We all know those fancy cosmetics we like to smear all over bodies can often cost an arm and an leg and as one person with nearly no budget, here are some things I've found to help stretch mine. 

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Look for reward programs

Try more than one, example Ulta & Sephora both run differently with their own pros and cons. Each time you spend you get points, you redeem at Sephora for products, Ulta you redeem for cash off. They offer birthday points, and if you spend X amount in a calendar year your status may be upgraded and you may get more benefits. Remember they have stores & online! I have allergies so these stores are very beneficial to me, I go in & can try the products but online has some pros too like different offers, and you can browse "gift with purchase" to see where you can stretch that dollar the farthest at your leisure. 

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Smashbox has one of the best rewards programs for an individual company I've come across yet, plus they had great customer service when I had a package arrive with a wrong item. Similar to Sephora and Ulta, there are tiers to their rewards program, the first being by comparison rather affordable and their set-up is similar to a combination of Ulta and Sephora programs, you earn Smashcash so you can pay with points and after first tier each order you get to choose a deluxe sample in addition to the ones already included. Plus they often have deals and incentives so it pays to be subscribed anyways.

 

Check out indie brands!

Sometimes their value far exceeds those easily found at Ulta or Sephora. They may also offer a range of colors you've been missing or textures you haven't thought of yet. I like some monthly beauty bags because sometimes them help these brands with some exposure and you get to try them out. 

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Join a monthly Beauty Bag

For around $10 Ipsy will send you products you may not know about, and often full sizes or tools. With they also have two rewards programs, and Ipsy offers for deals in addition to your monthly beauty bag that also add value to the subscription, however the products they send you, while customized based on your algorithm, not guaranteed to go cruelty free (this has only happened to me twice I think & I've been subscribed for over a year.) When I get notice of what's coming I do some research on my products before they arrive and it's fun to get the wild card style goodies. 

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Follow Copper Arsenite on Facebook:

I regularly, check, look and follow for deals/promotions/sales to stretch my own budget and I share with you on the Facebook Page so you can score too <3 

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Once you find brands you like:

Be sure to sign up for their e-mail newsletters, you often get discount codes, notice of new products sales, and other special offers like 'gift with purchase'. Also check their sites, when you order through them they may have a better deal, or offer their own free samples with purchase and you already know you like the brand so these may be of more value.

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Remember sometimes the best product, or one that you might like a lot may not be the most expensive. I love loading up on Wet n' Wild brushes, NYX has great colors in a variety of products I like, e.l.f. lipstick and bonus these brands are cruelty free, inexpensive and easy to find at common stores! They are also a great way to help boost or round our Special Effects Makeup kits too! Extra note: These are available at most drug stores or places like Target and all of them have sales, keep an eye out. 

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Remember make-up has an expiration date! If you don't use it, you will lose it. Different products will have different shelf lives. So when it comes to a tight budget think about how often you are going to use it, how long it will last, does it come in a different size, is there a way to extend its life/sanitize it? 

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Does size matter?

If you watching your cosmetic budget maybe you are also watching or stretching other budgets & live in a small space. Mini or deluxe sample size may be all you need of a product plus take up less room. Another way is some brands sell just pans options that are less than them inside their plastic compacts. Some like Anastasia and Buxom then offer even a better deal if you build-your-own palette, often getting a discount & the palette base free or you can put pans in your own palette, maybe one of my Coffin Palettes? Shameless I know but I'm proud of my macabre beauties.

Now you just saved dough & space! Bonus!

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