Cosmetics

Saturday, 19 January 2013

Cosmetic Coupons

The popularity of coupon and daily deal use has spread from products and basic services to a variety of medical procedures,” says Jackie Warrick, president at CouponCabin. “Many people are taking advantage of the discounts offered by coupons and daily deals to enhance their appearances and maintain their overall health.”

Coupons, of course, are just one way to encourage budget-conscious consumers to pursue the procedures or products they’re considering. From free consultation offers to fixed-pricing for a mommy makeover, doctors are increasingly offering special offers to turn prospects into patients.

According to the CouponCabin survey, 23% of respondents would consider plastic surgery if cost was not an issue. To help mitigate those concerns, special offers should provide something of actual value, whether it’s something free, something that saves them money or something that makes their decision easier.

Across-the-board discounting is never a good idea because it’s so difficult to go back to “normal” prices later. Instead, offer deals and discounts to specific high-value groups, such as new patients or the first 10 people to respond to an offer. Dr. Emily Altman, for example, offers 15% off photo facials and micro laser peels to patients who mention RealSelf.

Cosmetic Coupons

Cosmetics Company Store

This store is good for the bargain/treasure hunter that doesn't have a particular product in mind. They carry the overstock or discontinued stuff from a few high end brands. So, if you go to any CCO, bear in mind that it's self-serve to an extent. The colors/shades/products they carry are somewhat random and vary from store to store and even week to week (esp. MAC). Once in a while you'll score with some nice shades and/or nice brushes at a discount.
The employees try to be helpful but they don't seem to really know about the product lines they carry (Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, MAC). That being said it is, afterall, an outlet store and not the brand's actual counter. General questions are addressed pretty well ("I'm looking for a blue eye liner") but more specific questions ("What's the difference between this powder and the one next to it?") they may or may not be able to answer.

Cosmetics Company Store

Thursday, 17 January 2013

Cruelty Free Cosmetics

In order to find brands that are truly cruelty free it is important to first understand what cruelty free means. In general, a cruelty free brand is one that does not test on animals, does not use ingredient suppliers that test on animals, and does not allow 3rd party animal testing on its products. Some companies that claim to be cruelty free are only such as long as it is lucrative. In some cases, a company may start off being cruelty free then switch to animal testing when the market turns and it becomes beneficial (i.e. selling in China, a country that currently requires animal testing).

Since most companies do not advertise their testing procedures on their packaging (and some are not very truthful), it is important that you use the resources offered by the internet to find companies that test on animals. (Editor’s Note: At My Beauty Bunny, we do our best to keep up with the brands that are cruelty free – you can see a list of cruelty free brands here.) You can also do a quick search on the PETA or Leaping Bunny websites to find companies that do and do not test on animals (note that the Leaping Bunny list is the gold standard for cruelty free brands – the brands are required to submit to random audits). You may also want to search the company websites and recent news headlines to see if they test on animals.

Finding cruelty free makeup does not have to be difficult. In a day and age where more and more companies are becoming environmentally and morally conscious it is now easier than ever to find companies that are cruelty free. Cruelty free makeup is not only good for the animals, but also good for you.

Cruelty Free Cosmetics