Beauty Insider: Try These Next-Level Hacks to Shop at Sephora Like a Pro

(UPDATE: October 31, 2023): For those who beauty shopper savvy, you already know Sephora has kicked off its biannual sale which started October 28.

However, with TikTok and other social media platforms around, actually figuring out how to take advantage of the sales or navigate Sephora can be hella intimidating, especially if you're a beauty beginner. Today, October 31 kicks off the VIB and Insider beauty member savings and to help you along the way, we're bringing back our tried and true shopping hacks that work and help you curate new tips and tricks for anyone reading to test out. After all, in this economy, the goal is to spend less and get more bang for your buck.

Happy shopping, besties!

(Original: October 28, 2022): Shopping at Sephora can be daunting for entry-level beauty lovers, but for beauty enthusiasts, snagging deals on cult-fav makeup, skincare and haircare items can be quite enthralling. Sephora is one of the top retailers to carry some of the hottest brands on the market and rewards shoppers with a stellar loyalty program. Be that as it may, an experienced shopper will still be looking to save where they can and hit the jackpot — and we're here to show you how.

The brand has already announced its annual holiday sale that begins on October 28. To help shoppers ready their charge cards, we've rounded up a few tried and true shopping hacks that for sure work and hopefully will help curate new tips and tricks for anyone reading to test out. After all, in this economy, the goal is to spend less and get more for your buck. If you're intrigued to know more, keep reading on for the savviest hacks to help you navigate those Sephora aisles.

You CAN get free 15-minute mini makeovers.

We know that asking a makeup artist to apply lashes or eyeshadow is tacky and a big no — but at Sephora, it is highly encouraged, with no purchase necessary.

Become a Beauty Insider.

It's free to join. For Sephora's holiday sale this year, you can get 10% off from November 3 to November 7, while VIB members (those who spend at least $350 USD at Sephora in a calendar year) get 15% off starting November 1 to November 7. The highest membership tier is open to those who spend at least $1,000 USD in a calendar year — VIB Rouge members receive 20% off from October 28 to November 7.

The best place to redeem Beauty Insider points is online.

E-commerce is big for beauty, so it only makes sense that shoppers will have an enormous selection online than in-store. New rewards drop online every Tuesday and Thursday, so set a reminder to snag those must-have items before supplies run out.

Don't forget to pick up your birthday gift.

You are not required to pick up your gift on your special day. Feel free to pop by any Sephora standalone store to pick your gift as long as you're an Insider member.

You don't have to buy travel-sized products.

Save time and money. If you want to try something new or need a small container to fit in your TSA bag, ask for a free sample of any product available and save yourself $15 USD.