Beauty Bargains: make your cosmetic dollar stretch in these tight times
Beauty & Life on a Budget, by Rachel Harris
Every day, the daily newspaper reminds us that times are tight. Cosmetics and other beauty items can add up. Plus, since we use many of these items on a daily basis, we blow through our products quickly. So, to help my fellow dollar divas, I have put together a few ideas on how to get discounts on the stuff that helps us look our best. Read on for beauty bargains and start saving now.
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Check out the ExtraCare CVS card. Membership is free. Simply fill out the membership form to receive an ExtraCare rewards card. Each time you shop at a CVS store, show your card and earn 2% back with every purchase, including prescriptions.
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Every three months, your accumulated savings will print on your register receipt. CVS calls this Extra Bucks. In addition to the 2% back, customers can also earn one Extra Buck for every two prescriptions purchased in-store and online at CVS.com.
Plus the card provides instant savings on items featured in the weekly store circular ads and on select brands that are also advertised. For example, this week the CVS ad states that members can earn triple extra buck rewards through March 7th, on a wide variety of purchases. The same ad brochure also shows that card holders who buy one Revlon lip color product can get a second Revlon item free when they show their card at check-out. |
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 When shopping for cosmetics, look for products that offer several benefits in one. For example, Olay has a face cream called Total Effects Touch of Sun Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer. Made for all skin tones, this product will moisturize, fight signs of aging with the product’s VitaNiacin complex, and add color to your face with the sunless tanner that is included in the formula. So, this purchase is like buying three products in one – a moisturizer, an anti-aging cream and a tanner.
However, do read the fine print. Olay is wise to inform consumers that this product does not contain sunscreen. So remember to apply your sunscreen first.
 Another favorite multi-purpose product trick of mine is to share with your baby. Aveeno baby lotion makes a great after-shower lotion for the whole family and Lansinoh Breast Cream for nursing mothers is the best lip gloss that I have come across yet! Since it is made for babies of nursing mothers, it is non-toxic and can be used on lips of all ages in the family. |
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I recently went to Walgreens for pony tail holders for my daughter’s long hair. We lose them like dryers lose socks!
I almost bought 16 Scunci No-Slip Grip hair bands for $2.99, but I decided to check out the bulk aisle before I finished shopping. I was pleased to find a similar brand for much less. Studio 35 Beauty offered a bulk package that included 200 ponytails for the same price and it also came with one mini-brush that fits in my purse perfectly. I will also share these pony tail holders with my daughter, so we were able to buy one beauty product for two people. |
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Check out Costco and Sam's Club for deals on your personal favorites. For example, you may think that Lancôme is only sold in the department stores. However, Costco sells the HYPNÔSE Custom Volume Mascara from Lancôme in a package of two for only $39.99 compared to one bottle for $23.50 at Nordstrom. That is close to a $10 savings! |
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Cosmetic coupon clipping is a good habit to get into. Check your Sunday paper for savings at Walgreens, grocery stores and more. Plus, check the web for your favorite beauty supply store deals. Ulta.com offers buy one get one free specials on a variety of beauty products. Try www.sallybeauty.com for printable coupons to Sally Beauty Supply stores. I printed out a coupon for five dollars off a jar of SpaTouch Seaweed Body Masque. The coupon expires on February 29th and there is a Sally store location just ten minutes from my home.
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Why not ask for deals? The next time you get your hair cut, go ahead and ask about any upcoming savings specials.
Last week, I went to see my stylist at Just For You Salon & Day Spa in Tempe. I asked her if the salon was offering any current specials and she told me that as a matter of fact, they are offering coupons for $20 off for first-time bikini wax customers.
If you are interested in this coupon for an upcoming Spring Break trip or summer vacation, call 480-752-8100 for more information. Tell the salon that you read about the deal in my column. I was so glad that I asked my hair stylist about any specials. You never know unless you ask. |
I hope the above ideas will leave you and your bank account looking good. You can save your budget without sacrificing your favorite beauty products. You just have to do a little legwork to find the savings, but that effort can go a long way. Plus, if you are less stressed about your finances, you will definitely look and feel better because stress does a number on your skin and health, so here is to looking good for less.
For more beauty bargain ideas, check out my next segment airing on Tuesday, February 26th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Channel 3’s Your Life A to Z
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Rachel Harris
Beauty & Life on a Budget
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