High End Cosmetics on a Low End Budget

I am a cosmetics junkie. I love to try all the new creams, colors and fragrances, mainly those offered by higher end designers such as Laura Mercier, La Mer, Chantecaille and Chanel. These aren't inexpensive cosmetics. But there are several ways you can get more value for your cosmetic purchases.

Many of these designer lines offer Gift with Purchases - usually a cosmetic bag of some sort filled with a selection of makeup, fragrance and skincare. It's a good way to get new items to try, and the sizes are perfect for travel, being small enough to meet airline requirements for carry-on liquids and gels.

In stores, you can also ask the customer representatives for free samples. Finding a good customer representative is a must - some act like they are guarding the U.S. Treasury when you ask them for samples. Don't be put off - come back a different day or try a different store. Free samples are supposed to be there for the consumer to try and a good customer representative will send you on your way with a wide variety of items to try.

Online, many of the stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks and Sephora offer seasonal Beauty Events, where a certain dollar purchase will get you a cosmetic or tote filled with a selection of items from their different cosmetics lines. A recent bag from Nordstrom included generous samples of Vera Wang Parfum and Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste Lotion; N.V. Perricone Moisturizer, and shower gels from Laura Mercier and L'Occitane.

Often during the Beauty Event, the individual lines also have Gifts with Purchase, so you can increase the amount of items you get to try. Macys, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus also have a beauty offer or gift with purchase category on their beauty menu that you can check to see what is available. And Neiman's often offers three free samples with any cosmetics purchase.

There are quite a few online stores specializing in cosmetics. Online stores Sephora, Beautysak, Spalook and Skinstore.com offer a wide variety of different makeup, fragrance, skincare and beauty accessories. In addition to finding deals and gifts with purchases, if you access these through a "money back" link such as ones offered by Ebates, Fatwallet, or Lucky Rewards, you can earn as dollars back on your purchase. For example, Lucky Rewards offers 13% cash back on purchases from Skinstore.com and 8% cash back on purchases from Lancome.com. Ebates offers cash back of 10% on purchases from Murad Skincare, and 8% on purchases from Spalook. Rebates are mailed out in checks every few months.

The samples you receive also make wonderful stocking stuffers for holidays and great additions to goodie bags for your special events. By being a savvy shopper and keeping an eye out for those special beauty events and offers, you can keep yourself in high end cosmetics, without going broke!