This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I first gained VIB Rouge status in 2013 with the inception of Sephora’s Rewards Program’s highest tier. I was really excited to see what exclusive perks were in store as a VIB Rouge and all that came with this elite level.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
We went to Sephora’s VIB Rouge “Beauty Before Brunch” event this morning and we had a great time. The Beauty Before Brunch event was an exclusive VIB Rouge shopping event to launch the 15% off spring sale. I attended last year’s spring event, and overall, I would say that this event was better.
I RSVP’d right away for myself and a guest. We arrived today at around 9:30am and they checked us in at a table near the entrance — everyone was super friendly and energetic. I was really fun to be around people who are all excited about beauty, skincare and makeup.
For the Sephora VIB Rouge event there was a small setup of food in the back of the store — way smaller than last year’s spread. It was kind of disappointing, but I didn’t come here for the muffins & bagels…
I already had a list ready to go…with a few minor changes. And I found everything on my list! Yay!
I got the new Marc Jacobs #InstaMarc Light Filtering Contour Powders in 40 Mirage. This was the main reason I went into the store instead of ordering online. The 40 Mirage shade has been sold out online for a while but they said it was available in store. I went to the Marc Jacobs section right away and they were out of this color….I was super sad until I turned around and saw it on a “Contouring” podium. hallelujah!
These powders are so soft and the brush is mega soft, plus the compact is HUGE!!! I can’t wait to use it!
With 15% off, I picked up another Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation. I love the coverage of this foundation and how easy it is to apply. I first picked this up at Sephora’s Spring Sale last year!
I picked up the Dior Lash Plumping Serum as an eyelash primer and I got the waterproof version of my favorite mascara — Lancome Hypnose Drama!
I’m really happy with my purchases and the sample baggie we got. Great customer service today as well — really makes VIB Rouge feel a little extra special. We got a ton of awesome samples and color matched for two great foundations. Everyone was awesome today and I’m really happy we went.
What did you pick up today? Or what will you be getting during the sale? 🙂
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Sephora usually has their VIB Spring sale at the end of March/beginning of April. Last year’s Spring Social was so much fun! VIB’s got 15% off and I picked up some great Tarte foundation and a NARS matte multiple.
I’ve had a few things in my Sephora cart for a while now, but I am waiting for the 15% off before I buy anything. Until then, I thought I’d share my wishlist!
I really like this “skin corrector” by Lancôme. I’ve used it for years on and off, but lately I’ve really noticed an improvement in my skin. My face feels hydrated and smooth and looks brighter.
This has been my go-to facial moisturizer for a while. I like how it has SPF 15 and is so light weight. I’m really running low, so I hope that 15% off comes soon! 🙂
This lip pencil looks like the perfect dusty pink color. It’s a creamy matte lip stain/crayon that looks like the NARS pencils in this year’s VIB birthday set. I think this color would be great for spring/everyday.
NARS – Radiant Creamy Concealer (Custard)
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this NARS concealer. I’ve been looking for a brightening concealer for my under eyes, but something that won’t crease or look too light/chalky. I’m not sure if this is it, but I’m interested in trying it out.
Smashbox – Layer Lash Primer
I’ve been out of this for a while and have been getting along just fine, but I feel like it helps my lashes from drying out with different mascaras. I like how this primer doesn’t have those “fibers” and it glides on smoothly.
Marc Jacobs Beauty – #Instamarc Light Filtering Contour
There’s a lot of hype around contouring the face lately and I’ve been using my NARS matte multiple to define my face more, but with spring/summer approaching, I prefer powders over creams (foundation/highlighters/bronzers).
tarte – The Slenderizer Bamboo Contour
This brush would be great to apply the contour powders and it looks really fun.
What’s on your wishlist? Are you excited for Sephora’s VIB spring sale?
*word on the street– VIB Rouge will get early access to the spring sale discount. April 12th!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I recently picked up a few things from Sephora with my birthday gift cards and was super excited because I got a bunch of extra freebies and renewed my VIB Rouge status!
I purchased another bottle of the Purity cleanser by Philosophy. I really like how well it removes makeup and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dried out. I also bought the Lancome Regenerie Lift Multi-Action moisturizer — I use this as my morning moisturizer because it has SPF 15 and it is so smooth and hydrating. (It smells great too!).
And everything else was free!
I had to pick up two bottles of the 100-point perk – Lancome Genefique! I’m running low on my actual full-sized bottle and these are basically free, so I picked two!
I’ve never heard of DevaCurl, but the sample of this One Condition Daily Conditioner was huge and I have curly hair, so I thought it would be cool to try it out.
This Bare Minerals Best in Show set was free with $35+ purchase, and I really like Bare Minerals. It comes with a duo eyeshade with Mixologist, a light shimmery pink, & Cognac, a gold bronzy color; Speak Your Mind, a rose colored lip stick; and Beauty, a rose colored mineral blush!
You know I love all of the Josie Maran products, so I also got this free, 5-day sample set. It has five sample pouches of the Argan Cleansing oil, which I’ve never tried but always wanted to; the 100% Pure Argan Oil (which I LOVE); and the new Argan Daily Moisturizer with SPF 47.
Since it was around my birthday, I also got the Sephora/Makeup Forever VIB Rouge birthday gift to really make this a true Sephora Haul. This little set comes with the MUFE Smokey Extravagant mascara, the MUFE Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N9, and the MUFE Aqua Eyes eyeliner for VIB Rouge only.
And finally, since I re-upped my VIB Rouge status, I got this Formula X – X❤Rouge nail polish. Pretty cool for a free gift.
I am super excited about everything I received! YAY SEPHORA!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
The top tier of Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is VIB Rouge. I recently became Rouge level with my haul from the VIB sale last month and have been excited for all the perks that come with Rouge status — invites to exclusive events, free shipping, free access to the beauty studio, and special surprise gifts.
I am very happy with the free shipping. I haven’t used the Beauty Studio at all (and don’t think I will) (have any of you used the Beauty Studio services?) but it’s nice that the option for a free makeover is available. I think it’d be fun to go to a VIB Rouge event, but I was really excited/curious about these “surprise gifts.”
I started researching online about what the gifts were & how frequently they were given, but no one seemed to have gotten anything. In fact, the VIB Rouge forum at sephora.com was full of girls who were upset about not yet receiving anything.
But I got an email today about getting $20 off your purchase of $50 or more that’s “exclusive” for VIB Rouge and VIB’s (thanks for the info sdbeautyjunkie and prettytrippy) whereas BI and VIB level will receive a $15 off $50 coupon. Check your email if you are a Beauty Insider — the coupon starts today and goes through December 16th.
I went to Sephora today and was pleasantly surprised to receive another special surprise gift!
Since I am VIB Rouge, they were giving out a cute mirrored compact and a holiday/thank you card. So cute!
The compact is black on the top with “SEPHORA VIB ROUGE” in red lettering. I opened the mirror and it had a cute note inside:
“DEAR VIB ROUGE, THANK YOU FOR BEING ONE OF OUR BEST CLIENTS. BEAUTY ADDICTION LOOKS GOOD ON YOU. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, SEPHORA BEAUTY INSIDER TEAM”
…and inside the card
You can get the compact online as well by using the code: ROUGELOVE.
What a cute little gift! I wasn’t expecting anything, so this was perfect. I actually really like the mirror and will carry it in my purse. It’s little things like this that make you feel extra special.
Have you gotten any VIB Rouge gifts? Let me know in the comments! 🙂
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Sephora’s 20% off sale for VIB’s just ended. Being only $34 away from VIB Rouge, I decided it would be a good time to get a couple things I had my eye on, and tip my VIB status over to the next level.
After a few recent hauls (HERE, HERE, and HERE), I was pretty set with everything I wanted. I did pick up a couple of items, got a free VIB tote and redeemed some of my Beauty Insider Points.
Clarisonic Brush Head Replacement – Sensitive
I use the “Normal” brush head now on my Clarisonic Mia, which is nice, but I wanted to try a softer brush.
Living Proof Restore Repairing & Damage Reversing Travel Kit
I’ve been looking for a new shampoo/conditioner since Garnier Fructis changed the formula on the Triple Nutrition line. :/ My hair isn’t damaged necessarily, but it will feel dry and frizzy, especially in the winter.
Urban Decay Essentials – 500 Point Perk
This perk seemed really nice. A deluxe sample shadow, eyeshadow primer and two mini facial prepping/setting sprays. I’ve never used the Urban Decay facial sprays, but they seem like a cool idea. And for free 500 points, it’s a nice way to try out a new product.
And *Drumroll*, the VIB Rouge Welcome Kit!
So exciting! It came with a mini lipstick designed by Bite exclusively for VIB Rouge members. I now get free shipping on all orders, free makeovers anytime, special surprise gifts, and invites to exclusive rouge events. Yay!
Check out my first VIB Rouge perk!!!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Another Sephora Haul! Yay! I actually purchased these items over the course of a few weeks. I had two other Sephora gift cards and a 20% friends and family coupon to use and I got some great things! I am so close to VIB Rouge!
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush – Dazzled
I already showed a picture of this on Instagram. 
(Follow me! ❤) I love this color — sort of like a mauve-y rose with slight gold shimmer. I had heard lots of good things about this blush, but I decided I really wanted it after reading Vanessa’s blog: Let’s Talk Makeup. 🙂 I’ve only used it once, but so far I really like it. Review to come!
GLAMGLOW – SUPERMUD: Gift Sexy
I’m super excited to try this out. I hear nothing but great things. Have any of you tried it? What did you think?
REVIEWS HERE!
Laura Mercier – Secret Brightening Powder
I tried this out as a setting powder for my under eye concealer — amazing! The powder is super light; finely milled. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or make your concealer look cake. I love this so far.
Josie Maran – Moroccan Miracle Hair Duo with Argon Oil
I saw this in the check out line and thought it would be nice to try this hair serum. It comes with a vile of the oil treatment which seems cool too.
Lancome – Hypnose Drama mascara
Definitely my favorite mascara. I like how it builds without getting clumpy. The waxes seem moisturizing to the lashes and removal is super easy with my Purity cleanser.
Viktor & Rolf FlowerBomb – 250 Point Perk
VIB Rouge Countdown: $34!!!
UPDATE: I unlocked VIB Rouge!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
My last Sephora Haul was back in August when they were having that promotion to earn 3x’s the points for VIB’s. This time, I had a 10% off coupon code from the “Beauty Fall” promotion and a gift card that my Prima gave me for my birthday. Thanks Prima 🙂
So, I bought a couple of things, redeemed some beauty insider points, and of course got some free samples! Yay!
BENEFIT COSMETICS – It’s A Love Fest
This set is Limited Edition and Exclusive to Sephora. All I really wanted was the POREfessional face primer (because I got a free sample in my last Haul and loved it), but for only $6 more dollars, I get a full sized POREfessional, a full sized They’re Real mascara, a mini SunBeam highlighter, and a mini Coralista lip gloss! Yay!
Such a great value. And it all comes in a cute “collector’s” tin which I can use to store things in. I’ve never used the SunBeam or Coralista so it’s nice to get to try out new products.
SEPHORA BY OPI – Gel French Manicure Kit
I selected this kit because it was a great value as well. Also Limited Edition, it comes with 2 gel polishes (White Hot and True Romantic), nail decals, and a applicator tool.
I prefer gel nail polish to regular polish because they’re easy to do and they last so much longer. (See application process HERE ). Plus, with this kit, I get everything for less than the two gel polishes would cost separately! (See what I used to create French Manicure gel nails HERE)
VIKTOR & ROLF – Flowerbomb
I redeemed 250 points to get this mini sample of my favorite fragrance. This is a great little travel size and it comes in the same signature bottle. Super cute!
Samples
I always like selecting the three free samples when ordering online. This time I got:
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Back in August, I told you about my Sephora haul where I picked up the MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation for my birthday. I’ve had a couple of months to use the product and I’m ready to give a review!
First off, there is NO SPF in this foundation and I am all about protecting my skin from the sun’s UV rays. I’ll use a sunscreen (usually Neutrogena’s dry touch SPF) as a moisturizer before applying the foundation.
Cost
$48 for 1oz. Kind of pricy, I think, for what you really are getting.
Packaging
The foundation comes in a sleek glass bottle with a shiny black cap that removes to reveal a pump dispenser. I always prefer a pump because it allows me to control the amount of foundation I use and it’s more hygienic than an open bottle or compact. The bottle is very substantial, and I’m sure that it’s part of that high price tag, but it’s heavy and kind of bulky if you were to travel with it.
Consistency
The formula really is different than other liquid foundations. The “gel” is almost smooth like a primer. It’s still runny like a liquid, but thicker and very light weight. The gel does make it nice to apply though and a little goes a long way. One pump can give me light coverage for my face and neck.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
This book is all about improving your life by being mindful of what is happening right now. I first read this book a couple of years ago and it’s great. How many times are you walking to class or your car or at the mall and you’re on your cell phone? Or how often are you thinking about the XYZ you have to do tomorrow or next week instead of paying attention to what you are doing right now? All we have is the present — this moment. Skillful Means is all about living in the moment you are in; being mindful about what is going on around you. No distractions — just really being self aware and clearing your mind. It’s a great book that will help you focus and appreciate what’s happening all around you.
From now until October 1, Starbucks is doing their Star Dash. Basically, it’s another incentive for you to go to Starbucks during certain times of the year in order to accumulate stars to earn a gift card. This “Star Dash” is different from the stars you earn with the Rewards Card, although, you do need a rewards card to participate. Separate from the regular stars you earn with the Rewards Card, these “Star Dash” stars will give you $5 or $10 gift cards depending on how many you get before the deadline. Each transaction will ear you one star. I’m on my way to earning the $10 gift card!
New favorite sandwich for sure. I was looking for some meatless options at different restaurants and a friend suggested I try this sandwich from Panera. It’s amazing — lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, red peppers, cilantro/jalepeño hummus, and feta swiss cheese (I prefer swiss) on tomato basil bread. I bought ingredients today to make my own version at home! YAY!
I love the clean look and feel of the iOS7 update. I have the iPhone 4S and my camera app is faster and I really like having the “live filters”. Command Center is great and I really like all the new ringtones/sounds. It’s neat to have the option to block contacts and to be able to multi-task between apps.
Clear is a simple task management/list application. It’s clean and easy to navigate with lots of color schemes to choose from.
iTunes radio is basically like Pandora. I prefer it because it’s already integrated into iTunes and it remembers the songs I’ve listened to and makes it easy for me to purchase them if I choose. You can create your own “stations” and mark that you like certain songs. There’s even a Top 100 iTunes radio and you can listen to a shuffle of all the Top 100 songs on iTunes. I think this is awesome for getting high quality audio for more than just a preview of a song you might be interested in buying.
It was actually through iTunes Radio that I first heard “Shot At The Night”. ^^^
The Killers songs are always a little vague, but this one seems to be about taking this once in a lifetime opportunity to get out of a situation that is stale and move on to a life that is exciting and full of happiness. I love this. Plus who doesn’t love a nice 80’s synth ballad! Yay for new music from The Killers! I’m excited for Direct Hits to come out in November.
This mirror is great for applying makeup or tweezing your brows. With 8xs magnification and 360 degree rotation, you’ll be sure to see exactly what you are doing!
I’m surprised this brush doesn’t have better reviews online. A lot of people are saying the brush sheds, but I’ve never experienced any shedding. I really like this brush. I use it to apply my Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation. The brush gives my skin an even, airbrushed yet natural look. The natural and synthetic fibers work together to give a streak-free application that looks great all day.
This dress is super cute. I bought it for a friend’s wedding next month but I can see myself getting a lot of use out of it. The lace design is really pretty, but durable — this isn’t some dainty-be-careful-or-it’ll-rip lace. The A-line makes it flattering for all body shapes and it’s very comfortable on.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Yay for my birthday month and 3x’s the points at Sephora!
I’m super excited because I picked up some awesome things at Sephora, I received a special VIB samples pouch with my purchase, and a great VIB birthday gift….AND i earned triple points!
First off, I tried out Sephora + Pantone Color IQ device to help me find the perfect foundation color for my skin tone.
The device takes pictures of your skin and tells you your Color IQ number. I’m 4Y06 — then you take your Color IQ number and plug it into your phone or their iPads they have at the makeover station and it’ll tell you what foundation colors will be the perfect match for you in each brand.
So, I picked up the new MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in shade 22 Bisque Light. (See my review HERE)
I also picked up the Korres Lip Butter in Mango (they didn’t have the pomegranate kind in stock).
And this awesome eyeliner from Sephora. The design is perfect for your finger to wear like a little claw. It gives you a lot of control and the felt tip gives you a precise line. Yay!
Then, as extras for being a VIB, I got a deluxe samples pouch and a free birthday gift! So Great!
I’m very happy with my purchases and my freebies! Happy Birthday to me!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Sephora’s Beauty Insider program just created a new level — VIB Rouge. This top tier level is yours when you spend $1000 in a calendar year (January – December).
The free shipping perk is cool and I’m curious about these “special surprise gifts”.
Has anyone reached that level yet?
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I’ve been a Beauty Insider at Sephora for years which has been cool because, for every dollar you spend, you accumulate one point and you can purchase “perks” with your points. There are perks for 100 points and 500 points and you’ll get a complimentary birthday gift.
Lately though, none of the perks have seemed that interesting to me and my points have been accumulating. On my last trip to Sephora, I was offered a 1,000-point perk — a 20% off coupon to use on my next purchase. It seemed cool at the time so I accepted.
But is 20% off really worth it? A one time use coupon — to reward me for spending over $1,000? I love Sephora and they have most of the brands that I’m looking for — more of a selection than say Ulta, who also has a similar loyalty program. The differnce between Sephora and Ulta’s loyalty programs though is all in the rewards. I get dollar-off discounts on my purchases at Ulta when redeeming my points and I regularly receive 20% off coupons in the mail that don’t cost me any points at all.
Plus, with all my spending at Sephora, I’m a VIB (I spent at least $350/year) , and as a welcome, I got a 10% off card. That’s awesome, but for spending over $1000, I’d like to see a little bit more than 20%.
What do you think? Is the 1000 point perk worth it?
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Mascara just seems to go on smoother and stay on longer with a good primer. On my latest trip to Sephora, I picked up my favorite combination — Smashbox’s Layer Lash Primer and Lancome’s Hypnose Drama Mascara.
Primer prevents your mascara from drying out your lashes. Not only will it keep your lashes hydrated, but it’ll help your mascara glide on without clumping.
I’ve tried primers my Dior and Lancome, but this Smashbox primer is my favorite. It protects and adds volume while lengthening your lashes.
On top of one coat of Smashbox primer, I apply Lancome’s Hypnose Drama mascara generously. Hands down, my favorite mascara ever. I’ve tried other high-end mascaras, but I keep coming back to this one.
With a slight curve in the brush, you’ll be able to coat those harder to reach lashes for a perfect fanned-out look.
Definitely pick up these items if you get the chance!