Shopping for Cosmetics and Skincare? 4 Great Places to Buy From That Will Not Blow Your Budget

After living in Sydney for almost 10 years now, I’ve become more savvy with how I spend my money and who I’m willing to spend it with. Unfortunately, being a woman, there is no escaping the constant need of cosmetics and skincare. In Australia, if you do buy products over the counter, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg as you are not only paying for the products, you are also paying for the decor, staff, lighting and etc. So, here are some great places to buy your skincare and cosmetics from.

David Jones

Package + Free Bodywash came to only $49.95

On a recent trip in search of the most cost effective place for my favourite brand A’kin for a moisturiser and body wash, I was very surprised to find that David Jones triumph over Pulse Pharmacy in terms of price. Yup. Unbelievable right? As David Jones is a major stockist of A’kin products, they always have packages and promotions in place. In the quest for just a simple face moisturiser that retails for about $39.95 and a body wash that retails for over $20, I picked up this whole lot (moisturiser, cleanser, emergency gel and body wash) for only $49.95. That was more than $50 in savings. What a great feeling that was.

Savings rating: 4/5

Customer service rating: 4/5

Benefit Cosmetics (U.S site)

With the Aussie dollar hovering around the 90 cents against the U.S dollar, it is worthwhile purchasing goods directly from overseas. A recent trip to Myer (in fact yesterday because I ran out of mascara) for my favourite Bad Gal Mascara set me back by A$38. A quick comparison with the same product on Benefit Cosmetic’s own website made me realised that I could have saved at least A$16 on the same product after currency conversion! What’s great is that Benefit offers FREE worldwide shipping for purchases over US$115 and they promise to always throw free samples with your purchases. How is that for freebies, great products and customer service?

Savings rating: 4/5

Customer service rating: unsure (have never ordered from them yet)

Strawberrynet

Loyalty Discounts for Strawberrynet Users

Any serious beauty aficionado will know of Strawberrynet. This website is the pioneer of great products and serious basement prices. Prices are almost 50-70% off the retail price in Australia. Not only do you get free shipping, Strawberrynet always throws in an extra % discount when you shop with them or when you purchase more than 3 items in one order. This is the place to go to for products and brand names such as Dermalogica, Elizabeth Arden, Chanel, Clinque, Estee Lauder, Laura Mercer and the list goes on. Also, it takes less than a week for the products to arrive in Australia. Ordering online is really easy. All products come gift wrapped and it is always a thrill receiving my order from Strawberrynet.

PS: New customers receive a free gift on their first order too.

Savings rating: 4.5/5

Customer service rating: 4/5

Skincare Store (Local Aussie site)

The Skincare Store is the salvation for those who enjoy products that are stock in salon but do not want to pay over the top prices. This local heroine stocks fantastic brands such as True Solutions, M.D. Formulations, Dermalogica, StriVectin and a whole heap more. Prices are at least 25-30% cheaper than retail stores. True Solutions sunscreen retails for around $60-$70 in department stores; but at the Skincare Store, it is a mere $45. That is a total savings for at least $20. Worried about the cost of shipping? The Skincare Store offers free delivery Australia wide with no minimum order. Service has always been fantastic too.

Savings rating: 4/5

Customer service rating: 4/5

Imagine saving at least $20 on one product. Now, multiply this by 5 or 6 products and that savings will turn into money that you can spend on a new pair of shoes. Amazing. Check out the stores and websites today. Enjoy.

Related Articles

• Benefit Cosmetics Lovers: FREE International Shipping
• Skincare Alert! Save or Splurge