Here are tips for saving money on makeup as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.
Drugstore
I check for coupons usually in the Sunday paper, they are usually good for a few months. Then watch the ads for my favorite drug store to have a sale. Especially the "buy one get another for half off". I like the drug store because if it's the wrong shade or I don't like it they will take it back with receipt.
I agree with using coupons. I just did a "buy one get one free" on Covergirl plus and had a dollar coupon so I got my mineral make up and an 8 dollar mascara for 7 bucks (I normally get the 4 dollar mascara). Also, switch to mineral make up, it saves steps and works great. I have a red face and used to do foundation and powder and the mineral make up does better than both put together.
The Big Lots in my area usually has awesome deals on make up. I just got an Almay lipstick for $2.
I also love to stock up on perfume. I hit the chain stores after Christmas and also Big Lots. I got a Ralph Lauren spray for three dollars. I usually never pay more than 8, even on expensive perfume.
I recently read that Queen Latifah uses baking soda mixed with a little water to exfoliate her skin. It rinses off easily and I find that it works just as well as the expensive products - and it's always in the house!
My wife asks for samples from makeup counters all the time. If they have samples in bowls, she takes a few. She has ended up with enough samples that would fill a bottle.
If you know the brand names that you like, you can often get them at reduced prices on eBay. Just make sure you are buying brand new, never opened products and ask for the "open by date" if it is not posted.
This kind of like the Bare Minerals Brand, except WAY less expensive. They lasted for a little while. Then I ordered some travel sized makeup and it lasted for a very long time. I bought a small Baby Kabuki brush to use for $6 - and I am still using it years later!
I know some people do not like mineral makeup, but it is really good for my skin. I hope this helps.
By Savings Assistant
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"Free Samples" And Other Tips
Warning: If a site asks for your payment info then it's not 'a free sample' :-( These sites make their money from shipping and handling charges and are taking advantage of (and are counting on) people wanting a 'free' sample as a sales pitch for other items as well.
What I do is check out Walmart samples weekly (they change weekly) to see if there is a product I might be interested in trying. Their samples show up 'for free' within six weeks. I've actually switched my cat's brand of food as well as paper towels, deodorant, shampoo and even facial foundation because I sincerely liked the sample brand better. I also tried a facial self tanner sample (tested on my hand first) and loved it!
I can be pretty cheap... but I also like quality items. I wear E.L.F. makeup. You can order it online at http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ or you can use their store locator to find out where it's sold in your area. The product if nice, I love the mineral foundations! everythig's great.
Otherwise, I only buy at places like BigLots, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree. I don't know if you have any of those places near you, but that's where I go.
Don't put baking soda on your face unless you have tested in elsewhere, like on your wrist. My skin itches and burns if it comes in contact with it. I'm guessing I am not the only person allergic to it. I can't even use toothpastes that have it as an ingredient.
I rarely pay full price for makeup - but rather am always on the hunt. I have found new makeup at odd places like thrift shops & yard sales, even! Since I know my palate, I just re-stock whenever I find a really good deal.
I have also found eye makeup and lipstick at the 99 Cent Store! And just picked up mascara and some Revlon kits (50 cents each!) at Big Lots. I also like the Wet N Wild brand - I use their concealer, powder and lipstick (I have a favorite color) and on sale they are not much above $1!
Check out the lower-priced "teenage" brands for current colors at a bargain. I also always look in the bargain bin at the drug store and sometimes there are finds there, too. Now foundation you can get at the drug store is as good as the dept. store stuff... also check deals online! Of course, good old Maybelline mascara is great (& with coupons even better).
Also got a sample mascara in the mail and won a fancy blush, too. Mix & match my lipsticks for good color and according to the condition of my lips.
Again, when you find a deal in a staple get a few of them if you can manage it. They are ok as long as they are sealed and unopened. Then you don't have to run out to get an expensive replacement....
Queen Latifah did NOT say she uses baking soda and water. She said her grandmother did. Reader's Digest, Oct '08, pg 78. Still a good tip, but no need to put words in her mouth.
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