Beauty for less
Skin care, cosmetics for looking good without breaking the bank.
Beauty may be more than skin deep, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t willing to spend a whole lot of money to perfect our superficial surfaces.
From the wrinkle-reducing cream we dab on our skin to the lengthening mascara we drag through our lashes, women who routinely invest in their appearance spend an average of $3,756 a year on cosmetics, skin and hair care, according to a poll conducted by marketing firm OnePoll. Men dig deep to look dapper, too, spending about $3,000 a year on their looks.
The tendency to spend — and even splurge — on beauty supplies starts early. Teens today are enticed by beauty vloggers, social media advertising and influencers paid to promote the latest beauty trends. My teen’s cache of cosmetics and time-consuming beauty routine rivals that of a Hollywood makeup artist. It’s easy to see how some could conceivably invest around $200,000 on their appearance in a lifetime.
Looking good — and, in turn, feeling confident — doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re a prestige brand or budget shopper, there are many ways to save on skin care and cosmetics.
Head directly to the manufacturer: I mentioned my latest obsession, Olay, recently. Head to the company’s website and take advantage of significant savings on skin care. I just scooped up a jar of Luminous Whip moisturizer on sale for $14.62, less than half the original price. As an added bonus, I received a box of Crest 3D Whitestrips absolutely free (a $25 value). All items ship free and subscription orders are available.
Seek out samples: Big brands like Lancome and L’Oreal offer coupons and free samples to those who register on their websites. And don’t be shy. Next time you are at your favorite cosmetic store or counter, ask if there are any samples available.
Become a product tester: There are companies out there seeking honest feedback on up-and-coming products. If you’re a good fit for the free L’Oreal Consumer Testing Panel they’ll send you makeup in the mail to try out. Join Influenster, a product review site, and you may qualify to receive a VoxBox, a box of free, often full-size products that Influenster delivers to members for testing purposes.
Hit up off-priced department stores: If you’re a dedicated deal scooper, drop by your local Marshalls and TJMaxx. I’ve stumbled upon popular, luxury lines from BareMinerals, Smashbox, Lancome and others for a fraction of the original cost.
Register for rewards: Ulta Beauty, Sephora and BareMinerals offer free loyalty rewards programs. When you sign up, not only will you be privy to coupons and special offers, you’ll also get a free gift on your birthday. I routinely receive coupons good for $10 off an Ulta Beauty haul with no minimum purchase required.
Get a little something extra: Many retailers and major cosmetic companies will offer bonus gifts when customers make a minimum purchase. Right now, when you spend $45 on Tarte cosmetics at Macy’s you'll receive a free gift.
Save coin with coupons: Sunday fliers often feature cosmetic coupons good on drugstore brands. Combine manufacturer coupons with sales, store coupons or reward offers — like Target Cartwheel and CVS ExtraBucks Rewards — to save a bundle on beauty aids.
Sign up for a beauty box subscription: Join one of many subscription services and you’ll receive a box of beauty product samples each month or season. BirchBox, Ipsy, Macy’s and Sephora Play! will deliver an assortment of makeup, hair care and skin care samples right to your door for $10-$15 a month. With the Walmart Beauty Box you’ll receive one trove of goodies each season for about $7.
Shop Ulta at Target and stack the savings: Target and Ulta Beauty are teaming up to offer prestige brand cosmetics at Target stores throughout the country. Ulta Beauty at Target is featured in 100 Target stores and on Target.com, with plans to eventually reach a total of 800 locations. It’s convenient and costeffective. Shoppers can combine Ultamate Rewards points and Target Circle offers by linking the two programs in the Target app. If you have a Target REDCard, you’ll also save 5 percent on Ulta purchases.
Clip coupons and shop sales: Simple enough, right? Sunday fliers often feature coupons good for hair care products, including shampoo and conditioner. Combine coupons with sale prices to save even more. If you prefer those pricier brands, like Redken and Biolage, stock up during Ulta’s biannual Jumbo Love Hair Sale. JCPenney also offers a wide selection of prestige coiffure products and routinely runs promotions both in-store and online.