Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Spring 2017 Sephora VIB Sale Shopping Guide


Spring is here, and you know what that means. Flowers? Sunshine? Easter candy?...well, yes. All of those things. But ALSO the annual Sephora VIB sale! For those of you who are slightly less addicted to beauty and/or not a frequenter of Sephora, they've got a pretty sweet rewards program. Anyone can join for free and become a "Beauty Insider", which allows you to cash in on perks like a free birthday gift. But once you've spent $350 in store or online within a calendar year, you get upgraded to VIB status. VIBs get access to additional benefits, like special gift with purchase options, early access to product launches, and special discounts like this one! If you're all the way obsessed with beauty and spend $1000 at Sephora in a year you get upgraded again to VIB Rouge, which will score you free Flash shipping among other things (potentially including a small amount of shock and/or shame over how much money you spent on beauty products).

The other thing to know about Sephora (and about most luxury beauty shopping in general) is that they don't typically run sales. Yes, there is a "sale" section of the website with discounted product, but usually these are discontinued or seasonal items that they're looking to sell as quickly as possible. Normally if you want the latest Hourglass foundation or YSL lipstick, you best prepare to pay full price. And that's why us beauty enthusiasts go a bit bananas every year when this event rolls around. Whether we're looking to restock on essentials or experiment with some new launches, we'll wait patiently for our coveted postcard to arrive in the mail to let us know when we can save a few bucks on our favorite luxury brands.

Here's the deal with this year's Spring Bonus event. Between April 19th and the 24th all VIBs can save 15% on any purchase they make at Sephora or at Sephora.com. And if you're a VIB Rouge you actually get to shop a day early, giving you first dibs on some of the hottest products that are sure to sell out quick. Unlike your VIB qualification discount, you can shop this sale as many times as you want during the event, giving you the opportunity to pick some things up in store and online if you want. If you're not quite at VIB status yet, there's no need for FOMO. All regular Beauty Insiders will receive a 10% off discount from the 20th through the 24th.

To get you excited and to also give you a little inspiration on what to shop, I've come up with a few awesome suggestions for every different category from makeup, to skincare, to hair. Some of these are tried-and-true staples, others are things on my own personal wish list, and others are incredible buys that you can stack your discount on top of!

// MAKEUP //


Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer ($30) // If I could only pick one bronzer to use for the rest of my life, it would probably be this one. This buttery matte formula not only gives your skin a beautiful warmth, but it also smells like chocolate. With three shades available you should be able to pick your perfect level of bronze!

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($54) // After taking home this primer from Generation Beauty LA I've been totally in love. It's got a velvety texture that makes your makeup glide on effortlessly and gives your skin a super flawless finish. The only downside? It's hella expensive. But if you're going to splurge, why not at least save yourself 15%?

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow ($24) // Everyone and their mom has been raving about these intensely sparkly eyeshadows as per late. I know I've been meaning to get my hands on at least one, although it's really difficult to pick a shade!

Cover Fx Custom Enhancer Drops ($42) // If you're all about the lit-from-within glow, these drops will probably having you heart-eye-emoji-ing all over the place. While the price is crazy for such a tiny bottle, this liquid highlighter is so concentrated you really only need the smallest amount to shine like a goddess. Wear it under or over foundation on targeted areas of the face, or mix it right in for all-over luminosity.

// PALETTES //

Sephora Collection Illuminate Palette ($28) // Speaking of glow, how incredible does this highlighting palette look?! When you think of how much an ABH Glow Kit costs, this seems like a ridiculous steal. AND it has tons of positive reviews online. If highlighter isn't your jam, you may be interested in this Blush Palette ($28) instead! The shades look super gorgeous, and the price is spot-on.

Buxom Customizable Eyeshadow Bar Palette ($40) // I've heard such great things about the Buxom eyeshadow formula, and the fact that they allow you to create your own custom eyeshadow palette is incredibly intriguing to me. If you're overwhelmed with the idea of shade selection, never fear. They also have a ton of gorgeous pre-fabed palettes at the same price.

Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette ($32) // When it comes to unique and interesting products to add to your makeup collection, this one immediately comes to my mind. These four pressed pigments will add a holographic shine to eyes, lips, and face. So whether you want to channel your inner fairy/unicorn/mermaid, this palette has got your back.

NARS NARSissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette ($59) // If you'd prefer something a little more traditional, this new launch from NARS looks absolutely incredible. With a variety of warm-leaning neutrals I'm sure you could use this palette to create a ton of everyday looks.

// MAKEUP SETS //


Bite Beauty Love, Bite Lip Set ($42) // If there is one thing at the top of my wish list for this sale, it's probably this set. You get two full-sized Multisticks and a full size of Bite's new Prismatic Lip Gloss in Rose Pearl. With your 15% discount you're basically getting everything at half price, which is a pretty incredible deal in my book.

Nails Inc. Number Ones Top and Base Coat Duo ($12) // Whenever anyone asks me to recommend a great top and base coat for a long lasting mani, these are the two products I recommend. So of course when I saw that Nails Inc packaged them up in a perfect little set I immediately wanted to jump up and say "YASSSS!". This is the perfect way to test out both products and take your nail polish game to the next level.

Tarte Make Believe in Yourself: Magic Wands Brush Set ($39) // So, from reading the reviews on this brush set the general consensus of people is that the handles feel a little cheap, but the actual brush hairs are super soft and lovely. If you want to invest in super high quality brushes these are probably not my first recommendation. But if you love the whole novelty of the unicorn horn and want something that is functional and oh-so-pretty on your vanity, I'd say go for it.

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Nude Lip ($28) // I actually picked this set up a little while ago (you can see my full review here) and thought the full price was a crazy amazing value already. If you're a lover of lip products, this is entirely worth purchasing!

// SKINCARE //

FARSÁLI Rose Gold Elixir ($54) // I'm hoping that this elixir and it's counterpart, the Unicorn Essence, go back in stock by the time the sale starts. These little magic-in-a-bottle skincare products are incredibly intriguing to me (and apparently everyone else).

Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask ($48) // I recently nabbed a deluxe sample of this mask when making a Sephora.com purchase, and I'm very tempted to pick up the full size. If you've ever used the Sunday Riley Luna Oil, this has a very similar scent (which I'm guessing is from the Blue Tansy, aka the primary ingredient in both products) and will improve the clarity and texture of your skin. Herbivore seems like an awesome brand with really high quality natural ingredients, so I definitely want to explore more of their offerings!

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens ($10) // If you've got oily skin, these blotting sheets are a must-have. I've never been a fan of powdering over my shiny skin, since that just creates a caey mess. However, if I dab one of these bad boys over my oily bits first, it'll soak up all the grease and leave my skin feeling fresh and matte.

Glamglow Volcasmic Matte Glow Moisturizer ($54) // This is one of those products that I almost didn't want to love because it's so darn expensive. Again I got a sample from Sephora and have been using it for the last week and have been (unfortunately) really enjoying how it looks and feels. First of all, it legit smells like a creamsicle (maybe not great for sensitive skin, but great for me), and is super hydrating while not making my skin feel greasy.

// SKINCARE SETS //

Farmacy Skin Savior Kit ($45) // Having recently tried their Honey Potion from my Sephora Play box, I've been really interested in exploring more from Farmacy. This set not only has that same glorious face mask, but also a few other stellar skincare bits that would be a perfect way to introduce yourself to the brand.

Sephora Favorites Power of the Petal ($38) // Sephora Favorites kits are one of THE best ways to try a bunch of cool new products without needing to invest your entire paycheck in the full-sized versions. This set has some really amazing offerings and with the discount would be a crazy awesome value!

Sunday Riley Sunday School Skincare Set ($60) // Sunday Riley skincare is pretty darn pricey, but from what I've experienced so far, I can also vouge for the fact that it works. This set includes two of their best selling products - the Luna Sleeping Night Oil and Good Genes Treatment - as well as two products from their brand new C.E.O line.

Peter Thomas Roth Mask Sampler Set ($25) // Face masks are an awesome way to pamper yourself and step up your skincare game, and I thought this little set would be a totally fun way to experiment and try some different formulas without spending a ton of cash.

// BATH & BODY //

L'Occitane Almond Eco-Refill Combo Pack ($48) // Okay, so, I know what you're thinking. Who in their right mind would spend $50 on body wash? Let me explain. Firstly, this is perhaps my favorite body wash of all time. It smells INCREDIBLE and leaves your skin feeling super soft. However, its crazy expensive and not something I usually invest in. This combo pack, while certainly not being a "cheap" find, is actually an incredibly good value. Not only do you get a 250ml bottle, but you also get a 750ml plastic refill pouch. Considering that a 750ml bottle is $41 alone, you're basically getting the 250ml bottle for $7 (or with your discount, for free). And with this much product you'll basically be set on body wash for the entire year.

Sol de Janiero Brazilian Body Boom ($55) // This is another kind of crazy bath and body splurge that I can't help but love. I picked up this set for myself during the sale Sephora has at the holidays, and while I admit that it's totally overpriced, I do find myself loving the products. That pistachio caramel scent will have you practically ready to lick your arms.

Coola Bestsellers Trio Face & Body Set ($48) // With all the sunny weather ahead its important to keep SPF on hand. While I personally am not the biggest fan of chemical sunscreens, if they don't irritate your skin I think you'll love Coola's offerings. With a yummy smelling spray-on sunscreen for body, an SPF laden makeup setting spray, and a nourishing balm for your lips you've got everything you need to keep yourself protected from head to toe.

Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream ($15) // To me hand cream is one of those often neglected bath and body staples. It's a little less fancy and interesting to talk about than other products, but is something that I almost never am without. Cause really, dry hands are super uncomfortable. I love Caudalie products, and while I haven't tried this particular one, the rave reviews definitely have me curious!

// HAIR //

ghd Copper Luxe Flight Travel Hairdryer ($99) // In the last year I've definitely started to up the amount of travel I've been doing, so a collapsible hair dryer like this one seems like a solid investment. A sale is also the perfect time to pick up a pricey item like a beauty tool while you can take advantage of the discount.

Amika Nourishing Mask ($28) // I'm so glad that Sephora is carrying Amika products now, because I've been loving and recommending them for years and now they're way easier to get your hands on. This hair mask is BOMB, especially if your ends are feeling frizzy and fried.

Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast ($29) // As someone that suffers from chronically flat, lifeless hair, this product is a total game changer. It instantly adds crazy volume and texture to my hair while also giving it a clean, fresh scent!

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Dry Shampoo ($28) // If there is one product that I am on a constant quest to find my holy grail of, it's dry shampoo. My roots get super greasy within a day of washing my hair, and very few formulas do anything to remedy the situation. Kathleen Lights has raved and raved about how incredible this formula is at absorbing oil, and I really want to believe that this will work. If you aren't a fan of the Nirvana Black fragrance you can also get this product in the Nirvana White scent, which is slightly lighter and more floral.

So I don't know about you, but it's going to be pretty hard to pair down my wish list to something reasonable. If you're also going to be shopping from this sale I'd love to know what you're planning on picking up. Tell me all about your recommendations in the comments down below!

Will you be shopping the Spring Bonus event?

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