BASED IN DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, MICAH LAMBETH IS A FREELANCE COPYWRITER, BEAUTY AFICIONADO, AND GENERALLY CURIOUS CAT.

I Survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday: An Update on My Hiatus

The Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals have come and gone, but thankfully, my paycheck has come and stayed. You read me right. I didn’t blow all my money. Aren’t you proud? While the constant emails from Thursday night until Monday night dangled huge deals in my face, I escaped the weekend with just a few gifts from Barnes and Noble and an order from Glossier. Moleskines were 40% off, so I got a Moleskine notebook and pen for my boyfriend, which I can say because I already gave them to him. A 25% off coupon was emailed to use on anything in-store, so I also got some books for my niece, which I can say because she’s not even three months old and can’t read yet.

I didn’t do any damage until I ordered two Boy Brows on Glossier for 20% off. I didn’t use my own money though!!! I had store credit from people using my link. If you use it, you get 10% off and I get $10. I’m a transparent gal. The way I looked at this purchase is it’s something I’m going to buy in the future anyway, so why not get it discounted right now? I feel like I always need a backup and I don’t have one right now. If you think I was breaking any hiatus rules, you can bite me! Jk, pls don’t.

In a moment of weakness, I went on Ulta’s app and added seven things to my cart. My total was $63. I exited the app to think about it and when I returned, the thing I REALLY wanted was out of stock, so I didn’t place the order. I believe I dodged a bullet. In case you’re wondering, the seven items are as follows:

  1. Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS Sheer Lip Gloss in Bikini (Original: $22/Sale: $13.20)

    This stuff has bad reviews on Ulta’s website, but I don’t care!!!! I love this stuff. It makes my lips glow and look hydrated. Sure, it doesn’t stay on forever, but what gloss does?

  2. NYX Lid Lingerie Eye Tint in Evening Spell (Original: $3.49/Sale: $2.09)

    No tea or shade towards Glossier, but this eye tint from NYX is what I wish the “Cub” Lidstar looked like. This funky red shade is super flattering and metallic instead of glittery. Also, it doesn’t need an eyeshadow primer. Win win win win win.

  3. Eyeko Black Magic Mascara (Original: $26/Sale: $15.60)

    Even though I’m in a committed relationship with Clinique’s Fit 24 Hour Workout Mascara topped with Chanel’s Volume de Chanel Mascara, I really wanted to try this. Everyone and their mom talks about Eyeko and I just wanted to be a part of the cool crowd! It has a water-resistant tubing formula, which is my favorite type of mascara. I think this will be my next mascara purchase.

  4. J. Cat Beauty Dry Makeup Brush Cleaner (Original: $5.99/Sale: $3.59)

    It’s a DRY makeup brush cleaner! Aren’t you intrigued?! I’ve always wanted to try one of these because it allows you to quickly switch eyeshadow shades while only using one brush. If you want to blend fifteen eyeshadows but only have one blending brush, here’s your saving grace. If you’re lazy and don’t want to clean your blue eyeshadow-stained brushes every day, yet again, here’s your saving grace.

  5. Juvia’s Place The Afrique Eyeshadow Palette (Original: $20/Sale: $12)

    This is the thing I REALLY wanted that was out of stock. The colors are vibrant and beautiful and Juvia’s Place has been praised in the beauty community for years. Only recently has it been easy to procure at Ulta. Also, Juvia’s Place is a black-owned brand, which makes it important to support. This is still in stock on the Juvia’s Place website for $11!

  6. Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer in Light (Original: $14.99/Sale: $7.50)

    I know what you’re thinking. I’ve been living under a rock because I’ve never tried this. Listen, I’m just not really a bronzer girl. Blush is my thing. I wanted to give bronzer a chance, but alas, my pink little baby cheeks will forge through the winter.

  7. Wunder2 Wunderbrow in Brunette (Original: $22/Sale: $14.30)

    This just looks fun to try. One of the Boy Brows I bought was clear and I wanted to try this under it for the color. It’s dumb; I’m aware. I could just get the brown Boy Brow and knock everything out in one step. What’s the fun in the lack of exploration, though?! I wanted crazy stained Wunderbrows!

In way of things that aren’t beauty-related, I’ve been wanting a new purse for a long time. There are three prospects from either Pop and Suki (Takeout Bag in Rose Corduroy) or Staud (Moreau Bag in Petal Pink and Cherry Red or Mini Shirley in Clear Pink). In the end, I didn’t order one because I would rather put my money into savings. I know I sound lame but a new purse most likely won’t help me on a rainy day. Maybe you’re thinking, “Boy Brow isn’t gonna help you on a rainy day either.” That’s where you’d be wrong. Boy Brow will pick me up when it’s metaphorically rainy and my brows and I need a little pick-me-up. This Black Friday, I stuck to things I really wanted and thought were important. Did you do the same? Please share any Black Friday shopping stories (or horizontally filmed fights over $200 TVs) below.

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