Sephora VIB Rouge Sale April 2019: Dates, Codes, Recommendations
It’s that time of the year — Sephora’s spring sale eventSephora’s spring sale event is where you can save 10%, 15%, or 20% off (depending on your Beauty Insider tier) nearly everything SephoraSephora 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 SephoraSephora!
Tom Ford Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad ($79.00 for 0.21 oz.) contains four shades of warm-leaning neutrals that go...
Tom Ford Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad ($79.00 for 0.21 oz.) contains four shades of warm-leaning neutrals that go...
Viseart Bridal Satin (03) Eyeshadow PaletteViseart Bridal Satin (03) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.84 oz.) contains twelve shimmery shades ranging from...
Viseart Bridal Satin (03) Eyeshadow PaletteViseart Bridal Satin (03) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.84 oz.) contains twelve shimmery shades ranging from...
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...
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...
Viseart Cashmere Theory PaletteViseart Cashmere Theory Palette ($45.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a subdued set of neutral tones with three matte and three...
Viseart Cashmere Theory PaletteViseart Cashmere Theory Palette ($45.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a subdued set of neutral tones with three matte and three...
Pat McGrath Eye Ecstasy Eyeshadow & Mascara KitPat McGrath Eye Ecstasy Eyeshadow & Mascara Kit ($48.00 for 0.41 oz.) is a new, limited edition set of...
Pat McGrath Eye Ecstasy Eyeshadow & Mascara KitPat McGrath Eye Ecstasy Eyeshadow & Mascara Kit ($48.00 for 0.41 oz.) is a new, limited edition set of...
Anastasia Sultry Eyeshadow PaletteAnastasia Sultry Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette for the holiday season...
Anastasia Sultry Eyeshadow PaletteAnastasia Sultry Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette for the holiday season...
Natasha Denona Nude Mini Eyeshadow PaletteNatasha Denona Nude Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features...
Natasha Denona Nude Mini Eyeshadow PaletteNatasha Denona Nude Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that features...
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 PaletteViseart Paris Nude (06) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.84 oz.) is a set of twelve shades, and if you've ever...
Viseart Paris Nude (06) Eyeshadow PaletteViseart Paris Nude (06) Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 for 0.84 oz.) is a set of twelve shades, and if you've ever...
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 PaletteNatasha Denona Biba 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.2 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that...
Natasha Denona Biba 15-Pan Eyeshadow PaletteNatasha Denona Biba 15-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($129.00 for 1.2 oz.) is a new, permanent palette that...
Urban Decay Born to Run 21-Pan Eyeshadow PaletteUrban Decay Born to Run 21-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a solid mix of neutrals and...
Urban Decay Born to Run 21-Pan Eyeshadow PaletteUrban Decay Born to Run 21-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a solid mix of neutrals and...
Anastasia Riviera Eyeshadow PaletteAnastasia Riviera Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that features several...
Anastasia Riviera Eyeshadow PaletteAnastasia Riviera Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette that features several...
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 PaletteAnastasia Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) includes 14 eyeshadows that come in...
Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow PaletteAnastasia Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) includes 14 eyeshadows that come in...
Anastasia Soft Glam Eyeshadow PaletteAnastasia Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, warm-toned neutral palette with mix of...
Anastasia Soft Glam Eyeshadow PaletteAnastasia Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a new, warm-toned neutral palette with mix of...
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 SephoraSephora! If you want to see how specific shades performed, select a shade in the drop-down menu as applicable below.
The consistency has more slip and a velvety-smooth feel that softly “clings” to the lips, so while the finish has a glossier look for the first...
The consistency has more slip and a velvety-smooth feel that softly “clings” to the lips, so while the finish has a glossier look for the first...
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, they...
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, they...
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 "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...
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.15 oz.) is supposed to have “bold, creamy color” with “extreme moisture, soft texture, and...
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.15 oz.) is supposed to have “bold, creamy color” with “extreme moisture, soft texture, and...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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 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 is supposed to have "multidimensional shine" with a "non-sticky texture" that "nourishes" with "exceptional adherence." The opacity ranges...
The formula is supposed to have "multidimensional shine" with a "non-sticky texture" that "nourishes" with "exceptional adherence." The opacity ranges...
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 SephoraSephora of top performing and bestselling formulas.
01. Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter Marc Jacobs Beauty
Marc Jacobs Beauty
PPermanent. $45.00/0.8 oz.
The formula is supposed to be a “gel-cream” that can be used on “the skin directly” or “added into” base products (like foundation or...
The formula is supposed to be a “gel-cream” that can be used on “the skin directly” or “added into” base products (like foundation or...
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,...
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...
The formula is supposed to add a "kiss of color" with a "soft focus beauty glow." I found the liquid highlighter easy to spread across my skin and...
The formula is supposed to add a "kiss of color" with a "soft focus beauty glow." I found the liquid highlighter easy to spread across my skin and...
Natasha Denona Darya Diamond & Blush PaletteNatasha Denona Darya Diamond & Blush Palette ($89.00 for 1.50 oz.) contains six shades--two cream...
Natasha Denona Darya Diamond & Blush PaletteNatasha Denona Darya Diamond & Blush Palette ($89.00 for 1.50 oz.) contains six shades--two cream...
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...
10. O!Mega Glaze All-Over Foil Luminizer Marc Jacobs Beauty
Marc Jacobs Beauty
-Unknown. $49.00/0.35 oz.
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...
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...
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...
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS' blushes, since they've...
From NARS’ website, their blush formula is described as “beautifully pigmented” and “soft [and] blendable.” NARS' blushes, since they've...
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!
Yay! That’s a good idea to wait until you’re through Amethyst!
Laura Mercier usually does a holiday set with a variety of caviar stick colors! I’ve gotten them in two separate years and it was a great way to try out a bunch of different shades (sometimes they include shimmer and matte).
If they have them this year, I will probably get them!
I’ve shopped a LOT at Sephora over the years: last year I was Rouge and through a deliberate decrease in purchasing I’m currently VIB. So it’s without judgement of people who are totally pumped for the sale that I say I think Sepora’s sales and rewards for their customers are ridiculous. Part of my opinion is influenced by what I now view as predatory practices toward picking up and then discontinuing indie companies (RIP OCC), but I’m also just really disappointed in the skimpy discounts they offer to great customers.
The 10% they offer regular Insiders is actually less than sales tax where I live, barely even a token discount.
As a VIB I’ve probably spent $200-300 so far this year and it’s still only April. That entitles me to 15% off, if the products I want don’t sell out during the Rouge tier only portion of the sale.
Then don’t even get me started on the relative “perks” of being Rouge to the amount of spending it entails. After I had spent the thousand dollars to get there last year, there really wasn’t much left I passionately wanted so there was little incentive to buy anything anymore, especially with such meh rewards and discounts.
I know Sephora is a business and doesn’t owe us freebies, but in the current market of coupon codes and flash sales, it seems like they don’t offer us incentive to shop with them. None of this would be a big deal, except this is supposed to be their big sale! TBH the only reason I see to shop their sale at all is if literally nobody else sells the product you want. You can get more money off from most other retailers when they aren’t advertising any particular sale. That’s actually what I did this year: I went to Briogeo’s site and saved more than I would have if I’d waited for the Sephora discount. The only thing I’m considering from them this year is the Fenty undereye concealer.
It’s always a good idea to sign-up for a brand’s specific ecomm emails/loyalty programs if you tend to shop that brand for staples (e.g. hair, skincare, etc.) as a lot of brands definitely offer slightly better discounts direct since they’ve cut out the retailer.
I’m in trouble on the 29th…I don’t believe that I can rein it in, either.
Doesn’t hurt to try!! 🙂
Mmmm…… PMG LuxeTrance lipsticks are my favorite. The MatteTrance are surprisingly (granted, I only have one) are surprisingly comfortable too.
I think I’ll be spending this sale on skin care. As I’ve only got one palette on my wishlist and will be saving that for the rouge giftcard reward. Though it’s always nice to pick up one of Sephora’s cream lip stains are they are hands-down the most comfortable liquid lips I’ve ever used.
The one thing I tend to prioritize during Sephora’s % off promos is brands exclusive to Sephora, like Sephora’s own brand, since you really can’t get them anywhere else for less!
LuxeTrance are my fave, too, and I’m always surprised that the MatteTrances are so much more popular 🙁
That’s definitely how I made my own personal wishlist, “What does Sephora exclusively carry?” followed by “Is it skincare? Cuz you really don’t need more cosmetics, get skin care.”
Soo….I’ve purchased skincare and one discount lip cream. I’d love to grab another PMG LuxeTrance, but I don’t know what other colors would be good on my skin (besides the ones I already own).
You are so, so lucky to have this kind of sale as it doesn’t happen at all here in Aus.
If you pick up any of the above eye palettes, blush palette or some lippies, products that you know you will use frequently, think of it as an investment.
If it were me, I would be picking up some lipsticks.
We just had a 20% off Sephora sale here in Aus! Sure we don’t have the same range of brands, but we certainly get the sale. Typically it happens a couple of weeks before the US, the Gold Sale here started the 3rd of April and Black was the 4th, and unlike the states all members get 20% off!
Thanks Carla, I didn’t know that Sephora Aus had a sale here…oh well, next time.
I am really trying to decide which Natasha Denona palette I want… I plan to purchase only one during the VIB sale along with some lippies. I have Lila and Tropic plus 4 of the smaller 5 pan palettes and use all regularly. I have been debating between Biba as a neutral to use with my other palettes (but it seems like such a boring palette to splurge on!), Gold (mainly because its stunning and I think it would pair well with Lila) or Safari (all matte appeals to me as well because I mainly use mattes with a pop of shimmer BUT I do own and regularly use ABH Subculture and it seems many shades are quite similar). Its such a tough call! I’d say Biba and Gold are nearly a tie and Safari is a close 2nd.. so now which one?!
I think if you enjoy Subculture, pass on Safari – it is a similar vibe – unless you are super into mattes or think you might finish Subculture. I enjoy both Biba and Gold, but sometimes I feel like Gold is a little redundant for something with only 15 shades, so you might look to see how many shades feel like they’re adding to your stash. Biba is definitely a workhorse type palette and complements her other palettes well.