Finding the balance between wanting high-end beauty products and sticking to a budget can often feel like a full-time job. In Ireland, we’re lucky to have access to some fantastic international retailers, but the cost of shipping and the price hikes we sometimes see on the high street can be a bit of a deterrent. If you are like me and love the thrill of a bargain, you’ve probably spent more than a few late nights scrolling through various sites trying to figure out where the best value actually lies.
The secret to being a savvy shopper isn’t just about waiting for the big seasonal sales; it is about knowing how to navigate the digital aisles to find the hidden gems. From newsletters to smart basket management, there are plenty of ways to ensure you never pay full price for your holy grail mascara or that designer fragrance you’ve been eyeing up.
Hunting for the best vouchers
One of the easiest ways to shave a significant amount off your total at the checkout is to be proactive with vouchers. Many of us are guilty of ignoring that little “promo code” box, but it is often the key to unlocking massive savings. Before I ever hit the buy button, I make it a habit to look for a Notino discount code or similar offers that provide everything from a percentage off your order to free gifts with purchase.
It is also worth signing up for loyalty programmes and newsletters. I know our inboxes are already cluttered, but beauty retailers often send out “flash sale” alerts or early access links to their subscribers. If you have a specific brand you stick to, this is the most reliable way to know exactly when it goes on promotion.
Cracking the delivery dilemma
We’ve all had that moment where we find a product at a steal, only to get to the final screen and realise the shipping costs more than the item itself. To truly shop smart, you need to factor in the postage from the very start. Many savvy shoppers in Ireland look specifically for items that qualify for free delivery to avoid those annoying extra charges.
Sometimes, it’s actually cheaper to add a small, useful item like a lip balm or a travel-sized hand cream to your basket to hit the free shipping threshold than it is to pay the standard delivery fee. It’s a win-win situation: you get an extra treat, and you aren’t “wasting” money on the courier.
Timing your purchases
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to online shopping. While the Black Friday and January sales are the obvious times to stock up, many sites run “brand of the week” promotions throughout the year. If your favourite foundation isn’t on sale today, there is a very high chance it will be discounted within the next month.
I’ve also found that leaving items in your basket for twenty-four hours can sometimes trigger a “we miss you” email with an extra incentive to complete the purchase. Being strategic and using the tools available, we can keep our beauty cabinets full without draining our bank accounts. Shopping for beauty should be fun, and it’s even better when you know you’ve bagged a genuine bargain.
