I'm a frugal person but after years of struggling with finding higher quality drugstore brands, I discovered stores like Sephora and Ulta.
My wallet hated me! But I felt pretty! Sometimes I'd even go in to just "pet" the makeup.
I also love good packaging.
Even when I find acceptable drug store brands, I want the luxury of the higher end packaging.
I have found a few ways to save money while feeding my desires to look and feel good.
I often wait for the "gift with purchase" offers before making buying decisions.
Coming into the Christmas and holiday season seems like a good time to shop with more free or reduced price offers.
Borghese and Elizabeth Arden usually have beautiful kits available with purchase during the holidays.
eBay can also be a great source for high end brands at reduced prices.
Careful shopping and establishing saved searches for your favorite brands can be a terrific money saver.
I recently picked up some Urban Decay on eBay and that's one of my favorite brands.
There are also a few high-quality, inexpensive brands of makeup.
My favorite in this category is Nyx.
Their eyeshadows have deep, rich pigment with a lot of staying power.
I'm also a fan of the CoverGirl and Maybelline lip formulas that are geared towards long lasting coverage and usually come with a lip gloss.
Though they can be a little bit drying, the long wear and low price always tempts me into picking up a few more.
There are also some independent sites that offer high quality makeup at discounts.
Makeup Deal of the Day offers steep discounts on name brand cosmetics, mostly in a "deal of the day" forum with featured products.
Lastly, you can exchange gently used makeup in various places online.
Makeup Alley has a large makeup exchange forum.
But if you feel awkward about exchanging used makeup with strangers, consider having a makeup swap party with a bunch of your friends.
Stay frugal.
Feel beautiful.
And have fun!