Chanel nail polish tops by Chic n Cheap Living

Savvy Tips: How to pay less for Chanel Cosmetics

May 30, 2013

“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.
Chanel nail polish tops by Chic n Cheap Living 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.
Chanel nail polish rows by Chic n Cheap LivingBut 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.
Chanel nail polish fronts by Chic n Cheap Living

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?
Chanel rouge coco shine by Chic n Cheap Living

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?

little luxury list

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  • Natalie May 30, 2013 at 07:58

    I never thought to buy chanel through ebay or on purse forum or makeup alley- but that’s a great idea!

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living May 30, 2013 at 16:25

      Thanks Nat! I hope that you are feeling well! Yes I bet there are some good options on eBay but just be careful of fake options. I love TPF marketplace and you should look there if possible!

  • Kim of A Very Sweet Blog May 30, 2013 at 10:00

    Wow, these are some great tips. I have a couple of Chanel nail lacquers and love them. I’ve just been buyinig them through department stores here. This helped in giving me some more options. Thanks!!!

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living May 30, 2013 at 16:23

      I love Chanel lacquers! I usually get them through the airport because they cost a little less. I like that department stores can sometimes carry a larger range than duty free stores though!

  • Rowena May 30, 2013 at 11:45

    I’m a big fan of Chanel cosmetics but the not so much of the prices. Thanks for the tips!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

  • Sam May 30, 2013 at 19:09

    I would love to own an entire counter of Chanel makeup but its also pretty expensive here. I agree on the duty-free shops in airports, you can definitely score a small discount there. Love the term ‘lashful’ btw. Hope you’re having the loveliest time, please bring us back lots of photos!

  • Akaleistar May 30, 2013 at 22:39

    Chanel nail polish is so pretty, but I don’t often splurge on it.

  • Susannah May 31, 2013 at 02:47

    I don’t have any Chanel products, but it sounds like I’m missing out. I’ll keep your tips in mind to get the best deal.

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living May 31, 2013 at 05:32

      Hi Susannah, I have a weak spot for certain Chanel cosmetics and would recommend them. I still want to try perfection lumiere foundation which some people love. Otherwise, I hope the tips were useful and thanks for stopping by!

  • The Dainty Dolls House May 31, 2013 at 04:56

    Great ideas doll! I sometimes look around ebay for cosmetics I want cheaper, sometimes you can get lucky on there and get a bargain. It’s so great when you can get your favourites somewhere cheaper, helps so much!! xx

  • Coco May 31, 2013 at 08:58
    • Chic 'n Cheap Living May 31, 2013 at 10:56

      Coco, purse forum is awesome! You just have to apply for membership to the market plaza. I love it though and have gotten great things from other ladies!

  • Gabby July 4, 2013 at 07:22

    Exciting blog post! Im interested to buy chanel nail polish in airport duty free shops as i will fly to singapore next month. Would u mind telling me How much is the chanel nail polish there? Thankyou so much 😀

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living July 4, 2013 at 08:34

      Hi Gabby! Thank you for your kind words. I haven’t looked in a few months, but think Chanel nail polish was S$26 in the duty free airport shop. I hope you find a few fun polishes and let me know what you get! 😉

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