Makeup Swaps 101

I have been asked a couple of times by some of you guys on how makeup swaps usually work. I know it's not yet Friday and it's not yet time for "Ask April" but this is something I want to discuss extensively so you girls (and boys) can have a better understanding on how this usually work.

1. Your item/s VS the other person's item/s
If you are looking to swap an item from a high end brand, it's either the other person swaps it with a high end brand OR if you are okay to swap it with drug store brands, make sure to set a swapping value or at least the items the other person is swapping is of the same value to your item.

Example: If I want to swap an Urban Decay palette, I am looking for someone to swap it with a high end brand as well like Mac, Estee Lauder, Benefit Cosmetics, etc.

2. Consider the condition
As someone who is active with makeup swaps, I always consider the condition of my item and the other party's item. Not unless you're someone I know and I know how you take care of your skin and your makeup, I see to it that the makeup item is used less than 10x only.

NOTE: If you think your item is overly abused already, think twice if you still want to swap it or not. Think about the other party's reaction and how she will feel if she gets your item.

3. Quality VS Quantity
Usually, when I swap items, it's either they're drug store brands from the US or they are items that are hard to find here in the Philippines. In my recent swap, I gave away a couple of limited edition Wet n Wild items and a Sephora palette. The other party gave me travel size (not for sale, the one included in those gift baskets) Clinique eyeshadow duo palette and an Estee Lauder bronzer/blush.

I didn't mind even though I gave her about 5 items and I got 2 items in return since it somehow meets the value of her items PLUS my items were either brand new or swatched just once.

4. FAKE AND EXPIRED IS A BIG NO NO!
I don't usually say this upfront because I do not want the other person to get hurt, but please, always have the initiative and the conscience not to offer to swap fake and expired cosmetics.

5. Don't push it
Don't force the other party if she doesn't like your item/s. Usually, before the swap happens, the swapper will give her conditions, like what kind of item/s she wants in return, what type of quality (high end or drug store), etc. If the swapper doesn't like what you're offering her and decline to your 1st two offers, do not force her by offering more items. Do not force her to get your items even if she's your friend. Who wants to be forced, right?

These are 5 things I consider when doing a makeup swap. I hope you girls find this helpful. Happy swapping!

If you want to do swaps with me, feel free to contact me thru my Facebook page or messaging me thru my contact form.