If you’re anything like me, the Sephora Savings Event feels like a national holiday. It’s that time of year when you can restock your favorites, finally grab the products you’ve been eyeing, and try something new while actually saving money. But with so many deals happening at once, it can get overwhelming fast.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to approach this sale with a plan. I’m breaking down exactly how I shop it, what I focus on, and how to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.

Sale begins 10/31. Valid in-store & online. Use code “EVERYTHING”

1. Know the Sephora Sale Dates and Your Tier

Sephora’s Beauty Insider Program has three main levels: Rouge, VIB, and Insider. Each tier gets a different discount and access date.

The pattern usually looks something like this:

• Rouge: 20% off starting first
• VIB: 15% off a few days later
• Insider: 10% off toward the end

Everyone also gets 30% off Sephora Collection the entire time.

Before you start adding things to your cart, make sure you’re signed in to your Insider account so your discount automatically applies when it’s your turn to shop.

2. Build Your Wishlist Early

I always start by going through my Sephora Loves List and organizing everything into three groups:

• Restocks: The products I already use and know I’ll repurchase.
• Splurges: Luxury items I’ve been waiting to justify buying.
• Try-Ons: New products or shades I’ve been curious about.

Doing this a week or so before the sale helps me shop intentionally and keeps me from panic-adding things once the sale goes live. It also makes it easier to spot what I actually need versus what just looks tempting in the moment.

3. Focus on the High-Value Buys

Not everything is worth buying during the Sephora sale. Some products go on deeper discounts at other times of the year. My general rule is to focus on items that rarely go on sale anywhere else.

I usually prioritize:

• Skincare, fragrance, and hair tools
• Foundation, concealer, and SPF in my exact shades
• Everyday staples I’ll use over and over

A few of my go-to categories:

• Makeup basics like bronzers, setting sprays, and primers
• Hair tools like T3 and Dyson
• Perfumes I wear all year
• Daily skincare essentials

4. Take Advantage of Restocks and Sets

Brands often restock limited-edition or viral products during the sale, sometimes without announcing it. I like to check back a few days in for any surprise restocks or new drops.

Holiday sets are another great way to save. You’re getting multiple products for less than buying them separately, and they make easy gifts later in the season.

5. Compare Prices Before Checking Out

Before I check out, I always do a quick scan to see if any of my picks are marked down somewhere else. Sometimes brands or retailers like Ulta will match or beat Sephora’s sale, and it only takes a minute to check.

That said, Sephora is still the easiest place to shop multiple brands at once and earn Insider points while you do it.

6. Don’t Sleep on Sephora Collection

The 30% off Sephora Collection deal is so underrated. Their brushes, lip liners, and face powders are genuinely great. It’s also a good time to grab things like sponges, brush cleaners, and travel cases that you always need but never think to buy.

7. Check Back Throughout the Sephora Sale

Products sell out fast, but a lot of them come back in stock mid-sale. I usually do one big order right at the start and then a smaller second round later once I’ve seen what’s restocked or what’s trending.

If you’re unsure about something, keep it in your cart so you can check out quickly if it starts getting low.

8. Plan Ahead for Gifts

If you’re already thinking about holiday gifts, grab them now while they’re discounted and save yourself the stress later.

9. Use Your Rewards Wisely

Don’t forget to redeem your Beauty Insider points for samples or cash-off coupons before you check out. I like to save mine for bigger orders so I can stack the savings.

10. Keep Your Receipts (Just in Case)

If you’re trying out new skincare or shades, hang on to the packaging for a bit. Sephora’s return policy is great, and it’s easy to exchange something if it doesn’t work for you.

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The Sephora Sale is one of my favorite times to shop because it’s not just about impulse buys. It’s about being strategic, restocking what I truly use, and treating myself to something I’ve had my eye on.

If you’re putting together your wishlist, I linked a few of my top picks and favorite categories below to help you get started.

Shop My Sephora Sale Picks → Shop Here