2011 December

Once you’ve finished your holiday shopping, you’ll no doubt want to treat yourself. It’s even better when the sales start but it’s easy to end up with things you don’t want or missing out on what you’re really after. Here are ten tips to help you make the most of the end of season sales.

Do your research

Find out when the sales for your favourite stores start. Even getting to your favourite shop a day late could mean missing out on that dress you’ve had your eye on.

Get there early

Once you’ve found out when the sales start, try to get there early, especially if there’s something specific you’ve got your eye on.

Think about what you really want

In the lead up to the sales, think about what you want and in what size. Focus on getting these rather than traipsing around the shop not really knowing what you’re looking for. Hopefully you’ll manage to get at least some of the items you really want.

Avoid impulse buying

We’ve all been in the position when you think you’ve found some great clothes and a bargain price but realised it’s really not very nice once you’re home. Think about whether you’d want the item if it wasn’t on sale and make sure it’s not the price you’ve fallen in love with.

Budget

Obviously, the great thing about sales is that you get to save some money but with so many bargains it’s easy to overspend. Decide how much you can afford to spend on clothes and beauty products and then stick to it. If you’re really worried about overspending, get the amount out in cash and leave your credit and debit cards at home.

Make sure it fits

Many of us have the best intentions of losing weight, especially after the holiday seasons, but don’t follow through. Only buy clothes that actually fit, if it doesn’t fit you it’s not a bargain! Stock up for the season

Before you hit the sales, go through your wardrobe and work out what will need replacing for the upcoming season. Buying your staple wardrobe pieces in the sales is a great way of getting quality basics at a much better price.

Keep hold of what you find

If you’ve found something you’re not sure of, keep hold of it until you’ve made your final decision. If you find something you think you like but put it down to come back to later, you run the risk of losing it.

Shop online

Shopping from the comfort of your own home means you miss out on the crowds and the rush to grab what you want. However, you’ll still need to get in quickly as items will sell out fast, especially if it’s a good offer.

Dress appropriately

If you’re going to be traipsing around the shops all day you’ll want to be comfortable. Wear flat shoes, if you’re after something to wear with heels you can always take a pair with you or try some on in the shop. It might be cold outside but if you’re wearing a thick coat in a busy shop you’ll soon warm up so make sure you wear layers.

Guest post contributed by Emma Beecroft, a fashion and beauty writer at Café La Moda. She loves writing on makeup and beauty trends and hopes this article will help you shop for makeup products and holiday gifts with ease.

Tagged as: Shopping

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If you are looking for a gift for your mom, your sister, your grandmother, or your best friend, you can’t go wrong with a beauty-related gift. The women on your list probably already have more scented candles and lotionsthan they know what to do with, so you will have to think outside the box a bit if you want a gift that will be truly appreciated. Here are 10 top beauty gift ideas for the holiday.

1. MAC Dazzlesphere Ornaments

These limited-edition ornaments are filled with miniature versions of MAC’s crush metal loose eyeshadows and lip glosses in coordinating shades. This is a fun gift for any beauty lover and a great way to try some new colors.

2. Pedicure Gift Certificate

This is a gift that is appreciated by nearly everyone. In particular, pregnant women and older women who have trouble reaching their toenails are always delighted at the idea of getting a professional pedicure. It’s also great for women with a hectic lifestyle who could use an excuse to get out of the house and have some time to themselves.

3. Benefit Brighter Badder Set

This set is perfect for the women on your list who are fun and hip – or the ones who wish they were! The sassy makeup line Benefit has chosen two popular products, Bad Gal Lash Mascara and Eye Bright Instant EyeBrightener, for this set. Like everything from Benefit, the packaging is almost as exciting as the products themselves.

4. Urban Decay Naked Palette

This palette contains twelve eyeshadows that look great on everyone,cementing its status as a cult favorite. The shades all work nicely together and can be used to create a multitude of looks, from neutral everyday eyes to smoky nighttime looks. The colors have different finishes including matte, shimmer, and glitter. A brush and a travel sized tube of UrbanDecay’s popular Primer Potion are included to help your shadow stay in place all day.

5. Philosophy Marshmallows for Toasting Trio

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the fragrance of toastedmarshmallows evokes a warm and comforting feeling. That’s why Philosophy has chosen this scent to infuse its trio of lotion, lip shine, and their famous 3-in-1 bath gel, shampoo, and bubble bath.

6. Sephora Deluxe Fragrance Sampler for Her

If you would like to buy a fragrance for someone but aren’t exactly surewhat her tastes are, this is an excellent option. This pretty pink box contains sample vials of twelve of Sephora’s top selling perfumes. The recipient can try them all out and then redeem the included voucher at Sephora for a full-sized bottle of whichever perfume she likes best. Therei s also a refillable atomizer so she can carry her favorite fragrance with her on the go. You don’t have to worry about quality-the perfumes come from top names in beauty such as Versace, Prada, and Gucci.

7. Stila Lip Glaze Set

Stila is perhaps most known for their lip glazes, a type of lip gloss that imparts exceptional shine and delectable flavors to boot. Some holiday sets can seem like ways for manufacturers to unload their underperforming shades but in this set, there isn’t a dud in the bunch.

8. Spa Gift CertificateY

ou probably have someone your list who seems to have everything. Even if her vanity is well-stocked, she could always use a trip to the spa. Give awoman who is hard to buy for a spa certificate so she can enjoy being pampered however she prefers- a facial, mud wrap, or massage is always well-received.

9. Goody Spin Pins

This clever hair accessory is a novel way to keep your hair out of your face. These easy-to-use pins help keep long hair up in a tight bun all day. It’s the perfect gift to use as a stocking stuffer but great enough to be remembered long after the holidays have passed.

10. OPI Muppet Mania!

Polish OPI polishes are among the best on the market, known for their flawless finish and long wear. Their Muppet Mania! Collection offers a number of festive shades that make great stocking stuffers.

Cindi Lewis writes for glossy.com a natural skincare and beauty products online retailer.

Tagged as: Holiday Makeup, Makeup