Hello everyone, and welcome to a new feature. “Savvy Shopping” is all about how to get a little more for your money, and I’m hoping to bring you hints and tricks every couple of weeks to help all you retail addicts out there get more bang for your buck.

Today’s edition is all about using your local beauty counters for all their worth. Any beauty blogger worth her salt knows the fountain of knowledge a MUA can be. Most counters have loyalty schemes which reward customers for their loyalty, and I might just write a post on this in the future. Brands also usually offer in house make-up lessons and makeovers, all for a price redeemable against any purchase you may make on the day. Whilst all these things are great, every once in a while something truly special comes along; a chance make-up lovers can’t afford to miss. This coming week the city of Leeds has 2 amazing beauty events on offer, but there’s no need to click the “x” if you’re not a local, there may be something in this for you too as both brands I’m about to mention are nationwide and may make similar offers in a location closer to you.

Sunday 3rd February 12pm – 4pm: Illamasqua Beauty School Drop-in

Needless to say, my excitement runneth over at the prospect of an afternoon in my metaphorical candy store. After its success at their Flagship Beak Street store in London, my favourite brand Illamasqua are taking their Beauty School Drop-in on tour. The events, taking place at stores and counter locations all over the country, will consist 9 short, informative and inspiring masterclasses in everything from Illumination & Highlight to Expressive Eyes.

What makes this unmissable for savvy shoppers, is that this is – to use Illamasqua’s own wording – free education. Whether you’re a trained professional or just an enthusiast like me, the kind of skills on offer would otherwise need to be paid for at an Illamasqua School of Make-up Art course. These sessions are completely free so you don’t even have to commit to buy a product. Just turn up, listen, hell – take notes if you like. Stay for the whole day or pick out a specialist area you’re interested in. Whether you’re already a clued up Illamasqua fan or a newbie, this would be a great way to pick up some tricks and learn how to get the most out of the brand’s beautiful products. Not only that, but it’ll be a great introduction into what I believe is Britain’s most promising cosmetics brand. AND they’ve just launched their Spring “I’mperfection” Collection! Great timing, eh?

Illamasqua, 6 County Arcade, The Victoria Quarter, Leeds LS1 6BN starting from 12pm . Click here for a class timetable.

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Tuesday 5th February 6.30pm – 9.30pm: Give in to Your Beauty Crush at Harvey Nichols

If I believed in heaven, I think mine might be Harvey Nicks Beauty Hall. I love the place. With it being about halfway between home and work, I find it quite difficult to go a week without popping in for “a look” and leaving with a receipt the length of my arm. It’s becoming quite a problem. This coming Tuesday, the people at good ole’ HN are running an evening that they’ve dubbed #BeautyCrush. They’re encouraging us all to just give in, indulge, treat ourselves and whilst I certainly don’t need any encouragement and I can hear you all shouting “Lil, this hardly sounds like savvy shopping! Gimme a break!” (alright alright, your bank account may be in for some bashing) the £10 you spend on the ticket is redeemable against any purchase you make. So if you’ve had your eye on that lippie from Mac, or a concealer from Laura Mercier (not to mention that facemask from Ren) well, why not make handing over that cash a real event and maybe get a few freebies along the way?

Take along some friends and use this opportunity to browse and learn about brands you’re not familiar with. Indulge in a mini makeover or learn some new tricks with some demonstrations from the beauty royalty that have set up shop in the best beauty hall in Leeds (Tom Ford… *swoon*). There will be competitions and special offers running all night too, so you might even come away with a bit more than you bargained for.

Harvey Nichols, 107-111 Briggate, Leeds LS1 6AZ. Call 0113 204 8888 to book your ticket.

Do you plan on coming down to either of these events? Have you ever attended events at your local beauty stores or counters? How do you try to be a savvy shopper?