A Recent Skincare Haul + Tips to Save If You Live in the U.S.
I've been doing some really bad things lately, and that includes hoarding a ton of new skincare (and haircare) products. I recently placed an order on Cult Beauty (and then soon after a little haul on Ulta). Mili from Sharmtoaster did a post similar to one I was thinking of and noting how sometimes it's worth it to shop around and do your research before splurging. My taste in skincare has definitely changed (for the better) and I'm totally seeing how I am more and more like my mom, even if that means dropping a lot of $$$ on products to slather on my skin. Although I doubt I'll ever get over my spending (problem), I'd like to think that I still try my best to shop smart. Who even pays full price for things anymore??
Treat Yo'Self and Save
I did a little order on Cult Beauty and picked up some skincare bits (+1 haircare bit) that have been on my lists for a while. CB was offering 15% off when you updated some of your information in your account so I decided to jump on it. Additionally, the prices listed on CB include UK sales tax so for those that live outside of the EU, you are not charged for that tax (yassss). I'm nearing the end of a good few number of skincare products and the conversion rate wasn't too bad for USD to GBP so I figured - why the hell not.
I'm trying to be as best behaved as I can and finish up some final few products before really digging into a lot of these, but don't you worry - my thoughts and reviews on them will come soon enough. Let's get into the products that I got as well as the prices of the products. The first number listed is the product after sales tax is deducted (20%) > after the 15% is deducted > after converting to USD. In ( ) I'll list the amount that the cost the products are currently listed at in the U.S. Sometimes people tell me that I'm lucky to live in the U.S. because I easily have access to a ton of products - yes and no. I do have access to products, but just like anywhere else in the world - they can be marked up.
As you'll see, there is quite a massive difference in pricing that I paid. At nearly 50% off of everything, and more so with the Omorovicza bits, this was a major steal in my books. No deal at Sephora could beat this. And although I'm unable to return anything if I dislike it - I'm fine with that as I did a decent amount of research beforehand. I'm all for treating yourself to nice bits and sometimes it's just a treat to soak in the luxe-ness of some higher end skincare bits. But you don't need to pay the eye watering prices, and this is proof of that.
- Kypris Antioxidant Dew | £43.33 > £36.83 > $46.18 ($72)
Nearly every skincare blogger owns this little gem and it took so much effort to hold off on buying it from US stores. I love the sound of it and after falling for Glossier Super Bounce, I thought I'd add another serum to the mix to pair with it. This one claims to give extra hydration (which I'm always looking for) and is perfect for use AM&PM. It's also perfect for layering so hello and welcome to my skincare cabinet. - Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask | £50 > £42.5 > $53.3 ($120)
I received a sample of this in my massive SpaceNK GWP last year and loooved it. I was eyeing this forever but the eye watering price at Sephora made me stay clear. The fact that this was less than half made me jump on it. A little goes a long way! I did have a predicament with this when it arrived as it did not look full, but a few IG pals assured me there's looked a little funky too when opened. I'll just keep on thinking that the product got shifted around in transit. - Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm | £40 > £34 > $42.64 ($110)
Now I'll admit this is one I haven't actually tried, but seeing so so many YouTubers rave about it - I had to try it for myself. I've tried the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel and am working my way through the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, but this was the initial one that caught my eye. But again, because of the eye watering price I stayed away. Glad to have it in my hands now and I'm ready to give it a test once I finish up another skincare product that is on it's last leg! - REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk | £13.33 > £11.33 > $14.21 ($28)
Ok, so so so many people have been featuring this little guy in their favorite skincare posts lately so how could I not get it? I've been wanting to try products from REN for a while now and didn't know where to start. It's gentle, it's cleansing, and it says milk - totally gonna try pairing this with my holy grail Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser for a deep double cleanse. - Davines OI All In One Milk | £15.83 > £13.46 > $16.98 > $16.87 ($32)
I saw a few people talking about this and having wanted to try some Davines products, I thought this was a good way to jump in. I'm halfway done with a mini of my favorite It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Plus Keratin (which I want to save for my travels later this year), so I thought now would be a good time to finally try a new product! I've been using the It's a 10 one for 3 years and while I love it, the blogger in me is itching to try something new. Although I don't doubt that I'll go back to the It's a 10 one soon enough.
The Reliable Ulta
Although I do have qualms with some of the pricing at Sephora / Nordstrom and the likes, there is one store that never lets me down - Ulta. They have seriously been upping their game over the last 5 years that I've been shopping with them. They went for a place that was collectively carrying drugstore brands to one that has (somewhat) higher end brands - with the likes of NARS, Tarte, TooFaced, Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Dermalogica, and Perricone. I love love love that they are starting to carry brands that are more commonly found overseas - namely Soap & Glory, Lanolips, La Roche-Posay, Elizabeth Arden, Nuxe, and more! There are constantly deals going around - BOGO type deals, coupon codes for $3.50 off $10 purchase, and frequent 20% off coupons - there isn't much I don't love about this place. The best part of all is that your rewards are converted to actual $ deductions - no gifts. Although Sephora has upped their reward game in recent years, there's still nothing that can beat a completely free full-size product.
I received 20% off over President's Weekend (the coupons just come so often) and decided to stock up on some S&G essentials (already in my shower so no photograph lol) and 2 new items that I've been wanting to try. Paula from Thirteen Thoughts did a post all about Dry Brushing (here) and it really sold me on trying the technique. I finally got around to picking up a round dry brush and I've done the dry brushing process twice now and it's very strange, but my skin does feel smoother and firmer - may just be a placebo effect. It's a tad cold to be doing this in the shower right now but I'm sure once the weather warms up a bit I won't mind as much. I'll keep you guys posted on the results! I also decided to pick up the Mario Badescu Neck Cream as tech neck is something I've been dreading a lot recently (I totally have it btw so trying to reverse it while I'm young!). Some of you out there have given me some advice on neck-specific products but if any of you have any suggestions - send them my way. I'm too young to be getting these neck lines so help me reverse them ASAP haha.
I also did a little blogger pen pal swap with Jennifer from AmourJNFR recently! I just got my package last week and have been snapping away at all the GORGEOUS photos. A post will come (maybe) this week or next! I've basically got a shoe box sized box full of skincare bits to work through so as of now I'll be *semi* putting myself on a spending ban - with essentials aside (aka makeup remover cause I'm def running low on that).
What are some products that you've picked up lately?
PS - If you haven't already, head to my Instagram to join my international giveaway! I'm giving away some cult favorites from Glossier and Tatcha. Trust - you do not want to miss out!
