WOMEN still want to look good despite the gloomy economic climate.
In response, beauty brands are heeding the calls from budget-conscious shoppers by offering attractive deals such as loyalty schemes.
Beauty bargain-hunters are attracted to loyalty schemes because these programmes allow frequent buyers to enjoy benefits such as huge discounts, exclusive promotions and invitations to special events in make-up workshops and product launch parties.
Ms Esther Tan, 33, an administrative manager, is a member of three different beauty brands.
She signed up for each brand because she enjoys using one or several items from the collection.
She spends up to $300 each time she replenishes beauty and skincare products such as moisturiser and sunscreen.
Ms Tan, who is single, says: “I wanted to become a member mostly because the loyalty scheme had an attractive reward redemption scheme.
“I also wanted first dips on new products the brand would be bringing in, so I could decide when and how to spend my money.”
Clarins — Clarins Club Beaute
- To qualify: Minimum purchase of $150. During the Great Singapore Sale, you need to purchase only one Clarins item to qualify.
You can also earn points at any Clarins outlet instead of only at your nominated one.
- Enjoy: A treatment at Institut Clarins at a special price of $85 (U.P. $140), as well as previews of new products, special buys and members’ workshops.
You can nominate a favourite from among its 14 outlets, and subsequent purchases there allow you to accumulate one point for every dollar spent.
The points can be exchanged for rewards like mascara, men’s skincare and treatment sessions.
During your birthday month, you get double points on purchases.
- Save your money for: Gentle Foaming Cleansers 2009 (above), which boasts a new 100 per cent complex of gypsophila, polymnia and cottonseed to leave skin comfortable and fresh. Available from June.
The brand’s HydraQuench Range is also perked up with three new items — HydraQuench Cream-Mask for dehydrated skin, HydraQuench Smoothing Gel to leave skin looking shine-free in hot climates, and Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm (left) to repair chapped and irritated lips.
Beaute de Kose — My Beauty Companion
- To qualify: Spend $150 on any Beaute de Kose product or service.
- Enjoy: Free full makeover with any purchase of $60 and above, as well as annual Birthday Beauty Services with 50 per cent discount on a single bill on facial and/or hair services during your birthday month.
Other privileges include offers,promotions, invitations to events and workshops, and redemption of bestselling products and services with bonus points or purchase-with-purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
- Save your money for: Sekkisei Lotion (right), which will be available at counters in a limited edition 500ml, at $148 (U.P. $203).
SK-II — Crystal Club
- To qualify: Spend over $400 worth of SK-II products for Silver membership, over $1,500 for Gold membership, and $2,800 and above for Elite membership.
- Enjoy: Accumulate Crystal Points with purchase of products in Singapore and selected countries.
Gold and Elite members can also earn points through purchase of facial packages at SK-II Boutique Spa.
Crystal Points can be used to redeem SK-II — Crystal Club best-selling products or spa vouchers and treatments.
Other perks include a welcome gift and priority booking for beauty appointments and skincare consultations.
Terms and conditions apply.
- Save your money for: The SK-II award-winning Miracle Collection (below), which features “star” items from its Smart Whitening range, such as the Whitening Source DermDefinition (30ml), Whitening Source Derm- Revival Program (two pieces), as well as Facial Treatment Essence (75ml).
Available at a promotional price of $249 from June onwards.
Bobbi Brown — Bobbi Club
To qualify: Spend $150 on any Bobbi Brown products in a single receipt.
- Enjoy: Accumulate purchases to $500 within the year of membership to redeem rewards and extend membership for the following year. You are also invited to special previews, cocktails and other events.
Terms and conditions apply.
- Save your money for: Sheer Color Nautical Collection (left). It features a limited-edition Sheer Color Cheek Tint, a swivel-stick cheek tint with a lightweight and translucent formula that glides evenly onto skin.
There is also the Sheer Color Lip Gloss, whose see-through consistency makes wearing the season’s eye-catching hues especially easy.
Available from June.
Lancôme — My Lancôme Club
To qualify: Spend $180 on Lancôme products to qualify for a one-year membership. From now until July 31, you only need to purchase up to $120 to qualify. Sign up during this period to receive a two-piece Welcome Gift worth $66.
- Enjoy: An extensive rewards catalogue — every dollar spent earns you a Rose Point.
A minimum purchase of $100 during your birthday month gives you 50 bonus points, while a minimum purchase of $100 at your nominated counter earns you 20 bonus points.
Other privileges include birthday surprises, exclusive invitations to product launches and personalised service at beauty counters. Terms and conditions apply.
- Save your money for: Two new glamorous shades of Virtuose Pure Crystals mascara (right) — plum and blue-green.
Available from June.
Come July, make a beeline for Color Fever Dewy Shine Neonudes, available in four new shades of natural- hued lipsticks.
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
