Saturday, December 8, 2012

Holiday Sales Haul

I'd had my mind pretty made up that I wasn't going to buy anything during the Black Friday/ Cyber Monday sales - I didn't feel like I particularly needed anything and the things I wanted, I already put on my Christmas wishlist. But I just couldn't resist some of the bargains! Here's the damage:
I thought that Origins online store had one of the best deals floating around: $10 off $25 purchase + free shipping. I've been using a sample of their Drink-Up moisturizing mask for a couple weeks now, so I wanted to purchase that, and I also wanted to try the Clear Improvement charcoal mask. Origins offer these two products in the travel size (half of the normal tube) for $16 each so that was a fantastic buy.
Then, I was watching Ruth Crilly's (A Model Recommends) luxury Holiday gift guide video and she mentioned a beautifully packaged L'Occitane bath set. So, as you would, I casually wandered over to their website and found this gem: Almond Enchantment, reduced to $68 from $98 plus a $10 gift card and free shipping Cyber Monday deal. I just couldn't stop myself, it sounded so delicious and pampering! I've now already tried the Almond Shower Oil (after both me and Mr having spent at least 15 minutes trying to open the darn pump) and it feels wonderfully moisturizing on the skin and smells absolutely to die for; a must-have for winter. The gift set also came with a $15 of $55 coupon - I can already see myself picking some new treats up!

Actually, the first thing I purchased during the sales was the Bobbi Brown Corrector that I had my eye on for the longest time. They had a no minimum free shipping deal going on as well as a trio of deluxe samples + a mini lip gloss included with purchase. Unfortunately, the lip gloss shade doesn't really suit me but I will pass it on to my mum; I actually quite like the tiny little Bellini gloss that was included as well so it's all good.

Since I'm not a VIB at Sephora (although I have a strong feeling this is due to some technical error in my account - I think it's the fourth week now that I'm trying to resolve this issue with Sephora's customer service) I missed out on the sale earlier last month, which is why I then grabbed the opportunity to buy when they sent out their $15 off $50 cards last week. I only got two things I've had on my wishlist forever and ever: a Clarisonic replacement brush head and Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 foundation. I will review at some point if it meets the expectations.
Lastly, my gifts with purchase and free samples - I did score quite a few! I used a code to get Sephora's Mystery Bag but overall was quite underwhelmed with the samples I received, especially compared to their earlier 'It Kit' release. I will do a review if anything stands out.

And that's it, I'm not buying any more beauty products until next year! Have you bought anything during the Holiday sales or are you waiting until Christmas? Tell me what you scored in the comments below!

7 comments:

  1. I haven't managed to get anything yet, but I always love stocking up on Bath and Body Works products this time of year! I think I need to get to Sephora as well to check out some of their holiday sets!

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  2. the acne clarisonic brush is the only brush I'll ever repurchase... my skin loves it :)

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  3. I like Bobbi Brown's corrector quite a bit, actually. I even hit pan! (!) I think I am done for now, although I never received a $20 off card, so I did contact Sephora about that. Their customer service is kind of appalling for such a large company, actually. It takes them forever to sort out things!

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  4. Origins seems to have the best discounts available online. Sad I always miss out. Their spot treatment thing sounds epic too.
    I agree with what Larie said - Sephora's CS is pathetic. I should be a VIB but I'm not because they don't track my in store purchases, only my online purchases. Really annoying. I'm going to open up a new BI account & see if I have any problems with it. If I do, I give up on Sephora completely. Hmph!

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  5. The Amande set looks wonderful! I was eyeing it recently--- it sounds like you got an amazing deal on it too. I should sign up for L'Occitane emails :)

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  6. Wow not a bad haul at all! I am curious to hear what you think about the Origins charcoal mask--I've been curious about it for a while!

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  7. So many goodies! I thought you didn't like L'Occitane? ;) That was an excellent deal and I'm glad you love it in the end!

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