I'm not sure where to put this one, since it's part way between the two LWIF's, and general advice. So placing it here, and hope it's okay. This is from the Shu Uemura thread.

What's your favorite makeup, where do you get it, and how do you keep it affordable? Any hints on where to find deals, or products more people should know about?

I like buying from Smashbox.com online, which is NOT a cheap brand, but they have some great deals in the 'Curtain Call' section. Order from 9-2 PST on Tuesday or Thursday, and they'll give you a free something (under 'Let's Do Lunch), which is frequently full-size. You can also choose a sample with purchase. The lip glosses and mascaras are probably the best value for samples. Shipping is free, and between the free product and mark-downs, products end up being about the price of drugstore ones.

I also like ELF (eyeslipsface.com) for a lot of things. The products are super-cheap, and there are a bunch of coupon codes floating around. CAROLINA gives half-off for orders up to $15. Shipping is about $6, which could be better. I like the small brushes (liner, shadow), but not the large ones, and the eyeshadows and blushes are good. The lipglosses are a bit too fragranced for me. It's a good way to try new colors, or stock up for party favors or teen girl gifts.

everydayminerals.com has good, reasonably priced mineral makeup, and if you check the blog, they often have coupon codes. You can order little samples, and just pay shipping. Once you find your color, the package deals tend to be good.

And for B&M stores, CVS has 'Essence of Beauty' brushes which tend to be awesome. Wait for BOGO type deals on those. CVS and Walgreens often have similar deals for various cosmetics brands. I like Rimmel for glosses and mascaras. Milani's a cheap brand, but they tend to have some really interesting colors. There are charts you can search for that show which shades resemble MAC colors. If you have a nearby Ulta, sign up for their card, and you'll get flyers with coupons for $3.50 off $10, or 20% off a purchase. They sell cosmetics in all ranges, and tend to have a nice mark-down section. Check salon for last season's colors cheap, too.

If you want to know if a product's any good, sign up for an account at makeupalley.com. It's free, they send very occasional newsletters, and you can check reviews on just about everything. It's great knowing whether or not something's worth buying BEFORE you spend money on it.

That is great info!!!

I was a member of makeupalley.com so long ago - what a fun site! I used to participate in the swaps. But these days I'm so frugal that I don't have access to the hot brands.

I wish I could contribute info - but these days I've been just a Revlon/Mabelline/Cover Girl Girl... CVS is keeping me presentable! LOL.

Thanks, OP.

I use mostly drugstore cosmetics. That's because I read this
Amazon.com: Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me: Paula Begoun: Books

She tells the scams in makeup and how for the most part, expensive makeup is not better than drugstore stuff. There's good and bad quality in all product lines.

I have found my favorite mascara to be Revlon Lash Fantasy. I use Sheer Mineral blush, Neutrogena foundation, and eye shadows, liners, and pencils from many different brand. I use Almay concealor and four different moisturizers (they all have something good in them so I alternate them). My brushes are the new organic ones and I got them 50% off also!

And with Walgreen's and Rite Aid having B1G1F in a brand almost every week and with coupons and specials I save a fortune and I look great. You cannot tell whether I use "cheap" or "expensive" makeup by looking at me.

I think that's one of the misconceptions that keeps many people from looking their best-that you have to buy expensive. Quality is not always synonymous with price especially if you know where and when to look!

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

My best makeup deal is shopping at the CCO's . For the most part drug store cosmetics don't work for me, but the CCO's items are usually at least 33% off retail. Off the top of my head I know they sell Estee Lauder, Lancome, Clinique, MAC & Bobby Brown .

Also QVC sells Philosophy, Smashbox & Bare Minerals. They usually get packed sets that are cheaper than in stores.

I used to swap on MUA as well. I still have an account there, but rarely use it. I prefer Specktra.net or Bella Sugar.

I really miss my MAC powder foundation! It had such good cover, looked fantastic, and was quick to put on. Can't afford it these days. Has anyone else ever found anything like it??

I keep an eye on the makeup section at Dollar Tree! I've gotten Philosophy, Sally Hansen, and Almay there. It's fun to experiment... All I'm really faithful about is my Maybelline Great Lash mascara.

I would try the CCO's or ebay.

I've read time and time again that Maybelline Great Lash is the one formula that can't be beat - the two celebrity makeup artists that I've seen/read about opt for this one - even beyond the high end stuff.

Can't beat the price, either!

I used to buy only the best-I was totally hooked on Prescriptives, Clinique, and Clarins. I remember one time, at the age of three, my son (now 17), decided to dump a whole bottle of Prescriptives custom-made foundation into the tub (at that time about $28). I was beside myself. DH came into the bathroom and could not understand why I was so upset. I was a SAHM and he worked a lot. He looked @ the mess and said, "Wow, what a mess, that must be at least four dollars worth of make-up." For an instant I wanted to confess the real price, but just didn't have the heart! After that, just kind of had to move over to the Cover Girl world.