Beauty on a Budget: 7 Timeless Tips to Save Money on Makeup

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(Gentlemen, while this post may not directly apply to you, feel free to share these insights with the women in your life and earn bonus points for your thoughtful knowledge.)

Makeup is something I have a love/hate relationship with. I enjoy experimenting with different shades, preparing my friend's daughter for prom, and having a good time during spa nights at home with friends.

That said, I can happily go weeks without makeup; it isn't a necessity for me. However, the creativity of mixing colors and trying new application techniques is a joy.

Makeup can also lead to overspending. Before having kids, when I had more discretionary income, I frequently purchased makeup. I soon transitioned from drugstores to department stores for pricier options. Although those products were appealing, the expense was steep. Once my children were born, I realized I couldn't continue that way. I adapted by learning to extend the life of my existing products and cut my spending significantly.

Here are my top tips for saving money on makeup:

1. Prioritize Skin Care.

Even the highest quality cosmetics cannot mask fundamental skin issues. Addressing dryness, blemishes, and enlarged pores is essential for your makeup to apply smoothly and look flawless. A good skincare routine is a worthwhile investment, ensuring your makeup performs better.

2. Opt for a Slightly Darker Powder.

Select a pressed or loose powder a shade darker than your typical choice and blend in talcum powder. This trick extends the life of your powder without altering your makeup's overall appearance.

3. Blend Moisturizer with Foundation.

Mixing quality moisturizer with your liquid foundation allows for smoother application and minimizes the amount of foundation you use daily. As a result, a single bottle of high-end foundation can last me 10-12 months.

4. Use a Brush to Apply Makeup.

Using fingers to apply foundation results in product waste as it ends up on your hands. Brushes provide precision and efficiency in application, applying products where desired without loss.

5. Take Advantage of Sales.

Regular sales at drugstores like Rite Aid can help you buy essentials at discounted prices. Stock up when you see half-off offers or clearance on items that can be combined to create a usable shade.

6. Get Free Makeovers at Department Stores.

Most department stores offer complimentary makeovers, knowing you'll likely purchase something afterward. It's an excellent way to refresh your look for special occasions without spending on new products.

7. Be Creative with Colors.

Many products, like nail polish, blush, and eyeshadow, can be mixed to form new shades. This approach can lead to discovering a new favorite look without incurring extra costs.

8. Invest in Setting Products.

Things like top coats, lipstick treatments, and setting powders are wise investments, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.

Even if you're a fan of high-end brands, following these strategies can help you save money while enjoying your makeup routine.

What money-saving makeup tips do you find effective?

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If you share my passion for makeup, it's all too easy to overspend on the latest products each month.

There's something exciting about using a new eyeshadow palette or receiving compliments on that perfect nude lipstick.

If you're keen to save while looking fabulous, here are some vital tips to assist in cutting your makeup costs!

Explore Budget-Friendly Brands

Many beauty influencers on YouTube convince us we need that extravagant $60 eyeshadow palette (though, realistically, we don't).

If you wish to learn more, don’t hesitate to visit Doriff.

Countless popular makeup brands are overpriced, and while the product quality may be good, there are excellent dupes available at a much lower cost.

Here are a few of my go-to budget-friendly brands, often found at local drugstores, Ulta, and Sephora.

Consider a Subscription Service

If you remember nothing else from this list, remember this:

I once overspent on makeup just to sample new products. Although my collection was impressive, it was disheartening to waste money on items that remained unused.

So, I subscribed to Boxycharm. For just $25 monthly, I receive five full-sized products that include makeup, skincare, and tools.

Each box typically features both luxury items and indie brands, allowing me to try products I might never have purchased on my own.

Plus, if I love the items, I can buy them directly from Boxycharm at a discounted price!

Rescue Broken Makeup

It's infuriating to drop your bronzer or crush your eyeshadow palette while traveling. It feels like throwing money away when you see your favorite product in ruins.

But before tossing out the damaged makeup, there are simple at-home solutions! If powder makeup breaks, just follow these steps:

1. Scrape the remaining product into a compact and crush it into fine pieces.
2. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol and smooth it out.
3. Let it dry overnight.
4. Now, your pressed bronzer, blush, or eyeshadow is revived and ready for use!

Request Samples Before Purchasing

Have you ever bought a product your friend recommended, only to find it unsuitable? Not only is that a waste of money, but it also means you’re stuck with something you don’t want.

The simple solution is to ask for samples prior to purchasing!

A sample will be enough to help you determine if the product is worth investing in.

Utilize Coupons and Shop Sales

Email newsletters may be annoying, but they can result in genuine savings!

Retailers from Sephora to CVS frequently offer valid coupons for various products.

Take advantage of these coupons on your makeup essentials and your overall purchase! Plus, many shops offer reward points for customers:

The bonus is that most of these programs are free to join!

The bottom line is that whether using drugstore or high-end products, the priority is feeling beautiful no matter what you're wearing. When applied, no one can tell what you spent, so make sure to shop smart when wandering the aisles of beauty products.

Do you have any tips to share for saving money while shopping in the makeup aisles? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Married to my high school sweetheart. Dog mom to a golden retriever pup named Sage. Mexican food enthusiast. #1 fan of The Office. Living every day like it’s Pretzel Day.

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