Designer Cosmetics

Tips for Purchasing Designer Cosmetics

By Kathryn M. D'Imperio © 2005

When your local drugstore doesn’t carry the exact shade or type of product you desire, don’t give up! You may have to shell out a little bit more money, but the designer cosmetics at department store counters work wonders, making you feel chic, sexy and stylish!

While you may pay double, triple or even quadruple the amount you are used to spending for a powder compact, eye shadow duo or lipstick, the quality of the products can be exceptional. With dozens of colors, textures, styles and fragrances, designer cosmetics reach out to consumers on many levels. If you’ve never bought these expensive, upscale products, do your best to avoid going hog wild and spending a fortune. Be careful not to get sucked in too deep!

The trick to not spending an exorbitant amount of cash on your cosmetics is to purchase a number of lower end products for everyday use, and to apply the designer cosmetics on special occasions. A special date, a job interview, a dance, wedding or formal gathering – these events provide the best excuses for getting all dolled up!

Another good thing about designer cosmetics…if you plan your shopping trip ahead of time, you can find out when the cosmetics company will be offering their free gift. Many times brands like Clinique and Estée Lauder require a minimum purchase of $25 or $30 for a customer to qualify for the free gift. To reach this minimum quota, you may only need to select two or three items, depending on price.

Tips for getting the most for your money when buying designer cosmetics:

Try to wait for a sale or a special promotion with a free gift. You’ll feel less guilty spending money if you are getting something for free!

If you don’t have a store charge card yet, consider opening one if a discount is involved. Many department stores and chain stores will offer a 10 percent discount on the entire day’s purchases for new charge customers.

Buffer your cosmetic collection with lesser expensive products. Standard brands are typically available in most drugstores, grocery stores and discount beauty supply stores. You can even check out some merchants on the Web for better prices yet!

Keep an eye out for special sales in the store circular. Sometimes stores will avoid discounting their designer cosmetics, but every once in a while you’ll get lucky. While the discount may only come to 10 or 15 percent off, every little bit helps! Keep an eye out for coupons, too!

Designer cosmetics will make you feel chic, sexy and stylish!