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If you’re anything like me, you like the finer things when it comes to makeup and skincare. I’m not talking La Mer finer, personally, but that mid-high end department store or online beauty specialist retailer price point. But if you’re also like me, you like to make your money go as far as possible and save where you can.

 

So, how can we enjoy our favourites but not spend a fortune on beauty buys?

 

Here’s my three-step guide to maximizing money and luxury.

 

What do you run through quickly?

 

1. If you’re not already familiar with your product usage, start keeping a record. Your mileage will vary, but for me, I go through moisturiser, fake tan, bubble bath, shower gel, pencil eyeliner and mascara like water. Opting for products in the mid-high end price range would not be sustainable for me at the rate I use these up. For these categories, I choose drugstore makeup products, buy my tan from eBay, and my toiletries from Savers.

 

2. What lasts you a long time?

 

I use up a couple of foundations a year, have never finished a full-size bullet lipstick, and not to get all existential, but my blusher collection will certainly outlive me. I’m happy to spend more on skincare and makeup favourites that I’m only replacing twice or less a year. This means I get to enjoy my indulgent products without feeling like my habit is burning a hole in my pocket.

 

3. Don’t restock without a sale

 

Unfortunately, I haven’t yet come across drugstore dupes for some of my staples. I go through several brown eyeliner pens a year, for example. While I’d love to switch to a cheaper alternative, I haven’t found anything that matches the quality I’ve gotten from mid-range. While I manifest a waterproof brown with a fine tip that doesn’t dry out quickly (anybody out there?), I won’t purchase anything without a discount. As the market is oversaturated, there’s more frequent beauty sales than ever. Even if a product is going to last you a long time, why not wait for a sale and make your money go further? Check out my previous blog posts on beauty sales and recycling schemes for more tips!