If you've browsed through my website you might get the hint that I LOVE drugstore makeup! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm the first to admit on spending way more than I usually would for a product, but sometimes quality wins the prize, no matter what the cost. As my love for makeup grew and my collection expanded, I learned some great money saving tips when shopping for some new goodies. Here I'll share what stores offer a great variety of products, special offers, coupon tips and tricks, and even ways to save money by using a product in more ways than one. Let's start saving!!
What if I told you how easy it was to get a new mascara delivered right to your door right when you need it? Or schedule months in advance when you need a foundation refill or new eyeliner? Well it is, and it can change the way you shop for makeup! When you hear "Amazon" the idea of a large warehouse full of books and electronics might come to mind, but Amazon has expanded their inventory to much more- baby products, groceries, clothing, and beauty products galore, just to name a few! Hard to find items or everyday staples, Amazon has it. And the best thing? Many of the most commonly used makeup products are available to ship on a subscription service- you choose the product and when you want it delivered, plus get a hefty discount all at the same time! So now, you can get a fresh new tube of mascara every 3 months (read my post about expired makeup) or a new foundation every couple of months depending on your use! And I know how much my fellow mommy's will love this- it means one less trip to the store! Aww yeah! I searched through just a few of the hundreds of items and found some of my essentials included in the subscribe and save program.
Oh Ulta, how I love thee, let me count the ways... But seriously, I LOVE ULTA! For those who have never been to one, Ulta is a place where both drugstore and high end beauty products unite, from makeup to skin care and hair care are sold, including its very own salon whose stylists use actual products sold in the store, providing the customer with a first hand experience in trying out new products. One way to save with Ulta is to subscribe to their mailing list and becoming an Ulta rewards member. They put out between 1-2 ads a month (up to 3 during holidays) with a coupon on the back toward any in store or online purchase. You even get a $5 coupon toward any purchase when you sign up. Each mailer has either a $3.50 off $10 purchase (exclusions apply) or a 20% off entire purchase. Along with these coupons, the drugstore items, hair care and skin care, as well as their very own Ulta brand makeup, are offered at great promotions, such as buy one get one free, buy one get one 50%, or a certain dollar discount (2 for $10, 2 for $20, etc) Their high end items are also offered in promotions throughout the year. And-the thing that gets me excited- Ulta accepts manufacturer coupons! So you can take advantage of the deals, plus the mailer coupon, plus any manufacturer coupons you can find. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me! And for those who like me spend way too much time and money there, once you're enrolled in the Ulta rewards program, you accumulate points with each dollar amount you spend which are redeemable at different stages. Redeem 100 points for a $4 off coupon or save up to get a bigger item for free or a salon service, its up to you. To find the nearest location near you, click here.
Local drugstores are a great place to find all the popular drugstore makeup under one roof. The great thing is that they are most often than not always in some kind of promotional deal, such as buy one get free, buy one get one 50%, etc. What's even better is that all accept both in store printable coupons and manufacturer coupons, which means more products for less money! On top of the promotions, many brands give an incentive if you buy a certain dollar amount in any given brand. For example, Rite Aid offers UP Rewards- cash back after meeting the spending requirement on a product. You can use these cash back vouchers on anything in the store on your next visit. And all offer a great satisfaction guarantee on their cosmetics- if for any reason you are not satisfied, either because you chose the wrong color in foundation or for the simple reason that you did not like the product- you can return it for a full refund. That is definitely a great reason to buy from these retailers!
I was introduced to this company at a makeup convention I attended 3 years ago called IMATS (International Makeup and Art Trade Show) and fell in love with the company ever since! They offer great quality products at amazingly affordable prices! What really stands out for me is how they offer their products in palette form (check out my essentials page for some of my favorite products) Palettes are so convenient because you have many options of one product in one easy package. This is great when traveling and for makeup artists when on site. They're popular for their eyeshadow palettes, which have great color selection and high pigmentation, which are two qualities I look for in eyeshadows. They have recently expanded their collection with blush duos, eyebrow color sets, and brushes, which are very comparable to their more expensive competitors. A makeup company I highly recommend which provided quality and quality at the same time, with a fun shopping experience included. Check out www.bhcosmeitcs.com!
Multi-purpose Cosmetics:
Bronzer: Can also serve as a great transition color in the eye crease for a soft smoky look.
Face powder 2-3 shades darker than natural skin tone: This can serve as a bronzer. If you already have a favorite face powder that you use, then just pick up a darker shade to use for contouring and bronzing.
Shimmer eyeshadow: An eyeshadow either in a cool champagne, frosty pink, or golden shimmer can multi task as a face highlighter. Place eyeshadow down the bridge of the nose, above the cheekbones, etc- anywhere you want to highlight the face.
Foundation 2-3 shades darker than skin tone: As with the face powder, a darker foundation can be used as a cream contour. Cream foundations work best, just remember to blend well into the skin. For lasting results, layer a bronzer or dark face powder on top to lock it in.
Concealer: Not only for covering up dark circles of blemishes, concealer can also be used as an eyeshadow base- just be sure to use a thicker formula for long wearing results.
Face powder 2-3 shades darker than natural skin tone: This can serve as a bronzer. If you already have a favorite face powder that you use, then just pick up a darker shade to use for contouring and bronzing.
Shimmer eyeshadow: An eyeshadow either in a cool champagne, frosty pink, or golden shimmer can multi task as a face highlighter. Place eyeshadow down the bridge of the nose, above the cheekbones, etc- anywhere you want to highlight the face.
Foundation 2-3 shades darker than skin tone: As with the face powder, a darker foundation can be used as a cream contour. Cream foundations work best, just remember to blend well into the skin. For lasting results, layer a bronzer or dark face powder on top to lock it in.
Concealer: Not only for covering up dark circles of blemishes, concealer can also be used as an eyeshadow base- just be sure to use a thicker formula for long wearing results.