I know what you’re thinking. “I thought this blog was about living the lovely life… for less. What’s Bloomies got to do with it?” I hope you’ll hear me out for one moment about this one.
No, I’m not trying to get you to buy expensive clothing at Bloomies. However, I would like to plant a seed in your head that upscale typically means better service. And just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you don’t deserve great service. That’s why I purchase all my Clinique make-up at Bloomingdales. Clinique has standard pricing, so why not get it at Bloomies? They have awesome service for the same price. It may cost a bit more than other retailers to get the bonus gift during bonus time, but it’s usually a really good package. If you purchase $25 in Clinque products you get something like this (from Feb. ’09):
There’s enough in there to make it worthwhile… a $75 value! Here’s how I work it: I typically buy three products, broken up in to two purchase cycles. Cycle #1 (the first bonus time) I buy the Clinique Moisture Surge ($34). Cycle #2 (second time it comes around) I get foundation and either eye liner or blush– basically the things that need to be specifically matched to my coloring.
If you get to know one of the sales staff (ask for their card and ask to be put on their mailing list or get called before bonus time) then you get a heads-up as to when the bonus time is. Each time it rolls around, I know Allison will call to let me know ahead of time. Typically I’ll order the products I need during the “pre-sale”, and she’ll hold onto it until the actual bonus time arrives. If I’m super busy I’ll just send my husband in to go pick it up along with my bonus gift. The bonus gift is usually so good that I don’t need to buy any more make-up for the entire year!
For around $70, I have my year’s worth of make-up and moisturizer, PLUS all the fun things in the bonus gifts: lipstick, eye shadow, bronzer, blush, cream, brushes, mascara, etc. Most of the time the lipstick and eye shadow are shades that match almost all coloring, so I typically don’t need to buy any more. Now, if you are really into make-up then this system may not work for you. But I wear a moderate (okay, since Noodle arrived, minimal) amount of make-up so for me this works just fine.
Bonus time rolls around at Bloomies this year September 2nd through the 19th. Allison already called, and it’s perfect timing– my eye liner is just about to run out!
By the way, don’t forget to enter our giveaway! It ends TONIGHT at 11:59 PM, so enter now before you forget!
Thank you for entering the YoBaby giveaway on my blog 🙂
Your blog here is adorable. So fun to read. I’m like you, too. There are just certain department store makeup items I can’t do without. I now live in the Florida Keys, but I’m originally from Toronto, Canada. I went to college in downtown Toronto, and was within super easy walking distance (or a few subway stop hops) to several Clinique counters. I was known to hit three different Clinique counters in the same day, to take advantage of the current bonus. Hahaha!
But those were the days before I was “Green”, “Organic” or even a “Mama”. Now I’ve switched over to skin care products from more natural brands like Jason, Avalon, and Alba. But I cannot do without my NARS “Orgasm” blush, and NARS “Eden” loose powder. I’m slowly using up the last of my MAC “Twig” lipsticks, and switching over to NARS “Dolce Vita”. It’s a more subtle shade; better for the office.
Thanks again for entering our Green Organic Yobaby Giveaway 🙂 Best of luck!!
Faye @ GreenOrganicMama.com