With the festive party season in full swing, Boots beauty experts reveal their insider secrets for customers to get the most from their beauty budget this Christmas, with tried-and-tested, money-saving tips.
With plenty of parties, get-togethers and occasions to look forward to, Boots beauty experts Alice Rafferty – Head of Premium Beauty and Fragrance at Boots, and Hannah Stern – Boots Beauty Trainer share their top tips for nailing festive beauty on a budget this Christmas.
Keep an eye out for multi-use products
Hannah says: “Be on the look-out for multi-use products that make your festive makeup bag go further for less. You can find some great makeup palettes that include shades for bronzer, blusher and eyeshadow all in one. I love using a tinted lip balm for my lips, eyes and cheeks as it will stay in place all day long and gives a natural, dewy flush. If you use a rich cleansing balm to remove your makeup, try leaving it for 10 minutes to soak into the skin for a luxe face mask at no extra cost – perfect for post-party recovery!”
Milani All-Inclusive Eye, Cheek & Face Palette (£21), ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (£46), Dr.PAWPAW Peach Pink Balm 10ml (£3.95)
Get the most value from beauty gift sets
Alice says: “Beauty gift sets are for life, not just for Christmas! They are the gift that keeps on giving and the best way to get the biggest savings on the brands you love. My top trick is to split out the contents to create a few thoughtful gifts for your family and friends – plus a little treat to keep for yourself! Here’s a few of my favorites…”
Kylie Cosmetics Skincare & Makeup Star Gift (NOW £30, WORTH £60), No7 The Ultimate Skincare Collection 10-Piece Gift Set (£85, WORTH £140), Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse Volume 5.0 (£34 WORTH £56), Best of Estée Lauder 3 Piece Set (£49, WORTH £122.50)
Fall in love with a beauty mini
Alice says: “Want to try something new for the festive season? If a different shade of lipstick, a new skincare brand or a trending product has caught your eye, beauty minis are a great way to trial a product before opting for full-sized. Inject some fun into your makeup bag and try out seasonal items without the price tag. Not to mention, minis are perfect for packing when travelling to visit family and friends at Christmas time.”
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base 15ml (£16), Too Faced Better Than Sex Doll-Size Mascara 4.8g (£13), MAC Mini Trio Lipstick set (£30)
Swap salon treatments for DIY
Hannah says: “Save on salon beauty costs (and the hassle of finding those last-minute appointments!) during the festive season, by opting for DIY beauty at home instead. With the right tools you can achieve salon-worthy beauty from your bedroom. Instead of a salon manicure try a gel nail starter kit, or for-go the blow dry appointment with a clever at-home hair styler. With a little investment up front you’ll have a new beauty bestie that will see you through the festive period and beyond.”
Take advantage of offers at Boots
Alice says: “A Boots Advantage Card is your secret weapon for making great savings during the festive season. Start collecting Boots Advantage Card points when you spend in-store or online, and once you build up enough points you can make a purchase using your points value instead of cash*. Advantage Card holders can also make the most of hand-picked offers and exclusive deals with money off hundreds of products. A total no-brainer for saving money on makeup and other beauty essentials this Christmas!”.