Shopping in a Recession

So in case you haven't heard we are in a recession. Breaking news, right? Well, just because some of us aren't exactly thriving financially doesn't mean we should just throw in the towel and hide out until things get better. There are ways to keep looking like a million bucks, even if it feels like you're that far in debt.

*Sorry M.A.C., Bobby Brown, Estee Lauder and the like. Frugal dolls are finding unbeatable deals in the same stores they get their Tylenol and tampons. That's right, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are offering irresistable sales on makeup. Many of them have buy one get one free on the best of the drugstore brands. L'oreal's HIP (High Intensity Pigments) line has been rivaling the shades at M.A.C. for a few years now. And Maybelline has long been known as the queen of mascaras. Stock up on the essentials and leave the extras to the department stores. This way if a shade doesn't work out you haven't wasted an arm and a leg on it, and some drugstores have good return policies on makeup.

*Whenever you are about to make an online purchase, do your research first! Visiting sites like RetailMeNot.com can save you $$ on shipping costs and get you percent-off deals. All you have to do is search the retail store and user submitted online coupon codes will come up including the average amount of times they have worked for other users.

*Ever receive a gift card to a store you hate as a gift? Sell it! You can make some extra money to get what you really need by going to giftcards.com and offering your not so thoughtful gift for sale. If you want to grab a gift card or two for someone you can also use this site to purchase a gift card for less than what it is worth. You may just find yourself able to get that $100 gift card for $20 less!

by Ciara