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Sephora Shopping Hacks To Help You Save Big Money!
Are you on the hunt for clever Sephora hacks to cut costs on your beauty buys? Curious about how to slash $300 to $500 off your Sephora expenses this year? Given the high cost of beauty products, it’s understandable why many are constantly seeking effective ways to economize on makeup and skincare purchases.
According to an article by People.com, the average woman will spend $43 on a shopping trip for makeup.
Based on another source from Yahoo Finance, women spend about $1k on their appearance in a year.
With that said, it’s obvious that women are obsessed with makeup and beauty products. Not to mention, we tend to fall in love with the ones sold at our favorite store — Sephora!
Oh, Sephora, why do we love you so much? ❤️
With those ridiculously expensive price tags, you may think their products are out of your budget, but don’t you worry!
In today’s post, I’ve combined a list of clever Sephora shopping hacks that will help you save as much money as possible!
How can I save money at Sephora?
📌 PIN this “Sephora Hacks” image to Pinterest!
From free Sephora makeup samples to scouring online for the best deals and discounts, you are on your way to saving big bucks at Sephora!
Combine all or most of these Sephora hacks below to save a ton of money on your favorite beauty products each year!
Let’s dive into these clever tips and tricks.
1. Earn FREE $50 to $100 Sephora gift cards!
This Sephora hack is one of my personal favorites!
I use a free money-saving resource called Swagbucks.com to accumulate SB points (also known as Swagbucks points) just from doing my regular shopping online. That also includes points for my purchases from Sephora!
How it works is you earn up to 30% cashback on all your purchases online. On normal days, you could earn between 3% to 5% cashback from your Sephora purchases. This is pretty much free money you shouldn’t and can’t miss out on. Once you have enough racked up, you can redeem FREE Sephora gift cards!
I usually choose the $50 gift card option, but what I like to do is accumulate more SB points so I have the choice to redeem higher value gift cards such as $100.
For example, take a look at my Swagbucks account. I can literally redeem this FREE $50 Sephora gift card right now if I want to buy something from Sephora!
The awesome thing is not only can you earn FREE money from Sephora along with other purchases you make from big retailers, but you can also accumulate more money just by surfing the web, taking quick daily survey polls that ask you beauty-related questions, watching videos, and other online activities that you normally do.
Those points get converted to cash rewards or free Sephora gift cards!
If you’re already going to be shopping at Sephora, then you may as well take advantage of free resources that don’t cost you anything. Plus, it’s easy and hassle-free to use!
GET FREE GIFT CARDS HERE: You can actually sign up for a free Swagbucks account HERE and get a $5 welcome bonus! It literally takes less than 5 seconds to sign up and start earning FREE Sephora gift cards!
VERY IMPORTANT: Once you’ve signed up, remember to verify the e-mail from Swagbucks in your inbox to get your $5 bonus and you can start earning free Sephora gift cards!
Related post on Sephora hacks: Sneaky Ways To Get Free $100 Sephora Gift Cards
2. Take surveys on Branded Surveys
If you follow me and my blog, you’ll notice that I mention Swagbucks a lot because they are absolutely my favorite money-saving resource to get cashback. But just because I love using them doesn’t mean I can’t use a second free resource to stack up on my favorite Sephora products.
Another amazing Sephora hack that you must try is answering simple survey questions on Branded Surveys. This free resource allows you to participate in various surveys on topics ranging from shopping to current events.
I LOVE using Branded Surveys as my go-to to earn free stuff from Sephora because, in return for my time and opinions, I can collect points that can be redeemed for free Visa gift cards (this is pretty much a cash gift card). This is what my Visa gift card looks like and you can pretty much use it at any Sephora store:
When you choose the Visa gift card option (like what I usually do), you can use it towards Sephora for your next shopping spree! It’s a great way to save money and try out new products without breaking the bank.
On top of that, Branded Surveys often has special offers and promotions that allow you to earn even more points. So not only can you save money on your next Sephora purchase, but you can also discover new products and share your opinions with the world.
EARN FREE VISA GIFT CARDS TODAY: You can actually sign up for Branded Surveys using this page and get a 100-points welcome bonus! It literally takes less than 5 seconds to sign up and start collecting more points from taking quick surveys online!
VERY IMPORTANT: Once you’ve signed up, remember to verify the e-mail from Branded Surveys in your inbox to get your 100-points welcome bonus!
3. Sign up for their Beauty Insider rewards program
Sephora’s membership rewards program features three levels depending on how much you spend each year.
- Beauty Insider (free)
- VIB (spend at least $350 a year)
- Rouge (spend at least $1,000 a year)
If you’re not already a member, I recommend signing up for the Beauty Insider program because it’s free!
The more you spend, the more points you’ll accumulate. But of course, I only recommend you buying products from Sephora that you absolutely love.
As you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for free Sephora products like skincare, makeup, and fragrance.
You can carry forward your points in your account and they don’t expire as long as you engage in some sort of activity (through purchase or redemption) within a 12-month period.
Once you collect enough points, you can redeem free beauty products from Sephora. The more points you have, the more value you get to redeem. I usually like to collect at least 500+ points before redeeming a free makeup or beauty product.
Another perk of becoming a member is you’ll get a free birthday gift from Sephora each year without having to spend any money!
4. Purchase discounted gift cards online
Beyond scoring free gift cards, a smart Sephora shopping tip is to purchase their gift cards at a reduced rate, giving you immediate savings at checkout.
Sites like Raise or Cardpool often feature Sephora gift cards for up to 10% off.
Also, remember to join Sephora’s Beauty Insider program and Swagbucks to increase your savings. These methods are free and straightforward for cutting costs at Sephora, making them too good to pass up.
5. The JCPenney hack
I have another Sephora tip for you to consider: Sephora products are sold in JCPenney stores, and you can find “JCPenney in Sephora” gift cards at discounted rates online, often up to 20% off on sites like Raise or Cardpool. Typically, the discounts for JCPenney gift cards are even better than those for Sephora gift cards.
PRO TIP: You CANNOT use the JCPenney gift card at Sephora stores or JCPenney online. It can only be used in the actual JCPenney store. Also, before purchasing the JCPenney discounted gift card, make sure the Sephora product you want is available at the JCPenney store!
6. Shop the semi-annual sale in April and November
A commonly asked question is when does Sephora have sales?
Or when is the next Sephora sale?
If you’re a regular shopper at Sephora, you know it’s no surprise that they’re very stringent with sales and promos.
Fortunately each year, Sephora has an annual spring (in April) and fall (in November) sale for VIB, Rouge, and Beauty Insider members.
This is the time where Sephora has the best sale with coupons between 10% to 20% off depending on your status as a VIB, Rouge or Beauty Insider. So, don’t forget to sign up for their Beauty Insider program for starters.
With that said, if there are products you’ve been eyeing for a while but you can’t justify paying full price for it, make a list of those products and wait for their semi-annual sale.
7. Get free Sephora samples
Who doesn’t like free makeup samples?
I personally love them because I get excited about trying new things. I also like how I can carry those cute mini perfume samples for my travel.
Overall, searching for free makeup samples is a great way to test out a product before actually buying it. This can also save you from wasting money on a product that you may not like plus the hassle of returning.
If you’re shopping online, don’t forget to redeem your free samples at the checkout. You will get at least 3 free samples every time you make a purchase online.
What free samples can I get at Sephora?
I know a lot of you are asking what kind of free makeup samples you can get at Sephora.
Free samples from Sephora include:
- perfume and fragrance samples
- skincare samples
- makeup samples
You can literally get free makeup samples on almost any product in the Sephora store. All you have to do is ask the employee.
Feel awkward or shy asking?
Kindly let them know you have the intention of buying the product but you just want to try it first to see if it’s the right fit for you. They will be more than happy to give you a sample with absolutely no questions asked. 🙂
For example, there may be a foundation you want to try because you want to know how your skin will react to the product. So, when you go to the store, ask for a tester so you can take it home to see how you like it.
It’s important to know whether that particular foundation is comfortable and suits your skin. That way, you will also know if you have any allergic reactions.
8. Sephora does price adjustments
This is a Sephora money-saving tip you don’t want to miss out on.
If you happen to know that something goes on sale after making your purchase, you can go back to the store and ask for a price adjustment. Sephora will give you back the difference hence saving you money.
Just be sure you do this within 14 days of the original purchase.
PRO TIP: Speaking of price adjustments, I learned about this free money-saving resource called Paribus. If you regularly shop online, the company can help you get money back through price adjustments whenever they notice the item is on sale after your original purchase. It’s safe to use and hassle-free since they do all the work for you.
9. Free shipping at the store
If you ever happen to visit the Sephora store with the intention to buy a product you love but realized they have no more in stock, don’t fret!
You don’t have to go back home to place the order online. Plus, you can avoid shipping costs.
Instead, you can place an order of that product in the store. They will give you free shipping!
10. Get Sephora Flash 2-day shipping
Another Sephora shopping hack you must know is their free 2-day shipping for one year called Flash.
There’s no minimum purchase necessary. You get unlimited shipping all year long for just $15. This is similar to Amazon’s free 2-day shipping when you’re an Amazon prime member.
If you’re a Rouge member, Flash is free.
This is only a great deal for those who regularly shop and order beauty products online at Sephora.
If you’re not interested in becoming a Sephora Flash member, you still qualify for free shipping on all orders over $50.
11. Get free “mini” makeovers at Sephora
Did you know you can get a free 15 to 20-minute makeup session with no purchase necessary? No appointment is required either.
Within those 15 to 20 minutes, they will focus on one area such as eye, lips, or skin.
For example, you can ask them to go over a mini-tutorial session on how to do smokey eyes or how to apply primer and foundation on your skin.
It’s not a full makeover but it’s a good opportunity to experiment with their products on top of learning the techniques of creating smokey eyes.
So, if you’re planning a date or a mini special outing, you can walk into Sephora and ask for a free “mini” makeup session.
12. Get a free full makeover at Sephora
If you want more than just a mini makeover session, you can always upgrade to get a full makeover for free!
The only catch is you need to purchase a $50 gift card from Sephora at the time you get a full makeover. But this is still a great deal if you’re a regular shopper at Sephora!
If you have a prom, wedding, Christmas, New Year’s Eve party or any special event coming up, this could help you save money from hiring a makeup artist.
For this, it’s always smart to book in advance because you’ll be working with someone who is certified in customized makeup applications.
13. Get Sephora’s perfume sample set
If you’re a fragrance lover, then you may like Sephora’s mini sample perfume set for $75.
This will allow you to test out many different perfumes to see which ones you love. Now, here’s the deal!
You get a free coupon voucher in that sample set which you can bring back to the store and redeem for a full-size perfume. You can choose the one you love from the sample set at no extra cost!
If you think about it, you paid only $75 for the sample set AND a full-size product (which may have a higher value than what you paid for).
For example, the in-store price for that full-size perfume you like may cost $85 but because you have the free voucher, you can redeem it for free!
I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, it’s definitely worth it!
14. Avoid buying travel size products at their checkout
Did you know it’s a marketing tactic to put convenient and travel-sized products at the checkout lane?
While you’re bored waiting in line, those mini products are pretty much screaming, “Buy me! I’m cute! I’m not expensive! You need me!”
Resist that temptation and just patiently wait in line! 😴
Those travel size products at the checkout are usually are a rip off compared to the full-sized product.
Listen to this advice and you won’t waste money on unnecessary things you don’t need. Well, unless you absolutely love the travel size and you know for a fact you’re going to use it, AND it truly makes you happy, then it’s money well spent.
15. Subscribe to Sephora’s newsletter
I know, you might think to yourself that subscribing to Sephora’s newsletter is a marketing tactic too.
Yes, I’ll admit that it is.
However, if you are a careful and savvy shopper, you’ll make a conscious effort to tune out products that you don’t need.
By subscribing to Sephora’s newsletters, you’ll be the first to know about their specials and promotions. Who doesn’t want a heads up about their semi-annual sale?
Sephora will also let you know about their exclusive freebie offers when you spend a minimum amount.
On top of that, if you’re a VIB member, you’ll have access to product launches before they hit the shelves.
This is worth it if you’re a frequent shopper at Sephora. If you’re going to be spending money at Sephora, you may as well get some perks and freebies out of it. It’s Sephora’s way of thanking you for being a loyal customer and supporting their business.
What do you get for your birthday at Sephora?
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, you get a free birthday gift as long as you’re Beauty Insider member.
According to Sephora, you can redeem a free gift two weeks before or after your birthday and any time during your birthday month.
Sephora will offer different gifts depending on your member status.
Here is a list of the 2019 birthday gifts from Sephora:
Beauty Insiders can pick a mini set from Kat Von D Beauty or Drunk Elephant.
If you’re a VIB or Rouge, you can choose from Urban Decay or 250 bonus points.
On top of that, Sephora offers Rouge members a complimentary Benefit BrowBar Wax anytime during your birthday month.
Final thoughts on Sephora hacks and how to save money at Sephora
Despite Sephora’s expensive price tag to its fine beauty and skincare products, it’s not impossible to save big when you take advantage of the free resources along with tips and tricks mentioned in this article.
It’s all about being resourceful and smart with your spending at Sephora.
In summary, here is a recap of all the Sephora hacks you must try to save money:
1. Sign up for the Beauty Insider Rewards program.
2. Find clever ways to score free Sephora gift cards so you can save money.
3. Look for Sephora discounted gift cards on Raise or Cardpool.
4. Try the JCPenney gift card hack.
5. Don’t miss out on their semi-annual sale in April and May.
6. Get free Sephora samples from the store and online.
7. See if you qualify for a Sephora price adjustment.
8. Take advantage of cashback apps like Ibotta.
9. If the physical store doesn’t have the Sephora product you want, pay for it in-store and get free shipping.
10. Determine whether Sephora’s Flash 2-day free shipping program is right for you.
11. Take advantage of free mini-makeovers at Sephora.
12. Get a full makeover at Sephora for free during your special events.
13. If you’re a perfume addict, consider buying their fragrance sample set so you get a free voucher to a full-size bottle of your choice.
14. Don’t get lured into their marketing tactics at the checkout. Avoid travel-sized products at the checkout if you don’t need it.
15. Subscribe to Sephora’s newsletters to be notified about the latest specials and promos and save big money on beauty products.
Readers, have you ever tried any of these Sephora hacks to save money at Sephora? What other Sephora shopping hacks do you know about? Leave your comment below!
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