Getting the best makeup products often comes at a pretty penny. You have to find alternatives or learn how to shop makeup products on a budget. These products are capped at a certain price because they provide great quality. However, there are times when we can’t afford these products, or we place ourselves on a tight budget for whatever reason. On these occasions, we wish we could get our favorite makeup products at cheaper prices.
Well, the good news is you can.
I will be sharing a few tips that will help you shop for the best brands at affordable prices.
Shopping Makeup Products On A Budget
Shopping for makeup on a budget isn’t that difficult. You have probably tried one or two of these tips before without knowing, but here I will be providing you with more.
Tip 1. Make a list
Always make a list of items you actually need, and a separate one for your wants. Be sure to mark them in order of priority so you know which should come first. Having a list will help you stay focused n getting the things you actually need so you don’t get carried away while shopping. It is common to get lost in the world of makeup products, especially when shopping online. A list will also help you estimate your budget.
Tip 2. Recycle empty makeup for a free gift
Something interesting I found online while doing some research is that you can recycle old packaging of your makeup for a free gift. Yes, you stand a chance to get free makeup when you return the empty packaging of your used makeup products. A few makeup brands that offer such deals include MAC that has a program called Back to MAC. The program allows you to return six primary packaging containers to MAC counters and you get a free lipstick of your choosing. I’m sure we know how much a MAC lipstick costs, right?
Any form of packaging can be returned, e.g foundation bottles, powder pots, etc, but they have to be primary packaging. However, this does not cover packaging like cellophane wrappers, paper boxes, and the likes. This is a pretty cool idea, right? Well, now you are encouraged to recycle products used and also save the environment – a win-win situation.
There are other brands that offer such schemes, so if you have some spare time you can do some quick research.
Tip 3. Go for dupes
As much as we would all love to get those high-end brands, we won’t always be able to afford them. Instead of opting for high-end brands, go for dupes of these products. Dupes are more affordable and still provide you with great quality. Do not be fooled because they are called dupes, they are just as good as these high-end brands. They can be called the more affordable version of high-end brands I listed a few high-end foundation brand dupes to help you get started.
Tip 4. Ask for free samples
Most people don’t know this, but when you walk into any official brand store, you can ask for free samples of certain makeup items. If you are looking to try something new, just tell the attendant and ask for a free sample. If the product you want to try is eligible and has a free sample then you are in luck. Note that not all products or brands offer free samples, but you lose nothing by asking.
Tip 5. Be a makeup product tester
Another way to get free products not many people have considered is to be a product tester. It’s pretty easy and not so easy at the same time. Getting into a product testing program can be a bit tough. The lists are often kept short with stringent criteria, but you can try all the same. This is one of the great ways to get lots of free products. You will either be called into the facility to carry out these tests in a controlled environment or sent free products to your home.
Tip 6. Use promo codes and coupons
A lot of brands offer coupons or promo codes at certain times. Always be on the lookout for when a brand or store offers a discount on items or gives out free coupons. You will be saving some cash and still buying those high-end brands you so love. Also, look out for promo codes from your favorite influencers on social media. A lot of brands partner with certain influencers and brand ambassadors online and give them customized promo codes for their followers – use them, you lose nothing, and stand to gain a lot more.
Tip 7. Search for discounts
Oftentimes brands and platforms offer discounts on their products but we just might not notice. Well, now you’re encouraged to actively search out discounts – there’s no shame in that. There are almost always discounts available like first-time shopper discounts, student discounts, and so on. Do not be shy to search for and use these discounts, every penny saved is quite essential dear.
I can imagine some of you would be in awe right now. Like, “how could you not have known some of these tricks to help you save money on makeup products”? Well, it’s never too late and now you know. So, walk into any store or start your shopping online and begin to save those bucks and still get quality products.
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