If you’re passionate about beauty products and have a knack for promoting them, becoming a beauty affiliate can be a lucrative way to make money. By joining one of the top beauty affiliate programs, you can earn commissions by promoting and recommending beauty products to your audience through your blog, social media platforms, or email newsletters.
Beauty is a massive industry, and according to Statista, the global cosmetics market is projected to reach 438 billion U.S. dollars by 2026. Additionally, a study by McKinsey & Company found that on average, women in the United States spend approximately $43 per month on cosmetics and personal care products.
These statistics show the immense potential for making money as a beauty affiliate. With a vast and growing market, there’s never been a better time to start promoting beauty products and earning commissions on your recommendations. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top beauty affiliate programs, how to become a successful beauty affiliate, and some tips to maximize your earnings.
Be sure to review:
- What is Affiliate Marketing?
- Beginner Affiliate Marketing
- How to Start Affiliate Marketing
- Top Skincare Affiliate Programs
Sephora Affiliate Program
Sephora is a French multinational beauty retailer that was founded in 1970 by Dominique Mandonnaud in Limoges, France. Initially, the store sold only fragrances, but over time, it expanded its offerings to include makeup, skincare, haircare, and beauty accessories. In 1993, Sephora was acquired by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a luxury goods conglomerate, which helped fuel the company’s expansion into new markets around the world.
Today, Sephora is a household name and is known for its wide selection of high-quality beauty products, as well as its in-store and online experience that provides customers with personalized recommendations and education on beauty trends and techniques.
Sephora’s affiliate program is a great way for beauty enthusiasts and influencers to earn commissions by promoting the brand’s products. The program is managed through the Rakuten Advertising affiliate network, and affiliates can earn a commission of up to 5% on all sales generated through their unique referral links.
The cookie duration for Sephora’s affiliate program is seven days, meaning that if a customer clicks on your referral link and makes a purchase within seven days, you’ll earn a commission on that sale.
In addition to earning commissions on sales, Sephora’s affiliate program also provides access to exclusive promotions and offers, as well as regular updates on new product launches and beauty trends.
Affiliate Program URL: Sephora Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 5%
Cookie Duration: 7 days
Ulta Beauty Affiliate Program
Ulta Beauty is a US-based beauty retailer that was founded in 1990 by Richard E. George in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The company started as a discount beauty retailer but later shifted its focus to premium beauty products, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Today, Ulta Beauty has over 1,200 stores across the United States and is known for its extensive selection of beauty products, as well as its in-store salon services.
Affiliate Program URL: Ulta Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 5%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
MAC Cosmetics Affiliate Program
MAC Cosmetics is a Canadian-based beauty brand that was founded in 1984 in Toronto, Canada. The company is known for its high-quality makeup products and has a loyal following among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts worldwide. MAC Cosmetics offers a wide range of products, including lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadows, and skincare products.
Affiliate Program URL: MAC Cosmetics Affiliate Program via Rakuten
Commission Rate: Up to 10%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Birchbox Affiliate Program
Birchbox is a beauty subscription service that was founded in 2010 by two Harvard Business School graduates, Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna. Birchbox offers a monthly subscription service where customers receive a box of beauty samples tailored to their individual preferences. The company also sells full-size versions of the products featured in their subscription boxes.
Birchbox also offers a referral program for their subscription service, where customers can earn points for referring friends and family to sign up for the service. These points can be redeemed for discounts on Birchbox products.
Affiliate Program URL: Birchbox Affiliate Program via Rakuten
Commission Rate: 15%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Avon Affiliate Program
Avon is a multinational beauty company that was founded in 1886 in the United States. The company offers a wide range of beauty products, including skincare, makeup, fragrance, and personal care products. Avon is known for its direct-selling business model, which allows representatives to sell products directly to consumers through a network of sales representatives.
Avon also offers a referral program for their direct-selling business model, where representatives can earn bonuses and rewards for recruiting new sales representatives to their network.
Affiliate Program URL: Avon Affiliate Program via Awin Affiliate Network
Commission Rate: 7%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Beautylish Affiliate Program
Beautylish is an online beauty retailer that was founded in 2010 in San Francisco, California. The company offers a wide range of beauty products, including skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance, from both well-known and emerging brands. Beautylish is known for its high-quality product selection and commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience.
In addition to earning commissions on sales, Beautylish’s affiliate program also provides access to exclusive promotions and offers, as well as regular updates on new product launches and beauty trends.
Beautylish also offers a referral program for their customers, where they can earn credit towards future purchases by referring friends and family to the site.
Affiliate Program URL: Beautylish Affiliate Program via Rakuten
Commission Rate: 8%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Nordstrom Affiliate Program
Nordstrom is a high-end department store that was founded in 1901 in Seattle, Washington. The company offers a wide range of products, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products. Nordstrom is known for its high-quality products and exceptional customer service.
Example of affiliate on YouTube:
The program is managed through the Rakuten Advertising affiliate network, and affiliates can earn a commission of up to 2-20% on all sales generated through their unique referral links, depending on the product category.
Affiliate Program URL: Nordstrom Affiliate Program via Rakuten
Commission Rate: 2-20%
Cookie Duration: 7 days
Glossier Beauty Affiliate Program
Glossier is a beauty and skincare brand that was founded in 2014 in New York City. The company focuses on creating simple, effective, and affordable beauty products that are designed to enhance natural beauty. Glossier is known for its minimalist packaging and social media-driven marketing strategy, which has helped the brand gain a loyal following among young beauty enthusiasts.
Affiliate Program URL: Glossier Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 10%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Too Faced Cosmetics Affiliate Program
Too Faced is a cosmetics brand that was founded in 1998 by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. The company offers a wide range of makeup products, including eyeshadows, lipsticks, and foundations, and is known for its fun and playful packaging and product names.
The program is managed through the Rakuten Advertising affiliate network, and affiliates can earn a commission of 10% on all sales generated through their unique referral links.
Affiliate Program URL: Too Faced Affiliate Program via Rakuten
Commission Rate: 10%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Look Fantastic Beauty Affiliate Program
Look Fantastic is a leading online beauty retailer that was founded in 1996. The company offers a wide range of beauty products from top brands, including skincare, haircare, makeup, and fragrances. Look Fantastic is known for its competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and fast shipping.
Affiliate Program URL: Look Fantastic Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 8%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
SkinStore Affiliate Program
Skinstore is an online retailer specializing in luxury skincare and beauty products. The company was founded in 1997 by a physician who wanted to provide a one-stop-shop for skincare products, and has since grown to offer a wide range of beauty products from over 400 top brands.
Affiliate Program URL: Skinstore Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 12%
Cookie Duration: 7 days
Tarte Cosmetics Affiliate Program
Tarte Cosmetics is a cruelty-free makeup and skincare brand that was founded in 2000 by Maureen Kelly. The company is known for its high-quality and eco-friendly products, which are formulated with natural and non-toxic ingredients.
Affiliate Program URL: Tarte Cosmetics Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 15%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Kiehl’s Affiliate Program
Kiehl’s is a skincare brand that was founded in 1851 as an apothecary in New York City. The company is known for its high-quality and effective skincare products, which are formulated with natural ingredients and are designed to address a wide range of skin concerns.
Kiehl’s affiliate program is a great way for beauty bloggers, influencers, and website owners to earn commissions by promoting the brand’s products. The program is managed through the Commission Junction affiliate network, and affiliates can earn a commission of 7% on all sales generated through their unique referral links.
Additionally, Kiehl’s has a new virtual store with the ability to chat with a skincare professional.
Affiliate Program URL: Kiehl’s Affiliate Program via CJ Affiliate
Commission Rate: 7%
Cookie Duration: 7 days
L’Occitane Beauty Affiliate Program
L’Occitane is a luxury skincare and beauty brand that was founded in 1976 in Provence, France. The company is known for its high-quality and natural products, which are inspired by the traditional beauty secrets of the Mediterranean.
The program is managed through the Commission Junction affiliate network, and affiliates can earn a commission of 2-8% on all sales generated through their unique referral links.
The commission rate varies depending on the type of product being sold, with skincare products typically earning a higher commission than other products like fragrances or gifts. The cookie duration for L’Occitane’s affiliate program is 30 days, which means that if a customer clicks on your referral link and makes a purchase within 30 days, you’ll earn a commission on that sale.
L’Occitane also offers a loyalty program for their customers, where they can earn points for every purchase they make on the site. These points can be redeemed for discounts on L’Occitane products.
Affiliate Program URL: L’Occitane Affiliate Program via CJ Affiliate
Commission Rate: 2-8%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Paula’s Choice Skincare Affiliate Program
Paula’s Choice is a skincare brand that was founded by Paula Begoun, a well-known author and beauty expert, in 1995. The brand is known for its science-based approach to skincare and its use of high-quality, effective ingredients.
In addition to earning commissions on sales, Paula’s Choice affiliate program also provides access to exclusive promotions and offers, as well as regular updates on new product launches and skincare trends.
Affiliate Program URL: Paula’s Choice Affiliate Program via Rakuten
Commission Rate: 8%
Cookie Duration: 60 days
Dermalogica Affiliate Program
Dermalogica is a skincare brand that was founded in 1986 by Jane Wurwand, a skin therapist from the UK. The brand is known for its professional-grade products and its commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients.
Affiliate Program URL: Dermalogica Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 15%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Olay Affiliate Program
Olay is a well-known skincare brand that was founded in 1952 by Graham Wulff. The brand is known for its affordable and effective skincare products that cater to a wide range of skin concerns and types.
Affiliate Program URL: Olay Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 8%
Cookie Duration: 7 days
Benefit Cosmetics Affiliate Program
Benefit Cosmetics is a makeup and skincare brand that was founded in San Francisco in 1976 by twin sisters Jean and Jane Ford. The brand is known for its fun and playful approach to makeup, as well as its innovative and effective skincare products.
Affiliate Program URL: Benefit Affiliate Program via Rakuten
Commission Rate: 4%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
ColorScience Affiliate Program
Colorscience is a beauty and skincare company that creates high-quality mineral-based makeup products. The company was founded in 2000 by Diane Ranger, a former Colgate-Palmolive executive, and has since become a popular brand among consumers who are looking for skincare and beauty products that are free of harsh chemicals and irritants.
With access to exclusive promotions and dedicated support, Colorscience’s affiliate program is an attractive opportunity for affiliates in the beauty and skincare industry.
Affiliate Program URL: ColorScience Affiliate Program
Commission Rate: 10%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
La Roche-Posay Affiliate Program
La Roche-Posay is a French skincare company founded in 1975 that specializes in creating products for sensitive skin. The brand is known for its high-quality skincare products that are developed with the help of dermatologists and designed to address a range of skin concerns.
To join the La Roche-Posay affiliate program, interested parties can sign up through the Rakuten Advertising network and apply to join the program. Once approved, affiliates can begin promoting La Roche-Posay products and earning commissions on sales generated through their unique affiliate links. With a reputation for high-quality skincare products and a generous commission rate, the La Roche-Posay affiliate program can be a lucrative opportunity for affiliates in the beauty and skincare niche.
Affiliate Program URL: La Roche-Posay Affiliate Program via Rakuten
Commission Rate: 10%
Cookie Duration: 30 days
FAQ
What is a beauty affiliate?
A beauty affiliate is a person or organization that partners with a beauty brand or retailer to promote their products to potential customers. In exchange for promoting and recommending the products, the affiliate earns a commission on any resulting sales.
The beauty affiliate may promote the products through various channels, such as social media, blogs, or email marketing. They may also offer their followers exclusive discounts or other incentives to encourage them to make a purchase.
Beauty affiliates can range from individual influencers to larger media companies. They often have a strong following and a loyal audience that trusts their recommendations, making them an effective marketing tool for beauty brands.
Is beauty a good niche for affiliate marketing?
Beauty is a popular and lucrative niche for affiliate marketing. The beauty industry is one of the largest and most profitable industries in the world, with consumers constantly seeking out new products and trends.
There are many different sub-niches within the beauty industry, such as skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance, which allows affiliates to focus on specific areas and target their audience more effectively. Additionally, beauty products tend to have a higher price point, which can lead to higher commissions for affiliates.
Beauty brands also often have well-established affiliate programs with competitive commission rates and promotional materials, making it easy for affiliates to get started and promote their products.
How much does Sephora pay their affiliates?
The commission rate for Sephora is dependent on their categories, but for the most part it is approximately 5%. For an influencer with a large following, this can be a nice monthly income.
Can you make a full time income with affiliate marketing?
Yes, it is possible to make a full-time income with affiliate marketing and many are doing so. It can be slow to start up if you’re doing it all yourself, but many have been successful and then can begin outsourcing the maintenance.
Successful affiliate marketers typically have a strong understanding of their target audience, know how to create high-quality content that resonates with their audience, and have a deep knowledge of the products or services they promote. They also need to have a well-planned marketing strategy, including social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).
