Shopping at Sephora can be overwhelming. With so many beauty products available and frequent sales, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend way more than you planned. Over the years, I’ve learned a few clever tricks that help me save a ton of money while still getting the best products. In this article, I’ll share 17 Sephora secrets that have helped me make smart purchasing decisions and avoid unnecessary splurges. These tips aren’t just about finding discounts; they’re about being strategic and knowing how to maximize the value of every dollar spent. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
1. Sign Up for the Beauty Insider Program
One of the best ways to save money at Sephora is to join their Beauty Insider program. Signing up is free, and it comes with a ton of perks. As an Insider member, you earn points for every purchase you make. These points can be redeemed for free products, exclusive discounts, and even birthday gifts. The more you shop, the more points you accumulate, which can lead to even bigger rewards.
The program has three tiers: Insider, VIB (Very Important Beauty), and Rouge. As you move up in tier, you get access to greater rewards like early access to sales, exclusive events, and more. For example, a VIB member gets 15% off during Sephora’s seasonal sales, while Rouge members enjoy 20% off.
Here’s how the rewards add up:
- Insider: 1 point per dollar spent, birthday gift, exclusive offers
- VIB: 1.25 points per dollar spent, 15% off during sales
- Rouge: 1.5 points per dollar spent, 20% off during sales, early access to new products
By joining the program and moving up the tiers, I’ve earned hundreds of dollars’ worth of free products over time.
2. Take Advantage of Sephora’s Sales
Sephora runs seasonal sales a few times a year, where Beauty Insider members can enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 20%. If you can hold off on purchasing your favorite products until these sales, you can save a significant amount. During these sales, Sephora also offers a wide range of mini products that can be a great way to try new things without committing to full-size items.
3. Use the 10-Point Perks System
One of the hidden gems at Sephora is their 10-point perks system. Every time you make a purchase, you’ll earn points. If you accumulate 100 points, you can redeem them for free product samples or deluxe-sized items. While the rewards might seem small, they add up over time. I always make sure to redeem my points for items I know I’ll use. It’s a simple way to get extra value from your purchases.
4. Shop for Mini Sizes
Not every beauty product needs to come in full-size packaging. Sephora offers mini versions of many of its best-selling products. These mini sizes are often much cheaper and are perfect for travel or for testing a product before buying the full size.
For example, a full-size bottle of my favorite skincare serum costs $85, but the mini version is only $20. If I’m unsure about the product or don’t want to commit to the larger size, the mini version lets me enjoy the product at a fraction of the cost. Plus, they’re great for keeping in my bag or using while traveling.
Price Comparison of Mini vs Full-Size Products:
| Product | Full Size Price | Mini Size Price | Savings per Ounce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial Cleanser (4 oz) | $32 | $18 | $4 per ounce |
| Moisturizer (1.7 oz) | $54 | $23 | $18.24 per ounce |
| Mascara (0.33 oz) | $28 | $12 | $48.48 per ounce |
As you can see, mini sizes offer significant savings without sacrificing quality.
5. Look for Trial Sizes
Another way to save money is by opting for trial sizes. These smaller-sized products are often priced between $5 and $15 and are great for trying new products without spending a lot. Trial sizes also tend to be conveniently packaged for travel, so they serve a double purpose.
I’ve found that trial sizes often last longer than expected because I’m usually testing out a product for just a few days at a time.
6. Use the Free Samples
Sephora is known for giving out free samples with purchases. I’ve used this to my advantage many times. When I buy skincare or makeup, I always request samples of products I’m curious about. These samples are a great way to try out new products without committing to full-size purchases. Plus, Sephora’s samples are usually generous and can last for several uses.
7. Buy Sephora Gift Cards at a Discount
Many websites and apps offer discounted Sephora gift cards. You can find them for as much as 10% off, which adds up if you plan on shopping at Sephora. You can also buy discounted gift cards from stores like Costco. I’ve found that this is a simple way to stretch my beauty budget.
For example, if you buy a $100 gift card for $90, you just saved $10 on your next purchase.
8. Return Unused Products
Sephora has a generous return policy. If you don’t like a product, you can return it within 60 days of purchase, even if it’s been opened and used. This means you can try out new products with minimal risk.
I’ve returned a few items over the years, and it’s never been a hassle. As long as the product isn’t heavily used and you have your receipt, you can get a refund or store credit.
9. Use Coupons from Retailers
Retailers like Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and Honey often offer cashback and coupon codes for Sephora purchases. I use these tools whenever I shop online to maximize my savings. While the savings might seem small at first glance, they can really add up over time, especially if you make frequent purchases.
10. Shop Sephora’s “Sale” Section
Sephora has a sale section on its website where you can find discounted products. These are often clearance items or products that are being phased out. I always keep an eye on this section and stock up on my favorite products when they’re discounted.
Products in this section are often still great quality, so don’t be afraid to buy them just because they’re on sale. I’ve scored some of my favorite skincare and makeup items for up to 50% off through this section.
11. Buy Multi-Use Products
Instead of buying multiple products for different needs, I’ve started focusing on multi-use products. For instance, a tinted moisturizer with SPF can serve as both a sunscreen and foundation, cutting down on the number of products I need. Similarly, a lip and cheek tint can be used for both my lips and cheeks, saving me money and space in my makeup bag.
12. Stack Discounts When Possible
During special events like Sephora’s “Rouge Early Access Sale,” you can stack your Beauty Insider discount with other discounts and promotions. Sometimes, this includes free gifts with purchase or an additional percentage off certain items. Always look for the best deals by combining different offers.
13. Keep an Eye on Price Matching
Sephora occasionally offers price matching. If you find a product cheaper at another store, they may match the price. This isn’t something I’ve used often, but it’s a helpful trick to keep in mind if you’re eyeing something that’s just a little too expensive.
14. Take Advantage of Limited-Time Offers
Sephora often runs limited-time offers and “free gift with purchase” deals. I’ve gotten some amazing free products just by purchasing during these promotions. Sometimes it’s a mini skincare set, or other times it’s a full-size item I’ve been eyeing. By timing my purchases with these promotions, I’ve been able to get great products without paying full price.
15. Buy Value Sets
Instead of buying individual items, Sephora often bundles products into value sets at a lower price than if you bought them separately. I’ve found this particularly helpful with skincare and makeup sets, as they allow me to try several products for a fraction of the cost.
For instance, a skincare set that includes cleanser, toner, and moisturizer might be priced at $50, while purchasing each item individually could cost $70 or more.
16. Check Out the Sephora Favorites Collections
Sephora’s Favorites collections are another way to save money while trying out a range of products. These sets typically include a variety of bestsellers from different categories like skincare, haircare, or fragrance, and they’re usually priced below the total cost of the full-size items.
These collections are great for finding new favorites without breaking the bank. I’ve purchased several Sephora Favorites sets and discovered amazing products that I wouldn’t have otherwise tried.
17. Be Patient and Wait for Flash Sales
Sephora occasionally runs “flash sales” that offer limited-time discounts on specific products. These sales can offer discounts up to 50%, and you don’t need to be a member to take advantage of them. By waiting for these flash sales, I’ve been able to snag high-ticket items like luxury skincare for a fraction of the original price.
Conclusion
By using these 17 Sephora secrets, I’ve been able to save a significant amount of money while still indulging in my favorite beauty products. Whether it’s signing up for the Beauty Insider program, shopping during sales, or taking advantage of mini sizes and trial versions, these strategies make it easier to enjoy high-quality beauty products without going over budget. With a bit of planning and strategy, I’ve found that I can make my beauty routine more affordable while still getting the best products on the market. Happy shopping!
