Growing up, Black Friday shopping was such a pivotal part of the holidays. Over the years, however, that importance has faded in part because, let's be honest, the discounts are not as good as they used to be. As a recent college grad, I’m always looking for a steal — i.e., deals that can get me as close to free as possible. Black Friday deals seem to have dwindled down to an abysmal 10 or 20 percent off in recent years, so I’ve streamlined my shopping habits, but that doesn't mean I'm not keeping an eye out.
To make Black Friday shopping really worth it, I need discounts that'd make me whip out my credit card expeditiously. The evolution of Black Friday is an unfortunate one. Not to be all “back in the day,” but back in the day, I remember seeing sales up to 80 percent off. Now, you'll be lucky to find anything 50 percent off, and here's where this post comes in handy.
While not everything I collated here has a huge Black Friday discount code, this list includes a few of my staple brands with stellar deals that I can guarantee are worth the purchase. Whether it's my go-to skincare brand, Neutrogena, or great handbags from Coach, there’s a little bit of something for everyone on this Black Friday shopping list. From makeup to sweaters and all the miscellaneous products in between, I’ve rounded up all the Black Friday deals I’m actually eyeing and planning to shop from that just might be what you’re looking for too!
TATA HARPER SKINCARE
Tata Harper has become a notable favorite of mine in the last few years. Its Black Friday sale isn’t exactly what dreams are made of (25 percent feels like a regular Labor Day deal!), but the products are worth it, so we will take what we can get. I love a set, and this cool girl holiday kit is perfect to add to the “treat yourself” gift list. Beyond that, the body oil is very moisturizing and something we all desperately need during the winter months.
SCHUTZ
Schutz is one of my favorite shoe spots, and it is having a 25 percent sitewide sale and 50 percent off all sale items this Black Friday, which is as good as we’re going to get in this economy it seems. Contrary to the general consensus, I think wedges are the perfect heel. They mix my two favorite things when it comes to fashion: comfort and style. I also plan to grab these booties, as you can never have too many, especially living in the Northeast now.
IKEA
I personally love IKEA. If I could get lost in an IKEA store weekly with an endless budget shopping for the home of my dreams, I would. But, as I’m still confined to my financially smart tiny NYC apartment, I am mostly looking for more storage and bed covers that help me sleep better at night when my heater isn’t working. This light-colored dresser is perfect for storing my clothes and accessories, and this comforter seems thick enough to keep me warm.
Fashion to Figure
Fashion to Figure is another great inclusive clothing brand. It is one of the few spots doing an actual intense Black Friday sale, with some items being 80 percent off. I personally love a good steal, even if the outfit doesn’t feel in season — you can always shop now and wear it in a few months when it’s time. This purple dress is a top choice on my list of picks because of its fit and design.
Diff Eyewear
Everyone needs a few options when it comes to eyewear, and these selections from Diff are all 50 percent off. Sunglasses can be surprisingly expensive, so Black Friday deals are always the way to go. I love good a cat eye, oversized sunglass, so these two options are right at the top. I tend to go back and forth between black and brown when it comes to color, and I can never choose, so both it is.
NOTTE
Notte is one of the newer brands I’ve been eyeing. I’ve seen its pieces on Doja Cat before and loved them, so I had to check out the deals. The brand has some darling necklaces that are a great accessory when you’re looking to add some fun to your life. Now, while its Black Friday sale is only up to 20 percent off on selected styles, the brand is giving out free gifts with any order over $50, which, to me, is good enough to finally make a purchase.
Too Faced
Too Faced is one of my top makeup brands. I religiously use its foundation and concealer and get endless compliments on my makeup. I tend to have more orange undertones, and its foundation in the shade ‘Cocoa’ always blends flawlessly into my skin. Too Faced's products are at the top of my Black Friday lists no matter the size of the discount because of their magical makeup abilities.
Eloquii
I am always wearing Eloquii. It takes up a large portion of my closet because of its stylish options and inclusive sizing. I am eyeing these two sparkly dresses because they’re perfect for the winter months. When it’s super gloomy, I tend to avoid vibrant colors, but these two options give me some pizazz without having to try too hard. I also love a dress that can work as a great layering piece, especially during the colder months.
Rhode
We, unfortunately, must believe the hype. Rhode by Hailey Bieber is good. We see it everywhere, and that is for a reason. The lip peptide balm is one of my favorite hydrating glosses, and the milk serum and moisturizer are doing wonders for my skin. As someone with uber-sensitive skin, it’s always hard for me to try new things, but Rhode has proven to be beneficial without harming any of the properties in my skin.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena is my go-to brand. As I mentioned earlier, I rarely try new things. I’ve been using Neutrogena for years now, and it has never failed me. I’ve tried a ton of its newer products and have even switched between different face washes, lotions, eye creams, and serums, and they’ve all worked great for me. I love an affordable and dependable brand, and Neutorgena is that for me. While the brand's Black Friday deals aren’t stellar, its products are worth it.
Ariana Grande Fragrance
I was introduced to Ariana Grande’s fragrance line through a coworker and immediately became obsessed with the God Is A Woman collection. The scent is perfect, period. It has hints of flowers with a very sweet but not overbearing smell. I love wearing this scent, and I get a ton of compliments when wearing it. I currently only have the travel-size options of fragrance, lotion, and oil, but I think it’s time to get the large bottle of perfume.
UGG
UGG is the OGS (Original Shoe) for a lot of us. The staple brand has been around forever, and we all owned a pair of UGG boots — or if you’re like me and grew up in 75 degrees year-round Miami, FL, then you wanted to own a pair. The shoe has seen many ups and downs in popularity and, in the last two years, has peaked once more. After our queen Bella Hadid was seen wearing the popular platform mini boots in tiny white shorts, the world stood still. We all needed a pair. Black Friday at UGG is a solid one, as the brand has up to 60 percent off sitewide. I’ll be eying these two pairs as they look super comfortable and can serve as an indoor or go-to outside errand shoe for me.
Charlotte Tilbury
I am a huge Charlotte Tilbury fan. Its products are stellar and rather affordable when it comes to makeup brands. While its regular sale is only 25 to 30 percent off, the brand is doing 50 percent off on all mystery boxes and skin care sets this Black Friday, so the options are a bit worthwhile.
Katy Perry Collection
The Katy Perry collection has an exorbitant amount of Black Friday offerings with 40 perfect off sitewide. I love a good shoe that can also serve as a conversation starter, and both of these feel like that to me. The Katy Perry Collection is very eclectic in style and has so many colorful shoes to choose from.
Spanx
Contrary to popular belief, Spanx isn’t just for shapewear. I recently found out about the brand's extensive activewear and athleisure options on its website and was hooked. Spanx has an extensive amount of leggings, tennis dresses, and sweatshirts that are worth the price. I currently own this brown sweat in a dark navy blue, and it is the softest sweater out there. I’m quite obsessed and need it in almost every color. It also has great leggings and biker short options to choose from with diverse sizing.
Versed
Versed is one of the newer brands I’ve started to try out, and I love the products. It currently has a 20 percent off sitewide Black Friday sale that is piquing my interest. Skin care is so important to me, and I’m currently in my face mask era. I’ve been on the hunt for more masks in general, and this one from Versed is at the top of my list.
Kendra Scott
As a Southerner, I’ve always known and worn Kendra Scott. Now, as a New York resident, I’m teaching the North about the many delights of Kendra Scott. The brand's jewelry is quite affordable in the luxury space, and it has stylish options that can go with just about anything you plan to wear.
Coach
I’ve been a Coach girl all my life — thank you, mom! — and the brand's Black Friday deals are at the top of my list. This black purse is very chic and can go with many things. It also is 50 percent off, so it’s definitely worth getting during the holiday season. I’ve also been eyeing this pink heart bag for the last few months. While its discount is only 20 percent it’s worth it because it is one of its newer designs.
Kate Spade
Kate Spade is another handbag brand I’ve been wearing for a while. It always tends to have affordable luxury and stylish pieces within its collections. I can never say no to a good purse, so this one has been at the top of my list for some time. I also am due for a new wallet, so I'll be adding this to the cart. Black Friday seems like the perfect time to commit.
Pandora
Pandora is another staple from my teenage years that is now a great accessory option when I’m exploring affordable luxury. I have been majorly slacking this year when it comes to rings, earrings, and necklaces, so I’ll be using Black Friday as a chance to step my game up.
Topicals
Topicals can do no wrong. The brand's products are phenomenal, and its Black Friday sale is solid if you’re on the lookout for some package deals. I live by the Slather and the High Roller Ingrown Tonic, so getting these two together for a discounted price feels like a steal. I also am working on removing my hyperpigmentation, so its Faded products are also a must-cop.
