Every girl knows the struggle; you want the best but you don’t have the cash. Beauty products are almost always expensive, no matter what company you choose. A good foundation alone can be over $30. It forces us to choose between quality products that will give us the look we want and products that we can actually afford. This really shouldn’t have to be the case. Fortunately, you can use this list as your guide to navigating the beauty product world without breaking your bank. Here are 5 ways you can look like a million bucks without spending nearly that much:
1. Buy knock off perfume.
I know you’re skeptical, but there are many companies that want to cater to those with less cash. You can go to a dollar store and get a bottle of perfume for less than $2. There is, however, a common misconception that all these perfumes smell terrible. This is not true. Many dollar/thrift stores stock scents that are purposely made to resemble some of the best perfumes out there. So, if you know what scent you like, check out the stores near you and look under the perfume names for “Our Impression of:” to see if you can match your favorite scent.
2. Join a “Beauty Box” club.
There are several websites for purchasing boxes of makeup samples. They allow you to get a variety of different products for a lower price than you’d pay for each product individually. Plus, if you’re new to the makeup world, this gives you the option to experiment and find out what you like. Some examples include Birchbox and Ipsy Glam Bags. These bags will even come with makeup tools that are pretty pricey on their own as well.
3. Coupons, coupons, coupons!
Check newspapers, magazines, and websites for coupons. Websites will vary from country to country but two of my favorites (I’m Canadian) are www.websaver.ca and The Krazy Coupon Lady. They are NOT just for groceries. Many brands offer great savings through coupons, you just have to look for them. Also just by looking through your favorite magazines and reading the newspaper, you can find them. Saving a dollar or two anytime you buy a product will add up.
4. Download a cashback app.
Cashback apps are available for your phone and other mobile devices. The best one I’ve found for beauty products is called Checkout 51. Basically, they offer cashback on specific products. You take a photo of your receipt to claim the cash. Then you request a check and it’s mailed to you. It’s that simple.
5. Order beauty samples.
There are so many websites that compile “freebies” or free samples of thousands of different products. A quick google search will no doubt bring up several options. If you have a preference in products or don’t feel like sifting through all the offers on websites, visit your favorite brand’s websites directly often to stay updated on offers.
Beautifying yourself shouldn’t be synonymous with emptying your wallet. Use these 5 easy tips to help you save while still looking your best.
Featured image via Anderson Guerra on Pexels
