Secret Online Havens: Part 1
Being an online writer and shamefully admitting to being a fully fledged fashion and beauty addict, its fair to say that i spend a rather large amount of time online, either blogging, window shopping or catching up on the latest news. Being rather thrifty - I'll have you know i can sense a Topshop sale a mile or two off - i thought i would share with you a list of websites i peruse on a daily basis. Of course, I'm sure your well aware of the majority but there are a few sneaky ones I've thrown in for good measure that might help you save a few pennies here or there (or full on break the bank - who cares!) Here is part one, with part two to follow shortly..
Make-Up Alley - An online skincare and cosmetic forum that is updated by beauty-aholics all over the globe. Membership is free and will allow you to upload or read hundreds of beauty product reviews from brands all over world. If your torn over two particular products, log on and see what scores of other ladies have to say first!
H&M - Obviously we are all aware of the giant Swedish fashion chain online, but when push comes to shove sometimes I prefer purchasing online. If you look hard enough there's always a code floating about which will save you some pennies. Plus the online H&M sales are always worth checking out, sizes sell out quick but they are usually re-stocked (rather rare), and nine times of ten you'll find the sale prices don't translate into store. Plus hands up who would want to raid a H&M in-store sale? Thought not.
Topshop - Holding my hands held high, i can say that the New In page on Topshop is probably one of my most visited sites on my Macbook. Sad, but true. Topshop always have cracking sales online, you just have to be prepped for an early morning bleary-eyed shop - so worth it though.
Boots Treat Street - We see umpteen million adverts for Boots Treat Street, but do we ever use it? No. What even is it, i hear you say? Well, to break it down it is essentially clicking through to other retailers from the Boots site and gaining Boots points on the items you've purchased else where. The points gained aren't as much as 4 points a £1, but they certainly add up over time. Retailers include anything from Apple, New Look, Dorothy Perkins, French Connection, Miss Selfridge, Nelly, Topman and Play.com. The list is endless! At Christmas I purchased a large order online at Play, before logging on to Play I clicked through from the Boots Treat Street website and placed my order. Several weeks later, I popped my Boots card into the reader and had a shed load of points. After doing this continuously every time I make an order, I am now up to £56 Boots points! The key is to remembering to do so.
John Lewis - One of the best things about John Lewis is it's amazing beauty hall, sadly I'm only able to visit when I'm in Central. But their online beauty stores boats a variety of sought after brands: Laura Mercier, Origins and Liz Earle for starters. Another brownie point factor is the free shipping over £30, if your stocking up on your skin-care basics, this free shipping amount is certainly lower than its competitors. They also do fab product bundles and gifts, that are always heavily discounted after Christmas. If your a Cath Kidston fan, shipping on the whole is cheaper at John Lewis than buying from the CK website too!
Debenhams - Fantastic for their beauty discount days, you can save up to 10% off the likes of Mac, Tom Ford or Bobbi Brown. If you haven't already, be sure to sign up to their beauty loyalty card when your next in-store. Even if you don't shop that regularly with Debenhams to rack up the points, with a card you are entitled to free shipping on any beauty order - you never need to bother ordering from the Mac website again! On various occasions they have a free £5 worth of points, if you spend over £30 on make-up or skin care - the perfect time to re-stock.
ASOS - I can't really say i am a massive fan of the ASOS own branded items, but their beauty section is a whole other story. With 10% off all year round for students and free Super Saver Delivery, its worth checking out some of their top brands such as Nars and Clarisonic. They also have some fabulous product bundles (such as this Benefit and Nars set) and amazing end of season sales.
Amazon - I am am avid customer of Amazon, from purchasing the latest crime thriller novel for my Kindle to rather surprisingly beauty products. You can near enough purchase anything from Amazon, its always worth giving it a good search first. I've purchased the infamous Seche Vite varnish, my Clarisonic and the hard-to-buy Queen Helen face mask - all for a damn site lot cheaper. One of my friends even purchased a Michael Kors watch, and another some special American branded crisps - random.
Feel Unique - A hit with us beauty bloggers but to the British public, relatively unheard of. Feel Unique is a cracking beauty site, selling a string of amazing brands such as Benefit, Claudalie and YSL. I has free shipping on everything, and most items are discounted - it is the cheapest stocklist of the infamous Xen Tan fake tanner. Its worth liking their Facebook page too, to be up to date with the latest discount codes they often roll out.
Harrods - Another online stocklist we dare not look at in fear of prices, but whilst your stalking the sold-out sale pieces at Boots after Christmas I'm adding the amazing discounted beauty sets to my basket on Harrods. Is always worth checking out their Laura Mercier and Marc Jacobs reductions during sale times.
Escentual - Similar to Feel Unique, Escentual beauty website offers some fabulous sample packs of a variety of brands. But be quick they often sell out super fast, with the likes of French skincare brands Avene and La Roche Posay offering big bundles of samples for under £15, its a great way to trial a new brand.
Space NK - Another one of my favourite beauty stockists, they sell a variety of up-market brands in both cosmetics and skincare. My favourites being Khiels, Laura Mercier and Nars. Online be sure to sign up to their N.Dulge loyalty card, even if you don't regular shop with the brand they send out fab offers of free gifts on your birthday, gift cards at Christmas and first serve tickets to their in-store events. Its always worth a visit in-store if your nearby, the ladies are always on hand to give excellent advice and dish out a healthy amount of skincare samples too! My favourite branch is the Convent Garden store, pop in next time your visiting.
Thanks for reading - if you have any sites you check constantly do share! Stay tuned for part two..
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