It’s no secret that I love all things beauty product–makeup, skincare, etc. I talk about them here on Tuesdays, and I talk about them daily in IRL. With the exclusion of a few products (which will be referenced below), I purchase all of these products with my very own, hard-earned money. And since I do, I like to save money wherever I can.
If you want to learn how I save money on beauty products, then just keep reading.
1. Coupons
If you buy a lot of drug store makeup, and you aren’t utilizing coupons, you are missing out.
There are a few different types of coupons to watch for–store specific and manufacturer. Manufacturer coupons can be used at any store that carries the brand while store coupons can only be used at the specific store, BUT they can be combined. Stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid always have sales going on in their beauty department. Shopping sales, utilizing stores’ reward systems, and stacked coupons can save some serious cash.
Bed Bath & Beyond is another place to look for beauty products. Not all locations carry coupons, but all locations except the 20% off coupons (that are distributed frequently.) If your local store doesn’t carry makeup, you can use those coupons on bigger purchases like makeup mirrors or storage items.
2. Store Reward Programs
Most retailers have some sort of free rewards program where you gain points that can be redeemed for something–product, discounts on future products, etc. I sign up for the programs from stores I shop frequently–because if I’m making purchases and can gain some sort of reward, I might as well.
I personally love programs like Ulta’s * and drugstores like Walgreens and CVS; they allow your purchase dollars to add up for points that can then be translated into dollar amounts off of a future purchase. I like these a little better than programs like Sephora where your points are redeemed for sample products. I don’t like the idea of spending 100 points (or $100) on a sample sized mascara, but I do like stocking up on products I already love or want to try.
An easy way to keep the emails organized is tho set up a ‘promotions’ folder in your e-mail. That way you don’t have to flood your main inbox.
3. Ebates
If you’ve been following for a while, you’ll know I love Ebates. At first, I honestly thought it was a gimmick, but it’s not. It’s free and it’s easy. All you do is sign up, shop as usual, and earn cashback on qualifying retailers. Traditionally you’d go to Ebates.com before shopping and then search for your desired store, it will then be linked back to your Ebates account. What I do is use the browser button on Google Chrome. After you install it, it reminds you every time you’re on a website that offers cashback, and you’d hit ‘activate’ if you want to use it. It also alerts you of any available coupon codes.
It sounds too good to be true, I know. But here’s how it works. The featured retailers pay Ebates a commission every time you shop using their site. Ebates then splits that commission with you 50/50. So with every purchase, the cashback you receive is half the commission Ebates would otherwise make. It’s pretty generous, really.
Ebates cashback also works in conjunction with any coupons and sales, which saves even more money.
I seriously recommend Ebates to anyone not already signed up. If you sign up using my referral link, you’ll receive a $10 welcome bonus with your first purchase of $25.
4. Free Samples
I know a lot of people who shrug free samples off without a second thought, but I actually really like to utilize them in a few different ways and for a few different purposes.
I like to get samples from Sephora or makeup counters for products I want to try, but I want to test it out on my skin before I jump in and purchase the full-sized product. Things like foundation, fragrance, and serums are iffy for me–they may not wear well on my skin or may break me out, and they are generally higher in price. So if I can test it first, I would prefer that.
I also like to stock up on samples I already know I love. For instance, I get the Ole Henrikson Truth Serum whenever I can–be it foil packet or deluxe size. I will squeeze the foil packets into a small container (from previous samples I’ve received and save), and it lasts me 2-3 weeks, easy. I’ve only had to buy one bottle of this product because I stocked up on the samples.
5. Influencer Programs
As I mentioned previously, on occasion I do receive products for free to review via Influenster. Influenster * is a free program that you can sign up for, take surveys, make reviews, and participate in other various tasks that give you influencer points. And every so often, a brand and Influenster will match you with what they call a VoxBox. You will receive the products, and the brand will have you complete tasks. The more tasks you complete, the more boxes you are likely to receive.
I’ve been able to try some products I fell in love with that I’d likely have no bought otherwise.
How do you save money on your beauty products?
*Links through Ulta, Ebates, and Influenster are affiliate or referral links, and I will receive points or a small commission off of referrals. If you don’t wish to use my links, feel free to sign up for the programs on your own through their website.
Thanks for this!