Saving Money on Cosmetics

Times are tough; there is no doubt about it and with tough times, come tough decisions. You may even be tempted to purchase a dime store version of your favorite cosmetic just to save a few Euros. Before you do though, you may want to reconsider. In fact, purchasing cheap cosmetics may actually cost you more in the long run.

The Eyes have It:

Eye makeup is definitely not something you want to play around with. Cheap cosmetics often look cheap and lead you to apply more than you originally would have. Mascara, eye liner and eye shadow all may run or wear off over a period of hours, forcing you to reapply them while you are out and about. The more you reapply, the quicker you will need to purchase them again, leading to increased costs and time spent shopping.

Pucker Up:

Lipstick is another area that is better left alone. Most lipsticks look great sitting on the drugstore shelf in their shiny packages. But take them back home and apply them before your big date, and you will find that they are decidedly different. Cheap lipstick often breaks, wears thin or covers unevenly leading you to purchase more and more tubes. Over time, these "cheap" lipsticks cost more money and last half as long!

Here's to your Health:

In addition to spending more money trying to achieve that covergirl look on a clipping coupon budget, buying cheap cosmetics can affect your health. Eye infections from clumpy mascara, rashes from perfumed foundations and increased acne can all occur from buying cheap cosmetics. The medical bills alone make buying cheap makeup a risky decision to say the least.

Instead of buying cheaper cosmetics during this economic crisis, decide on a few higher end products that will give you the desired look without the risks. Purchase small quantities or ask to test the colors in high-end department stores so you are satisfied with the overall coloring of the product prior to purchasing. Decide on a budget ahead of time and if need be, purchase makeup products over a period of a few months, to lessen the effects on your budget. There is still room in this economy for a little quality, and believe it or not, your face and your budget may thank you!