8 must-know secrets of every budget-savvy beauty shopper

Having a quality set of skincare and makeup products can add up quickly in terms of costs, but here are some money-saving tips you should know

#1 Exchange it

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Finding a beauty product that works requires a great deal of trial and error. Sometimes the finish isn’t right; or the colours just don’t complement your complexion.

Thankfully, you don’t have to be stuck with a product that you don’t love. Retailers like Watsons have come up with programmes that allow you to exchange opened (even gently used) products so you’ll never have to regret a beauty purchase again.

From now till 30 June 2023, as part of Watsons’ Retailssure makeup exchange assurance programme, any beauty product can be exchanged within seven of the date it was purchased – no questions asked.* If you’re making an exchange, bring along your receipt (or a copy of the eReceipt for an online purchase), Watsons membership physical/eCard and Retailssure eCard. 

*For every transaction, only one makeup product can be exchanged for another product (with the same function). 

#2 Follow on social media for discount codes

In this day and age, information travels fast thanks to social media, and the easiest ways for brands to share information about new launches (and sale) is to post it on their social media accounts. If you’re a huge fan of a certain brand, it doesn’t hurt to follow them on Facebook and Instagram! 

#3 Don’t be shy about samples

How many times have you bought a skincare or makeup, only to find that it’s not suitable for your skin? Stop yourself from buying products you won’t use but asking for samples. Most brands at departmental stores will be more than happy to recommend the products suitable for you, and to let you try them out. 

#4 Save up for annual sales

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know all about the annual Sephora sale where everything goes for 20 per cent off. It might not sound like a lot, but trust us when we say that the savings add up. You might have a tendency to try and hoard purchases, but only do that for things you use on a regular basis so they don’t expire before you get to them. 

#5 Say ‘yes’ to gift with purchase

This doesn’t happen all the time, but special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas usually means that your favourite products might come with some gift with purchase (GWP). Try and hold out for these deals before you make your next big purchase. 

#6 Buy dupes

Let’s face it, not all of us are willing to shell out $50 for a lipstick but it doesn’t hurt to try and find something in a similar shade. That said, never ever buy counterfeit makeup, because you really don’t know what goes into them. Stick to dupe if you want to save money.

#7 Join the mailing lists

Following the brands and stores on social media may be useful, but it’s also a good idea to join their mailing lists. Some stores offer online-only offers from time to time, and the people on their mailing lists often get first dibs (and sometimes even previews) before these items even hit physical stores!

#8 Swap it

If you have a bottle of foundation that doesn’t suit your skin tone anymore cause you’ve been out in the sun, or if someone bought you an eye shadow palette which you already own, then you might want to consider a swap! There’s a Reddit community dedicated to makeup and skincare swaps or if you dare venture onto Carousell, some people are willing to trade their lightly used makeup as well. 

This article was originally published on www.womensweekly.com.sg.

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