· Johnny Pump · Lifestyle · 4 min read
How to Save Money on Makeup in the UK
Makeup can be expensive, especially if you’re loyal to premium brands or frequently update your collection. However, there are plenty of ways to cut costs while still enjoying high-quality products. From budget-friendly alternatives to savvy shopping strategies, this guide will help you save money on makeup in the UK without compromising on quality.
1. Shop During Sales and Discount Events
Retailers regularly hold sales, allowing you to stock up on your favourite makeup products at a reduced price.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Look out for seasonal sales, such as Black Friday, Boxing Day, and summer clearance events.
- Take advantage of brand-specific promotions, especially on sites like Boots, Superdrug, and Lookfantastic.
- Sign up for store newsletters to get early access to discounts and exclusive offers.
2. Use Loyalty Cards and Reward Schemes
Many beauty retailers offer loyalty programs that let you earn points for discounts on future purchases.
Best UK Loyalty Schemes:
- Boots Advantage Card – Earn points on every purchase and redeem them for free products.
- Superdrug Beauty Card – Collect points and get access to exclusive member prices.
- Space NK Ndulge Program – Earn points and receive birthday rewards.
- The Body Shop Love Your Body Club – Get rewards and exclusive member discounts.
3. Buy Drugstore Alternatives
While high-end makeup brands are tempting, many drugstore products offer comparable quality at a fraction of the price.
Affordable Makeup Brands:
- Revolution Beauty – Known for its budget-friendly dupes of high-end products.
- Maybelline and L’Oréal – Offer excellent foundations, mascaras, and lipsticks.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics – Provides high-quality products at very low prices.
4. Sign Up for Beauty Subscription Boxes
Beauty subscription boxes let you try new products at a lower cost than buying them individually.
Popular UK Subscription Boxes:
- Glossybox – Monthly selection of beauty products for a fraction of the retail price.
- Birchbox – Personalised beauty boxes featuring popular and indie brands.
- Lookfantastic Beauty Box – Includes full-size and travel-size products at great value.
5. Shop at Discount and Outlet Stores
Buying from discount retailers and outlet stores can help you save on high-end makeup brands.
Where to Find Bargains:
- TK Maxx – Often stocks premium beauty brands at reduced prices.
- The Cosmetics Company Store – Outlet store for Estée Lauder brands, including MAC and Clinique.
- Beauty Outlet UK – Offers discounted prices on well-known makeup brands.
6. Buy Multi-Use Products
Opting for versatile makeup products can save you money and reduce clutter in your beauty bag.
Multi-Use Makeup Ideas:
- Lipstick as blush – Dab onto cheeks for a matching flush of colour.
- Highlighter as eyeshadow – Use shimmering highlighter to add glow to eyelids.
- Brow pencil as eyeliner – A good-quality brow pencil can double as a natural eyeliner.
7. Take Advantage of Free Samples
Many retailers and brands offer free samples, allowing you to test products before committing to a full-size purchase.
Where to Get Free Samples:
- Visit beauty counters at department stores and ask to try before you buy.
- Check websites like FreeStuff.co.uk for beauty sample giveaways.
- Sign up for brand mailing lists, as companies often send out freebies and testers.
8. Shop Online for Discounts
Online retailers often have lower prices and exclusive discounts that you won’t find in-store.
Best Websites for Makeup Deals:
- Lookfantastic – Regular discounts and free gift promotions.
- Feelunique – Offers student discounts and exclusive deals.
- Beauty Bay – Frequent sales on popular makeup brands.
- Amazon UK – Often has competitive prices on beauty essentials.
9. Make Your Makeup Last Longer
Proper storage and usage techniques can help extend the life of your makeup, reducing how often you need to repurchase.
Tips to Extend Makeup Lifespan:
- Use clean brushes and sponges to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Store products in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or drying out.
- Scrape out the last bit of product from tubes and bottles before buying new ones.
- Add a few drops of saline solution to dried-out mascara to revive it.
10. Swap or Sell Unused Makeup
If you have unopened or lightly used makeup that you don’t use, consider swapping or selling it.
How to Save Money:
- Join beauty swap groups on Facebook or Reddit.
- Sell unused products on platforms like eBay or Vinted.
- Gift unwanted items to friends or family instead of letting them go to waste.
11. DIY Makeup Alternatives
Some makeup products can be made at home using simple ingredients, saving you money on store-bought versions.
Easy DIY Beauty Hacks:
- Homemade lip scrub – Mix sugar with coconut oil for soft lips.
- DIY setting spray – Use water and glycerin for a refreshing mist.
- Tinted moisturiser – Mix foundation with your regular moisturiser.
Conclusion
Looking fabulous doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By shopping smart, taking advantage of discounts, and making your makeup last longer, you can cut costs without compromising on quality. Whether you opt for drugstore alternatives, buy during sales, or explore subscription boxes, there are plenty of ways to save money on makeup in the UK.
