Beauty Budgeting Chp. 6: Swapping

Not every purchase will satisfy. There will be times when you end up with that wrong shade of foundation or cleanser that's too drying. Before you add them to your "disappointment pile", how does swapping sound? It's basically an act where you exchange what you don't want for something that you do want with someone else who's doing the exact same thing. You'll be creating a win-win situation instead of feeling regret over wasted money.

"Have you tried swapping? Got anything good? Do share!"

Read on for some swapping pointers.

Why swap?

Besides the obvious of getting rid of things, swapping turns your products into currency to buy "new" things without having to spend actual money. They're also very useful for getting products that you would not have thought to buy. You may just find a few treasures from swapping.

If you have friends with the same interest in cosmetics, swapping is an economical yet rewarding activity. It's like shopping but you don't go broke.

What to swap?

If something doesn't work for you stop mourning and move on. That applies to the product too. Somebody else may find it useful so don't deprive it from love! You can put anything up for swap just as long as there's an agreement with the swappee (person you're swapping with). Most people would base their exchange on the value of the product. For instance, exchanging a MAC eyeshadow for a Shu Uemura lipstick would make more sense than exchanging it for a Silky Girl lipstick. Catch my drift? Nonetheless, the value may not always be monetary. If you've been wanting to get rid of that eyeshadow for ages and you just wanna see it gone, you may just settle for Silky Girl.

Generally, anything can be swapped but certain products may not be favored due to hygiene reasons such as mascaras and lip products. Be sure that any product that you're swapping off is clean and still usable ie. not expired or damaged. For common courtesy's sake.

Who to swap with?

The swappee can be your friend, relative or an acquaintance. If they have what you want and you have what they want, there's potential for a swap. With close friends, swapping wouldn't pose much problems. You can also try putting your stuff for swap online on sites such as MakeupAlley or forums like Specktra.Net(US) and Lowyat.Net(Malaysia)

Where to swap?

My swaps usually occur by simply passing things back and forth with the girls when we happen to meet. If you intend on having an open swap meet, find a less crowded place with a table huge enough to sprawl your products on and begin bartering!

How to swap?

If you see something that you'd like, make your offer. If the swappee accepts your offer, you have a trade. If there's nothing that the swappee would like from your stash and you really want her product, try offering money. Offer what you have to someone who you think would benefit from the product and ask if they'd have anything to give you in exchange for it.

Have fun swapping!!