Score high end cosmetics at a discount! Via Shutterstock
Paying top dollar for high end cosmetics is criminal, but finding out the beauty products simply don’t work for you is even worse. I’m a sucker for the cosmetics counter so I’ve found myself in this situation many times. Learn how to score deals on brand name cosmetics below!
Here are 6 ways to get high end cosmetics at a discount price.
Beauty Swap – Can’t bare to throw out pricey cosmetics? Not long ago, my friend and I swapped dry shampoos so the products wouldn’t go to waste. She hated the smell of the one she’d bought. I wanted to break up with my aerosol can. We swapped and saved each other money. You can too!
Organize a beauty swap with friends or head to the nearest one. Many of these events are free as long as you bring products to swap. Others charge a nominal fee. This is the perfect way to get rid of high end cosmetics that didn’t work for you while scoring other beauty products! Items like shampoos, eye creams, and even lipstick can be traded. I know you may be grossed out about using someone else’s lipstick, but most makeup can be cleaned and used by others!
HarmonDiscounts.com – ShopSmart magazine recommends this site to find deals on high end cosmetics. ShopSmart found that cosmetics are often cheaper online than in store. My advice is to first shop in store to find the right makeup shades and then repurchase online.
Makeup Subscriptions – One of the most popular makeup sample subscriptions is Birchbox. You pay a monthly fee ($10/month or $110/year) and receive high end cosmetic samples, which you can then buy through them at a discount. There’s now a sample box for men’s cosmetics in case your guy needs some pampering. Here’s more on how Birchbox works.
Ulta – Ulta is known for carrying all of the popular high end cosmetic brands including Smashbox, Bare Escentuals, Philosophy and Urban Decay. I recently received a 20% off one product coupon in my email from this beauty outlet store. You can sign up to receive ULTA’s emails in your inbox or check the current ad for coupons. Redeem coupons in store or online. Don’t forget to check online for coupon codes, and in the Sunday paper to look for coupons.
Gilt – Shop Gilt’s women’s health and beauty section to get brands at up to 60% off! Score Laura Mercier cosmetics (love her tinted moisturizer), Deborah Lippmann, Philosophy, and more. The downside to Gilt is products tend to sell out fast. You’ll also have to sign up to receive their emails and stay in the loop on what’s on sale.
At the Counter – Hitting the high-end cosmetics counters at the right time will also pay off. Many department stores have sales of up to 40% off just keep an eye out for them. Even if there is no sale, and gift set with a minimum purchase, sales associates can give out free samples at their discretion. The freebie is rather small, so don’t plan on more than 1-3 uses per sample.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
I’ve never seen a department store with a 40% off sale on cosmetics, or any sale for that matter. They do have special “bonus items” that usually include smaller, travel size of popular items. One way I save on these items is to ask for gift cards for birthdays & Christmas. That way I can purchase what I need throughout the year.
@Sarah It’s rare, but it does happen! Keep an eye out during the holidays. The bonus items can be useful, but many times you don’t get to select the color or items. Buying discounted gift cards also help keep costs down.