found someone who showed they could at least fit their phone and credit card inside. Perfect! I found the best deal on italist, clicked ‘order’ and let me tell you, I was not disappointed when it arrived in the mail.

Even the little booklet is comes with has this nostalgic Barbie doll pamphlet feel to it!

Love everything about it.

I decided to wear all black to the wedding, so this bag would definitely go with my LBD. Also, on casual days, if I wanted to throw on pair of jeans and a t-shirt, I know this would be a super cute accessory.

Hello?
Do we see the black bow with the pop of hot pink for the handles?

Obsessed.

I’m not going to lie, there were moments I thought that maybe I should go more elegant or traditional with a sparkly clutch or Alexander Wang/Benedetta Bruzziches style bag for this wedding. That maybe I would be that girl who everyone questioned my taste and secretly made fun of my plastic bag. That perhaps this was a bit too childish for me.

However, Wang was out of my price range and I’m still on the fence about purchasing Amazing dupes/imitations of luxury goods (I just can’t bring myself to do it yet).

So, I didn’t go that route.

And honestly, I don’t care if people make fun of this bag because I love it.

Yes, I am that b*tch with the Barbie bag.
And this was made forBitches.

Now please enjoy some more pics below.
Until next time!

xo
Stephanie

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August 5, 2022
HAUL IT Feat. Lime Crime
If I could only use one liquid lipstick brand for life, it would be Lime Crime.

They are, in my opinion, one of the originators of the velvet/matte liquid lipstick. Their products are super pigmented, super smooth, super long lasting – and bonus for those who care, super vegan.

I made the decision to purchase their first ever Red Velvet Velvetines a few years ago and have been hooked ever since.

So when the email alerts roll in, and their sale season starts… and bae has an American credit card,

it is my duty, as a slight makeup junkie, to place an order.

This haul is all about the mauves and nudes.

While I’m mainly a pinks and peaches kind of girl, I noticed I didn’t have a variety of mauves or nudes for an everyday look. So I figured it was time to expand and add to my collection, naturally.

And if there is ever a liquid lipstick makeup brand that I swear by, it’s definitely Lime Crime.

Now, because prices are in $USD, I wait for a sale or promotion with free shipping to get my money’s worth. And at $20 USD each, it’s not too bad of a price when they go on sale for $10-$15 USD.
Especially when compared to some of the other makeup brands I buy at Sephora that retail at $32 CAD! Like why you so expensive?

I never go too crazy with my order, but I always like to get a little extra bang for my buck when they have up to 50% off.

So this time I decided to try some of their other lip products as well.
I picked up their Velvetines Lip Liners, Plushies and a Wet Cherry Lip Gloss.

And it’s official – I’m even more in love than before!
😍😍😍

I like the idea of the Plushies because it dries a little more sheer. It’s not complete full coverage like the Velvetines, but it’s just as pigmented. And it gives you soft pout like you just dabbed some colour on your lips with your finger.

I hate being too repetitive, but Lime Crime is so consistent with their products, that their Velvetines Lip Liners are also amazing. Goes on smooth and of course, super pigmented.

And I’m always skeptical about lip glosses because of their lack of colour, but this Wet Cherry gloss does not disappoint! It also has a nice pigment and definitely smells like cherries 🍒

So check out my haul below!

And note – the colours may all look the same to the naked eye, but I swear they swatch differently! At least to my eyes 😉 and a makeup junkies eyes.

xo

Stephanie
- L to R: Riot, Sasha & Elle
- L to R: Chiffon, Cake & Angel
Top to Bottom: Angel, Chiffon & Cake
- L to R: Turkish Delight & Milk Tea
- Top to Bottom: Milk Tea & Turkish Delight
- Naked Cherry
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September 1, 2019
Boujee on a Budget: Saint Laurent
Were you ever on the verge of maxing out your credit card, so you swore to yourself not to put any more purchases on it until you’ve paid it down?

That was me about a month ago.

And then shopaholic me, realized it was long weekend and so the outlets must be having a sale!

When you shop enough, you can literally sniff a sale out.

Now, over here in the Great White North we have something called Victoria Day. Falling on the third Monday in May and blah blah, skipping the history lesson… it pretty much means an extra holiday. Thus, resulting in a long weekend.

This year, I was blessed to enjoy it. And enjoy it, I did.

I think my will power has gone down slightly since I’ve met bae – don’t tell him I said that.
I’m still very good at saving, but I’ve also been splurging on myself a little more than necessary – but then almighty question of life

Is it ever necessary?

Majority of the times no, so why not just say f*ck it and throw it in the bag please!

So I had a slight itch to buy something.
Like a real ‘treat myself, girl power, I deserve the world‘ kinda itch.
Meaning, no ordinary sale at TopShop would do.
And then ding!
I received an email from Coach for their long weekend sale – 70% all bags + wallets plus extra 20% of clearance.
Now that’s what I’m talking about – outlet sales.

So next thing you know I’m at the Toronto Premium Outlets.
Kate Spade and Coach had the same sale, so it was a matter of which store and styles I liked better.

Coach was the first store and I left empty handed. I did have a cute, light pink, snake skin, cross body, wallet bag in my hands, but wasn’t sold on the sale price of $100 so I put it down.
Kate Spade was next and I walked away with a belt bag and a small card holder, totalling just under $89. In complete honesty, I wasn’t completely sold on the belt bag and pretty certain I made the purchase just for the purchase.

My heart wanted and needed more.
My shopping itch was not soothed.

Now, with still only my – potentially returnable – Kate Spade purchase, I was in the last store of the day – Saint Laurent.

They hadn’t any of the purses or colours I like in there, plus they’re way above the price I’d pay – remember people, our VAT is not included. We pay 13% tax on top of the price tag. So if something costs average, $1000 that’s already an extra $130 I’d have to pay.

So I was just browsing around.

I’ve always found their sneakers cute, but they didn’t have the star ones I’ve had on my mental luxury wishlist.

But then… *cue heavenly music*

I saw these 😍😍😍

Super cute.
Super me.

With an outlet price of $339, it wasn’t bad at all.
Then add tax and it becomes closer to $400.
*womp womp*

That’s a little too much for me to pay for sneakers at the moment.

And then my sister overheard a lovely sales lady say the sneakers were an extra 30% off.

Huh? Ok.

Quick calculation and…

Excuse me… do you have this in my size?

Bae is a sneaker head, so I know with Jordans and Yeezys averaging $250-$300 before tax for regular releases, and not even considering the resell market, this shoe was a total steal!

And with them being sneakers not heels, I knew it was definitely going to get its wear. So it was totally worth it IMHO.

Plus, it was the last pair – which I’m sure is a just a line all associates use to solidify a sale end of day, but whatever. It works!

So allow me to introduce you to my newest Boujee on a Budget purchase.
You guys… 🥰🥰🥰

Shopping itch has been scratched.

Thank you and goodnight.

xo

Stephanie

Shoe: Saint Laurent

Model: Court Classic SL/06 Lolita Sneaker in Leather

Size: 35

Original Retail Price: $739 + tax

Outlet Price: $339 (plus extra 30% off) + tax

Sale Price: $237.30 + tax

Savings: over $560

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June 23, 2019
FAB FINDS Feat. Bath & Body Works
I’ve said it before – sales will forever be the death of my wallet.

Yes, I technically am the sole culprit, but retailer emails are definitely the accessory!

Though, it’s worth for my inbox to be flooded with subscriptions because sometimes they offer such great deal for insiders! – I just don’t need triple daily reminders *ahem* Groupon.

Left to Right: Limoncello, Cactus Blossom, Watermelon Lemonade & Midnight Blue Citrus

Based on the feature, you’re all probably expecting this to be a candle haul, but it’s not. And I surprisingly don’t own any B&BW candles. I know everyone goes nuts over their 3 wick candle sales, but I’ve had my eye on something else.

Recently, I’ve been in search of a new freshening room smell. My only scent had been bae’s old Eucalyptus Mint from Bath & Body Works.

And I officially can’t stand it.

So I made my way over to B&BW in the mall and spent ten minutes spraying all their fun scents in the air. Then I realized you can pretty much smell the cap without creating fragrance overload, but also… they have fragrance cards – oopsies!

Anywhos, they only sell the standard mini size now for $8 (1.5 oz). Which I thought was reasonable to try. So I narrowed it down to 2 – and just before I purchased it I said to myself,

‘I bet these are going to go on sale soon’

And 2 weeks later they did.
For $3.50.
So I went back.

I bought more of course!

They have so many options to choose from that are nice for all year round, but I wanted especially for Spring/Summer. I find them great to add just a little spritz of fresh aroma to any room when it needs a pick me up – hello, stale winter air anyone?

My faves at the moment are Cactus Bloom and Midnight Blue Citrus.

And honourable mention goes to Watermelon Lemonade… mmmm so yum.

I even got one called Happiness. It’s a more masculine scent for bae, that he can keep in his car.

What are your favourite sprays? Did any of you catch the sale? Let me know in the comments below!

But first, check out all my new scents!

xo
Stephanie

Watermelon Lemonade & Midnight Blue Citrus

Limoncello & Aloha Kiwi Passionfruit

Aromatherapy: Happiness

Midnight Blue Citrus & Endless Weekend

Bath & Body Works – Concentrated Room Spray
Limoncello
Cactus Blossom
Watermelon Lemonade
Midnight Blue Citrus
Aloha Kiwi Passionfruit
Endless Weekend
Aromatherapy: Happiness

Original Retail Price: $8 + tax each
Sale Price: $3.50 + tax each
Savings: $5.08 each

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March 31, 2019
Boujee on a Budget: Louboutin

As any fashionista or shopaholic, I have always been into designer shoes… though I’m more of an avid admirer than a collector/spender. And at least for myself, I know that I would get more use out of a designer handbag than shoes.

So I choose to save, spend or splurge my monies on purses – always outlets of course. I think we’ve cordially introduced my Kate Spade habit.

Though let’s rewind back to earlier this year.

Let’s say… April.

Basic scenario as follows… borderline broke bride with no budget for her wedding she has to plan that’s 4 months away, needs to find shoes to pair with her wedding dress that she has no idea what it will look, or fit like, because she is forbidden to touch or try on her dress until the wedding day and she still hasn’t gone dress hunting.

Did you catch all that?

Yes ladies and gents, that was me!

No money. No budget. No plan. No vision.

Pretty much every wedding planner’s worst nightmare.

Fortunately for me, I was my own wedding planner.

So how did I snag a pair of slingback Louboutin for practically half price??

Pure luck and coincidence.

Honestly, I wish I had a better story of me camping out for a major Black Friday sale, or I met the GM of North American Louboutin boutiques by rescuing their dog from an oncoming bus… but it was pretty much *drumroll please*

I walked into a store.

Checked out the sale rack.

And there she was.

😍😍😍

Surprisingly, it wasn’t something I set out to look for. And knowing that I had a rough budget for my dress, but no sense of what my dream wedding shoe would be, I didn’t put much thought into it. I was too concerned about my dress shenanigans and worried about it fitting me, that honestly shoes didn’t seem important.

Plus, knowing I was getting married in Italy and what the environment would be – aka the cobblestone hills I’d be walking up and down for my photos – I didn’t think designer shoes would be the most comfortable or realistic.

But TG for once my nonchalant, care free attitude worked out because these beauties just fell into my lap.

How?

I was downtown one day, walking through Yorkville on Bloor Street and my sister asked if I wanted to go in to DAVIDS footwear store. I was hesitant because I didn’t want to tease myself with gorgeous shoes that I couldn’t afford to buy, but she walked in.

I headed straight to the sale rack.

And then a little glitter catches my eye.

They were pink. They were peep toe. They were slingback. And they had a platform.

It was honestly the perfect shoe for my non-existent dress. Then I looked at the price tag and they were on sale for around $695 – down from $990. That on it’s own is a pretty good deal, but take into consideration the tax.

I drooled over them for a bit, then put them down because I already had set in my mind that I’d be spending no more than $200 since I was still dress hunting and didn’t know what that total would add up to.

Then the sales associate came around and starting talking to me. Mentioning how cute they were and they were a great price since they were 30% off. I said yes, but it’s still a little too much for me. Then she corrected me because they were an extra 30% off the lowest ticketed price.

So that now brought them down to about $485!

Well okay, for THAT price, I had to try them on. And lucky me, they were the last pair in my size. And once my foot slipped in, I was in love. They were actually really comfy and my toes weren’t squished!

I debated for about 30 minutes. Walked back and forth from the mirror to the bench. I was seriously about to say no, but I imagined future Steph would be kicking herself for not snagging these because they were a total steal! And I doubt that future Steph would find Loubous like this for this price ever again.

So wedding shoe or not, I could not pass on this.

And there you have it.

My first pair of Christian Louboutin.

Welcome to my closet!

Oh, did I wear them for my wedding you ask?

You’ll have to wait and see!

Keep an eye out for wedding posts 😉

xo

Stephanie

Shoes – Christian Louboutin (120 Glitter Tisse Patent Poudre)

Shoe: Christian Louboutin

Model: 120 Glitter Tisse Patent Poudre

Size: 35.5

Original Retail Price: $990 + tax

Sale Price: $485 + tax

Savings: over $505

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November 18, 2018
HAUL IT Feat. Kylie Cosmetics

Okay guys. Love them. Hate them. Hate to love. Love to hate. Whatever the case may be, the Kardashians know business.

They are major influencers in the fashion and beauty game.

And they are killing it.

That’s one of the reasons I got in to the show. I always love seeing how they did their hair and makeup and their clothes. And though I’m more of a Kim fan myself, my curiousness couldn’t help but wonder what the fuss was all about with Kylie Cosmetics.

And so I caved and placed an order – but of course only when there was a sale!

Top: In Love with the KoKo | Bottom: The Birthday Collection (Mini Matte)

So my complete honest opinion?

I really like them!

They are #2 for my favourite matte liquid lipsticks brand at the moment – just after Lime Crime.

The Birthday Collection (L to R): All Nighter, August Bug, Angel, One Wish, Gorg & Baby Girl

I really like the consistency. I really like the pigment. I like how it’s smooth and doesn’t cake. I like that it’s long lasting and the wear and tear is pretty good even after meals. And they even smell delicious! Plus, the packaging is super cute.

I was really excited to try the nude colours. So automatically I loved Angel and One Wish from the Birthday bundle, and Bunny from the Koko bundle. These are perfect for me for when I only rock black liner and no eyeshadow.

For colour, I fell in love with Doll from the Koko bundle. It’s a nice change from a red lip, as it’s more orange, but still gives that sense of Hollywood glam. And for days when I want my lips to pop, but don’t want to be too bold, Baby Girl is a nice substitute. It comes in both bundles, but I love the tiny size from the Birthday Collection. Fits right in my wallet when I’m out for a quick errand and don’t carry a big purse.

In Love with the Koko (L to R): Doll, Bunny, Baby Girl, Sugar Plum

I really have nothing to complain about.

EXCEPT…

It’s not exactly a Kylie issue, but more of a customs, tax and duty issue.

I carefully made an order that was just over $60 US to receive the free international shipping. I even did some quick research before placing my order to see if people had to pay anything extra. And everyone said if your order is under $100 it will be fine.

Well they lied.

Because no it was not fine. And this is where companies like Lime Crime and Colourpop spoil me.

I expected not to pay any surprise, hidden or extra duty/delivery fees when my makeup came to my door. However, I ended paying an extra $10. Which may not sound like a lot, but in the grand scheme of things, I had to pay conversion because currency was US. So a $60 US order was now basically $100CA.

And it left me a little sour.

Because I’d think that for a name and company of Kylie’s stature, this would be something I wouldn’t have to worry about. Because if Lime Crime and other companies can do it, so can Kylie Cosmetics. And at least older sister Kim has the right idea with KKW* where the fees are calculated at checkout so there are no surprises.

*Note – This refers to KKW Fragrance. I recently checked for KKW Beauty and you are subject to additional fees upon delivery.

Would I order again?

I’d love to, because I actually genuinely like the product. And the pricing for the lip bundles, with or without sale, are very decent – even after the conversion to CAD.

Though, because now I know there are fees upon delivery, I’d rather stick with Lime Crime if I’m going to online shop for new liquid lipsticks.

However, knowing me, I might cave once some of my favourite Kylie colours are done. Oh the tough decisions cosmetics brings!

Anyways, check out more pics below!

xo

Stephanie

In Love with the Koko: Regular $40 US| Sale $32 US

Top to Bottom: Doll, Baby Girl, Bunny & Sugar Plum* (*gloss)

L to R: Baby Girl, Angel & One Wish

The Birthday Collection: August Bug

The Birthday Collection Mini Matte: Regular $36 US | Sale $28.80 US

Top to Bottom: All Nighter, August Bug, Angel, One Wish, Gorg & Baby Girl

*Disclaimer – these lip bundles were received in 2017 so the Birthday Collection is currently unavailable.

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September 30, 2018
FAB FINDS Feat. Kate Spade purse

Kate Spade you’ve done it again!
Back at it with your blasted ‘too good to pass up’ outlet sales.

I went in to your store telling myself, I’ll just look around for birthday presents for my friends. I really don’t need anything. I have too many cute coin purses, handbags and other accessories. I’ll just be in and out in 20 min. MAX.

And then I came out with another member of the Kate Spade family of purses. All because you had an extra 70% off and I have no will power when it comes to your store.

On that note, let me introduce you to miss finlee! At least that’s what the tag said, but I think I’ll name her Maude. She gives mature vibes.

This purse was a total steal though. It came to $81 in the end. And can we just look at this colour? And style? That’s what sold me. It’s not the signature Kate Spade shape. It’s not your typical neutral colour, but this gorgeous mauve. I’ve been totally feeling warm pinks and rose golds lately and so I couldn’t pass up this bag! Plus, it was the only one left in the store. So just didn’t have the heart put it down and let another soul pick it up – some shoppers have quick hands!

It belonged with the Luxe & Loaded – Kate Spade, family of purses.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to walk around your store and feel no type of way. Until then, check out more pics of my Fab Find below!

xo
Stephanie

Did you miss my last Fab Find feat. Kate Spade? See more here.

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February 18, 2018
HAUL IT Pt. 3 Feat. L’Oréal

Just when I thought I was done, another beauty sale falls into my lap.

It was a never-ending cycle that week. And having already spent what I normally would in a year on beauty products, just in one week alone, I knew I definitely had to limit my spendings!

And I told myself, I’m allowed to spend no more than $50. Which seemed reasonable since I already had an idea of what to expect at this warehouse sale.

Then again that’s what I told myself about the Estèe Lauder sale.

So to conclude my makeup shopping spree… here’s my haul!

(Left to Right): L’Oréal, Styling Heat Spray, Vichy, Thermal Spa Water, L’Oréal, Straight Booster, Vichy, Idéal Soleil SPF 50, (Bottom) Maybelline lipsticks

I’m always looking for hair products that give me that ‘I just left the salon’ feel. I swear my hairdresser uses a magical shampoo and hair straightener, but she swears I can pull off the same look at home. So far, I can never get my hair as sleek and silky as she does, but I like testing out different products. This time I opted for a new heat protectant and a pre-conditioner smoothing treatment by L’Oréal. And at $4 each, you can’t go wrong.

The warehouse had a ton of Vichy products and I know how pricey they can get at Shoppers Drug Mart. Overwhelmed by all the night creams, I simply got sunblock and a facial mist. My sister convinced me to try the mist saying it contained minerals which was good for your skin. Later I find out that the one she tried was actually different brand, but the same idea. Did I really need a $9 water mist? No… but it’s hella refreshing and seemingly luxurious.

Lipsticks: (L) Matte, Blushing Pout, (R) Vivid Matte Liquid, Electric Pink

I was trying to steer clear of the makeup sections, but when I saw these 2 shades of pink I couldn’t resist. I love a bright fuchsia with black eyeliner and I’ve been looking for an everyday pink. Plus, I think they had a special deal for Maybelline lippies the day I went. They came in at $2 each!

Vichy, Dermablend Setting Powder

Now, one thing I’ve been meaning to add to my routine is setting powder. Originally I picked up the NYX Cosmetics Radiant Finishing Powder. It was a steal at about $5, but I found a tester and it was pure shimmer. No thanks. I’m all for a bit of sparkle and shine, but not a full face of it.
So I swapped that out for the Vichy Dermablend. This cost $10, but I prefer a matte finish since most of the bronzers and blushes I use already have a shimmer.

I spent a total of $47.46, tax included, so I came in under budget. Yay me!
However when you add up the total of all my hauls, well that’s another story. And to be honest, I haven’t done so yet because I know the final number is going to be appalling. Though, I’ve already paid off my credit card bill, so it doesn’t even matter anymore.

And I would have said that it was safe enough to say I won’t be buying makeup for the rest of the year, but there may be one more potential makeup haul to come. And this is the only makeup brand that I’ll make an exception for.

What is it? You’ll have to wait and see!
Until then,

xo
Stephanie

Click here to view pt. 1 of my NYX Haul.
Click here to view pt. 2 of my M.A.C. Haul.

April 25, 2017
HAUL IT Pt. 2 Feat. M.A.C. Cosmetics

In the past year my MAC collection basically exploded. And by exploded, I mean expanded. A very large percentage.
I went from not having purchased from them since 2010 to wanting all their foundation/base products and eye shadows. And in 2010 I last purchased some eye shadows from Santee Alley in L.A… so it was most likely way before that did I ever buy MAC.

No particular reason. I wasn’t boycotting them or anything. I do love their brand. And I like how they were founded in Toronto. It’s just their stuff is on the slightly pricey side for my taste. At the time, I didn’t want to spend $16 on a single eye shadow colour when I found other brands I was happy with (btw – their singles are now $19!). And I definitely don’t agree that MAC costs less in the States when it’s a Canadian product. C’mon people! Cater to your homeland.

It’s just one of those things where I know I’m being frugal, but I was okay with my makeup collection.

Then I got my first ticket to the Estée Lauder sale. Signed up for MAC Select. And KA-BOOM! My makeup got an upgrade.

So when I received an email that MAC was having their 25% off sale last month, I definitely wanted to take advantage of that. So I bought a bunch of stuff including, foundation, powder and shadows. Then of course, a couple of days after my purchase, I scored another ticket to the Estée Lauder sale.

*Cue racking up credit card bill*
And here is my haul!

Eye shadows: (Top) Beautiful Iris, (L) Crème de Violet, (R) Pink Venus, (Bottom) Bottle Green

(Left to Right): Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, Studio Fix Perfecting Stick, Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

And my order came with a free sample of their newest perfumes. I picked Candy Yum-Yum.

Goodies from the Estée Lauder Sale.

MAC Objects of Affection: glitters and pigment set in Gold + Beige

(Left to Right): Lithe, English Gilt, Pretty It Up, Gold, Deep Brown

It was a BOGO free sale! 2 for $25

Eye Shadow: Moon Is Blue

I was doing really well at first at this warehouse sale since I had just bought my other MAC stuff a couple of days earlier. The only things in my shopping bag were the pigments and eye shadow. And I thought I was good to cash out since I was basically done the last room… but then my sister pointed out the GLAMGLOW table.

And once I saw those prices I knew I needed them in my life.

The cleansers retail at Sephora for $43 for the 5oz. They were selling them for $17.20! And face masks, the 1.7oz retail for $79 and they going for $31.60!

Like, hello? How could I not buy them??

Especially since I just returned a so called sample pack they were selling at Sephora for $52. Suggested retail value of $110, but when I opened the box, 4 out of 5 samples were the size of my pinky. And I have small hands.

Cleansers: (L) Daily Clearing Supercleanse, (R) Daily Hydrating Thirstycleanse. Masks: (Top) Flashmud, (Bottom) Youthmud

I wished they had other GLAMGLOW products, but this was already more than I could hope for, so I was very happy with my purchase. They only other items they had that I didn’t get were the Powercleanse and Powermud because they were oil based. Plus, I thought 4 products were enough as I haven’t used their line yet and I need to see if it’s a match for my skin. (I got 2 of the same item because seriously, how could I say no to that deal?)

And just before you leave the sale, they always give you a free gift. The day I went was a pair of MAC nail polishes – the same colour. And before you exit the warehouse, you have the option to purchase a MAC $5 or $20 gift bag. Proceeds go towards charity. In the $5 you get at least 3 full size products. Which is a steal, but at the same time always a gamble because you never know what colours you get until you open it. This time was a good one as all the colours are actually wearable. It came with one eye shadow and two lipsticks.

Eye Shadow: Hello, There. Huggable Lipcolour (L) Origami Orange, (R) Bonsai Bloom. Nail Lacquer: Screaming Bright.

So I did some damage to my wallet with the NYX, MAC and Estée Lauder sales. And I thought I was safe and in the clear, but then I got tickets to the L’Oreal sale.

It’s like they plan this. To have their sales all at the same time and they know that I can’t turn them down because my curiosity gets the best of me. Needing to know what they have on sale, just in case I miss a great bargain.

Read more on my NYX haul here. And Stay tuned for Pt. 3!

xo
Stephanie

April 11, 2017
HAUL IT Pt. 1 Feat. NYX Cosmetics

I have always been curious about NYX Cosmetics. I remember spending many hours watching beauty videos on YouTube, seeing makeup gurus swatch all the different eye shadow colours and liners from their hauls. There was something I found satisfying about watching other people show me all the stuff they bought… but then I’d get major jelly because we didn’t have such stores in Canada.

And so it wasn’t too long ago that NYX finally made it’s way to Shoppers Drug Mart and now, more recently they started opening up stores around Toronto. I could finally try all the products I had been watching others use for years!

Though when I made it to a couple of locations in the GTA, the products I wanted to try were out of stock every time I visited – I guess there were other makeup lovers just as excited as I was. So it wasn’t until I found myself in NYX at the Oshawa Centre that I was able to snag some items!

It was a bit of a hassle because I had purchased a few items, but when I got home, I received an email for their Family & Friends event they were having 2 days later. Oh the troubles of not having a data plan on my cell phone. It was 20% off the entire store! So 2 days, 4 receipts and 5 transactions later*… tah-dah!
It’s haul time!

(L): Jumbo Eye Pencil in Pacific, (R): Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Pewter Note: The website lists Crystal Pewter to be a purple, but I find it more of a blue tone. That’s why I paired it with Pacific.

(Bottom): Pacific, (Middle): Crystal Pewter, (Top): combined

Vivid Brights Liquid Liner

Vivid Brights in Vivid Fire

(Bottom): Eye/Eyebrow Pencil, (Top): Lip Liner

(Top): Lavender Shimmer, (Bottom): Pale Pink

(L): Color Correcting Concealer, (R): Pro Dual Brow Brush no. 18

And my purchase came with eye shadow samples!

(Top): Morocco, (Middle): Rome, (Bottom): Copenhagen

I didn’t go crazy as it was my first time using NYX products. I wanted to test their products and see if I liked them before buying more. In total I spent just over $62 for 7 items – with a savings of about $15. Not the best of sales I’ve been to, but in general their prices are very affordable so I’m lucky to have had an added discount!

I’ve used almost all the items I bought for about a week now, with the exception of the Lavender Shimmer eye liner and the Rome and Copenhagen eye shadows. The colours are very pigmented, last all day and I find to be good quality.
I’ve been on the hunt for the Color Correcting Concealer for a while, but that was one of the items that was always sold out. I’m happy I finally got my hands on one because I’ve been looking for a portable palette to throw in my makeup bag that I can use under my foundation – especially for my dark circles.

Overall I’m very satisfied with my purchase. I do enjoy the Jumbo Pencil very much and will definitely be getting more colours… when I save some money. Because if you’ve been following my Insta stories you’ll know I went to three makeup sales in one week! My poor wallet.

I’d love to know if you went to the NYX sale and what you got in the comments below! And stay tuned for Haul It pt. 2 & 3 where I review what I got from the Mac/Estée Lauder and L’Oreal sales.

xo
Stephanie

*Note: It took that many transactions because I had to return and buy back all my items a bunch of times because the totals were off since the computer wasn’t putting in the discounts for all the items I’d bought. So kudos to NYX Oshawa for being so patient!

April 5, 2017