Thursday 2 January 2014

Post-Christmas Sale Haul

Prestige beauty brands are usually significantly more expensive over here in Switzerland compared to Singapore so I usually wait until the post-Christmas sales to indulge when there are discounts of up to 50% even on brands such as Chanel and Dior. There are plenty of choice pickings available such as at Marionnaud which was clearing its Lancome Dreamtone coffrets at 40% off.

At Manor department store, I picked up a Helena Rubenstein Lash Queen Mascara Sexy Blacks set that was marked down to CHF25, from CHF44. Helena Rubenstein's mascaras regularly top the reader polls in Japanese beauty magazines. Their Lash Queen Feline Blacks didn't really knock my socks off but I decided to give Sexy Blacks a whirl anyhow. I've never tried anything from Rodial as their products are gimmicky to me, but this rose-flavored Glam Balm Lip SPF15 was pretty affordable at CHF11, down from CHF19. Rodial touts it as being made with "stem cell technology", which I honestly doubt does very much at all.

This Lancome Genefique Yeux Light-Pearl set was marked down to CHF55 from CHF91.

UNE, an eco-conscious brand made by Bourjois, had this smoky eyeshadow trio and mascara set marked down to just CHF15. The eyeshadow and mascara normally retail for over CHF25 each. The set also includes a black tank top.



At Marionnaud, I scooped up Shiseido Benefiance Enriched Balancing Softener and Creamy Cleansing Emulsion at 40% off for my mother. I also picked up a Dior Skin Energizer Radiance Awakening Energizing Moisturizer, YSL Hydra Feel Lotion and Kenzoki Fresh Ginger Fluid, also at 40% off.

The Shiseido Eye Color Bar palette was not on sale but it came in a nifty coffret with deluxe samples of their Perfect Mascara and Lacquer Rouge RD607. The SA also included samples of their new Ibuki skincare range.

All in all, it was a pretty satisfying haul! For spring'14, I'm looking forward to getting the Paul & Joe and Sleek collections. I should probably do a low-buy resolution for the new year, but these never last long for me as much of the thrill about makeup is playing with the latest products.

8 comments:

Sonia said...

I see what you mean.. low buy resolutions last until I go back to the shop, fortunately I live far :D
Thank you for the tips, I'll try to pop there sometime!
On the 31st I was at Marionnaud and managed to get Chanel Gri-Gri for 14 chf (because it was half-price and I had the 10.- voucher). A great find!
I am interested in some products so I'll see if I can spot something that is on my wishlist right now.
Please let me know how you find those mascaras, I am very interested to get your opinion on them.
Happy New Year to you and your dear family!

Haru said...

Thanks, Sonia! I will try to review the HR mascara later. That's a great score on Chanel Gri-Gri!

Érica said...

Hi Haru!
I was wondering if you have some suggestions of stores where I can buy the Japanese cosmetics you review in Switzerland?

Or do you usually buy them online?
Perhaps I'll go to Switzerland on July, and I was looking for some tips of places to buy cosmetics there...
:D

Anonymous said...

Happy new year! I love reading your blog :)

Jacqueline said...

Great haul Hatu, it is always so satisfying to buy stuff you like for a fraction of the price. I can imagine the glee and joy you must have had bringing your loot home. Have a great year ahead for yourself and your family. And give your little one a big hug and kiss from "auntie" Jac. :)

Haru said...

hi Erica,
I usually buy my Japanese makeup online, e.g. through Gooddealer.com, or custom purchase through http://bringblingjp.blogspot.ch/ as the only Japanese brands sold in Switzerland are Shiseido and Sensai by Kanebo. Switzerland is generally not a good place for buying cosmetics as the prices here for prestige brands are much higher than elsewhere. The only reasonably priced brands are drugstore brands like Essence and Catrice.

Haru said...

hi Jacqueline,
Thank you, best wishes to you and your family for the new year too! Hope you get to go on more great travels!

Érica said...

Wow, what a pity =/
Thanks for the tips!
I read somewhere the sunscreens are worth buying in Switzerland though, as they have nice quality...

Thanks for the reply! :D