Well this may not be as big for most of you guys, but I just started following this forum recently and was impressed. I don't use a lot of cosmetics but when I do I used to spend on Mac.
I went to Macys to replace my old lipstick (the one that I have always used) and found they did not have the shade I wanted but told me they would get it in a week's time. I thought this was a good time to explore more and went to Sephora and realized the least expensive tube cost 32 bucks :| (More than $20 that I spend at Mac). Since I found a good shade, I bought a 34$ lipstick and got back home but just wasn't feeling good with the cost aspect.
I come home to find a deal listed on one of the deals website that elf was hosting a one day free shipping event and got a lipstick similar to the one I have been using all along for 0.50. I got it right away and this weekend I was out with my friends, and they absolutely loved my current shade :)
i obviously returned the Sephora one :D :D
so happy with this purchase :D