If you love beauty, Sephora is probably your happy place. They can help you find the best, the perfume smells amazing, and the staff is invaluable. However, as great as this store is, it’s not great for your wallet. A simple impulse buy could cost you $40. The good news is, we’ve got all the secrets you need to save money.
Join The Rewards
To save immediately, join our rewards program. It’s free to participate, and you’ll start earning points toward rewards, as well as receive other perks, such as coupons. These coupons can save you a lot of money during events like the annual Beauty Insider Sale. Not to mention that the rewards program gives you a gift on your birthday!
Shop In Season
Many people don’t know that if you shop in the spring or fall, you’ll save money because that’s when they hold their bi-annual beauty event. The first one takes place around April; the second will take place in October. If you’re a member of the insider program, you’ll save. However, there are tiers for the discounts. For instance, regular members receive 10% off, VIB members receive 15% off, and Rouge members receive 20% off, in addition to getting earlier access. No matter what tier you’re on, however, you save 30% on their in-house line.
Saturdays
Saturdays are when the store is busy, but there’s a reason. On this day, individual brands hold events to offer special promotions. During these promotions, you can get gifts with purchase and discounts. If you don’t mind being around throngs of people trying to score the same deals, you can save a lot of money.
Most people spend a significant amount of time on social media throughout the day. Make the most of that time by visiting Sephora’s page. They offer discounts and exclusive giveaways. It’s well worth the scroll because you’ll get insider information before others and see what sales are coming up.
Facials
When you visit a Sephora, they have a team set up to provide makeovers in-store. They’ll offer you mini facials for free and discuss makeup and other skincare products that would be beneficial for your skin. Their insights can be helpful, particularly if you have a skin condition or other issue.
Try Before You Buy
You may not know this, but Sephora allows you to sample three free products a day from any item in the store. This is an excellent opportunity to try the more expensive items that you’re undecided about. Additionally, if you’re looking for new makeup and ask an employee for help, sampling will allow you to see how their recommendations look.
Pay Attention
When you’re shopping, pay attention to what’s at eye level. The more expensive items are placed in front of you, so you are inclined to buy them first. You should look from the bottom up, however, because that’s where you’ll see the deals and other areas that save you money.
Free Shipping
If you pay $10 for the year on Sephora Flash, you’ll get unlimited free 2-day shipping. This is an excellent option if you buy from them frequently and don’t want the hassle of crowds, or if your store is having to source it from somewhere else because they’re out. It’s also a great choice around the holidays.
HSA/FSA Benefits
If you weren’t aware, Sephora offers over 200 products that qualify as HSA/FSA eligible. This includes items such as sunscreen (SPF 15 and above), medicated skin treatments, and other topical treatments. If you have psoriasis or another condition, there are excellent options available that can help you. Please ensure that you save your receipt and send it to your benefits provider.
Know The Site
The website features a beauty section under $20, broken down into categories. Makeup, skincare, and more await you here. If you’re looking for more affordable makeup, this is the place to find it. You’ll find mini samples here as well as full-size products, and you can search by price points. They even have buying guides for $15 and $10 and under.
Sale Section
The sale section here will be like any other. You’ll find items for up to 50% off, and on occasion, you’ll find that the items align with brands that are hosting a sale, allowing you to get even more savings. If something is limited edition or being phased out, you’ll find it here.
Insider Cash
If you’re a member of the beauty rewards program, let your points accumulate. If you do you can get free samples or products. However, hitting 500 points allows you to redeem it for $10 off a purchase. This is a great way to get rewarded for things you’re going to buy anyway.
Shop Through Cash Back Sites
Cash back sites enable you to earn savings when shopping and then provide you with cash back. Rakuten and Ibotta are known for offering this service, which can help you save some money. The amount you can earn ranges from 2% to 5%, but any amount you can recover is worth the effort when you’re looking to save money.
Return Policy
If you’ve tried something and you genuinely didn’t like it, it’s understandable. Not everything will be a win. Or sometimes we spend money on a foundation and take it home, only to realize that’s not our shade. If you don’t like your item, Sephora will accept it back if it has been gently used.
Download The Sephora App
The mobile app provides access to exclusive promotions available only through the app. You won’t be able to find them anywhere else, so it’s a good idea to make room on your phone and download the app to start saving. Both Android and Apple users can gain access to it.
The Beauty You Want
Sephora offers various ways to save you money, and you should take advantage of them to get the beauty items you need at a price you can afford. By taking advantage of the tips shown above, you’ll also get insider information on your favorite events and know when to shop till you drop.
