Beauty In Color: Pretty on a Penny
by Daria V. Wright

This month, I set out to discover a few ways to maintain primped and pretty perfection for pennies at a cosmetic counter near you.

Some of the most prestigious beauty brands have become savvy to the needs of beauty enthusiasts everywhere, by hiring professionals such as estheticians, makeup artists, and even hairstylists, to quench our craving for expert beauty advice.

Once you find a brand and expert that you love, join that particular store or counter’s registry; most will contact you about new product launches and exclusive events, many of which are free. But check the fine print, occasionally there may be a booking fee for an event, often redeemable in products.

Free Facials at Clarins

Clarins, renowned for their skin care, offers complimentary botanically based facial treatments inspired by the Clarins Institute de Beauté. Included in the experience is a 40-minute treatment with personalized skin care advice, and application techniques to recreate the experience at home. Be sure to print and present the certificate to ensure you receive this complimentary service.

Stylish beauty advice at Sephora

Beauty giant, Sephora, is the makeup destination for learning the latest in beauty, hair care, and seasonal trends. Whether you are interested in creating sultry looks for your eyes, the best products to straighten or curl your coif, or how to master beautiful brows, the beauty experts at Sephora will show you how… for free. Sephora also offers in-store events where guests meet brand experts and receive beauty and fragrance consultations.

Visit sephora.com, for information and store locations.

Gratis Beauty goodies at Estée Lauder

Beauty pioneer Estée Lauder offers a menu of signature services, featuring multiple complimentary beauty offerings to choose from. The services include expert advice on foundation matching, choosing the perfect skin care routine, a two-minute makeup touchup, and fragrance consultations.

Visit esteelauder.com for a complete list of services, and store locations.

Being beautiful shouldn’t wreak havoc on your budget, and with a bevy of free beauty services available, being pretty for pennies has never been easier.

Beauty in color is our monthly beauty column aimed at reviewing products, highlighting color trends, and focusing on the hair care and skin care needs of women of color. Please contact Daria V. Wright if you have story ideas or product suggestions.