Saving money on makeup doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or style. With a little planning and creativity, you can indulge in your favorite products without overspending. From loyalty programs to seasonal sales, there are countless ways to maximize your beauty budget. These expert-approved strategies will help you build your dream makeup kit while keeping your finances in check. Let’s explore these savvy hacks brought to you by the Dealhack team of online shopping pros!
In this post, you’ll learn:
- How to save money on high-end makeup without compromising quality.
- Where to find the best discounts, promo codes, and seasonal sales.
- Creative ways to repurpose makeup products and stretch their life.
- Budget-friendly alternatives to luxury brands that deliver similar results.
- Smart shopping tips like using loyalty rewards and subscription services.
1. Save Money on Makeup with Beauty Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to save money on makeup. Many beauty brands and retailers offer free programs that let you earn points for every purchase. These points can be redeemed for discounts, free products, or exclusive perks like early access to sales and special birthday gifts.
- Sephora Beauty Insider: Earn points with every dollar spent and redeem them for free items or discounts.
- Ulta’s Ultimate Rewards: Get cash-equivalent points and double points during special events.
- Brand-Specific Programs: Brands like MAC and BareMinerals offer free shipping and exclusive deals for loyalty members.
- Exclusive Sales Access: Members get early access to sales and special product launches.
Pro Tip: Combine loyalty rewards with promo codes or sale events for maximum savings.
2. Buy in Bundles or Value Sets
If you want to save on makeup, value sets, and bundles are your best friends. These sets let you purchase multiple products for a fraction of their individual costs. They’re especially popular during the holidays, but many brands offer them year-round. Bundles are perfect for stocking up on essentials or experimenting with new products without overspending.
- Holiday Value Sets: Get bestselling items at a fraction of their regular price.
- Customizable Bundles: Some brands allow you to pick your preferred items within a set.
- Miniature Sizes: Travel-size bundles are perfect for sampling products.
- Multi-Brand Options: Retailers like Sephora often combine products from different brands into curated sets.
Pro Tip: Ensure all items in the bundle are products you’ll use to avoid waste.
3. Shop During Seasonal Sales
Seasonal sales are a treasure trove for makeup enthusiasts looking to snag high-end and drugstore products at unbeatable prices. These sales often coincide with holidays, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, or annual events hosted by retailers. They’re the perfect opportunity to grab your favorite items at deep discounts and even try new products you’ve had your eye on.
- Sephora VIB Sale: Save up to 20% during bi-annual events.
- Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty: Score 50% off on daily deals across top brands.
- Post-Holiday Discounts: Shop after holidays for markdowns on seasonal collections.
- Drugstore Promotions: CVS and Walgreens frequently offer BOGO (buy one, get one) deals.
Pro Tip: Sign up for retailer newsletters to stay informed about upcoming sales.
Coupons and promo codes are simple yet powerful tools to save money on makeup. With just a quick search, you can often find discounts that apply to full-priced or sale items. Many retailers also offer codes for free shipping or gifts, which further increases your savings. Always check for coupons before making a purchase, especially online.
- Coupon Websites: Platforms like Dealhack, Honey, and RetailMeNot feature updated discount codes.
- Retailer Newsletters: Brands often send exclusive discounts to email subscribers.
- Stackable Deals: Some stores allow you to combine promo codes with sale prices.
- Browser Extensions: Tools like Rakuten apply the best available codes automatically.
Pro Tip: Look for codes that include free shipping or bonus items to boost your savings.
5. Go for Mini or Travel Sizes
Travel-sized products are a budget-friendly way to test high-end makeup without committing to the full-sized price. They’re perfect for experimenting with new products or carrying essentials on the go. Many brands also release curated sets of minis, offering variety and value in one package.
- Try Before You Commit: Minis allows you to test products for compatibility with your skin.
- Perfect for Travel: Their small size makes them great for on-the-go touch-ups.
- Gift Sets: Many brands bundle minis in themed sets for even greater value.
- Affordable Entry Point: Minis lets you indulge in high-end brands for less.
Pro Tip: Look for limited-edition sets during holidays for the best deals.
6. Join Subscription Services
Subscription boxes are a cost-effective way to explore new beauty products. For a monthly fee, you receive a curated selection of full-sized and deluxe sample items. These boxes are not only budget-friendly but also a fun way to discover products you might not have tried otherwise.
- Ipsy: Get 5 personalized products for just $13/month.
- BoxyCharm: Includes 5 full-sized products worth over $120 for $25/month.
- Exclusive Member Discounts: Subscribers get access to brand deals.
- Discover Indie Brands: Many boxes include products from emerging beauty brands.
Pro Tip: Watch for first-time subscriber promotions to maximize your savings.
7. Embrace Drugstore Alternatives
Drugstore makeup has revolutionized the beauty industry by offering affordable yet high-performing products. With a little research, you can find budget-friendly dupes that rival luxury brands. This option is perfect for anyone looking to save without sacrificing quality.
- Dupes for Luxury Products: Brands like e.l.f. and Maybelline create products similar to high-end options.
- Cult Favorites: Many drugstore items, like NYX Butter Gloss, have a loyal following.
- Frequent Sales: Drugstores often run discounts, making affordable items even cheaper.
- Wide Accessibility: Available online and in-store at retailers like Target and Walmart.
Pro Tip: Read online reviews or watch beauty tutorials to find the best drugstore dupes.
8. Maximize Rewards Credit Cards
Your credit card can become a powerful tool for saving on makeup if used strategically. Many cards offer cashback, points, or exclusive discounts for beauty-related purchases. By pairing credit card rewards with retailer sales and loyalty programs, you can unlock significant savings.
- Cashback Rewards: Some credit cards offer up to 5% cashback on beauty store purchases.
- Retailer-Specific Credit Cards: Cards like the Ulta Mastercard earn you points for every transaction and are redeemable for makeup.
- Welcome Bonuses: Many cards provide extra points or cashback if you meet a spending threshold within the first few months.
- Combine with Loyalty Programs: Use your rewards credit card alongside store loyalty memberships for double the perks.
Pro Tip: Pay off your balance each month to avoid interest charges that can erase your savings.
9. Repurpose and Reuse Products
Get creative with your makeup collection by repurposing products for multiple uses. This not only stretches your budget but also reduces waste. Many beauty items are versatile and can perform double duty if you think outside the box.
- Multi-Use Products: Lipsticks can double as cream blush, and eyeshadows can work as brow fillers or highlighters.
- Revive Dried-Out Items: Add a drop of facial oil or setting spray to revive dried mascaras, gel liners, or cream products.
- Depot Products: Transfer the remaining product in nearly empty containers into smaller jars to use every last bit.
- Custom Mixtures: Mix foundation with moisturizer to create a lightweight, tinted moisturizer.
Pro Tip: Look for brands that market multi-purpose products to maximize the value of each purchase.
10. Leverage Free Samples
Free samples are a fantastic way to test new products or get travel-sized versions of your favorites without spending extra. Many retailers and brands are generous with samples, whether in-store or online.
- Ask In-Store: Stores like Sephora and Nordstrom often provide free samples when requested.
- Online Offers: Many beauty websites include free sample options at checkout.
- Subscription Services: While not free, beauty boxes like Ipsy offer deluxe samples at minimal cost.
- Special Events: Attend beauty expos or in-store events to collect samples of the latest launches.
Pro Tip: Save samples from online orders for travel or emergency touch-ups.
11. Set Up Price Alerts
Price alerts are a game-changer for anyone who doesn’t want to overspend on makeup. These tools notify you when the price of your favorite product drops, helping you snag the best deal.
- CamelCamelCamel: Track price changes on Amazon to see historical trends and set alerts.
- Honey: Monitors prices across online stores and alerts you when discounts are available.
- Google Shopping: Compare prices across retailers and find the lowest option.
- Retailer Apps: Some brands, like Ulta, allow loyalty members to set price drop alerts.
Pro Tip: Use price alerts during seasonal sale periods for the biggest discounts.
12. DIY Your Beauty Products
Homemade beauty products are not only cost-effective but also allow you to control the ingredients you use. With a few simple household items, you can create high-quality alternatives to store-bought products.
- DIY Lip Scrubs: Mix sugar, honey, and coconut oil for an effective exfoliator.
- Homemade Highlighters: Blend clear balm with shimmery eyeshadow for a natural glow.
- Soothing Face Masks: Combine oatmeal, yogurt, and honey for a skin-nourishing treatment.
- Hydrating Hair Masks: Use ingredients like avocado and olive oil to restore moisture to your hair.
Pro Tip: Store your DIY creations in airtight containers to maintain freshness and usability.
A makeup swap with friends is a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh your collection. You can exchange products you no longer use for something new without spending a dime.
- Host a Swap Party: Invite friends to bring unused or lightly used makeup for a trade.
- Sanitize Products: Use alcohol spray to clean powders and sharpen pencils before sharing.
- Discover New Favorites: Swapping lets you try items you might not have purchased yourself.
- Reduce Waste: Rehoming products helps the environment by keeping unused items out of landfills.
Pro Tip: Set ground rules to ensure all shared items are in good condition and hygienically safe.
14. Shop Discount Retailers
Discount retailers are hidden gems for finding high-end makeup at bargain prices. Stores like TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack often carry overstock or discontinued items from luxury brands at significant discounts.
- Beauty Sections: Look for markdowns on skincare, makeup, and tools.
- Online Discount Stores: Websites like Hautelook or FragranceNet offer similar deals.
- Inspect Packaging: Check that products are sealed and not tampered with before buying.
- Shop Early: Inventory changes frequently, so shop in the mornings for fresh stock.
Pro Tip: Visit stores during weekdays for the best selection before the weekend crowds arrive.
15. Avoid Impulse Buys
Impulse purchases are one of the easiest ways to blow your budget. By creating a plan and sticking to it, you can shop smarter and avoid unnecessary splurges.
- Make a Wishlist: Keep a running list of products you need or want to prioritize purchases.
- Pause Before Buying: Wait 24 hours before purchasing to ensure it’s a thoughtful decision.
- Research Alternatives: Look for affordable dupes or smaller sizes before committing to expensive items.
- Shop with Purpose: Avoid browsing aimlessly; instead, focus on specific items you need.
Pro Tip: Use the “1-in, 1-out” rule—don’t buy a new product until you’ve finished an old one.
Comparison Table: Money-Saving Strategies for Makeup
| Strategy | Ease of Use | Savings Potential | Effort Required | Pro Tip |
| Loyalty Programs | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Combine rewards points with sale events for maximum savings. |
| Bundles & Value Sets | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Ensure you’ll use all the items in the set before purchasing. |
| Seasonal Sales | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | Plan purchases around major events like Black Friday or the Sephora VIB Sale. |
| Coupons & Promo Codes | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Use browser extensions like Honey to find hidden discount codes automatically. |
| Minis & Travel Sizes | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Great for testing products or keeping essentials in your purse. |
| Subscription Services | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Sign up during promotions to receive bonus items in your first box. |
| Drugstore Alternatives | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | Check online reviews to find drugstore dupes for high-end favorites. |
| Free Samples | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Ask in-store for samples or look for freebie offers at checkout online. |
| DIY Beauty | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | Use simple ingredients like sugar, honey, and coconut oil for homemade products. |
| Discount Retailers | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Visit stores like TJ Maxx early in the week for the best selection of discounted items. |
Conclusion
Saving money on makeup is all about being strategic and resourceful. From loyalty programs and seasonal sales to DIY beauty and drugstore dupes, there’s no shortage of ways to stretch your budget without compromising on quality. By combining these tips and planning your purchases wisely, you can build a fabulous beauty collection while keeping your wallet happy. Ready to start saving?
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FAQ
What’s the best way to save money on high-end makeup?
Sign up for loyalty programs and shop during seasonal sales like Sephora’s VIB Sale. Pair these with promo codes for added discounts.
Are drugstore products as good as high-end brands?
Yes! Many drugstore brands like Maybelline and e.l.f. offer high-quality products that rival luxury options. Read reviews to find the best dupes.
How do loyalty programs work?
Loyalty programs let you earn points for every purchase. Redeem these points for discounts, free products, or exclusive perks like early sale access.
When are the best times to shop for makeup sales?
Major events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty offer huge discounts. Subscribe to store newsletters to stay updated.
Can I really save money with subscription boxes?
Absolutely! Boxes like Ipsy and BoxyCharm deliver deluxe samples and full-sized products for less than retail. Look for special deals on your first box.
How do I find promo codes for makeup?
Use sites like Dealhack or browser extensions like Honey and Rakuten. These tools automatically find and apply discounts.
Are value sets worth buying?
Yes, if you’ll use all the products. Value sets bundle multiple items at a lower cost, making them great for testing new products or gifting.
How can I make my makeup last longer?
Store products properly, use every last drop by depotting, and try multipurpose items like lipsticks that double as blush.
Are free samples easy to get?
Yes! Ask for samples at stores like Sephora, or look for online retailers offering freebies with purchases.
What’s a quick way to avoid overspending?
Stick to a wishlist, and wait 24 hours before buying to decide if it’s something you truly need. This prevents impulse purchases.
