Same here, I do not use a lot of make up at all. But mascara is essential for me. I have a acquired a lot of make up and facial products lately, free after rebate at Walgreens or free or almost free by using coupons at Walgreens as well. Actually, now I can’t even believe I used to pay $20 for mascara before. What was I thinking?

Domino magazine has a great article this month about saving money and buying makeup wisely. Most makeup lasts a long time, but if its components are separating it needs to go–you don’t want to put that on your face. Mascara should be replaced every 3 or 4 months (that may seem extreme if you don’t have sensitive eyes and don’t use your mascara every day, but this is your eyes we’re talking about). I pick up a new tube from the drug store every so often. Because liquid makeups age poorly, I’ve found that it’s not a good idea to stockpile them. I try to buy powders as much as possible, especially for eye shadows. They keep practically forever, and they don’t change with age. My skin is sensitive, but I’ve found that Maybeline’s water based foundation works for me just fine. Beyond that, I wear comparitavely little makeup, and tend to buy from Mary Kay once a year to restock on favorites.

Makeup actually goes bad. They do have a shelf life (I am sure you can google to find it out). HOWEVER, mineral make up lasts for years. Right now, Walgreens is having their Jane Cosmetics (mineral) B1G1free. There is a $2 off one coupon (moneysavingmom.blogspot.com has the link). So you buy one, get one free and are able to use TWO coupons (because you got two items). :) That make the make up free or close to free. :)

I wear makeup a few times a year maybe… My husband doesn’t like make up and I don’t like having it on my face so it all works out… :)

I do pick up make up if it’s free because occasionally I’ll get the urge to look a little more made up but I can’t even remember the last time I bought any..

makeup is hard and, in my experience, you get what you pay for. for the past year i’ve used “bare minerals” and buy it off ebay. usually i find one tub that lasts four or five months for 15 bucks — it’s a foundation powder that truly looks “natural.” super cheap mascara runs, so like you, i bank on those clinique deals and use the teeny clinique mascara — which lasts me a few months, though doctors say you should switch mascaras often ’cause bacteria can build up.

makeup is hard and, in my experience, you get what you pay for. for the past year i’ve used “bare minerals” and buy it off ebay. usually i find one tub that lasts four or five months for 15 bucks — it’s a foundation powder that truly looks “natural.” super cheap mascara runs, so like you, i bank on those clinique deals and use the teeny free clinique mascara — which lasts me a few months, though doctors say you should switch mascaras often ’cause bacteria can build up.

I use it now and then but my skin isn’t good…which just generally makes it a bad idea. I buy noncomedogenic stuff, of course, but that still doesn’t make it good for my face.

I buy mine @ CVS, normally based on its being a respected brand with a good price. No-name may be cheaper but I don’t want to risk it.

I also ran across an interesting site called “Mommy Makeup.” It has an interesting kit idea/setup. The idea is that you can get it done all at once…even has a paint by numbers kit. I don’t know if I’d use that if I used makeup, but it’s appealing.

I don’t use a lot of makeup so I only buy when needed. I think stockpiling is a bad idea because makeup doesn’t last forever. I’ve to throw out makeup half the time because they’ve gone bad.

I used to almost never wear makeup, but now that I’ve gotten a promotion at work, I’ve been making more of an effort to look better and wear a bit of makeup everyday. I mostly just use mascara and blush. Since I’ve adopted a frugal lifestyle, I’ve only bought one makeup item- an eye shadow compact from CVS that was clearanced down and I had a coupon for. Now I’m keeping my eyes peeled for makeup sales and coupons since I know I’ll be using it a lot more than usual.

I stockpile my make up. I get the deals at CVS & Walgreens (sadly no Rite Aid here :(

Also, I try to get as many free samples as I can request or sign up for of quality make up.

This is what works for me, as we are a one income family and I am a Stay at home mom.

Good luck!

Drugstore.com is currently having a buy 1 mascara, get 1 free promotion.

I wear makeup to work but that is it (unless I am going to a wedding or something). I generally get the deals at the drug stores or http://www.eyeslipsface.com. Almost everything is a $1 and you get free shipping when you put in the code CAROLINA. I get lipstick, nail polish, mascara, etc. for very little so I stock pile (the shipping is free with an order of $15 or more) so I have to buy once or maybe twice a year.

I make my own makeup.

I make my own makeup.

Use arrowroot powder for the face and cocoa powder for eyebrows.

Lipstick is olive oil, beeswax and red oxide. Look for little companies that sell pigments.

Chapstick gave me a rash, so now I make my own.