issue 12// vol 45 life & style // no. 13

Beauty on a budget: The art of sampling

» How to use Sephora samples to make your life easier

Lauren Kelly
Graphics Manager

 

or beauty hunters watching their

wallets, samples are a must. While some
other makeup stores offer samples as well,
I’m going to be focusing on Sephora. You
can get a sample of nearly anything at the
store: skincare items such as moisturizers,
serums, masks, and face wash; makeup
such as foundation, primers, powders, and
even eyeshadows; hair products such as
shampoos, conditioners, styling créme, and
hair masks; and even perfume.

With a range like this, the store is your
oyster! There's no reason not to try out a
variety of products before you buy.

The most important time to get a
sample is when youre interested in trying
something you've never used before, no
matter how expensive. You never know
how your skin will react to it or whether
it'll actually suit you. Particularly with
foundation, it’s impossible to know how
something will wear and oxidize until you
actually wear it. Most of the samples will
get you at least two to three uses, so you'll
be able to properly test a product. Yes,
Sephora has a great return policy, but it’s a
waste to buy something and test it out just
to find out you don’t like it when you could
have sampled it first.

Sometimes you need a product for
a short time or in a really small amount.
Sudden, unexpected breakout and need

a spot treatment? Fancy night out and
want to wear a perfume that’s not really
your regular taste? Christmas party that
you want red and gold eyeshadow for?

The perfect time to snag a sample. Who
knows—once the product runs out, maybe
you will want more! Or maybe you just
conveniently avoided it as it spoiled in
your makeup bag. Either way, you just
saved yourself a bunch of money while still
getting what you need.

Lastly, when you're a couple of days
away from pay day and you're scraping
the bottom of a daily-use product, snag a
sample. You're going to be purchasing the
product very soon, so don’t feel bad about
getting the extra you need to get by in the
meantime. Along this line, when youre
low on money, you still need to take care of
yourself—and Sephora is surprisingly the
perfect resource for some self-care.

Before you set out to your local
Sephora to go shopping for samples, please
remember to be kind to the employees
who are helping you and to not be too
demanding. You shouldn't get more than
three or four samples in a trip. Use these
to your advantage, of course. Get a few
foundation shades to compare them; grab
a sample of a scrub, mask, and moisturizer
to have a spa day; or grab a few wintery
perfume samples to test out over the
season. However, above all, be kind and
be grateful. With that in mind, happy
sampling!

Weekly horoscopes

 

» What’s in your stars this week?

 

Isabelle Orr
Entertainment Editor

 

ARIES

(March 21 - April 20)

With Mars’ sudden
shift, it'll be hard to keep a clear head.
Introspection and inventiveness will run
wild for you, Aries! Keep a steady sleep
schedule and brew some sleepy time
tea to help you work through this bit of
dreamy insomnia. Stay focused on the
process, not the final result.

TAURUS

(April 21 — May 21)

Did you load yourself

up with more work than you could

handle? While it’s your inclination to

keep to yourself, don’t hesitate to reach

out to those around you for help. You'll

be surprised what you can do with a few
helping hands!

GEMIN]

(May 22 — June 22)

Get ready to shift into a

higher gear, Gemini! As Mars moves into
Pisces, you'll feel a surge of ambition. You
might already start to feel the urge to prep
for the holidays. Keep a steady eye on your
bank account and avoid Christmas debt.
It’s the season to give—but not too much!

> CANCER

- (June 22 - July 23)
An urge to travel comes
in the middle of the week for wanderlust-
ridden Cancer. Pisces’ presence makes
you long for white sands, blue skies,
and hot sun. Don’t have the time (or the
funds) for a vacation? Try watching travel
documentaries to soothe that itch.

pL EO

(July 24 - Aug 23)
Have you and = your
friends been fighting more than usual,
Leo? As Venus wraps up her retrograde
in your house this Thursday, you'll feel a
sense of interpersonal calm that is much
appreciated. Bury the hatchet before the
holiday festivities—you'll be glad you did.

& VIRGO
(Aug 24 — Sept 23)

Though romance might
be the furthest from your mind, passionate
Mars returns to Pisces. This means that
you'll be both sending and receiving more
flirty signals than usual! It’s up to you how
to act, Virgo. Remember to keep all of your
goals in mind and put yourself first.

   

  

LIBRA

(Sept 24 — Oct 23)

You've spent the last

couple of weeks making sure your to-do-

list is in order, but what about you?! Time

to turn your attentions to self-care. Still

have the urge to do more? Set small goals

for yourself, like finishing a book or going

to the gym. These accomplishments will
help push yourself to new heights!

‘SCORPIO

(Oct 24 — Nov 22)
i Get ready to party! The
return of Pisces means that you'll be
pumped full of social Scorpio energy.
Your passion and creativity will influence
those around you, meaning you'll be a big
hit at any function. Be careful not to burn
the wick at both ends—you need your
beauty sleep, after all!

EA SAGITTARIUS

ae
(Nov 23 — Dec 21)

Feeling like a homebody
lately? As Mars plunks into your sign
midweek, it’s time to tend to matters of the
home. All of the clutter piling up around
your room has been stressing you out
lately, and with your nesting inclinations
firing on all cylinders, it’s a good time to
clean and reorganize!

  

CAPRICORN

(Dec 22 — Jan 20)

Big changes have been
coming your way, Capricorn! While it’s
your natural inclination to weigh the
pros and cons, sometimes your practical
mindset can get in the way of your plans.
Try trusting your instincts and going with
your gut—it might surprise you!

gS. AQU ARIUS
Sy (Jan 21 - Feb 19)

Burnout has been getting
you down, Aquarius! With all of your
projects on the go, it’s easy to let the self
come last. As Pisces moves midweek,
you'll get the burst of energy you need to
keep yourself going. A trip to the gym—or
anything to get your heart rate up—will

\ PISCES

(Feb 20 — Mar 20)

Mars moves back into
your house, so motivation comes flowing
back in for Pisces! A sure way to not
miss out on any holiday fun is to throw
it yourself. Give yourself enough time to
conceptualize your plans before putting
them forward. You'll be surprised by
what you can accomplish!

Illustration by Cara Seccafien