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How-To: Keep Your Beauty Spending Under Control

Tue, 12/18/2007 - 2:00pm by bellasugar
9,087 Views - 35 comments

Ever buy a beauty product, only to get home and ask yourself, "Why did I buy this?!" It happens to just about all of us. (I rue the purchase of a Chanel concealer, which sits as an unused symbol of $30 down the drain.) Even though it's fun to create a primping arsenal, it's not so much fun if your clutter—or credit card bill—is out of control. If you find yourself shopping and regretting it later, these ideas should help you stay within your budget. For seven money-saving tips, read more.

Don't shop when you're depressed. This should go without saying. Sure, treating yourself to a new goodie can be a temporary pick-me-up, but avoid the makeup counter if you've just been dumped/fired/yelled at. When you're feeling down, you're more susceptible to sales pitches.

Pass up gifts with purchase. I know, I know: But you get so many free goodies! Sure you do. But chances are, you don't need another vinyl makeup bag and a random lipstick. Plus, most of these promotions encourage you to spend more than you might intend to. You think, "Well, if I spend just seven dollars more, I get the free lip gloss!" If you're spending more to get something you don't need in the first place, you're not making the most out of your money.

Pay only with cash. When you do decide to buy something, pay with cash. Not with your debit card. Not with a check. With cash. This way, you'll physically see how you're spending your money, and you won't be as quick to part with it.

Budget for your beauty. Allow yourself to spend a certain amount of money on beauty products each month — $20, $50, $100, whatever is a comfortable fit for your financial situation. Better to plan a little bit than to blow your budget entirely with unplanned expenses.

Shop only for what you need. Don't buy a new shampoo until the old one is nearly gone. Don't buy a pink lipstick if you already have one at home. Don't buy something just because it's on sale, either; make sure you'll really use it before you buy it.

Know your shopping habits. Certain friends can be well-meaning enablers. ("Oh, you should get it — it's your color!") If that's the case with your friend, consider taking a break from hitting the beauty counters — or simply explain that you're just window shopping this time around.

If you do need something, be clear about it. Sometimes you really do need a new product. In this case, go to the makeup counter and say, "I'm looking for an eye cream today." Politely make it clear that you're not in the market for other items.

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35 Comments Add a Comment

  • bellasugar's picture
    bellasugar
    3

    Oh, I could definitely spend with the best of 'em. But lately I look around my bathroom counter and think, "I really do NOT need more nail polish/blush/eye shadow." Smiling

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • rumpel2's picture
    rumpel2
    4

    I spend hours in Sephora, but usually getting samples for skincare, so atleast I don't splurge on the skincare products Laughing out loud

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • erratic-assassin's picture
    erratic-assassin
    5

    i do an *inventory* of my junk before I go on a spree...you'd be suprised how many silver eye shadows you have...or pink glosses...lol

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • bastille_75's picture
    bastille_75
    6

    Bella, this is great advice!!!! - Not just at the cosmetics counter, but for shopping in general!!! I'm totally going to try steps 1-7 to avoid overspending!! Especially the one about going cash only - so smart.

    Thanks and Happy Holidays!!!

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • nancita's picture
    nancita
    7

    Great tips, Bella. Another tip is to keep a running list of things you DO need or want to try, so you can at least get one of those items if you're hankering to buy.

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • em1282's picture
    em1282
    8

    I just hit a spending wall today when I got my Sephora order. Of course, this is after I ordered stuff at Tarte and Stila over the weekend, but I think my splurge is over. (I hadn't bought myself new makeup since April, but after over-spending, I think I'm done for a while). Thanks for the tips though--the best one is the tip about paying in cash. It really does make you stop and only spend what you can spend!

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • amber_castaldo's picture
    amber_castaldo
    9

    I needed this. Thanks for the tips. I was just saying how I need to stop shopping for myself!

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • pandacn's picture
    pandacn
    10

    I am such a sucker for new colors even though I have the exact same or similar color at home, or I'll forget I have something. I don't think I've ever finished a tube of lipstick. Shopping online is addicting too. I need to stop going on Sephora because before I'll know what hit me, I'll be checking out.

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • julieulie's picture
    julieulie
    11

    My problem is that I buy when things are on sale because "OOOOOH look at the discount!" That said, I do use most of what I buy (eventually) but I certainly don't NEED it. But then I am always afraid that I will regret it if I let the opportunity pass by. I do almost all of my shopping online (working 80 hours per week does not allow much time for actually going out in the real world) so I just track my credit card finances daily, since paying by cash is not an option.

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • emalove's picture
    emalove
    13

    I don't think I've ever left Sephora without spending AT LEAST close to $100.

    I try to only go there when I have extra spending money and I need something specific.

    I'm MUCH better with my beauty product spending than I used to be...it used to be out of control. Now, I try to only buy the products I LOVE from brands that always deliver with their products.

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • aimeeb's picture
    aimeeb
    15

    These are great tips.

    I used to go insane at MAC but I'm a lot better about it now, well that and I own just about everything.

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • i am elle's picture
    i am elle
    16

    I tend to impulse shop when it comes to makeup. I must remember to have cash with me instead of using my check card! These are great tips, Bella. Thanks!

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • jewel123's picture
    jewel123
    17

    I went to Sephora the other day and the makeup artist played barbie on me. I was so tempted to buy it all, but I could only afford to pay $30 on tinted moisturizer.I am going back this weekend to buy more. It's so addiciting! My makeup back is filled with things I spent so much money on and never wear.

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • retail_therapy's picture
    retail_therapy
    18

    yea, great tips! Smiling esp the cash payment.
    I usually try to think of what i can really need to use and then i go check out the counters. after a certain point, i really do learn that i dun need another black eyeshadow, or the perfect blusher or nude lipstick, cos i have more than i can ever use in the near future. of cos, this is my sane self talking.
    When i travel, the craziness starts all over when i find brands which are not available in my country, such as, tarte, too faced, etc. Sticking out tongue then, all tips and sense go outta the door! and hello! spending spree!

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • cherryice's picture
    cherryice
    19

    I'm not in debt, but my beauty spending is crazy sometimes. I am caught up with the Japanese beauty websites and their products are 10 times more interesting/good quality than what we have in the US.

    It helps that I don't like buying clothes, shoes or purses - I just replace what is worn out and splurge if I really, really love something. So that frees up my extra spending for cosmetics and books, my only two vices.

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • shugahxnxspice's picture
    shugahxnxspice
    20

    oh my goodness!!i'm SO guilty of impulse buys. thanks for the tips!! you're definitely right about the cash thing...every time i pay with cash i hesitate forking the money over. i'm gonna try setting a monthly spending limit on makeup and see how that goes.

    42 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • Bellatrix's picture
    Bellatrix
    21

    The thing is, this list applies to almost all aspects of one's life (food - yes, we all buy so many things that do not contribute to our health and that we really don't need -, clothing, decoration, etc.).
    My only problems are :
    - shopping is what I need when I'm really down. No joke. It's my way of taking care of myself (good thing is : I tend to buy great things that I'm very happy with for a long time when I'm "depressed" shopping)
    - the cash thing so many people seem to find handy is completely useless regarding me. My mind is immune to the cash technique... I keep spending as much. And I try this method every once in a while hoping that it might finally do the trick (I wish...).
    - I work in the fashion industry and love to shop by myself without friends who would say "That colour suits you" (I can't help it but I don't like being given advice regarding make-up, perfume and clothes : it's MY thing)
    I need a special list, I guess. Or maybe, there simply is no trick to make me spend less... Who knows? Smiling

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • leanneluvsu's picture
    leanneluvsu
    22

    I'm a ball-a-holic.

    I spend entirely too much at beauty stores.

    Its such a disease.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • Brooklynbee's picture
    Brooklynbee
    23

    These are great tips! I would also add that I think it's helpful to read reviews of products ahead of time so you don't waste your money on products you won't like (like the Bella reviews or Makeupalley!). Also, I like stores where they will advise you on the products that will work best specifically for YOUR hair, skin, etc (like Lush, Sephora - if you can find someone to help you). I find myself less likely to buy products that I won't use that way.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • Daisie's picture
    Daisie
    24

    Thank you for the tips, Bella! Although I have to admit the only one I will probably use is the gifts with purchase one. I won't do that anymore. =) In fact, I just did that at Victoria's Secret just for the purse of goodies and ended up with an ugly bag (looked better online) and only 1 gloss I like out of about 15 samples.

    Although, confession time....only my boyfriend knows this:

    I love Sephora, although I buy online because the closest one is 2 hours away.

    On vacation this summer (to San Fran!), I spent $800 in the Sephora!!!!

    Lots of that money was spent on sets of different lines I wanted to try and I found some great products! (Although, the Kinerase is too expensive to be my normal skincare line at the moment.) There are only a few glosses that I haven't yet used.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • SugarCat's picture
    SugarCat
    25

    Sephora is like crack to me. I have a full shopping cart there right now, I'm just waiting til I get paid before I can check out! Which is bad since every day I keep adding more stuff, heh.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • suzier's picture
    suzier
    26

    This is really good advice and I SO need to follow it. Seriously, it needs to end.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • aaliyah's picture
    aaliyah
    27

    This was really helpful because I always buy things and then stick to my usual routine anyway. I love Sephora but I will be sure to know what I need vs want before I go there in the future.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • marcella's picture
    marcella
    28

    This is great advice. Especially about the "free with purchase" ploy when it comes to beauty products. I can't tell you how many ugly cosmetic bags I have and I've probably only ended up using 1 or 2 of the freebies. I give everything I don't use away.

    I really want to print out these rules and refer to them when I go to MAC. It's really sad when every make-up artist knows me by name and I never leave without spending at least $100. I need to control those impulses better!

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • halo0073's picture
    halo0073
    29

    sephora is like crack to me too. and lately beauty.com. they have great freebies lately that i actually use.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • Bee333's picture
    Bee333
    30

    I'm soo bad. Having recently moved, I know while packing and now unpacking that I have an unworldly amount of stuff...I just can't get myself to throw it away! (mostly shadows and things that "look" good.) My advice for the no-no shopping times: Don't shop on a full moon or when it's "that" time of the month. I find I want to and make the effort to shop during "that" time. I only wish companies had embraced imprinting expiration dates on the actual products sooner.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • Bee333's picture
    Bee333
    31

    How about make a list, check it twice and walk out! Online, I used to get my shopping fixes by filling my cart with stuff I was seriously considering, then closed the site. I find it's better to think about things and physically review what makeup/products I already have. Shopping is a terrible mistress! And samples....probably have a box of those along with--many years ago--gift-with-purchase items.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • JaimeLeah526's picture
    JaimeLeah526
    32

    I have had such a hard time with the makeup. I have a ton of stuff already and I'm trying not to buy anything else unless it's something extraordinary. I will not buy a new lipstick or eyeshadow and I have tons of foundation to use up. I've only bought mascara lately because I've been needing some new ones since mine are old and drying up.

    42 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment
  • pixelhaze's picture
    pixelhaze
    33

    My worst beauty regret was when one of those kiosk salesmen at the mall grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. That stupid "black sea" cream is sitting in my drawer and it cost a helluva lot more that $30 . . . .

    41 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • axlsmom's picture
    axlsmom
    34

    I used to be one of those girls who would just go to the makeup counter and buy stuff because I felt embarassed about trying stuff then walking away without buying anything at all. At the same time I was young and earning money, I was single (hah lethal combination)and a major cosmetic junkie. Before I knew it I had about 3 large boxes full of makeup! Now that I'm a mom and know better I only buy what I need, and am happy to report that I only own one lipstick, 2 lip glosses, one small pan of eyeshadow, 2 small pots of gel liner, 2 twist up liners, one bronzer and one blush, one bottle of foundation, a small pot of concealer and one powder compact. Talk about a major turn around on my spending habits!

    40 weeks 2 days ago Report Comment
  • bailaoragaditana's picture
    bailaoragaditana
    35

    I make a list before I go near a makeup counter - like, I want a green eyeshadow and an orange shadow and a good concealer. Then, I have a rough idea of what I'm looking for and if I don't find it (or an acceptable substitute), then I won't buy. I do refill on things in advance if they're on sale (hair stuff mostly, because I can kill a bottle of shampoo or conditioner in three weeks or less). I always pay with cash - although I find that it's best not to think about how the GBP (I'm living in the UK at the moment) translates into US dollars, otherwise I'd never buy anything, including food. Also, I use makeup-shopping (other than dire necessities, like my standard concealer/powder/moisturizer) as a "reward" for having done my work for the week, or for writing a really good essay or something like that.

    28 weeks 3 days ago Report Comment

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