There are beauty things we'll pick up every time we go to the store — shampoo and conditioner, mascara, lip balm — and then there are big beauty purchases that we file away on our Sephora or Nordstrom wish list [1] and reserve for major sales.
We're all for treating yourself to the major beauty item that you've been eyeing all year, but we also know that realistically, it's not always possible given the hefty price tag attached. Splurge-worthy things like hair tools, fancy face creams, designer makeup, and skin-care devices are worth every penny, but that doesn't mean you should pay full price for them — not with big annual sale events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon.
Whether you've been wanting a Dyson Corrale [2] since the day it launched or your best friend can't stop talking about the insane results they've gotten from the NuFace Toning Device, sales are the perfect time to act on the big-ticket wish-list items you've been dreaming of.
As you start to make your shopping list for the upcoming holiday events, we're sharing the best beauty items to buy on sale ahead.
La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturiser
Our motto? Whatever Jennifer Lopez [3] does for her skin, we want to do that. She's admitted she likes to slather herself from head to toe with the La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturiser [4] ($345), an ultra-rich face cream that rescues dry skin.
Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand
It's coming from one of Hollywood's most sought-after aestheticians, so you know it's good: the Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand [5] ($285) is an editor-loved beauty tool [6] that has four different settings to target various skin-care concerns.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops
You can trust that all of Dr. Barbara Sturm products are dermatologist approved because, well, she is one. We especially stand by the Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops [7] ($145), which can help revitalize tired, dull-looking skin and leave your complexion looking radiant.
NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device
If you want to prepare yourself for the post-Thanksgiving bloat, may we suggest the NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device [8] ($325)? It's a micro-current tool that you can use to target puffiness and lines to visibly tone your face.
Dyson Airwrap Styler
One of the buzziest launches to ever hit the hair-care industry, the Dyson Airwrap Styler [9] ($499) really does it all: it can curl, wave, smooth, or dry your hair with just air — and without the extreme heat.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
You've probably seen the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence [10] ($185) on a celebrities' Instagram stories at some point. The essence helps soften and hydrate skin while fading discoloration.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic [11] ($166) is loved by dermatologists [12] and beauty editors alike. It is a potent vitamin C serum that addresses signs of ageing like dark spots and fine lines.
Diptyque Baies Candle
It doesn't just look chic as hell and smell like a fruit garden sent from above, but the Diptyque Baies Candle [13] ($68) also burns for up to 60 hours (!) so you really get the bang for your buck.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device
LED light therapy is touted by skin-care experts for its ability to address different skin-care concerns depending on what colour light you use. The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device [14] ($435) can be worn while you walk around and do other things.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
The Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream [15] ($265) is another celebrity favourite (even Lili Reinhart is a big fan [16]). It's a rich cream that assists your skin's natural rejuvenation processes.
Slip Silk Pillowcase
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase makes all the difference in reducing frizz and making your hairstyle last longer. The Slip Silk Pillowcase [17] ($89) is an investment but worth it.
Foreo Luna Mini 3
Now that the Clarisonic is no longer, reach for the next gen of high-tech cleansing devices like the Foreo Luna Mini 3 [18] ($159), which gently exfoliates the skin while also removing dirt and makeup better than just your hands.
Nest New York Sicilian Tangerine Candle
The Nest New York Sicilian Tangerine Candle [19] ($68) is massive in size and will last you for weeks on continuous burning.
T3 Lucea ID 1” Smart Flat Iron with Touch Interface
A hair straightener that does all the work for you? That's what you get with the T3 Lucea ID 1" Smart Flat Iron with Touch Interface [20] ($235), a new smart hot tool that automatically adjusts the heat to prevent excess damage to your hair.
Riki Loves Riki Skinny Lighted Mirror
With the portable Riki Loves Riki Skinny Lighted Mirror [21] ($205) you'll never need to worry about finding good lighting for doing your makeup because it has multiple brightness settings.
Tom Ford Lip Colour in Persuasive
The Tom Ford Lip Colour in Persuasive [22] ($56) is a classic red that you can wear year-round.
Artis Elite 5-Piece Brush Set
Good makeup brushes like the Artis Elite 5-Piece Brush Set [23] ($170) are an investment, but the densely-packed bristles guarantee airbrush-worthy makeup application, every single time.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum Spray
Fragrances are a special item that will last years, depending on how often you use them. The Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum Spray [24] ($132) is a light floral scent that you can wear every day (and how often can you wear YSL for that price?).
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream
Makeup artists and beauty vloggers alike swear by the Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream [25] ($100). It provides a smooth, soft, and ultra-hydrated base for your makeup.