Stuff I got for free

~ stashy

I’ve been accumulating a bunch of cosmetic items that I’ve received for free recently. Here’s what I’ve been given in the past month or so:

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No cash exchanged hands for any of this!


It was Clinique bonus time about a month ago and my coworker ended up getting 2 gwp bags and she was really only interested in the skincare items, so she gave me the makeup items citing “they would look good on you”:

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Colour Surge eye shadow duo in 02 Like Mink (1.6g); All About Shadow trio includes: 06 Pink Chocolate, 2W Blushed, 24 Angel Eyes (1.9g); Chubby Stick lip balm in 06 Woppin’ Watermelon; High Impact mascara sample

Then she went home and dug through her other unused gwp palettes and gave me this gem:

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All About Shadow duo in 14 Strawberry Fudge (1g), Soft-pressed powder blusher in 20 Mocha Pink (1.8g)

It’s right up my alley – neutral eye shadows with a rosy nude blush – how could I refuse?

One day I tagged along with her while she went to the drugstore to buy her StriVectin eye cream, and there was a StriVectin rep there who insisted I take this free sample, just for being there. Ok!

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StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum 7ml

This same coworker is also a regular cross-border shopper – for the non-Canadians out there, this is when Canadians drive about an hour and a half south to Buffalo (or whatever American city is closest) to shop. [Fun fact: an estimated 90 percent of Canadians live within 161 kilometers (100 miles) of the U.S. border]  While the Canadian to US dollar exchange rate hasn’t been stellar, sometimes the deep discounts and better selection make it worthwhile.  My coworker went cross-border shopping a couple of times and came back with a lip products each time for me:

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Loonie for scale (for you non-Canadians, a Loonie is our $1 coin, it’s slighter larger than a quarter)

The orange eos she got for me because “I haven’t seen that colour in Canada and I know you like those”, and the Vaseline Lip therapy Rosy Lips because I mentioned seeing it on I am Beauty Bee’s blog, and my coworker squealed and said she wanted it too. Of course, it’s not available in Canada so she brought back one for each of us last weekend.  She refuses to take money for them so I repay her by buying coffee for her in return.
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Consonant Skincare opened a new store location in the heart of the financial district in downtown Toronto.  At their grand opening, they gave out these goody bags with a free full-sized Natural Foaming Face Wash ($18 value) plus a bunch of samples, including the DHE Mask, Ultra Moisturizing Organic Face Cream, and HydrExtreme serum.  I can’t wait to try everything!  I’m also very curious about their sunscreen, called The Perfect Sunscreen, which is a physical / mineral sunscreen SPF30 that’s got a tint.

Lastly, I have a friend who has constant access to all sorts of beauty freebies as part of her job. I envy this aspect of her job but it would be a dangerous environment for me.  It’s nice that I still get to reap the rewards of her gratis though!

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Tresemme Perfectly (un)done Waves Sea Salt Spray, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in 405 Hello Pretty, CoverGirl XL Nail Gel polish in 710 Whole Lotta Guava, Neutrogena CoolDry Sport SPF60 sunscreen, Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb

She offered so many items to me but I had to restrain myself – I honestly really do not NEED any of it (well except for the sunscreen, that’s always needed).  I cannot wait to try those nail polishes, especially the CoverGirl XL Nail Gel – I had been eyeing those ever since I saw the new displays.  Thanks for the loot!

I think it’s official: I’m now a charity case. It used to be that I would be the one passing all my makeup to my friends and now the roles are reversed.

So is this bending the rules of my No-Buy? 😉

23 thoughts on “Stuff I got for free”

  1. Wow! I wish I had a coworker like that 😉
    Clinique gwp bags are usually awesome! They are great ton travel with as well.
    And nope I don’t think you’re breaking your no purchase rule at all 🙂

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  4. Now that’s a haul 🙂 Definitely doesn’t count for no buy! Those are some sweet buddies! I love Clinique Bonus Time and always keep a running list of Clinique stuff I want to try.

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      1. I love those Clinique palettes, but it would be so boring to only use those all year! 😀 But yeah, I’m sure there are some people who probably never need to buy lipstick, eyeshadow, blush and mascara b/c of GWPs.

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  5. You’re so lucky!! I rarely get free items! I drool at the sample giveaways going on in stores in South Korea – here in Taiwan, I’ve only ever gotten one free sample. And I’ve been shopping since August!! Poo!

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    1. I’m surprised they don’t give samples in Taiwan. In Hong Kong they give out handfuls. Also when I shop at Face Shop here they also give out a tone. Taiwanese companies needs to get on the sample bandwagon!

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  7. That’s awesome what a great friend! And definitely within limits since you didn’t exchange cash for them. Let me know how that Clinique mascara goes, I tried a sample of the Lash Power and really liked it and there was NO smudging! I wish it was a little more volumizing get though, if it had been I might have bought the full-size.

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