No doubt, Sephora is a beauty haven for all makeup and skincare junkies out there. The only problem? You end up spending half your salary on items you’ve kept in your mental wishlist (or spontaneously stumble upon) the moment your paycheck comes in. Admit it, you’re guilty of this!
Source: Sephora.MY
Sure, you walk out the store – or click checkout – feeling happy with your purchases, but deep inside, you wish you didn’t have to break the bank. If you’re a Sephora-holic, here are 11 hacks to save you hundreds of Ringgit the next time you shop in-store or online!
1. Download the app and create a beauty profile
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Earn 90 points for FREE (that’s RM270 worth of points!) just by downloading the app (40 points) and completing a beauty profile (50 points). Yes, it’s that easy. So go get that free moolah already!
2. Let your points ACCUMULATE
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I know, I know, it’s super tempting to just spend all your points the moment you get them, but trust us, you’d benefit more if you patiently collect your points while waiting for better items to arrive. The points NEVER EXPIRE anyway.
3. Follow Sephora on ALL social media platforms
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It may seem like a hassle, but if you follow their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat accounts, you’ll always be updated with the latest items including exclusive deals and sales that you definitely don’t want to miss!
4. Buy online
Source: sephora.my
Shipping is FREE above a certain amount, and you get free samples with each purchase too! You’ll also have access to a variety of items at a better rate. That’s because what’s available online is different from stocks in-store.
Plus, the sales online and offline is very much rojak, so it’s up to you to hunt for the best bargains, like a makcik on a mission during durian season!
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5. Don’t be fooled by bite-sized beauty products
Alright, that teeny tiny version of your favourite mascara or eye cream may look super cute, but really, the price per ml or gram is NOT WORTH IT. You actually save more when you buy the regular-sized items.
6. Don’t be shy to get that FREE skin consultation or makeup makeover
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Now’s the time to be a muka tembok. After all, Sephora’s in-store beauty advisors will be more than happy to perform a skin analysis for you, to identify what products suit your complexion best. Always wanted a makeover? Just walk in and ask for one and let the pros experiment with your face! 
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7. Get on-fleek eyebrows for FREE too
You know what costs a lot money to do? Good eyebrows.
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You know what’s harder to do? Making sure your eyebrows don’t look like Shin Chan’s. So, get yours done for FREE at Sephora!
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8. Buy value sets
Yes, it might seem pricey at first, but after doing the math, value sets actually cost WAY less than items that are packaged individually.
Source: sephora.my
For example, the price for a bottle of Clinique moisturiser costs the same amount as the three-in-one set comprising the facial soap, clarifying lotion and aforementioned moisturiser. This way, you also get three products for the same value!
9. Go for GOLD
Source: sephora.my
Being a black card member has its perks, but a GOLD card member gets you early and first access to private sales and exclusive launches, as well as complimentary makeovers, once a month!
Yes, you’re probably thinking those perks come at a hefty price, as each membership tier (excluding the basic white card membership) is valid for one year from the date of qualification and an annual re-qualification is required.
So how do you get the benefits of being a top tier Gold card member without breaking bank? Well, the answer is simple: SHARE your card!
Maybe not with your best friend though.
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That’s because the both of you would definitely want the exclusive FREE birthday gifts (which, lemme tell you, is SO MUCH BETTER when you’re a Gold card member)!
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The better option would be to share it with family members, relatives and other friends!
10. Strategise your beauty hunt
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Just like in grocery stores, the products that line the the store entrance are typically the cheapest items that are probably on sale. Check it out to score great deals!
On the other hand, items displayed at eye-level are usually the most expensive and won’t be on sale any time soon.
11. Keep an eye out for black Friday sales
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The coveted, semi-annual black Friday sales is a time when Sephora descends into utter chaos, with everyone clambering and rushing to get their beauty fix.
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Make sure you know the start day of the sales. Gold card members get the privilege of being the first to access the sales, but never fear! Black card members can also access the sales right after, so make sure you’re one of the first few there.
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Preparation is the key. Don’t go into the black Friday sales blindly. Plan out the list of beauty products you want to get to minimise impulsive purchases.
Pro tip: During black Friday sales, it’s quite common for shoppers to approach Gold card members to borrow their card to get a 20 per cent discount. Without climbing the membership ladder, if ya know what I mean.
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The decision is yours whether to lend your card. If you do allow them to use it, at least you can accumulate more points!
And that’s it! Go forth, my lil beauty aficionados and make great savings even when you’re treating yourself!
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Also read: This Incredible Online Shopping Trick Will Save Malaysians A Lot Of Money!
