Sephora VIB Rouge Sale April 2019: Dates, Codes, Recommendations
It’s that time of the year — Sephora’s spring sale event is where you can save 10%, 15%, or 20% off (depending on your Beauty Insider tier) nearly everything Sephora sells. VIB Rouges are first to shop the sale on April 26th, while VIBs and Beauty Insiders start shopping May 2nd.
Sale Start Dates & Sale Codes
Rouge members get early access to the sale on April 26th, while VIBs and Beauty Insiders can start shopping the sale on May 2nd. The sale typically starts midnight PST on the sale start date, and sometimes, there is a bit of a slow down during the first hour or so that the event goes live, so if you’re shopping when it starts, you might want to put everything in your cart in advance!
- Rouges: April 26th through May 6th with code HEYROUGE
- VIBs: May 2nd through May 6th with code HEYVIB
- Beauty Insiders: May 2nd through May 6th with code HEYBI
Shopping Resources
Whether you’re searching for makeup reviews or need to lookup makeup swatches on the fly, we have you covered. If you have a robust stash already, you can avoid dupes by checking The Dupe List.
Need help finding the perfect product for your coloring? Try browsing our makeup recommendations, which are submitted based on readers’ skin tones, undertones, and so on–find your “skin twin” and see what the top recs are!
BONUS! If you’ve created an account on Temptalia, you can keep track of products you own through your vanity, and then you’ll be able to limit your search results to dupes you own!
If you’re on the hunt for a particular type of product, we have some great guides that feature permanent formulas/product picks, which are listed below:
- Editor’s Choice Awards — the top picks for high-end/budget across dozens of categories (also see Readers’ Choice Awards!)
- Editor’s Recommended Products — you can refine by type, color, price, and more
- New Must-Have Beauty Products — products that became my personal must-haves that I discovered in 2018!
- Must-Haves that Stayed Favorites — products that couldn’t be replaced despite trying over 4,000 new products in 2018!
Here are a couple links to “best of” posts that can useful in narrowing down selections as well:
- Best Products of 2018 — a link roundup featuring the best products I reviewed through 2018, which feature a mix of permanent and limited edition products
- Best New Makeup Formulas — the best new makeup formulas that released in 2018
No-Buy & Low-Buy Support
If you’re on a no-buy or low-buy, here are some helpful posts to staying on track to meet your goals, how to get more out of what you already own, and so on! Never buy for the sake of buying; spending money is still spending money whether it’s 20% off or paying full price, so there’s no reason to shop the sale just to say you did!
- 5 Ways to Use Temptalia to Save Money
- Guide to Low- and No-Buys & How to Avoid Temptation
- How to Create New Shades with Makeup You Already Own
- How to Curate a Makeup Collection You Love
- How to Use Your Makeup Collection More Often
Best Eyeshadow Palettes at Sephora
Here is a list of some of the best eyeshadow palettes currently available at Sephora!
Tom Ford Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad ($79.00 for 0.21 oz.) contains four shades of warm-leaning neutrals that go from golden champagne to dark brown. If...
Tom Ford Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad ($79.00 for 0.21 oz.) contains four shades of warm-leaning neutrals that go from golden champagne to dark brown. If...
Viseart Bridal Satin (03) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.84 oz.) contains twelve shimmery shades ranging from buttery yellow to violet to satiny...
Viseart Bridal Satin (03) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.84 oz.) contains twelve shimmery shades ranging from buttery yellow to violet to satiny...
Pat McGrath Bronze Seduction Mothership Eyeshadow Palette ($125.00 for 0.47 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that contains an assortment of...
Pat McGrath Bronze Seduction Mothership Eyeshadow Palette ($125.00 for 0.47 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that contains an assortment of...
Viseart Cashmere Theory Palette ($45.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a subdued set of neutral tones with three matte and three metallic eyeshadows. The Theory...
Viseart Cashmere Theory Palette ($45.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a subdued set of neutral tones with three matte and three metallic eyeshadows. The Theory...
Natasha Denona Sunset (2018) 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.20 oz.) returned recently with some hullabaloo because the formula has been...
Natasha Denona Sunset (2018) 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.20 oz.) returned recently with some hullabaloo because the formula has been...
Pat McGrath Eye Ecstasy Eyeshadow & Mascara Kit ($48.00 for 0.41 oz.) is a new, limited edition set of products including a six-pan eyeshadow palette,...
Pat McGrath Eye Ecstasy Eyeshadow & Mascara Kit ($48.00 for 0.41 oz.) is a new, limited edition set of products including a six-pan eyeshadow palette,...
Anastasia Sultry Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette for the holiday season that contains 14 shades across matte...
Anastasia Sultry Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette for the holiday season that contains 14 shades across matte...
Natasha Denona Nude Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features five neutrals with three shimmers and two...
Natasha Denona Nude Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features five neutrals with three shimmers and two...
Natasha Denona Gold 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.20 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features an assortment of gold-inspired shades. ...
Natasha Denona Gold 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.20 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features an assortment of gold-inspired shades. ...
Viseart Paris Nude (06) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.84 oz.) is a set of twelve shades, and if you've ever longed for a palette of shimmery,...
Viseart Paris Nude (06) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.84 oz.) is a set of twelve shades, and if you've ever longed for a palette of shimmery,...
Natasha Denona Cranberry Eyeshadow Palette 5 ($48.00 for 0.40 oz.) is a new holiday palette that features three shimmery shades and two mattes. The...
Natasha Denona Cranberry Eyeshadow Palette 5 ($48.00 for 0.40 oz.) is a new holiday palette that features three shimmery shades and two mattes. The...
Natasha Denona Safari 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.20 oz.) is a new, limited edition all-matte eyeshadow palette with a mix of neutrals and...
Natasha Denona Safari 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.20 oz.) is a new, limited edition all-matte eyeshadow palette with a mix of neutrals and...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Steel(etto) Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.21 oz.) is a new, limited edition cooler-toned palette (!!) that...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Steel(etto) Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.21 oz.) is a new, limited edition cooler-toned palette (!!) that...
Natasha Denona Biba 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.2 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features three Metallic eyeshadows, four...
Natasha Denona Biba 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.2 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features three Metallic eyeshadows, four...
Urban Decay Born to Run 21-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a solid mix of neutrals and color with a deeper, more autumnal-vibe than...
Urban Decay Born to Run 21-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a solid mix of neutrals and color with a deeper, more autumnal-vibe than...
Anastasia Riviera Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that features several pops of colors with warmer-toned...
Anastasia Riviera Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that features several pops of colors with warmer-toned...
Natasha Denona Camel Eyeshadow Palette 5 ($48.00 for 0.40 oz.) is a new, neutral palette that features three matte finishes and two shimmery shades. ...
Natasha Denona Camel Eyeshadow Palette 5 ($48.00 for 0.40 oz.) is a new, neutral palette that features three matte finishes and two shimmery shades. ...
Tarte Tarteist PRO Remix PRO Palette ($53.00 for 0.70 oz.) is for those who love metallics--it's full of shimmer and color with three matte shades and...
Tarte Tarteist PRO Remix PRO Palette ($53.00 for 0.70 oz.) is for those who love metallics--it's full of shimmer and color with three matte shades and...
Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) includes 14 eyeshadows that come in a mix of warmer neutrals and pops of...
Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) includes 14 eyeshadows that come in a mix of warmer neutrals and pops of...
Anastasia Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, warm-toned neutral palette with mix of mattes and s himmers. There are several...
Anastasia Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, warm-toned neutral palette with mix of mattes and s himmers. There are several...
Natasha Denona Lila 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.20 oz.) is a new, permanent palette with 15 eyeshadows that span matte to metallic...
Natasha Denona Lila 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.20 oz.) is a new, permanent palette with 15 eyeshadows that span matte to metallic...
Best Lipsticks & Lipglosses at Sephora
This list features top performing, bestselling lipstick and lipgloss formulas at Sephora! If you want to see how specific shades performed, select a shade in the drop-down menu as applicable below.
The formula is supposed to have a "intense color payoff" with "comfort" and "rich hydration" that has a "satiny sheen." Of the shades I've tried,...
The formula is supposed to have a "intense color payoff" with "comfort" and "rich hydration" that has a "satiny sheen." Of the shades I've tried,...
The formula is supposed to have "intense color" with a "semimatte finish." Most shades are opaque with a few falling short of full coverage that...
The formula is supposed to have "intense color" with a "semimatte finish." Most shades are opaque with a few falling short of full coverage that...
The formula is supposed to be “richly pigmented” with “”supreme hydration” and “opulent matte opacity.” The consistency was smooth,...
The formula is supposed to be “richly pigmented” with “”supreme hydration” and “opulent matte opacity.” The consistency was smooth,...
The formula is supposed to have "one-stroke, full-coverage" pigmentation with a "soft matte finish" that is "long-lasting" and "hydrating." The...
The formula is supposed to have "one-stroke, full-coverage" pigmentation with a "soft matte finish" that is "long-lasting" and "hydrating." The...
The Lip Maestro Notorious formula is supposed to have a “luminous matte” finish with “8 hours of wear” and “high pigment.” The Notorious...
The Lip Maestro Notorious formula is supposed to have a “luminous matte” finish with “8 hours of wear” and “high pigment.” The Notorious...
The formula is supposed to be "deeply hydrating" and "melt" onto the lips with a "pop of color" and give long-term hydration. It is described as...
The formula is supposed to be "deeply hydrating" and "melt" onto the lips with a "pop of color" and give long-term hydration. It is described as...
The Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick is supposed to be "moisture-rich, high-pigment" in a "liquified" consistency that has a "creamy, comfortable...
The Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick is supposed to be "moisture-rich, high-pigment" in a "liquified" consistency that has a "creamy, comfortable...
Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon is supposed to be “long-wearing,” hydrating, and pigmented. It’s one of my favorite formulas for really...
Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon is supposed to be “long-wearing,” hydrating, and pigmented. It’s one of my favorite formulas for really...
The formula is supposed to have "creamy, saturated, longwearing color with a satin finish." It's a light-medium thick formula that was typically...
The formula is supposed to have "creamy, saturated, longwearing color with a satin finish." It's a light-medium thick formula that was typically...
The formula is supposed to have "intense colour" with a hydrating base that includes things like jojoba and mango butter as well as hyaluronic acid...
The formula is supposed to have "intense colour" with a hydrating base that includes things like jojoba and mango butter as well as hyaluronic acid...
It's supposed to have a "petal-soft matte finish" with "mega rich color" that is long-wearing and will not bleed or feather. They are creamy, smooth,...
It's supposed to have a "petal-soft matte finish" with "mega rich color" that is long-wearing and will not bleed or feather. They are creamy, smooth,...
The new formula is described as “liquefied pigments with infinite matte color saturation for lasting, weightless wear.” It’s supposed to have...
The new formula is described as “liquefied pigments with infinite matte color saturation for lasting, weightless wear.” It’s supposed to have...
The formula is supposed to have "high-coverage" that goes on "smooth" and yields a "silky, lightweight stain" that is "long-lasting" and "never...
The formula is supposed to have "high-coverage" that goes on "smooth" and yields a "silky, lightweight stain" that is "long-lasting" and "never...
The formula is supposed have an "ultra-creamy texture" with "smooth application" that will deliver "pure color." The lipstick tends to have...
The formula is supposed have an "ultra-creamy texture" with "smooth application" that will deliver "pure color." The lipstick tends to have...
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is available in six finishes, which are primarily distinguished by level of sheen, shimmer content,...
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is available in six finishes, which are primarily distinguished by level of sheen, shimmer content,...
The formula is supposed to have "multidimensional shine" with a "non-sticky texture" that "nourishes" with "exceptional adherence." The opacity...
The formula is supposed to have "multidimensional shine" with a "non-sticky texture" that "nourishes" with "exceptional adherence." The opacity...
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but...
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but...
The formula claims to have "10-hour" wear with “vivid pigment” and a “rich, velvety” texture that is “ultra-hydrating.” As you might...
The formula claims to have "10-hour" wear with “vivid pigment” and a “rich, velvety” texture that is “ultra-hydrating.” As you might...
Best Blushes, Bronzers & Highlighters at Sephora
Here are the best blushes, bronzers, and highlighter formulas currently available at Sephora of top performing and bestselling formulas.
01. Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter Marc Jacobs Beauty
Marc Jacobs Beauty
PPermanent. $44.00/0.8 oz.
The formula is supposed to be a "customizable complexion booster" that can be used as a primer, highlighter, or mixed with base products. The line...
The formula is supposed to be a "customizable complexion booster" that can be used as a primer, highlighter, or mixed with base products. The line...
The formula is described as “vibrant yet natural-looking cheek colour that looks virtually powderless.” The texture was smooth, soft, and dense,...
The formula is described as “vibrant yet natural-looking cheek colour that looks virtually powderless.” The texture was smooth, soft, and dense,...
04. O!Mega Glaze All-Over Foil Luminizer Marc Jacobs Beauty
Marc Jacobs Beauty
-Unknown. $49.00/0.35 oz.
Natasha Denona Bloom Blush & Glow Palette ($55.00 for 0.48 oz.) is a new cheek palette that includes a cream highlighter, cream blush, powder...
Natasha Denona Bloom Blush & Glow Palette ($55.00 for 0.48 oz.) is a new cheek palette that includes a cream highlighter, cream blush, powder...
The powder blush is supposed to have "12-hour wear" thanks to the "primer-infused" formulation that is supposed to "seamlessly blend" with a "luminous...
The powder blush is supposed to have "12-hour wear" thanks to the "primer-infused" formulation that is supposed to "seamlessly blend" with a "luminous...
According to the brand, Air Blush is supposed to offer buildable coverage with a “luminous finish” that wears for “24-hours.” Each shade...
According to the brand, Air Blush is supposed to offer buildable coverage with a “luminous finish” that wears for “24-hours.” Each shade...
Natasha Denona Darya Diamond & Blush Palette ($89.00 for 1.50 oz.) contains six shades--two cream formulas, four powder formulas--in an assortment of...
Natasha Denona Darya Diamond & Blush Palette ($89.00 for 1.50 oz.) contains six shades--two cream formulas, four powder formulas--in an assortment of...
The new powder highlighter formula is supposed to "melt seamlessly into skin to enhance your natural glow" with "buildable radiance." The texture had...
The new powder highlighter formula is supposed to "melt seamlessly into skin to enhance your natural glow" with "buildable radiance." The texture had...
The formula is supposed to have "intense color payoff" with a "long-lasting finish." The range is split into three types--Highlighters, Sculpting...
The formula is supposed to have "intense color payoff" with a "long-lasting finish." The range is split into three types--Highlighters, Sculpting...
It's a new line of powder highlighters that are supposed to give the "face a multidimensional glow" with a "high concentration of shimmering...
It's a new line of powder highlighters that are supposed to give the "face a multidimensional glow" with a "high concentration of shimmering...
Natasha Denona Icy Nude/Pink-Champagne Mini Diamond & Glow ($19.00 for 0.141 oz.) includes a highlighter and blush, both of which originally appeared...
Natasha Denona Icy Nude/Pink-Champagne Mini Diamond & Glow ($19.00 for 0.141 oz.) includes a highlighter and blush, both of which originally appeared...
The formula is supposed to have “depth and dimension” unlike traditional blush, be “lightweight and airy,” and have the “perfect balance of...
The formula is supposed to have “depth and dimension” unlike traditional blush, be “lightweight and airy,” and have the “perfect balance of...
The formula is designed to give “high-impact, buildable radiance.” Most shades had medium or more intense pigmentation with moderate to intense...
The formula is designed to give “high-impact, buildable radiance.” Most shades had medium or more intense pigmentation with moderate to intense...
The Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed formula is described as having an "ultra-reflective shine" with a "creamy" texture that "applies seamlessly." ...
The Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed formula is described as having an "ultra-reflective shine" with a "creamy" texture that "applies seamlessly." ...
The Ambient Lighting Bronzer formula is supposed have a “sheer, airy” feel (sheer as in texture) that give a “natural, sun-kissed glow” with...
The Ambient Lighting Bronzer formula is supposed have a “sheer, airy” feel (sheer as in texture) that give a “natural, sun-kissed glow” with...
Natasha Denona Citrus Diamond & Blush Palette ($89.00 for 1.50 oz.) contains six shades--two cream formulas, four powder formulas--in an assortment of...
Natasha Denona Citrus Diamond & Blush Palette ($89.00 for 1.50 oz.) contains six shades--two cream formulas, four powder formulas--in an assortment of...
The formula is supposed to have "long-wear" that is "transfer-resistant," "easy to blend, and "light-as-air" with buildable coverage that "is hard to...
The formula is supposed to have "long-wear" that is "transfer-resistant," "easy to blend, and "light-as-air" with buildable coverage that "is hard to...
The formula is described ranging from “subtle dayglow to insanely supercharged” with a “cream-powder hybrid” formula that feels...
The formula is described ranging from “subtle dayglow to insanely supercharged” with a “cream-powder hybrid” formula that feels...
Very helpful. This is an amazing sale when you look at the crazy range of products at Sephora, especially high end. No place else comes close. But there are always folks still complaining, lolz. I hope Natasha Denona and P McGrath continue making some of the smaller, spin off palettes that are less spendy, like Denona with the mini-Sunset. Their shadows are both amazing, but I still think Anastasia shadows and lip glosses are the best bang for the buck in a more budget friendly range. The Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter is really beautiful. A great product.
It definitely depends on the brands you shop for! Neiman Marcus/Saks can get closer to 25% off/back (depending on how often you are spending money on beauty), and then Ulta gets to be totally ridiculous on % off/% returned as cash (some orders end up with the equivalent of 35-40% cash back from point multipliers). For BIs/VIBs, 10-15% is usually lower than a lot of brand-specific sales, and for skin care, places like b-glowing and Dermstore routinely offer 20% off promos.
Whoa, I did not realize the contrast could be so sharp with Ulta rewards! Very helpful info in planning for this sale.
Ulta rewards can be quite lucrative! Even for those who don’t spend much, the points’ events they run are frequent and useful enough that it’s hard not to earn more than the base level. For bigger spenders (like me), Ulta rewards are insanely good – they had a 20% off coupon (including prestige) running last week, and now they’re doing 4X points on all purchases for Diamond members. As a credit card holder (I pay off the balance every month), I get an extra point for every dollar spent, so when I spend $400, I earn 2,000 points, which converts to $125 off an order – 31% “cash back” (limited to spending at Ulta). In general, when retailers give $ back to spend at their store, it works if you are a regular shopper, but if you shop once or twice a year, then a % discount is usually better.
But here’s a crazy order — they had 10X points on Lancome, and on a $400 order, that earned 4,000 points (not even including credit card bonus), which is the equivalent of two $125 rewards (that’s the most efficient redemption level) — that’s a 62.5% back!
Ulta runs a lot of promos, too, throughout the year where they have meaningful 2x/3x/4x/5x/10x point events (often on specific brands or types of products but often on everything) – Sephora has one for fragrance and skincare (if I remember correctly), but Sephora points are often 1 point = $1 spent. You get a $100 Rouge Reward for 2,500 points – 4% back at a 1:1 point earning ratio. I think they highest they’ve had is 4X points on fragrance, so that’s probably going to be the “best” return scenario.
I loathe Ulta’s packing for online orders, I loathe that they charge $9.95 for 2-day shipping (minimizes damage to powder products in transit vs. their free shipping), and their website could use an update but rewards program? So good, and I definitely feel like they reward/work to EARN my repeated business as a higher spender. (They have also upped their customer service in the last few years re: broken products.)
Wow!! This breakdown is so helpful. This sale I’ll just get Sephora eye pencils, ILIA mascara, and a brush set I’ve been eyeing. Added Stila, DHC, and MAC items to my Ulta list.
This information certainly highlights the profit margin on cosmetics — anywhere!!!!!
Yes! You’re right. If your brand you want is at Ulta, the price can be great. But yiu can only use the discount code once and their range of brands isn’t even close to Sephora. Even at NM or Saks. And often specific sites don’t have free shipping so your savings is gone. I’ll get a notice of discount, and then the cost of shipping takes away most of the discount. IMO. In any case, I’m excited for this sale!
The only things I am planning to buy this sale is 1 drunk elephant product and 2 hourglass products. (Firstly because I don’t truly need anything else, secondly because those two brands aren’t widely available so the Sephora discount actually makes a difference.).
Such a great tip! I don’t know why I don’t shop at Ulta more often but this is a great reminder to always check multiple sites when shopping for a particular brand!
Thank you so much for the No-Buy & Low-Buy Support section! This is the first (and likely last) year I’ve been Rouge, and I’m torn between taking advantage of this status and sticking to my no-buy.
(On the other hand, I really want a neutral matte shade of Laura Mercier Caviar Stick. I don’t own anything that can dupe it, and it would be something I would definitely use several days a week. What to do, what to do…)
Really consider why you’re on a no-buy and what it would mean to break your no-buy and maybe why didn’t you already have a neutral matte shade in a cream/pencil form already – like if it’s something you feel you’d use several days a week, why don’t you already have it? (I don’t mean in that, “so go out and buy,” but in a “what stopped you before?” way.)
Here’s the story: I bought the Amethyst Caviar Stick last year and only used it once…didn’t really give it a fair chance because I was so used to powder shadows. About a month ago, I decided to try it again, and totally fell in love with it. Since then, I’ve been using it almost every day for my daytime office look. I own a LOT of powder eyeshadow palettes, but I’ve been spoiled by the ability to do a 5-minute eye look with the Caviar Stick. But I’ll stick to the no-buy, and not think about getting a new Caviar Stick until I get close to using up the one I have.
Thanks for helping me think this through!