The 5 best factory shops for makeup in Cape Town

Right, so I've been doing the factory shop rounds for ages now, and I'm sharing my favourite spots where you can score quality makeup without having to sell a kidney. Here are the five best makeup factory shops in Cape Town that I keep going back to.

1. The Cosmetics Company Store - Access Park Kenilworth

This is the big one, hey. It's the only authorised Estee Lauder Companies outlet in the whole of South Africa, which means you're getting legit luxury brands at factory prices. I'm talking MAC, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Smashbox, Tom Ford Beauty - all up to 50% off.

Last month I got a MAC lipstick for R150 that normally costs R300 at Woolies. That's the kind of saving that makes me very happy. They've also got a lekker fragrance section if you're into that.

Where: Shop B28, Access Park, 81 Chichester Road, Kenilworth

Hours: Weekdays 9am-5pm, Saturdays 9am-3pm, Sundays 10am-2pm

My tip? Get there when they open on Saturday. By lunchtime it's absolutely packed, and the good shades sell out fast. Also, wear comfy shoes because Access Park is massive.

2. Cosmetics Factory Shop - Epping

This place is a total gem for budget shoppers. It's not fancy at all, but who cares when you're paying R11.50 for a foundation? Eleven rand fifty! I nearly fell over when I saw that price.

They stock Rimmel, Revlon, Yardley, and Sally Hansen, plus loads of nail polishes. Last time I was there, I bought 12 nail polishes and spent less than R200. The store might look a bit basic, but the prices more than make up for it.

Where: 16 Evans Avenue, Epping

This is where I go when I need to stock up on everyday essentials without feeling guilty about the cost.

3. Indigo Brands Cosmetics Factory Shop

This one's perfect if you want a bit of everything - foundations, concealers, lipsticks, eyeshadows, fragrances. It's more mid-range stuff, so you're getting better quality than the super cheap shops but still paying way less than retail.

I like coming here when I want to try new products without the full-price commitment. The selection is decent, and they've usually got most shades in stock.

4. Cosmetics Factory Shop - Woodstock

Where: 288 Victoria Street, Woodstock

Okay, so this one's smaller than the others, and the makeup selection isn't as hectic.

But what they do have is a really good perfume section with solid discounts. The store is also quite clean and organised, which is nice when you're not in the mood for the typical factory shop chaos.

I pop in here mainly for fragrances, but they've got the basics covered if you need something quickly.

5. Monument Pharmacy - Goodwood

Now here's one that most people don't know about. Monument Pharmacy has a section dedicated to Elizabeth Arden products at seriously reduced prices. We're talking perfumes, beauty products, and makeup.

Where: 75 Voortrekker Road, Goodwood

Phone: 021 591 4164

The stock is usually discontinued lines, overruns, or items with damaged packaging, but the products inside are brand new and perfect. I've found Revlon foundations here for R69.99 that normally cost close to R200. That's a massive saving, and Elizabeth Arden is proper quality.

My final thoughts on makeup factory shops

If you're keen on saving money on makeup, these five shops need to be on your radar. The Cosmetics Company Store at Access Park is my go-to for luxury treats, while Epping is where I restock my basics. Monument Pharmacy is brilliant if you like Elizabeth Arden, and the Woodstock shop is handy for perfumes.

The savings add up quickly. Instead of spending R2000 at Woolworths or Clicks, I'm spending maybe R800 for the same amount of products - sometimes even better brands. That's an extra R1200 in my pocket every few months, which I can use for... well, probably more makeup, but at least I'm getting more for my money.

Just remember to check expiry dates, especially on skincare, and go with a list so you don't get too carried away. Trust me on that one.

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