Take advantage of promotional offers when it’s time to buy cosmetics

In case you haven’t gotten the memo, frugal is the new black, the new green, the new vogue.
Yeah, big news.

As far back as 1990 I’ve been using Mary Kay retractable lip brushes to dig deep into the well of my favorite lip colors. In addition to more precise application and longer, better wear, using a lip brush to extend the life of your favorite color cuts down on so many tubes junking up your purse and cosmetics cases.

But I know, I know. It doesn’t matter how many eye shadows or lipsticks or nail polishes we have if we see yet another one that makes us melt. Billions are spent annually on cosmetics, fragrances and skin care.

Unless you’re going for the Tammy Faye Baker or Lil Kim look, there are some products you should rarely have to buy – like lip liners, eye pencils and mascara. You can get those free.

Time your major cosmetics purchases to coincide with gift-with-purchase offers. Most brands sold in fine department stores roll out their promotions at least twice a year, and they’re staggered among the different chains during noncompetitive dates set by the manufacturer. Getting on the mailing list is the best way to learn about the offers.

Spending a chunk of change on a better foundation, skin-care product or fragrance is well worth it when it comes to receiving an attractive bag (or two) full of new colors and formulations, plus some classics. And the gift sets have gotten so much better since the days when you were given only one color selection. Also, some brands, such as Estée  Lauder, allow preordering, which
elevates you to VIP status, which entitles you to notification of subsequent campaigns, enhanced bonus packages and free mail-order delivery.

Now, that’s what I’m talking about.

Several promotions are in progress or coming up soon at area fine department stores. Keep in mind that some products are available only at larger stores.

Nordstrom

-Lancôme:  A minimum $39.50 purchase comes with “Best in My Bag” gift of lipstick, mascara, eye shadow quad, collagen-boost day cream and eye makeup remover.

-Estée Lauder (Oct. 15-Nov. 2): A minimum purchase of $39.50 comes with a warm- or cool-colors gift set of seven eye shadows, a lipstick, facial cleanser, lip gloss and a choice of moisturizer.

-Clinique (Nov. 5-23) A minimum $29.50 purchase comes with a bag by Trina Turk, a foaming cleanser, a Repair Wear cream, an eye shadow duo and pressed powder, a lipstick and lipstick case, and a lip gloss.

Dillard’s

-Clarins (through Oct. 24): Choose from one of four deluxe skin-care samples with a two-product purchase (one of the items has to be skin care).

-Lancôme (through Oct. 26): A minimum $29.50 purchase comes with a “Full Colors” gift of four eye shadows, a mascara, a lipstick and an Absolue  cream.

-Elizabeth Arden ( Oct. 28-Nov. 16): A $24.50 minimum purchase comes with a convertible bag, Ceramide Gold Ultra Lift and Strengthening eye capsules and Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules IntensiveTreatment for Face and Throat, Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Body Treatment, an eye-shadow quad, lipstick and a mirror.

Macy’s

-Clinique (through Oct. 26): A $21.50 purchase entitles you to a cosmetics bag and a smaller companion bag, Clarifying Lotion 2, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, a lipstick, a mascara and a limited-edition color palette for eyes and cheeks.

-Usher: A $52 purchase on scents for him or her comes with a large, patent tote bag.

-Vera Wang: A   $70 purchase of Vera Wang Princess perfume comes with a purple canvas tote.

-Calvin Klein: A Secret Obsession purchase entitles you to a Calvin Klein Secret Obsession Launch Deluxe Miniature Gift.

So, if we must spend, why not make the spending go further? Indulge in quality – when the time is right.

Jamesetta Walker, (757) 446-2211, jamesetta.walker@pilotonline.com