More Black Friday Sales That Got My Money: Tarte. Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques, and Andalou Naturals

Gosh, but the sales have been good this year! I stocked up on some favorites as well as a few Christmas gifts for my mom. Tarte tempted me with 25% off, so I picked up another one of their custom magnetic palettes in Gold Digger ($17). I love the cover design on this one, but seriously, these are as good if not better than Z palettes. While the shape is different, it fits the same amount of product as a large Z palette, and it feels much sturdier. I've now got 3 of them, as I got another of the leopard print design during Sephora's VIB sale. That's how much I like them.

I've gotten to where I prefer using mini sizes of mascaras, as full sized ones tend to go bad before I finish them up. The limited edition Triple Threat Mascara Trio ($18) will be a gift for my mom and includes mini sizes of the:

• deluxe tarteist™ lash paint mascara
• deluxe lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 mascara
• deluxe lights, camera, flashes™ statement mascara

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques had a 30% off sale, so I picked up what their Creme Foundation in Cool No. 30 (review here). This has become my favorite foundation, with it's skin loving ingredients and smooth finish. I also got the Silk Veil ($18) in medium as a finishing powder for the foundation. It's supposed to be good for normal to oily skin and considering the foundation does best when set with a powder, I'm hoping the two together will be a powerhouse combo. I will report back.

The Lash Conditioner ($12) is something I've used before and really like. It's got new packaging which I think should preserve the formula better. I will do a review on this as well, so stay tuned.

Andalou Naturals makes my go to sunscreen, the DIY Booster SPF 30 Facial Serum ($19.99, review here). For years I was reluctant to wear sunscreen on my oily skin, and this is the first one I've wholeheartedly embraced. Looks like Andalou has redesigned all of their packaging.

I've had my eye on the Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum ($24.99) and this sale seemed like the right time to pick it up. I use turmeric powder almost every day in my morning smoothie, and I'm interested in seeing how this powerful anti-inflammatory works in skincare.

The Kukui Cocoa Body Butter ($13.95) sounds lovely with its argan oil, shea and cocoa butters, aloe vera, Hawaiian kukui and evening primrose oils. Another gift for mom, however, so I'll have to ask her if it's as good as it sounds.

Black Friday Sales That Got My Money: Le Couvent des Minimes

Apparently, Black Friday sales now start way in advance of even Thanksgiving, but that's fine by me. I'm definitely an online shopper as opposed to fighting crowds in stores, plus I like to take advantage of ebates and get a little cash back with my purchases. If you have not signed up for ebates, you really should. Here is my referral code to sign up, just in case (I get referral bonuses that would be lovely to accrue, but you can also go directly to ebates.com to sign up).  Back to the sales that I decided were just too good to pass up.

The first one that caught my eye is from Le Couvent des Minimes, where you can get 30% off if you spend over $50, up to a maximum of $45 off a purchase of $150. No code was required when I went through the email link, but BLACKFRIDAY16 is what was at the bottom of the email if the discount does not automatically show up in your cart. There is also a nice PWP deal on the Sereine Holiday Tote above ($46), making it $15 with any $45 purchase. I got one, along with The Delicateness Kit ($29.50):

The Loving Pouch ($29):

Exfoliating Shower Pulp ($12):

All totaled, I saved a little over 50%, which is not bad. I love Le Couvent des Minimes fragrances and always get compliments when I wear them. I'm wearing the Botanical Cologne of the Missions as I type this up, which is an inexpensive gem that has been described as a "boozy vanilla". Check out Fragrantica for more reviews on it, but it's a definite love for me. A warm weather favorite is their Botanical Cologne of the Minims, which features a bracing blast of citrus with it's grapefruit, blood orange, and lemon top notes. I took advantage of an Ulta sale to pick up the Botanical Cologne of the Morning and the Botanical Cologne of Love (and should be arriving today), so between the two sales I now have all of the fragrances offered. I'll do some reviews soon. What Black Friday sales are you taking advantage of?

Zoya Black Friday Haul

I limited my Black Friday hauling to Zoya, knocking out one Christmas present in the process! I also, um, acquired more than a few polishes for myself, as Zoya had a spectacular GWP.  With any $72 purchase, you also received a "Cheers to All" Dream Box of 12 polishes, plus a mini Color Lock System, plus a mini bottle of polish remover, plus the Qtica Half Time Polish Drying Accelator, plus free shipping.  So all told, I ended up with a boat load of polish:-)

First up, I purchased a create your own box set of six polishes for my aunt.  She wears only light pink/peachy/beige frost polishes.  I kid you not, that's her preference and she's quite particular about them.  So, I hope she likes these, as it's not easy to find frost finish polishes these days. 

Gie Gie, Hermina, Lily

Fortunately, Zoya allows you to sort polishes by finish on their site, so that helped, but I spent HOURS going through polishes selecting these.

Austine, Meadow, Clara

To get my purchase price to the specified amount, I ordered a make your own 3 set for myself.  I've got to say, I'm loving the boxes these come in - such nice presentation!

Cynthia, Amber, Fei Fei

The "Cheers to All" Dream Box contained only one dupe - Sarah - and all the other colors are ones I really like and will totally wear. 

Ziv, Timo, Black Swan

Dream, Cassedy, Payton

Stacy, Anaka, Sarah

Dakota, Rekha, Noot

Did you do any Black Friday hauling?  There are soooo many good sales going on right now, I've totally overindulged :-)