My Big Secret: Big Lots

I hope I don't lose any readers after this post. You all know I shop at outlets. I'll dig through bins of accessories at NBC. I've even tried on clothes at Goodwill. But you might be surprised to know that I shop at Big Lots.

"Oh Holly, that's OK" you might be thinking. "You can get stocking stuffers for your nieces and nephews there." The thing is, I'm not buying crappy kid trinkets when I go to Big Lots. I'm buying for myself. And I'm buying MAKE-UP. Gasp.

I love make-up. I don't think of myself as wearing a whole lot of make-up and if I'm not going to be seeing anyone I know, I often don't wear it at all. (So if you see me darting in and out of Mooyah or Starbucks and I act like I didn't notice you, you'll know why.) But that doesn't mean I couldn't spend hours in Sephora trying all kinds of products on the back of my hand until it looks like I have a serious skin condition. (I know you can try the products on your face, but who does that?! Gross.)

Let me explain myself. First of all, not all Big Lots are created equal. I've been to some that are clean, bright, and well organized with loads of name brand items months to years away from their expiration dates. I've also been to a Big Lots that was dark and dirty and most of the stock was on the floor. Find a clean one and get to the make-up aisle.

Realistic expectations are crucial. It's not going to look like this.

It's going to look like you're at a dinky Walmart or Walgreens, but that's OK with me because the prices are even lower.

My last trip to Big Lots wasn't planned. I wanted to go to Tuesday Morning to look through their Christmas leftovers, but they were closed. I hate that. I never think to check before I head over there. Big Lots was nearby so I thought I'd make a quick run through to see if there was anything I couldn't live without. There was. Good thing I stopped in.

I got some new lip gloss for $2.00. This stuff is my favorite.

It's nice and shiny with a fair amount of color and it doesn't taste or smell weird. Very important. I have it in several shades. It used to sell for $8.00 at Ulta although I haven't checked recently since I have my new supplier.

I think these special value trios were my best deal of the day. So I got two.

An eyeshadow trio, eyeliner and mascara for $3.00!

I got a new lip gloss to try.

But I don't like it.

It has a funky flavor/taste and it's not a sponge applicator like I was expecting. It's like a nail polish brush which makes for an unwieldy, on-the-go application. Sorry, Ideal Lip Gloss. Back to Big Lots you go. (Note: If you make a Big Lots return, be prepared to deal with some attitude from the sales associate. I don't know why they care if you return something or not, but inevitably they'll act like the transaction is the most challenging and draining activity they've faced in a long time. And they'll make sure you know it's because of you.) Moving on.

I was excited to find this shade of nail polish amidst a sea of bubble gum pink and pale peach lacquers.

I like Revlon nail polish even better than Essie and for $2.00 it's a steal.

My total for all of this:

Only $12.00!

Now, don't go to Big Lots with your list in hand of all your favorite drugstore make-up items expecting to find them for less than a latte. Who knows what they'll have? And it will change week to week. Go with an open mind and a $10 bill and you'll be able to create a new face tomorrow morning!