Do you overspend on makeup? You might need to read these easy ways to save money on makeup and cosmetics. A drawer full of cosmetics and beauty products that you are not using could have saved you so much money. I’m a frugalista, but sometimes a new lipstick or eyeshadow can be an inexpensive treat.
Good news! You still have hope to make sure you can do to help yourself make impulsive buys next time. Let me share with you the best ways I do to make sure I save a lot of money when I buy my beauty items.
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Easy Ways to Save Money on Makeup and Cosmetics
Find Alternatives
Instead of buying high-end brands, consider store brands that offer similar quality at a lower price point. You can find them by searching online, at a local drugstore, or asking for recommendations from friends. Drugstore brands I like and can recommend are Maybelline, L’Oreal, Covergirl, and NYX.
Recycle Packaging
Many beauty brands have recycling programs that allow you to recycle empty containers and packaging. Some brands even offer rewards or discounts for recycling like Farmacy, Noble Panacea, Kiehl’s, and more! Check your favorite brand’s website to see if they have the same policy.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools can help you apply makeup more efficiently and reduce waste. For example, using a beauty spatula can help you get every last bit of product out of a container. This is a smart move especially when you are using expensive, high-end products. Using a spatula can help improve your beauty routine and the best part, it has a perfect travel size so you can easily bring it anywhere you go.
Keep a Wishlist
Keeping a wishlist can help you prioritize your purchases and avoid impulse buys. You can also use your wishlist to keep track of sales and discounts as well as help you research products that you need. These help you avoid splurging on expensive products you might end up not using.
Buy During Sales
Many stores offer discounts on makeup and cosmetics during sales events. Checking out these massive sales is a great way to save up not only on makeup but also on hair products and skincare products! Keep an eye out for sales, and stock up on your favorite products when they’re on sale. Whenever I need a new product, I always check these special events in Ulta, Nordstrom, or Sephora.
Get Free Samples
Who doesn’t love free makeup samples? Plus they are great to take when you travel. Sephora has a generous policy when it comes to trying out products before you make a purchase. It’s also a reason why it’s one of my favorite beauty retailers. They will give you free samples of any product you want to try. You can ask a Sephora employee for a sample of any product you’re interested in and they will provide you with a small quantity of the product to try at home. Ulta also gives samples with online orders as well as in stores. Department stores like Nordstrom will give you sample sizes to try before you buy.
Shop Store Circular Online or Website
Never head out to the drug store or department store without checking the store circular online. Places like CVS, Walgreens, and Target tend to have buy 1 and get 1 for 50% off. For products like mascara that need to be replaced several times a year, this is a great time to stock up.
Use Printable Coupons – Check the Store website too
Knowing the brand of cosmetics you want will help you to find online printable coupons. Search online for “Maybelline printable coupons” and then print out those coupons and remember to take them with you. In most instances, you can combine manufacturer’s coupons with sales and in-store coupons. Printable coupons are harder to come by these days, but they are still out there.
Price Match
Bring in a store ad from a competitor and ask the store to price match. Ask at the customer service desk or check their website online. Price matching policies are usually found under FAQ.
Join Loyalty Programs, Email Lists & Newsletters
Use a separate email for your deals and coupons and search that account for what you need before you shop. Many department stores and beauty product stores will give you a discount or freebies for your birthday so be sure and include the date when you sign up. Sephora, Ulta, Sally Beauty, and CVS are just a few popular places to get rewarded for your loyalty.
Follow Along on Social Media
Follow your favorite brands on social media. Often they will offer special promotions or early access to deals to fans on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Stock Up on Holiday Sets
Right before and right after the holidays are the best times to stock up on your favorite products sold in gift sets.
Shop During Bonus Time
If you like Estée Lauder, Clinique, and Lancome, they often have bonus items with your purchase. You can follow the site Gift With Purchase Addict to track the dates and the participating stores.
Try and Compare
YouTube is full of beauty bloggers who test and compare expensive brands and cheaper options. There are popular drugstore versions of products from Benefit, Stila, MAC, Bobbie Brown, and more.
Look at Discount Stores
Discount stores like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx have entire makeup sections full of inexpensive beauty products. Look for nail polish, makeup, skincare, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryers, and styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands. Online shoppers, look at discount sites like QVC.
Take it back
Buy from stores that allow you to return cosmetics that did not work out. Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Macy’s, JC Penney, Kohl’s, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walmart, and Target are some of them. You need a receipt and the card you purchased the item with, but they’ll take it back.
Buy in Bulk or Full-Size Products
The warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s BJ’s) don’t offer a huge selection but they offer several options for quality brands of makeup and cosmetics. Consider splitting the cost with a friend or family member if it is not a product you use often. Some products, like foundation, can be purchased in larger or professional sizes which offer a better price per ounce than regular sizes and can last you a long time.
I wrote a guest post for Dealspotr and included 15 Money-Saving Hacks for Buying Makeup and Cosmetics. See the entire post here.
Do you have any money-saving tips for buying makeup and cosmetics to share?
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