I tagged along with one of my friends who’s VIB Rouge on the first day of the Sephora sale so I could see a few things in person that I was considering. Sephora used to let you shop if you went along with a friend at a higher level than you but no more. But it was OK. I wasn’t in a rush. I enjoyed the time poking around, trying various things out, and seeing what my friend bought.
I split my order this time. Because one of the items I needed wasn’t sold in the store, I had to order online so I added in a couple of items to get the free shipping. Then in order to get the free tote bag, I purchased a couple of other items at the store. I was $76 short of renewing my VIB status for next year, so I “had to” shop.
My haul was a mix of practical and splurge.
Practical Purchases
On the practical side, I bought a new Shiseido Lash Curler. I love this wide lash curler that is easy to use. My lashes never get caught in it or get creased, my eyelids never get pinched, and I never lose any lashes. Plus the curl stays in. I had been considering buying some replacement pads, but since my curler was well over a year old, I decided getting a new one was justified. Plus Sephora no longer sells replacement pads, boo.
My next practical purchase was a full size Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser. I got to try the deluxe sample/travel size Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser (reviewed here) about a month ago when I bought a new Beauty Blender (below). And I was convinced: it really works! The full size is at least twice the size of the smaller one so it should last me a while.
Last, I am more than three-quarters finished with my current bottle of Briogeo Be Gentle. Be Kind. Green Tea Shampoo.
I really like this shampoo because it’s color-safe, it lathers well, and makes my hair feel really clean. I reviewed Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Shampoo a while ago. This was the item that Sephora doesn’t carry in-store. When my package arrived yesterday, I wondered what the sticky wetness was all over the 3 product samples I chose? It was the shampoo that spilled. Even though it was in a plastic bag, the bag wasn’t sealed and it’s messy. I called Sephora this morning, and they are making good by sending me another bottle. Thank you for that. Briogeo, if you’re listening, you need to seal the bottle especially since it’s tough to find Briogeo in retail stores.
Splurges
Every VIB haul has to have at least one splurge, right? Mine was an Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick. After I got to try two lipsticks, Rose Stiletto and Fuchsia, via Influenster (reviewed here) from the Rouge Pur Couture line, I had to have one of the lipsticks from the gorgeous round tube line with the YSL logo and shade color around the middle.
To me, this lipstick says luxury. And at $36 a pop, I hadn’t taken the plunge. With the 20% VIB discount, it seemed more do-able. Of course, I got a red shade.
This is a browned red, so it’s less va-va-va-voom and more wearable during the day as well as at night. Shade 21.
The second splurge was a new foundation. I’ve been having a hard time finding the right foundation shade because my skin tone changes rather dramatically from season to season in spite of the fact that I always wear sunscreen and wear a hat at the beach. What shade I am depends on what month it is. Ugh. Anyway, I had been wanting to try a new foundation and I had planned to buy Too Faced Born This Way. But I have been unsuccessful at finding a good match in spite of the fact that they introduced additional shades. One of the makeup artists said she thought the TF BTW was not the right choice for me, and since I’ve tried 3 times with BTW, I decided she was right. She recommended Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15. The shade “Sand” is a perfect match for my skin now. (I hope it still will be in two months, lol.) The foundation is very lightweight, can be applied with my fingers if I’m in a rush, doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles, and is long lasting. I think it’s a great choice for my dry, mature skin.
So that’s it for me! I didn’t buy any more eye shadow palettes because I still have 4 palettes I haven’t reviewed yet!
What about you? Did you buy anything during the Sephora VIB event? Do tell.
Because I’m absolutely obsessed with Too Faced, I got the Chocolate Bar pallette, Melted Lipstick in Fig, Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow ( unfortunately, this is so very shimmery I might end up returning it ), and Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer. I’ve never worn bronzer before, and I love it!
Wow, what a fabulous Too Faced haul! I still haven’t gotten the Chocolate Bar palette but I’ve heard from so many women that it’s the palette they use most often. Melted Fig is a gorgeous shade. Candy Glow looks gorgeous in the pan so I can understand why you went for it. Perhaps you should swap it for Peach Beach, or for one of the Love Flush blushes? And I’m glad to hear the bronzer worked out – I haven’t cracked the code on bronzer for me yet! My haul was so boring compared to yours because I needed staples. My YSL lipstick was the “real” splurge for me. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your purchases! Enjoy ’em
Good stuff! I adore the YSL packaging and actually wish they had more shades in the range instead of the Rouge Pur Couture line. I haven’t actually tried any Bobbi Brown foundations (just her lippies actually). Kudos to you for resisting palettes!
Renu recently posted…Tarte Stroke of Midnight Brush Set for Holiday 2015 Review
I agree, Renu, the Rouge Volupte Shine range needs more shades. But I’m wearing my new one right now, and it’s the perfect everyday red for me: somewhat sheer so it’s not too much! The foundation is fabulous
I picked up the Sephora Perfect 10 set from JCPenney such a great deal. Looks like you got a lot of goodies too! I love that YSL lippie it looks gorgeous!
Leigh recently posted…Inside my November 2015 IPSY Bag
I saw something about the Perfect 10 set. I’ll check your blog for the review! I’m wearing the YSL lippie right now and it’s a great every day shade which is what I wanted!
I’m going to Sephora next month in Poland so I’m going to try to pick up a beauty blender while I’m there! xxx
whatlauraloves recently posted…Empties #32 | Products I’ve Used Up
Is Sephora not in the UK? I’m shocked by that! I wonder why. Well you definitely need a Beauty Blender and the solid cleanser is definitely worth getting to keep it clean. Works so much better than baby shampoo, soap etc.
What a wonderful VIB Haul! I like every single one of your choices, and can’t wait to see that YSL lippie on you!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Helen from Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog Interview Exclusive on The Beauty of Life Blog
I’m wearing it now, Helen, and it is much less opaque than I thought it would be when I tried a swatch on my hand! But that makes it a more appropriate “everyday” lipstick so I’ll wear it more often. Plus it is so hydrating, it will be a great winter lipstick.
That brick red YSL lipstick looks divine. I actually didn’t buy much from the Sephora sale this year. I got the Tarte Bling It On blush palette and Sephora brand Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer in Bavarian Cream (I like it; the color matches my skin, it has great coverage, and stand up to my oily face). I received UD Spectrum and Vice 4 for my birthday last month, and I bought the MUFE 15 artist palette when it came out, as I was afraid it might sell out. So I didn’t really have anything I badly wanted on the Sephora sale. I’m also saving because I want the UD Gwen Stefani palette.
Sounds like you did quite well, Rachel. That Tarte blush palette is beautiful, almost too pretty to use! And it sounds like palette-wise you are definitely set till you pick up the Gwen Stefani palette — it looks like a beautiful neutral palette with a couple of variations. I love the look of the palette itself! Glad you got a concealer that you like – now that’s a victory!
The Tarte palette is beautiful, and the glitter doesn’t shed. The shades aren’t as diverse as last year’s Pin-Up Girl, but I wear corally/peachy blushes the most, so it suits me perfectly.
Definitely a victory to find ultra fair concealer, much less one that sticks to my skin! I was waiting for the sale to buy it, just in case it was a dud. I’m really impressed with it, though.
I usually don’t get super-excited with neutral palettes, but sometimes a great one comes along. The Gwen Stefani palette looks so perfect for my coloring. The packaging is beautiful, I agree.
I remember you telling me how hard it is to find a concealer match for your super fair skin. Yay that a really good one came out! It can be very hard to find a good concealer that matches. And I agree – I think that the Gwen Stefani palette will be great for you! Exciting to see all these new palettes!
Love the YSL shade….their lipsticks look so pretty, I need to try one soon!
Tess Galen recently posted…The Sunday Routine
I’ve been wanting a round tube YSL lipstick for a couple of years, and I know it’s not getting any less expensive than the 20% off so I had to do it. I’m wearing it now, and it’s so hydrating that it’s a great cold weather lipstick!
I had to do 2 orders too since some things I wanted were only available online. You got some nice things. That YSL lipstick is the bomb!! Enjoy your haulage!
Stacie recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide
Thanks, Stacie! I’m wearing the YSL lippie right now – so hydrating!
Yes, as I mentioned to you on Instagram .. still waiting for my package.
I love the YSL lipstick .. such a beautiful color and the packaging is always stunning.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Stitch Fix No 7
Eager to see what you got! The YSL lipstick is great but it turned out to be a little sheerer than I expected and much more hydrating. It’ll be a good everyday winter lipstick for me.
This is a great haul!
Jamie recently posted…First Look Fridays Interview Series: Beauty Bloggers Marcia and Lisa of Beauty Info Zone
Thanks! What I needed: staples and a couple of splurges 🙂
I love YSL lipstick. It is one of my absolute fav formulas
Carleen recently posted…Winter Beauty Essentials – Part 2
I was surprised by the YSL Rouge Volupte formula when I wore it today. It’s much more hydrating than I ever imagined and the color seems a bit sheer-er than I expected. But it will be a terrific everyday winter lipstick. And I adore the packaging!
I really wish I’d got a YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick, they’re so gorgeous. There are a few things that I didn’t even think about getting while I was actually in store (Koh Gen Do foundation…. kicking myself for not getting that) but wanted to get. Darn it!
Chelsea recently posted…Sephora Collection Stocking Stuffers
My local Sephora is small, nothing too exotic in stock in the store like Koh Gen Do Foundation. I too thought of other things after the sale ended. I wanted to try the Lancome eyeliner pencils among other things. Oh well, another time.
Excellent haul! Love the YSL lipstick color you chose! <3
Shipra recently posted…Watch #TVEverywhere with NBC Entertainment
It’s a great super-hydrating everyday brick red. Good choice for me for winter
I bought Living Proof haircare which was more money than I wanted to spend but I really like it and it was a great time to finally buy it. I also bought the TF foundation and two gifts. I planned to buy more during VIB but this year they wouldn’t let you do both Rouge and VIB so I have things I still want.
I’m wearing a Bobbi Brown Serum foundation now and really liking it.
Your haul is excellent and I know the lipstick looks great on you.
MarciaF recently posted…Being the best you can be with Nude Skincare ProGenius Oil
Marcia, I almost got the sample sizes of the Living Proof shampoo and conditioner, but then I got confused and thought maybe I should get the ones for damaged hair so I ended up getting neither. I’ll be interested in what you have to say about it. Yes, this year they seemed to tighten the rules. Not sure why. I would have thought extending the shopping opportunities would work to their advantage. I’ll have to look at the Bobbi Brown Serum Foundation next time I’m at the store. The Skin Foundation works very well on me. It feels weightless but provides good coverage. I’ll review it at some point. And the lipstick is so hydrating – I had no idea how great for winter this formula will be for my dry lips! Glad to hear you got at least several things you wanted. Plus gifts for others. This year, I just wasn’t sure about what to get for Jeff’s younger daughter. I may go to Macy’s to get that cute Clinique lipstick set for her.
I am a big fan of Bobbi Brown foundation! I own several of them and each works out great! I LOVE your splurge YSL lipstick. The packaging is gorgeous and the color is beautiful as well! Great buy!! PS I’ve never heard of that shampoo, but I’m going to look into it!
Christine recently posted…Friday Favorite: First Aid Beauty Holiday 2015
Thank you, Christine! I know you are a foundation expert so I’m glad you like the Bobbi Brown too. I love the Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Green Tea shampoo. It’s color-safe but it makes my hair feel really clean.
I bought a few different things – KVD’s primer (which I’m returning), KVD Doce eyeshadow, a Ciate Gel light set for nails.
Phyrra recently posted…Silk Naturals Holiday Collection
Even tho’ the primer didn’t work out, glad the rest of your purchases were a success 🙂
Fabulous haul! I picked up a beautyblender kit as well 🙂
Love this Blender Cleanser!
I practiced restraint and only bought a Kat Von D palette–review coming soon!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Tommy Bahama St. Kitts Perfume Is a Vacation in a Bottle!
I love the Kat von D palettes. Eager to read it!
You know how to pull me into a post. Just use the word SEPHORA!!! The YSL looks so elegant!!! I am planing a Sephora Haul for Black Friday, I am still trying to work out what my splurge item be. I am afraid it might be more than one. I need a chaperon!!!! Great picks!!!!
Tee recently posted…Sugar Pop
Thanks for mentioning Sephora’s Black Friday items, Tee. I may try to pick up a few of the $10 items. I forgot all about it!
So many fun products! I’m glad you decided to treat yourself with this beautiful lipstick. I just saw the beauty blender and sample cleanser on Sephora today for $25. Great price so I added it to my “Loves”. 🙂
I got that Beauty Blender/Cleanser duo from Dermstore a couple of months ago during a sale/free delivery thing, and I have not regretted it. I really love the solid cleanser and I needed a new BB. I hadn’t tried a YSL lipstick from this line. It’s totally different from the Rouge Pur Couture. Maybe I’ll do a comparison post!
What a great haul! LOVE the YSL lippie!
Lisa Heath recently posted…Glam Polish Limited Edition Black Friday Duo Swatches & Review
Me too, Lisa, but the YSL Rouge Volupte was different from what I expected swatching it in the store. Still, love it!
YSL lippies have some of my *fave* packaging. They are so luxe. Looks like a great haul! I bought some stuff in store, and they didn’t give me my tote bag. Harumph.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Scrub-a-dub-dub For My Makeup Brush! #ScrabShell #ScrubShell
I’m not sure if I had to ask for the tote bag or not. Sephora isn’t great at planning. I’m sorry they cheated you out of it 🙁
Ooh, great haul! I love that lipstick shade.
Bailey recently posted…Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup Vol. 63
The YSL lippie has turned out to be a great everyday shade even though it’s red
That YSL lipstick looks SOO luxurious — I bet it feels amazing on the lips 🙂
Katie Garvin recently posted…Weekly Beauty Blog Coalition Roundup (11/21)
The YSL Rouge Volupte Shine was so surprisingly hydrating! I didn’t expect it. A completely different formula from Rouge Pur Couture
I love the solid beauty blender cleanser it’s just SO expensive! You know what I’ve been using for the past year or so? A dove soap bar! The white one though, and I actually keep it in the bottom half of my old beauty blender cleanser tray 😛 Seems to work for me!!!
Elaine recently posted…DIY: Runway Makeup Trends for Fall 2015
That’s great, Elaine! So much less expensive. I tried a number of bar soaps, and I don’t remember if Dove was among them, but this is so much faster it’s worth it to me.
I enjoyed reading about your Sephora adventures during this event but I hope that by next yr I can attend this event! 🙂
Ursula
Honestly, Ursula, I can’t believe I spent that much money at Sephora. Although it’s great to get the discount, I wonder if it’s worth it, lol.
I went to different Sephoras and they were so crowded that I left after a few minutes. Wish I got that Beauty Blender cleaner though. Great haul.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Winter 2015 Beauty Trends
I live in the ‘burbs, and my Sephora wasn’t particularly crowded either for the VIB Rouge first day or during a Sunday for VIBs. In fact, I was surprised. I originally got the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser on Dermastore.com during their 20% off + free shipping event in the fall. I’m sure you’ll find it at a deal too.
Love what you ended up with!
Thanks!