10 Money-Saving Tips for Shopping Beauty Products Online

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly revamped the global beauty industry. As a result, more and more consumers are going digital and turning to e-commerce platforms to shop for their beloved makeup and skincare products.10 Money-Saving Tips for Shopping Beauty Products Online-

According to a May 2020 report by McKinsey, several US beauty brands have reported their online sales are twice as high as pre-pandemic sales. Additionally, a 2020 beauty survey by Euromonitor International shows that about 34% of consumers maximize digital channels and tools when shopping for beauty and personal care products.

E-commerce is poised to retain its hold over the market post-pandemic as more people bid goodbye to their old shopping strategies. But while online shopping makes the experience easier and more convenient for everyone, it can also be very daunting and overwhelming. However, with seemingly endless options, how will you know that you’re spending on the right products for your skin?

Plus, it may be challenging to fight the urge to splurge when you feel like there are no limits to what you can buy. But just because everything is online doesn’t mean you should be complacent. Here are some tips for shopping beauty products to help you shop smart, save more, and get the most out of your online beauty product shopping experience.

1. Set a Budget

One can never underestimate the importance of setting a budget, whether it’s for your household expenses or when shopping online. Yes, you have every right to buy things that make you beautiful, but that doesn’t mean your passion for beauty should drain your wallet.

You need to know how much of your hard-earned money you can spend on the beauty products you want. So, get your finances on track by deciding what products are worth shelling out for and which ones you should skimp on or even skip.

Try to follow the general 50-30-20 rule if you’re new to budgeting. Simply put, this rule says that 50% of your paycheck should go to the things that you need like food, shelter, clothing, and even insurance. Next, you can spend 30% of your income on the things you desire, and this is where your budget for scoring the latest beauty and skincare products will fall. Lastly, the final 20% should go towards your investments.

2. Understand Your Skin and Know Your Preferences

Nothing can be more frustrating than buying a famous beauty or skincare product online only to find out it doesn’t suit your skin. Knowing your skin type and undertones will not only help you to pick the right foundation, lipstick, or concealer shade, but it will also prevent any skin issues that may occur. 

Don’t hesitate to consult with a dermatologist and get expert advice on dealing with your specific skin woes. Take advantage of online consultations via video calls to remain safe while getting ahead on your skincare needs. You can also try on-skin swatches and shade matching tools to help you check if a color you’re eyeing is right for you.

3. Try a Virtual Makeover

More often than not, it’s best to stick with best sellers and tried-and-tested products, so you know your money won’t go to waste. It’s risky to click that buy button when you haven’t tried the product since each chemical composition may or may not work well for you. But if you’re the type who loves to experiment, then nothing should stop you from doing a virtual makeover.

Check out L’Oréal’s virtual try-on for an effortless, all-encompassing makeup purchasing experience online. Play with over 100 shades and try the latest makeup launch until you find the perfect match that will glam up your look. This way, you’ll have an idea of how a product fits you before you decide on purchasing anything.

4. Research, Research, Research

Make a list of the essential products that you’re willing to splurge on and prioritize them, so you get what you want without overspending. And while you’re at it, take the time to do your research and learn more about the various beauty products you need.

One of the benefits of online shopping is it allows you to pay meticulous attention to labels and ingredients. Look for intricate details like eco-friendly packaging, clean ingredients, expiration dates, and any side effects. Also, make sure that you’re looking through legitimate websites and buying online from trusted and reputable stores so you don’t put your money to waste.

You don’t always have to go for big-name brands or luxury products. But it pays to be extra careful—just because a product is on sale or inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s already a good deal. There are many low-cost, high-quality beauty products online—it’s just a matter of searching and shopping wisely.

5. Check Reviews, Comparison Shop

What better way to explore your options online and gain insights about the quality of various makeup products than by reading up customer reviews and ratings? 

Get productive and check out online marketplaces, YouTube and Instagram reviews from beauty influencers, blogs, and forums that offer detailed insights on other shoppers’ experiences about a particular product. You can also take recommendations from family, friends, and other trusted sources.  

It’s good to read through reviews that you encounter online but take them with a grain of salt. Some of them may be biased, while others are either fake or misleading. Also, you have to consider that every person’s skin is different, so what works for others may not necessarily work for you. Carefully assess the legitimacy of the review and look for helpful feedback that discusses the pros and cons of the product, addresses concerns, and details solutions.

6. Sign Up for Rewards Programs and Email Lists

Don’t miss out on rewards if you’re looking to make the most bang for your buck while making multiple makeup purchases. A host of online beauty stores and brands lets recurring customers earn rewards in the form of points, coupons, or gift certificates each time they buy online. Plus, you may also be able to get first dibs on new products and members-only discounts. 

It also pays to subscribe to email alerts and newsletters. Hence, you get alerts on price drops and sales, be eligible for sign-up discounts and get sneak peeks of new products.

7. Watch Out for Promotions and Sales

Another perk of online shopping is that it motivates you to resist the urge to impulse buy and wait to purchase until you can take advantage of big sales. For example, most major cosmetic companies hold about one or two big sales every year, including holiday and summer sales. So, rack up your savings by marking the dates on your calendar.

How about stocking up on discount coupons so that you can spend on your favorite beauty products when they go on sale? Maximize every opportunity to save more through great deals and set up alerts for any upcoming sales. 

8. Order in Bulk

You’ll see how the savings can quickly add up if you practice buying in bulk or large sizes. You can start by scouring the internet for the best group buys, and make sure to check the price per unit, so you know that you’re getting a good deal on the largest size. Also, try to look for makeup and beauty items that you can use for multiple purposes. For example, buying a lipstick that can also work as a blush-on is like getting two makeup products at once. These kinds of items will help boost your savings because you have fewer products to throw away. 

9. Try Travel Size Products

You don’t always have to purchase full-size beauty and skincare products, especially when you’re always on the go. If you’re having second thoughts about whether a new product will work for you, go for the sample bins and travel-sized ones first so you can test it out before buying them in full size. 

Travel size products also allow you to buy in multiples without having to feel guilty about your spending. For the same amount you’d spend on a large bottle, you can buy a lot of travel-size products and stash them in your favorite places. 

10. Use Your Shopping Cart to Your Advantage

Learning to declutter is among the most useful habits for digital beauty shoppers who love to put things in their carts that they don’t need or want. That’s why making a list of specific items you need—and reminding yourself to stick to that list—is crucial. Be sure to check your cart and remove unnecessary items before checking out and finalizing your purchase. 

However, there may be times when adding items and leaving them in your shopping cart overnight can add up to huge savings. Many brands and companies are very generous with reminder discounts or freebies to encourage you to come back and complete your purchase. 

Be Your Best Beautiful at a Fraction of a Cost

Practicing smart shopping techniques goes a long way towards finding that perfect balance between saving more and spending that hard-earned cash on your beloved online beauty products. Discipline is key to managing your m