Samples are a tease!

May 13, 2009 by frugalista divider image

So, it's no secret that the sun is blaring and I live in the tropics, otherwise known as South Florida. Back in February, I got a sample for Ph ilosophy's Hope in a Jar creme with spf 20. I love the stuff. I use it on my face. It goes on smooth, moisturizes my flesh and protects me from the sun. I exercise outside quite a bit, so I need a sunscreen that spreads on without leaving nasty white stains.

So, I'm pretty low on the sample, so I figured that I would go to Sephora to buy the real deal. GAH! The jammie is like $18 for a .5 ounce jar. The prices only get better. It's $45 for two ounces. Why me?!!

I really want the sunscreen, but it's too pricey for my budget (right now). I don't want to be a cheapie and hit Sephora up for another freebie. I feel like I've been teased!

I settled for a 3.5 ounce bottle of Burt's Bees suncreen for $15. Sure, it's natural, but I feel like I'm rubbing paste on my flesh. Meh.

When you get a sample, how often do you purchase the product? How many times would you hit up a store for a sample without feeling cheap or guilty? Would you spend $45 on a sunscreen? How often do you splurge? What do you think about my decision to wait to buy it? Do you think I settled?

6 Responses to Samples are a tease!

May 13, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Jennifer

Burt’s Bees sunscreen leaves a weird film feeling on the skin, also I used to buy philosophy products too. I’m a former beauty product junky so I feel ya.
I only use natural sunscreens now (Devita’s SPF 30, about $30+ dollars). I justify this because sunscreen is really the most important product for antiaging. I spend less money in other areas such as haircare. This works for me. Face products are more important to me than haircare, and make-up.
Also, a little goes a long way. So make sure you are using only as much as you need! I encourage you to buy what you really really want and pull back in other places. However, there is always aveeno.

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May 13, 2009 at 3:46 pm
MIreille

I hardly use samples but I wouldn’t buy if I was on a budget. Now I’ve been on a budget for way too long so occasionally I just let myself go. The last things I splurged on were scrubs. I just love scrubs. I wouldn’t spend $45 on sunscreen because I found that the best protection is natural sheabutter.
Love your blog!

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May 14, 2009 at 12:55 am
The Compact Queen

Well, this is where I spend money- on my skin. And that means splurging for facials, lotions, and sunscreens. Still, it’s worth it – especially for the sunscreen because if you’re out in the sun (and you live in Miami) you want to be protected from skin cancer. My relative who lives in Florida and is an athlete has already had several skin cancers removed from his face.
So- the brand I buy is Peter Thomas Roth and it’s $42 for 1.7 ounces. Ouch- right at the level of your sample. BUT- it lasts 3 or 4 months, so I don’t really think it’s a major expense. It smoothes on just like lotion. Also I don’t wear any makeup except lipstick so I save money there. I like to think I don’t need it because I’ve kept my skin so nice.

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May 14, 2009 at 11:18 am
Rippy

I have a Kiehls addiction, but when it’s Walgreens or nothing, I do like the Cetaphil products. For non-facial suncreen, my fave is Neutrogena Dry Touch. It works, it’s reasonably priced, and it’s not slimy.

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May 14, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Corene

I hear ya, yes $45 is too much for sunscreen, Aveeno has a good line $8-$10. I like samples, yes I would ask for more and no I feel no guilt about asking for more.
When the cosmetic companies were giving away products a few months ago, the Clinique moisturizer was great, bu the retail price is crazy, I am using that little jar SPARINGLY!

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May 15, 2009 at 11:38 am
Product Junkie Diva

Yes I agree Aveeno has a really nice SHEER suncreen that works wonders. I wouldn’t spend 45 bucks on a sunscreen. I splurge when I feel the urge to do so- no specific time.
Have a great weekend.

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