Keeping up with the latest beauty trends can feel like an endless rabbit hole. Blogs and social media are flooded with them! From Korean shampoos for achieving glossy locks to turmeric-based skin treatments, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest “must-haves.”
Throw in the fact that some of these products come with a price tag that could make your heart skip a beat, and it’s no wonder things can get overwhelming — especially if you’re on a budget.
In fact, did you know that US millennials (yes, the very people who can’t resist a good serum!) spend an average of $2,670 each year on beauty products?
But here’s the good news: The latest beauty buys don’t have to empty your wallet. Our smart beauty trend shopping guide will walk you through how to stay ahead of the curve without breaking the bank.
Follow Your Favorite Brands on Social Media
One of the easiest ways to score deals and freebies in the beauty world is by following your favorite brands on social media. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are where the magic happens.
Ever scroll through Instagram and see a beauty brand offering a “followers-only” discount? That’s your golden ticket! It’s like getting VIP access to your favorite products — without the hefty price tag. And who doesn’t love a good giveaway? Beauty brands often use social media to host promotions to reward loyal followers and grow their audience.
Some examples of leading brands that do this:
- Fenty Beauty (@fentybeauty): Keep an eye on their social media for exclusive promotions, and you could be the lucky one to get first dibs on their hottest new products.
- Too Faced Cosmetics (@toofaced): If you’re looking for contests, giveaways, and discount codes, Too Faced has you covered. Follow them on Instagram or TikTok, and you might score the next beauty jackpot.
- ColourPop Cosmetics (@colourpopcosmetics): Known for hosting fun giveaways, often featuring their latest product launches, and regularly offering followers exclusive deals and early releases.
Creative Ways to Try Before You Buy
How many times have you splurged on a product that looked amazing online, only to get it home and realize it wasn’t what you expected?
One way to sample beauty products before committing to purchasing them at full price is through product testing programs like PinkPanel. You get beauty products for free (or at a reduced cost) in exchange for your honest reviews. Some brands, like L’Oréal, even have their own exclusive testing communities and often invite loyal customers to try out their latest releases.
If you’re short on time and can’t write reviews, don’t worry — you can still experiment with the latest beauty trends without spending a dime.
Facetune’s AI virtual makeup tool lets you try out makeup looks virtually, whether it’s a swipe of lipstick, bold eyeshadow, or even a full glam makeover. It’s like having a personal beauty artist right in your pocket, with no credit card required.
By trying on the looks before you make any purchases, you can get a better sense of how a given product might look on you — not just a glamorous model or influencer.
Follow Affordable Beauty Influencers
There are tons of beauty influencers out there dedicated to showing us that looking fabulous doesn’t have to break the bank — just check out @beauty_glow_girl or @slashedbeauty on Instagram, for starters! They’re like your beauty besties who know how to get you the same flawless look for half the price.
But how do you find beauty creators who really get you? It’s all about understanding your own beauty needs first. Do you have dry skin and dream of hydration-packed products? Or maybe you’re all about cruelty-free and vegan beauty? Do you prefer a no-fuss makeup routine that gets you out the door in five minutes or diving into more high-fashion looks? Understanding your preferences will guide you to influencers who speak your language and offer advice that works for you.
Now, start scrolling through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where creators love to organize their content to make it easy to find what you’re looking for. For instance, on Instagram, you’ll see influencers tagging their posts with hashtags like #DrySkin, #VeganBeauty, or #GlowingSkin, so you can skip the guesswork and go straight to the good stuff.
And to make sure you don’t miss a thing, take advantage of social media tools that make it easier to stay updated. For example, YouTube has a handy subscribe button and notifications, so you’ll get an alert whenever a creator posts a new video. Similarly, on TikTok, following your fave creators and turning on post notifications ensures you’ll never miss a thing.
Unlock Free Products and Perks with Loyalty Programs
Many beauty brands have reward programs where you earn points or perks for every purchase you make. These points can later be redeemed for free products, discounts, or exclusive offers. It’s like getting a gift for doing what you already love — shopping for beauty products.
Take Sephora’s Beauty Insider program, for example. It’s one of the most popular loyalty programs out there, and for good reason. Signing up is free, and then you earn one point for every dollar you spend. But the real fun begins when you start to level up.
At the entry level, you’ll get a birthday gift every year (who doesn’t love a surprise?), access to exclusive sales, and even invitations to special promotions.
Then, if you’re ready to spend a little more, there’s the VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) level. Spend $350 annually, and you’ll unlock perks like a 15% discount during exclusive sales, invitations to beauty events, and even free standard shipping.
And if you’re really dedicated to your beauty routine, the VIB Rouge level is where the real perks kick in. Spend $1,000 annually, and you’ll get early access to new launches, invitations to Rouge-only events, and a dedicated customer service line (hello, personal shopper!). You’ll also get free two-day shipping and a luxury birthday gift.
Of course, Sephora isn’t the only beauty retailer offering rewards. Brands like Ulta and BareMinerals (to name but a few!) have similar programs that let you earn points on purchases that you can redeem for all sorts of goodies.
Bottom line
Staying ahead of beauty trends doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune.
From scoring exclusive discounts on social media to trying products before you buy and joining brand reward programs, there are plenty of creative ways to stay on top of the latest crazes without buyer’s remorse.
That’s all from us in this smart beauty trend shopping guide! Do you have any tips for scoring beauty products on a budget? Let us know in the comments below!
