Beauty sales are exciting — not just for our wallets, but for our regimens, too. It is a great time to splurge on a pricey wish list item, stock up on favorite formulas, and even share the love by gifting friends a must-try product. But it can also be overwhelming. Here are some expert tips and tricks for getting the most bang for your buck ahead of the holiday sales season.
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Make a Shopping List
Shopping lists aren’t just for groceries — you can make them for beauty products, too. “I always like to keep a running list of things I actually need, and then a list of fun things that I would like to try,” says model and actress, Christen Harper. If you are out shopping and see products you are interested in, write them down in the notes in your phone (or snap a quick picture!). Once you are home, you can do some sales research, says board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D.
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Don’t Focus Solely on Price
Lower price points on must-try beauty products are enticing, but it should not be the sole factor when deciding to purchase an item you have never tried before and have not seen results from. Jaliman suggests always starting at the label. “Be informed of what ingredients are good or bad for your skin. Some high-end products may have ingredients that irritate your skin if you have certain skin conditions,” she says. And don’t get stuck on luxury products. “These certain ingredients are found in both high-end department store brands and also can be found at lower price points in a drugstore or online,” Jaliman says. “Some of these ingredients include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, retinol, [and] antioxidants,” she explains.
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Shop Verified Websites
Once you have decided a product is right for you, Jaliman says to do price research before purchasing. “You will usually find a cheaper price if you spend the few minutes searching online,” she explains. That said, not all websites are created equal and not all are even verified to sell certain products.
To find out whether or not an eCommerce site is authorized, mainstream beauty sites — such as Dermstore — often post information on their verification. You can also find information on authorized retailers via brand websites.
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Sign up for Reward Programs
One great way to save on beauty products — with or without a major sale — is to sign up for reward programs. If a certain brand, company or drugstore offers it, this will, in the long run, save you money on specific products you love.
In addition to rewards programs, you might also want to consider signing up for newsletters and catalogs (like Sephora and Macy’s) for additional savings offerings. In most cases, websites offer savings for new customers.
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Use Influencer Discounts
When it comes to shopping beauty products — and scoring a deal — use social media to your advantage.
Instagram has money-saving opportunities, including influencer discounts.
“I keep my eyes open for influencer codes and store sales for my ‘fun’ list so then I’m not overspending on things I don’t actually need,” says Harper.
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Follow Brands on Social Media
Connecting with beauty brands on social media can also save you money. Harper says to follow your favorite brands on Instagram because you can keep tabs on when products are on sale. You might also find special offers for new releases and must-try items.
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Ask for Samples
Another way to up the ante on your savings (and beauty loot!) is to ask for samples. Samples aren’t just a great way to test out new formulas, they make for a great travel-friendly stash, too. “Sometimes there are so many samples available, but customers don’t [know] to ask for them,” says Jaliman.
