Let’s Shop

Since signing up with Aramex Global Shopper I’m back on my Online Shopping Kick. Now I can not only look, but I can also have all the pretty things from overseas that I really, really want. Well, that is as long as my bank balance can handle it – haha!

I imported my Rebecca Minkoff Cleo Wallet on a Chain using them and now, since our Rand is not doing too bad (it’s currently under R15)  I want to get my hands on some makeup goodies, as well as a few fashion items. I’m just having a difficult time deciding which one/s to pick! Help me out!

Since Aramex Global Shopper offers a really great service (click here to read about my first experience with them) and their shipping is way more affordable than buying from the stores directly, I think now is a good time to stock up on all those pretty little, drool-worthy products my favourite youtubers have been raving about.

PS, don’t forget that I have a discounted coupon code for all of you to sign up with Aramex Global Shopper and score big. Use my code, AGS10SSB when signing up and instead of paying $45, you only pay $10 for your once off lifetime membership. But you’ll have to be quick as the coupon is only valid until the 16th April 2016.

So let’s take a look at what I want, what I really, really want shall we…

Makeup because a girl can never have too much!

I guess you could call this my ultimate beauty crush list! These goodies have been on my radar for some time. I want them all especially the Christian Louboutin nailpolish in Tres Decolette. I just want to add it to my collection so, so badly. It’s probably the most out-there bottle of nail polish I have ever seen, and the same goes for the Rouge Louboutin Matte Lipstick – so beautiful!

TIP: When importing makeup & beauty supplies to South Africa, keep in mind that customs duties are usually 20%, so make sure to consider that when pricing and budgeting on your imports.

Then there’s Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana makeup… Oh la la! I’ve seen a few of my fave Youtubers raving about the Marc Jacobs Foundation – I want it, I need it! A lot of them say it’s pretty pricey (its $55 which is about R810) but they all say it’s worth every cent! Let’s hope they are right :).

Lately I’ve been obsessed with pink and love this Dolce & Gabbana Antique Rose nail polish and just how pretty is this Burberry Rose Pink Nail Polish? I’d also love the Charlotte Tilbury The Golden Goddess and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit palettes. Which to choose, which to choose?

Then there’s the products that have been hovering on my lust list… Like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, LORAC Light Source and the Dermablend Loose Setting Powder. I also wouldn’t mind the NARS Hot Sand/ Orgasm Combo since I love my Orgasm blush but hardly use it since I don’t ever want to finish it. This limited edition combo though, is great justifiable purchase haha!

And lastly, Perricone MD No Blush Blush. I may be wrong, but as far as I can remember, and please correct me if I am wrong, Perricone MD pulled out of South Africa, which is a real shame since I loved their No Concealer Concealer. I think their No Blush Blush would be a perfect cheek perkup that looks natural and flawless.

Fashion

I’ve also got my eye on some fashionable items from overseas as well. Although I am reluctant to purchase clothing (since our import duties are quite high at 45%) if something really is well priced and I’ve weighed up the costs with customs and duties and I still love it, I’d say it’s worth it.

Duties on handbags and shoes are usually 30% – which is a bit better than the duties on clothing.

Pocket Knit Wrap Scarf, 2. Sole Society Floppy Straw Hat, 3. Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves, 4. Cashmere Beanie with Fox Fur Pom-Poms, 5. Free People Snow Bound Beanie, 6. London Fog Hooded Double Breasted Trench Coat, 7.Ann Taylor Lapis Lazuli Cuff (on sale), 8. Free People Ankle Booties (on sale)

My tips for shopping online outside of South Africa

• Check everywhere to make sure you’re getting the items you want at the lowest price. Sometimes your favourite items goes on sale, so check, check and check again.
• Shop the sales at places like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Macy’s – that way you can add makeup, beauty goodies and fashionable items to a single order.
• Lookout for shopping coupons. A lot of online websites give you a coupon to use if you sign up to their mailing list so take advantage!
• Always factor in customs duties into your price before you buy. Clothing is usually an added 45%, makeup and beauty supplies 20% and shoes and handbags are 30%. You can always use a service like DutyCalculator.com to workout your duties so that you know exactly what you’re in for.
• Use the Shipping estimator on your Aramex Global Shopper profile to get an idea of shipping costs.
• Other things to consider is that if your shipment has a value of more than R500 Aramex charges a clearing fee of R40 per shipment. This is much better than customs’ standard disbursement fee.
• If Customs VAT & Duties on your shipping exceed R1000, an additional 2.5% Disbursement Fee is charged.
• Sadly Customs and Duties are real! You may get lucky and your shipment might not incur charges, however I always play it safe and work those costs into my purchase before making my final decision.

What do you think of my picks? Or let me know if you’ve seen something pretty overseas that you think I should get.

Until then, happy shopping xx

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