Although never a true make-up "junkie", I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Sephora....
It's mainly for days like these.....days that remind me why I only buy my makeup and skin care from Sephora. Especially since their rewards program is like AH-MAZ-ING. I ended up getting 9 free samples for my purchase of two travel size products.
I typically try to pick out hair and skin products for my free samples. After having too many over-priced bottles of skin care product break in route or on vacation, I stock up on the hair and skin samples so I can throw them in my gym bag or suitcase for my trip. Now I never have messes in my bag. I don't have to worry about spilling my favorite product, and sometimes I end up trying a NEW favorite while I'm away. The fragrance and makeup samples are usually just ok. The makeup may not be in the right shade or its on a crappy card. The fragrance usually comes in broken or dried up. I've never went wrong choosing hair and skin.
I have to admit.....I am a little bit of a sample whore. ESPECIALLY when it comes to the deluxe samples. Some of my favorite make up and skin care products I can't live without were discovered through free samples. It works out well because I don't have any high expectations of the product since it was free....and if I really like it, I will end up buying it when my sample runs out.
I had some leftover accumulated points from the "Beauty Insider" program. If you sign up for the free program, you get a point per dollar you spend. 100 points can buy a deluxe sample and 500 points can buy a deluxe sample kit. I'm not a super huge makeup/skin junkie, so I've never had my points accumulate up to 500 points.
I ended up getting Laura Merceir 'Radiance Bronze' foundation primer, Dr. Brandt 'Microdermabrasion' skin exfoliate, and Benefit 'Eyes - It's Potent!' eye cream. I don't mind getting make up samples in the deluxe sizes since they are packaged and are usually large enough to actually test.
Sephora also had a promotion for VIB members....we are kinda like the chums in the middle. We buy a little more than barely anything, but not to the level of make-up artist and beauty junkies. With a coupon code, I got three more deluxe samples for free: Givenchy 'La Rouge' lipstick, Marc Jacobs mascara, and Hourglass 'Veil' mineral primer.
The Givenchy packaging was really pretty. The lipstick came in a velvet box....At first, I thought they ran out of the lipstick and gave me perfume! It ended up being a pretty rose-colored lipstick, '202 Rose Dressing'. I'm usually a lipgloss/chapstick girl, so I was really surprised to love this color on me. It was a pretty summer pink without being too bright. (See....this is why I love free stuff).
Now for the two things I actually bought. I got travel size versions of Dr. Jart Creamidin Liquid and Cream in a box set, and I also got two Ole Henriksen 'Power Peel' towelettes. I seriously love the peel set. It smells great and my skin feels like I got a facial. Seriously a money saver.....they seem expensive at $15 for two sets, but I can skip a spa facial with these and a steamed rag to my face.
I was also wanting to try the Dr. Jart Creamidin products. Its a cream and liquid "skin saver" that "plumps and seals dull + dry skin". I was debating the $87 plunge for the full sizes, but I didn't want to worry about not liking it as much or not use it regularly as I intended. Sephora has a really good 60 day full return if you are not completely happy with the product. I'm not always good with receipts, so after a few times of losing them I just stick with the travel sizes for my first time purchases.
I actually buy some of my "regular" products in travel size only. I really love Kate Sommerville's ExfoliKate, but it gives me a headache just thinking about dropping $85 on 2 oz of face scrub. Instead I buy the .05 oz travel version for $22. I would only save $3 for buying the larger bottom. When I get the tiny tubes, I don't squeeze a big glop out on my hand. It's odd how the psychology plays into that. I'm much more likely to conserve if I'm using a smaller bottle than a larger one....so it really does save me money in the long run. Plus I don't have to worry about the product drying up or getting bacteria in it. Less worries, less money, and its travel friendly! :)
So here is my loot. I feel like I made out like a bandit with all the freebies! They definitely have some great promotions throughout the year. I've gotten some free full size products in the past too like a full size Make Up Forever eyeliner.
Anyone else love Sephora?
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