April Shopping Reflections

This month, I shopped a fair bit. Much of it was inspired by my upcoming trip, and I was also struck by another one of my sudden impulses. Altogether, I'm almost fully caught up on spending most of my $170/month budget for each month of the year so far, so any plans of making a larger jewelry purchase are on pause now. Next month will likely be similar. I've made a pre-order of a few silk tees from Grana (referral link: if you sign up and make a purchase, I'll earn $20 in store credit, and you'll get 10% off). I have a similar silk tee from Uniqlo from a few years back, and it's one of my favorites for both casual and business casual wear, though the quality is not very high and the shape and print are somewhat reminiscent of hospital scrubs. 

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My beauty and skincare spending was also higher than normal this month. I still have trouble resisting those Sephora VIB 15% off sales, though I know that it's silly of me given how I buy almost all of my skincare products elsewhere (except for the Josie Maran Argan Oil Light, which I somehow prefer over all other argan oils) and how I almost never wear makeup to work anymore (I might have developed an allergy to eye makeup). I'm very unlikely to hit the minimum spend for retaining VIB status for next year, so that temptation will eventually disappear.

Also, Ann Taylor brought back the lace shift dress I reviewed last summer, which also happened to be one of my favorite buys of 2015. The cotton and nylon lace is lightweight and summer-appropriate, but the lining is polyester, so the dress might not be good for the most hot and humid days. With tights, I'm also able to wear it throughout the cooler seasons. I'd wait for a sale, of course. 

Fashion - (TOTAL: $252.99)

• Everlane Ryan Tank - $20.00 - I purchased two last year after trying out the Cotton Tanks and the Ryan ones. I prefer the Ryan because I like how the rayon drapes. I've accidentally put these through both the washing machine and dryer and mine came out fine, with no shrinkage. 
• Everlane Short Sleeve Silk Dress - $98.00 - I haven't actually received this yet because I ordered it after exchanging the Updated Silk Tank, which just didn't look good on me. Although the Silk Tank has a relaxed fit and flared out hem, it ends up being more fitted at the chest than the silk button down blouses. Like with the Silk Camisole, even if the chest measurement for the piece in my usual Everlane size was big enough that it could have worked, the design of it just wasn't flattering on my rather busty self due to being too snug at the chest. 
• Skagen Anita Watch - $134.99 - (Link to Macy's, where you can get a better price than I got from Skagen's website with the Macy's Friends and Family sale, using the promo code "FRIEND.") I was struck by a sudden longing for a larger watch than my trusty Skagen Freja (also on sale), and I ended up with this one, which I discussed here. 

Beauty - (TOTAL: $71.94)

• Sephora VIB 15% off Sale - $46.28
• Nails Inc. Nailkale Superfood Base Coat - I haven't had a chance to use this yet, but one of my friends loves nail art and swears by this product. When she did my nails using it, I saw chips only on the third day, which is practically a miracle for me. I often get chips less than 24 hours after doing my own nails (with Essie First Base and the Seche Vite rapid dry top coat). My friend also uses the same Seche Vite top coat. 
• Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer - My favorite concealer. This is my third tube. 
• L'Occitane Hand Cream, Almond - Not really a need, as I mainly added this to get to the free shipping threshold, which is one of those ways that my spending can get away from me a bit. I do use up all of my L'Occitane hand creams eventually. 
• Neem Oil - $6.67 - I use this as an acne treatment, typically applying it as a spot treatment as the last step of my nighttime routine. It's my only acne-oriented product that is gentle on the skin. Beware, though, as neem oil has a strong and distinctive odor: I'd describe the scent as being that of a pungent sauce for Thai or possibly Chinese food, with a savory peanut oil with a dash of sesame oil smell. the color is a sometimes cloudy dark brown, and the substance solidifies slightly in cold temperatures. It doesn't do much for my acne by itself, but I like using it to supplement my Paula's Choice 2% BHA and prescription Retin-A Micro tretinoin 0.1%. A bottle this size lasts for ages. 
• Innisfree It's Real Squeeze Mask, Pack of 15 - $18.99 - I bought this to get free shipping for the neem oil. This is my third time buying these masks on Amazon, and I enjoy using them. (They fit my price and other criteria for buying sheet masks.)  I still have a fairly robust stock of sheet masks from my trip to Korea last year, so this wasn't really a "need." I'll use it up eventually, but it might take a while.

I'll be linking up with Franish and the Budgeting Bloggers this month, as usual. Please do go check out what everyone else bought this month!