077. Sales, Wishlists, and Gift Ideas
Plus, meet our outdoor cat/kitten trio.
Hi, I’m Maggie, and welcome to Tender Forms Off-Camera: a weekly newsletter on all things slow: beauty, fashion, living. Links in this newsletter may include affiliate links or discount referrals. If you enjoy and would like to support this newsletter, click the button below or shop through my links! No pressure but thank you if you do.
Initially, I had scheduled to do a slow and calm podcast episode for this newsletter. To have the chance to sit and chat with you about all the sales, my wishlists, and gift ideas for this holiday season. Unfortunately, I have been absolutely slammed with work. And so, I have to settle for a good ol’ fashioned list.
I must admit, I am entirely overwhelmed this holiday season. Sales popped up much sooner than I had anticipated. With all the shipping delay notifications, I am wildly under-prepared, haha! But as always, I shall do my best!
The following sales are not a phone book list of all sales currently happening, just the ones fitting for Tender Forms. I’ve more-or-less combined the sale info, my personal wishlist, and gift ideas all into one for easy reference. I hope these will be helpful to you! Let’s dive in.
Current
(Ongoing sales)
Bare Hands: Ends tomorrow, 20% off. I can’t think of a better gift for a loved one, really. I love that they came out with more sets, including the Minimalist Travel Kit! Their nail file is the only one I own and like using. I also love their cuticle oil, especially in the click pen format. I keep mine at my desk at all times. It’s these small luxuries that can make all the difference.
J. Hannah: Through 11/17, 20% off sitewide with code: TREASURE. You know I love their nailpolishes (the only ones I use). In fact, I picked up another full-size for myself during this sale! Highly recommend shades Dune, Ghost Ranch, Akoya, and Miso, as well as their Mini Polish Set. Those alone would make a lovely gift, or if you’re looking for something special for someone special, you can’t go wrong with any of the gorgeous jewelry. I’ve had my eye on their signets for a very long time.
Sephora: Ends tomorrow! I’m sure you know the drill: 20% off for Rouge members, 15% off for VIB, and 10% off for insiders (me, haha).
YINA: Through 11/30, 25% off with code: FNF2021. A brand that has time and again appeared on the Tender Forms Instagram and Newsletters (043, 053, 065). The Divine Bio-Cellulose Mask is the gift to get your sheet-mask lover (just written about in the previous Newsletter 076). Of course, long-time subscribers will also remember my love for their Anti-Pollution Mask, an all-season, all-purpose treat. And their Bioadaptive Cleanser is an excellent choice for the minimalist in your life. I’ve seen great brightening results with it: an exfoliating, deep-cleanser that rinses away any lingering impurities with grace.
ZIZIA Botanicals: 20% off sitewide with code: JOLLY. For the herbal wellness lover in your life or yourself! The Cactus Hibiscus Powder is one of my all-time favorites for hydration, plus it doubles as a face mask (more in Newsletter 004)! Abbe (founder) also updated her skincare line earlier this year! Might I suggest the All Balm, Nail & Cuticle Oil, and a personal favorite, the 5 Flowers Mist?
Upcoming
(In order of start date, plus a few to look out for if my instincts are correct!)
The Tired Horse: 11/15, 15% off sitewide with code: YUP15. I’d be remiss not to mention Husband’s sale! For those looking to upgrade their kitchen with a brand new cutting board for the year, now’s your chance! Everything is an excellent gift for the homebody, host, or chef in your life. And in case you don’t know, The Tired Horse is Husband’s brand and shop. You can read all about it in Newsletter 068.
Underbares: 11/15, 30% off. This is their first-ever Friends & Family Sale, and I could not be more excited. Their newsletter subscribers got first access, and I picked up, yes, another of my favorite Mesh U-Bra in black. They came out with a new colorway in “Storm” a month or two before, and I picked one up too. That one is my new favorite color! I am honored to be a champion (affiliate) of this brand. I’m pretty sure you probably can’t stack promo codes, but it may be worth a try! They will announce the promo code tomorrow for 30% off, and my code “COMFYCREW-MT-10” will get you 10% off.
evanhealy: 11/19–12/6, 25% off sitewide. *Special thanks to Jerolyn for letting me know about this sale! It’s no secret that I absolutely adore evanhealy’s Tinted Oil Serum Foundation, as well as their Color Balms (Sibyl and Medina are favorites). Skincare gifts can be tricky, but a safe and gorgeous bet would be any of the HydroSouls. Not sure if we’ll be able to combine codes, but if so, you can get an extra 10% off with my champion (affiliate) code “TENDERFORMS.” Make sure to sign up for their Truth Seekers Newsletter, as it doubles as your sale and future sales reminder!
MOB Beauty: 11/23–11/30, 25% off sitewide. The one I have been waiting for! I’ve been making a little wishlist for myself. Will definitely be picking up another eyeshadow, cream lipstick, and maybe a cream clay blush as well?! Oh, I hope I’ll be able to control myself.
Lanshin: If I remember correctly, I think they did a 20% off sale sometime during the holidays last year. I’d keep your eyes peeled because they make, by far, my favorite facial and body massage tools ever. There are countless Tender Forms YouTube, Instagram, and Newsletter content on them! Highly recommend a peek at their latest stainless steel intro gua sha tool for the accident-prone in your life (also me), and the new colorways and styles of their Massager by Acera! More on that soon, ::wink::!
Victoria Beckham Beauty: I’m 99% sure there will be a holiday sale, most likely 20% off. I have an extensive VBB running wishlist that includes their Lip Definer (in 02), Satin Kajal Liner (in Sea Grey, be still, my heart!), Priming Moisturizer in Golden, Mascara, Bitten Lip Tint (in Bisou), and Posh Lipstick (Girl, Spice). I will unabashedly ask for a VBB gift card from every family member and friend for the holidays.
Stacking Deals
I use two sites/apps to earn more cash back or rewards on many of the above and below! Both are not the fastest when it comes to payout. However, it’s always a shining light in my day whenever payment or points come through. Plus, what’s better than making money through shopping?
Rakuten: I use the chrome extension to earn direct cashback from purchases. The link gives you $30 if it’s your first time using it!
Drop: This is an app where you purchase through your phone, although sometimes it allows you to send a link to purchase on a computer. You earn reward points to redeem gift cards from places such as Sephora, Ulta, Uber Eats, and Saks Fifth Avenue, to name a few. The link gives you 5000 points after you earn your first 1000 points.
Somehow, I’ve accrued many items in two ongoing wishlists. Below is a sampling of such items. I’ve kept them towards the luxury end because those are more fun!
Health
Water Flosser: I take dental health very seriously, but all the more so after my oral surgery earlier this year. Alas, genetically, I just don’t have the best teeth. So, one item I’m really in the market to buy is a water flosser. I’ve vacillated between the brands Waterpik (tried and true, and longstanding for a reason) and Burst (more of a newcomer, subscription-based). I’m leaning towards Burst just because of how our bathroom is currently set up.
Seed: Science or gimmick? It’s clear there’s a lot of science behind it, but does it actually work? Each time I think of trying it, I remind myself that if it indeed works for me, that’s a $49.99 per month investment. And when you’ve got four cats to feed (see below), should one splurge on this? And what about my current supplement lineup that I am loving? Do I just get rid of all that and start fresh? Ah, the dilemma.
Home
La Marzocco Linea Mini: Ah, the espresso dreams of both Husband and me. This is a longstanding wishlist item. I really regret not biting the bullet even a year ago because the price has jumped upward from an already unfathomable price. Of course, the price is fair for what you’re getting, but it was just unbearable before, and now I don’t even know how to describe it. Will we ever get one? Who knows.
Bedsheets: Having a king-sized bed has its pros and cons. Pro: a bed that actually fits Husband’s height and allows Muto to join if he wishes. Con: the high cost of any bedsheet set. Both Husband and I run hot as well (though I more than he), and the bedsheets I love most are the percale sets from Parachute. These are always on the list because one always needs clean bedsheets.
Silk Pillowcases: After trying the HERB + FLORA Morpheus Pillow, I couldn’t believe what a difference it made to my hair and overall sleep quality. The problem is they don’t make it for King-size pillows. And so, my obvious next choice is the Lucia LaFerme Silk Pillowcases. I love the quality and color theory of her silk goods. Each feels so special. One can only dream of dreaming on one of these!
Husband and I love the cooler, Fall weather. One of my favorite moments of respite comes on the weekends. I’ve been waking up to Muto sleeping near my feet (bliss). He gets his rubs and kisses and water from the bathroom sink faucet (sigh) first. Then, I put on my boots, a coat, pour a nice hot cup of coffee, and head out to our backyard. Usually anywhere from 7:30am–10:30am, depending on whether I’m working that weekend. Then I spend time with our outdoor cats.
Remember the grey cat from Newsletter 063? Well, he 100% feels like a part of the family now. He’s here all the time! We’ve named him 小孩 (xiǎohái), which translates to “child” in Mandarin, because when he was pretty small when he first appeared. Little did we know, two kittens would appear soon after!
For the past few weeks, two kittens have been following 小孩 around our property! They also sleep here. Husband even built them a full-on cat house in the back. (I mean it. It has a roof with shingles and insulation. It’s a miniature house.) We were worried for the kittens because hawks and falcons fly by every so often. Plus, there are a lot of other older cats out and about, and we didn’t want there to be a scuffle. Luckily, they’ve been doing so well. 小孩 has taken to looking after them and getting territorial when other cats come by like our other older stray, Buck. Although after some separating and a lot of “it’s okay, guys,” Husband’s managed to teach them all to get along! The kittens play with Buck now too, whenever he comes to visit.
Here’s a photo of 小孩 in all his rooftop glory. He loves being in high places.
Here’s a photo of King. The name King came to us because of that regal face: very symmetrical, with delicate white whiskers contrasting against a black face.
On the right is Fang. He’s a mischievous one but also the cuddliest. He’ll meow for you to come, roll over, hold your hand and bite and lick you.
They’re all so sweet. I guess our family is growing!
Thanks so much for reaching! I am so bogged down and braindead from work I haven’t even watched any films recently. However, we have been watching HBO’s ‘Succession’ religiously every Sunday evening. I am delighted it is as good despite its long hiatus. Are there any sales you’ve been looking forward to? Have you picked anything up? I’d love to know! You can always leave a comment or reply to this email directly to chat one-on-one.
As always, I hope you have a great start to your week! See you soon!
Maggie, Evan Healy is also having a 25% off SALE right now. I've been wanting to try their oil foundation, so looks like this would be a good time !