The Spring 2024 Sephora sale is upon us. I’m sharing my tips for getting the most out of the sale along with a few recommendations (and what to avoid!).

Here’s how it works

• Sign up for the free Sephora VIB program

• Each purchase you make (once you’re signed in to you account, of course) adds up within the year to put you in a certain tier; the more you spend, the higher the tier, the more perks you get - including the ability to shop sooner and with a higher discount during the sales

• There are usually two sales a year, one around April and the other around November, and every rewards member gets 30% off Sephora brand products throughout the duration of the sale

This year, VIB Rouge gets 20% off from April 5 - 15; VIB gets 15% off from April 9 - 15; and Insider gets 10% off April 9 -15 (you automatically get 10% off just for being in the program even if you sign up that day)

Here’s my strategy

Not only for this sale, but any time I purchase something online, the first place I check is my Rakuten app (HERE is my referral link) for cash back and promo codes, then I shop through the app or via my desktop plugin (that pops up automatically!). I’ve earned over $3,000 in rebates, so don’t sleep on this.

INVENTORY (INCL GIFTS, HOLIDAYS, ETC.)

So you’re not overbuying and letting things expire before you can get to them (hi, it’s me), take a quick check of what you have in backstock as well as what you’ll be out of before the next sale in the fall.

I’ve already made some cheat sheets to follow:

• Makeup Bag Edit

• Makeup Shopping List

• Essential Brushes

• AM Skincare

• PM Skincare

Don’t forget to include gifts for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. - shop for everyone in your house, get candles, whatever you can to get you to the highest tier.

Chart how long it takes to use products

This is the * key * to success - being able to forecast what you’ll need before the next sale so you don’t mindlessly spend between now and then. When I’m trying a new product, I’ll either make a note in my phone when I start using it, or will just write the start date on the package with a permanent marker.

Shampoo and conditioner. Face wash. Deodorant. Whatever it is, stock up, get to the highest rewards tier, save 20%, and you’ll never run out of your products.

Merchandise your ish

Although it is super satisfying to know you scored a deal, that satisfaction wears off quickly when you get the itch to get something new.

I like to set up a “store” - preferably in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight - I can shop whenever I want to try something new (or, of course, when I run out of something). This will not only help with seeing what you have for inventory, but also spark joy when you need to “shop” your closet over the next several months.

Here’s my beauty backstock:

What to get

Makeup and skinare are SO personal, but there are a few things I think many can benefit from.

• Makeup by Mario Warm and/or Cool Neutrals Palette - other than a sparkle shade or two, these are the only eye shadows you’ll ever need, and the powders also work great for brows and liner

• Urban Decay Space Cowboy Moondust - speaking of sparkly shadows, this one is a m a z i n g and looks good on everyone

• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter - one of my absolute favorite products I use every day in some form

• Sephora Collection lip pencils - so creamy you can blend it into your lips, let it dry, top with gloss or lipstick and it last such a long time - plus tons of shades

• Any powder from Hourglass - setting powder, bronzer, highlighter, blush…Hourglass knows what they’re doing, and these baked powders will last FOREVER

• YSL Lash Clash mascara is truly something special, but know you basically get a buy-one-get-one free as a holiday set

• Armani Luminous Silk foundation - I’ve had the worst luck with my favorite foundations being discontinued or reformulated except this one; I mix it with my Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter and it is perfect every time

• Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner - as I’m running more, and want to wash my hair more often, this doesn’t strip my hair

• Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip cleanser - I’m someone who doesn’t typically buy fancy cleansers, but this one is legit for gently unclogging pores without drying out or irritating my skin

What NOT to get

This is also so personal, but here are general things I tend to stay away from:

• Minis. While it’s tempting to grab travel-sized items and swear you’ll reuse the packages for travel, you won’t. Because you have to store those containers. Instead, get value sizes of your favorite products - and these are often available around the holidays - then purchase some empty, refillable containers. 

• Trends. I KNOW it’s the coolest thing on the TikTok, but that typically means it’s the product of a media blitz. If it’s something filling a need you already have or you’re replenishing something you're out of, maybe go for it. But I’ll be honest, every trend has failed me.

• Copies of things you already have. Yes, the Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes palette is gorgeous. But you probably won’t wear all of those shades, you probably already have multiples of the ones you will wear, and that’s a LOT of glitter to get through. Always take inventory before you invest!

• Items you already have. It’s great to purchase things when they’re on sale to get you to the next sale this fall. It’s NOT great to buy stuff just because it’s on sale, especially if you’re already fully stocked until next fall. Again, can’t overstate the importance of taking inventory before you buy.

  This is about shopping smart and developing a system so you can get what you need at the best prices without spending a ton of time. Truly. It pays off in the long run! Appreciate you, mean it! - JY