Shopping Spree (Spring 2015) - Beauty Items

When I lived in the suburbs, I trolled the mall almost weekly, but now that I live in the city, I need to make an effort (i.e., drive further) to be a mall rat. My desire to reduce my mileage, gasoline consumption, and/or time wasted sitting in construction-induced traffic has had a great impact on my shopping habits. I shop less. 

I had unsubscribed from most retail email lists, which decreased my desire for retail therapy. I follow a few green beauty sites, but I buy only if I need to replenish a beauty staple and/or if the current promotion is of value for me. For example, cream shadows aren't my thing, thus I passed on the RMS Beauty St. Patrick's Day promotion. This shopping spree was replenishment items purchased during with promotions.

R.L. Linden & Co. // customer appreciation promotion -- $18.00
The Bee Charmer Refining Cacao Honey Cleanser + Mask

iHerb // introductory order -- $20.38
Devita, Solar Protective Moisturizer, SPF 30+
Sierra Bees, Organic Lip Balms, Pomegrante, Vanilla & Cocoa Butter, 3 Pack

Jordan Samuel Skin // flash sale -- $50.00 + $8.00 shipping
HydrOasis Face and Eye Serum
Water You Waiting For? Face and Body Mist (free w/ $50 purchase)
NB: Rather than buy product I do not need, I paid for shipping.

Whole Foods // unwanted beauty item trade-in promotion (25% off) -- $28.04

Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner, Raven

Andalou Naturals All-In-One Beauty Balm Sheer Tint with SPF 30

NB: This is a 3.6-mile walk (round-trip) from my home.

Shopping Spree | Thanksgiving 2014 (part 1)

I used to work in retail, so I know the horrors of working Black Friday. My first Black Friday experience was in 2009 -- when opening at 6:00am was sufficient. The following year, we opened an hour earlier.

Because I loathe crowds and waiting in line, I cannot imagine a universe in which I would haul my butt to any retail establishment on Thanksgiving -- or the five days following. However, I did indulge in a bit of online shopping (Black) Friday through (Cyber) Monday.

For the past three months, I have been very strict about:

1. Using on-hand bath and beauty products (including samples) rather than purchasing new.
2. Purchasing clothing that: 
1. is required (undergarments, tights, etc.) 
2. replaces a worn item

For several months, I used and wore what I had on-hand. I benefitted from a cousin purging her closet, and I made a few carefully-considered purchases -- some of which I returned (shopper's remorse). Thus, I was very selective about my post-Thanksgiving purchases. I bought a few things I needed (replenishment skin care) and a few things I wanted (jewellry).

Shopping Spree | July 2014

I did a bit of shopping this month! However, the purchases were strategic and focused: clothing and skin care.

A few clothing items had become so worn that I could no longer wear them to the office, so I took advantage of some sales and I purchased replacement items. Similarly, I have been using my current skin care products religiously -- including samples -- and the items I purchased were "holes" in my skin care regime.

A complete list of my purchases follows.