If you’re a makeup lover, chances are you’ve gone broke over makeup numerous times. Truth is, some packages are way too cute to not buy, and some foundations are just made for our skin tones. There are way too many product launches each season and it’s hard for us to keep track of all the new must haves in the beauty industry.

That’s the thing about us makeup obsessed souls: we want it all and we want it now! Sadly, most makeup products are expensive and there’s no way of constantly updating your collection without going broke. We all have mouths to feed and bills to pay, so we have to limit our budget and find ways to save money while makeup shopping. So how do we do this?

In this article, we’ll share some money saving makeup tips that will help you save some coins while still looking snatched!

Use Coupons

Obviously, when doing any type of shopping, coupons can be true money savers! Before placing your order, make sure to check for coupons online. There are many apps that do this for you and they’re extremely easy to use – only a few minutes on your phone will save you so much money!

Shop Sales

Another obvious tip is to shop makeup at reduced prices. Sometimes we get too excited about a product launch and feel the need to get our hands on it asap. But if you want to save money, it’s best to be patient and wait for a clearance. If it’s not something you’re out of, e.g. a foundation or mascara, there’s no need of rushing to get it at a full price. Thankfully, most brands have sales every other month, so we don’t have to wait for too long. Just make sure you’re subscribed to your favorite brands so you don’t miss out on a sale!

Buy In Bulk

While we’re at sales, we have to mention buying in bulk. If you have an absolute favorite foundation that you wouldn’t switch, a concealer, a liner, or any makeup product that you stick to for years, it’s best to buy it in bulk, if possible. This is a way to shop smart and have your favorite products on your vanity at all times.

Shop at Stores With a Return Policy

Can you imagine how much money you’ve spent on makeup you didn’t really like? How many times have you purchased the wrong shade of foundation, or concealer? We often don’t think about these things while shopping, but being able to return the product can save us a lot of money. So it’s best to look for stores with the best return policies, such as Ulta, Target, CVS and more.

Get Your Rewards

Aside from return policies, reward policies are another awesome thing that many stores offer. If you’re into the reward program of a makeup store, you’ll get points for every purchase you make. You can later use them to get makeup products for free. How cool is that?

Trade

If your favorite stores don’t have return policies, and you’ve ended up with makeup you don’t like, trading is a good idea. A lot of people trade makeup via social media, however not everyone feels comfortable sharing personal products with strangers. This is why you can trade your makeup with people you trust, like your friends and family. Arrange a get together with your friends where you all bring your makeup “fails”. Remember, what doesn’t work for your skin might be the best product for someone else. Swatch, test and play, and there’s a good chance you’ll all find a product you love!  

Find Dupes

Yes, we all love high end makeup, but a lot of times these products are too pricy for our budget. This is why dupes are awesome! There are so many drugstore brands that come close in shades, formulas and quality to high end makeup. Drugstore eyeshadow palettes are getting better by the day and there are hundreds of lip shades that are exact dupes for high end lipsticks. Best thing is - you can get these for very cheap prices. So before you spend a fortune of the shades you like, make sure to check for drugstore dupes!

Buy Travel Size

If you’re sure you’re not going to hit pan on that blush before it goes bad, get it in travel size. A lot of brands offer travel size versions of their products for a much lower price than the full size. Just think about all the expired makeup you’ve thrown out just because you didn’t have the time to use it all up. If you had bought it in travel sized packaging, you’d actually get your money’s worth. This is also a great way to play with colors that you don’t usually wear.

Revive Dry Products

If your makeup products are drying out before their expiration date, don’t throw them away! Bring them to life instead. Use coconut oil to revive a dried out brow pomade, or an eyeshadow base. Just add a few drops and stir until the formula is creamy again. Add a couple of eye drops to your dried out mascara to make it work like you just bought it. This is a great way to get the most out of your products and use every last bit!

Use Multi – Purpose Products

Just think about it: if you buy a face palette instead of contour, a bronzer, and a highlight, you’ll save up a lot of money! You can also find palettes that include eyeshadows as well as face makeup. Buying all these products separately is very expensive. That’s why all-in-one palettes are great money savers.

Another thing you can do to save some coins is use one product for multiple purposes. For example, this Bobbi Brown shimmer brick can be used as an eyeshadow palette, a highlighter, and a bronzer. Aside from using versatile products such as this palette, you can find new ways to use the makeup you already own. Contour powders can be used as a bronzer, or as a transition shade in the crease. Shimmery eyeshadows can make amazing highlighters, and peachy lipsticks can be used as a cream blush. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play with makeup! One product can do so many things, and sometimes there’s no need to buy a separate product for every little purpose.