Products and Professional Discount

When I first started out, I wanted to be the best. To be the best, I genuinely thought that meant having all the tops brands and newest releases. I spent so much money and to be honest I really didn't need it all!

There are so many dupes and drug store alternatives! I will do a separate post on specific products.
My advice is to do some research before making a spontaneous purchase, chances are you could get an equivalent product much cheaper or you may find you already have other products that do the same job!

• Check your local drug stores for offers and discounts. Boots and Superdrug are an example of two stores in the UK. They both have advantage cards that earn you points when purchasing certain items. these offers change so its worth checking. They also have 3 for 2 offers which is always a bonus
• Debenhams - they have all the large brand named make up counters inside but also offer a Beauty Club Card which earns points on all beauty and fragrance purchases. I usually wait until there is a triple point event or a "spend £X and get a product free". I save the points and redeem them for free make up. A simple mascara purchase on triple point days can be worth a free blusher! The lancome counter is a great brand for promotions. I often get a free gift set worth over £60 when I buy 2 or 3 make up items.
• Illamasqua - http://www.illamasqua.com/professional-registration
  Clicking this link will take you to the registration page where you can get between 20% and 40%  discount as a student or a professional when you provide them with the evidence of your training etc. All details can be found on the link above! The best part about Illamasqua is that registration is free!
• Mac - Discount by Mac is a paid for privilege but can earn you up to 40% discount on products! They don't give away many details on the website and advise you to contact them during business hours.  https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/mac-pro This link will take you to their site where you can read up on a few of the benefits like discount and pro only events.
• NARS - https://narscosmetics.co.uk/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-UK-Library/default/dwb2560f2e/NARS_Pro_UK.pdf  is a link to the application form. Discount in the UK can only be used online at http://narscosmetics.co.uk/ but can be worth from 25% even as a student up to 40%
• Bobbi Brown - Another paid for privilege with rates of £15-£25 per year in the UK. Students are entitled to 20% and 35% for pros. Application is via email to bobbipro@bobbi-brown.co.uk  and their eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/bobbi-pro#bpsections2
• Crownbrush - I have purchased a few of their brushes and I must say they are good quality and value for money! Discount available via https://www.crownbrush.co.uk/index.php/webforms/index/index/id/3/

Another tip when visiting make up counters is to ALWAYS ask for samples!!! Its a great opportunity to try something before you purchase and its a free product!!

Examples of ID required for professional discount:

• Business Card - if you dont have any of these then they are pretty cheap to get made! My first lot were off Vistaprint and were basic but cheap and did the job! http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/
• Certificates - evidence of professional qualifications
• You can join BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematography and Theater Union) for as little as £10 a month. A little bit expensive if you only do a few make ups each month but if you are trying to establish a career then well worth it!
• Call Sheet - mainly used in the TV and Fim industry but also used furing photoshoots. It will have your name credited as the MUA. Doing TFP shoots are a good way to earn this type of credit when you are just starting.

I hope this information helps!!