2024 Black Friday Sale Picks
Black Friday Beauty Deals: Shopping Smart & Spending Wisely
Black Friday is here, and with it comes the temptation to max out my Klarna and fill my cart with everything in sight. This year I looked at the insane amount of makeup, skincare & beauty products I already own (see pictured below) and decided I would need to buy a storage unit if I continued my shopping habits any longer. Unfortunately I am very much a part of the 2016 Youtube makeup era that still has hoarding tendencies when it comes to beauty products.. but I'm trying to get away from that now.
My new mantra is: Beauty buys should add value, not clutter.
Instead of overspending on things I absolutely do not need, I now focus on investing in products that truly make a difference. To help you shop smarter, I’ve curated a list of my absolute must-have beauty products. These are the essentials I think are actually worth spending your money on—quality, effective items that deserve a spot in your collection. I've broken it down into my makeup artist kit essentials for the pro's (as that is who makes up a vast majority of my following) and my everyday beauty essentials for the non-pro's, or those who just want to buy something nice for themselves! Enjoy 🤍
My Discount Codes:
Black Friday Sales:
MAKEUP ARTIST KIT ESSENTIALS
As a makeup artist, your kit is your most valuable tool—it’s what sets you apart and ensures your clients receive the luxury service they are paying for. Investing in high-quality products is essential when you’re trying to create flawless, professional results. Building a pro kit can be very costly. Makeup and skincare are EXPENSIVE. That’s why I always keep an eye out for sales to stock up during Black Friday. Now is the perfect time to invest in products that will elevate your artistry and deliver a premium experience for your clients.
Skin Prep: Toners, Moisturizers, Serums & Sprays
As we all know, great makeup ALWAYS starts with great skin prep. Investing in the right skincare products is key to a flawless finish. High-quality primers, moisturizers, and serums are pricey. The speed at which I go through them during bridal season is nuts and it makes me feel physically sick when I have to repurchase them all at once. I like to be smart with my shopping and only purchase with a discount.
Here are some of my must-have skin prep products I like to keep stocked in my kit:
I just picked up a new bottle of this after not having one for over a year.. I almost forgot how good it was! This is more like a serum than toner in that it adds an insane amount of hydration, rather than exfoliating the skin. I love using this on my brides to really plump the skin before any creams plus it smells like a spa.
*USE CODE LFTFALEXN TO SAVE*
I love using this on literally everyone. It's good for all skin types (even sensitive) and fits nicely in my kit. Super lightweight, great during summer when you need something quick & easy plus it absorbs into the skin really nicely. You can also get refill pouches to save even more money.
This serum is an every day staple for my own skincare routine as well as a must have in my kit. Using the sandwich method - spritz a hydrating mist all over the face before applying the serum and then spray again to lock in the moisture. It has a bunch of different types of HA that make your skin look super juicy & plump - plus NO PILLING! It's fairly affordable for the size as well.
I love everything from the Milk Hydro Grip line but this spray really deserves a moment. It has such a beautiful dewy effect but also grips the makeup in place so it does NOT move. There's a dupe from Elf which I do like, but I don't think it comes anywhere near the lasting power of this one. Great for brides in hot weather.
This is a makeup artist holy grail and for good reason. It went viral on TT a while back and everyone else who wasn't a pro MUA understood why we love it so much. She's very affordable and has multiple uses. Good for most skin types - wouldn't recommended for super oily skin but still a great all rounder.
Annoyingly this isn't on sale anywhere BUT it is a jumbo size so you're still saving money! This spray is the real deal. It's is waterproof & mattifying (as the name suggests) and works fantastically at doing both things. But keep in mind it can be drying on its own, or on the wrong skin type, so use accordingly. I like to sandwich it with a more hydrating spray for the ultimate setting spray combo. Your makeup is not going anywhere!
Personally I am not into the Kryolan spray - most clients don't need anything that intense & this spray is the better version IMO.
This is a product that's currently in my own shopping basket which I am ready to splurge on. Typically I don't buy a lot of expensive face creams as they get used up so fast I never feel like I get my money's worth. But I do like to keep at least 1-2 in my bridal kit for presentation. We have to make those brides feel special, right? And if you're sick of Magic Cream you'll much prefer this formula.
Everyone knows about this spray, and you already know you're missing out if you haven't tried it. Works for all skin types, sets the skin beautifully and smells divine., An absolute staple product in my kit until the end of time. If you don't have CT pro discount then use this link - it's 20% off.
Makeup Products: Face, Eyes & Lips
When it comes to makeup, quality over quantity is key. I like to invest in products with formulas that deliver—not just in performance but also in longevity. A great foundation that stays put all day or a concealer that doesn’t crease is worth every bit of money you spend. That’s why I always focus on selecting products that can actually stand the test of time, both on the face and in my collection. I have been so guilty of impulse purchases in the past, but now really try to cut down on what I buy so that I don't waste my money. I'm trying to teach myself it’s about finding staples I'll reach for again and again, not filling my basket with things I will rarely use. Here are a selection of my most used makeup products:
Not on sale (cry) but still deserves a spot on my list. Hands down the best foundation to come out this year. She's glowy, she's buildable, she is literally everything you could ever want in a foundation and it makes your skin look like butter. I personally wear shade 300. Try it and thank me later!
MUA KIT SHADE RECOMMENDATIONS: 040, 260, 360, 470
*USE CODE LFTFALEXN TO SAVE*
I have an insane amount of these in my pro kit and will always keep it stocked up no matter what. I do like to try out new concealers but I always seem to go back to this formula.. It just does everything I need it to. Full coverage that isn't drying or thick, an amazing shade range and I love to use it for cream contour as well.
MUA KIT SHADE RECOMMENDATIONS: Cloud, Vanilla, Warm Sand, Maple, Ganache
*USE CODE LFTFALEXN TO SAVE*
These powder blushers are one of my most used products of all time - I have the shades Viva La Vacay & Dolliday which I have repurchased both multiple times. It takes a lot of me to buy something again as I have so many products.. They really are that good! Super blendable with a beautiful shimmer through them. And currently 40% off!
I rarely use powder highlighter now, I much prefer a liquid or cream formula for a softer lit-from-within finish. These Rare Beauty Liquid Luminizers are INSANE. I use them on almost every client and they are just as pigmented and long lasting as the liquid blush. My most used shades are Mesmerize and Flaunt.
These glosses are so pretty and this bundle is insane value for money. They work out to be around £10 each! The shade Sugar Baby (pink) is my go to bridal gloss at the moment. Not sticky, just the right amount of pigment and they wear really nicely on the lips. I love that they come in so many shades, excited to try the brown ones on my deeper skin tone clients.
MY EVERYDAY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
My daily beauty routine is about making myself look better and making myself feel good too. I have a bad habit of neglecting my self care when I'm busy. For me, 2024 was the year of prioritizing myself, taking the time to really focus on my health and wellbeing. A few quick steps can make all the difference in helping me feel polished and put-together, even on my super busy days. I don't wear a full face of makeup daily but I do always do a morning & evening skincare routine - no matter what! Sometimes I add brows, light concealer and mascara but only when I feel like it. I think not wearing makeup every day helps my skin stay clear. These are my everyday beauty routine essentials:
I am absolutely an eye-cream-every-day type of girl. I know some people only like to use it at night, but I got into the habit of using it both morning & evening a few years back and it's made such a difference! I've been loving this Sunday Riley eye cream (full disclosure - I did not pay for this myself I was sent it but I 100% will be repurchasing once it runs out because it's that good)
I do need either a brow lamination or at least some brow gel to feel alive. My brows are super important to me and if they look bad I feel bad. So most days, even when I'm not wearing makeup, I will use some of this to brush my brows into place. Its the best brow gel & I've used it for years - nothing compares. Not even Refy!
*USE CODE LFTFALEXN TO SAVE*
I am now fully converted to using a brow pen and will never look back. If you haven't tried one yet, pick up this NYX one - it's affordable, has a great shade range & lasts all day. I dislike spending a lot of money on things related to brows and this lives up to my very high expectations. It's super easy to use and when applied correctly (sparingly, little strokes in the direction of natural hair growth) it looks so natural. I wear the shade Ash Brown.
This concealer is like crack to me I cannot get enough of it. When I tell you this is the most natural looking concealer you will ever wear.. you literally cannot see it on the skin which is ideal for someone like me who gets blemishes but doesn't want to wear a full face of foundation. It melts into the skin so flawlessly you can't tell you have anything on but it also has a nice buildable coverage. I mix shades N3 and N4.
Yet another dupe for the CT Magic Cream but this is honestly so much better. The texture, smell and hydration it gives the skin is unmatched. I am now on my 3rd or 4th tub of this and cannot be without it! Plus it super affordable which I love for an every day moisturizer.
Hope you enjoyed! 🤍
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