FREE Revlon Matte Makeup
Walgreens just released its January EasySaver Catalog and much to my excitement, among the “free after rebate” items are lipstick, blush, eyeshadow and eye pencils from Revlon’s new Matte Collection.
I was introduced to the EasySaver program in September and since then I’ve gotten free L’oreal facial moisturizer ($20 value!), Revlon nail polish, Crest toothpaste, L’oreal cleanser, Almay mascara and Rimmel foundation…all told, about $70 worth of free products in four months!
Honestly, I have no idea how Walgreens can afford to offer such deals, but my job is not to ask how but to take advantage of the savings! :-] So, here’s how you can take advantage too:
1. Visit your nearest Walgreens and pick up an EasySaver Catalog near the entrance of the store. According to this month’s catalog, there’s $577 worth of savings inside. Typically, though, I only use one or two of the coupons and the rebates that make the items free after purchase.
2. Find the items and make sure the price sign underneath shows the “free after rebate” tag. Be sure to double-check that the item is exactly the same as the one listed in the catalog – size, brand, color, item type, etc. – since they will not reimburse you if the product is not the same.
3. Once you’ve purchased the item, log onto Walgreens.com and click on the Easy Saver Catalog icon, then “Claim Rebates.” The first time you visit you have to enter your profile information but it takes less than five minutes and the site walks you through everything. Input your receipt details, choose how you want to receive your refund and then sit back and enjoy your savings!
Some Saver in the City tips:
*Try to visit the store as soon as possible after the new catalog launches since the “free after rebate” items tend to sell out quickly (go figure…)
*If you shop at Walgreens for other purchases, opt for your refund to be deposited onto a Walgreens Gift Card rather than a rebate check since you receive a 10% bonus.
*Look to see if you have any manufacturer coupons (or you can find coupons online) for the items that are free since there’s no restrictions on using such coupons. I did this with the L’oreal cleanser and after receiving my rebate, they’d actually paid me $2 to buy the product!
*Most important of all: If possible, submit your receipt online and wait to receive confirmation that the rebate is approved before you use the product.
I bought Pantene shampoo and conditioner back when I was an EasySaver novice and much to my surprise the check came back without my promised $5 rebate. In a huff, I called Walgreens only to learn I’d bought the wrong product type and that they were not eligible for the discount. Nor could I return them since I’d already used the product…it was an expensive lesson to learn!
Filed under Deals, Saving Ideas | Comment (0)80% off Restaurant.com gift certificates
If you haven’t tried Restaurant.com before, the way it works is you can buy “gift certificates” to a variety of restaurants in your area for a discounted price. The reason I put gift certificates in quotes is that there are a variety of stipulations attached to the certificates, such as a minimum spend, alcohol not included, blackout nights, etc. However, if you’re looking for a fun night out and you pay attention to the fine print, these can be a good deal.
Especially right now since the website is offering 80% off, making a $25 certificate – usually $10, although quite honestly I’ve always seen a special discount attached to these – only $2 and a $100 certificate $8. To redeem simply enter the coupon code “SANTA” at checkout.
One word of warning from personal experience: if you’re looking for a frugal dinner, these may not be the way to go since food minimums are designed to ensure the restaurant makes some money. These are great, however, for a special occasion or when you’re looking to splurge a little on a nice dinner without paying full price.
Filed under Deals, Saving Ideas | Comment (0)Tempting Cyber Monday Sales
Some of my favorite clothing retailers are offering enticing Cyber Monday sales promotions, and best of all many of them are stackable so shipping is free as well. Do I feel guilty shopping for myself during the holiday season? A little, but I really haven’t bought any clothes lately despite having a shopping budget of nearly $350 for a trip to Chicago in early November.
I tried, I mean really tried to spend that money but despite going into practically every store on Michigan Avenue, I only came home with one measly dress from Urban Outfitters (on sale for $39.99) and a shirt from Forever 21 ($19.99). It seems, much to my annoyance, that whenever I have money to spend I usually can’t find a thing I like. Of course, in Chicago, I found it difficult to go crazy since the sales tax is an astounding 10.25% meaning I would spend more on an item there than in my hometown since many of the stores were the same. Not to mention I’d have to lug all the new purchases home, perhaps resulting in an additional baggage fee.
So while I don’t have to spend the money I saved, if something catches my eye at any of the following stores I won’t feel nearly as guilty since the sales are pretty incredible:
Banana Republic: Offering an extra 10% off items (coupon code: EXTRATEN) at checkout, as well as free shipping (ONEDAY) today only!
Old Navy: Enter SAVENOW at checkout for an extra 20% off your entire order. Free shipping is also available today only by entering ONEDAY in the coupon code field.
The Limited: Not only are they giving free shipping and 30% off your entire purchase (no codes needed since these are applied automatically at checkout), you can also stack existing coupon codes. For example, I entered in coupon code 697 to receive an extra $30 off a coat! Using all of these discounts together, the $198 coat could be bought for $118…a not-too-shabby savings of nearly 41%! Not that I bought the coat, but I was still pretty impressed with the discount amount.
If none of these brands float your boat, there are several other Cyber Monday sales going on at retailers all over the web. Happy shopping!
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