Makeup products can be quite expensive, especially when you’re looking for high-quality items that deliver long-lasting results. However, you don’t need to break the bank to maintain a fabulous beauty routine. With a few simple strategies, you can find makeup products online at discounted prices, allowing you to save money while still enjoying your favorite beauty essentials. Here are five easy tips to help you save on makeup products online without compromising on quality.
1. Take Advantage of Sales and Seasonal Discounts
One of the best ways to save money on makeup products is to time your purchases around sales and seasonal discounts. Many online beauty retailers offer huge discounts during special events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, New Year sales, and more. By planning your makeup purchases around these sales, you can often score your favorite products at a fraction of the original price.
Why It Works:
- Major retailers like Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and even drugstore chains like Walgreens often mark down their makeup during sales events, allowing you to save significantly.
- Seasonal sales and promotions are a great opportunity to stock up on products you use regularly or try new items without paying full price.
Tips for Maximizing Sales:
- Set reminders for upcoming sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other major beauty-related holidays. Keep an eye on the discounts and start preparing your wishlist in advance.
- Sign up for newsletters from your favorite beauty retailers to receive exclusive offers and early access to sales.
Pro Tip:
Some stores will offer additional discounts if you’re a first-time customer or if you use their mobile app to make a purchase. Don’t forget to check for any extra offers!
2. Use Promo Codes and Coupons
Before you make an online purchase, always check for available promo codes or coupons that can provide additional savings. Many beauty retailers partner with coupon sites, loyalty programs, or even influencers to offer promo codes that can be applied during checkout.
Why It Works:
- Promo codes and coupons can offer savings ranging from 10% to 40% off your total purchase, and sometimes even more depending on the product or store.
- These codes can often be combined with other ongoing discounts, meaning you can get a double discount, making it easier to save.
Where to Find Promo Codes:
- Coupon websites like Honey, RetailMeNot, and Groupon are great resources for discovering available promo codes.
- Sign up for the loyalty programs of major beauty retailers such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty, as they often send exclusive codes and discounts to their members.
- Follow beauty influencers and brands on social media. Many times, makeup brands will release influencer-exclusive discount codes.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to apply your promo code at checkout before finalizing your purchase, and be sure that the code is valid for the items you’re buying. Sometimes codes may only apply to specific brands or products.
3. Shop for Drugstore Makeup Alternatives
If you’re looking to save on makeup without sacrificing quality, consider exploring drugstore makeup options. Many drugstore brands offer products that rival high-end cosmetics in terms of performance and finish, but at a fraction of the cost.
Why It Works:
- Drugstore makeup brands often provide similar formulations to high-end brands at much lower prices, giving you more value for your money.
- Popular drugstore brands like Maybelline, L’Oréal, and CoverGirl are frequently available online at discounted prices or with added promotions, making it easier to shop on a budget.
What to Look For:
- Foundation: Drugstore foundations like Maybelline Fit Me and L’Oréal True Match are cult favorites for their smooth application and lasting power.
- Lipsticks: Drugstore brands offer a wide range of beautiful lip colors with rich pigments that rival higher-end options.
- Mascaras: Drugstore mascaras such as L’Oréal Voluminous and Maybelline Lash Sensational are often compared to premium mascaras for their volume-boosting effects.
Pro Tip:
If you’re hesitant to switch to drugstore makeup, try sampling the products in-store first. Most drugstores allow you to test makeup shades or textures, so you can get a feel for them before committing to an online purchase.
4. Buy Makeup Kits and Bundles
Another fantastic way to save on makeup products is to buy makeup kits or bundles. Many online retailers offer makeup kits that contain several products from the same brand or even a curated selection of bestsellers. These kits often come at a lower price than if you were to purchase each product individually.
Why It Works:
- Makeup kits and bundles offer great value since they allow you to try multiple products at once for less money.
- Bundles are often themed, such as “party-ready kits” or “everyday essentials,” so you can stock up on products that match your specific needs or preferences.
Where to Find Bundles:
- Look for makeup kits from major beauty retailers like Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and MAC Cosmetics. These stores often release exclusive bundles during seasonal events.
- Box subscriptions like Ipsy and Birchbox offer curated kits with makeup samples for a fraction of the price of full-sized products, allowing you to explore different brands and products.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to compare prices across different retailers to see if you’re getting the best deal on the makeup kit or bundle. Sometimes, a discounted bundle might still be more expensive than purchasing the items individually during a sale.
5. Sign Up for Beauty Subscription Boxes
Beauty subscription boxes are an excellent way to save on makeup products while discovering new favorites. These boxes often feature a mix of full-sized and sample-sized products that can introduce you to high-end brands at a fraction of the cost.
Why It Works:
- Subscription boxes typically cost less than purchasing each product individually, allowing you to try new makeup without a big investment.
- Many boxes offer personalized recommendations based on your beauty profile, so you receive products suited to your preferences.
Popular Beauty Subscription Services:
- Ipsy: Offers monthly beauty boxes with 5 sample-sized products and the option to purchase full-sized items at a discount.
- Birchbox: Another monthly subscription that offers a mix of makeup, skincare, and haircare products.
- BoxyCharm: Provides 5 full-sized products in every box, with a focus on high-end and popular beauty brands.
Pro Tip:
Many subscription services offer discounts or promotions for first-time subscribers. Take advantage of these offers to save even more on your first box, and consider canceling or pausing your subscription after you’ve tried the products you want.
Conclusion
Saving money on makeup doesn’t have to mean settling for low-quality products. By taking advantage of sales, using promo codes, exploring drugstore alternatives, buying bundles, and signing up for beauty subscription boxes, you can enjoy your favorite makeup items at a much lower price. The key is to be strategic with your shopping, plan ahead for sales, and always keep an eye out for promotions and discounts. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a fabulous makeup collection without breaking the bank.
Happy shopping, and enjoy your beauty bargains!