My efforts to save money often lead me to purchase generic products when buying canned goods, cleaning supplies and other items. But there are certain times when a generic item doesn’t make the grade in my book, and that’s the case when it comes to makeup. I’ve used Mary Kay products since I began wearing makeup as a teenager, and I don’t plan to switch to something new.
Mary Kay isn’t cheap, however. A tube of medium-coverage foundation from a Mary Kay distributor will cost you $15, about double the price of Cover Girl or Maybelline foundation sold at Wal-mart. The good news is you don’t have to pay full price for Mary Kay makeup if you’re willing to buy it on eBay.
I recently won an eBay auction for Mary Kay foundation and got two tubes of foundation for $3 with $4 shipping—that $7 total is about 75 percent off the retail price.
A check of recently completed listings on eBay shows other bargains, too. One buyer got a tube of Mary Kay concealer for $4 (shipping included), saving 60 percent off the retail price. Another purchased a stick of eyeliner for $5.25—the same purchase from a distributor would total $10. A tube of Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara sold for $6.30, less than half of the retail price.
Other makeup brands sold on eBay include Lancome, Clinique and Sephora, so you can get a bargain on your favorites, too.
When buying makeup on eBay, keep these tips in mind:
Shop early. Don’t wait until you only have a day or two of makeup left to start bidding. Shipping can take a few days.
Bid with patience. Determine what you’re willing to pay for the product and keep trying to get it at that price. If others outbid you, move on to another auction. Use eBay’s completed listings tool to see what price the item you want typically sells for on eBay. (Contact me for help if you’re not sure how to do this.)
Buy in bulk. Some of the best deals on Mary Kay makeup come when you buy multiple packages of the same item. Use one product now, and save the other for later. I have never had any problems with makeup I’ve stored for months. If this option makes you uncomfortable, buy in bulk, and split the cost and products with a friend.
Check sellers’ feedback ratings. While eBay has a great buyer protection policy, you can save yourself some headaches by shopping with the best sellers to begin with. I don’t bid on any item offered by a seller who has less than 99 percent positive feedback.
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