Shopping the Makeup Sales | Tips & Tricks

1. Sealed, opened or tested?

Make sure the items are 100% sealed. Has anyone opened the product? Have others hands touched it? If so, chances are, you don't want it. The bacteria on others hands will contaminate the product and let's be honest… it's just plain nasty. While there are many who are courteous to not damage stock, there are just as many (if not more) who do. 

Sometimes you might be able to get away with opened products providing you're sure in the knowledge that they haven't been tried. 

2. Then and now?

What was the original price of the product? Is this a good bargain, is it worth the money? If you've had your eye on a certain product and it appears in the clearance, go for it! You wanted it, now it's even cheaper. 

Often stores like Boots and Superdrug reduce stock which is no longer sold off in the store and will sell it off for cheap. The typical going rate is half price, so you're sure to get a good deal most of the time.

3. Do you need it?

If you're hard up on cash the clearance can be a really great way to get the essentials you've been running low on (i.e. mascara or the ever expensive foundation), but if you're low on cash and you don't need to buy it - don't. 

4. Check out the other deals!

If 3 for 2 is happening on a brand, or even across all makeup, it'll be on the sale section too (more often than not - certainly in Boots). If, for example, Maybelline are promoting the offer, any Maybelline products in the sale will also be on 3 for 2. This is a great way to stock up on mascaras and other things you consider essential. Can't be without new nail varnishes? They are frequently dropped into the sale too. Which brings me onto my next point… 

5. Ask!

If you're not sure if it's on a deal, so long as you're polite, most people will be happy to help you. Be a nice shopper and you'll have a nice retailer response. 

6. Check the date!

While this isn't the case with makeup, other items (such as creams, food, medicines, etc.) are reduced because they are nearing their expiry date. Keep track of what you're buy and when it expires. For those who like dieting bars or protein bars, these are often reduced a month in advance of them expiring - keep your eyes out!

7. Browse often

New items are always being added and sold, what was there one day won't be the next and new items will take their place. The sale section might not have what you're looking for this week, but that doesn't mean it won't next.

8. Have fun!

The sales are a great way to try that shade you weren't sure of, or that brand you didn't know if you liked. If you don't want to splash out loads of money to find you don't enjoy a product, this is a great way to do it. 

What are your top tips with makeup sales? I'd love to know! Share with me in the comments below~

xx

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Haul: Revlon, Real Techniques and Collection

Ohh, sparkles!

Lately I've just been like 'I'll just buy one thing… oh but I must have this, it's three for two'. I think I've got a problem. It's cool, I'm fine with admitting it. Can you blame me though? I find it outstanding when I tell customers who have picked two products that things are on three for two and they're like '… naa, I'm okay thanks'. Hello? That's something else for free you know? Someone please, tell me the logic behind this way of thinking because I can't wrap my head around it (unless you're in a hurry, I get that). 

Review: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede

I promised in an earlier post that I would review a couple of items I purchased in my haul a while back and the first item on my list is...

Revlon's Colorstay Lipstick:

Texture and Appearance

When applying the lipstick, the product is very smooth, though I would say that it requires being built up to achieve the best colour (otherwise it has a more 'stain like' effect). Another thing I should mention is that you must, must, must! Keep your lips moisturised before using this. If your lips are dry, this product is very unforgiving and it will show. 

Once the product dries, however, I personally found my lips felt very sticky. I've never experienced this with a lipstick before, and I can't really say it's something I want in a lipstick - so maybe Revlon have a little improving in that department. Otherwise, the colour is really nice (I have 'Backstage' or '035'). There isn't a huge range of colours just yet, but perhaps they will in time. The colours they do have, on the other hand, I don't think will be to everyones taste and I would definitely recommend people try them before purchasing. My sister, for example, absolutely hates this colour I have, while I love it. Each to their own, I guess. 

A 'Haul' Lotta Stuff…

One of the best things about working in a store is the discounts… and I fully took advantage of my double discount this time round. In all honesty, I have never bought this much makeup in one go and upon arriving home, arms full of goodies, couldn't have been happier with my purchases and somewhat extravagant *coughs* (by my terms anyway) self pampering. So without further ado…

The first thing I picked up was something I've been desperate to try… and in dire need to get! I think I've been without foundation for around 6-7 months now and have been reduced to wearing either just concealer or occasionally my BB cream.

Maybelline's 'Dream Matte Mousse' was greatly talked about during its release, however, due to my lousy relationship with foundation (I'm just too pale for the stuff *sigh*) I personally never tried it… until now. I must say, I really like this one. It dries to a slight powdery finish and leaves a really pretty overall look to the skin.

In addition to the foundation from Maybelline, I also picked up the blush to match… again something I don't tend to do, as I am not only pale, but a constant shade of pink. But I figured 'what the heck' and got one. I tried a little and thought the effect was certainly nice - but I think a few more tries and a closer look at the product will determine whether I like or love the product.

Final Maybelline product - I promise! I also spotted as I was shopping the 'Colossal Volume Express Mascara'. I've tried a couple of the other mascaras Maybelline have to offer and (on the whole) have really liked them. I have yet to try this one, but I am hopeful it'll be a good mascara *crosses fingers*.

The next product is one I deliberated on buying for a really long time. I probably stood in front of the lipstick for a good, 25-30 minutes. Even before the big boom in dark lipsticks being fashionable, I've been dying to get one.  Eventually, a work colleague came over to me and told me to 'just get it' - so I did! And gosh am I so glad I caved...

Thus, the next product on my list is Revlon's 'ColorStay Ultimate Suede' in 035 - Backstage.

The lipstick is a really pretty dark-berry colour with a slight metallic sheen upon application. It's definitely not a colour everyone would opt for, as my sister hated it - but at the end of the day, it's what you like and makes you feel good. I like this lipstick, so I shall continue to wear it *laughs*. I will very likely be doing a more in-depth review of this lipstick soon - and perhaps some other products too~

As for my slightly cheaper purchases, I picked up Rimmel London's 'Soft Kohl Eyeliner' in white. 

Collection 2000s 'Fast Stroke Eyeliner' - a tried and tested cheap(er) favourite.

Toni&Guy's 'Dry Shampoo', because I like to use dry shampoo as a styling tool to give my hair a little more texture 

And Umberto Giannini's 'Salon Shine Glossing Mist'… it was reduced, I figured it couldn't hurt to try it.

And of course, last but not least - I got some hair grips! 

… Because you can never have too many of these babies. 

Have you tried any of these products? Are there any products you would like me to review specifically? 

Comment below! :D

~ Emsie ~