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Home » Cheap and Good? » Going on a shopping diet : Here’s 5 ways you can save even as you occasionally splurge

Going on a shopping diet : Here’s 5 ways you can save even as you occasionally splurge

March 7, 2017 Paris B 20 Comments

In my most recent MWS Companion newsletter (find out more about that here) I shared something that I’d been putting into practice for a few months, but didn’t want to talk too much about publicly. In essence, I shared with newsletter readers on the list, that I was cutting back on my spending.

What is gratifying is that quite a few of you wrote back to me to share that you too are doing the same, for various reasons of your own (and we also shared some good ol’ ranting about the current state of affairs globally haha!). Also, I’d noticed this trend amongst some other readers on the blog and on other platforms whenever the subject arises.

charlotte tilbury lipstick
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For me, I was and always have been quite careful with my spending. I’m actually quite paranoid about saving. When my savings dip below a certain level, I panic LOL! 😀 But those who know me, and who have been with me a while know that I enjoy my luxuries. It all comes with savings, hard work and making allowances (and sacrifices) for things you want.

But in the past few months, I’d actually consciously cut back my spending even further. A large part of it had to do with the fact that I’d been spending quite liberally for the few years prior and when I tracked my spending, I was a little taken aback that I’d spent so much, especially online. I’d also built up a huge arsenal of beauty products (let’s just talk about beauty here eh? 😉 ) Realistically, I wanted to use them and get through them. So, I’ve been curbing the urge to buy new things and shopping in my rather extensive (and expensive!) stash. But do I deprive myself of the odd shopping or spending spree? Ah, that’s what we’re going to talk about here.

You do realise that you can actually still do some decent shopping, without spending as much money as you think you would? It all comes down to spending carefully, wisely and shopping smart. Here are some tips I have for those who want to save, even as the urge to splurge hits and it’s what I put into practice 🙂

Shop online sales and offers

Oh yes, online shopping is one of the first things I curbed. It’s so dangerous to go to your favourite online store because there’ll always be something you want, or something to tempt you, and because you don’t actually hand over cash, it’s easy to go overboard. But the upside of online shopping are the sales. Quite often, I’ve found myself finding and snapping up some item I’ve wanted before, at a lower price, because it’s gone on sale. This normally happens when I shop at sites like Uniqlo which does sales and offers on certain items weekly. I also wait for deals to happen for festive periods e.g. Chinese New Year, Easter, Black Friday, Christmas, Boxing day, Thanksgiving etc. We’re such a global economy these days that it pays to keep an eye on the festive periods happening in various parts of the world, because the online stores based in that part of the world will likely have a sale or special discount going on! 😉

I tend to shop for my online beauty at UK based websites e.g. SpaceNK, Cult Beauty, Naturisimo, Bath and Unwind etc and they are all quite good at having sales or special offers or exclusive deals at different times of the year. Sometimes, if you stay away long enough, you get “We Miss You” discount codes 😀 How’s that as incentive to stay away from shopping eh? 😀

For fashion, Zalora, Asos, Net-a-Porter, the Outnet, and Shopbop do special discounts off and on that are always worth waiting for, especially if it’s a big ticket item. If I’m eyeing a particular item, I usually browse around to get the best price before buying (it’s faster and less tiring than walking around malls). When I wanted a pair of running shoes last year, I found a pair online that was on 40% sale and I used a discount code for an even better deal than I would have gotten in store. Naturally, waiting means delayed gratification and you may not get the exact item you want. In my case, instead of a neutral pair of blue shoes, I ended up with a fluorescent pink and lime pair that you can spot from a mile away; but in those situations, I just tell myself it’s not meant to be, and move on. It’s just THINGS after all 🙂

Use cash back sites to get rebates

There are some websites that offer you cashback if you buy through them – ebates and shopback are 2 I know of. I’ve used Shopback before. It was ok. You don’t actually get back very much money and you do have to wait for months sometimes, to get your rebates back. But if you do a lot of online shopping, it’s worth looking for a reputable service and signing up with them. A little rebate is better than no rebate at all! But do your homework.

Save your vouchers and gift cards

Locally, some department stores have loyalty cards that entitle you to cash vouchers upon spending a certain sum within a period of time. If you find yourself shopping at those department stores often, then it’s worth signing up for these cards to get the cash vouchers that you can later use to off-set against your purchases. Sephora will give you a discount on your next purchase upon accumulating a certain number of points.

I used to be a member of Aeon (previously Jusco) and Isetan up till about 2 years ago, because I found myself doing my shopping there a lot for various items. It helped that both these department stores had a supermarket that I used to frequent. When I found that I no longer shopped at those department stores very much anymore, I didn’t renew my cards. Yes, I miss getting the vouchers, but it also meant I wasn’t spending as much money as I used to LOL! 😀 It’s a bit of a chicken and egg story.

If you really want to buy something, be thick-skinned and ask family and friends for gift cards. If you want something from Sephora, for birthdays or congratulatory gifts, ask for gift cards from the store. Once you pool them together, you may find that you can splurge on something nice, without actually spending money (you’d already spent before this but that’s a different story! LOL)

Shop at Outlet stores

cosmetics company outlet johor premium outlet
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If you live near an outlet store, it can be quite a gold mine. I was down at the Johor Premium Outlets not long ago (the next nearest will be at Genting Highlands soon I’m told!) where there is a pretty decent mix of designers and brands available. For beauty buffs, you have to visit the Cosmetics Company Outlet (owned by Estee Lauder) and the one owned by L’Oreal (I can’t remember the name – help?) and another that sells fragrances. In there, you will be able to find some beauty products at good discounts. Sometimes, even limited edition items that are “sold out” at the stores or counters can be found there, and at a nice discount!

I picked up a few of my favourite Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Eyeshadow sticks while I was there, which I was very happy about. They were about 30% off in store. But I saw quite a lot of limited edition MAC products as well for collectors who don’t mind waiting. At the L’Oreal store, I spotted some Urban Decay going for cheap as well as limited edition Shu Uemura products. Even brushes! I also picked up a swimsuit for just RM70 which I was very happy about. It will be hit or miss naturally, depending on stock availability, but if you have access to the outlets or are visiting an area where there is one, it’s worth stopping by and taking a look because you can buy more for less. Or just pay less for more 😉

Wait for good sales with bigger discounts

This is less so for higher end beauty products, but mostly for fashion. Fashion as we know, is quite temporary. So often, when there is a sale, that’s the best time to pick up the dress, shirt, bag, shoes etc that you’d been eyeing before. When I shop at Uniqlo (where I can never leave without buying SOMETHING) my policy is not to buy anything at full price, unless I desperately want it. It’s rare that I do, because I got burnt once. I bought a skirt that I loved at full price (granted, it wasn’t that expensive since it’s Uniqlo after all) and 2 weeks later, it was on 20% off. What the…!?! These days, I just hedge my bets and wait for a new collection to pass, and for it to go on offer before I consider buying. Often also, I’m found by the bargain bins, rooting through past collections, hoping to score a deal or two. Often I have 🙂

For budget beauty at the pharmacy though, it can sometimes be quite an excellent deal if the pharmacies do a special offer. Not very long ago, Guardian Pharmacy did a storewide 30% discount on ALL makeup. Sometimes, there are Buy 2 Free 1 offers in store. It’s always worth waiting for deals like these, especially if it’s for products you’d buy anyway e.g. shampoo, shower gel etc. Why spend more? 🙂

Are you cutting back on shopping or spending on e.g. beauty products? Do you have more money saving tips to share?

I don’t believe in no-buys or low-buys or shopping bans, because like a diet, you’d just bounce back worse than before. I don’t make wishlists either. I just try to be a little more aware of my spending habits and I have to say that in the past 6 months or so that I’ve put it in practice, I’ve been quite good. I do still buy things I want, and I don’t deprive or starve myself. I just shop a little smarter and less impulsively. It might surprise you just how much you can save, even while you splurge 😉

Paris B

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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

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20 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. Cecilia Wong says

    March 7, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Last Sunday, I went shopping for a microwave oven for our retirement condo :). Because I had some Parkson vouchers, that’s where we headed to. I found one I liked. It was RM100 cheaper than Sen Heng. And because Parkson had the members sale, I got RM20 voucher. So, I didn’t have to shell out any cash for the microwave, I got it cheaper, and I got another RM20 voucher. Win, win, win!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 7, 2017 at 9:27 am

      Now THAT’S what I call smart shopping Cecilia! What an achievement 😀 When it comes to electrical goods, we can always find a deal one way or another I find. Prices can really vary quite wildly, it makes you wonder just how much the product really is eh? I’m actually in the market for a food processor myself. Been scouring the shops and online stores and found a site that sold it for quite a lot less, but am now worried about how legit it is haha!

      Reply
  2. Wan says

    March 7, 2017 at 10:09 am

    Great tips you have here,especially in this state of economy and how ringgit is doing. Have to stop spending for make up for a while. Lucky me having Pupa as my new year make up item..lol..thanks to you

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 8, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks Wan. Yes, the depreciating RM isn’t helping our economy, especially now, many of us are tightening our belts. Don’t know what’s going to happen eh? And I hope you’re enjoying the Pupa! 😀

      Reply
  3. Angeline says

    March 7, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    Always love the level-headed-ness of ur thoughts Paris – although I still lose my mind and sleep over stuff that pop up in my mail box – half the time chanting OmG WHY IS USD SOOOO HIGH???

    And then my bubble pops and I fall down to earth … And I wait and wait and wait and finally – I click BUY …..

    I find the horrendous costs of things to be a hidden blessing – I’ve learnt to bake pizzas, cook my own kaya, Siew Yok, noodles etc – Coz I ain’t paying RM90/kg) and saved hundreds – we have no choice these days.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 8, 2017 at 5:47 pm

      Aww thanks Angeline – sometimes I think I’m too level headed haha! 😀 But I hear you. I often am tempted myself by the many different offers that come in on email. Some of them are so enticing aren’t they? And you can cook! Kaya! And Siew Yoke! I haven’t attempted kaya, but I did siew yoke a while ago. Shall have to try it again – eating out these days is actually expensive now!

      Reply
  4. Bee says

    March 7, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    Another tip is to lessen backups, especially with skincare. Unless you got it at a great bargain & product that you really love & that’s fine. Also, 1 in-1 out policy also works, helps you save money. I do it with lipsticks.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 8, 2017 at 5:52 pm

      Oh that’s an excellent point, Bee! Back ups are actually a curse, and something I’ve tried to stop hoarding myself, once I realised that I often don’t end up using my back up product at all! By the time I’m done with a product (usually skincare) I’m ready for a change haha! But there will be that odd product that I back up e.g. toners or mist or the odd serum.

      Reply
  5. Siti Mariam says

    March 7, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    I live near JPO and I went there twice but never notice The Cosmetics Company Shop! *Hyperventilating. Will definitely take a big peek. Thanks for the update.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 8, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      Haha oh dear, it looks like my attempts to help you save are derailed! LOL 😀 But seriously, yes do check out the Cosmetics Company Outlet store. I can’t remember exactly where it’s located, but if I’m not mistaken, it’s on the main stretch further up from Coach I believe (but I’ve only been to JPO a handful of times, so don’t quote me!)

      Reply
  6. Jo says

    March 8, 2017 at 6:58 pm

    This post is so timely. I tried cutting back but fell off the wagon last weekend 🙁

    There is one thing that I have been hunting for, and that is the Lorac Pro Palette. Do you per chance know where I can get my paws on it? This will be my last eye makeup purchase for this year ;p

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 12, 2017 at 2:00 pm

      Well the occasional stumble is only to be expected. I’ve stumbled myself, but as long as you’re saving most of the time, I’d say you’re OK 🙂 I’m not sure where to find the Lorac Pro Palette as it’s not available locally, although you can try purchasing online from the USA. There are various services where you can hire personal shoppers or use a forwarding service to get the items to you, if you’re based outside of the USA. I can’t help you otherwise, sorry!

      Reply
  7. synical says

    March 9, 2017 at 10:33 am

    There’s another Cosmetics Company Store in Mitsui near KLIA… and they’re selling almost the same things there as in JPO, so no need to drive several hours away to JPO?

    Yeah, there’s a Genting Premium Outlet opening soon(ish). If nothing else, at least you won’t break a sweat up on the hill…

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 14, 2017 at 8:44 am

      Thanks for the heads up! I’d been to Mitsui but wasn’t aware that the CCO was there too. I’m actually quite interested in the Genting Premium Outlet. It will make shopping (or rather, browsing) a much more pleasurable experience! JPO can be horrendously hot!

      Reply
  8. Jane says

    March 10, 2017 at 3:12 am

    I used to get sucked into the “I have to have it” mindset when new makeup collections came out for fear of missing out. However, now that I am older and wiser(??) I realise that something else just as lust worthy will be along very soon if I don’t purchase said item. I no longer seem to feel so compelled to buy. I think the overload of new launches these days might be part of that feeling too! I miss the old days when launches were seasonal and really something to be savoured!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 14, 2017 at 10:49 am

      I think you’ve hit the nail on the head re: the neverending new launches. It’s almost as if there’s a new launch every single day, and Ithink it affects us all and even turns us off! What bums me is that often, by the time a product launches, it’s already sold out in store and that puts a lot of pressure on us to get the news out or to chase the news to find out what’s new. Takes a lot of joy out of actually owning a product anymore.

      Reply
  9. Joann says

    March 10, 2017 at 11:45 am

    I don’t have any shopping oulets near me, but I basically wait for sales or purchase value sets. Sephora is great for that.

    Or because I know some friends who are VIB at Sephora, whenever they have their yearly member sale, I’ll add a few items to their shopping cart as well.

    I’ve definitely been cutting back lately. Last year I went on a shopping spree for a number of items (face masks) so I’m doing my best to try and use up half my stash before I go out and purchase more.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:47 am

      I absolutely feel you about going on sprees. That’s what I seemed to have been doing the past couple of years so now I have a mini sephora at home LOL! But I’m going to try and work through them, or give away stuff before they expire. But piggybacking on orders is a great way to save as well, especially since sometimes, the discounts or deals are quite good aren’t they?

      Reply
  10. Natalie says

    March 10, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    also make use of credit cards rebates! i have a list of all the rebates i can get with all the credit cards i have so i make sure i pay with the ‘right’ card. reduce stock up also helped me alot. i have learnt to not stock up crazily after some painful lessons.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:57 am

      That’s a clever point! And you’re very smart to keep an eye on all the rebates you can get from your cards. It’s a smart way to shop and a smart way to use your credit cards too 🙂

      Reply

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Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

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