While a bit of shopping at Sephora can act as the perfect retail therapy, it can also do some serious damage to your wallet. In an effort to be kinder to our wallets while exploring the luxury beauty aisles of Sephora stores, we’ve compiled a few tips to decrease your bill. Happy shopping and saving!
Here are tips to save money when shopping at Sephora.
Tip #1: Embrace Value Sets
Sephora is fantastic at curating limited edition value sets containing a mixture of items within a particular product category. Cosmetics within each Sephora Favourites set can range from trial size to full size and contain multiple colours, shades and/or formulas that will appeal to the broadest selection of customers, while still offering variety. Check the label on these Favourites Sets to reinforce just how much money you’re saving; it’s going to be a lot!
Tip #2: Try Before You Buy
Sephora always offers free samples of your favourite beauty and skincare items. Simply ask a store associate for some assistance and they’ll equip you with a sample to take home along with a printout of the product’s ingredients and usage instructions. If just one take-home sample size isn’t enough to give you a realistic impression of the product’s performance, return to the store for another sample. Quality cosmetics and skincare are not cheap. Don’t spend your money unless you know the item is right for you. Also, if you make a purchase online, be sure to check out the free samples section to add to your cart at checkout so you can try out even more items!
Tip #3: Shop Sephora Collection Items
The developers at Sephora really know their stuff! So much so that they take everything they’ve gathered about customer shopping behaviour and product preferences to create their very own beauty line. The Sephora Collection is expansive with over 500 unique items and offers everything from false lashes to night cream for half the price of neighbouring high-end cosmetics lines.
Tip #4: Keep Your Receipt
This Sephora shopping tip is a no brainer! This beauty mecca offers a killer return policy just in case the item you’ve picked up just doesn’t work for you. Always save your receipt and return your items for a full refund within 30 days.
Tip #5: Sign-Up To Be A Beauty Insider
Be sure to sign-up to be a Beauty Insider as there are a handful of deals that you’ll be able to snag. The Sephora VIB event usually happens around three times a year when you can save 10%, 15%, or 20% on your entire purchase, depending on your status. This is a great time to add all of the items you’ve been eyeing and get them at a discount. Plus, once your birthday rolls around, you’ll get to choose a free gift!
Tip #6: Use Coupon Codes
Don’t ever miss out on the chance to save more money easy savings if you’re shopping online at Sephora. Use browser extensions like Honey to search the web for extra coupon codes to use. Once coupons have been found, you can even head on over to the app and use it there so you can still earn Beauty Insider points! Plus, the code FREESHIP is typically active so you never have to pay for shipping.
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One of the joys about summertime is that it’s actually pleasant to be outside, enjoying the weather with your significant other. Of course, a global pandemic makes dating a little more complicated, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be stuck hanging out on Zoom. There are plenty of safe and cheap date ideas that you can enjoy outdoors.
Grab your face mask and pencil in your date — we’ve got a list of ideas that you’ll love whether you’re just getting to know someone or are together longterm.
Here are 10 cheap summer date ideas in Toronto:
Take A Hike
If you’re itching to take in all the beauty that Ontario has to offer this summer, why not head out for a hike? There are so many gorgeous trails to visit that are easy to access and pretty cheap, if not free, too. Pack some of your favourite snacks and make a day of it! For the smallest crowds, we suggest visiting the trails during the week. Just be sure to check the official trail websites for new rules and hours of operation — some trails now require you to reserve time ahead of your visit.
Check Out The Zoo
Although the Toronto Zoo is pretty cool, it’s also pretty expensive so if you’re looking to cut down on spending but still see some cute animals, head to the High Park Zoo. There might not be those wild African animals at the High Park but there are the beloved capybaras that escaped all those years ago, plus some adorable Highland cows!
Cook Up A Storm With Restaurant-Quality Meal Kits
If you aren’t comfortable with going to a restaurant or patio yet, you can still enjoy great food from your favourite restaurants at home. Grab your significant other and cook up a storm in your own kitchen. From restaurants like Eataly to more budget-friendly options like President’s Choice, there are choices for every price range and whatever you are craving.
Drive-In Movie
With various drive-in movies located around the GTA, grab your pillows and snacks and go back in time with this cute, retro, and cheap summer date. Be sure to check out the drive-in’s official website to see what’s this week, our top drive-in picks include Stardust Drive-In and Ontario Place but you can find additional locales via DriveinTO.
Explore The City On A DIY Photography Tour
For this idea, all you need is a partner, your phones, and a great pair of walking shoes. Toronto is full of interesting areas and attractions. From Grafitti Alley to Kensington Market and beyond, you can create a tour that’s full of the city’s most Instagrammable spots — planning together is half the excitement! Pack some snacks and stop by one of the city’s parks once you’re done. You’ll capture so many memories, it’s sure to be a picture-perfect date.
Grab your floaties and have a Beach Day
With the humidity in full force, there’s nothing better than cooling down in the lake. Luckily, there are plenty of beaches around Toronto — and most are completely free to visit, making it an ideal cheap summer date in Toronto! Like most attractions, we suggest visiting during the week to avoid peak crowds. Additionally, be sure to catch up on new protocols before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Host A Game Night
Whether you’ve been with your significant other for a long time or you’re just getting to know each other virtually, a game night is always great for a little competitive fun, laughs, and starting conversations. For a virtual date, we suggest using the app House Party, which is completely free! Or if you’d rather team up and compete with people from around the world, check out Sporcle — virtual trivia tickets are just $5 per device.
Take A Stroll Through The Distillery District
While it is known for the famous Christmas market, the Distillery District is still worth checking out in the summertime, especially for a cheap summer date in Toronto. It’s a prime spot for patios and there are tons of cute stores to check out, but if you’re looking to save money, we suggest grabbing a coffee and checking out The Word on the Street outdoor art exhibition by L.A.-based artist Scott Froschauer, which is up until October.
Visit Allan Gardens
For nature lovers, Allan Gardens is the perfect place for a date. This hidden paradise in the middle of the city will make you feel like you ventured off somewhere tropical. With beautiful plants throughout the space, you can soak it all in with your loved one, as well as get a nice pic for your Insta feed. Just remember to bring a face mask!
Check Out A Farmers’ Market
Right now, local businesses need our support more than ever, so visiting a farmers’ market is a great way to support the little guys and squeeze in an awesome date. There’s a market open almost every day of the week, so you’ve got tons of different options.
Featured Image: Instagram/@sakithranaweera
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Now that the September heatwave is officially over, it’s time to welcome the cooler days of October and everything they have to offer. And since October is a month with not one but two holidays, most of us might be tempted to overindulge. However, there are ways to make it through the month without completely draining your wallet.
Here are a few tips.
Embrace Thanksgiving Leftovers
If you are celebrating Thanksgiving with a big traditional turkey dinner, it wouldn’t hurt to bring along some tupperware. No, you don’t have to eat turkey sandwiches for a week – there are lots of meals that you can make from leftovers. From gnocchi made with sweet potato to turkey bolognese, post-Thanksgiving is probably the best time to save some food dollars. And speaking of saving money on food…
Prep Lunches for the Week
Meal prepping isn’t exactly a new trend, but it has taken off in recent years thanks to Instagram. And while you can meal prep all year round, rich fall dishes like creamy soups and hearty stews are great options for many reasons. For one, it’s super easy to double or triple a recipe depending on your needs. Plus they reheat well and can often taste better the day after. If you’re looking for inspiration, Toronto food blogs like Abbey’s Kitchen and Closet Cooking have some great soup and stew recipes that will surely spice up your weekday work lunch.
Avoid the Overpriced Seasonal Drinks
It’s #PSL season, but at almost six dollars a pop, those sweet sips can really add up. If you’re penny-pinching this fall, opting for a more basic drink like coffee or tea instead of a seasonal speciality can help. Additionally, if you bring your own mug, many coffee shops will offer you a discount. Lastly, if you have a loyalty card when used responsibly, it can help you save as the dollars you spend earn you free drinks.
Go Thrifting
Looking to give your wardrobe a fall ‘17 update? Or maybe you want to get a head start on Halloween? Then get thee to a thrift store! Fortunately, Toronto has plenty of second-hand stores where you can score some sweet deals. If you have old clothes in good condition, many consignment stores like Kind Exchange and Common Sort will offer you cash or credit to use in store. But if you insist on shopping…
Head to a Warehouse or Sample Sale
‘Tis the season for warehouse and sample sales, and if you live in the GTA, there are plenty in the area to peruse. You’ll be saving up to 80% — or if you’re lucky, up to 90% — on furniture, clothing, footwear and more. Stay in the loop about when these sales are happening by signing up for our mailing list or checking out our event listings.
Skimp on the Halloween Costume this Year
If you want to save even more money, DIY your costume instead. There are ton of costumes in your closet, you just have to get creative. Have a plaid shirt? You’re a lumberjack. Got a yellow sweater you never wear anymore? Dig it up, put your hand into a fist, and you’re this classic Arthur meme. Have a leather jacket you’ve been dying to wear? Wear all black and suddenly you’re Sandy or Danny from Grease. The options are endless! Get more ideas here.
Do you have any other tips on how to save money this October?
It’s easy to justify a few bucks per day for a much needed morning coffee and late-afternoon pick-me-up. However, it’s harder to justify the yearly expense of daily coffee shop visits. According to Loans Canada, the average North American spends $1,100 a year on coffee – like we said, not so easy to justify!
Image: Loans Canada
Now that we have your attention, here are our top 6 tips to save where you can, while remaining caffeinated. Let’s face it, we aren’t willing to give up our coffee companion.
1. FOR THE LATTE LOVERS OUT THERE: ORDER AN ESPRESSO IN A REGULAR-SIZE CUP AND ADD YOUR FAVOURITE MILK OR NON-DAIRY MILK
Lattes are great, but the price…not so much. They consist of 1-2 shots espresso and steamed milk. We’ve got a savvy solution to satisfy both your latte craving and your wallet – order 1-2 shots espresso for a fraction of the price and add your choice of milk or non-dairy milk. This way you can customize the strength of your drink (number of shots) and shave off anywhere from $1-3 (depending on the cafe).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnU4qyDjQrs/?taken-by=coffee.lover.diary
For colder months: bring back to the office and nuke in the microwave for 30 seconds for a creamy, cozy customized latte.
For warmer months: ask for your espresso on ice and enjoy a refreshing iced latte.
2. ORDER YOUR USUAL SIZE IN A LARGER CUP
Get the max capacity of your usual size with additional room for milk. Plus, the barista is likely to overestimate and pour you a little more love aka coffee if it’s in a larger cup (psychology). Better yet, swap your usual size for one size up, in a larger cup. You can save the extra coffee in the fridge for your late-afternoon cup – saving two of life’s most valuable resources: time and money!
3. ASK FOR YOUR FAVOURITE NON-DAIRY MILK AFTER YOU HAVE PAID
Prefer coconut, almond or soy milk? Some coffee shops charge extra for these options, typically ranging from 60 to 80 cents. Wait until after you have paid for a non-dairy milk, chances are they won’t bother charging you afterwards. Dairy intolerances, allergies and diet preferences are widely known and respected, the good-hearted baristas understand this. If you know of a coffee shop in your area that doesn’t happen to charge extra for non-dairy milk, all the better.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnXIjX5A2at/?tagged=latte
4. ASK FOR COFFEE PUNCH CARDS
Take advantage of punch cards and earn your way to a free drink! Local coffee shops often have punch cards to incentivise repeat customers. Ask your barista if they offer them; if asking makes you uncomfortable, they are often kept near the cash register, so keep your eyes peeled.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDgvaI4PHPL/?tagged=coffeepunchcards
Image: Instagram
5. GET A CUSTOMER REWARDS CARD
Image: Starbucks
If you tend to get your daily coffee at a chain, such as Starbucks, get a rewards card. If you are loyal to another coffee shop, find out if they offer one – what’s the harm in future free drinks?
Learn more about the Starbucks Rewards Card and sign up here!
6. BRING A REUSABLE COFFEE CUP
Investing in a reusable coffee cup is both environmentally and fiscally responsible. Most coffee shops offer a small discount for customers who bring their own reusable cup. Starbucks offers a 10-cent discount, others offer greater discounts; personal anecdote – this week I noticed my local cafe offers a 20-cent discount! This might seem insignificant at the time, but remember, it all adds up.
Do you know any other tips to get the most out of your coffee shop bucks? Share your wisdom in the comments below!
Featured image: Instagram/@coffee.lover.diary
Have the itch to travel but don’t want to pay full price? There are plenty of ways you can get around without paying a premium. You’ll master the tricks of the trade when finding the best travel deals with these helpful tips.
How far out do I need to purchase my flights?
It all depends on where you’re headed. The following are recommended timelines of when to purchase your flight so you can save the most.
- Domestic (2 to 6 weeks out)
- U.S. (3 to 7 weeks out)
- Europe (8 – 10 months out)
- South America (6 months)
- Central America (4 – 6 weeks out)
- Asia (9 – 10 months out)
- Africa (3 – 5 weeks out)
- Caribbean (2 – 3 weeks out)
When is the best time to book?
It’s all about being flexible. Choosing off-peak days and avoiding holiday seasons are best. Another thing to keep in mind, it’s always cheaper to purchase your tickets on the weekend, especially late at night. This is when the airlines reload their computers with the latest low-cost fares.
When are the best days to fly?
Choosing to depart on a Tuesday or a Wednesday will save you a lot of money since the loads are usually quite light on those days.
Booking a return flight on a Monday will save you the most cash. Try to avoid the weekends altogether – for both return and departing flights. Airlines consider this prime time flying for people who want to return before the start of a new workweek.
Where can I find the cheapest flights?
It is now a lot easier to access websites that will show you the best-priced flights. Most sites will help you find the cheapest flights in the market by breaking down the cost of every flight available. For example, they’ll show you all the available flights for each airline, the costs and the difference in price for a direct or stopover.
- KAYAK – always our first stop when checking prices.
- Theflightdeal.com – good at finding mistake fares that give travellers really cheap tickets.
- Skiplagged.com – Skiplagged will find the cheapest ticket to your destination — even if it’s through a layover.
- ITAmatrix – ITA matrix will let you search the entire month to see when it’s cheapest to fly.
Cheapest Weekends to Travel Internationally
(Data provided by KAYAK)
For international travel, we see similar pricing trends with lower median airfare the later into summer we get. But unlike domestic travel, you’ll want to wait to fly either before or after the holiday long weekend due to the median airfare being about 11% higher than the cheapest weekends to travel internationally.
The median airfare for international travel is $492 so by flying on the following dates, you might just find the right flight for less.
- August 17: median airfare $436
- September 7: median airfare $441
- August 24: median airfare $446
Cheapest Weekends to Travel Domestically
(Data provided by KAYAK)
Labour Day marks the last long weekend before Summer comes to an end, and typically with long holiday weekends comes higher price tags. But not this year. If you’re planning a domestic trip, Labour Day weekend is actually one of the cheapest weekends to travel with median airfare hovering around $289- 22% lower than the median airfare for weekend trips.
During the summer, the median airfare for domestic weekend trips (Friday–Sunday) is $378. But, by travelling on the following dates, you might be able to snag more affordable flight deals and use that extra cash to treat yourself at your final destination.
- August 31: median airfare $289
- August 17: median airfare $293
- September 21: median airfare $293
Stay in the know
You should keep yourself subscribed to two or three travel sites to find out about last minute deals or current sales. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook, doing this will keep you in the know about upcoming sales and offers that might pertain to you. One of our favourite travel blogs is YYZ Deals.
Always keep an eye out for seat sales with WestJet, Air Canada or Porter. They usually have one or two sales a week that could save you some money. However, air on the side of caution with blackout dates and other terms and conditions. You might book yourself a ticket and not realize the blackout dates happen to fall on the days you plan to travel.
All in all, when looking for the best-priced flights, the one thing to always keep in mind is, be flexible. Allow your schedule to be adaptable and consider flying off-peak days, this will help you save some serious cash in the end. Happy flying!
How do you score the best travel deals? Share your tips in the comment section below.
Featured image: Instagram/ @lovelypepa
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If you’re anything like us, shopping is one of your favourite pastimes. However, with all the temptation that exists on the sales floor and online, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending a lot more money than you need to. Read on to find out 11 shopping mistakes that could be costing you big bucks in the long run, and how to avoid making them.
- Not reading return policies
Seeing as many stores only offer store credit or a limited window to return an unused item for a refund (with the receipt), it’s extremely important to read retailer return policies beforehand. This rule is especially important when you haven’t tried the item on in-store (long change room lineups be damned) or when making an online purchase – the item may not even fit!
- Not Shopping Around online
You should always compare different prices for the same item while shopping online. One of the best resources to do this is Google Shopping, which allows you to compare an item’s price at a number of online retailers. Also, keep your eyes open for sites that have limited-time coupon codes at the top, which could get you an extra discount or free shipping.
- Not checking price matching policies
Believe it or not, a lot of big retailers (such as Hudson’s Bay and Nordstrom) have policies that will match their in-store/online prices with lower-selling prices from a competitor. You just have to make sure that the cheaper competitor item you’ve found is in the same size/colour as the one you want to purchase.
- Buying More to Get Free Shipping
By offering free shipping when you spend a certain dollar amount online, retailers are actually encouraging you to spend more money than you otherwise may have spent. For e-retailers that also have brick-and-mortar locations, you should see if you can ship the item(s) to one of their stores for free, or if it’s currently available to shop in-store.
- Not Getting Cash Back
Did you know that there are plenty of sites/apps that will actually pay you back for a portion of your online shopping purchases? Case in point: Ebates, which can give you up to 25% cash back at more than 750 online stores (including Joe Fresh, Sephora and Banana Republic).
- Shopping at the wrong times
If you know the store you’re shopping at has a sale coming up, you may want to hold off on making your purchase for now (unless you’re extremely worried it’s going to sell out). For example, you may want to wait to buy that coat from the Bay until BayDays is in full-swing, or during their famous one-day sales.
- Not getting price adjustments
It can be extremely frustrating to purchase something only to see the price drop when it goes on sale a short time later. Thankfully, many retailers allow for price adjustments within a certain time frame (i.e. Hudson’s Bay allows price adjustments within 7 days of purchase, as long as the original receipt is provided).
- Buying designer basics
Why spend $200 on a plain white t-shirt from Holts, when you can get basically the same thing for $10 from Forever 21? When it comes to basic items, save your hard-earned money for more special and unique purchases.
- Focusing too much on trends
The same mentality discussed above for basics should apply to trendy items as well. Those of-the-moment designer sandals you need for summer? Go for the Zara dupe and save your money for smart investment pieces (such as a classic handbag, which you can wear for years to come).
- Buying Something Just Because It’s on Sale
Sure, those pair of shoes are 50% off, but do you really need them? This may seem obvious, but it’s important to really assess whether or not you need (or even like) an item you’re tempted to buy just because it’s on sale.
- Shopping as a Hobby
Treating shopping as a hobby is something we’re probably all guilty of (at least I know I am). While it’s always fun to treat yourself to something shiny and new, limiting the amount of time and money you spend shopping will make whatever you do purchase feel much more special.
Do you have any tips on how to save money while shopping? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Instagram/@YorkdaleStyle
The idea of having a couple hundred dollars each month for self-care is entirely unattainable – but equally necessary. Luckily, we’ve detailed five ways you can save money on makeup without having to resort to used products on LetGo.
Check out five ways to keep your cosmetics in line with whatever budget crunch you’re on.
1. Buy multitasking products: Rather than investing in five separate products, opt for one beauty buy that can complete a few more tasks. For example, a blush that can also act as a highlighter, or a cheek stain that can double as a lip lacquer. The options are truly endless on this one, you just have to look around.
2. Shop at warehouse sales: It’s true, some beauty brands get rid of their products in mass quantities – and yes, these sales are open to the public. Check-in to sites such as yours truly on a routine basis to track down events in your neighbourhood.
3. Stock up on samples: Who doesn’t love samples or mini hotel products for that matter? If you find yourself in a luxe resort with tiny bottles of shampoo and the like, be sure to pack these in your carry on. Stores such as Sephora will also give you samples when you checkout online or in-store, so be sure to spring for these if you’re interested in trying out new brands.
4. DIY: You likely have these products laying around the house, so all you need to do is work at it! If you’re looking to save on soap, you can track down simple and organic recipes that can help you stockpile your shower necessities. And if you’d like to make a few extra bucks on the side, you can always sell your creations at a farmer’s markets or on sites such as Etsy.
5. Spring for Generic: Big brands are amazing, but don’t forget to show your love for drugstore products as well. Some $5 dollar mascaras actually work better than their $30 dollar rivals, so just do your research or ask around. Brands such as Essence Cosmetics can easily arm your beauty bag with guilt-free budget-friendly buys on the regular. (Check out this article to see our drugstore favorites)
Do you know any other tips and tricks on how to save money on makeup? Share them in the comment section below!
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As someone who is constantly on the lookout for a deal, I recently examined my kitchen for some practical ways to cut down on my day-to-day expenses. After swapping my kitchen lighting for LED bulbs and purging a few too many expired items in my pantry, I turned to my refrigerator for some big savings! With a bit of research, I uncovered some simple ways to improve my fridge’s efficiency and increase the lifespan of my perishables (in turn, saving me money). Talk about adulting – I honestly didn’t think it would be so easy to save some quick cash in my kitchen. Here’s how to save money by reorganizing your fridge.
Check your fridge’s temperature settings
The next time you’re restocking your refrigerator, be sure to review your fridge’s manual for the recommended temperature settings. This will ensure that your fridge is working at optimal efficiently (and not overworking) to maximize the freshness of your food. Can’t find your refrigerator’s manual? Peek inside to find the make and model number on the top shelf of your fridge, then search Google for a PDF version.
Use your fridge drawers for what they’re designed for
Your fridge’s crisper drawers are designed specifically to store your produce items. The tabs at the top of each drawer help to control the amount of humidity within each drawer. Items best kept in your low-humidity drawer are: apples, grapes, mushrooms, peppers, ripe avocados, peaches, pears and melons. Items best stored in your fridge’s high-humidity drawer include: broccoli, carrots, leafy greens and cauliflower. Tip: The bottom drawer of your fridge is best left for meat, fish and deli items – I originally thought that this drawer would make great wine storage!
Understand your fridge doors and what to store in them
Refrigerator doors are slim and typically designed to store items like milk and eggs. However, since your fridge’s doors are regularly swinging open and shut, the temperature gets too warm for dairy items. Instead, store not-so-perishable items like condiments, juice, soda and water in your fridge doors. Increase the lifespan of your eggs by keeping them in their original container (to be reminded of their expiry date,) and store milk, yoghurt, and butter towards the back of your top shelf. Tip: Place these items on a Lazy Susan so that you’re not struggling to reach for them behind taller items.
Embrace handy containers and storage solutions
The best way to stay organized (and save money,) is by seeing exactly what’s in your fridge at all times. There are plenty of clear storage containers to help with this available at the dollar store. Use a dry-erase marker to note the item’s expiry date on each container. Storing items in multiple separate containers also helps to ensure that there isn’t any cross contamination – this is especially helpful for items that tend to leak.
Know which items DON’T belong in your fridge
The quickest way to throw money right out the window is by storing items in your fridge that don’t necessarily belong there. These items should never be kept inside your fridge: Bananas, bread, coffee, garlic onions, potatoes and tomatoes.
Do you have any other tips for reorganizing your fridge? Leave a comment down below.
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The phrase, “try it before you buy it” not only applies to big-ticket purchases like cars, clothing, and eyewear but cosmetics, too! With the price of drugstore and high-end makeup constantly increasing, it’s always great to start off with a sample before committing to the full-size of any beauty product. The benefits to starting off with a sample include learning whether the product’s formula works for your skin type and figuring out your correct shade. For Canadian consumers, however, cosmetics and skincare samples are a bit tricky to come by. We did our research and found out where to score some awesome makeup freebies. Here’s how to get free beauty samples in Canada.
Free Samples at Nordstrom
Not many people realize that Nordstrom‘s beauty section is a haven for samples. With hundreds of fragrances and skincare products, there are plenty of samples to be had. Small take-home containers and perfume sample bottles can be found next to full-size offerings and filled with the product of your choosing. Sales associate’s can even help you label your takeaways so that you can remember what’s what.
Free Samples at Sephora
Sephora makes scoring free samples of any beauty or skincare item super easy in-store. Simply ask an associate for a sample of the beauty item(s) you’re lusting over and they’ll put some into a take-home container along with all of the product’s info. Online Sephora shoppers can select up to three free beauty samples to add to their shopping cart upon checkout.
Free Samples at MAC
Hit up a MAC store or MAC beauty counter in the Hudson’s Bay to request a sample of your favourite liquid beauty product (think primers, foundations, and skincare items). Associates will gladly scoop some up into a container for you. When placing an online order at MAC, select a free premium beauty sample to add to your online order.
Free Samples at Shoppers Drug Mart
Visit a Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique location for free pre-packaged samples of the newest beauty items to hit store shelves. Store associates have a ton of cosmetics and fragrance samples on hand at the checkout – all you have to do is ask! When shopping online at the Beauty Boutique, select up to three free samples to add to your cart before completing your online order.
Deals Forums and Blogs
If you’re at your computer and not looking to make a purchase in order to get a free sample, there are still plenty of websites to help you out. We found a ton of websites that specifically round up the active free samples giveaway from various beauty brands all in one section. The trick is finding websites that compile samples that can be mailed to Canadian residents. We found Free.ca, CanadianSavers.ca and WomenFreebies.ca to be the best at rounding up (active) promos for free beauty samples which typically ship within 7-10 business days of submitting your mailing information.
Where do you get free beauty samples?
Featured Image: Instagram/@MACCosmetics
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If your New Year’s resolution sounded something like, “I’m going to eat better, sleep more, say yes and buy less,” but yet somehow your house and life look like a scene out of TLC’s Extreme Hoarders, we feel you.
There’s nothing more satisfying than buying something new. Perhaps it’s a little bit of a retail rush, or an, “I worked hard for this” moment, but splurging every now and again has its emotional perks. Sadly, the more we consume, the more our lives become riddled with clutter, expired products and a shortage of storage. That’s why, this year, we’re promising to cut down on our obsession with spending, and buy fewer products that boast more bang for their buck.
First things first, go through and check the expiration date on every little thing, even the products in your shower. The general rule of thumb is to not hold onto anything for more than 6 months, especially mascara. Once you’ve removed the spoiled SPFs and self-tanners, it’s time to start parting ways with a few of your treaures. While the task might feel more arduous than you signed up for, a serious purge always feels fantastic. And if you’re feeling a certain way about chucking the products that allotted you that VIB Sephora Rouge status, throw a party and give your friends a few of your time honored treats.
Check out a few beauty buys we’ve already said sayonara to and will never spend out money on again:
Eyelid Primer
While this product isn’t a total gimmick, you can manage without it. Simply put, despite greasy lids, your liner and the like won’t slide off. Instead, prime your eyes with a heavy-duty concealer that will keep things lasting longer. Once you’ve primed, work in a great setting powder that will ensure your YouTube tutorial skills don’t go to waste.
Pedicure Products
We know that nothing looks as good as a pedicure feels, and that’s why we leave this job for the professionals. When is the last time you actually took time to scrub your soles and buff your cuticles? A good rule of thumb is to visit your nail salon once a month during sandal season and exfoliate your feet in between sessions. There’s no need to go out and purchase a foot-specific product for this. Any gritty facial scrub will fare just fine.
Lip and Body Scrubs
This one definitely brings us back to our last point. You definitely don’t need a separate face, lip, feet and body scrubs in the mix. One multi-purpose product will definitely do the trick. We love the idea of making a skin-safe product that you’re in control of. Whip together an organic honey and Pink Himalayan salt scrub that will leave your skin bright and clean.
Split End & Frizz Fighting Serums
Your vanity shelf definitely doesn’t have room for these products. We hate to say it, but a sealer or serum just weighs down your strands. And while your coif might look great post application, these products are not actually working the miracles they claim. Simply put, invest in a regular trim and a keratin treatment every now and again to ensure silkier strands and a split end free mane.
Shower Loofahs
We know that these colourful little clouds make your soap application all sudsy, but guess what, they’re kind of gross. They are actually harbouring a boatload of bacteria that can prove to be harmful if you let these little guys linger longer than necessary. A good rule of thumb is to replace your trusty loofah every 3 weeks, but if you simply keep forgetting, invest in a great bar of soap instead.
Are there any other beauty products we should stop spending money on?
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