Every gal wants to look her best, even frugal gals. There is just something so exciting about opening up a new tube of lipstick, or a new bottle of perfume. Well, at least for me there is. I know personally that you DO NOT have to spend hundreds of dollars to have a collection worthy of a makeup artist. I like some drugstore makeup, and I like some department store makeup, but I get both for next to nothing. Want to know how? Well, listen up.
Drugstores and Grocery Stores
Annoyed that a tube of Revlon lipstick you want cost 9.99? Don't be. I would never pay that much. Just wait for it to go on sale at one of your favorite drugstores. Then throw in a manufacturer's coupon, and maybe even stack it with a store coupon. Presto! That 9.99 lipstick now costs you a 1.99. You can collect valuable manufacturer's coupons on everything from lipstick to hair dye in your Sunday paper. Browse the best drugstore/ grocery store deals at my favorite coupon websites, then match them up!
Outlet Shopping
Once or twice a year I make a pilgrimage to the outlet mall. It just fits into my whole shopping and saving scheme. When I go to the outlets, a must stop for me is The Cosmetics Company Store. This store is a chain at many outlet malls.
Click here for a list of Outlet Malls where you can find The Cosmetics Company. What do they sell? They sell discounted department store cosmetics, lotions, creams and perfume. Some brands include Estee lauder, Prescriptives, MAC, Origins, Clinique, and Bobbi Brown! Although there are many deals to be had in The Cosmetics Store, the best bang for your buck are Sample Bags. You know those free gifts with purchase that department stores regularly offer? They sell those. They cost around 10.00 to 25.00, and are filled with full and travel size makeup, creams, cleansers, perfumes and other treats. I buy 2 or 3 of these bags every time I go. So for the price of around two department store items I get 15 or more products! That's enough to satisfy my champagne tastes for a whole year. The only drawback is that these sample bags don't often include the newest, trendiest products. Frugal girls must be patient. But don't fret, the products you are drooling over in this month's glossy magazine ads are likely to be available in sample bags or at the outlet shops next year!
Another great stop to make while you are at an outlet mall is
Perfumania, or any other perfume shops available. Come prepared with a list of perfumes that you are after, and how much they would cost you locally and online. You may just find a great deal hidden away in one of these shops, especially if you can find a sample pack or promo item. At the smaller perfume shops, you may even be able to haggle the price down.
Before hitting any outlet mall, do your research. Look the mall up online, find out what stores you are most likely to shop, then do a google search for printable coupons. If you're lucky, a few minutes of searching, and a little ink & paper could save you a bundle!
Sephora
We all love Sephora. It's like a gals wonderland! All of those tiny little packages of shimmering, sparkling goodness! Unfortunately, it can also be "It's-Too-Expensive-Land" or "Oops-I-Over-Spent-On-Cosmetics-Land". But savvy gals take heart! Even the most tight waisted ladies can shop at Sephora now and then.
Start by signing up for their
Beauty Insider Rewards program. You earn points with every purchase that can be used to receive free gifts and top notch product samples. You also get a FREE birthday gift every year! The gift is usually pretty good too. In addition to freebies, beauty insiders are privy to special discounted items online, such as mega sized cosmetic palettes, samplers, and preview products.
P.S. Sephora likes to give out samples. It doesn't hurt to ask if they have any extras when you visit the store.
It goes without saying, but definitely browse their clearance section. But if you REALLY want to stock up at Sephora shop sale/ clearance just before and after Christmas. The prices rock! They have made many "special edition" holiday sets of your favorite cosmetics and now they want to get rid of them. Do you really care if your favorite eye shadow's case has a picture of a snowflake on it, if you got 50- 75% off?? I don't.
One more tip about Sephora. They will give a sample of a perfume of your choice. Just ask. The sample lasts about 4 uses. Get some Chanel and save it for a special occasion.
Finding Makeup Deals Here and There
The are always makeup deals lurking out there, too many to count. Check Ebay and Amazon for particular items you have your eye on. Sometimes, these products become available at great prices. Check out the The Christmas Tree Shop, Big Lots, or other bargain stores too. They buy leftover cosmetics from various stores and sell it at rock bottom prices. Just be careful to inspect the products as carefully as you can before buying. Sometimes, these items can be expired or even counterfeit.
Buy your fragrances around Christmas time. They often come in gift sets and bonus packs or have free gifts. You get more bang for your buck. They also go on clearance quickly after the holidays.
I hope these tips help. I want you to get the stuff you love with out paying too much for it. :)
