Top 5 Places To Shop For Makeup

by - 6:48 AM



Hey Glams! On today's post, I'm going to be sharing with you the top 5 affordable places that I purchase my makeup at in-store. I do get some things online as well but I am going to save that for another day and another post.

Not everybody likes to online shop like I do or has an online shopping problem like I do. Did I just say I had a problem? I take that back. I would only have an online shopping problem if I was spending above my means but trust me, your girl is on a budget and a beginner professional couponer if that is a thing. We are going to make it a thing for the sake of this post, mmkay?


Enough of me rambling and let's get into the post.

1. Ulta

The first place I shop at, probably the most, would have to be Ulta. I know, I know it’s the obvious makeup store but surprisingly not everyone has heard of it. If you have never been there, prepare yourself because it is makeup, skincare, and haircare Heaven. One thing that I like about Ulta is that they carry most drugstore brands and a good number of high-end brands as well. I can get my Cover girl stay luminous foundation while also picking up my Mario Badescu skincare, and Anastasia Beverly Hills dip brow. It makes it easier with everything being at the same store because it saves going from store to store, hunting everything down. Most Ulta stores usually have a sale/clearance section and that is always the first place that I check. I have scored so many good deals that were 50% off and more on sale. I have no idea why but my foundation that I love has been on sale for the past few months so I just always go straight there and stock up. 

Another thing I like about Ulta is their rewards program. For every dollar you spend you get one point and for every 100 points you get three dollars that can be redeemed in the store. I like being able to shop and knowing that I am somewhat getting some of my money back or at the end of the year I will be able to spend everything in a large lump sum and purchase a high-end product that I might not normally buy but will purchase to try with my points. They also give away birthday gifts during your birthday month and there are times during the year when certain purchases will cause your points to triple, quadruple, and so forth. There are almost always different sales going on in the drugstore section so just be sure to pay attention to when something you wear or purchase often is going on sale.

2. Walgreens & CVS

I decided to put these two places together because they are sort of like the same store. Well, at least to me. If you join the rewards programs for both stores you will sometimes receive bonus beauty discounts on certain makeup items by email or just by physically going into the store. At CVS, they will let you earn and use your extra care bucks (ecb) on makeup which is great for people who coupon and have a lot of ecb building up. Walgreens has recently stepped up their cosmetics section a lot with a beauty consultant and makeup station so that is why I decided to include them. If you are considering getting some drugstore makeup but don’t want to go to Ulta, then both stores are great options for you.

3. H-E-B

Okay, so apart from H-E-B being one of my favorite grocery stores, it is also a place that I sometimes will purchase my foundation and other things on sale. One thing I have noticed is that some of the drugstore prices on makeup at HEB are a tad bit less expensive than most places and there is literally always a sale going on. Be sure to look out for the yellow coupons attached to the products or sections that you are looking in.

4. Marshals and T.J. Max

So, this is sort of a hidden gem that I heard about through one of the makeup groups that I was in and seriously I couldn't believe that I had been sleeping on the Marshalls in my city. I am not sure how it all works but sometimes the high-end makeup is factored out of stores like Sephora, it is then sold/given to Marshalls, and they are able to sell everything at a fraction of the cost. That is actually where I purchased my Anastasia Beverly Hills contour kit from and honestly it works just as good as it would have if I would have purchased it from Sephora. I have seen a few name brand lip glosses and high-end skincare and I hear that bigger cities stock even more.

5. Sephora

 I cannot think of a time that I have been into Sephora and not spent over an hour (or two, but who’s counting?) inside of the store. Seriously, I could live there. My Sephora happens to be one located inside of JCPenney's and I don't know what I would do if it was a standalone store. One thing that I love about Sephora is that they have beauty consultants who will not only apply the makeup on you but will also help you to match your skin tone in all the foundations. Now let me just say, WOC unfortunately ae still sometimes hard for people to match so have them match it to your chest and if you feel it is too dark or too light, say something.

I like that at Sephora I'm able to peacefully spend time trying on products before I purchase them and see what works for me. I guess you could say that is a downside to purchasing drugstore makeup, you can't try anything on. Sephora is also chill about sending you with samples if you do not want to commit to the purchase yet.  I never leave without samples because there's always something that I want to try out. On a good day, they will have something from their line on sale so be sure to check those out. You may find something you need or are looking for.

Sephora’s rewards programs are called beauty insider, VIB and VIB Rouge. For every dollar you spend, you earn one point and overtime you can redeem them for deluxe size samples. If the store located near you offers beauty classes, then you will be able to attend them for free and they also give a birthday gift to you during your birthday month. Sephora is fully high-end items only so you can't go there expecting to purchase anything that you would at the drugstore.

I hope I was able to give you some good in-store recommendations for those of you who are just getting into makeup or maybe have only been to one store and not sure on where to start to find what you are looking for. I plan to one day write something on how I coupon for makeup and fin deals online.
What is your favorite store to buy makeup at?

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11 comments

  1. Hoping to get a Ulta in Toronto soon! Its unfortunate that we do not have one here but when I go to Buffalo, I always make it a point to stop by. As a matter of fact, I think I'm due for a trip across the border soon ;)

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    1. Awe! I hope you are able to get one close by as well. <3

      Kels

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  2. I love Sephora and couponing at CVS and Walgreens. I have gotten lots of free makeup from CVS

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    1. Girl! I've saved so much at CVS. It's great for couponing makeup.

      Kels

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  3. O man, I'm in Canada, half these stores don't exist here haha but Sephora hell ya! I've always been curious about Ulta, I have to check it out next time I'm in the States.

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    1. Aw that sucks, but yaaaas you will love Ulta! Be sure to visit while you're in the states,

      Kels

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  4. I don't love sephora, I adore sephora. It's the only place I feel good buying honestly. Not too many judgemental people looking

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    1. I agree! I never get judgmental looks at Sephora and the ladies don't mind if I stay there and try on everything. Lol!

      Kels

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  5. I have an Ulta near me and was discouraged after they said they were having trouble helping me match my foundation color. I was disappointed and ended up going to a kiosk in the mall.

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    1. Oh no! I have never tried to be matched at Ulta before but maybe try Sephora or match yourself using your chest.

      -Kels

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  6. Thank you, Ashe! I will check it out. <3

    Kels

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