As someone who loves experimenting with makeup, I’ve often found myself looking for ways to save money while still achieving great results. Makeup can quickly add up, especially when I’m constantly tempted by the latest products and trends. Over time, I’ve learned several strategies to reduce my makeup expenses without compromising on quality or the effectiveness of the products I use. In this article, I’ll share 11 easy tips I use to save money on makeup and maintain a polished look. These tips are not about skimping on quality but about being smarter with my purchases. Let’s dive into it.
Table of Contents
1. Invest in Multi-Use Products
One of the easiest ways to save money on makeup is by investing in products that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a lipstick can also double as a blush or an eyeshadow. I love products like cream blushes and lip tints that can be used on my cheeks, lips, and sometimes even on my eyelids. These multi-use products reduce the number of items I need to buy, and they’re often more affordable than purchasing separate products for each purpose.
Example:
- Lipstick: $15
- Blush: $20
- Eyeshadow: $18
If I use a single lipstick for all three functions, I save up to $23.
2. Buy High-Quality Drugstore Brands
It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of high-end makeup, but I’ve found that many drugstore brands offer products that are just as good, if not better. Drugstore makeup is often much more affordable, and the quality has improved significantly in recent years. Products from brands like Maybelline, L’Oréal, and NYX are frequently comparable to their high-end counterparts in terms of pigmentation, texture, and longevity.
Comparison Table: Drugstore vs. High-End Products
| Product Type | Drugstore Option (Price) | High-End Option (Price) | Difference ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | $10 (Maybelline Fit Me) | $40 (Estée Lauder Double Wear) | $30 |
| Mascara | $8 (L’Oréal Lash Paradise) | $25 (Too Faced Better Than Sex) | $17 |
| Eyeshadow | $12 (NYX Professional) | $55 (Urban Decay Naked) | $43 |
As you can see, switching to drugstore options can save me a significant amount of money.
3. Use Makeup Samples and Travel Sizes
Whenever I can, I take advantage of free samples and travel-sized products. Many beauty stores offer free samples of new products, or I can purchase smaller sizes at a fraction of the cost. These smaller products are great for testing out a new item before committing to the full-size version. Plus, they are often more portable, which is handy for travel.
Example:
- Full-size foundation: $40
- Travel-size foundation: $15
By choosing travel-size products, I save $25 and get a smaller, more manageable product to use.
4. Avoid Expensive Tools
It’s tempting to splurge on high-end makeup brushes and tools, but I’ve found that most drugstore options work just as well. I’ve tried brushes from brands like Real Techniques and e.l.f., and they perform excellently at a fraction of the price. The key is to clean my brushes regularly and replace them when necessary, which keeps the brushes in good shape for a longer time.
Example:
- High-end brush set: $100
- Drugstore brush set: $25
Switching to the drugstore brush set saves me $75.
5. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts
One of the best ways I’ve saved money on makeup is by shopping during sales events. Many retailers have sales throughout the year, offering discounts of up to 50% off or more. Signing up for newsletters or loyalty programs can also give me access to exclusive promotions and early bird deals. I’ve scored some of my favorite products at significantly lower prices this way.
Example:
- Regular price for an item: $30
- Discounted price during a sale: $18
- Savings: $12
I make it a habit to watch for sales on my favorite beauty websites to maximize my savings.
6. Buy in Bulk for Products You Use Frequently
Certain makeup products, like mascara, primer, or foundation, I use on a regular basis. For these items, I’ve found that buying in bulk can save me money in the long run. Purchasing multiple items at once often comes with discounts, and I avoid paying full price for each individual product.
Example:
- Single mascara: $12
- Buy 2 mascaras for $20
By buying in bulk, I save $4 per purchase.
7. Try Subscription Services
Makeup subscription boxes can be a great way to save money while trying out new products. Services like Ipsy and BoxyCharm allow me to receive a curated selection of beauty products each month for a fixed price. While the monthly cost is an expense, the value I receive in terms of full-sized products and samples is often much greater.
Example:
- Ipsy subscription: $12/month
- Average value of products received: $40/month
If I subscribed for 6 months, I’d pay $72 but receive $240 worth of products, a savings of $168.
8. DIY Some Products
I’ve discovered that making my own products at home can be a cost-effective alternative to buying them. For example, I can easily make a DIY face mask or lip scrub using ingredients I already have in my kitchen. There are also plenty of recipes online for homemade makeup removers and even mascara. These DIY options are both affordable and customizable.
Example:
- Store-bought lip scrub: $10
- Homemade lip scrub (sugar and coconut oil): $1
The homemade scrub saves me $9.
9. Look for Long-Lasting Products
Investing in long-lasting products might have a higher upfront cost, but in the long run, it saves me money. Products that last longer before I need to replace them mean I don’t have to repurchase as frequently. A good example of this is a long-wearing foundation or a waterproof mascara. These products are worth the extra money because they stay on longer and reduce the need for touch-ups throughout the day.
Example:
- Regular foundation: $30 (replaces every 3 months)
- Long-lasting foundation: $50 (replaces every 6 months)
By switching to the long-lasting foundation, I only need to buy two bottles in a year, compared to four for the regular foundation. This saves me $40 annually.
10. Repurpose Old Makeup Containers
Instead of tossing empty makeup containers, I’ve learned to repurpose them. For example, I can clean old jars or bottles and use them for new products or even store other cosmetics like hair ties or cotton pads. Some brands even offer rewards for returning empty packaging, which can further help me save money.
Example:
- New jar: $10
- Repurposed jar: $0
By reusing containers, I avoid spending money on new packaging.
11. Be Mindful of Expiration Dates
I’ve realized that many of my makeup products have a shorter shelf life than I initially thought. By being mindful of expiration dates, I avoid using products that no longer work as effectively, which can be a waste of money. I’ve also learned to buy products in smaller quantities to ensure that I use them up before they expire.
Example:
- Expired makeup: $25 down the drain
- Non-expired makeup: Fully used product, no waste
By using products before they expire, I avoid wasting money on items I never fully use.
Conclusion
Saving money on makeup doesn’t require drastic sacrifices. With a bit of thought and planning, I can still enjoy high-quality products while sticking to my budget. By focusing on multi-use products, shopping smarter, and being mindful of my purchases, I’ve been able to reduce my makeup spending significantly. These 11 tips have worked wonders for me, and I hope they help you save money too, without compromising on the beauty and quality you love.