Quality Makeup, Cheap, and You’ll Never Guess Where
For the past week, I’ve been trying out a few products from a new makeup line. And I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve liked the items because they all costs under $4.
Select discount grocer ALDI recently introduced the premium European Lacura cosmetic collection in its stores in 30 states. And all items in the line retail for between $1.99 and $3.99 – eye shadow duos, mascara, foundation, compact powder, lipsticks, blush, and nail polishes. Plus, unlike some other discount makeup items where you get an eyeshadow for under $4, but you don’t get the applicator, and you certainly don’t get a sleek silver compact with a mirror — the Lacura products come with all those makeup “bells and whistles.”
The Lacura line features 25 products that cost up to 75% less than comparable name cosmetics. Developed by German skincare specialists, Lacura cosmetics are made with the same top-quality ingredients found in expensive labels — without the price tag. They’re made with natural, nurturing ingredients including cadelilla wax, jojoba wax, avocado oil, seed oil and vitamin E.
Courtesy of Aldi’s, I got to try the eye-shadow duo, blush, waterproof mascara, lipstick and compact powder. And here are my experiences:
I really liked the eye-shadow duo — the colors (cocoa and opal), the silkiness of the product and the staying power all impressed me. Again, the packaging is pretty and functional.
I also liked the blush, powder and lipstick for the same reasons, although I thought the lipstick looked better when I put a coat of clear gloss over it. I didn’t necessarily think it was dry, but it wasn’t extremely moist, either.
I didn’t care for the waterproof mascara, mainly because the wand wasn’t the best. The mascara lived up to its waterproof name, but I found it a little hard to apply with the stick-straight applicator. I prefer a curved wand. Still, for $3.99, instead of the $8.99 I pay for the brand I buy from Walgreens, it’s not a bad deal. I like to have extra makeup items to keep in my diaper bag for touch-ups while out and about, and for that I think the mascara is perfect.
Now I have to throw in my Aldi’s pitch for those of you who have snubbed the place or who’ve never tried it. I discovered Aldi’s in the late 1990s, and I’ve been a big fan ever since. They carry different name-brand products each week (at prices much cheaper than the national chains) and they carry lots of off-brands that I’ve found to be good replacements at rock-bottom prices. Here is what I always buy at Aldi’s:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread
- Buns
- Bagels
- Frozen vegetables
- Chips/cookies/crackers that I happily let my kids and the neighborhood kids raid whenever they want
- Water bottles
- Frozen ground turkey
- Chicken broth
- Rice
- Bananas (TONS of bananas)
I’ve also bought things from their “specialty items” each week, like a bush for my front yard for $8.
I know those couponing supermoms can get Aldi-like prices on top name brands, and I’m slowly learning the tricks of their trade by following some of them on Twitter (dealseekingmom freebies4mom and couponmama), but sometimes you just don’t have time to do that. That’s where Aldi’s comes in — no coupons necessary. My neighbor, who tried Aldi’s at my urging, said this after her first visit there: “Those groceries are free!”
Not exactly, but darn close sometimes. And now you can pick up some “almost free” cosmetics there, too.
P.S. Aldi also carries a skincare line by Lacura. I’m hoping to try those soon, so if you have any experience with them, let me know in the comments below.
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#1 LesleySW on July 18, 2009:
Michelle – Thanks for reviewing this makeup. I can’t wait to try it.
My husband, who does all the grocery shopping in our house, is a huge Aldi fan. I’m particularly fan of their yummy cereals.
#2 Tara @ Deal Seeking Mom on July 18, 2009:
Thanks for the link! I haven’t tried these cosmetics yet, but I’m intrigued now. Will check them out!
#3 Heather on July 19, 2009:
Thanks for the mention – wish we had Aldi near us, but I’m a big fan of our local Texas grocer HEB. They love to give out coupons for free products and have great meal deals plus an affordable store brand.
#4 Melinda on July 19, 2009:
Michelle, Thanks for the cosmetic info, I haven’t shopped at Aldi’s in twenty years- I am now!
#5 Siobhan on July 20, 2009:
Hi Michelle! It is so funny you mention this makeup. I love Aldi’s and I had this makeup in my hand the last time I was there – quite possibly it was the skincare stuff. But, I just wasn’t sure. You know you like it to be inexpensive, but not cheap and I was worried. I’ll try them the next time. Other favorite items:
– The frozen green beans! (long, skinny ones, great!)
– The frozen Kirkland chicken breasts, much better than other similar ones
– Frozen fruit! Great with their yogurt for summer smoothies!