Hello all! It’s been a bit of a hectic time for me – US shopping (and boy, was it a doozy), and right into exams. I’m halfway through my exams, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, so as a study break, why not do a blog post about some of my favourite tips for Canadians, when shopping south of the border (Update – 2 days later, I’M FREEEE!). I’ll try my best to make these tips location transcendent, but my most frequented location is Buffalo, New York.
Tip #1 – Have a shopping list.
I know that this probably sounds like a no-brainer, but when you have a day packed with shopping, in addition to being overwhelmed by the great deals, it’s very easy to walk into a store, with one item on your mind, and leave the store with a whole bunch of other stuff, sans-original item. Walking into a new store can quickly turn into “shiny object syndrome” – *goes into store for face cream* “Look at that lipstick! And those deals on nail polish! *walks out without face cream*.
Tip #2 – Plan ahead – coupon your way to happiness.
Along with your shopping list it’s a good idea to try and look for coupons. My favourite way to prepare is by checking the website Nouveau Cheap – which does “weekly drugstore round-ups”, which include weekly deals, coupon sites, and ways to get the best bang for your buck. Even though chances are you will be finding your items at a better price than in Canada, stores encourage coupons, and you can stack them – you can use like 5 coupons in a single transaction in some of these places. Sometimes you can even get freebies, like from the dollar store….which leads me to my next tip.
Tip #3 – DOLLAR TREE, DOLLAR TREE, DOLLAR TREE.
Oh the Dollar Tree….where do I even begin? This store has quickly become one of my must-visit stores when shopping for beauty finds. Unlike stores in Canada *AHEM, I’m looking at you, Dollarama*, everything at the Dollar Tree is actually $1.00, and no more. And some stores let you use manufacturer’s coupons – so let’s day that you have a coupon for $1 off of any Rimmel product; if your store has a selection of Rimmel products (and they are willing to take coupons), BAM, you’ve got a free makeup. In recent history, for only $1.00 I have gotten E.L.F. products, Essie nail strips, Maybelline Color Show nail polishes, and much more.
Tip #4 – Recharge (don’t forget to eat).
Yes, I have been a victim of this one, many a time. I get so focused on wanting to hit all of the locations, sometimes I forget to eat, to the point where it’s too late, and I turn into a little low-energy, whiny, ball of tense-ness. Take a break, grab a sandwich, or a Coolata from Dunkin Donuts (seriously, they’re great), whatever it takes to keep your blood sugar at a happy level.
Tip #5 – Some of my favourite stores to visit.
I have already mentioned the dollar tree, but if you are looking for some affordable beauty finds, be sure to check out Ulta (there is ALWAYS some sort of coupon on their website), 5 Below, Big Lots, Beauty Salon Plus, Christmas Tree Shops, Sally Beauty, Rite Aid, CVS, Target, and Wal-Mart.
That’s all for today – until next time, happy shopping!
I'm actually printing this and keeping it in my parents' car.
That makes me so happy. My day = made
Awesome tips. I've been to Buffalo a couple of times and also Grove City (more for clothes rather than makeup). The next time I go I want to go to Dollar Tree! Sounds like some awesome deals are to be had! ;D
It's definitely worth it, to check out. Sometimes they're hit or miss, but there's usually a couple in each town, so whenever I pass by one, I just run in and check the beauty section. Eventually I hit a small jackpot.
Fabulous, thank you, some friends and I will be hitting for over the ditch in November for a 2 day shopping trip,,,will be hitting up Tonawanda, Lackawana, Niagara Falls, NY…for eating shopping, drinking eating shopping ….so excited to have a list to buy items we cannot get in Canada….