Whether you're a makeup artist or a complete rookie, it pays to sign up for beauty rewards programs. After all, most are completely free to join, and they give you the chance to collect and redeem points, score extra savings and even receive free makeup samples.
Each beauty loyalty program is a little bit different, so I thought I'd give you a rundown of the five programs I absolutely love.
I tried to mix it up and include ones that will give you rewards for buying skincare, makeup and haircare (as well as general beauty supplies), so after you sign up, you should be covered no matter what you need.
There are so many loyalty programs that could have made this list – like PC Optimum, which lets you earn and redeem points when you shop at Beauty Boutique. However, I decided to stick with rewards programs that are exclusive to makeup and skincare brands and stores.
1. Sephora Beauty Insider
- Earn points for every $1 you spend AND access exclusive sale events
Let's start with the most famous one of all: the Sephora Beauty Insider program. Sephora actually just updated the program so members now have more options and chances to earn more rewards. There are three tiers to the program (Insider, VIB and Rouge), with even more perks at each level.
2. MAC Select
- Access to exclusive members-only products AND seasonal offers
The MAC Cosmetics rewards program, known as MAC Select, is free to join. Like the Sephora Beauty Insider program, MAC Select has three levels that you reach by spending a minimum amount within one year. The perks increase at each tier, but you can always access exclusive products.
3. UD Beauty Junkies
- Samples included with every order AND notice about new product launches
If you want to know about the next big thing from Urban Decay – and score rewards and freebies along the way – you need to join the UD Beauty Junkies program. It's also a tiered program, and access to the first level (Obsessed) is free. And like Sephora, they also throw in a free birthday gift!
4. Love Your Body Club
- Earn points for every $1 you spend AND get $10 off for your birthday
This was actually the first beauty rewards program I ever joined. The Love Your Body Club is the loyalty program at The Body Shop. It's the most straightforward program on this list, and it's free to sign up. You'll earn one point for every $1 you spend, and you can claim 100 points for $10 off.
5. Clinique Smart Rewards
- Earn points for every $1 you spend AND get free samples
I honestly tell everyone about this program, because it's incredible. If you love Clinique skincare or makeup (or both), you really need to sign up for Clinique Smart Rewards. It's a three-tiered program where you can access extra benefits at each level – and even score free full-size products.
Yves Richer has a great program