Sephora is known as one of the top beauty-based websites in the country. It hosts all types of skincare and makeup items in a single online location, and beauty junkies cannot get enough of it. They know when the site is hosting new releases, when it’s the best time to buy seasonal items, and so on. But what about hidden tips that can help save even more? Whether you dabble with eyeshadow and nail polish – when they’re on clearance, that is – or go full-on and shop everything from moisturizers to deep lip conditioners, Sephora’s got you covered.
Here’s how to shop all your favorites, but without breaking the bank:
Certain credit cards, like Discover for example, offer customer credits on purchases. These can then be cashed in as gift cards with a higher value. Considering it’s on purchases you’re already making, it’s a pretty sweet deal. Cash in with Sephora and essentially gain free dollars to spend on all your beauty favorites.
When shopping in-store, you can take a small sample of virtually anything to test it out. These possibilities include makeup, skincare, and fragrance. Shoppers get three freebies per visit, with no required purchase.
Shopping in-store sale racks can allow for some great deals in any store, and Sephora is no different. If multiple locations are close by, you can even shop around to get multiple deals in a single day.
The site has its own page that’s dedicated to ongoing freebies. Check out this link every time you shop for access to additional free samples, and a variety of other special promotions.
Another site favorite, Sephora offers free gifts to their “fans” every Friday. Like them on Facebook and check new offerings to see what’s available each week.
Stay up to date on all the latest coupons and promo codes. Just download the DealsPlus app for iPhone or Android devices, follow Sephora, and have all the latest discounts show up right in your feed. Never miss a deal again!
Perfume can get a little pricey and are among the most marked up products out there. Instead, look at kits or sampler packs. Even if the scents don’t happen to be your favorite, it’s still a much better value. Look for a sampler that comes with a voucher for a full sized bottle, that way you can sample, then cash in on the scent you love best.
Online users are required to buy, but in-store, all it takes is your Sephora card. Just make sure the gifts are more worthwhile than a free sample.
Spending a certain amount can earn you perks for the rest of the year. But when it’s done in January, you get an even more exclusive shopping status that lasts the entire year. If you’re going to purchase anyway, why not stock up and get the extra benefits?
When comparing size and value, it’s generally much cheaper to buy a palette than to pick individual products. Even if you don’t necessarily like a certain color (but love the others), you can still come on top for the all-in-one value.
No questions asked. Sephora takes back any product, at any time, in return for store credit. However, don’t abuse this policy by returning mostly empty goods; you just might risk ruining it for the rest of us!
Every April and November Sephora hosts some incredible sales. Shopping those dates will earn you maximum savings, with even more discounts available to VIP members.
Disposable applicators are free, and can double towards other functions. For instance, disposable mascara wands work great as an eyebrow brush. While lip applicators allow you to put on stain (or lipstick or gloss) with a smooth surface. No more brush marks!
Free shipping? Why not! Frequent shoppers can save a ton with this program, especially when utilized for the entire year.
Even if you might not be looking for a wide selection of products, shopping for them all together can provide for the best value. Check out bags or kits and consider taking advantage of the entire lot.
Sign up for Sephora’s Beauty Insider rewards program and receive perks. Shoppers gain free samples simply for signing up, even before they buy. Don't forget to redeem your free birthday gift as a beauty insider! You'll get a few samples from top brans like NARS, Tarte and more.
Each purchase comes with a certain amount of Sephora points (based on the size of your order). Collect and cash in for future transactions, earning products or discounts off your order. Best of all, your points never expire.
Even those who work at Sephora will remind you that you’re paying more by the ounce with travel items (sometimes as much as double). Rather than shopping small bottles, go big and save – after all, it’s products you’ll be using anyway. To ensure you’re paying the best price, check out the per-ounce price and compare. (Sephora experts also remind us, very rarely, travel items will happen to be the better deal – looking at these numbers can help you decipher which size to purchase.)
Considering how much you can save by buying big, it’s more than worth your time to make larger containers practical. That means using pumps, investing in travel-sized bottles for bringing on trips (all of which are reusable and an easy one-time purchase), and more.
With sites that allow users to buy and sell gift cards (at a lower value than their monetary worth), shoppers can gain tons of Sephora dollars without actually spending that amount of cash. Or, take advantage of their partnership with JC Penny’s, and shop online. A step that offers additional savings and a way to earn free shipping. Just beware, JCP cards are not accepted at physical Sephora locations.
Ok, that might sound like an unnecessary tip, but when stores run out of items, or you want something that’s only sold online, you can order in-store, then get it shipped directly to your house. For free, and with need for a minimum purchase!
Stores offer a number of 15-minute services free of charge. Check out their offerings and gain yourself a free mini makeover each time you shop. Just for fun, or as a way to learn new makeup skills.
This stuff is just as good as the pricier items, we swear. If you can’t bring yourself to spend the extra moolah on name brand goods, check to see if there’s a Sephora option instead.
Employees earn 20% off purchases and a whopping 40% off Sephora brand items. (Up to $500 per month.) That’s some serious savings, especially for the biggest makeup lovers out there.
Join forces with a friend or relative and get the biggest value of VIP or membership statuses. Best of all, your joint dollars will lead towards ongoing savings.
