Savvy Tips: How to pay less for Chanel Cosmetics

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

Coco Chanel

Let’s just state the facts: Chanel anything is pretty fabulous.  Chanel designs are timeless. Chanel cosmetics are well made.
I’ve purchased a few Chanel cosmetics from their nail polish (swoon over Chanel Fire and Delight) to mascara (I love Inimitable Intense!) and would definitely keep on buying them.  They are formulated well and just plain do their jobs.  The nail polish doesn’t easily chip and the mascara truly gives me a lashful look (I just made up that word but you know what I mean right?) Chanel cosmetics are also a more affordable way to buy a product from a luxurious brand.
But Chanel cosmetics are still pricier relative to other makeup brands.  I never wore makeup and was already 30 when I bought my first Chanel products.  The $30 mascara price tag was definitely tough.  But I’ve learned a few things about how I can still indulge in Chanel cosmetics, but pay a little less.

Here are my tips:

1. Buy at Duty Free

I hate, hate waiting at the airport.  I love, love wandering in the makeup section of Duty Free shopping.  Duty free goods are tax free and will inevitably be cheaper than what you would see at a store in town.  Pick our your colors and then head on over to Duty Free shopping when you are ready to depart. I bought my first Chanel nail polish in the Singapore airport as I was killing time before a flight.  I actually almost missed a flight once because I was trying out the perfect shade of lipstick for a little too long.

2. Note prices in different regions

Some items are just cheaper in certain areas.  Look at the country of origin as a clue and then the general pricing of similar products in that area.  E.g. French brands like Chanel are likely cheaper in Europe but more expensive in Japan.  Strangely enough, it is expensive in Singapore but sometimes cheaper than it would be in the US if you buy certain products at the airport.  If you have a friend that lives in or will be traveling through a region with lower pricing for Chanel cosmetics, ask nicely and she may bring back a few Chanel goodies for you!

3. Stalk promotions/Friends & Family discounts

Chanel cosmetics don’t go on sale.  But, department stores may have seasonal friends & family discounts that cover cosmetics, including Chanel.  Just pay attention to the fine print to see if Chanel is covered and note that the discount may be a smaller one than for other goods (e.g. I’ve seen a department store discount of 20% on clothing, but only 10% on cosmetics).  If your favorite store doesn’t discount cosmetics, it may still offer promotions in the form of free product with product.  Who doesn’t like free cosmetics to try out right?

4. Swap/buy online

I love shopping online and it is only natural that you can also buy popular cosmetics online as well.  Do your research if you are buying from a personal seller and be wary of fake cosmetics. No one likes fake formulas!  You can try out popular auction sites or fashion/beauty forums like The Purse Forum (I thought Makeup Alley users could sell products to each other, but I can’t find the option now).

How else do you buy Chanel cosmetics for less?

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