What is a makeup brand referral program?

A makeup brand referral program is a customer incentive system where a brand rewards you for referring new customers often friends or family to shop with them. Typically, you share a unique referral link or code. When a new customer uses your link to make their first purchase, both you the referrer and the new customer the referee receive a benefit, such as a discount, store credit, or free product. It’s a win-win program designed to encourage word-of-mouth promotion – you get rewarded for spreading the word, and your friend gets a special deal on their first order.

How do referral bonuses work for beauty brands?

Referral bonuses for beauty brands usually work by providing two-sided rewards. This means the person who refers the existing customer gets a reward, and the friend who is referred the new customer also gets a reward. For example, a brand might offer something like “Give $10, Get $10” – the new customer gets $10 off their first purchase, and the referrer gets a $10 credit or coupon after the friend’s purchase. There are often conditions, like the friend must be a first-time customer and may need to spend a certain minimum amount. Once the friend completes an eligible purchase using the referral link or code, the rewards are triggered. The referrer might receive their bonus via email or directly into their account, and the friend’s discount is usually applied at checkout. Overall, it’s a simple process: share your link, your friend shops with a discount, and you both benefit.

Do I need to be an existing customer to refer a friend to a makeup brand?

In most cases, yes – you generally need to have an account with the makeup brand or be an existing customer to access a referral link or code. Referral programs are meant to reward loyal customers for bringing in new business. Typically, you’d sign up or log in to your account on the brand’s website, and there will be a ‘Refer a Friend’ section where you can get your unique referral link or invite emails. Some brands even require that you’ve made at least one purchase before you can refer others though not all do. However, a few brands might allow anyone to refer via a general link on their site, but to track rewards properly, having an account is best. Always check the brand’s referral program terms – they’ll explain any prerequisites for the referrer.

Can I refer multiple friends and get multiple rewards?

Yes, in almost all referral programs of the brands listed, you can refer more than one friend and earn a reward for each successful referral. Most brands do not put a hard cap on the number of referral bonuses you can earn or if they do, the cap is usually very high. For instance, if you refer three friends and each makes a qualifying first purchase, you should receive three separate rewards whether that’s coupons, credits, or points – one per referral. It’s important that each friend is a new customer to the brand and uses your referral link so that it tracks correctly. Keep in mind, each friend can usually only use a referral offer once for their first order, and you’ll only get one reward per friend. But yes, feel free to share the love widely – the more friends who join, the more you both save!

Are referral discounts stackable with other promotions?

Generally, referral discounts or rewards are not stackable with other promo codes or offers. Most brands treat a referral code like any other coupon – meaning you can only apply one code per order. For example, if your friend has a 15% off referral code for their first purchase, they typically wouldn’t be able to combine it with another discount code or an ongoing sale coupon. The same goes for referrers: if you have a referral reward like $10 off, you usually can’t stack it on top of another discount code in the same transaction. However, referral rewards might be usable on sale items or with automatic promotions like a sitewide sale that doesn’t require a code. Always read the fine print on the referral offer: it will state whether it can be combined with other promotions. In most cases, expect to use referral rewards on their own, one per order.

Top 20 Makeup Brands with Referral Programs

Did you know you can save on beauty products by referring friends to your favorite brands? Many top makeup and beauty companies offer refer-a-friend programs that reward both the referrer you and the friend you invite. Below we’ve compiled 20 of the best makeup brands with referral programs, including what you and your friend get, any conditions like minimum spend, and a quick benefit summary. Share the beauty love and enjoy the perks together!

Sephora

Referral bonus for referrer: Typically a special perk or coupon often around 15% off one purchase, or bonus loyalty points/gifts.
Referral bonus for friend: Usually 15% off their first purchase as a new Sephora customer no minimum spend in some regions.
Minimum spend or conditions: Friend must be a new Beauty Insider sign up is free. Offers may vary by country e.g., some regions give referrers a free gift instead of a coupon.
Benefit summary: Share Sephora with a friend and they get a nice discount on their first beauty haul, while you earn a reward – a win-win introduction to the beauty insider community.

Ulta Beauty

Referral bonus for referrer: $10 off coupon on your next purchase.
Referral bonus for friend: $10 off their first purchase when they sign up for Ulta’s Ultamate Rewards program through your referral.
Minimum spend or conditions: Friend must be a new Ultamate Rewards member membership is free. The $10 coupon is typically valid on a qualifying purchase e.g. might require a purchase above $10 to apply.
Benefit summary: Both you and your friend get to save $10 on makeup or skincare – a great way to try Ulta’s vast range of beauty products with a discount.

Cult Beauty

Referral bonus for referrer: £10 Cult Beauty voucher for every successful referral purchase.
Referral bonus for friend: 15% off their first order at Cult Beauty.
Minimum spend or conditions: The friend’s first order must be £50 or more for the referrer to earn the £10 voucher. Friends can still use the 15% off on smaller orders, but the referrer reward triggers at a £50+ spend. Referral link must be used within 30 days.
Benefit summary: Your friend saves 15% on cult-favorite beauty products, and you earn £10 in credit for each friend who shops a fantastic way to stock up on premium beauty for less.

LookFantastic

Referral bonus for referrer: £10 account credit for each friend who places an order.
Referral bonus for friend: £5 off their first LookFantastic order.
Minimum spend or conditions: Friend’s first order must be at least £25 to use the referral discount and for you to receive credit. The £10 credit is typically added to your account within a few weeks of your friend’s purchase.
Benefit summary: Sharing LookFantastic means your friend gets a nice £5 discount to explore new beauty products, while you earn £10 in credits – and there’s no cap, so refer away for more rewards!

Charlotte Tilbury

Referral bonus for referrer: $15 off your next order typically on a purchase of $75 or more.
Referral bonus for friend: $15 off their first order usually requires a minimum spend of $75 to apply the discount.
Minimum spend or conditions: New customers only. In the US, the offer is $15 off $75+; other regions have equivalent offers for example, £20 off £100 in the UK, or CAD $30 off $150 in Canada. The referral codes must be applied at checkout and can’t be combined with other promos.
Benefit summary: Give a friend a luxury makeup treat with a sizable discount on Charlotte Tilbury’s products, and enjoy a discount on your own next splurge – perfect for stocking up on those Magic Creams and Pillow Talk lipsticks.

MAC Cosmetics

Referral bonus for referrer: $10 off a $50+ purchase at MAC.
Referral bonus for friend: $10 off their first purchase of $50 or more.
Minimum spend or conditions: Friend must be a new customer on maccosmetics.com and place an order of at least $50 for the $10 discount to apply. The referrer’s $10 off reward is usually sent via email as a promo code once the friend’s qualifying order is confirmed. Rewards typically expire within a certain timeframe e.g., 30 days.
Benefit summary: It pays to share your MAC obsession – your friend gets $10 off their first haul of MAC makeup, and you get $10 off your next $50+ treat, making those iconic lipsticks and foundations more affordable for both.

NARS Cosmetics

Referral bonus for referrer: 20% off coupon for your next order at NARS.
Referral bonus for friend: 20% off their first purchase on narscosmetics.com.
Minimum spend or conditions: Friend must be a new customer and use your unique referral link. The 20% discount applies to their first order no strict minimum, though some promotions might require a certain cart total for the code to apply. Once your friend’s order ships, you’ll receive an email with your own 20% off promo code for a future order typically valid on a one-time purchase, possibly with a minimum like $50+ in some cases.
Benefit summary: Both you and your friend can indulge in NARS’s high-end makeup for less – they get an immediate 20% savings on that coveted blush or lipstick, and you score 20% off your next shopping spree as a thank-you.

Huda Beauty

Referral bonus for referrer: 20% off your next order from Huda Beauty.
Referral bonus for friend: 20% off their first order from Huda Beauty’s official site.
Minimum spend or conditions: Typically no specific minimum spend; however, the referral code will only work for a new customer’s first purchase. Both referrer and friend will get unique one-time-use codes. You’ll receive your 20% off code after your friend makes a qualifying first purchase using your referral link. Ensure you both are logged into Huda’s VIP loyalty program for easy tracking.
Benefit summary: This generous program means you and your BFF can save a fifth of the price on Huda’s cult-favorite palettes, foundations, and more – a great way to share the love for beauty and shop at a discount.

Kylie Cosmetics

Referral bonus for referrer: 20% off your next order from Kylie Cosmetics.
Referral bonus for friend: 20% off their first order minimum $50 purchase required on the friend’s order.
Minimum spend or conditions: Friend must be a first-time customer with an order of $50 or more to use the 20% referral discount. After your friend’s purchase is completed, you will receive a 20% off code usually via email or in your rewards account to use on your own future order. Referral codes can’t be combined with other promotions and might exclude certain limited-edition items.
Benefit summary: With Kylie Cosmetics’ refer-a-friend, you both get to glam up for less – your friend enjoys 20% off Kylie’s iconic lip kits or eyeshadows, and you get 20% off your next makeup haul as a reward for spreading the word.

Glossier

Referral bonus for referrer: $10 in store credit Glossier account credit for each friend referred.
Referral bonus for friend: $10 off their first Glossier order.
Minimum spend or conditions: The friend’s order typically must meet a minimum often the discount amount, e.g. at least $10.01, effectively for the $10 off to apply. Friend must be a new Glossier customer and use your referral link or unique code at signup/checkout. Your $10 credit is applied to your Glossier account once the friend’s first order is processed, and it can be used toward any future purchase credits may stack if you refer multiple people!.
Benefit summary: Glossier’s referral program makes it easy to share those pink pouches – your pal gets $10 off clean, minimalist beauty staples like Boy Brow or Cloud Paint, and you get $10 credit to spend on your next skincare or makeup treat.

Tarte Cosmetics

Referral bonus for referrer: $10 off your next order of $35 or more at Tarte.
Referral bonus for friend: $10 off their first Tarte order with a minimum spend of $35.
Minimum spend or conditions: Both the referrer’s and friend’s offers require a $35+ order to redeem the $10 off. The friend must be a new customer and use the referral link/code to get the discount. After the friend’s qualifying purchase, the referrer will receive their $10 off reward often via email with a unique code. These codes cannot be combined with other offers and typically expire after a few months if not used.
Benefit summary: Refer a friend to Tarte and both of you can indulge in high-performance natural cosmetics for less – think of it as splitting the savings on those shape tape concealers or Amazonian clay palettes!

IT Cosmetics

Referral bonus for referrer: 10% off coupon for each friend’s successful purchase.
Referral bonus for friend: 10% off their first order from IT Cosmetics.
Minimum spend or conditions: No strict minimum purchase requirement is noted – the friend simply needs to be a new customer and use the referral link to get 10% off their first purchase applicable site-wide. The referrer receives a 10% off promo code for their next order once the friend completes a purchase. Both will need to have accounts on IT Cosmetics’ site for tracking. Typically, multiple referrals are allowed, meaning you can get a 10% off coupon each time a new friend shops!
Benefit summary: Sharing is caring for your skin and wallet! with IT Cosmetics – your friend gets a nice discount on quality skincare or makeup like the CC Cream, and you earn a 10% off treat for every friend who joins in the fun.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Referral bonus for referrer: 175 rewards points equivalent to $5 off for each friend referred.
Referral bonus for friend: $5 off their first purchase typically on an order of $25 or more at e.l.f.
Minimum spend or conditions: The friend’s first order must usually be at least $25 for the $5 discount to apply. Friend needs to be a new customer and use your referral link or code at sign-up/checkout. The referrer’s reward is given as points in the Beauty Squad loyalty program 175 points can be redeemed for a $5 reward certificate, or saved for larger rewards. The referral points are awarded once the friend’s qualifying purchase is confirmed.
Benefit summary: With e.l.f.’s refer-a-friend, beauty on a budget gets even better – your friend saves $5 on already affordable cosmetics, and you earn points toward your own free makeup hello, free lip gloss!. It’s an easy way to rack up rewards while helping friends save.

ColourPop

Referral bonus for referrer: $5 off in store credit or coupon on your next ColourPop order for each friend referred.
Referral bonus for friend: $5 off their first ColourPop order.
Minimum spend or conditions: The friend should be a new customer and use your referral link to sign up. The $5 off for the friend may require a minimum purchase often just slightly above $5, for example a $20 minimum to use the coupon – though ColourPop sometimes alternatively offers a percentage off for first-timers, such as 15%. Once your friend places their first order using your link, you’ll receive your $5 reward, usually in the form of a unique coupon code or credit for your next purchase. Referral credits can accumulate if you refer multiple friends.
Benefit summary: Share ColourPop’s colorful cosmetics with your crew – your friend gets a sweet $5 discount on those budget-friendly palettes or lipsticks, and you get $5 off your next haul. The more friends you refer, the more $5 credits you can earn, making your own makeup addiction even more affordable!

Credo Beauty

Referral bonus for referrer: $25 off your next order at Credo.
Referral bonus for friend: $25 off their first order on Credo Beauty.
Minimum spend or conditions: The referral discount is typically valid on a minimum purchase historically, Credo required $50+ orders for their previous $10 off referrals, so the $25 off may require a higher minimum cart total – often around $75 or so, although exact terms should be checked at checkout. Friend must be a new customer and use your referral link/code to get the $25 off. Once they make a qualifying first purchase, you’ll get an email with your $25 off code for a future order also likely requiring a minimum $50+ spend. Referral and reward codes at Credo are one-time use and cannot be combined with other promos.
Benefit summary: Credo’s refer-a-friend program is a clean beauty jackpot – your friend gets a hefty $25 discount to explore Credo’s curated natural beauty products, and you score $25 off your next toxin-free beauty haul. It’s a fantastic incentive for you both to swap to clean, green skincare and makeup.

Thrive Causemetics

Referral bonus for referrer: $15 credit or 150 Thrive Points added to your account for each successful referral.
Referral bonus for friend: $15 off their first Thrive Causemetics order.
Minimum spend or conditions: The friend’s first order must typically be at least $50 for the $15 off to apply this is usually stated in the referral offer. Friend must be a new customer and use your referral link; the $15 discount will automatically apply at checkout if their cart meets the minimum. For the referrer, the $15 reward is often given as points in Thrive’s rewards program which you can use as credit toward purchases. These points/credit appear once the friend’s purchase is confirmed. No limit on how many friends you can refer, but each referral’s reward is one-time.
Benefit summary: Thrive Causemetics makes referring friends truly rewarding – your pal gets $15 off high-quality vegan beauty products like their famous Liquid Lash Extensions mascara, and you get $15 toward your next purchase. Plus, you’re helping your friends discover a brand that gives back with every product beauty with a cause!.

Beauty Pie

Referral bonus for referrer: £10 off your next order at Beauty Pie.
Referral bonus for friend: £10 off their first order with Beauty Pie.
Minimum spend or conditions: The referred friend must spend a minimum of £60 on their first order for the £10 discount to apply this first order can include a membership and/or products. Friend should use the referral link to sign up – if they are brand new to Beauty Pie, the £10 off is automatically applied at checkout once the threshold is met. After your friend’s referral is redeemed meaning they made a qualifying purchase, your £10 off reward is added to your account no code needed; it typically applies automatically to your next purchase at checkout. Note: Beauty Pie is a membership-based shopping club; referrals often allow friends to try it out with a discount on products or membership.
Benefit summary: Beauty Pie’s referral program lets you share insider pricing with friends – they get £10 off luxury beauty products at members-only prices, and you get £10 off your next Beauty Pie haul. It’s a great way to introduce friends to the club and for both of you to save on premium skincare and makeup.

Clarins

Referral bonus for referrer: $15 off your next Clarins order of $75+.
Referral bonus for friend: $15 off their first order of $75+ on Clarins.com.
Minimum spend or conditions: Valid for new Clarins customers who use the referral link. The offer is typically structured as $15 off a purchase of $75 or more both for the friend’s first order and the referrer’s reward code. The friend’s discount code is provided via the link and applied at checkout on the qualifying order. Once your friend completes a qualifying purchase, you’ll receive your own $15 off voucher often emailed to you, to use on any $75+ order. These referral coupons usually have an expiration date and cannot be combined with other promotions or gift sets.
Benefit summary: By referring a friend to Clarins’ skincare and cosmetics, you’re gifting them $15 off a luxury self-care treat, and you get $15 off your next pampering session. It’s a beautiful way to share high-quality skincare must-haves and for both of you to save on keeping your skin radiant.

The Body Shop

Referral bonus for referrer: 10% off your next purchase.
Referral bonus for friend: 20% off their first purchase at The Body Shop.
Minimum spend or conditions: In markets where this program is active for example, The Body Shop India, both the referrer and friend need to make a minimum purchase of around ₹500 approximately £5-£6 or $7 for the discounts to apply. Essentially, the friend gets 20% off their first order no code needed if they use the referral link, it’s automatic for eligible carts, and once they’ve ordered, the referrer’s account is tagged to receive 10% off on their next order. Note that referral availability can vary by country – some regions run this as part of their loyalty or app program.
Benefit summary: The Body Shop’s refer-a-friend program lets you spread the word about ethical, natural beauty. Your friend enjoys 20% off wholesome skincare and body care goodies on their first shop, while you earn 10% off as a thank-you – a lovely bonus for sharing products that are good for you and the planet.

Summer Fridays

Referral bonus for referrer: $10 worth of points in the Summer Fridays rewards program for each referral.
Referral bonus for friend: $10 off their first order from Summer Fridays.
Minimum spend or conditions: Friend must be a new customer and typically needs to use your referral link to sign up. The $10 off will apply to their first purchase likely requiring a minimum order value equal to or greater than $10. Once your friend makes a purchase, you’ll get $10 in rewards points credited to your Summer Fridays account these points can then be redeemed for $10 off a future order, or saved up for a bigger reward. Both referrer and friend need to be part of the Summer Fridays loyalty program to track the referral it’s free to join. The points and discounts cannot be combined with other discount codes in a single order.
Benefit summary: Summer Fridays’ referral program is a treat for skincare lovers – your friend gets $10 off their first indulgence in Summer Fridays’ masks or serums, and you bank $10 in points to use on your next purchase. It’s an easy way to share the glow and get rewarded for it!