It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or is it?
Many makeup “addicts” plan their makeup purchases around the infamous Sephora VIB and Ulta Platinum sales, which usually take place in April-May and November-December. With a 15-20% discount on all items, shoppers are able to “justify” their purchases…even when they were harming their finances.
For many people with shopping issues, makeup represents an ongoing temptation. With new releases seemingly every day, Instagram influencers, and YouTube personalities, it can be difficult to stop buying into the hype cycle—especially when everything is on sale.
But not this year.
Here’s how to control—or altogether stop—your spending during the Sephora VIB and Ulta Platinum sales this year.
1. Unsubscribe from Sephora and Ulta emails.
While it may seem obvious, you can’t obsessively shop a sale if you don’t know about it. Unsubscribing from Sephora and Ulta emails (and retail emails generally) helps to limit your awareness of impending sales.
For those of you who just know when the sale happens every year, and don’t believe unsubscribing will make a difference, I challenge you to unsubscribe and—without the stimulus in front of you—see how it impacts your shopping habits.
2. Take a long, hard look at your makeup inventory.
If you’ve never heard of a makeup inventory, essentially, it’s a compilation of all the makeup you own. It can be as detailed or simple as you want, but the point is to have a visual representation of your makeup outside of your makeup bag or organizer.
Why is this helpful? It forces you to assess what you already have.
So if you’ve been eyeing the latest eyeshadow palette or highlighter, but go to your inventory and realize you already have two highlighters or palettes in those exact color families…well, it’s time to reassess your perceived “need.”
Plus, it forces you to be happy and satisfied with what you already have! This step alone can keep you from making several unnecessary makeup or skincare purchases.
3. If you MUST make a purchase, make sure it is a “replacement-only” for a product you use REGULARLY, and then plan it for the sale.
A great way to save money in the makeup/skincare realm is to ONLY buy items when you need a replacement. Even better: only buy replacements when they are on sale.
For instance, if you know you will be out of foundation or moisturizer come the Spring/Fall sales, plan to buy it at a discount at that point. Personally, this is the bargain I’ve struck with myself.
So there you have it. The three ways you can control—or outright negate—your spending during the Sephora VIB or Ulta Platinum sales.
Good luck, and Happy Smart Shopping…or No-Shopping!
want to remember this post? pin it for later!
Leave a Reply