We all like to look our best, but when it comes to buy makeup and beauty products, you can end up spending hundreds of dollars a year on them. Just think about all the products that you use daily: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, serums, primer, concealer, foundation, eyeshadow, blush, mascara, lipsticks, liners, brushes and so on. And most brands, like Chanel, Dior, MAC, Nars, Estee Lauder, aren’t cheap. Here’s a small guide on how to buy great makeup without going broke:
1. Go to the drug store: here you can find plenty of great quality makeup at cheap prices. Some of the best inexpensive brands are: Cover Girl, Rimmel London, L’Oreal Paris, Max Factor, Milani, Maybelline and Revlon. After all, this companies wouldn’t have stayed long in business if their products weren’t good.
2. Trade makeup: if you have some makeup and beauty products that you don’t use, you can always trade them and get new items in return. You can trade with your friends or with other beauty junkies online. There are many makeup forums on the web that also have a swap section.
3. Get a loyalty card: many stores, like Boots and Sephora, have loyalty cards. Anyone can apply for them for free. Every time you buy something in the stores, they give you points that can be used to get anything sold in these shops for free. They also let you take advantage of special offers reserved to loyalty cards members only.
4. Ebay: here you can find expensive makeup at very cheap prices. Some people are also selling makeup in big bundles. Ebay is also a great source to buy products there aren’t available in your country. However, be careful as some people sell fake cosmetics, so make sure you check their feedback before buying anything.
5. Go to stores that sell makeup as a side business: stores that specialize in makeup sell it for a higher price than stores that specialize in other things. Claire’s is most known for their accessories, while La Senza specializes in underwear but they also sell makeup. Their prices are cheap and they also have regular sales and promotions on their items.
6. Look for promo codes: if you’re going to buy online, always look for promotional codes, discount codes and vouchers before placing an order. These codes will give you a discount off the retail price.
7. Buy magazines: there are many magazines that come with makeup products, so make sure you look for them carefully the next time you go to a newsagents. Most of these magazines also have samples inside, so you can actually try a product before buying it.
8. Hold a makeup party: find a local representative for brands like Avon or Mary Kay and they will help you set up a makeup party. Makeup party hosts get lots of samples and a discount, too. The more your friends buy, the higher the discount, so make sure to invite lots of people. This is a great way to get lots of products at a cheap price and also have fun with your friends and maybe make new ones.
Credit: the post was inspired by Trisha at www.makeupfiles.com
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oooh great tips!
i love going to drugstores! i don’t usually buy expensive makeup, as i’m not really good with them.
i go to ebay too! and also buying online is pretty helpful (when you’re from the US). i usually get free shipping.
also reading blogs about makeup and getting tips is a great tip too!
Great tips! I’ve never heard of makeup party before. Sounds like a good idea. LOL
these are great tips!!! thanks girl!
Great tips doll!
I have swatches up if you would like to check them out!
Keep in touch xX
Great review! I find that a lot of clothing stores or Forever 21 type of stores sell NYX products that I love. It’s cheaper than buying it from their direct website or ULTA.
Sab: thanks! I like drugstores too, it’s really nice when you find great makeup at cheap prices. Lucky you to get free shipping! And you’re right, reading blogs is agreat tip, too!
Cinthia: thanks. Not many people know about makeup parties, but they’re a great way to get inexpensive makeup. I never held one, though as almost all my friends aren’t really into makeup
Nikki: thanks gil!
Sara: thanks Sara. I’ve just checked out the swatches, they’re vey pretty!!
Fabulessbeauty: thanks, I like those kind of stores too, they have some great deals on makeup!
Great article. I follow most of those tips. I love high end products, but yeah, I can’t buy them everyday. Isn’t it great when you found a DS product you love at an amazing price?
I love your blog. =)
Thanks Beda. I love high-end products too but I can’t afford to buy them often so I usually trade for them. And I love bargains and DS producst too.
I’m so happy you like the blog!! Keep in touch