I am so excited to share this post with you all because I think that this topic isn't discussed much and I think it should be!
This post is going to discuss the differences from shopping at a drugstore and shopping at a high end counter or Sephora! It is also going to include some tips, advice and personal stories! :)
DRUGSTORE MAKEUP SHOPPING:
The world of Drugstore shopping is something I think all beauty lovers know and understand. Drugstore makeup is so easy to get a hold of because you can get it at of course every drugstore out there, supermarkets, some specialty beauty stores like Ulta or Sallys, and I have even heard they have a beauty department in SOME Bed Bath & Beyonds'. Since drugstore makeup isn't expensive a lot of people especially teenagers turn to drugstore makeup.
PROS:
- Convenient and easy to get a hold of.
- Affordable
- Drugstores usually have sales of buy one get one 50% off or other deals so you can even save more money.
- Usually drugstore brands advertise on tv making the customer more interested in trying a new product or the brand in general.
CONS:
- You can't test the product out before buying.
- Some products may have been used or opened.
- Some displays may be messy and unorganized. ( I have never seen any of my drugstores have this problem but I have been in my Walmart to try the new Flower collection from Drew Barrymore and it was a complete mess)
TIPS:
- If you are an avid beauty shopper at drugstores, sign up for their reward card where you can save money, rack up points and get perks!
- Make sure a product hasn't been opened or cracked by inspecting it closely and all the seals seem to be in good condition.
- If you find out from a blog or Youtube video about a product that is just being released and you want to get your hands on it first, make sure to check with your drugstores frequently because some products sell so fast its crazy!
- If you are looking for something new from the brand, look for a small display that is usually shown at the front of the beauty area or around it. Chances are it won't be where they have their older products.
Advice:
When it comes to drugstore shopping, I prefer shopping in the later hours or in the middle of the day during the week. I like to shop and walk around the area with lots of space. If you beauties are in high school and can drive, swing by the drugstore after school to pick up that lipstick or eyeshadow because I find that drugstores tend to be empty between 2 and 4:30ish.
OVERALL:
I love shopping at the Drugstore because I find it so exciting to see the new displays and whenever there is a sale going on I always love to check out what's new or if I need to repurchase a product. Most of if not all drugstores have their own store card that you use for discounts. Most sales that happen cannot apply unless you use your store card (which is why I said before get those cards! They are free and great to save $$$!) I find that if you don't take a hold of the discounts, drugstore makeup can actually get very expensive if you purchase a lot of items! Overall guys, drugstore shopping is one of my favorite things to shop for!
HIGH END/ BEAUTY COUNTERS:
Now when it comes to High end makeup shopping, your strategy is completely different and you get a whole different shopping experience. High end makeup shopping can be fun, exciting and more hands on when it comes to the products themselves. There are so many high end makeup brands from Urban Decay to Dior. Don't forget stores like MAC and Inglot where they are still higher end but usually have their own stores. When it comes to more designer type makeup, you can usually find them in any high end department store like Macys, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. They are also easy to access online as well from the brands website and/or the stores website.
PROS:
-The environment is much more hands on where you can play the test the product out before you buy it.
- If you get help from an associate they can even give you a step by step look by using the products and also give you tips.
- The area is clean, organized and displayed nicely.
- There are specialty associates who know these products so well that they can answer any question you might have about a certain item.
- This usually only happens when you purchase something, but sales associates are told to promote their other products so usually if you purchase an item, they will throw in a few samples of their new perfume or mascara!
-Some department stores have sales or events going on where you can meet professional makeup artists, get access to special promotions and sometimes even get free goodies!
CONS:
- There are usually no sales or specials so you almost always have to pay full price for everything.
- Some of these products can get very pricey, so be careful not to go overboard because you can easily go over $200 with just a few items.
- Beware of the pushy sales associate! There are some men/women out there that are so determined to reach their sales goal that it feels like they are pushing you to buy something. Don't let them push you! If you are not 100% sure then maybe go off shopping somewhere else. If you continue to think about that product and really are interested then buy it. If you forget about it, then don't bother.
- Sometimes you may get ignored depending on the day you go (weekends) because other associates are busy helping other clients. Because when it comes to most high end makeup counters, you cannot just grab what you want, a sales associate has access to all of the products behind the counter. You may also be ignored because of your age! Usually people who shop at more expensive counters are adult women or older women.
- In my state, it is illegal it perform a demo on someone who is under 18 due to the risk of skin reactions or other effects. If you are interested in trying some higher end makeup and you are under 18, bring your mom, aunt, friend, sister, brother, dad..whoever and tell them you are interested in purchasing something and you need them to be there.
Advice:
When it comes to the right time to shop for these products I cannot stress enough to go during the week! If you really want to get a great experience while shopping, go during the week at night or during the day because usually these counters/stores are empty and most sales associates are dying of boredom and if they see an interested customer they will love to help you and you will get the attention you need.
If you are shopping and you want to try a lip product or in fact any product, DON'T use the product sample that is on display. Makeup areas can actually be one of the dirtiest places in a shopping mall. In Sephora they have little mini lipgloss applicators or mascara wands that are available at little stations throughout the store so you can still use the product but with a clean disposable applicator. When it comes to more higher end stores with counters, the sales associates have all of the brushes and applicators so if you would like to see how a product would look on yourself, a sales associate would be happy to help you.
And once again guys, I know shopping at these types of stores and counters can become exciting but be careful because some of these brands can charge up to $50 for a single lipstick! Also, if you are looking at something that is in their permanent collection but can't really spend the money right now, don't worry chances are a few months down the road that same product will still be there.
I just learned this the other day but I recently found out the Neiman Marcus has an specialist come in about every other month to give FREE facials! I actually booked my appointment for next month to get one! I am so excited! It's stuff like this why I love department store makeup shopping!
OVERALL:
When it comes to shopping in this realm, it is completely different. Shopping for higher end makeup can be fun and exciting but sometimes not so fun on your wallet. Always remember too that if you can't get it now, you can always get it later which is the beauty of it! - like my pun there? :) Side note, if you want something from a seasonal collection sadly you have to get it within a short period of time but usually brands will carry something very similar to it just in case you couldn't get it in time!
Well that is my post!
I hope you found this post helpful and maybe will inspire you shop differently and strategically to get the best deals, the most help, or whatever you want to get from your shopping experience!
Talk to you all soon!
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XO
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