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The Best Black Friday Beauty Deals in 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring Major Savings on Makeup, Skincare, Hair Tools & More

Image credits: glossier

Black Friday has become the Super Bowl of beauty shopping—and honestly, we're not mad about it. If you've been eyeing that luxury serum, coveting a viral makeup palette, or finally ready to invest in a professional-grade hair tool, this is your moment. Last year's Black Friday beauty sales brought us discounts up to 65% off at major retailers, with brands like Dyson, Charlotte Tilbury, and Ulta Beauty offering some of their deepest cuts of the year.

We've analyzed last year's sales patterns, tracked discount trends, and we're ready to share exactly where to find the best Black Friday beauty deals in 2025. Whether you're a prestige beauty devotee, a clean beauty enthusiast, or a savvy drugstore shopper, we've got you covered.

Here's where to shop:

Keep this page bookmarked—we'll be updating it with confirmed deals as retailers announce their Black Friday promotions.

When Do Black Friday Beauty Sales Start in 2025?

Mark your calendars: Black Friday officially falls on November 28, 2025. But here's the thing—you won't have to wait that long to start shopping. Based on 2024 patterns, expect early access beauty sales to kick off in early to mid-November, with some retailers launching preview deals as early as November 10th.

Last year, Ulta Beauty started their online sales on November 23rd, while Sephora offered Beauty Insider early access for loyalty members. If you're not already signed up for these rewards programs, now's the time—the perks are worth it.

The sales window has stretched considerably. What used to be a single-day shopping frenzy now extends through Cyber Monday (December 1, 2025) and sometimes into early December. Dermstore's 2024 sale ran through December 3rd, and we expect similar extended windows in 2025.

All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.

October 3, 2025

Written By:Beth Zerdecki

Product Expert:Brittany Brainard

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Mega-Retailer Black Friday Beauty Deals

When it comes to sheer selection and competitive pricing, big-box stores are where Black Friday beauty shopping gets serious. These giants carry everything from drugstore staples to prestige brands, often with the deepest discounts you'll find all year. Their massive buying power translates to deals that smaller retailers simply can't match—we're talking up to 65% off luxury beauty, refurbished hair tools at hundreds off, and exclusive holiday sets you won't find elsewhere.

Amazon Black Friday Beauty Deals 

Amazon crushed Black Friday beauty last year with up to 65% off brands that rarely go on sale—Clinique, Urban Decay, YSL, and even Augustinus Bader. Premium makeup brands were featured under $25, while discounts reached up to 60% off select beauty from Dyson, NuFace, Too Faced, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and MAC Cosmetics. Celebrity-founded brands like Goop, Tatcha, Olaplex, and It Cosmetics were prominently featured, with the sale running through December 2nd.

You can expect similar savings on prestige and celebrity-loved beauty brands this year, with luxe skincare, pro-level hair treatments, and splurge-worthy makeup palettes leading the charge. We’re also betting even more high-end names will join the lineup for 2025.

This is the moment to stock up on those pricey skincare staples—think vitamin C serums, retinol treatments, and hydrating masks—that almost never go on sale. If you’ve been eyeing hair treatments from Olaplex or K18, Black Friday is hands-down the time to buy. At half-off, they basically pay for themselves after a single use. And don’t sleep on premium makeup palettes: they make spot-on holiday gifts (or, let’s be real, a little treat for yourself) when they’re 50% off.

Sign up for Prime to maximize free shipping and early deal access and look for additional Amazon promo codes that might stack with Black Friday pricing.

Shopping tip: Add items to your wishlist now and enable notifications—lightning deals sell out in minutes. Amazon's beauty deals refresh throughout the day, so check back multiple times.

Walmart Black Friday Beauty Sales 

Walmart has been seriously upping their beauty game. Last year brought surprising deals on refurbished Dyson hair tools at significant markdowns—hundreds of dollars off—while their general Black Friday participation included drugstore favorites and exclusive holiday gift sets.

This year, expect up to 50% off drugstore and mass-market beauty brands, with beauty tools likely discounted up to 45% off. Walmart has been expanding their beauty department with more prestige and indie brands, so we might see surprises beyond traditional offerings. Those refurbished premium hair tools should return with discounts that rival (or beat) the original retailers.

If you're in the market for a Dyson or other high-end hair tool but can't justify full price, Walmart's refurbished options are genuinely worth considering and may even stack with a Walmart promo code. Mass market makeup staples like mascara, foundation, and lip products are perfect for stocking up when they're 40% off. Beauty gift sets offer incredible value per item for holiday gifting on a budget.

Shopping tip: Walmart's beauty deals often go live online before in-store, and their app sometimes offers exclusive mobile-only discounts. Download it before Black Friday.

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Department Store Black Friday Beauty Sales

Department stores bring something special to Black Friday beauty shopping: luxury with actual perks. We're talking free shipping with no minimums, generous return policies that work even on used beauty products, and loyalty programs that reward you with points and early access. These retailers curate prestige brands you won't find at mass retailers and create elevated shopping experiences—even during the Black Friday chaos. If you're investing in luxury skincare or treating yourself to high-end makeup, department stores offer the white-glove treatment alongside genuine savings.

Nordstrom Black Friday Beauty Deals

Nordstrom participated last year with beauty deals across prestige brands, maintaining free shipping and free returns. While they didn't advertise specific percentages, their curated luxury beauty selection delivered genuine savings on high-end products.

Expect discounts around 15-25% off luxury brands like La Mer, Tom Ford Beauty, and Clé de Peau this year. Holiday gift sets should hit near 25-35% off—excellent value on full-size or deluxe products. Early access for Nordy Club members is practically guaranteed.

Luxury skincare is where Nordstrom shines. That $200 serum at 20% off saves $40. Fragrance discovery sets let you try multiple high-end scents without committing to full bottles. Curated gift sets make impressive presents at fractions of individual pricing.

Nordstrom Beauty Rewards earns points even on sale items, so you're double-dipping. Don’t forget to check for Nordstrom promo codes for additional savings.

Shopping strategy: Popular items sell out but often restock. Add sold-out items to your wishlist—they frequently reappear. Their generous return policy makes shade experimentation risk-free.

Macy's Black Friday Beauty Sales

Macy's delivered "stunning deals" last year on makeup, skincare, and beauty gifts with enhanced Star Rewards promotions. While specific percentages weren't heavily advertised, members got bonus point opportunities stacking on top of sale prices.

Expect 25-40% off beauty with Star Rewards benefits this year. Mass market beauty should hit 30-40% off, prestige brands 20-30% off. Pre-Black Friday beauty events will likely start the week before Thanksgiving, with enhanced rewards promotions for stacking savings.

Macy's mix of drugstore and prestige brands makes it ideal for one-stop shopping. Makeup bestsellers from Clinique, Estée Lauder, and MAC at 20-30% off are solid buys. Skincare favorites, especially anti-aging serums and moisturizers, see genuine markdowns. Fragrance gift sets are always smart holiday purchases.

Star Rewards is free and offers points plus exclusive access. Points accumulate fast during Black Friday for future shopping. Find Macy's promo codes for potential stacking.

Shopping tip: Watch for Macy's "Beauty Box" gift with purchase at certain spending thresholds. These boxes are packed with deluxe samples from prestige brands worth planning purchases around.

Sephora & Ulta Beauty Black Friday Sales

The eternal question: Ulta or Sephora? Both beauty giants offer distinct advantages. Sephora focuses on prestige brands and exclusive launches, while Ulta mixes drugstore, prestige, and salon-quality products. 

Ulta Beauty Black Friday Deals

Ulta delivered big last year with up to 50% off major brands, gift sets, and makeup palettes. Their Ulta Beauty Collection hit 40% off, makeup tools reached 40% off, and Cyber Monday brought 25% off all Sunday Riley. Online launched November 23rd with in-store following the 24th, plus free beauty bags with $60+ purchases.

The 50% off structure should continue as Ulta's standard max discount. Gift sets and Ulta Collection will likely hit 40-50% off, with professional tools at 30-40% off. Expect an early mid-November start with extended promotions through Cyber Monday. Multiple free gift tiers based on spending are likely.

Stock up on major brand palettes from Urban Decay, Tarte, and Too Faced at 50% off—these $50-60 palettes become $25-30. Ulta Collection skincare offers excellent quality at already-accessible prices, so 40-50% off is exceptional value. Professional beauty tools last years, making Black Friday the smart upgrade time. Gift sets deliver full-size products at fractions of individual pricing.

The Ultamate Rewards program earns points even on sale items. Diamond and Platinum members get 1.25-1.5 points per dollar, which adds up fast during big Black Friday purchases. Stack points with sale prices for maximum value. Check for Ulta Beauty coupons and our Ulta best sellers guide as part of your BF prep.

Shopping tip: Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty happens before Black Friday with daily brand deals. If your products appear then, grab them—they might not repeat during Black Friday.

Sephora Black Friday Beauty Sales

Sephora takes a different approach, focusing on their Sephora Collection and strategic prestige discounts. Last year, the Sephora Collection hit 50% off with standouts like GXVE BY GWEN STEFANI liquid lipstick at $11.76. Prestige brand discounts weren't as aggressive as Ulta's, but exclusive products and limited editions dropped specifically for Black Friday.

Sephora Collection will almost certainly hit 50% off again—the time to stock up on their excellent skincare, tools, and makeup. Premium brands should see 20-40% off select items, with higher percentages on holiday sets. Exclusive launches and limited editions will feature Beauty Insider early access. Payment flexibility options like Klarna or Afterpay should be available.

Sephora Collection products genuinely compete with prestige quality—brushes rival high-end brands, skincare holds its own. At 50% off, they're steals. Prestige makeup from Fenty Beauty, Rare Beauty, and Huda Beauty (unavailable at Ulta) makes this the destination for these exclusive brands. Skincare from The Ordinary, Paula's Choice, and Drunk Elephant are worth grabbing during the sale.

The Beauty Insider program has three tiers with increasing benefits. Higher tiers get early access—crucial since popular products sell out in hours. Rouge members get free shipping with no minimum. Check for Sephora promo codes before checkout. 

Shopping tip: Sephora's "Loves" lists (curated by influencers and beauty editors) feature Black Friday deals grouped by theme. Useful for discovering genuinely good products, not just discounted ones.

Best Black Friday Skincare Deals 2025

Skincare enthusiasts, this is your Super Bowl. Black Friday delivers the deepest discounts all year on clinical skincare, luxury treatments, and dermatologist-recommended products that typically never go on sale. Whether you're loyal to specific ingredients or ready for a routine overhaul, these retailers are worth watching.

Dermstore Black Friday Skincare Sale

Dermstore brought up to 30% off sitewide last year with their Black Friday code, but their Mystery Beauty Bag was the real draw—the first 200 customers spending over $300 received bags valued at $215+ packed with premium brand samples. Focus remained on expert-approved skincare from SkinCeuticals, Drunk Elephant, Augustinus Bader, and Dr. Dennis Gross.

The up-to-30%-off-with-code structure will likely continue. Mystery Beauty Bag promotions should return with $200-250 value, though minimum spend might nudge to $300-350. Expect emphasis on luxury skincare and clinical treatments delivering visible results.

Invest in clinical skincare you've researched but couldn't justify at full price. SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums (genuinely gold standard), effective retinol treatments, and targeted anti-aging products become accessible at 30% off. EltaMD sunscreen, iS Clinical, and The Ordinary at 30% off represent genuine value on clinical skincare.

Shopping tip: Dermstore's auto-replenish subscriptions give additional 15-25% off. Setting this up during Black Friday locks in discounted pricing for future orders, and you can skip or cancel anytime.

Bluemercury Black Friday Luxury Skincare Deals

Bluemercury featured tiered discounts last year: 20% off $200+ orders, 25% off $800+, and 30% off $1,500+. This structure works perfectly for major skincare investments or coordinated friend orders. Their curated selection focused on prestige brands unavailable at mass retailers.

The tiered model will almost certainly continue with similar thresholds (possibly $200/$850/$1,500). Expect a similar 20-30% off range based on spending. Focus will undoubtedly remain on luxury curation featuring Augustinus Bader, La Mer, Sisley Paris, and Vintner's Daughter.

Luxury skincare at 20-30% off represents significant savings—$50-90 off a $300 serum. Prestige discovery sets let you try multiple high-end products without full-size commitment. Hitting higher tiers means stocking up on expensive staples at 30% off—basically getting an extra product free.

Shopping strategy: Coordinate with friends to combine orders and hit higher tiers, then split. Their generous return policy makes testing risk-free.

Medik8 Black Friday Sale 

Medik8 delivered 30% off all full-sized products last year running until December 3rd. Some markets saw 25% off the entire website including hero Crystal Retinal serum. Additional benefits kicked in for orders over $140, featuring the complete Crystal Retinal line, Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil, and Bio-Cellulose Mask.

Full-size products hitting 30% off should continue as standard in 2025. Me&Medik8 loyalty program will probably offer perks and early access. Bonus gifts with higher spends will hopefully return. Crystal Retinal products will be featured prominently as consistently-selling-out signature items.

Crystal Retinal serums deliver prescription-level results without typical retinoid irritation—no-brainers at 30% off. Cleansing oils maintain clear, healthy skin without stripping moisture. Hydration serums and anti-aging treatments featuring their CSA Philosophy (vitamin C, sunscreen, vitamin A) are strategic purchases.

Shopping tip: Crystal Retinal comes in progressive strengths (1, 3, 6, 10, 20). Start with Crystal Retinal 1 and a hydration serum if you're retinol-curious. The 30% discount makes entry-level accessible.

Murad Black Friday Skincare Deals 

Murad brought 30% off their whole site last year plus free gifts when spending $150+, aligning with previous years' levels. 

For 2025, site-wide discount around 30% off will likely continue. Free gift with purchase thresholds should return around $100-150. Wellness-focused bundles may be featured more prominently as Murad expands into ingestible beauty. Professional starter kits for different concerns will be highlighted.

Retinol serums expertly formulated for sensitive skin become approachable at 30% off. Cleansers and acne treatments have decades of clinical research. Clinical skincare sets targeting specific concerns (redness, aging, environmental damage) provide complete routines at fractions of the cost. Wellness supplements for inside-out skin health suit holistic approaches.

Shopping tip: Use Murad's personalized skincare consultations before Black Friday to know exactly which products suit your concerns. Targeted shopping lists prevent impulse buying products that won't address your needs.

Best Black Friday Makeup Deals

Makeup lovers, prepare your wishlists. Black Friday is when luxury makeup brands that rarely discount finally offer deals worth setting alarms for. From Charlotte Tilbury's coveted Pillow Talk collection to NARS's iconic blushes, this is your chance to upgrade your makeup bag without the usual guilt.

Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday Sale

Charlotte Tilbury's Black Friday has become legendary—one of the few times you can snag her luxury makeup without full luxury pricing. Last year brought up to 30% off everything with 20% off no-minimum purchases, while beauty sets and kits reached 40% off. The 20% discount applied online and in-store, with sales running 5-7 days to maintain exclusivity while giving shoppers time to decide.

Expect 20-30% off with potential tiered structure this year—maybe even 20-25% base with enhanced discounts for higher spends. Gift sets could very well hit 30-40% off again. Charlotte Tilbury's gift sets are genuinely good, not typical filler.

Signature products—Pillow Talk collection, Hollywood Flawless Filter, Airbrush Flawless Foundation—are worth full price and are absolutely worth grabbing on sale. Holiday gift sets featuring bestselling lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and complexion products offer incredible per-item value. The Pillow Talk collection in universally flattering rosy-nude tones makes foolproof gifts. Limited edition sets and holiday exclusives won't be available after season ends.

Shopping tip: Charlotte Tilbury's "Magic" products (Magic Cream, Magic Serum, Magic Foundation) are customer favorites. If you've been curious, Black Friday removes the premium pricing barrier.

NARS Black Friday Makeup Deals

NARS brings effortlessly cool French-girl aesthetic to makeup. Last year featured 25% off order $75+ site-wide, or 30% off orders $150+ with their Black Friday code. This tiered approach rewarded bigger spenders while offering solid discounts across the board.

Site-wide discount will likely land at 25-30% off again, possibly with enhanced tiers for higher spends. Limited edition and seasonal items may see deeper discounts as NARS clears inventory. Professional kits and bundles will be featured—these are sets professional makeup artists actually use, not watered-down consumer versions.

NARS's cult-favorite blushes at 25% off are reason enough to shop. Foundations and concealers offer French-pharmacy quality at prestige prices—discounts make them competitive with mid-range brands. Lip products have incredible staying power and sophisticated color ranges. Professional artist kits give you curated color stories that work together, removing guesswork from creating cohesive looks.

Shopping tip: NARS's Audacious Lipstick line is pricey at full retail but reasonable at 25-30% off. If you've wanted to try their premium formula, Black Friday is your moment. Stock up on shades you'll actually wear rather than trendy colors that'll sit unused.

Indie & Clean Beauty Black Friday Sales

The clean beauty movement has transformed from niche trend to mainstream must-have. These indie darlings have built cult followings for good reason, and their Black Friday sales are particularly exciting because these brands rarely discount—when they do, it's worth paying attention.

Glossier Black Friday Sale

Glossier has mastered the once-a-year sale. Last year brought 25% off most products (excluding holiday kits, merch, gift cards) with 30% off orders $100+. The sale ran 10 full days from November 23 through December 2, eliminating usual Black Friday stress. They also offered up to 30% off fragrances, makeup, and body care.

Base discount of 25-30% off will likely continue for Black Friday 2025, with enhanced tiers for $100+ orders. Extended sale window (10-14 days) should happen again. Exclusions for holiday kits, merch, and gift cards protect newest launches. They'll maintain "once-a-year" positioning.

Boy Brow at 25% off is one of beauty's best deals—genuine cult status. Cloud Paint cream blushes give effortless flush and last forever. Balm Dotcom works for lips, cuticles, dry patches—any skin emergency. Skin tints and serums align with "your skin but better" philosophy. Glossier You fragrance is uniquely personal—smells different on everyone. Before checking out, browse our Glossier promo codes for potential additional savings.

Shopping tip: Glossier's Black Friday sets are thoughtfully curated with bestsellers at better value than buying individually. Perfect for trying multiple products if you're new to Glossier

MERIT Beauty Black Friday Deals

MERIT Beauty has built a devoted following for minimalist makeup—products that enhance rather than transform. Last year brought 20% off the entire site (excluding holiday sets), marketed as their only sale of the year through December 2.

We're predicting an increase to 25% off site-wide as the brand grows. Free signature bag with first orders might sweeten deals. Gift sets will likely remain excluded. Free shipping thresholds could drop from $40 to $35. Duration should stay around 7 days (November 27 - December 3).

The Minimalist Complexion Stick will probably hit around $29 with 25% off—this do-everything stick works as foundation, concealer, and contour. Shade Slick Lip Oil at roughly $23 gives glossy, nourished look without stickiness. Cream blushes and eyeshadow sticks are foolproof for looking put-together in under 5 minutes. Check for current MERIT Beauty discount codes that might work with the Black Friday sale.

Shopping tip: MERIT's products are designed multi-use—one cream blush works on cheeks, lips, and eyelids. When calculating value, think about how many products each item replaces.

Black Friday Fragrance Deals

Fragrance gift sets are Black Friday gold—perfect for everyone from your difficult-to-shop-for father-in-law to your best friend who literally has everything. These retailers excel at making luxury scents feel accessible during the holiday season, and honestly, we're here for it.

Jo Malone London Black Friday Cologne Sales

Jo Malone takes a distinctly British approach to Black Friday, focusing on luxury experiences rather than slashing prices. Last year featured a complimentary Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense 1.5ml with any order, plus a complimentary Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne 9ml with $150+ orders. They also offered complimentary engraving and a charm with 50ml or 100ml Cologne purchases—those little touches that make gifting feel extra special.

The gift-with-purchase strategy will almost certainly continue—it aligns perfectly with their luxury positioning. Complimentary samples and engraving services should return, possibly featuring seasonal scents. Selective discounts on discovery sets are possible (maybe 15-25% off). Limited edition and seasonal collections might see modest discounts.

Cologne collections at even modest discounts (15-25%) represent real savings when you're looking at $150+ bottles. Discovery sets let you try multiple scents without committing to full bottles—perfect for fragrance lovers who crave variety. Gift sets with complementary products (cologne plus body lotion or candle) extend the scent experience beautifully. That complimentary engraving transforms any cologne purchase into something genuinely personal.

Shopping tip: Jo Malone's cologne combining technique (layering different scents) means one bottle goes further. Consider buying smaller sizes of multiple scents or a discovery set rather than one large bottle—you'll have more versatility, and experimenting is half the fun.

Victoria's Secret Beauty Black Friday Sales

Victoria’s Secret Beauty has always nailed that “everyday luxury” vibe in fragrance and body care. Last year’s Black Friday lineup leaned heavily on signature perfumes, body mists, and value bundles—plus those tempting multi-buy deals that make stocking up feel like a no-brainer (because who doesn’t need an extra body mist?).

For 2025, expect discounts in the 30–45% range, with body mists likely to hit the deeper end of that scale. Gift sets and beauty bundles should be everywhere, and we’re betting multi-buy promotions—think Buy 2, Get 1 Free—will take center stage again. The good news? The sale usually runs for a full week or more, so you don’t have to fight through peak Black Friday chaos to snag your favorites.

If you’re going to shop smart, go for the classics: signature fragrances at 35–40% off are a solid buy, while body mists are perfect for layering, switching up scents by season, or just keeping one in your gym bag. Matching lotions and shower gels extend the scent and take care of your skin, which makes them an easy add-on. And before you hit checkout, don’t forget to see if there’s a Victoria’s Secret coupon—you might be able to stack it for extra savings.

Insider hint: The body mists are cult favorites for a reason. They’re light, layerable, and budget-friendly enough that you can grab a few without guilt. Pick up your signature scent, then throw in a seasonal option (or two) for variety.

Black Friday Hair Tool Deals

Hair tools are investments, and Black Friday is when those investments become actually reasonable. Whether you're team Dyson or curious about Shark's budget-friendly alternatives, these deals make professional-quality tools accessible without the usual sticker shock.

Dyson Hair Tool Black Friday Sales

Dyson hair tools represent serious investment, but Black Friday makes that investment feel less terrifying. Last year brought $100 off the Nural plus two complimentary hair clips, complimentary gifts worth $69.99 at checkout, and 20% off select tools and accessories. These weren't small discounts—we're talking significant savings on tools that normally command premium pricing without apology.

Flagship tools will likely see $100-150 off this year, making the Airwrap and Supersonic more accessible without cheapening the brand. Complimentary gifts and accessories should continue, adding value beyond just price reduction. Bundle discounts on tool plus accessory combinations (15-20% off) reward customers buying into the complete system. An extended holiday return policy through January 2026 would give gift-givers and self-gifters much-needed peace of mind.

The Airwrap Multi-Styler at $100-150 off is still expensive but becomes comparable to high-end salon tools—except you own it forever and can use it daily without guilt. The Supersonic Hair Dryer with any discount is worth considering if you have thick, long, or difficult hair that takes forever to dry (we feel you). Check for current Dyson promo codes before finalizing your purchase for an even steeper discount.

Shopping tip: Dyson tools come with generous warranties, but registering your product extends coverage—do this immediately after unboxing. 

Shark Black Friday Beauty Deals

Shark positions themselves as the smart Dyson alternative—similar technology, more accessible pricing, and they go hard on Black Friday. Last year featured the FlexStyle & SmoothStyle Black Friday Bundle created specifically for the sale, showing Shark's commitment to creating genuine value beyond just discounting existing products.

FlexStyle and HyperAIR tools will likely hit 30-40% off, bringing them well under Dyson's sale prices while offering comparable performance. Exclusive Black Friday bundles should return with attachments and accessories packaged together at better value than buying separately. Limited edition colors are possible—Shark's been expanding their aesthetic options for style-conscious buyers. Free styling tutorials will likely be included to help you actually use these tools properly.

Shopping tip: Shark's tools work best when you follow their recommended techniques (available in their tutorials). Spending 10 minutes learning proper use genuinely transforms your results. Also, their customer service is excellent—if something isn't working as expected, reach out before writing it off as a loss.

Black Friday Beauty Gift Set Deals 2025

Gift sets are the secret weapon of smart Black Friday beauty shoppers. You're getting full-size or deluxe-size products packaged together at prices that would barely cover one item individually. Whether you're gifting or treating yourself (no judgment—we're all doing both), beauty gift sets deliver unbeatable value.

Here's why gift sets win: you're typically getting 3-5 products for the price of one or two. Brands curate these with bestsellers that actually work together, not random inventory they're trying to move. The packaging is gift-ready, saving you wrapping time. You're trying multiple products without full-size commitment—perfect for discovering new favorites.

Top brands include luxury skincare like La Mer, Augustinus Bader, and Drunk Elephant at steep discounts. Makeup brands like Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, and Urban Decay create curated color stories. Hair care brands like Olaplex offer complete routines. Fragrance houses like Jo Malone create discovery sets.

The price per item breakdown matters. If you're getting products worth $200 for $80, that's $40 per item—genuine savings. But make sure you'll actually use at least 4 out of 5 products, not just 2.

Shopping tip: Check our Bloomingdale's promo code and Anthropologie promo code pages for additional discounts that might stack with gift set pricing.


Strategy for Shopping Black Friday Beauty Sales

Strategy separates panic shoppers from smart shoppers. 

Here's how to maximize your success without getting overwhelmed or overspending:

  1. Early access preview sales – Many retailers offer loyalty members, credit cardholders, or email subscribers first access 24-48 hours before the general public. This is when you get the best selection—popular shades, limited editions, and bestsellers are still in stock. Sign up for rewards programs now (Sephora Beauty Insider, Ultamate Rewards, Nordy Club) if you haven't already.
  2. Compare across multiple retailers – The same product might be 40% off at Ulta but only 25% off at Sephora. Or Nordstrom might offer free shipping with no minimum while others require $50. Spend 10 minutes price-checking across 3-4 retailers for big purchases—that research often saves $20-50 on a single item.
  3. Wishlist preparation – Starting now, build wishlists at your favorite retailers with products you actually need or have been wanting. When sales go live, you're shopping from a curated list rather than browsing aimlessly. This prevents impulse purchases.
  4. Newsletter and rewards program signup – Retailers send early access codes, preview deals, and exclusive offers to email subscribers. Sign up now at Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Macy's. Yes, your inbox will be full, but you can unsubscribe after the holidays.
  5. Price tracking tools – Use Honey, CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), and browser extensions to view price history. Some "Black Friday deals" are actually the same price they were in October.

Tips for Getting the Best Black Friday Beauty Deals

Beyond strategy, these tactical tips make the difference between good savings and great savings. 

Consider these your insider tricks for success:

  1. Use coupon codes effectively – Check retailer-specific coupon pages immediately before finalizing your purchase. Codes change throughout Black Friday, and new ones drop daily. Try multiple codes if you have them—some stack with sales, some don't, but it takes 30 seconds to find out. Not sure where to start? Check out our R&S deals page for promo codes for your favorite brands.
  2. Timing matters – Early Black Friday (first 2-3 hours) offers best selection but not necessarily best prices. Some retailers drop additional discounts mid-day or evening. For prestige beauty and limited editions, shop early. For mass market and restocked items, you can wait.
  3. Know return policies – Nordstrom accepts returns on used beauty products. Sephora allows returns within 60 days even if you've tried products. Ulta's policy is generous but shorter. Know the policy before buying expensive items or new-to-you products—this transforms risky purchases into safe experiments.
  4. Online vs. in-store – Online typically offers better selection and operates 24/7. In-store sometimes has additional doorbusters. Online lets you compare prices across retailers easily and apply coupon codes. Choose based on your shopping style.
  5. Free gifts with purchase – Plan purchases to hit gift thresholds if the free gifts are products you actually want. But don't buy things you don't need just for sample-size products you won't use.
  6. Request samples – Retailers include free samples with purchases, especially at Sephora. Request specific samples at checkout to try expensive products risk-free.

Black Friday Beauty Deals vs. Cyber Monday: Which Is Better?

So, should you shop on Black Friday or hold out for Cyber Monday? Truthfully, it comes down to what you’re shopping for—and how comfortable you are playing the waiting game.

These days, the difference between the two events isn’t as dramatic as it used to be. Most retailers simply roll their Black Friday deals straight through Cyber Monday, which makes the promotions feel nearly the same. Still, there are a few trends worth knowing. Black Friday is when you’ll see the biggest sitewide discounts, while Cyber Monday is more about targeted offers—think brand-specific markdowns or special category deals. (Last year, Ulta dropped 25% off all Sunday Riley on Cyber Monday, which actually beat their broader Black Friday offer for that brand.)

That said, some retailers—especially online-only spots like Dermstore—tend to sweeten the pot on Cyber Monday. If you’re stocking up on everyday items that don’t usually sell out, you might benefit from waiting.

Here’s a simple rule of thumb: if it’s limited-edition, part of a holiday set, or a cult-favorite shade that disappears fast, buy it during Black Friday (or better yet, during early access). Once those sell out, they rarely come back. For staples like vitamin C serums, mascara, or even hair tools that are almost always in stock, you’ve got more wiggle room. But let’s be real—if you see 40% off or more on something you use regularly, it’s rarely worth gambling on a deeper cut.

Biggest Black Friday Beauty Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Learn from others' mistakes so you don't repeat them. 

Here are the most common Black Friday beauty shopping pitfalls and how to avoid them:

  1. Buying products you won't use – That $80 eyeshadow palette with 48 shades seems like amazing value at 50% off, but if you realistically only use 8 neutral shades and the other 40 sit untouched, you've wasted $40. Buy what aligns with your actual routine and preferences, not what seems like a good deal mathematically. Three products you'll use daily beat ten products collecting dust.
  2. Ignoring expiration dates on skincare – You're stocking up on serums and moisturizers, but can you actually use them before they expire? Most skincare lasts 6-12 months after opening. Buying three bottles of vitamin C serum at 50% off seems smart until bottle #3 oxidizes before you open it. Stock up on items you'll use within their shelf life, especially active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and acids that degrade over time.
  3. Skipping ingredient checks for sensitive skin – Black Friday excitement doesn't change your skin's reaction to problematic ingredients. Always check ingredients, even during the rush. Returning used skincare is possible at some retailers, but it's easier to check beforehand.
  4. Not reading return policies – That $300 hair tool at $100 off seems perfect until you realize sale items are final sale. Always check return policies, especially for expensive items ($100+), new-to-you products, tools and devices, and foundation/concealer shades you haven't tested.
  5. Impulse buying without comparing prices – Spend a few minutes comparing prices across 2-3 retailers for items over $50. Check price history on Amazon. Verify that the "original price" is legitimate—some retailers inflate it to make discounts look better.

The Bottom Line on Black Friday Beauty Sales 2025

Black Friday 2025 is looking big—like, really big. If last year was any indication, we’re talking discounts up to 65% off at major retailers, with luxury names joining in at prices that actually make prestige beauty feel accessible. And the best part? You won’t need to sprint through checkout on a single day. Most sales will kick off in mid-November and stretch past Cyber Monday into early December.

The smartest way to shop is to prep ahead. Sign up for rewards programs now (hello, early access), and build out wishlists at your go-to retailers so you’re making thoughtful buys instead of impulse splurges.

Stick to what you’ll genuinely use and love. That clinical skincare serum you’ve been eyeing? This is the moment to finally snag it. A game-changing hair tool that cuts your morning routine in half? Worth every penny—especially if it’s $150 off. Gift sets that pack real value? Go for it. But those random “too good to pass up” deals that don’t fit your routine? Let them go.

Want the inside scoop when the best deals drop? Subscribe to our newsletter—we’ll be rounding up and tracking the biggest beauty steals all season long so you never miss out.

This year’s Black Friday is your chance to refresh your beauty lineup without the guilt. Happy shopping, and may your cart be filled with only the good stuff.

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