Sephora, Burberry, ASOS: Here’s how to get the best beauty and fashion deals this season

This year, the average American will spend $661 on gifts during the holiday shopping season, up 6 percent from 2016, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers survey. Between gifts, travel, and entertainment, people will spend an average of $360 on themselves.

Discounts on things like tech and electronics seem endless, while finding the best fashion and beauty discounts may be murkier (when should you take advantage of a sale? When is a deal really a deal? Where are you supposed to shop for the best deals? Online? In-store? Instagram?).

Speaking of Instagram, there are now 25 million businesses on social media platform, many of which allow you to make in-app purchases, not to mention the thousands of influencers who are posting retail discount codes on their profiles.

But for most people, holiday shopping still exists on websites and in-store. So what is special about holiday shopping this year?

For starters, luxury items are discounted, which isn’t something you see often. A bonus? The discounts are actually substantial. According to consumer discount site RetailMeNot, you can find designer clothing upwards of 42 percent off this season. “That’s a big deal,” says Sara Skirboll, shopping analyst at RMN.

But there’s a catch: Luxury discounts might not be on the classics everyone covets. “For example, Burberry does go on sale, but you’re more likely to find discounts on its seasonal items rather than its classic trench and characteristic plaid print,” Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with DealNews, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “Similarly, Nars Orgasm blush is a cult-classic color, which means its less likely to end up in the discount section. If you ever see such hallmark items included in a sale or eligible for a discount, then you should jump on the opportunity.”

Speaking of beauty, there’s a reason beauty specialty stores are thriving in 2017. Skirboll says that while department stores typically offer percentages off an array of products that may or may not include beauty items, stores like Sephora and Ulta really incentivize shoppers to buy with cash-back offers and freebies. (“They’ll hook you up,” Skirboll says.)

Finally, how do you know a deal offer is really a deal at all? It’s tricky, but keep in mind a few things. While clothing, accessories, and beauty products will all see discounts through the end of the year, you should jump on deals when you see them for a few reasons, according to Skirboll. “The discounts are going to be around, but you can’t always be sure of what they’re on, and you run the risk of having an item sell out.”

There are also some strategies and tools to help you decide if a deal is worthwhile. “The best way to be aware of discount codes through December is to sign up for newsletters for the brands and stores that interest you. Codes are typically released either at the beginning of the week, or going into the weekend,” says Sakraida. “This is especially necessary for last-minute discounts and reduced-cost shipping promotions.” You could also consider installing a browser extension like RetailMeNot’s “Genie,” which automatically applies the Internet’s best savings to items you want.

And to make your holiday shopping that much easier, below is a list of some of the best holiday shopping discounts so far. (Yahoo Lifestyle will update this list periodically throughout the end of the year.) Happy shopping!

Fashion discounts and cash back offers:

• Nordstrom: women’s designer collections up to 40 percent off

• Burberry: up to 50 percent off women’s sale items

• Tom Ford: up to 50 percent off clothing and accessories

• Banana Republic: 40 percent off with an additional 20 percent off select items

• Michael Kors: 25 percent off new handbag arrivals

• J.Crew: 25 percent off new arrivals and free monogramming

• J.Crew Factory: 50 to 60 percent off select items

• Sorel: 65 percent off select styles and footwear; use code: “SORDEC65”

• Victoria’s Secret Pink: Buy one get one 50 percent off with code “BOGOPINK”:

• Macy’s: 50 percent off select bras and lingerie items

• Theory: 50 percent off select winter items

• Old Navy: Up to $20 cash back for online purchases

• Forever 21: $10 cash back for online purchases of $100+

• PacSun: $10 cash back for online purchases of $80+

• ASOS: Up to $30 cash back on online purchases

• Express: $10 cash back for online purchases of $80+

• Aerie.com: $5 cash back for online purchases of $40+

• Gap outlet: $5 cash back for online purchases of $40+

• Boden USA: $5 cash back For online purchases Of $40+

• Charlotte Russe: $5 cash back for online purchases of $40+

• Madewell: $5 cash back on online purchases of $40+

• Neiman Marcus: Up to $30 cash back for online purchases

Beauty discounts and cash back offers:

• GNC: $10 cash back for online purchases of $75+

• Tarte Cosmetics: $10 cash back on online purchases of $75+

• Tarte Cosmetics: 15 percent off select items with code “FAB15”

• Elf Cosmetics: $5 cash for online purchases of $40+

• Loccitane: $20 cash back for online purchases of $80+

• Proactiv: $10 cash back for online purchases of $35

• MAC Cosmetics: 40 percent off seasonal trend “Goodbye” items

• MAC Cosmetics: $5 cash back for online purchases of $40+

• Ulta: Buy two, get two free

• Ulta: $5 cash back for online purchases of $40+

• Sephora: Free mini Marc Jacobs tote with accompanying purchase

• Nordstrom: five free beauty samples with online purchase

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• 13 gifts that look crazy expensive — but are actually under $50

• 10 natural hairstyles that will make everyone stop and stare this holiday season

• Should you break up with your significant other before the holidays?

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