April 2017 No-Buy-Low-Buy Accountability

~ stashy

This is my first Low-Buy month this year since starting the No-Low-Buy “program” for 2017. I managed to pick up quite a few things – I had some luck on my side with some great deals, plus an Optimum Points redemption event:

I had $200 in my budget, let’s see how I did…

The month started out with a bang. I found something that I’d thought was out of my life forever:
• Mandom Barrier Repair Concentrate Serum – $15.99 for 60g

I reviewed this product here. I loved this serum and was gutted to discover that it had been discontinued. But I went to Pacific Mall (an Asian mall selling all manner of Asian goodies including loads of stand alone K-beauty shops like Holika Holika, The Face Shop, It’s Skin, etc – I showed a lot of restraint – also, the prices are quite marked up) and found this in a random shop! It was the last one, so you know that was an omen too. 😛 Happy dance! 😀

• Cargo OneBase Concealer + Foundation in One in 025 – $8.38 for 17g (reg $27.96)

I’ve been wanting to try this for a while now and I learned from fivezero that the line is on clearance on Well.ca, and the price dropped down to 70% off – since I was online to buy eye drops and toothbrushes, I added this to my cart! 😉

Rexall

• Prestige Total Intensity Color Rush Eyeshadow in The Chase – $3.49 (reg $14)

Rexall mostly got rid of the brand Prestige but they brought back a small display containing just eye makeup gear toward creating a smokey eye. Well, it looks like that is now gonzo too, as everything was being cleared for 75% off. I was tempted to grab a few liners since I think Prestige makes some of the best liners (both eye and lip) but honestly do not need more liners! But somehow I convinced myself that and eye shadow is just fine! 😛

• elf Eyeshadow Palette in Need It Nude – $4 (reg $11.99)

Rexall had this crazy sale where select elf items were 2 for $8. My partner in crime at work and I were browsing Rexall – as you do during lunch – and came across these palettes for 2 for $8! They’re regularly $11.99 each so she picked up the Mad for Matte one (they only had 1 of that left) and I got this one. She keeps telling me how much she loves the matte palette and now I kind of want it too.  And here I said I swore off palettes. 🙄

MISS A Haul

I show in detail what I got in this post here. Of the items I purchased, only the sheet masks would be considered since they’re skincare ($16.20) but I would argue that I’ve been using up my sheet mask stash lately. Hmm I would say let’s count half of it, so $8.10 toward the total. 😉

• Consonant Skincare HydrExtreme Serum – $149 for 30ml

This is one of those “samples really work” items – after trying a couple of sample vials of this, I knew I had to get a full-sized bottle! I primarily use this under my eyes to create a smooth, plumped area – my concealer looks so much better when applied on top of this. This is quite expensive but thankfully I redeemed my Consonant “Friends with Benefits” points for it! 😀  I reckon this bottle will last me years since I use so little of it each time.

• Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide

I didn’t buy this, nor is it even a new tube – it was passed onto me after I complained to my friend about my skin breaking out (lately especially on my chin due to hormones / stress). She bought this but didn’t like it and I like the sound of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (typically they’re 5%). I’ve already started using this and am liking the results so far. This retails for $18 USD and the tube is ginormous at 67ml.

• ColourPop Pressed Shadows and Essence Satin Touch Blushes

I won these! See this post here where I gloat. 😀

Winners
• The Brush Guard (Variety Pack, Cheek & Blush Pack, and Blend & Conceal Pack x2) – $5.99 each

I was pleased to have found these! I used to order them online but they’re at least double the price. I use these whenever I wash my brushes or when I travel. Side note: Winners has been really lacklustre for the past month. Their nail polish offering have dwindled down to nothing. I’m not sure if it’s a bigger strategy to phase out polishes but they haven’t restocked their nail polish section in weeks. But I guess it’s fine since I’m supposed to be not buying any more nail polishes… 😉

• Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum – $36.99 for 30ml

I’ve been doing loads of research on Vitamin C serums since finishing up my last one in March. I had liked the Paula’s Choice one (Vitamin C Booster aka hamburger meat booster) but $49 USD now converts to C$67 which is a bit ridiculous. Just on principle, I looked at more local sources for a Vitamin C serum. I toyed with getting The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, but multiple sources advised that the texture left something to be desired and it irritated some people’s skin.

When I type in “Best Vitamin C serums” in Google, I would often get results from Amazon, so I decided to do some digging on there. I get really suspicious of products that have glowing reviews on Amazon because I believe a lot of those reviews are from people who received the products for free in exchange for favourable reviews. Heck, I have personally been solicited to have products sent to me for free from Amazon sellers in exchange for favourable reviews! I combat the noise of Amazon reviews through this site I found when I searched “Are Amazon reviews authentic?”: Fakespot.com  Copy and paste any Amazon item link into that site and it can verify for you if the reviews are fake or not. It’s shocking how many beauty products are full of fake reviews!  This is how I came to order the Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C serum.  It’s meant to be a cheaper alternative to the gold standard for all Vitamin C serums, the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic (with the hefty price tag of $165 USD or C$225 😮 )  – the ingredient lists are quite similar. And, I used my ebates rebate money to pay for this serum! 😀

And of course, the Sephora VIB sale!

My tally for the Sephora haul was $123.48 but I won’t be including the skincare items (masks, lip balm, face scrub) as they are replenishing what I used up. So I’m counting $44.75 toward my April budget.

Lastly, Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Points Redemption Event

It was pure luck that there was a bonus redemption event on April 30-31, just before my Low-Buy was over! The bonus was an additional $30 if redeeming the top tier of 95,000 pts for $200 (I had enough points for 2 top tier redemptions but I only did one). Here’s what I picked up for myself:

• Pixi Glow Tonic – $38 for 250ml
I was going to pick up the 100ml but it’s $20 and seemed like not a good deal (even though I was getting it with points). I hope I like it!

This is seriously the prettiest packaging for a mascara.

• Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara – $4.99
I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this mascara – although I haven’t had huge luck with the other Essence mascaras I’ve tried ( I ♥ Extreme, and Get Big Lashes), I’m willing to give this a shot.

• Quo All In One Sponge and Ellipse Sponge
I spotted a couple of new shapes of the Quo Sponges. These are now $10 each when just last year they were $5!  They happened to be on sale when I redeemed my points so they were $7 each.

I totally lied about not getting more nail polishes!  I was so psyched to spot a bin of clearance polishes, for $2-3 each

L to R:
• Quo by Orly Nail Polish in Naked
• Quo by Orly Nail Polish in Glitterati
• Quo by Orly Nail Polish in Bronze Beauty

• Essie Oh Behave!
• L’Oreal Le Vernis à l’huile in 228 Rose Bouquet
• L’Oreal Le Vernis à l’huile in 558 Rouge Amour (I already have another red shade from this line, in Rouge Sauvage, but this one is a cooler toned red. 😉 ) Would you think better of me if I told you that I had way more polishes in my basket and put a bunch back? 😇

And a couple of base coats:

• Witchcraft Be Strong Protein Hardeneer
• Witchcraft Complete Me 7 in 1 Total Care
Witchcraft is a Canadian nail care brand (I just noticed that these are actually made in Canada too) that I used to love but their products aren’t as easy to find. I did redeem $200 but I was actually responsible about it – I picked up some razor blades for the SO (those are expensive!) and boring toiletries with the balance. 😛

My grand total… $201.70! I was by $1.70 over. 😳  This means not only do I suffer public shaming, I will also be deducting this amount from my next Low-Buy month, which will be in July.  I’m now on 2 months of No-Buy so I can atone for my transgressions. 😛

How has your spending been lately?

76 thoughts on “April 2017 No-Buy-Low-Buy Accountability”

  1. Eeeee nice haulage! Oh I need to go and hunt down the rest of the new L’Oreal l’huile polishes that I don’t have! Rouge Amour ❤

    Yay glad you got some Cargo stuff! I picked up a couple brushes when I saw the prices dropped even more to 70% off.

    I totally snickered at "Mandom".

    I've never seen Prestige at a Rexall! I guess I don't go to enough locations. That purple shadow is hot.

    I'm secretly glad to hear Winners' nail polish selection isn't great. LOL. I haven't been shopping there for a while.

    Ooh I was looking at Timeless stuff. I got a Vit C thing from The Ordinary, instead. I'm very curious to hear how you like this one!

    And uh, I think I need that Essence mascara just for that packaging.

    Grats on the low-buy and serious kudos for holding out on your no-buy 😀

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    2. You’re the temptress! I went back to the Tarte site to add stuff to my cart and closed the window before I checked out LOL. Cursed you the whole time.

      I went to the Shoppers on Queen St W, if you were wondering! 😉 Their clearance section is upstairs near the pharmacy.
      Ooh I have a couple of Cargo brushes – they’re pretty nice.
      Yeah… Mandom is a weird ass name.
      I’m not mad about the crappy selection of polishes at Winners, just wondering if their sources of supply have dried up, or they don’t want to be in the nail polish game any more?
      I’ve been using the Timeless Vitamin C for about a week and I REALLY like it! It feels slightly tightening on the skin and I see my forehead is more glowy. Time will tell if it helps with reducing scarring.

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      1. Side note, tk maxx here has also had its nail polish selection dry up. I can normally find a few illamasqua shades in old hat styles (speckled egg trend anyone?), but gone are the days of using having loads of OPI and Essie shades, and that weird batch of Quo and Sephora formula x have since dried up too!

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        1. So odd you get Quo polishes there! It’s a Canadian brand! 😛
          But weird that it seems to be a trend there too – I do wonder if they are phasing out polishes.

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      2. Curses only make me stronger 😛

        And thanks, ahhh I’m actually by that Shoppers all the damn time. Except I never go upstairs b/c of stroller-itis. Will have to check out the clearance stuff next time. It’s the same reason I haven’t been to TBBS in ages, not stroller-friendly.

        Yay for the Timeless Vit C! I have never used Vit C so when my The Ordinary one arrives I’m really looking forward to trying it.

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  2. Oh great haul! I’ve been super interested in trying out the pixie stuff because I see it everywhere and it’s pretty easy to get ahold of. I’ve been obsessed with serums as of late so I’ll be checking out the ones you picked up because they seem right up my alley!

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  4. Hey, a $1.70 overage isn’t too bad at all! You’ll make it up easily in July…as long as you don’t go over in July as well, haha!
    So happy to hear that you were able to find something you thought was discontinued…although the name “Mandom” is very weird and made me laugh for some reason. You’ll come out of it looking like a baby like on the packaging!
    You really did your research on that Vitamin C serum! Tis why you find way better stuff, you are patient with your research, unlike me.
    That Essence Lash Princess mascara is on my list of products to try, too. It has such rave reviews! And that Orly Bronze Beauty nail polish is stunning!

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    1. Yeah I was surprised I wasn’t over too much. I really shouldn’t have gotten those eye shadows from Rexall, but you know when you’re shopping with friends, you end up buying stuff you probably wouldn’t have alone?
      Mandom is like a “Engrish” type of name, I know! And yes, the baby images are so popular in Japanese skincare. Everything is meant to make you look like a baby again!

      I almost pulled the trigger on other Vitamin C serums but realized that a lot on the market don’t contain the L-ascorbic acid. That’s the most potent form but also the least stable. I’m so glad I got this one. I’ve been using it for a week and already see my skin is more glowy. I’m hoping it will help fade some scarring on my chin area especially.

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      1. You can’t NOT get those eye shadows, they were on sale!!
        Yes, I’ve noticed tons of Japanese skincare with babies on the packaging. It makes me NOT want to get the product for some reason…maybe because it just reminds me of a baby product?
        That’s exciting that you’ve only been using it for a week and have already seen a marked improvement in your skin! Great choice 😉

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    1. Maybe try only using it once every third night? Or you could dilute it a bit on the cotton pad with some alcohol free toner. I think the glycolic acid is 5%. You may do better with lactic acid instead – it’s more gentle.

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  7. I’ve actually been behaving (more or less). I did get a few things at Ulta when I had a 20% off coupon but I only got one thing during the VIB sale. Now I’m just on low buy. I just repurchased my Wet N Wild Photo Focus foundation (well the SO bought it for me) & I’ll need to repurchase my Revlon Colorstay soon. But I’m doing better at using what I have.

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    1. You, behaving? LMAO 😆 XD
      Ok, I stopped laughing now. Where were we… ooh you got that WnW foundation that everyone has been raving about. It’s still not available here. How are you enjoying it?

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  8. nice haul! XD I think you should get extra points for having more nail polish in your bag and then putting some back. 😀
    I wanna try some Orly polish but we never have interesting colors…

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    1. Thank you! I’m glad SOMEONE appreciate the fact that I resisted my natural inclination to buy ALL the nail polishes! 😀
      I do wish Orly was more available, I love their formula and they have unique colours.

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  9. Oh gosh, you really know how to shop! Looks like you got a really good selection of goods here 🙂 I’m still waiting for an online parcel to come through of Asian products, and splurged the other day at the drugstore on toners/sprays, a new concealer, powder, and new makeup brushes.

    Would love to try the Pixi toner one day but won’t be anytime soon since I got the Avene thermal water and La Roche Posay Serozinc to try out first. 😅

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    1. Ooh I love shopping online at Asian stores. I can’t wait to see what goodies you got! The only thing is waiting for the shipment – it usually takes a month to arrive for me.

      La Roche Posay Serozinc is on my list to try! I’ve heard such good things about it.

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  10. I think everyone can forgive you for going 1.70 over. You big cheat!
    That prestige shadow looks gorgeous, it’s such a shame the brand seems to be disappearing from everywhere!
    Elf is finally launching into drugstores here this month, I can’t wait to go and get some bits, fingers crossed it’s better than my experience with the shitty primer I got in New York. Quite like that colour combo on the elf palette, it seems quite a yellowy brown!
    I’ve heard good things about that essence mascara, one day I will get round to picking it up, need to deplete my collection first though, I’m slowly getting there!
    That Essie shade is totally a you colour! Pretty for spring and summer!

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    1. I am a big cheat! No one really calls me out on it so why not! XD 😆
      I’m sad about Prestige – it is a good brand but it’s just lost among all the other brands. They don’t seem to do any social media or launch new products.
      Oooh I’m glad you’re finally getting access to Elf! It’s quite hit and miss with their product… I try to pay attention to what people say is crappy and I stay away!
      This whole month I’m devoting to using up those gwp / sample mascaras. I’ve accumulated so many!
      Yes, I couldn’t say no to that Essie colour! 😀

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  11. I’m trying to be really good with spending this month, I’m limiting myself to just replacing my eye shadow primer! We’ll see if I succeed though… haha! There isn’t really anything I desperately NEED right now anyways, especially after the VIB Sale last month.

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  12. I also redeemed points during the SDM event but at Murale: I got a SIMPLEHUMAN travel mirror ($150) & 2 packs of Eve Lom muslim washcloths (they are SUPER huge… happiness!!!) ❤

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  13. My spending is well, not great!
    I just paid to go self-hosted so there was that, and I’ve also been eyeing some new skincare products and also the Pixi line as well! I’ve been working extra this month though so maybe it’ll make up for it…

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    1. I saw that you are self hosted now! I made a comment on your s’mores cupcake but it disappeared! 😛 I’ll go back and re-comment!
      I’ve heard so many rave reviews for Pixi so I figured so I’ll check to see if the hype is true.

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      1. I am! And yes, my site was being a little buggy but I think I’ve got it up and working now! Let me know if you have any other issues with that. And yes, let me know how you enjoy Pixi please!

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  14. Well, you’ve seen my US haul, so my spending hasn’t been great this month. However, I did spent a lot less the past few months than I used to and am hoping to continue that trend. I figured I could do one big blow out shopping spree and that should last me a good few months.

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    1. I think you’ve been really good with not spending lately (saving for that house!). And plus, shopping in US wasn’t TOO bad since you stuck with drugstore. I look forward to your reviews of your new goodies!

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  15. This is not bad. I found out using cash back feature of my credit card really helps. Some people recommend Ebates (hope I spell it right) but it only works for few stores.
    I spend more compare to last month but I won’t spend much next month for new products so I think I am good.

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    1. I use ebates and it’s good when you remember to use it and yes, it only applies to some stores.
      It’s good to balance out the spending – that’s why I am doing 2 months of shopping ban, then one month of shopping. 😛

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        1. Online shopping especially apps are DANGEROUS! Smart to reduce online time. 🙂 I find that I shop less in the summertime because it’s nicer weather, I’m usually out and about and away from my laptop!

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  16. OMG, your low-buy is already one big haul for me. My low-buy consists of 2 lipsticks and a skin care product or two and that’s it. Hahaha. But you’ve got some really great products here. And you got them at a really good price too. I’m impressed and amazed. 🙂

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  18. That purple (shimmer?) mono-eyeshadow looks gorgeous and super unique! I also love the look of that ELF nude palette, I’d always wanted to try out an ELF products but I haven’t picked anything up yet. I haven’t found anything with a WOW-factor yet, so let’s hope for the future! I haven’t been buying much makeup recently. I’ve been more focused on clothes because I don’t have much nice clothes anymore. The last thing I bought must have been a setting spray by NYX, which I haven’t tried out yet. Lol, I forget to put on setting spray for 2 days already, don’t ask me why, it’s killing me 😦

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    1. I love staring at that purple eye shadow – it’s got a variety of colours mixed in there!
      Elf can be hit and miss. I’ve heard good things about the palette, and at the discounted price of $4, I really couldn’t pass on it.
      That’s good you’re focusing on clothes – I think clothes is more important than makeup, really! But I don’t shop too much for clothes for some reason. 😛
      Ha, you sound like me – when I first bought the Smashbox primer spray, I kept forgetting to use it for DAYS. I finally put it right in the way of my other makeup so I couldn’t miss it!

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  19. I think you got this low/no buy thing down to a science. Good job on all the haulage! I’m not the biggest fan of Pixi, but I do have to say the Glow Tonic is probably the best thing they have besides their double cleansing products (haven’t tried those yet).

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    1. I definitely was lucky with the sales in April!
      Yes, that pink polish is really bright but so fun for summertime. I know you’re going into Autumn weather now… sorry to be teasing! 😉

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      1. I’d wear it whatever the season 😛 I haven’t painted my nails a lot lately, maybe this weekend when I get a spare minute or two. Definitely in autumn weather, less than a month left until winter haha!

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  21. Do you use the Paula’s Choice treatment on the whole face or just on problem area? LateLy I’ve been breaking out too, and feeLs Like my usuaL La Roche Posay squad are starting to lose their mojo 😦

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    1. I use the Paula’s Choice only on problem areas since I have combination skin – my most problematic area is on my chin area. I was a little too excited to use it and tried it on my forehead too and it burned my skin (red and bumpy) so I only focus it on my chin where I have blemishes now.

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  23. My friend did rave about the Essence Lash Princess. Looking forward to see what you think of it. I have the pink one and it is still unopened.
    BTW, I am such a cheapo, I just pick off the guards on rose buds (whenever someone buys them), wash them and use those as brush guards!!! 😛 😛 😛

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