Beauty sales are one of the best times of the year to snag
your favorite products at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re looking to
refresh your skincare routine, try new makeup, or buy luxury hair care
products, beauty sales offer plenty of opportunities to shop smart and save
big. But with so many discounts and promotions available, it’s easy to get
overwhelmed or buy things you don’t need. To help you navigate beauty sales season
like a pro, here are some essential tips for shopping smart and getting the
best discounts.
1. Make a list of the things you need (and want)
Before you dive into beauty sales, it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for. Take a moment to go through your beauty stash and make a list of the products you’re running low on or have always wanted to try. This will help you focus on your shopping and avoid impulse purchases.
What to do: Review your skincare, makeup and haircare products to see what needs replacing. Is your favorite moisturizer almost gone? Need a new mascara? Make sure your list includes items you really need or have been eyeing for a while.
Why it helps: A list prevents you from buying products you don’t need or won’t use and helps you stick to your budget.
2. Set a budget and stick to it
Beauty sales can be exciting, and it’s easy to get carried away when you see all the great deals. Setting a budget before you shop will help you avoid overspending and ensure you only buy what you really need.
What to do: Determine how much you want to spend during the sale. Consider the items on your list and any extra treats you might want to splurge on, but try to keep the budget realistic.
Why it helps: A budget gives you a clear shopping goal, helps you avoid temptation and stay in control of your finances while still enjoying great deals.
3. Research the prices
Not all beauty sales are the same. Some discounts may seem huge to you, but they may not be the best prices you can find. To make sure you’re getting a real bargain, take some time to research prices before the sale starts.
What to do: Research the regular prices of the products on your list. You can do this by visiting retailers’ websites or trying price comparison tools. This will help you spot a good deal when it pops up during the sale.
Why it helps: Researching prices will give you an idea of what to expect and help you recognize a real discount when you see it. You don’t want to buy something that’s on sale but is still more expensive than somewhere else.
4. Take advantage of early access and VIP sales
Many beauty retailers offer early access to sales or exclusive discounts to members of their loyalty programs. Signing up for these programs or looking for early access offers can help you get ahead of the competition.
What to do: Join your favorite beauty retailer’s loyalty program or subscribe to their newsletter. Keep an eye out for notifications about early access or VIP sales, which may include bigger discounts or exclusive items.
Why it helps: Early access gives you a chance to shop before the sale opens to the public. That means you have a better chance of snagging limited-edition products or popular items before they sell out.
5. Look for bundle deals and sets
Beauty retailers often offer bundle deals or sets during sales that give you more for your money. These sets usually include several products at a discounted price, so you can get everything in the package for cheap.
What to do: Look for sets or packages of your favorite products, such as skincare sets or makeup collections. These packages often include trial versions of products, so you can try new items without committing to the full size.
Why it helps: Bundles are a great way to get more for your money. Plus, they make great gifts if you’re shopping for someone else during the holiday season.
6. Look for flash sales and limited-time deals
Beauty brands often run flash sales or limited-time deals where products are discounted for just a few hours or even minutes. These sales can be a great way to score a huge discount, but you need to act fast.
What to do: Stay connected with your favorite beauty stores through email alerts or social media. Many retailers announce flash sales on Instagram, Twitter, or via email so you’ll know when a deal goes live.
Why it helps: Flash sales are short-lived, so being prepared and knowing when they’re happening will help you snag the best deals as soon as they’re available, ensuring you don’t miss out on a great deal.
7. Don't forget about free shipping and samples
Beauty sales aren’t just about discounts on the products themselves. Many retailers offer perks like free shipping, free samples, or even a gift with purchase during their sales events.
What to do: Check the details of the sale to see if you get free shipping or if there are any gift with purchase deals. Some stores offer free samples of skincare products or makeup with your order, which is a nice bonus.
Why it helps: These extras can make your shopping experience even more worthwhile. Free shipping can save you money, while samples let you try new products before committing to full sizes.
8. Use coupons and discount codes
Before paying, look for additional coupons or discount codes that can be combined with the sale price. Some cosmetics retailers allow you to use both a sale discount and a promotional code to save extra.
What to do: Before completing your purchase, do a quick search for promotional codes or coupons on sites like Honey or RetailMeNot. You may find additional discounts that can lower your total even further.
Why it helps: Using a coupon or promotional code can help you maximize your savings and make your cosmetics purchases even more affordable. Every little bit helps!
9. Be patient and wait for the right sale
Not every sale is worth rushing into. Sometimes it’s better to wait for a bigger sale or a better deal.
What to do: If you’re not in a hurry, be patient. Pay attention to sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or seasonal sales, which tend to offer deeper discounts than smaller promotions.
Why it helps: Patience pays off during big sales events. You can get a better deal later in the season, especially on high-value or popular products that might sell out during smaller sales.
10. Know when to skip the sale
Sometimes the best deal is to just skip a product if you don’t really need it. Sales can be tempting, but if a product doesn’t fit into your daily routine or is something you haven’t wanted in a long time, it’s better to pass on it.
What to do: Don’t get caught up in the excitement of sales. If something isn’t on your list or you feel like you won’t be able to use it, it’s OK to skip it.
Why it helps: By focusing only on products you really want or need, you can get the most value out of your clearance purchases and avoid stuffing your beauty collection with things you’ll never use.
Bottom line: Shop smart and save big
Beauty sales are the perfect opportunity to snag your favorite products at a great price, but shopping smart requires preparation and patience. By making a list, setting a budgetBy shopping around, researching prices, and taking advantage of deals like bundles and flash sales, you can maximize your savings without falling victim to impulse purchases. By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy beauty sales season while still reaching your shopping goals. Happy shopping!