Saks Beauty Event

Being the practical girl that I am, I try and hold off on buying beauty products until the bi-annual Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue Beauty Event. My logic is that if you have to buy sensible things like shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer anyway, you may as well wait until you can get something free with them! Over the past 4 years I have it perfectly timed, so my Frederic Fekkai will last me until the next beauty event; it's a very precise science.

I was a negligent blogger and failed to post about the Neiman's Beauty Event a couple of weeks ago, but I'll do my best to make up (no pun intended) for it! If you're not familiar with the ins and outs of how to get the most free goodies for the fewest purchases, allow me to guide you...

First thing's first: when is it? The Saks event started on October 4 and runs through October 13 in stores, BUT it's good online 'til October 14. If you're buying online, just be sure to enter REELBEAUTY in the code box at checkout, so you get your gifts.

The basic concept of a Beauty Event is you spend a set amount of money ($100 for Saks) and in return you get a lovely tote filled with everything from wrinkle creams and perfume samples to eyeshadows and mini mascaras. What many people don't realize, is there are other free gifts if you know where to look. Here are a couple of tips before you set off on your beauty bonanza!

1. Don't buy, just to buy: this is how people end up with drawers full of unused lipsticks and eye shadows. As I mentioned earlier, I look at Beauty Events as a time to stock up on things I need and use on a daily basis; however, there's nothing wrong with buying a fun lip gloss from time to time. Plan out your shopping list in advance; this is extremely important if you're going to the store. It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement and the pretty colors, so stick to your list: don't be thwarted!

2. Don't think the gifts stop with the goodie bag! Most individual brands have specials as well, but you have to really look through these to get the good ones. A lot of the brands require you to spend a specified amount to get the free gifts, but for the Saks Event both Dior and Kiehl's are offering free gifts with ANY purchase. If you look on the Saks website, you will not see these offers. I discovered them the good old-fashioned way; the catalog! If there is a particular GWP (gift with purchase) you have your heart set on, I would either call the store first or order via telephone to make sure it's in stock and you actually get it!

Finally, if you don't know what to do with your new tote bag I highly recommend using it for grocery shopping! Wouldn't you much rather carry a stylish Saks tote than an ugly plastic bag?

More on Bloomingale's, Chevy Chase!

If you didn't make it to the grand opening festivities, fret not! There are still a ton of special events going on throughout the month of October. The events range from special gifts with purchases to designer appearances to a cup of Godiva cocoa to enjoy while shopping. I still haven't been able to go checkout the new store, but I have every intention of making it there this weekend and giving a full report on Monday!