Throw the first lipstick who does not enjoy a trip abroad to fill the necessaire of new cosmetics! Whenever I go to some new destination, I like to check out a different pharmacy or shop – because, if you haven’t noticed, I am a real addict to cosmetics and makeup! I know that many of you who follow me enjoy the tips of products and stores that I give here. Today, I have some tips to optimize beauty purchases in New York. I hope it can help with planning – and also saving!
1. Drugstores are not the cheapest place to buy cosmetics – anyone who has been following me for some time knows that this is my mantra, but it’s good to remember: chains like Duane Reade, CVS and Walgreens are not the great places for you to buy those products from brands such as Revlon, Maybelline and L’oréal. The best place for these purchases is Harmon Face Values. Harmon is from the same group as Bed & Beyond and has a huge store in Chelsea (675 6th Ave) and its prices are better. To get an idea of the price difference, check out this video here. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter of the website to receive offers, tips and a discount of $ 5 for your first purchase in the store. Also, sign up for Bed Bath & Beyond coupons, because Harmon accept them too.
2. You have to know when to shop at drugstores – drugstores are not the cheapest place to buy cosmetics, but sometimes they offer deals that worth. Look for orange promotional labels or labels that say “Buy one get 1 50%”. These promotions often worth! Also, if you see a Rite-Aid drugstore, check it out: this chain also have good deals.
3. New York City has a cosmetics outlet – yes, you did not read wrong! Cosmetic Market (15 E 37th Stt) has leading-edge stock products, which are not in the market anymore. There are makeup, cosmetics for body and face and products for hair. Prices are excellent, indeed! There are brands such as Maybelline, O.P.I., Sally Hansen, Revlon, Garnier, L’oréal, Elizabeth Arden, Bioré. Be aware of the expiration date of the products. Oh, and the variety of products changes every week. There is a post here on the blog and also a video with a tour there – worth checking to get a sense of the prices.
4. Explore the discount stores – .chains such as TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack are famous for clothing, footwear and home goods, but these stores also have a cosmetics department full of great products, at low prices. TJ Maxx, for example, is the best place to buy Joico. Besides, the chain stores have a lot of products for body and bath, as well as perfumes from well-known brands such as Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana. At Nordstrom Rack (60 E 14th St), you can find the products from Bed Head line. It is also worth checking out Lot Less – which, in addition to cosmetics, has chocolates, decoration items, stationery and everything with discounts! You can find Sebastian products starting at $4. Oh, and Century 21 is probably one of the cheapest places to buy fragrances – it has many gift sets at great prices.
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.