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.

With the dollar hovering around $0.92, it means that buying X’mas presents from overseas could be cheaper than buying them locally. For those who love Benefit Cosmetics, here’s the chance to make use of the great exchange rate and FREE shipping that is being offered. For example, the bad gal mascara is usually AU$36 from Myers but only US$19 (about AU$20) from Benefit’s website. This is a good $16 savings all up! Stock up on your pressies now and head to Benefit.

Get FREE international shipping with any $100 Benefit Cosmetics order.

Enter CYBRINTL at checkout.

Offer valid 11.27.09–11.30.09. Not valid with other offers. Excludes sale items & sharpeners. Offer valid one time per customer.

Save on…

• Cleansers – Cleansers, as the name states, are just pure simple solutions for removing oil and dirt. The trick is to buy the types that are made for sensitive skin. These formulas for sensitive skin are generally gentler on the skin and will not irritate or strip the skin of essential oils.
• Eye Makeup Remover – Over the years, I have tried eye makeup remover that cost as much as a Chanel lipstick and those from Priceline. I found that my favourite is Garnier’s Clean Sensitive Make-Up Dissolver 200ml ($7.75) for sensitive skin. This easy to use liquid removes all my waterproof mascara within 2 wipes! It’s cheap and good. Will not be able to go back to the expensive brands after this.
• Daily Moisturiser – This product is meant to hydrate you. Choose one that is oil-free and suitable for your skin type. It would be a good idea to get a moisturiser that contains sunscreen in it for sun protection. This helps prevent premature ageing.

Splurge on…

• Serum – Most beauty therapists agree that if there is one thing that you should splurge on, that would have to be serums. In the May 09 issue of Shop til you drop, readers are advised that “Serums are packed wtih potent levels of anti-ageing ingredients, which give you a concentrated hit of anti-oxidants. And they are far richer than anything you will find in a moisturiser”. Also, the ingredients that are included in serums, often do not come cheap or easy. Often, the higher the price tag the higher the concentration of active ingredients. Additionally, most high-tech formulas usually go into a beauty company’s serum first before they are later used in their other cream products.
• Eye Creams – These are definitely splurges! You can use regular moisturiser around the eye area but it is best to invest in a specialised cream or serum for the delicate and sensitive skin around the eyes. I love Jurlique’s Herbal Recovery Eye Gel for night and The Body Shop’s Vitamin E eye cream.

~ Jess