Once upon a time, Black Friday was viewed as a uniquely American phenomenon – up there with tipping, super-sized sodas and cheerleaders. But in the past few years, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) have increasingly been recognised by many Australians as the savvy shopping opportunity that it truly is.
Had your eye on an expensive skincare serum that you can’t ordinarily afford? Pick it up in a Black Friday sale. Want to buy all your Christmas presents in advance and at a discount? Get them in a Black Friday sale. Need to update pillows, sheets or other household necessities and don’t fancy standing in Boxing Day queues? Black Friday to the rescue.
This year, Black Friday falls on Friday 25 November. (However, plenty of brands go on sale earlier, with email subscribers often getting access to discounts before they are made public). With inflation at an all-time high, property all but out of reach and interest rates showing no signs of abating, there’s never been a better time to bag a bargain. No wonder KPMG believes this Black Friday will smash all records (including last year’s shopping fest which hit $1million of expenditure per minute between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.)
Overwhelmed yet? Don’t be. “As a consumer, ‘cyber season’ is exciting but it can also be incredibly overwhelming as thousands of brands compete for customers’ money and attention,” acknowledges Her Black Book co-founder Sali Sasi.
To give you a head start on your beauty buying we asked buyers and insiders from some of Australia’s biggest beauty retailers to reveal their top picks for Black Friday Cyber Monday. Happy shopping…!
Adore Beauty
This year, Adore beauty is bringing out the big guns for Black Friday: think discounts on Dyson, Skinceuticals and more. The online beauty retailer’s head of brand, Chelsea Healey, will be adding these classic luxury beauty products to her cart.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
Discount: 15% off RRP $233
“This is the most popular Skinceuticals Vitamin C serum, combining 15% Vitamin C and 1% Vitamin E with Ferulic Acid. It’s jam-packed with anti-oxidant, hydrating power. I love this because it’s gentle but effective on my skin, and absorbs quickly so I can get on with my routine.”
Dyson Airwrap Complete Long Multi-Styler Nickel Copper
Discount: 15% off RRP $899
“This is a game-changing hair styling product that I cannot wait to get my hands on. I love a bouncy, fresh-out-of-the-salon blow wave but achieving this day in, day out is not only very time-consuming on a busy morning, but it’s a routine that can result in some pretty stressed-out locks. Cue the magical Dyson Airwrap, which has built-in temperature controls and every possible attachment I’ll need to style my hair for work, play and everything in between”.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum
Discount: 20% off RRP $65.95
“When La Roche-Posay announced the launch of this new cicaplast serum on Instagram, people promptly lost their minds. This serum is ultra-hydrating, soothing and – most importantly – can be used to strengthen or repair your all-important skin barrier. With spring in full-swing and skin sensitivity at an all-time high, I’m incorporating this into my everyday routine. Stat.”
Discount: 15% off RRP $159
“Spring is the perfect time to indulge in a new scent that sets the tone for the warmer months ahead. who is elijah is one of our favourite fragrance brands, and this sweet, spicy and fresh scent has got my name written all over it. Head notes of bergamot, violet leaf and cardamom are mixed with soft florals and fir needle, while woody, musky base notes are sensual and warm. Just as summer should be.”
PRICELINE
Priceline’s ‘Pink Friday’ sale launches its best offers a whole week early. (Yes that means from now!) From now until Tuesday 22 November, Priceline has up to 50 per cent off some of its most loved brands. Here are Priceline’s PR and Talent Specialist, Natasha Bongiorno’s top picks:
L’ORÉAL PARIS True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum
Discount: 50% off
“I swear by this. And you know that’s true when you’re reaching for this over a luxe foundation that’s three times the price. Smooth on the skin, doesn’t feel tacky or sticky. Enough coverage to hide any discolouration or flaws, and light enough so your skin still feels like it can breathe. I always look out for when this is on sale and stock up immediately”.
No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum
Discount: 40% off
“Now in my late-twenties, I’m finding myself thinking more and more about preventative skincare. The No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum is CULT in the UK. It feels light, and the ingredients (including the impressive Matrixyl 3000 Plus™) work together to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The packaging is also tip-top and makes me feel very fancy when applying!”
Versace Bright Crystal EDT 90 mL
Discount: 40% off
“While I tend to love a woody, moody scent, there is room in my heart for this beauty. Light, floral but not overpowering, Versace Bright Crystal has seen me through the last few years when I’m after something light and a bit sweet/fruity for a summer’s day.”
GlowDry Australia’s The Starter Kit – Fake Tan Drying Powder
Discount: 40% off
“Game-changer! No longer am I presenting like a scarecrow after freshly fake tanning, hoping my sticky arms and legs touch absolutely nothing while they dry. This GlowDry powder sets and dries your fake tan (and gets rid of that awful sticky feeling) as soon as you powder it on. The powder itself is translucent with a slight shimmer (!) – making the experience totally bougie”.
Alicia Shoolman, General Manager, David Jones Beauty shares her top sales picks:
Estee Lauder – Double Wear Stay-In-Place Make Up SPF 10
Discount: 20% off
“You can’t go past this best-selling foundation from Estee Lauder. With 24-hour wear and no touch ups required, this foundation is a cult product for good reason”.
Estee Lauder – Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery
Discount 20% off
“The winner of the 2022 David Jones Beauty Awards for the best serum, Black Friday is the best time to get your hands on this high performing serum that leaves your skin smoother and more radiant”.
Discount: 20% off
“As we head into the busy Christmas and Summer period, this popular Eye cream by Lancôme will be your best friend. An absolute favourite of mine as it helps diminish signs of fatigue and makes me look more rested”
Clinique – Almost Lip Stick (in Black Honey)
Discount: 20% off
“With a glossy and sheer finish, it’s the lipstick that suits everyone and will become a part of your daily routine.”
Are you shopping on Her Black Book [HBB] yet? This newish app offers cashback and discounts on fashion, beauty and more. Her Black Book co-founder Sali Sasi points to these products are her top picks this BFCM weekend. (These discounts are all accessed via the Her Black Book app)
Naked Sundays
Discount: 15% off plus 6% cashback.
“I’ve been obsessed with this [sunscreen and skincare] brand from the day it launched. I don’t go anywhere without my lip gloss and I’m a fan of their latest balm trio sticks. Seriously genius way of looking fresh but keeping sun-safe. On HBB, you get 15 per cent off + 6 per cent cashback, which makes any purchase a steal.”
Charli & Kate
Discount: 15% off
“I discovered this [retailer] through HBB and I love that’s it’s all about haircare. They’ve got all the best salon brands [including Olaplex and Kerastase] and with 15% off via HBB over Cyber weekend, it’s a super savvy buy.”
Flavedo & Albedo
Discount: up to 20% off
“Besides the cool packaging I love the eyeliners (they seriously glide on!) and blush cream pots – they’re not bulky, so easily slip into a clutch or mini bag when out. HBB Premium Members ($24.99/year) get a massive 20 per cent off storewide. For non-members, there’s a Free Eyeliner With Any Purchase deal for non-members.”
Charlotte Tilbury
Discount: $45 off the Pillow Talk Look Kits
“It’s a cult brand for a reason! Like many people, the Pillow Talk lipliner and lipstick are two non-negotiables in my makeup bag. PSA: HBB has $45 off the Pillow Talk Look Kits. Huge!”
Estelle Foudoulis, MECCA’s Junior Brand Manager’s standouts are:
$200 AUD (set Value: $330 AUD)
“Created to showcase products that…have hero status at MECCA, combined with some super innovative future heroes.” The set includes cult classics like NARS Liquid Blush in ‘Orgasm’, Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow and Smashbox X BECCA skin perfector in ‘Champagne Pop’. Combined with newbies like the game changing Naked Sunday’s SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist, the new Too Faced Eyeshadow palette and Tula’s Eye Balm.
$100 AUD (set Value $148 AUD)
“A shortcut to the I-woke-up-like-this look. It responds to TikTok’s ‘clean girl’ trend, think Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington Whitely” Foudoulis explains. Designed for complexion perfection without the nasties the sets include MECCA favs like Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream, Patchology’s Just Let It Glow Moodmask and Rose Inc’s Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Color in ‘Ophelia’ – “a cult-favourite multipurpose cream for a subtle wash of rosy, pink”.
BY Lucy Adams
Lucy is PRIMER's beauty editor, and has spent 20 years working in beauty, including at marie claire.
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