Secret 27 Ways to Save Money on Makeup, Skincare and Perfume at Macy’s

The biggest beauty savings at Macy’s come from stacking three things: a sale price or gift with purchase, Star Rewards points, and free shipping or free returns. Most shoppers can trim roughly $10–$30 off a $100 beauty order this way, and more during bonus-point weeks. All dollar figures below are estimates, not guarantees.

Prestige makeup, skincare and perfume are rarely cheap, and full-price beauty is often left out of the biggest store-wide sales. That is the problem: you can overpay by $20, $50 or more without noticing. This guide matters because every tip is specific, checked against Macy’s published terms where possible, and sized with a realistic dollar estimate. Before you buy, compare the day’s Macy’s deal listings with the strategies below.

How to read the estimates: unless stated otherwise, savings assume a $100 order. Offers, exclusions and dates change, so confirm terms at checkout.

1. Join Star Rewards for free

Membership is free, and the Bronze level earns 1 point per $1. Every 1,000 points becomes $10 in Star Money. Estimated saving: about $1 per $100.

2. Check out as a member every time

Bonus-point offers require you to check out as a Star Rewards member, so a forgotten login can forfeit the bonus. Estimated saving: $1–$30 per order, depending on the offer.

3. Use a Macy’s card only if you pay it off

Cardholders earn 2 points per $1 at Silver, 3 at Gold and 5 at Platinum. Interest can erase the gain, so this suits people who clear the balance monthly. Estimated saving: $2–$5 per $100.

4. Chase brand bonus-point weeks

Macy’s has run weeklong events such as $30 in Star Money (3,000 bonus points) for every $100 spent on selected fragrance brands in a single transaction, based on spend after discounts. Estimated saving: up to $30 per $100.

5. Use category bonuses

Past promotions gave an extra $10 in Star Money for shopping two of five categories, including cosmetics. Returned items are deducted from the qualifying total. Estimated saving: $10 per qualifying promotion.

6. Spend Star Money before it expires

Each Star Money reward is valid for 30 calendar days from issuance, and it cannot be used for gift cards, services or self-checkout. Estimated saving: $10 per reward you actually use.

7. Know what does not earn points

Gift cards, services such as Beauty Box subscriptions and salon services, fees, and sales tax do not earn points. Neither does spending Star Money. Plan big purchases around what does count. Estimated saving: avoids missing roughly $1–$5 per $100.

8. Shop the big seasonal events

Search interest in beauty products peaks in late August and late November, which lines up with back-to-school and Black Friday timing. Retailers usually promote hardest then. Estimated saving: $10–$40 on gift sets and bundles.

9. Look for the Beauty & Fragrance sale

DealsZo currently lists a Macy’s beauty and fragrance sale of up to 15% off select items, applied automatically at checkout. Estimated saving: up to $15 per $100.

10. Check skincare markdowns

DealsZo also lists skincare offers of up to 60% off on select items. Depth varies by brand and product. Estimated saving: up to $30 on a $50 product.

11. Do not count on store-wide events for full-price beauty

DealsZo notes that the Friends & Family sale excludes full-priced beauty and fragrance, which receive limited discounts. Look to gift with purchase and points instead. Estimated saving: avoids buying early at a worse price.

12. Ask about gift with purchase

Macy’s beauty counters often add free deluxe samples or bags with a qualifying purchase. Estimated value: $15–$50, varies by brand.

13. Buy gift sets, not single items

Sets usually bundle a full-size item with minis at a lower combined price than buying each piece. Estimated saving: $15–$40 per set.

14. Compare price per ounce

The larger bottle of perfume or moisturizer is often cheaper per ounce, as long as you will use it before it ages. Estimated saving: $10–$25.

15. Choose in-store pickup

Most macys.com items offer free in-store pickup. In New York, that means collecting at your nearest Macy’s instead of paying delivery. Estimated saving: about $6–$10 in shipping.

16. Reach the free-shipping threshold

Macy’s promotions have listed minimums such as $25, $39 and $49, and Star Rewards perks vary by tier. Check the threshold shown in your cart before adding filler items. Estimated saving: about $6–$10.

17. Join Star Rewards for free return shipping

Star Rewards members get free return shipping, while non-members have a $9.99 fee deducted from their refund. Estimated saving: $9.99 per mailed return.

18. Return in store

In-store returns are free for everyone. Estimated saving: $9.99 versus mailing as a non-member.

19. Use the cosmetic and fragrance return rule

Macy’s says it accepts new or gently used cosmetic and fragrance products that do not meet your needs. Check the current return window on the policy page. Estimated saving: $30–$100 of avoided waste.

20. Avoid final-sale traps

Last Act merchandise is final sale and sold as is, with no returns, exchanges or price adjustments. Also check exclusions for Beauty Box. Estimated saving: avoids unrecoverable purchases.

21. Test before you commit

Ask the counter for a sample of a foundation shade or serum before buying full size. Estimated saving: $30–$80 per mismatched product.

22. Request a price adjustment

If an item you bought goes on sale, submit a price adjustment request online, subject to Macy’s terms and the item’s eligibility. Estimated saving: $5–$20.

23. Use a cash-back portal

Portals such as Rakuten have listed Macy’s cash back. Rates change, so check before you shop, and make sure the portal does not conflict with your Star Rewards checkout. Estimated saving: a few percent, about $2–$5.

24. Subscribe to emails and app alerts

Macy’s sends periodic coupons and early notice of sales. Terms and exclusions differ, and some beauty brands are excluded. Estimated saving: $5–$20 on an order, depending on the offer.

25. Think twice about subscriptions

Beauty Box is a service, so it does not earn points and has return exclusions. It was once priced at $15 a month, so confirm today’s price. Estimated saving: up to $15 a month if you would not use it.

26. Layer sale price, points and shipping savings

Pick a discounted product, check out as a member, choose pickup or reach the free-shipping threshold, and apply an eligible offer. Estimated saving: $15–$30 on a $100 order.

27. Build a yearly beauty calendar

Note brand bonus-point weeks, seasonal sales, and when your Star Money expires. Buying refills only when several perks align can compound over the year. Estimated saving: $50–$150 a year for regular buyers.

Macy’s Beauty Savings Methods Compared

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I realistically save on Macy’s beauty?

Most shoppers can save roughly $10–$30 on a $100 order by combining a sale, points and shipping savings. Bonus-point weeks can push that higher.

Does Macy’s Star Rewards cost anything?

No. Membership is free, and Bronze is the entry level. Silver, Gold and Platinum require a Macy’s credit card.

How do Star Money rewards work?

Every 1,000 points earns a $10 Star Money reward. Rewards are valid for 30 calendar days from issuance and cannot be used for gift cards, services or self-checkout.

Does beauty earn Star Rewards points?

Yes, eligible beauty purchases earn points. Gift cards, services such as Beauty Box and salon services, fees and sales tax do not.

Can I return opened makeup or perfume?

Macy’s says it accepts new or gently used cosmetic and fragrance products that do not meet your needs. Always confirm the current window on its return policy page.

Is return shipping free?

In-store returns are free. Star Rewards members get free return shipping, and others pay a $9.99 fee deducted from the refund.

Are Friends & Family discounts valid on beauty?

Usually only in a limited way. DealsZo notes that full-priced beauty and fragrance receive limited discounts during that event.