Want that charcoal mask or smoky-eye look but don’t want to spend a lot?

We all want to look our best for the summer holidays and the festive season. Although beauty hauls are can often be costly and confusing, knowing the tricks of the trade can make the shopping experience more convenient, affordable and that much more enjoyable.

Here are our top five tips:

1 KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Figure out which type of products you want to splurge on. If you want to spring a fortune on skin cream, great. But if you can’t afford to keep replenishing, perhaps buy something that’s within your budget.

Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with price comparison website DealNews, says shoppers should look at the weekly circulars at their local pharmacies and drugstores for specials and discounts. The best time to get beauty deals is between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when shoppers can get discounts of 20 percent to 40 percent. That compares with 15 percent to 25 percent off the other times of the year.

 

2 SHOP ONLINE

Use your phone while you’re in the store to compare prices and read reviews of beauty products. This way you can make an informed decision and avoid disappointment with your purchase.

 

3 FOLLOW BLOGGERS

Fashion and beauty bloggers are a great source of  information about new products on the market as they usually get a sneak peak and provide special deals for their followers. Each has his or her own expertise, so follow bloggers who resonate with the type of products and brands that you generally use and like.

 

4 TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Stores are offering increasing opportunities and services for testing, which means you can ask more in-depth questions about color-matching products, receive skincare consultations, and get samples to take home. Before splurging on designer beauty items or even buying those that are more affordable, ensure that the product is suitable for your skin and fits in with your desired beauty regimen.

 

5 SIGN UP FOR LOYALTY PROGRAMS

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Many retailers have reward programs, so the more you buy, the more points you earn. Most times, the points you accrue expire a year from when you earn them. The points can be combined with other discounts and special offers.

 

AUTHOR: ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, AP | PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash