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15 Genius Ways to Save Money on Makeup

November 23, 2024 · 12 minute read

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:

1. Save Money on Makeup with Beauty Loyalty Programs

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.

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.

Pro Tip: Ensure all items in the bundle are products you’ll use to avoid waste.

3. Shop During Seasonal Sales

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.

Pro Tip: Sign up for retailer newsletters to stay informed about upcoming sales.

4. Use Coupons and Promo Codes to Save on Makeup

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.

Pro Tip: Look for codes that include free shipping or bonus items to boost your savings.

5. Go for Mini or Travel Sizes

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.

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.

Pro Tip: Watch for first-time subscriber promotions to maximize your savings.

7. Embrace Drugstore Alternatives

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.

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.

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.

Pro Tip: Look for brands that market multi-purpose products to maximize the value of each purchase.

10. Leverage Free Samples

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.

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.

Pro Tip: Use price alerts during seasonal sale periods for the biggest discounts.

12. DIY Your Beauty Products

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.

Pro Tip: Store your DIY creations in airtight containers to maintain freshness and usability.

13. Swap and Share with Friends

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.

Pro Tip: Set ground rules to ensure all shared items are in good condition and hygienically safe.

14. Shop Discount Retailers

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.

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.

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

StrategyEase of UseSavings PotentialEffort RequiredPro 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?

For expert tips and exclusive deals, follow us at Dealhack – your go-to source for smart shopping and savings!

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.

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