Black Friday weekend is upon us and my inbox is brimming with ‘biggest ever sale’, ‘limited time only’ and ‘hurry, Black Friday sale 25% off’ messages. And while the internet is drowning in sales and discount codes, only a handful of beauty offers are actually worth your time (and your money).
We could spend hours, days even, browsing the pages of our favourite retailers, but since it’s literally my job to find the best offers, I’ve done the chaotic scrolling, comparing and adding-to-basket so that you don’t have to.
It’s worth remembering that Black Friday doesn’t need to be a mad impulse-purchase-athon, but it is a great opportunity to restock products you’ve loved and need to replace, and a chance to try something new without committing to full price. It’s also the ideal time to buy beauty gifts ready for Christmas (and take advantage of those free gifts with purchase as a little reward-to-self).
So instead of an exhaustive list of every offer, deal and discount going, below is my curated list of brands I genuinely love, products I actually use, and deals that really are worth it, so that you can skip the scrolling and get straight to the good stuff.
Merit – 20% off everything
Merit has been quietly taking over my makeup bag ever since I discovered the brand earlier this year. They’ve earned a reputation for their minimalist, effortless, impossible-to-mess-up beginner-friendly formulas that are genuinely brilliant.
I’ve been using their The Uniform Tinted SPF (down to £27.20) all summer and into the autumn months, and their Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara (currently £18.40) is the only formula I’ve found that doesn’t transfer under my eyes, which is why it’s become my daily go-to. And don’t even get me started on their Flush Balm Blush (now £20.80), which leaves cheeks juicy and glowy with a healthy pop of colour.
Black Friday is the brand’s only sale of the year, and there’s currently 20% off sitewide, with their sets being discounted even more heavily – ideal for anyone wanting to build a Merit wardrobe or try multiple products at once.
Read more: Meet Merit – the minimalist beauty brand quietly taking over my makeup bag
VIEVE – 22% off almost everything plus free gifts
Jamie Genevieve has created a powerhouse of a beauty brand with Vieve, known for their easy-to-use, elevated makeup essentials. And with 22% off almost the entire site, this is one of the stronger premium makeup sales right now.
I’ve been using their Skin Nova primer in recent months, which instantly upgrades your base. It gives you a golden, healthy glow without looking greasy, works as both a primer and a radiance-booster. It makes foundation sit smoother, but also works well alone to enhance your complexion on no-makeup days. A 30ml tube is now £24.18, down from £31, with 10ml and 100ml tubes also available.
As well as the discount, there’s also free gifts for shoppers who spend £50, £100 or £150. Customers who spend £50 will receive a free Bounce Balm with their order, while those who hit £100 will get a full-size Invisiveil Setting Spray. Anyone spending £150 will get a Skin Nova XL.
REFY – 25% off everything and fifth birthday freebies
Refy really understood the Black Friday assignment, offering 25% off absolutely everything, including their newest launches, in what they’re calling their best Black Friday yet. The brand, launched by Jess Hunt, is best known for their clean girl aesthetic that aims to enhance natural features, rather than cover them.
I’ve used and loved several Refy products from their cream blush and bronzer formulas, to their lip glosses and brow heroes. On my Black Friday wishlist is their Lip Sculpt (£13.50 down from £18) in the shade Dusk, which I recently hit pan on. The new and improved formula is so creamy, precise and lasts all day (and in my opinion, is far superior to the original two-step liner and setter). I’m also completely out of my Brow Sculpt now, which gives that lush, fluffy laminated effect. The wax-gel hybrid is now £15, down from £20.
As well as the discount, those who spend over £50 can bag a free Brow and Blush Mini Set, with those spending £75+ also get a full-size, limited edition Topaz Lip Gloss.
Read more: Six REFY beauty products you need to add to your makeup bag immediately
Glossier – Up to 30% off almost everything
I know I said I wasn’t here to encourage overconsumption for Black Friday but when I see a new Balm Dotcom shade, there’s no way I’m not buying it. And with up to 30% off on the website (and free delivery on orders over £30), well, it would be rude not to.
As someone with what might be considered a lip balm addiction, I’m already well acquainted with the Balm Dotcom formula. The latest Hot Cocoa launch (£12 instead of £!6) offers a rich, chocolate scent with a warm brown sheer wash of colour.
If you’re a perfume fan, I’m forever recommending Glossier You Eau de Parfum, which is a stunning year-round skin scent. Soft and cosy, it smells different on everyone and genuinely becomes “your scent.” The 8ml rollerball makes a perfect stocking filler and is currently down to £24.
Medik8 – 25% off plus free gifts
If you already use Medik8 regularly, this is 100% a stock-up moment. They’re one of the few skincare brands I’ve used where I actually notice a difference. Their Black Friday offer includes 25% off sitewide plus some very generous gift thresholds.
Each night I’ve been using their hero Crystal Retinal formula – a gold-standard vitamin A product that seriously levels up your skincare routine without irritation. I’ve been using the sensitive version as my introduction to retinoids, but will be looking to upgrade my strength soon. The ‘beginner’ retinal is now £36.75 down from £49, while the ‘advanced’ has been reduced from £69 to £51.75.
Some freebies are on offer here, too, including a free Hydr8 B5 serum worth £45 when spending £120, while those who spend £150 can get a free four-piece gift worth £65.
Dr. Jart – 30% off sitewide and free serum toner
Anyone who suffers from redness or uneven skin tone should definitely consider the Dr. Jart Black Friday sale. Their Korean beauty brand is incredible for skincare that calms, soothes, and perfects, and their 30% off sitewide offer is one of the biggest discounts in this roundup.
One of the longest-standing products in my beauty arsenal is the Cicapair Soothing Colour Correcting Treatment, which is the ultimate redness-reducer. The green cream sells every 21 seconds and effortlessly adapts to skin’s natural colour to neutralise redness and even out skin tone, making it a great lightweight alternative to foundation. It’s now £20.30 down from £29. Alternatively, I also adore their Beauty Balm, now £25.90 down from £37. Skincare, makeup and SPF 50 in one, it not only evens your skin tone, but also moisturises and improves the skin’s barrier.
Plus, spend over £45 and you also get a free full-size serum toner, making it a great time to explore their ranges.
Read more: Why Dr Jart’s colour correcting cream is still a staple in my skincare routine
Phlur – 20% off at Space NK
I’m yet to meet a Phlur fragrance that I don’t immediately love, so if you’re a perfume fan, this could be the ultimate Black Friday deal. Their scents are modern, elevated, and approachable – and now, 20% off at Space NK for a limited time.
Their warm and cosy fragrances tend to be the crowd pleasers, so the likes of Missing Person (unlike anything else in my collection), and Vanilla Skin (the most comforting perfume). But Father Figure is the epitome of a ‘cool girl’ scent, if you’re seeking something with a bit more of an edge. Their 10mls are now down to £25.60 while their 50ml bottles are £79.20.
Even more affordable are their body mists, which are now as little as £20. Cashmere Skin is their latest if you’re someone who likes to have their finger on the fragrance pulse. Think delicate florals, creamy vanilla and a hint of sandalwood. Lush.
Read more: I’ve never met a Phlur fragrance I didn’t immediately fall in love with
Charlotte Tilbury – 25% off everything
If you’re a Pillow Talk lover or a Magic Cream enthusiast, now’s your moment. With 25% off everything, this is the time to stock up on your Charlotte Tilbury bestsellers.
I’ve tried dozens of Charlotte Tilbury formulas, but the one I reach for most often is their Beautiful Skin Foundation for those days I need a little bit extra coverage, or to feel more glam. Hydrating, natural, glowy, and incredibly flattering, it gives that “your skin but better” finish and is yet to let me down.
On top of the discount, shoppers who spend over £80 receive a free Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Pillow Talk. Customers spending over £120 also snag a Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Original, while baskets over £160 receive a Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara as well. There’s never been a better time to get your Hollywood glow on.
Read more: I’ve tried over 20 Charlotte Tilbury products – and here’s my honest opinion on all of them
Laneige – Beauty Icons set
Laneige are renowned for their hydrating overnight formulas, having gone viral for their Lip Sleeping Masks and Water Bank Moisturiser – and all for good reason, too. Now, Boots shoppers can get over £82 worth of the brand’s bestsellers for £35.
Housed in a lovely light dusky pink transparent make up bag, the Boots x Laneige Beauty Icons set contains five nourishing skin care treats from Laneige, two of which are full sizes. As well as the Water Bank cream, skincare lovers also bag a Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask and Eye Mask, a Lip Glowy Balm in Sweet Candy and the iconic Lip Sleeping Mask in Vanilla, which I already know is going to be a delicious addition to my nighttime routine.
This is available online only and will definitely sell out, so I recommend snapping this one up quickly if you do want it.
Read more: Every Laneige product I’ve tried and loved – including the viral lip sleeping mask
Milk – 35% off at Space NK
It is so rare that I repurchase any beauty product really, as I’m forever trying to use up what I already own. But I made an exception for the Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick in the shade Toasted, which is hands down one of the best contour sticks on the market.
Milk’s makeup sticks are designed for the time-poor, and work alongside other products in the range to allow you to get ready in under a minute. And while it may be small, these pint-sized sculpting sticks are said to have over 1,000 swipes in them, and are designed to be applied exactly where you want them
It’s now at an insanely low price of £14.30 down from £22. If I hadn’t bought one just a few months ago, I’d definitely be adding this to my basket.
Read more: Eight Milk Makeup products I love including viral Cooling Water Jelly Tint
So there you have it – the Black Friday beauty deals that actually deserve your attention. Whether you’re treating yourself, building gift bundles for friends, or snapping up essentials while the prices are low, these are the ones I’d personally recommend.
