Shopping on Black Friday is both exhilarating and terrifying. Sure, the sales are amazing, but keeping track of it all (and your bank account) is enough to send anyone into panic mode.
Giphy
This year, instead of overdoing it or wallowing in buyer anxiety, prep like a pro with these foolproof tips.
Determine your signature look…or something like it: Before you even swipe a credit card or hit the “buy now” button on your computer screen, take a minute to think about your beauty goals. In the coming months, will you be applying a face everyday or only on special occasions?
Giphy
Are you inspired by a certain someone or brand campaign? Do you gravitate more toward skincare or actual makeup? By answering all of these questions beforehand, you’ll be able to better streamline your wishlist. If you’re the type of person that needs to have everything laid out visually, put together a quick Pinterest board for inspiration.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.
Check expiration dates: Once you’ve determined your beauty goals, cross reference them with what is already in your stash. Throw away whatever doesn’t fit your new vision and check the expiration dates on what you plan to keep. We tend to forget that like food, your makeup and hair products can get old and potentially wreak havoc on the skin. Most have the dates written on their packaging, but here are some numbers to keep in mind:
*Foundation: 1 year
*Eyeliner: 3-6 months
*Lipstick: 2 years
*Face Cleanser: 1 year
*Face Moisturizer: 1 year
Prioritize: Although Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest shopping times of the year, it doesn’t mean you have to buy anything and everything. If you don’t have disposable income, start by budgeting. Pick a number that you won’t go over and stick to it. If you’re not shopping online, leave your credit cards at home and only carry the cash you need. And don’t forget to factor in your holiday gifts for family and friends.
Bookmark your buys ahead of time: You’ve determined your look, checked expiration dates and prioritized. The only thing left to do is to secure your buys. If you’re an online shopper, this means pulling up every item you’re set on purchasing before the sale actually begins. That way, you can immediately check out without the worry of it selling out before you finish browsing.
In the end, being prepared ahead of time is your best bet! We’ll continue to update you with the best hair and beauty deals this weekend, but in the meantime, here are a few you should already be shopping:
Benefit: From 11/20-11/26, spend $50 and get 3 deluxe samples! Or, spend $85 and 6 deluxe samples! Use code: FABFRIDAY
Kat Von D Beauty: From 11/22-11/28, take advantage of the following:
*Gift With Purchase: For every $100 purchase, you’ll get a FREE vegan leather makeup mag filled with 5 of your favorite minis, including Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita, Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lovecraft, Tattoo Liner in Trooper and more!
*Studded Kiss Bundles: 3 bundles of “Rad Reds,” “Next-Level Nudes” and “Too Cool for School” full-size Studded Kiss Lipsticks available for $44 each ($63 value)
*Free shipping on any order!
Laura Mercier: From 11/24-11/28, enjoy 25% off any $100 Purchase, free ground shipping & returns, plus two deluxe samples. Use code BLACKFRI.
Macy’s: From 11/23-11/26, shop the Clinique “Best of Clinique” set for $49.50 with any $27 Clinique purchase! (A $182 value).
Ole Henriksen: From 11/22-11/28, receive a free $100 gift bag (8-9 piece set) with a $50 purchase. Use code 100GIFTBAG.
Revive Skincare: From 11/24-11/28, enjoy $50 off any $250 purchase, free ground shipping & returns, plus two deluxe samples. Use code BLACKFRI.
Shu Uemura: From 11/24-11/27, receive 20% off purchases of $50 site-wide and 25% off purchases of $100 site-wide.
SiO Beauty: From 11/24-11/28, use code GCC2016 at checkout on SiObeauty.com and receive the patent-pending SiO SkinPad at a lifetime subscription price of $49.95.
Vanity Planet: Starting 11/24, get (8) Special Value Sets Starting at $40, save 80% off retail prices of facial brushes and free shipping in the U.S. on all orders over $40