Consumer Reports Offers Advice On Saving On Beauty Basics
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Most of us, at some point, have paid a lot for a fancy beauty product.
But when you shop at a drugstore, you probably figure you're getting a decent price. However, Consumer Reports ShopSmart says, "maybe not."
Knowing how to apply makeup like a pro is one beauty secret worth knowing. But knowing where you can save a pretty penny on beauty basics doesn't hurt either.
Consumer Reports ShopSmart set out to find where you can save big.
Consumer Reports' team of secret shoppers searched for the best prices on 38 products, including lipstick, gloss, foundation and mascara.
"There are pretty big price differences on beauty products depending on where you shop," said Lisa Freeman, of Consumer Reports.
Take mascara, CoverGirl's Lash Blast Volume will cost you $8.99 at Ulta.com, but at Walmart it only costs $6.73. That's more than a two-dollar savings.
L'Oreal mascara is $8.62 at CVS, but only $5.03 at Target.
When it comes to foundation, L'Oreal Blendable makeup was $12.10 at CVS, but at Walmart you'll pay just $7. That's a five dollar savings.
ShopSmart found savings on lip gloss, too. Maybelline Color Sensational will cost you $7.80 at CVS, but only $4.89 at HarmonDiscount.com.
"Believe it or not, if you want the best prices on drugstore beauty products, skip the drugstores," said Freeman. "We found that CVS and Walgreens had the highest prices most of the time."
In the end, it was HarmonDiscount.com that had the best prices on most products followed by Walmart and Target.
But scoring a great deal on a beauty product is only part of the equation. It's got to look good on you, and sometimes it just doesn't.
ShopSmart says many retailers will let you return opened products, including Target, Walmart, and HarmonDiscount.com. Be sure to check the return policy before you buy and always save your receipts.
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