As I’m sure you know by now, I have a thing for makeup. The moment I discovered YouTube hauls and tutorials in college (I can still remember the first DulceCandy87 videos I got sucked into), it was all. over. Whenever someone new comes to my house and uses the bathroom, they’re truly always in shock at the amount of “products” I own. It’s my thing, and I’ve accepted it.
Adding to this obsession, one of my goals last year was to get in both the Sephora and Ulta VIP loyalty programs. These programs are achieved by spending a certain amount in one calendar year, and are rewarded by promos the next year. Sephora offers a free Beauty Insider program (I sincerely hope you’re already getting that free birthday gift at this stage in your life, ladies), and the VIB level, achieved when you spend $350/year, offers the same perks, plus a free makeover.
But, the #1 reason you (or any makeup addict like myself) would want to be a VIB is the following: the elusive VIB Sales. Twice a year, Sephora sends all VIB members a code to mark down the entire site/store 15% off. For products that n-e-v-e-r go on sale, this is a big deal. It’s important to think through the items you may need and stock up while the prices are dropped. So during the spring sale, that I did. Now that I’ve had a few months to try out these products, I wanted to share my haul and initial thoughts with you.
The Face
Kat Von D Shade + Light Face Contour Refillable Palette
I fell in love with this when a makeup artist used this on me at Sephora. I’m still trying to learn to contour like she did it, but I love most Kat Von D items, so I knew I had to get it. There are six pans total in this palette and you can buy refills for the ones you go through, which will likely only be your one color. And yet, I still needed it. $49
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
I looooove Caudalie products and have had this on my “gotta try” makeup list for awhile. I’ve been using this spray whenever I need a little refresh to wake me up but have been completely neglecting one of its main purposes – setting your makeup. Likely because I’m using one of my favs, below, but I’m sure this will come in handy in the summer heat. $49
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Corrector
Just like the brands above, big Bobbi Brown fan (shoutout to the only eyeliner I’ve used since middle school). This came highly recommended from my coworkers that have just had kids and lack sleep, so you know it’s the good stuff. Thanks to my blog child, this has been getting some good use. I got it in Light Peach, which is a little orange/yellow for my skintone, but layered under my normal foundation, I can get behind the extra coverage. $42
Lancôme LA BASE PRO Perfecting Makeup Primer
I spent years in Lancome foundation, so this primer was my go-to. As my foundation picks have been changing, I’ve switched up my primers, but I always seem to come back to this one. It’s oil-free and definitely doesn’t break me out as much as other options, and works just as well with foundations besides Lancome’s! $42
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
I heard about this powder forever before I finally pulled the trigger. It’s sheer, which I love, and doesn’t quite help me combat my makeup moving after a full day of work, but it’s good enough for me to be on my second jar. They have a $15 application puff that goes with it, but I apply it with a kabuki brush after my concealer and foundation and then continue with my makeup routine. $38
The Hair
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
I’ve tried a lot of dry shampoos, and I can confidently say: this is the best. Back when I was doing spin 4x a week, I was still trying to wash my (regrettably expensive) colored hair as little as possible. This stuff works magic. It makes my dirty hair look tousled and voluminous, and I will never stop stocking up on this. $22
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
I’d tried a mini of this guy before and was a fan. I love the packaging and the smell, but so far it hasn’t surpassed my beloved Living Proof on sheer impressiveness. It’s supposed to be soothing to the scalp, so I think it will come in handy in the summer months. $20
Amika Treat, Style, Extend.
I picked this kit up with some of my reward points during the sale. Amika’s packaging is adorable. The dry shampoo smells amazing, but so far I haven’t been overly impressed with the dry conditioner. I’ve moved some of the other items into my mini container for traveling. 500 Points
And that’s it! According to Sephora, “Emily, enjoy VIB status until 12/31/17. Spend $136 more to extend VIB status through 2018.” So, you know I’m getting that again. Let me know what your absolute favorite products are! I’d love to add a few new things to my “must try” list. xx
