High End Cosmetics on a Low End Budget

I am a cosmetics junkie. I love to try all the new creams, colors and fragrances, mainly those offered by higher end designers such as Laura Mercier, La Mer, Chantecaille and Chanel. These aren't inexpensive cosmetics. But there are several ways you can get more value for your cosmetic purchases.

Many of these designer lines offer Gift with Purchases - usually a cosmetic bag of some sort filled with a selection of makeup, fragrance and skincare. It's a good way to get new items to try, and the sizes are perfect for travel, being small enough to meet airline requirements for carry-on liquids and gels.

In stores, you can also ask the customer representatives for free samples. Finding a good customer representative is a must - some act like they are guarding the U.S. Treasury when you ask them for samples. Don't be put off - come back a different day or try a different store. Free samples are supposed to be there for the consumer to try and a good customer representative will send you on your way with a wide variety of items to try.

Online, many of the stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks and Sephora offer seasonal Beauty Events, where a certain dollar purchase will get you a cosmetic or tote filled with a selection of items from their different cosmetics lines. A recent bag from Nordstrom included generous samples of Vera Wang Parfum and Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste Lotion; N.V. Perricone Moisturizer, and shower gels from Laura Mercier and L'Occitane.

Often during the Beauty Event, the individual lines also have Gifts with Purchase, so you can increase the amount of items you get to try. Macys, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus also have a beauty offer or gift with purchase category on their beauty menu that you can check to see what is available. And Neiman's often offers three free samples with any cosmetics purchase.