Monthly Beauty and Book Haul ~ October 2023

Last year I set a monthly beauty and books budget at $200 per month and I really stuck to it! I am trying to be thoughtful in my purchases, so this has been holding me accountable for being reasonable with my spending. Since it worked so well last year, I'm really trying to do the same thing this year! 

I do always love my Monthly Haul posts - it's a good way to keep track of everything that I picked up each month. I don't always blog about everything I pick up (I try to), but if you ever spot anything in here that you really want me to talk about, let me know! 

I purchased everything in this post

Shoppers Drug Mart Haul ~ $10.25 CAN. I always love doing a big Shoppers Haul and using all my Optimum points (regular price of this was $124.05 CAN) - I heard great things about the Fructis watermelon line. I needed more NYX Banana Powder and the ELF Setting Spray is a good staple (although, I'm not sure the Blue Light thing is necessary). The Chanel lip and cheek balm is lovely - you can see it on me here! And, I picked up another Maybelline Vinyl Lipstick - can't wait to share it with you soon! 

Monthly Beauty & Book Haul ~ March 2022

I'm switching up my Monthly Haul posts a little bit this year, because I'm actually *trying* to stick to a bit of a budget! I've been going a little crazy on the beauty and books front, so I just want to be a little more thoughtful in my purchases. So. I'm trying to keep my beauty and book purchases to $200 a month - we'll see! 

I do always love my Monthly Haul posts - it's a good way to keep track of everything that I picked up each month. I don't always blog about everything I pick up (I try to), but if you ever spot anything in here that you really want me to talk about, let me know! 

Hindash Order ~ $131.14 CAN. Okay, one of the brands on my list to try this year was Hindash and when this palette was released last month, I knew that this was the palette I had to try! This order was actually $102.74 from the Hindash website and I had to pay $28.40 in duties and taxes, which added on to the order. This is the Monochromance and it took a little while to get to me, but I'm excited to try this very soon! 

Monthly Beauty Haul - April 2021

I always love these haul posts - it's a way to keep track of everything that I picked up every month. I don't always blog about everything I pick up (I try to), but if you ever spot anything in here that you really want me to talk about, let me know! 

Last year, I got a little crazy about trying to stick to a crazy budget and this year I'm just going to buy what I want and try and be reasonable about my purchases! 

(Also, I'm only sharing what I received every month now since I'm not trying to stick to a crazy budget, so some things I ordered in April will show up in my May haul now if they don't show up on time, ect!)

I purchased everything in this post

April Lush Kitchen Subscription Box ~ $95.68 CAN. I love getting this fun subscription from Lush every month - you can check out my blog post here to see a little bit more about everything in this month's box! These are pricey with the exchange because of shipping from the UK, so how do we get Lush North America in the subscription business!

Five on Friday - August 7, 2020

Happy Friday everyone! I always feel like short weeks are way busier, especially after getting home late on Monday night and jumping right back in to work, so I'm so happy it's Friday! Also, it's been 4 weekends away so I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend! 

ONE

I purchased everything in this post - this post contains affiliate links

I'm really trying to get back in to my Monthly Makeup Baskets and I used the July basket a lot, so I'm hoping I use the products I picked for August as well! I've been in a bit of a slump not wearing much makeup, so I'm hoping these products help me feel inspired again! 

October 2019 - Monthly Empties!

Time to look at my beauty empties:

Some products may have been received as PR samples - this post contains affiliate links

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in Medium/Deep ~ travel size shown here ($40.00 CAN full size). A long-wearing, rich, matte bronzer infused with 100 percent real cocoa powder.

I know you've this bronzer a lot over the months because it was in my Summer Project Pan and I got so much use out of it that it was almost finished by the time I was done the project! And, I managed to finish this off a few weeks later - even though this is a mini, it still is awesome to have finished it!
Repurchased: Not until I'm done my other bronzers (But, this was a good formula!)

Skincare Sunday - First 50 days of my #100DaysofSheetMasks

If you've been following along my instagram stories then you know on August 1 I started a #100DaysofSheetMasks challenge, where I basically wear a sheet mask for 100 days straight! I've been really wanting to get in to masking more frequently again, so I thought this challenge was the perfect way! 

Some masks may have been received in PR or giveaways - this post contains affiliate links

I didn't share any of the masks I used on my August Empties (I usually have a Month in Masks feature), but I thought I'd round up my first 50 days of masks and share some quick thoughts on each mask! 

April 2019 - Monthly Empties & Month in Masks

Here is a look at my beauty empties from April:

Some products may have been provided by PR - this post contains affiliate links

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil ~ sample size shown (full size is $55.00 CAN). An ultra-light, fast-absorbing face oil that doubles as a face primer—imparting a glowing, radiant look with a dewy finish.

I never thought with combo skin and an oily t-zone that I would have really loved an oil primer; but, this works amazing for my skin in Fall, Winter and early Spring. It gives me a nice glow and really helped my foundation apply smoother! This made my Feb Favourites last year! I can't wear this in the Summer or when it's really warm; but, it looks good any other time! 
Repurchase: Yes! 

March 2019 Monthly Haul - What I Bought!

Time for a look at everything I picked up this month - I really love these Monthly Haul posts - they give me a way to share everything I pick up each month as I don't always post about everything I get! 

Plus, this year I think these posts will hold me a little more accountable - I put myself on a  $100 a month budget, not because I need to; it's actually more to test myself and be more conscious about what I purchase. I also really want to make sure that I'm enjoying and using everything on my collection! 

On that note though, I went over budget knowingly this month; but, I'll talk about it after in that I feel like I was very thoughtful about the purchase, and that's really what I want this to be about! 

Everything was purchased by me

Beautylish Order ~ $54.78 CAN. When Viseart announced the release of their Petit Pro 4 and 5 palettes, I really wanted to pick both up! They are so gorgeous and I love the formula of 1 and 2 (I still don't have 3; but, I'm trying to remind myself that I don't need to be a completionist if I already have something similar or won't use it!) Anyways, I absolutely love the shades is the Petit Pro 5 Soleil palette - I picked it up the day it was released. Also, to get free shipping I added in one of these lovely Farmacy face masks! But, in reality I should have waited a couple of weeks for it to be released on Sephora to save in the exchange rate! 

February 2019 - Monthly Empties & Month in Masks

Let's take a look at my beauty garbage:

This post contains affiliate links

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation in 2C3 Fresco ~ $50.00 CAN. A 24-hour liquid foundation with a flawless, natural, matte finish that unifies uneven skin tone and covers imperfections with buildable coverage.

I love this foundation - the wear is just fantastic. It is full coverage; but, doesn't feel heavy on the skin and wears all day. When I was running low on this, I started saving it for days where I had something to do or I just needed to know my base makeup would be reliable. This is so good; it made even made my favorites back in July 2017! This shade turned out to be a little too dark for me and it does oxidize a tiny bit, so when I repurchase, I just need to go a little lighter! 
Repurchase: Yes! 

February 2019 Monthly Haul - What I Bought

Time for a look at everything I picked up this month - I really love these Monthly Haul posts - they give me a way to share everything I pick up each month as I don't always post about everything I get! 

Plus, this year I think they will hold me a little more accountable - I put myself on a  $100 a month budget, not really because I need to; it's actually more to test myself and be more conscious about what I purchase. I also really want to make sure that I'm enjoying and using everything on my collection! 

Facebook Find ~ $7.00 CAN. I have raved about the Laneige Lip mask before - it made my Best of 2018 Discoveries, which means it is amazing! This really saved my lips and I had to pick up more! I found this little mini of the Laneige in vanilla and the person I bought it from threw it a few extras, which where Sephora Collection lipsticks and a little Laneige mini! 

December 2018 What I Bought - Monthly Haul!

I love these Haul posts; because, for me it's a way of sharing everything I pick up throughout a month - honestly, I buy so much stuff that if I don't share it here, it might not pop up until my empties post! Let me know if there is anything you want to see a full post on, just let me know and I will do it!)

Also, I do "try" to stick to a monthly budget of $100, and these posts are supposed to keep me in check! I can go a little crazy sometimes with new things though - why is there so much new makeup being released all the time?! I will only include products I have spent money on - gifts and freebies are usually shared on posts like my Five on Friday posts!

Here is a look at everything I bought in December:

ColourPop Haul ~ $23.21 CAN. I was very excited when ColourPop announced a day of free international shipping, so I had to pick up a Jelly Much shadow and a Glitterally Obsessed (which I thought was for eyes; but, it says body glitter...) Anyways, I will still use both of these soon! 

Five on Friday - September 14, 2018

Happy Friday everyone!!! Hope you all had a great week! No one in our house was feeling very good this week - I think we pick up a few germs with Damian going back to school; but, we are on the mend now! Also, it's been freezing here in Calgary this week and we've even seen a little snow already - so long Summer, hello Winter (there is no such thing as Fall here)

ONE 

I've shared a few of my recent Topbox Circle boxes and I'm so happy about receiving this Benefit Brow Precisely, My Brow Pencil in #4 - this is a super good brow product! Not too hard where it's difficult to apply, not to soft wear it's too creamy to apply well. 

Five on Friday - April 13, 2018

Happy Friday the 13th! Hope you all had a great week! Ours was good and busy! It's hard to believe I only have one full week left off before I'm back to work - I feel like I have so much left to get done before I go back! Ack! I have a feeling next week is going to be really busy! 

ONE 

I have started prepping for everything next week and I had to get some birthday shirts made for Elliott's birthday! I actually photoshopped the pictures myself with special fonts, clip art etc. then printed them on iron-on transfer paper and ironed them on! We are doing a cookie monster cake smash (really only because we got a free one!) and a minion themed birthday party! (I am also making a shirt for his actual birthday too; but, I managed to mess up printing that one!) Anyways, can't wait to show you guys more details over the next 2 weeks! 

January 2018 - What I Bought This Month!

Happy Monthly Haul time! I have really enjoyed seeing what I buy every month! I like that I get to share everything I have purchased (because really some of it would get lost in my beauty collection if I didn't!) Also these posts helps to keep me on track - I am planning on trying to only spend around $100 per month on beauty since I am be on a smaller budget with a new baby! 

I will only include products I have spent money on - gifts, pr samples, and freebies are usually shared on posts like my Five on Friday posts! 

Now, let's be real I knew with my trip to California that I would not even be close to being on budget this month, so I did 2 little makeup auctions before leaving (from my declutter what I didn't donate/give to friends) and definitely earned some money for my trip! 

Here is a look at what I bought in January: 

Beautylish Lucky Bag ~ $93.75 US = $123.29 CAN. So, I technically pre-ordered this on December 26, but it didn't ship or arrive until January so it's in this month's haul! Every year Beautylish releases a Lucky Bag for $75.00 plus shipping and you are guaranteed at least $150.00 products worth of products - it's always a surprise what you get! I did a huge unboxing of what I received in my Lucky Bag with swatches of everything - you can check out the full post here! 

Five on Friday - January 12, 2018

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all had a great week - it got super cold again this week in Calgary so it has me counting down the days until we leave for California (8 days!)

ONE 

I love when someone knows me so well and just picks out cute little gifts for me! My sister just sent this little gift and everything is so cute! She lives in Vancouver and mentioned this store Miniso - it looks so cool! There isn't one in Calgary; but, when I'm nearby one I have to check it out! The blog book I'm sure wasn't in that store; but, everything else was! 

December 2017 - Monthly Empties and Month in Masks!

Let's have a look at my beauty garbage from December:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance ~ sample (full size is $24.00). 

This is a decent eyeshadow primer - I thought my shadow lasted all day and didn't crease using this.
Repurchase: Yes, I would consider this...

October 2017 - What I Bought This Month!

It's time for my monthly haul - I have really enjoyed seeing what I buy every month! I like that I get to share everything I have purchased (because really some of it would get lost in my beauty collection if I didn't!) Also these posts helps to keep me on track - I am planning on trying to only spend around $100 per month on beauty since I am be on a smaller budget with a new baby! 

I will only include products I have spent money on - gifts, pr samples, and freebies are usually shared on posts like my Five on Friday posts! 

Here is what I bought in October: 

1st Sephora Order ~ $53.03. Ah, again there is more than 1 Sephora order this month! I really wanted this Stila Written in the Stars - it comes with 3 of their glitter liquid shadows that I have been wanting to try for a while! I also grabbed a couple of sheet masks (because, can I even put in a shopping order without buying a sheet mask?!) I already reviewed the Too Cool For School Pumpkin 24K Gold Mask - you can see my full review on this mask here! I l have really been wanting to try the Saturday Skin mask and will try it out soon! My freebie add ons were Glamglow, Fresh and Bobbi Brown! 

Five on Friday - August 25, 2017

Happy Friday all! I hope you all had a great week - mine was a little quieter than last week, which is good! Isn't is crazy to think that Summer is almost over?! It has just flown by!

ONE

Well apparently this was my week of hair freebies - I usually sign up for freebies when I hear about them, because who doesn't love free stuff?! But, I wasn't expecting 2 different John Frieda samples and a Garnier sample too! I always like these samples for travelling or a quick night away from home. 

July 2017 - Month in Masks and Mask Empties!

Masking is a huge part (and probably my favorite part) of my skincare routine! I try to use all types of masks as often as possible as I find they really help moisturize and improve my skin! 

This post is a review of all the masks I use each month and mini reviews on all of them - I also consider the Month of Masks my Mask Empties post, because I do not feature my sheet masks in my monthly empties post! You can check out my past Month of Masks here! 

Here is a look at the masks I used in July:

July 3
The Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask "Pomegranate" ~ $3.00. This Pomegranate Face Mask reduces the appearance of the first signs of aging and helps improve skin's elasticity. Rich in antioxidants, pomegranate provides skin with long-lasting hydration and a radiant complexion.

The Face Shop masks are my affordable go-to masks - they just moved from $2 to $3, but still thats a reasonable price. They fit really big, but have enough tabs to be smoothed on to the face well. This had lots of essence and made my skin feel nice and refreshed!
Repurchase: Yes

Mask Wednesday - Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask Review

Happy Mask Wednesday! Garnier recently released a sheet mask called the Moisture Bomb and I had to get my hands on it! 

There isn't a lot of options for sheet masks in the drugstore so I hope this is good! I have actually seen really mixed reviews on this mask, so I wanted to see for myself how it was! 

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Mask ~ $3.99. The super-hydrating technology, with hydrating serum, hyaluronic acid and naturally-derived ingredients, recharges the skin with moisture for 24 hours. The mask strengthens the skin's natural barrier function to protect it from external aggressions and preserve its youthful appearance.

This mask is supposed to be super hydration - for 24 hours after use! My skin loves hyaluronic acid and pomegranate is well known for anti-aging skin benefits. Garnier also masks 2 other Moisture Bomb masks - Sensitive Skin and Mattifying!