Saving Money on Cosmetics
Buying Makeup for Less; Where to Find the Best Deals
Beauty is only skin deep. But these days you have to reach deep into your pocket book to find the money to pay for the stuff that makes you look good on the outside, but feeling despair on the inside; after adding up all those cosmetic purchases over the years.
If you look at your cosmetics drawer and lament about all the unused eyeliner, blush and foundation, you have good company. Women fall prey to the latest colors and styles (remember orange lipstick?) and then realize they wasted their hard-earned money on products that have some of the highest markups in the retail industry. Do you ever wonder why you’re greeted by the cosmetic counter when you walk into a department store? Or why makeup never goes on sale? The only "discounts" are those free gifts that end up gathering dust in your cabinet.
How to Save Money on Cosmetics You Will Really Use:
- Stay away from the department stores. There you pay for the pretty packaging, not the actual product. Don’t fall for the free sample promotion. You’ll end up spending way more than you planned just to receive the free sample, and the products you get probably won’t even match your skin tone.
- Head to drugstores and discount chains. If you haven’t visited the cosmetic aisle of your local pharmacy lately, it’s worth a trip. The assortment is vast and the sales people are surprisingly knowledgeable. Even high end cosmetic companies are getting into the act. The only thing that’s different is the packaging. Who needs a fancy bottle anyway? And be sure to search for coupons before you head to the store.
- Makeup lasts a lot longer than you think. Mascara is the one staple that needs to be changed regularly. But your powders and pencils can last for years. Just be sure to sharpen them often.
- Shop online. Sephora offers most of the same brands as the department stores and you’ll receive free shipping if you spend at least $75. Also you get a choice of free samples. They offer a lot of perfumes. So before buying an expensive perfume for yourself, consider samples instead, especially if you don’t often wear a scent. A big bottle you pay a fortune for won't last very long and samples allow you to try out new fragrances every time you go out.
Finally, if you run out of blush, lipstick works, and eye shadow can double as a liner if you don’t feel like buying an eye pencil.
