As you may know, a few months ago I set out to follow a monthly spending limit when it came to beauty. While I was working in California, I didn't have to follow this spending limit strictly, since I didn't have to pay for food or gas for that 4 month long period. I came home in mid September, a month where I completely blew the beauty budget... So, I knew that the month of October would be a huge challenge! My monthly makeup budget was $25 (!) and I have also a monthly personal care budget of $25. Sometime during the month, I returned a number of items for store credit and about $84 cash. My boyfriend and I determined that this return money could be put towards beauty as well, if I chose to.
So, how did I do?
I was sorely tempted by Lush haircare early on in the month, and my entire personal care budget went to purchasing Lush Rehab Shampoo and Veganese Conditioner. Afterwards, I realized I still had quite a bit of shampoo, and ought to finish that first... Ooops! But I really can't wait to use up some products and try these! Of course, I was also tempted by the Sephora Friends & Family sale... So with my trusty online code in hand, I ordered a gift set from Becca, Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens, a Lancome Dual Ended Liner Brush, and a few gift items (not shown). That took up my entire return budget!
The rest of my beauty budget went to a few miscellaneous items - Kiehl's Ultra Moisturizing Eye Stick and L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Blinged & Brilliant. Fortunately, I had a $20 Nordstrom Note that I used for the Kiehl's Eye Stick!
I also became very intrigued by the Real Techniques brush kits. I spent about $13 on each of these kits, with the intention of giving one to a friend... Hopefully I can follow through, because I am sorely tempted to keep them both! In the end, I *think* I will mix and match to make kits we'll both like! October Beauty Allowance: $134 Grand Total: $145 Grand Total - Minus Gift Items: $110
YAY!
Now I'm carefully plotting my purchases for November, and hoping that I can stay within budget... I have about $69 of Sephora credit that I know I will put to good use during the VIB sale, but I'm becoming more and more tempted by all the goodies out there. Wish me luck!
What do you think of my October purchases? How do you think I did with my spending limit this month? Have any tips for staying within your budget? Please share! I'd love to know! :)