Beauty lovers listen up! It’s that time of year again—that wonderful time when the air is fresh, the grass is green, the sun is shining, and the finds at everybody’s favorite beauty store go-to Sephora are more hopping’ than ever. The dull of winter is definitely over, especially with the much anticipated VIB Sale coming up in April, the very first Sephora VIB Sale to be held in 2017 (last year, VIB members scored 15% discounts off their entire purchases)! There’s also just the fact that this Spring season, the plethora of many fabulous new finds both in-store and online are endless. From Bobbi Brown and Marc Jacob deals to free samples of Bumble & Bumble or Shiseido products, makeup lovers all around will be needing a handy dandy buying guide to help them splurge but still save big. Go ahead and unleash that inner goddess by making good use of the following 7 savings tips-- as well as the array of limited time markdowns, offers, and discounts available that’ll keep your wallet happy and you looking and feeling nothing but gorgeous. Happing shopping!
1. Go V.I.P. or should we say V.I.B?
For beauty fanatics, the name of the game is, of course, VIB Rouge, the honor given to those willing to spend $1000 on products in one calendar year. It is the tip top of Sephora status hierarchy and perks include everything from unlimited makeovers, exclusive discounts, special events, and free shipping to the famed semiannual VIB Sales each year that provide ample opportunities to stock up on the best of the best finds at the greatest of discounts.
Go become a Sephora Beauty Insider—really it’s one of the most stellar loyalty programs out there and you even get a free yearly birthday gift as well as full access to in-store events and other perks along with membership.
2. Follow. Follow. Follow!
Though quite obvious, it needs to be harped on just one more time. Make sure to follow Sephora on all social media outlets, as each and every one from Facebook to Twitter continuously offers discounts, free giveaways, and free Beauty Insider points galore that can be used for gift giving or your next shopping spree.
3. House Brand-it.
There is a reason why Sephora is Europe’s leading retail beauty chain. Not only does it have one of the best return and exchange policies in the game (you can return anything -- used or unused -- to the store for credit with or without a receipt), but it also happens to carry some of the most swoon-worthy house brand items that sit proudly alongside the top-of-the-line, brandname cosmetics that are shelved. What’s even better is that all products from makeup, skincare, brushes, and fragrances don’t just come at a fraction of the cost—they are created in similar shades and textures as various high-end brands. Don’t dare overlook the Sephora Collection!
4. Think in terms of GIFTS.
Professional makeup artists all nod in agreement that gift sets and value sized products are where the gold is at. At Sephora, there are always an array of multipack gift set options available, as they have numerous specially packaged products at a lower price per ounce than standard options. And though you might not get to use every single piece in the kit, it’s definitely the easiest and cheapest way to go about discovering that favorite new lip color or volume mascara without having to toss out tons of full-sized tubes.
5. Take a class and flaunt that inner academic.
It’s good to know that Sephora has always got your back by holding educationally fun free classes to help makeup enthusiasts master new tricks and trends. There are even free mini makeovers or mini facials to sign up for along with more customized makeovers for those spending a minimum of $50. Plus, for all those students out there, there’s never been a better time to show off some school spirit.
6. Go sample crazy.
Most beauty lovers probably already know this but it never hurts to harp on the fact that Sephora shoppers are able to grab up to three samples from each of Sephora’s main departments (skincare, makeup, and fragrance) and three samples per online order. Can you say freebies? So stock up now and remember also that Beauty Insider rewards points can mean extra samples at checkout. Yes.