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Here’s how to score little gifts for your special day
Everyone loves gifts — and if you can get some extras on your birthday, why not seek them out? We’ve discovered some top beauty brands with free birthday gifts that can make your big day even better. From cleanser and moisturizer to mascara and nail polish, there are all kinds of gifts you can get from beauty brands for your birthday.
We already know that Sephora gives great birthday gifts with its Beauty Insider program, but it isn’t the only one. We’ve got a list of eight beauty brands with free birthday gifts, so you’ll be totally spoiled on your next rotation around the sun.
Shop this article: Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 40 Perfume Mist, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
What are the beauty brands with free birthday gifts?
Here’s the important part: the beauty brands with free birthday gifts. But, before we dive into the list, let’s talk about what kind of gifts you can expect and how you get them. To bag your gift, you’ll need to sign up for a loyalty program. In most cases, these are free, but we’ll note where there’s a fee to join.
Gifts are often travel size but some reward programs give you a larger gift the more you spend throughout the year. In some cases, you’ll get to pick from a range of gifts, but in others, you’ll get a free gift at random. Even with a small gift, if you sign up for all these programs, you’ll end up with quite a haul.
Ulta Beauty
The Ulta Beauty Rewards program lets you select from a range of gifts on your birthday. This year’s offerings include Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butter (both in travel size).
Smashbox
Smashbox has the Smash Cash rewards program. Not only do you earn points on purchases, you get a free birthday present. There are higher tiers that you can access the more you spend, some of which give you a bigger birthday gift.
Aveda
Aveda has the Aveda+ Rewards program, which offers a free gift for your birthday, alongside the ability to earn points to spend on products or salon and spa services. The downside is that it costs $10 to join, so it’s only worth it if you regularly shop with Aveda.
E.L.F.
With the e.l.f. beauty squad, you get a free birthday gift whatever your membership tier. There are also higher tiers accessed by spending more/earning more points that give you extra gifts, such as a gift on the anniversary of your sign-up and free new products to try.
Urban Decay
UD Rewards is Urban Decay’s loyalty program. It’s free to join but has three tiers depending on your annual spend. Even the lowest tier with no minimum spend gives you a free birthday gift.
Fresh
Using the Fresh Rewards program, you get one point for every dollar you spend, eventually earning you free gifts or money off. You also get a birthday gift and a welcome gift when you sign up.
Tarte
You don’t have to spend anything to get a free birthday gift as part of the Tarte Perks loyalty program. However, if you spend enough during the year to get into a higher tier, you’ll get extra gifts, too.
Sephora
Sephora’s Beauty Insider program has some awesome gifts for 2024, including the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Look Birthday Set and the Kosas Lip & Brow Birthday Set. You’ll need to spend $25 on other products to claim it online, but you can pick it up for free in-store.
Best products from beauty brands with free birthday gifts
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 40 Perfume Mist
This perfume mist is for the hair and body, so it’s a versatile pick. It has notes of jasmine, black amber, plum and vanilla, so it’s sweet and floral.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
The number one product from Smashbox, this primer provides a smooth base layer to more easily apply foundation. It feels lightweight but helps reduce the appearance of lines and pores under the foundation of your choice.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
As a purifying shampoo, it strips buildups of other products, such as silicone-containing conditioners, hairspray or mousse. If your hair seems more dull than usual, this shampoo could help.
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
This versatile product gives your skin a dewy look and can be worn alone, under makeup, over makeup, mixed with foundation or as a highlighter. It comes in 12 shades.
Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette
Filled with 12 shimmering neutrals, this eyeshadow palette is great for creating a range of looks from natural to dramatic. It is an iconic palette for a reason and might be the only one you need.
fresh Soy pH-Balanced Hydrating Face Wash
This cleanser is pH-balanced, so it doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry. What’s more, it’s excellent for washing away makeup — even tricky products like mascara.
You can expect a lot from this mascara: volume, length, curl and excellent separation. If you want a dramatic look for your lashes, it’s the perfect product. It comes in black and brown.
If you suffer from dry lips, this mask has you covered. You wear it overnight to infuse intensive moisture into your lips. This means less need to apply lip balm throughout the day.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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