Buying Makeup on a Budget

Beauty is a very expensive habit. Getting your hair and nails done every 2 weeks. Stocking your cabinet with items you bought off of impulse. Trust me, I am right there with you. Adulting has taught me how to do many things and buying makeup on a budget is one of them! I think a lot of people are afraid to seem “cheap” or “broke.” But to me, it is very smart and responsible to save your coins as much as possible.

Everybody knows that when it comes to saving money, coupons are the way to go. Everyone has their tips and tricks for couponing but it has never really worked for me. I would much rather know where to shop than to search for coupons. When I first started wearing makeup, I only knew MAC products. That’s what everyone talked about so that’s where I went. I slowly but surely started shopping at Sephora. Both of which can be a great place to find products but they can both get a little pricey. It wasn’t until I got more into makeup that I started branching out to other brands and other stores. I’m going to share with you my favorite places to buy makeup on a budget.

Place #1: Ulta

Ulta is like the best of both worlds when it comes to beauty products. I say that because you can find both luxury and drugstore brands. This is always my go to spot when I need to find a specific product for the low. Make sure to check out the ‘Sale & Coupon’ section of their website to see what deals are current. They also frequently send catalogs with a coupon so sign up for their mailing list. The key here is to not be afraid to try inexpensive brands! You may find a product that you like.

Place #2: TJ Maxx or Ross

Some people are going to be mad at me for giving this one up but OH WELL SIS! I am here to help us slay and save some coins okay? I am an avid TJ Maxx/Ross shopper but usually for clothes and home-goods. It wasn’t until someone posted about finding the ABH Cream Contour Kits and Shea Moisture products that I started checking the beauty section. Shea Moisture was much easier to find in both stores. I had to go to 2 different TJ Maxx locations to find the ABH Contour Kits. And for the price it was definitely worth it. I’ve also been able to find BareMinerals, Real Techniques, and Chi products for great prices.

Place # 3: Nordstrom Rack 

I never really shopped at Nordstrom Rack, mostly because there wasn’t one near me. They recently opened a location by my job and I have not been able to stay out of it. While I was browsing, I came across the makeup section and it was just what I needed. Urban Decay. NYX. Too Faced. MAC. Big names for great prices. I purchased the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, regularly $32, for $19.

Place #4: The Cosmetics Company

If there is an outlet mall near you check to see if The Cosmetics Company is there. For my local readers there is one at the National Harbor and Queenstown (Ocean City) outlets. This store usually carries items that are over-made or out of season. For example, I found MAC’s Ariana Grande Lipglass here once it had left stores. Just because MAC is no longer selling it doesn’t mean it isn’t still in style!

Bonus Tip 1: I also like to use Ebates when I’m shopping online. They work with stores like MAC, Ulta, and Sephora to get you coupons and cash back on your purchases. You can get $10 when signing up by using my link here.

Bonus Tip 2: If you are a Professional Makeup Artist (meaning you have a portfolio of work to show + you do makeup on others) you can apply for discounts. Do some internet research to see what brands and pro discounts and which ones you are eligible for.

Are there places that you find good makeup for a great price? Let me know in the comments below!