From bargain beauty products to picture-perfect prices, Caroline Maddenhas the best of this week's deals
Made up by great make-up savings
If proponents of the "lipstick theory" are to be believed, sales of cosmetics rise in times of economic distress, as women cut back on expensive luxuries and turn to more affordable indulgences. Ladies keen to put this into practice should visit discount designer cosmetics and fragrance site StrawberryNet ( www.eustrawberrynet.com), where reductions are available on top brands. For example, Benefit's instant eye brightener is now reduced by 19 per cent to €12.50, while its Moon Beam iridescent complexion enhancer has been cut by 16 per cent to €15.50. Other tempting offers include 21 per cent off Clinique's blushwear cream stick, currently selling for €11.50.
Better still, join Irish beauty blog www.beaut.ie's recently revived Swap Siopa, where you can swap all those impulse make-up buys currently clogging up your bathroom cabinet. Swap Siopa members can exchange all types of beauty products as long as they are either brand new, slightly used or lightly tested. Used mascaras, eyeliners and lipsticks are, thankfully, a no-no.
Food for thought for bargain hunters
Can't resist supermarket specials but don't know what to make with them? Then check out www.shrewdfood.ie. Each week it provides recipes for current supermarket special offers. In addition, The Big 8 section has a round-up of the best household special offers in each of the major supermarkets every week. Another site worth a look is www.cheapeats.ie, which flags up restaurant offers and supermarket deals.
Get on the green for a below-par price
Although some of us might agree with Mark Twain that golf is a good walk spoiled, many readers out there enjoy tapping into their inner Tiger, and there are some excellent offers available at the moment. For example, Waterford Castle golf club runs an open singles competition every Thursday that costs €25 to enter.
Join www.teetimes.ieto receive a weekly e-mail of golf offers, including notifications of last-minute tee-time availability. Although many courses have slashed their green fees by 30 to 40 per cent, there is a caveat. Unless you're able to play at, say, 8am on a Tuesday, you'll miss the best deals. For example, Luttrellstown Castle is offering a round of golf for €35 per person (usually priced at €60), but this is only available before 10am, Monday to Friday.
Picture offers you might want to snap up
Dalkey-based Photogenic ( www.photogenic.ie) has just launched a half-price voucher sale. If you purchase a voucher worth €250 by the end of September, you'll be entitled to a portraiture package that normally costs €500. However, it's important to use the vouchers promptly, as they revert to face value after November 15th. Meanwhile, Gallery 23 ( www.g23.ie), which has showrooms in Blanchardstown and Kimmage, is currently offering 25 per cent off custom framing and up to 70 per cent off selected mirrors.
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