Scoring great deals on makeup is practically a sport, and sales season is the perfect time to upgrade your beauty arsenal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re restocking your go-to staples or experimenting with something new, having a solid plan is key. From skincare-infused primers to the perfect everyday lipstick, these must-have makeup essentials deserve a spot in your cart during your next shopping spree.
1. A Hydrating Primer for Flawless Glowy Skin
A good primer is like the perfect foundation for your foundation—it hydrates your skin, blurs imperfections, and gives your makeup serious staying power. Look for one that includes skincare benefits, like hyaluronic acid or vitamins, to keep your face smooth and hydrated all day. Pick one during the sales, and you’ll invest in your makeup routine and your skin’s long-term health.
2. A Full-Coverage Yet Lightweight Foundation
A high-quality foundation can completely transform your look, and sales are the best time to splurge on a formula that blends seamlessly. Opt for a lightweight, buildable option that gives you the versatility of sheer or full coverage. Bonus points if it comes with a wide shade range and a finish that suits your skin type, whether you’re all about matte or love a dewy glow.
3. A Concealer That Handles Everything
Your concealer should be a multitasking hero—covering dark circles, camouflaging blemishes, and brightening your complexion. A creamy, long-wear formula is a must, and sales are the ideal time to grab a high-end option for a steal. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone for blemishes and one slightly lighter to highlight under your eyes.
4. A Versatile Eyeshadow Palette
A well-curated eyeshadow palette can effortlessly take you from day to night, and sales are the perfect opportunity to score a premium one. Look for palettes with a mix of neutral mattes and shimmering shades to suit every mood and occasion. Whether you prefer subtle looks or love experimenting with bold colors, a quality palette will quickly become your go-to.
5. A Volumizing Mascara to Open Up Your Eyes
Mascara is the one product that instantly wakes up your face, and finding the perfect one can feel like a quest. During sales, snag a volumizing and lengthening formula that’s smudge-proof but easy to remove. From dramatic evening lashes to subtle daytime glam, a great mascara is a staple.
6. A Brow Gel to Effortlessly Add Definition
Defined brows are the ultimate finishing touch to any look, and a good brow gel can make all the difference. Choose a tinted gel to fill in sparse areas or a clear one to keep your natural brows groomed and in place. Sales are the perfect excuse to upgrade to a long-lasting, high-quality formula that won’t budge throughout the day.
7. A Cream Blush for a Natural Flush
Cream blush is a beauty essential that gives you that effortless, lit-from-within glow. Opt for a blendable, buildable formula that is easy to apply with your fingers for an on-the-go touch-up. Whether you’re into soft pinks or peachy tones, sales season is the time to stock up on this multitasking gem that works for both cheeks and lips.
8. A Highlighter to Add a Dewy Glow
A touch of highlighter on the high points of your face—like cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose—can elevate any look. Go for a finely milled formula that adds radiance without looking glittery. Sales are a great chance to splurge on a high-end option that melts into your skin for that lit-from-within finish.
9. A Long-Wear Liquid Eyeliner With Staying Power
A sleek winged liner is a classic look, but achieving it requires the right tool. A high-quality liquid eyeliner with a precise tip and a smudge-proof formula is non-negotiable. Take advantage of sales to pick up a long-lasting version that glides on effortlessly and stays put, even on the busiest days.
10. A Setting Powder to Banish Shine
A good setting powder ensures your makeup lasts all day, controls shine and gives your skin a flawless finish. Look for a translucent formula that blurs pores without looking cakey. Sales season is the perfect time to invest in a premium powder that keeps your makeup fresh without constant touch-ups.
11. A Lip Liner That Complements Your Skin Tone
Lip liner might seem old-school, but it’s a secret weapon for creating perfectly shaped lips and keeping your lipstick from feathering. During sales, pick a neutral shade that matches your natural lip color—it’ll work with nearly every lipstick you own. A creamy, long-lasting formula ensures your lips look polished from morning to night.
12. The Perfect Long-Lasting Lipstick
Finding your go-to lipstick is like discovering your signature scent—it makes you feel like you. During sales, grab a universally flattering shade that works for any occasion, like a soft mauve, warm nude, or classic pink. Opt for a hydrating and long-wearing formula so it stays comfortable and beautiful all day.
13. A Setting Spray to Help Your Makeup Stay Put
A good setting spray is the key to locking in your look and keeping it fresh through heat, humidity, or long nights out. Choose one that hydrates while controlling shine, and spritz it on as the final step in your routine. It’s an often-overlooked product, but catching it on sale makes it an easy addition to your makeup bag.
14. A Multipurpose Makeup Stick for Quick Touch Ups
Sales are the best time to snag versatile products like multipurpose sticks that work as eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick. These handy tools are perfect for quick makeup looks and touch-ups, especially when you’re on the go. Look for creamy, blendable formulas in shades that complement your skin tone for maximum versatility.
15. A Skincare-Infused Tinted Moisturizer
A skincare-infused tinted moisturizer is your new best friend if you’re after a low-maintenance beauty routine. It hydrates, evens out your complexion, and adds a hint of coverage for that no-makeup makeup look. Sales season is the perfect excuse to splurge on a premium formula that feels as good as it looks.
16. A New Set of Brushes and Sponges
Even the best makeup products need quality tools to apply them flawlessly. Sales are the ideal time to invest in compact brushes and beauty sponges that make your routine easier and more precise. Look for travel-friendly sets with high-quality bristles or sponges that work seamlessly with cream, powder, and liquid products.