If you purchase cosmetics and beauty supplies on a regular basis, you know how expensive they can be, particularly if you shop at the cosmetic counters at department stores. The good news is there are a variety of places off the beaten path where you can purchase beauty supplies for less than you’d pay in a conventional department store. Next time you have a little time on your hands and are up for a shopping adventure, check out some of these places and save money at the same time:
While they probably won’t have high end cosmetic names such as Lancome or Estee Lauder, dollar stores can be an inexpensive place to buy the basics such as makeup sponges, makeup brushes, cosmetic cases, and tweezers. Although they usually have a selection of cosmetics including mascara, eye shadow, blush, and lipstick, be aware of the fact that some of these items may be manufactured in China where there’s less quality control and focus on safety.
Although an art supply store may not have bargain basement prices, they have an excellent selection of paint brushes that can be used as cosmetic brushes. The quality is often much higher than what you get in your local drugstore. While you’re there, pick up one of those plastic paint mixing trays with the slots. If you use liquid foundation or blush, you can use the slots for mixing shades.
Garage sales are a great source for unopened bottles of fragrance and bottle lotions. You can also occasionally find unopened packages of makeup and cosmetics which, if you’re fortunate, will turn out to be just your shade. It’s not unusual to find people selling higher end cosmetic brands such as Estee Lauder, Lancome, and Elizabeth Arden for pennies on the dollar. You’ll also find tons of Avon products at garage sales. Be sure to only buy unopened products for safety purposes.
If you have a local beauty supply store such as Sally’s in your area, it can be a good source for a variety of hair and cosmetic products. They sell many of the same products that professional hairdressers use in salons and you can find some unusual items you won’t find in your local drugstore. The generic hair care products at Sally’s are often exactly the same as some of the high end brands but can be purchased at a significant discount. They also have good prices on hair appliances. Their makeup selection is rather limited, but there are some good deals to be found.
Purchase beauty supplies: Become an Avon rep.
Avon carries a wide range of cosmetics at a reasonable price. If you sign up to become a rep, you’ll be able to purchase Avon cosmetics at a significant discount. Plus, you can always show the Avon book at work and pick up extra orders and get your cosmetics completely paid for. Plus, it’s interesting to receive the new Avon book each month.
Purchase beauty supplies: Have a cosmetic exchange party
Get together a group of friends and meet at someone’s house for an evening of socializing and makeup exchanges. Encourage everyone to bring the makeup items resting in their cabinets that they never use. Allow people in the group to exchange their old, unused makeup for another item they can use. This is a great way to clean out that cabinet filled with abandoned cosmetics and get some items you can use.
If you’re on a budget, you can still find cosmetics and beauty supplies at reasonable prices. It just means going off the beaten path. It’ll be worth it when you discover all the money you’ve saved.
