Gift With Purchase

I love a bargain, I love a freebie and I love presents, so I’m every cosmetic company’s dream when it comes to “gift with purchase”.

You all know the gift with purchase – it’s the offer cosmetic companies make to induce you into buying make-up from their brand, and far more than you ever intended to. I’m an absolute sucker for these gifts. When I first started seeing gift packs they often came with small sized samples of products you’d never use. But these days, with increasing competitiveness in the market, the tables are turning to the consumers advantage and more often than not the gift packs are coming in gorgeous toiletries bags with some great products.

This gives you a chance to test out new products before you buy, or to have a handbag sized spare for easy day to day use or travel. Lancôme are my favourite – their sample sizes are generous, they give you products that you will use and you generally don’t have to spend a great deal to get the offer.

Over the years of hunting down a bargain and a gift with purchase I’ve learned a few things, so here are a few tips:

• Get on the mailing list for your favourite cosmetics in one or two department stores., That way you’ll know when the bargains are coming up, and you can make sure whenever you buy make-up you’re getting a little something extra.

• If some of the items in the gift don’t work for you or your skin, ask the cosmetics consultant if you can swap for an item you will use

• If you’re buying more than the amount required for the gift, negotiate for two gifts. I often do this and end up with a bonus for either my mum or my sisters.

• Use the opportunity to get a make-over.I normally avoid this sales trick, but it is great to get some new ideas for make-up every now and then, and if you’re buying anyway, why not! And it you overspend – just get the extra gift with purchase and all your shopping guilt is gone!!

Happy shopping!!!