12 Sephora Shopping Secrets Every Woman Needs to Know

To the insiders that know it best, Sephora is like the Disney
World of the beauty industry. Here's why: The popular beauty haven is chock full of
awesome goodies to purchase and high-tech activations to play with, making it so much more than just a shopping destination for those who enter. However, not everyone knows about
these hidden gems within each store—ranging from free samples to full on makeovers. So, in order to help you get the most out of each and every Sephora
trip, we’ve tapped Sephora PRO Artist, Myiesha Sewell, for her best insider tricks.
Not only will you save money and learn some valuable information about the
company, but you’ll also be one of the few to know about their under-the-radar perks
as well. Talk about a win-win.

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Also Like:14 Under-the-Radar Products Sephora Employees Wish More People Knew About

1. 
If you’re
browsing for nothing in particular, explore the Hot Now Section first.

“My
favorite area in the store to check out if you’re just browsing is the "Hot Now" section which you’ll see as soon as you walk in,” says Sewell. “It has all the
latest and greatest from Sephora and features a lot of must-have’s that are
trending right now.”

2. 
If in-store samples gross
you out, use their virtual tool to try on new makeup.

One of the best Sephora perks
is being able to try out the makeup in-store before you buy, but if the idea of
using products open to the public—even with single-use applicators—grosses you out, there’s another
way to give the latest and greatest a try. “You can try hundreds of lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes and lashes
available in-store without even touching them through Sephora Virtual Artist on
the Sephora app,” explains Sewell. “This feature is not only fun and innovative,
but also super easy to use. You can even purchase the products you love directly
through the app to save precious shopping time or play with this awesome tool
in select stores!”

3. 
You can take a free beauty
class—regardless of skill level.

“There’s an
opportunity to learn and play during Sephora’s hands on, free beauty classes where a Cast Member helps you learn everything from skin care basics to the
latest makeup trends,” says Sewell. “There are so many different classes to
choose from and they’re a great way to learn top techniques and beauty hacks
from the pros.”

4. 
Do not feel weird asking
for free samples—seriously.

Even if you only went to
Sephora to buy a specific product, you should still grab a few trial items as
well. “Asking a
Sephora Cast Member for a free sample of any product is a great way to test and
try it on your own if you’re not ready to commit just yet,” says Sewell. “The
best part is there’s no limit on the amount of samples you’re able to take
home—no purchase required!” Don’t worry, this offer isn’t limited to just
in-store—you can sang three samples with every purchase online as well.

5. 
You can get a free mini
facial in-store.

“A number of stores also offer a
Skincare Studio where clients can receive skin care consultations and enjoy a
free, 15 minute mini facial with our Skincare iQ tool that helps determine
personalized skin care product recommendations just for you,” says Sewell. “Everyone
has different skincare concerns, so this is really the best place to start if
you don’t have your skin care routine nailed down.”

6.  It’s possible to get a full-face makeover for
free.

The
rumors are true: A 15 minute, free mini-makeover is available to all customers without
having to buy anything in-store. However, if you’re planning on making a few purchases, Sewell recommends
a more extensive option: “Whether you only have 15 minutes for a quick touch up
via a Mini Makeover, 45 minutes for a one-on-one custom makeover, or 90 minutes
for a customized consultation, the Beauty Studio is your destination for helping
achieve a look you’ll love. If you’re planning on treating yourself to a few
new products, I always suggest booking a custom makeover, so our trained cast
can help you learn how to use all of your new goodies.”

7. 
You can return virtually
anything.

Even though it’s been revealed recently that Sephora—along
with hundreds of other retailers—is tracking returns, they still have a pretty
amazing return policy. According to their website, both opened and unopened returns or exchanges—with or without a receipt—are accepted within 60 days of purchase. However, be sure not to take advantage of their generosity because it could get you banned from making returns altogether.

8. 
Don’t brush off Sephora
employees—they’re highly trained in beauty.

Sometimes it’s better to be left
unbothered by store employees when shopping, but when it comes to Sephora, that just isn’t the case.  “Sephora
Cast are trained several times a week, if not every day,” says Sewell. “I
strongly encourage you to speak with Sephora Cast Members whenever you’re
shopping in the store because they are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable
beauty experts who are always willing and able to help you find
the best brands and products that fit your personal beauty style.”

9. 
Beauty
Insider members get the best perks.

“Becoming a Beauty Insider member is the best way to stay in the know when
it comes to new products and deals from Sephora,” says Sewell. “Every time you
shop, you’ll receive points—the more you shop, the more points you’ll receive and as they start to add up, you can use them for perks offered in-store and on
Sephora.com. Some of my favorite rewards that every member gets are the curated Rewards Bazaar
program that’s updated every Tuesday and Thursday. These fun offers start at
100 points and let you choose everything from products, sets, and swag to
priceless experiences!”

10.  Travel size products along the checkout line aren't usually worth it.

According to
Reddit beauty experts, the travel sized products found along the checkout aisle don’t
hold the same value per ounce compared to when you buy the full-sized product.
So, unless you specifically need a TSA-approved product, maybe skip this
shopping section.