Tag Archives: haul

Mar13

Sephora Haul

Posted on March 13, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Hello! I don’t shop with Sephora often but, whenever I do, I make sure that my purchases are made online. Sephora’s online promotions pale in comparison to an in store shopping experience and I always receive lots of free goodies with a fifty dollar purchase so that I qualify for free shipping. And, we all know that that isn’t hard to do!

It had been a while since I restocked my Better Than Sex mascara and I was almost out of the tube that I have been using. I spent fifty-four dollars on my order and got all of these freebies to show for it:

The Haul:

2 Better Than Sex mascaras by Too Faced
PeterThomasRoth Water Drench moisturizer (Free with my Beauty Insider points)
Fresh Sugar Lip Mask (Free with my Beauty Insider points)
Farmacy Vitamin B Night Mask (Free with twenty-five dollar purchase)
Clarins serum and moisturizer sample (Free with any purchase)
Herbivore Pink Cloud moisturizer sample (Free with any purchase)

Other than Bath & Body Works, I would definitely say that Sephora has the best promotions to give you the most bang for your buck. And, it should because the products are expensive! The Better Than Sex mascara is the only “high end” makeup that I use and it is a whopping twenty-seven dollars per tube. Being able to test out all different kinds of brands and products FO FREE really helps to soften the blow for high priced purchases.

During my online shopping with Sephora, I usually find something that I can use my Beauty Insider points with and typically use my rewards for skin care. While they have free makeup and hair care available, I don’t do my hair and makeup every day, more like once a week, so a trail size mask or moisturizer makes more sense for me. I went with the Fresh Sugar Lip Mask, which I can’t wait to try because my lips are always in a permanent state of chapped. I also cashed in for the PeterThomasRoth Water Drench moisturizer for something different during my skin care routine.

Sephora also offers a plethora of Beauty Deals online and you can get a free trial size product with a twenty-five dollar purchase. Like free shipping for fifty dollars, this is not difficult to get and just one Better Than Sex mascara got me over the twenty-five dollar mark. I chose the Vitamin B night mask from Farmacy for this freebie because it has been a while since I had a new Face Mask Festivities on my page. Keep it posted for a review on this mask soon!

Finally, with every online purchase you can pick out two free sample products which is a nice touch. I always go the skin care route for these samples too and ended up with two moisturizers and a serum sample. With all of these freebies combined, it makes every online order with Sephora well worth it and I feel like I got a deal for how much I spent.

Of course, it’s always fun to poke around in store at Sephora and see everything in real life. I recommend going home and ordering the products you have your eye on online, though, so you can score a great deal too!

Which store offers the best promotions? What are your thoughts on any of the products in my haul if you have used them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar8

Bath & Body Works Hand Soap Haul

Posted on March 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! During my first in store shopping trip to Bath & Body Works in forever, I got an amazing deal on the foaming hand soaps that Johnny and I love so very much. They were $3.50 each AND I got twenty-five percent off of my purchase to thanks to my coupon. It doesn’t get much better than that and now I am well stocked for months to come in the hand soap department of my stock pile. Check it out:

Would I Buy Again?

Pink Pineapple Sunrise: YES
Cozy Vanilla Almond: YES
Turquoise Waters: MAYBE
Mango Papaya Paradise: YES
Blueberry Bellini: MAYBE
Peach Bellini: YES!! (My favorite!)

Shopping in store at Bath & Body Works was such a treat because it had been so long since I could actually smell the products that I was going to buy as opposed to just crossing my fingers with online orders. However, after a while of smelling literally everything the store has to offer, everything starts to smell the same! Most of these soaps were ones that I took a whiff of before adding them to my basket but some of their names sounded good enough that I didn’t bother.

Johnny is very partial to tropical scents, which B&BW had a lot of in their new spring line. The Pink Pineapple Sunrise and Mango Papaya Paradise are both delightful and definite safe bets if you are ordering online. The Turquoise Waters was just okay, though, and I wish I would have went with another fruity soap rather than beachy. If you are a fan of the sandy beach scents, you will love it!

The Cozy Vanilla Almond was also a really nice one that I picked out more for me because I love anything vanilla. It has a light scent but still smells so lush and, dare I say, COZY. This one and the Peach Bellini would make great gifts because it’s hard to picture someone not liking it. The Peach Bellini is my all time favorite scent so maybe I’m a little biased but I always have to purchase one during my soap shopping. 😀

The Blueberry Bellini soap was one that I didn’t test out in store because it had the word Bellini in it lol so I figured how bad could it be. It didn’t blow me away but I also didn’t hate it. It just smelled blue if that makes any sense! This is one that I probably wouldn’t buy again but am fine with using it or being gifted with it.

Overall, I am really pleased with my haul because I consider it a GREAT SUCCESS when all of the soap scents are tolerable. The awesome deal for them also made this purchase even better!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? What kind of scents do you like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar5

SkinLab Revitalize & Hydrate Gel Cleanser Review

Posted on March 5, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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SkinLab Revitalize & Hydrate Gel Cleanser Review

Hello! As you guys all know, I am an absolute skin care fanatic and take great pleasure in my twice daily routine. I have a lot of brands that I enjoy using and I was particularly fond of SkinLab before the pandemic began because I would get it for a song at TJMaxx. After seeing the twenty dollar price tag on Amazon for the products that I was getting for six bucks at TJs, I moved on to less expensive brands.

It had been ages since I did actual shopping at TJMaxx so I was so happy to find some SkinLab cleansers during an outing because they were cheap and I had never used them before. Then, during a more recent haul, I bought another of the SkinLab Revitalize & Hydrate Gel Cleansers super marked down on clearance. I just couldn’t help myself!

I have been using the Revitalize & Hydrate cleanser for about two weeks but I feel SO conflicted about it so let’s discuss:

I don’t know about all of you, but I have a really difficult time using products when they don’t smell good. In fact, if it were up to me, a majority of the products that I use other than shower gel would be unscented. And, unfortunately, that’s where I’m at with this cleanser because I think that it smells awful! The first time I tried it, I seriously almost just let it go down the drain because it smelled like cleaning products.

I have this little quirk where I refuse to not finish something, whether it be a product or a book that I hate so I couldn’t let the scent of this cleanser get me down. Especially due to the fact that it makes my skin feel So. Freaking. Soft. Washing my face with it feels even better than my normal skin care routine and I can’t stop touching my face after my shower. So, you can see why I feel very conflicted!

You know that feeling when you just can’t wait to finish a product because you have been using it for forever? That’s how I feel with this cleanser and I haven’t even been using it for that long. Lol, if scents don’t bother you, then I guess give it a try. But, if you’re sensitive to the way things smell, definitely skip on this one. And I still have a bottle and a half to go, smh. *Face palm*

What is your favorite scent? Do you have to finish a product once you’ve started it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb11

Lil Red’s In Store & Online Shopping Tips

Posted on February 11, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Lil Red’s In Store & Online Shopping Tips

Hello everyone! I consider myself to be an excellent shopper both in store and online. After a wildly successful winter haul with TJMaxx, I thought that today would be perfect for sharing my pro tips to make the most of your in store or online shopping sessions. These helpful hints have been curated as my personal style developed to turn each shopping trip into a GREAT SUCCESS! Now, let’s get to it:

Online – Know Your Measurements:

Prior to getting married, I had absolutely no idea what my measurements were. That, of course, had to change when I was ordering my dress online so my mom and I visited our local tailor shop to get that taken care of. I keep my measurement cards by my computer so that I can always have them available when online shopping.

Knowing your true measurements will eliminate the need to buy multiple sizes of one item because you can compare and contrast to the brand’s size chart. This used to be the norm for me when online shopping because I am in between a small and a medium and it’s so nice to now be able to get my size right the first time around!

Online – Do Your Research:

If you enjoy shopping with websites that offer multiple brands like TJMaxx or Poshmark, it is so crucial to do your research. We all know that women’s sizes vary drastically. For example, in my closet I have clothing in extra smalls and larges alike. A universal size chart, unfortunately, doesn’t exist so you will have to go to the original brand’s website to find out their sizing for yourself.

When shopping with TJMaxx, this has become my standard practice and is why knowing your measurements is so handy. Remember, take note about the features of the item you wish to purchase too. Does it provide room for stretch? Do the reviews say to order a size up? These are all things that should also be taken into consideration.

Online & In Store – Promotions, Please:

Apps, rewards cards, store credit cards, and special deals like a percentage off or free shipping plays an important rule in the shopping process. Although the constant emails from my favorite stores are annoying, saving money on your shopping is always worth it. If you have a particularly large order, you might want to consider applying for the store credit card. Typically, the store will offer you a percentage off of that purchase, which is awesome!

In Store – Dress For Success:

With the pandemic, I rarely do in store shopping anymore. However, when I do, I make sure that I am dressed and made up for success. Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and easy to slip on and off for dressing room efficiency. And, depending on what it is you need, it might not hurt to do your makeup accordingly. It’s hard to get the full picture of a dress you are trying on for a special event if your makeup doesn’t reflect it.

In Store – Try & Try Again:

Shopping in store gives you the luxury of trying on whatever you want and it should not be taken lightly. Expanding your horizons with styles, shapes, and colors that you might not normally wear will give you brand new possibilities. And, so what if it doesn’t work? Trying on a variety of different things will also help with your online shopping because you won’t be limiting yourself to “safe” options that you already know will work.

In Store – Have A Game Plan:

Hitting the mall or multiple different shops in the area can feel a bit overwhelming because of the endless options you’re seeing all at once. I recommend browsing for the items that you know you need first before beginning your window shopping. I don’t go to the mall too often but when I do, I always go to Victoria’s Secret for new undies and a bra and American Eagle for new skinnies first to get it out of the way. Then, when the “fun” shopping begins, I already know what I have spent for necessities and can budget my additional purchases accordingly.

Online & In Store – Shopping For Others:

I know some people who begin their holiday shopping for the next year as soon as their celebrated holiday is over to get the best seasonal deals. While you don’t have to go that extreme, it never hurts to get a little prep work done for holidays and birthdays when making your rounds. And, if you score a great deal on it, then it’s even better. We all have had that one gift that we were going to buy a little later only to find that it was sold out when we were ready to make the purchase!

With these tips, I hope that you have the best online or in store shopping session yet! They are my tried and true methods to the success behind all of my hauls and I’m sure that they will work for you too. ❤

What are some of your shopping tricks and tips? Do you prefer in store or online shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb10

If The Shoe Fits: Marc Fisher Platforms Edition

Posted on February 10, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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If The Shoe Fits: Marc Fisher Platforms Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to the last post from my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today is another new edition of If The Shoe Fits where we will be talking about the most adorable pair of Barbie pink platforms by Marc Fisher. I love them so much and can’t wait to step out in them all spring and summer long! Let’s get to it:

When online shopping with TJMaxx, I fell head over heels for these platforms and added them into my cart immediately. I was so charmed by the color and the shape is, easily, one of my favorite styles which made them a must have. While waiting for my order to arrive, I was already making grand OOTD plans with dresses and skirts come warm weather.

I couldn’t wait to try my new platforms on but that actually proved to be a huge challenge and they almost didn’t make it onto my feet. The way that they were carefully wrapped and stuffed with tissue made it really hard to get them unbuckled. I sat on my bedroom floor for a good five minutes trying to make it work but my efforts were ineffective because I was so worried that I would break a nail!

When I had given up, I brought the shoes downstairs to Johnny to assist and he had a tough go of it too! I had pretty much made up my mind that they would go in my return pile no matter how much I wanted them. A two person job to unbuckle them seemed excessive and I figured I would have issues getting them on. However, once Johnny triumphed in the shoe struggle and I got them on with no further issues, they became an instant keeper.

I seriously can’t get over how cute these shoes are. I wouldn’t say that I’m the most girly girl when it comes to my personal style and my new Marc Fisher numbers make a welcome addition to my shoe collection because of how different they are from anything that I own. They will add a feminine touch to an All Black Everything outfit but I am most looking forward to pairing them with floral dresses and a sun hat for a totally sweet OOTD.

I am so pleased with all of my purchases from my haul and am ready for winter to be over so I can wear everything without freezing my nads off! 😀

Have you updated your wardrobe recently? Do you have anything that you are looking forward to wearing when the weather permits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb9

If The Shoe Fits: Olivia Miller Chained Platform Boots Edition

Posted on February 9, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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If The Shoe Fits: Olivia Miller Chained Platform Boots Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of If The Shoe Fits compliments of my TJMaxx Winter Haul. I am proud and, somewhat disappointed, to say that I haven’t purchased a pair of shoes since my wedding so it has been a long time coming for some new ones! Today, we will be discussing a pair of platform boots by Olivia Miller that I scored for twenty bucks on clearance. And, tomorrow, you can tune in for the grand finale from my haul with a darling pair of Barbie pink platforms. Now, let’s get to it:

When I first saw these shoes while scouring TJMaxx’s website, I wasn’t initially sold on them. However, I figured that for twenty dollars it wouldn’t hurt to at least try them out and return them if need be. As you can all assume, I absolutely loved the bold chain accent popping against the matte black boot but they didn’t necessarily fall into the “must have” category.

Upon receiving my order and checking out the Olivia Miller platform boots in real life, I was much more impressed because they looked way better in person. Online, they looked somewhat cheap but holding them in my hands made all of the difference. Everything about these boots spoke to me and I was enamored with the taupe stitching that I didn’t even notice during my online shopping.

Although I ended up keeping this pair, I actually did almost put them in my return pile before I got them on my feet. The back zipper was incredibly tough to coax down and I thought to myself that it was probably why they got marked down in the first place. I just had to try them on, though, and once I got the zipper down the first time, I had no further issues.

As soon as my boots were finally on, all of the styling possibilities started swimming in my head and I knew that they were a keeper. I would never wear these in the winter to avoid salt and water stains but come summer and fall it is ON! These little babies will be so fabulous with short shorts, fun socks, and a flowy top and I can’t wait to trudge through the leaves with them in the fall. 😀

When it comes to shopping, normally, my first impression will make or break whether I bother with something or not. In the case of these Olivia Miller platform boots, my first impression was not everything and I am so glad that I took a chance on them!

What is your favorite season to dress for? What is your favorite pair of shoes like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb8

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Marled Reunited Clothing Cardigan

Posted on February 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Marled Reunited Clothing Cardigan

Hello everyone and welcome to the last piece of clothing from my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today, we will be discussing a darling heart adorned cardigan by Marled Reunited Clothing – so perfect for Valentine’s Day. Then, we will dive into some brand new editions of If The Shoe Fits so keep it posted here on lifewithlilred! Now, let’s get to it:

My mom loves anything and everything with hearts on it, which makes me especially partial to the same sentiments too. When I saw this cardigan in store when I was making my online returns, I knew that it was going to be coming home with me just in time for Valentine’s Day. I didn’t really plan on making any clothing purchases and was trying to limit my shopping to skin care and birthday prezzies. Well, that’s not entirely true – you know your girl always kind of plans on that and it was just this one cardigan, I swear!

This Marled Reunited Clothing cardi was just too cute to pass up. The oatmeal base paired with the bright pops of red hearts is oh so sweet and is certainly not limited to being only worn on V-Day. My new cardi is nice and soft but it isn’t super warm which opens it up to being a four seasons piece. It will be great for a brisk spring day or a chilly summer night having drinks on the patio of mine and Johnny’s favorite bar.

My cardi will, of course, be so charming paired with a skater skirt and tights but is also ideal for throwing on with my go to black skinny jeans with front pockets. I have already done this several times already and it really helped to spruce up a basic work outfit. Pair with some adorable red booties and everyone will feel love in the air!

What is your favorite pattern? How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb7

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Japna Tie Back Top

Posted on February 7, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome back to my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today, we are going to be discussing a top by Japna that is, admittedly, not appropriate for winter at all but I can’t wait to rock it come warm weather. This new top is identical in shape to one of my favorite purchases from Altar’d State so I knew that it would be a winner when I saw it. And, if it wasn’t, it would have been no harm no foul because it was only seven bucks on clearance! Check it out:

When first trying on a top like my new Japna one during my Altar’d State haul, I wasn’t so sure about it:

My main fear about this kerchief style top was that it would be too much skin, too much bra strap, and that it wouldn’t be flattering in the slightest. So, imagine my surprise when I was in the Altar’d State fitting room and it worked perfectly. The tie back covered up the back of my bra completely, it wasn’t too revealing in the midriff, and best of all – it showcased all of the tattoos on my back that never get seen.

This top was one of my absolute faves to wear last summer and I have been on the hunt for more like it ever since. I never had any luck finding a similar top until my past TJMaxx haul and I was So. Freaking. Excited. about it. Not only was it the same shape but it was black and snakeskin patterned which made it EVEN BETTER! 😀

As you all know, I love snakeskin anything and everything so I felt like I won the lottery when I found this little Japna number for under ten bucks. As soon as warm weather hits, it is so on and I might just alternate between it and my Altar’d State top all summer long. Not really, but I am pretty stoked about it lol.

Pairing my Japna top with my black shorts from American Eagle Outfitters and my new Barbie pink platforms (Which you will see soon!) will definitely be the move. To accessorize, multiple bracelets, huge sunglasses, and a big tote bag are a must. Can it be summer now or?

What is your favorite animal print? What is your ideal summertime outfit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb4

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Fringe Shawl By Laundry

Posted on February 4, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Fringe Shawl By Laundry

Hello! I had a wonderful winter haul from TJMaxx and I am so excited to begin incorporating all of my new goodies into my wardrobe. One item that I am particularly thrilled about is a shawl by Laundry By Shelli Segal. This little number was originally forty-eight dollars and I got it for seven bucks on clearance! I have never seen anything like it before and have a feeling that I will be wearing it all of the time to spice up my OOTDs. Check it out:

When it comes to accessorizing my looks, I am always on the prowl for unique pieces to take things to the next level. I love bold, chunky jewelry, platform boots, scarves, and anything faux fur. I’m not sure what to call my new Laundry shawl because it isn’t, really. But, whatever it is, I’m obsessed and know that it will make amazing appearances in my OOTDs.

If this shawl were just the lace part, I probably would have passed on it. However, the fringe and hanging tassels take this piece over the top into something cool and edgy rather than, dare I say it, a bit old lady. The details on my new shawl are divine and it doesn’t feel flimsy in the slightest, which is something that I was worried about.

I cannot wait to wear this over top of my silk camis and other sleeveless tops and dresses come warm weather. It will also be a clever way to conceal visible bra straps because wearing one is a necessity for me. I am envisioning pairing my new wrap with short shorts, a cami top, gold jewelry, and some funky wedges for a summer date day with my husband!

What is your favorite accessory? What is your favorite store to shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb3

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Talia Benson Dress

Posted on February 3, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the fashion part of my TJMaxx winter haul! Today, we are going to be discussing a gorgeous dress by Talia Benson that is delightfully reminiscent of my wedding dress. The best part? I don’t have to get married to wear it! I cannot wait to wear this dress literally all of the time and it is one of my favorite TJs purchases ever. Check it out:

I don’t know about you guys, but any articles of clothing with an attached slip or cami drive me nuts. I kid you not, it took me a solid five minutes to figure out the best way to get this dress on properly and I almost just said “forget it” to save me the frustration. However, once it was on and I showed Johnny he told me how much he liked it and that “beauty is pain”. It was just the pep talk I needed because, damnit, I liked it a lot too!

Now that I know how to get this dress on in the easiest way possible, I can’t believe my weakness almost made me return it. It is beautiful!! The polka dot mesh overlay on top of the slip is stunning and I love the tiered bottom, tied back, and ribbons on the sleeves. It is the perfect amount of extra and I am looking forward to wearing it on a date with Johnny when we step out in our goth best. And, yes, I absolutely plan on carrying my black lace parasol with it.

I have no idea what the original price was for this Talia Benson number but I know that it had to be way more expensive than the forty dollars I paid for it. My new dress is of such high quality. The slip is thick so it doesn’t have the sheerness that sometimes comes with that territory and the mesh overlay is delicate without feeling like it’s going to rip every five seconds.

I plan on wearing my new dress with my red Bamboo platforms, bold gold jewelry, and my parasol for the ultimate Princess Of Darkness OOTD. Be sure to keep it posted for pics because that it going to be my outfit when Johnny and I go see Jesus Christ Superstar later this month! 😀

How would you style this dress? Have you ever returned something because it was too difficult to put on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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