What brands are cheaper in the US?

TLF

I might have a trip to the US coming up soon and was wondering if anyone has recommendations on what brands are cheaper. Might get to buy some Christmas self-gifts

Really thinking of anything in cosmetics: skincare, makeup, hair, nails etc.

Am I right with this list so far?

MAC
Estee Lauder
Origins
Smashbox
Clarisonic

Is NARS cheaper over there? I typically head to Macys and Sallys but not sure if there are other dept stores or specialists that might be better to try?

Not sure what I'll end up buying but a girl can always browse and drool :rolleyes:

Thanks in advance!

Pythia

Where exactly are you going?

I would recommend Sephora. It's pretty much the cosmetics Mecca. Ulta is also fun but not in every location. Also Rickys in NYC. Most department stores stock generally the same stuff at the same prices.

I like to get Clinique stuff in the US, much cheaper. I find almost all cosmetic brands are cheaper, even UK brands like Nails Inc!

Also, if you go to the outlet malls, there is generally a place called the Cosmetics Company Outlet (CCO) which has a lot of stock from the Estee Lauder group. Some stuff is discontinued but a lot is current stock too and some great bargains there. I normally don't like outlet shops but these are great.

Don't forget to go to the 'drugstores'. Lots of really great stuff there too with great prices.

bronte

Real techniques brushes are quite a bit cheaper. I picked up loads in ULTA.

womandriver

bronte wrote: »

Real techniques brushes are quite a bit cheaper. I picked up loads in ULTA.

Is there an ULTA in NYC ? Hoping to pick up some too but couldn't see that there was one in NY. Thanks.

Pang

I picked up Essie nail polishes very cheaply in Walgreens when I was over last.

bronte

womandriver wrote: »

Is there an ULTA in NYC ? Hoping to pick up some too but couldn't see that there was one in NY. Thanks.

I'm nearly certain there aren't any in the city.
You might have to go further out.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/stores/storelocator.jsp?success=true&_requestid=262538#

They sold them in Target/Walmart too and very often had buy one get second half off.

dee_mc

Drugstores are amazing!
Almay eye makeup remover pads are great, I paid about $6 for a tub of them in CVS last time.
Sally Hansen nail products were on offer for $3-4 in RiteAid (usually around $7)
Some of the CoverGirl makeup range is amazing, and NYC products are cheaper there than here. I love their pressed translucent powder. Wet N Wild stuff is fun too. They do some nice eyeliners.
I can't remember prices but I picked up Bobbi Brown eyeshadows and blushers in Saks - definitely cheaper than here.
Sephora is great for testers and sample products, so be cheeky and you'll do well!

bronte

womandriver wrote: »

Is there an ULTA in NYC ? Hoping to pick up some too but couldn't see that there was one in NY. Thanks.

Just remembered they had them in Walgreens too...here's a walgreens at times square..

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/shopping/428/walgreens/details.aspx#.UnOPRHDwl6I

There are a few other walgreenses (new word!) around broadway too if I remember correctly. Have fun!

Twee.

Love Walgreens! The one at Union Square (near Discount Shoe Warehouse!!) is done up like a proper beauty hall, and they have sales advisors for the brands.

Sephora have loads of brands that we don't have here like Tarte, OCC, Kat Von D, as well as their own label which is great stuff.

womandriver

bronte wrote: »

Just remembered they had them in Walgreens too...here's a walgreens at times square..

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/shopping/428/walgreens/details.aspx#.UnOPRHDwl6I

There are a few other walgreenses (new word!) around broadway too if I remember correctly. Have fun!

Will def pay walgreens a visit so in that case!!

chickenbutt

Pythia wrote: »

Also, if you go to the outlet malls, there is generally a place called the Cosmetics Company Outlet (CCO) which has a lot of stock from the Estee Lauder group. Some stuff is discontinued but a lot is current stock too and some great bargains there. I normally don't like outlet shops but these are great.

CCO is great. You'll find Estee Lauder, Smashbox, MAC, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Origins, and others I can't remember right now. Not everything they sell is discontinued, though! It's a lot of limited edition things that aren't in stores anymore. Like, older MAC collections. I was in some CCO's over the summer and found last year's holiday sets still in stock.

TLF

Thanks so much everyone! It's California for me unfortunately but I completely forgot about Sephora!!! I will be like a kid in a sweet shop

I think I can get to a CCO as well although I forgot how busy everywhere will be with Thanksgiving soon

Must. make. list. and. must. stick. to. it. :rolleyes:

Percyxoxo

I picked up my nars in Sephora... a good bit cheaper. An example is a primer I bought for 26e in the US and it is 33e here!