It’s Sephora Sale time real soon!

This twice-yearly event is when I buy most all of my skincare and makeup. Occasionally I’ll bebop into another store if they carry something Sephora doesn’t, but this loyalty program allows me to achieve Rouge status and therefore get 20% off everything at least twice a year (plus lots of other perks like deluxe samples and generous birthday treats).

Many bloggers share what they’re getting. If you want to know my list, I have an IGTV about what I typically purchase…and I basically get the same thing every time. But what I think will give you the most value is teaching you HOW to shop the sale.

Sephora Bonus Savings

The first thing you must do is sign up for Rakuten if you haven’t already. On your first $30 purchase (easy to do at the Sephora Sale), you’ll get a $30 bonus when you sign up with my invite link. Over 500 stores participate in Rakuten, and I’ve earned more than $1500 just from shopping as I usually would. All you have to do is sign up with my link above, then set up your account. Next, download the app on your phone and/or the browser extension available at Rakuten.com, then start shopping.

I loooove the browser extension because it automatically pops up when you go to a supported store, but with the app you have to go there first. Still, I usually go through the app:

You can also use the amazing search feature to type in something like “womens white tee shirts,” and Rakuten will bring you so many options THAT ARE ON SALE and/or THE MOST CASH BACK.

Also, I’ve received up to 14% cash back on purchases. Usually it’s around 2-3%, but the deals can be really insane (Like in the video above…did you notice Charlotte Tilbury is 10% cash back?). So anyway, you shop, you get cash back, and they dump the money into your account four times a year.

I can’t recommend it enough!

Make a Sephora Sale Game Plan

While it’s fun to add a bunch of pretty lip glosses and massive, colorful palettes to your cart rationalizing you’ll get 20% off (plus bonus cash back since you signed up for Rakuten), you’ll have serious buyer’s remorse when you don’t use it all. Trust me. And I use a lot of makeup. SO…you need to have a plan.

Sign Up for the Sephora Insider Program

If you’re not already in the club, it’s free and easy to join. Plus, you’ll automatically get 10% off at the sale while you’re building your status. Boom.

What Do You Need?

First, you’ll want to edit your makeup and skincare. I have a handy guide here to help you slim down your makeup bag, and this one shows if your products are expired. The same rules apply to skincare. Then, of course, put replacements on your list.

What Makeup/Skincare Do You Use?

While going through all of your products, check to see if you can switch anything to brands carried by Sephora. Remember, the more you get from them, the more points your get, the higher your status, the bigger the discount. Holler.

How Do You apply Your Makeup Every Day?

Make sure you’re covered with your daily makeup needs. It’s sooo tempting to get a bunch of random stuff over the same old products, but you probably won’t use the 26-shade eye shadow palette or the 48-piece brush kit. Seriously.

This is the best time to invest in your workhorse products. If you want something fun, like a bright/sparkly eye shadow, the brand ColorPop from Ulta has some of the best “Super Shock” eye shadows out there, and they’re only $6.

If you are starting from scratch, here’s a list of the makeup you need, the best brushes, and the basics for daytime and nighttime skincare.

Your Sephora Shopping Cart

Even though the sale doesn’t start until April 9th, I’ve had my cart loaded for weeks. This way I can revisit every couple of days to see if I truly will use what’s in there, or if it was an emotional add.

When the big day comes, I simply find Sephora on Rakuten and check out. I don’t like to second guess because I know I’ll add the 72-piece brush kit.

The Sephora Good Goods

Once your beautiful, deeply discounted items arrive, you’ll need to know how to use them. Luckily, the internet is full of makeup tutorials. If you want an actual makeup LESSON though, you can take advantage of the new Electra Lane Makeup Lessons!

Climb the Sephora Ladder

Now that you’re an Insider, you’ll get another opportunity to shop the fall sale around November. This is a great way to see how long it takes you to use up your products and forecast when you’ll need what.

I now have it down to a science - some items, like my Drunk Elephant C Firma Serum, are needed every six months, while I can wait on others a year or more.

It’s taken a while to get here, but the savings are huge. Plus, there’s an incentive to not purchase things throughout the year!

Let me know if you have any questions or know of any other tips I’ve missed, and don’t forget to sign up for Rakuten to save lots of money at a bunch of stores. Happy shopping!

Some images c/o Sephora.com. Full disclosure: if you sign up for Rakuten and spend $30, not only do you get $30 in your account, but I do, too! I truly appreciate your support. You can then share your link and earn, as well!