Makeout 2013: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Here it is folks!  I'm going to go over my Makeout 2013 parameters, what I actually bought this year and what I learned during this entire process and if I will ever do it again.

This is going to be a super long/labor intensive post as I detail what I bought this year (scary) and how I terribly justify the purchases not outlined by Makeout 2013.  Just to be upfront with you, I'm not perfect.  I discarded a lot of cosmetic items I was not using, gifted some, sold others, pitched expired ones...

Let's just dive right in, shall we?

The Good:

For almost 11 months (for the most part, there were a couple slip ups, monthly subscription boxes...) I did not buy any makeup items.  I used up a few items in the powder, eyeliner, concealer, bronzer and mascara category...

The Bad:

I started couponing again in the beginning of November, the CVS end of the year clearance and Black Friday also happened.

The Ugly:

I "somehow" acquired a ton of eyeliners, lippies, glosses, lip balms, and balm stains.  (Who am I kidding, I know exactly how it happened.)

Whoopsie daisy...

Makeout 2013 categories:

  1. Concealer:  I could buy NARS or Kat Von D and Giorgio Armani Master Corrector after using up the 7 remaining concealers.
  2.  Eyeliners:  I could not buy anymore unless it was a replacement for a specific color.
  3.  Lipstick:  I could buy Revlon Lip Butter and L'OREAL Colour Caresse Wet Stains during a drugstore sale.
  4.  Lip Gloss:  I could buy Revlon Kissable Balm Stains during a sale.  I'm not sure why balm stains were in this category.  lol
  5.  L'OREAL Infalliable eyeshadows: I could buy if it was a "unique and wearable" color.
  6.  Maybelline Eye Tattoos: I could buy if the color "was to die for."
  7.  Palettes: I could buy the Lorac pro and INGLOT only if I gifted most of my other palettes away.
  8.  Powders:  Every single powder that I owned needed to be used until significant pan was showing and then I could buy new.
  9.  Mascara: I can buy one at a time after my five samples were used up.
10.  Blush:  I could buy Milani Baked Blushes.
11.  Bronzer: I could buy NYX Taupe or equivalent or Benefit Hoola.
12.  Highlighters:  I could not buy any new highlighters.

So how did I do?

Well like I said earlier, I did really well for almost 11 months.

Concealers:

The Good:  I used up 3 concealers, pitched 4 for separating/expired/not working.

The Bad:  I did not buy NARS/Kat Von D or Armani Master Corrector as outlined in Makeout 2013.

The Ugly:  I now have 8 concealers and 2 correctors that I am not really happy with.

The Details:

Okay.  I ended up using the Maybelline Mineral Power concealers for a couple months after the start of Makeout 2013.  I finally pitched them at the end of the summer.  I tried using the L'OREAL true match crayon concealer but it's just too drying for my under eye.  I'm still working through the philosophy but I just don't reach for it. 

So here's when the madness started.  I picked up Rimmel Match Perfection 2-in-1 concealer in light at RA on sale for $2.99 and I had a $1 coupon over the summer.  Love it.  But then I "lost" it in a makeup bag.  Also in that transaction, I bought the Covergirl/Olay corrector that was on clearance.  Too yellow.  A week later still on the hunt for a corrector, I found Bobbi Brown corrector in Light Salmon at a CCO while we were on vacation.  Works pretty good but not that "Holy Grail I can stop looking for the perfect product" good.

I finally came across some Maybelline coupons later summer/early fall and bought the Fit Me concealer in Light that I had been wanting to try.  It was too yellow.  Had to go back and grab the fair which was too light during the summer.  Now I have 2 and mix them.  They work okay but I was still looking. 

Then at a 40% off Physician's Formula sale I grab the Conceal Rx in Natural Light.  Too yellow.  See the pattern here?  I go back and grab Fair Light.  So I mix these to get a good color match. Sometimes I dot all 4 under my eyes.  Just madness.

My most recent purchase of Physician's Formula Concealer Twins.  I needed a green to neutralize some redness.  I've now been just using the concealer end exclusively.

I haven't tried the Revlon DNA yet.  I also saw this and the Revlon DNA translucent pressed powder that I almost wanted to buy...  Baby steps.

Here's the deal.  I don't have terribly dark circles and I do not have discoloration.  It's really just a purple/blue smudge under the inner corner of my eye and then stark white everywhere else.  I do have a little puffiness/fine lines and I just want that nice highlighted look under my eye without it looking cakey and an obvious highlight under my eye. 

However, this could be a setting powder issue.  I had long suspected it was the Rimmel Stay Matte powder...  Since it is time to discard the Rimmel, I have another product on deck to try. It could be an application issue.  I've been wanting to try the Sigma Precision brushes or the F86. 

What I learned:  Long story short, I did not follow Makeout 2013.  If I did, I would have 2 products in my drawer instead of 10.  GA is $37, NARS is $28.  That's a total of $65.  I spent approximately $50 on 10 products that I don't really like.  But maybe I have unrealistic expectations, but don't we all...  *sigh*

Eyeliners: 

The Good:  From looking at my original picture after purging, it looks like I purged/finished 4 more. 

The Bad: I was only supposed to buy a liner if it was a replacement for a specific color.

The Ugly:  I acquired 4 liquid eyeliners, 3 eyeshadow pencils and 4 eyeliners. 

The Details:

3 liners; Elite Paris matt liner, Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Liner and a Pixi shadow pencil were from subscription boxes.

The Revlon ColorStay Smokey Shadow sticks and a Revlon Grow Luscious Lashliner were from Big Lots at a deep discount.

I bought the Rimmel ScandalEyes Water Proof Kohl Kajal in Nude because the tarte emphasEYES Inner rim Brightener was just a little too bright.

I bought the L'OREALCarbon Black Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Liner in December on sale and with a coupon!  :)  (Because that somehow justifies it!)

The Lorac Liquid Eyeliner came with a purchase that is coming up in just a little bit.  Hint Hint

The Jesse's girl Liquid Eyeliner was a RA purchase with +up rewards and it was on sale for $3 with $3 +up reward.  Hard to say no to that purchase.

I also acquired a Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter for under the browbone and inner corner from Birchbox and a ybf automatic eyebrow pencil from a YouBeauty Testtube.  I didn't have a category for these products, but I didn't buy any other either!  Small victory.

What I learned:  I could have skipped the Big Lots purchase.  It was a mini splurge. I like the Grow Luscious liner.  It sort of replaces the Milani Liquif'eye metallic eyeliner pencil that smudges like a darn on my oily lids.  I should just stick with AVON Glimmersticks.  They come in a lot of colors, are always on sale, never budge. 

2. Lipsticks/3. Lipsticks

The Good:  I discarded a ton of lipstick at the start of Makeout 2013.  The lip products I did buy, I bought for nearly nothing in almost all cases.

The Bad: I did not limit my purchases to Revlon Balm Stains and Lip butters as outlined in Makeout 2013.

The Ugly:  It's really ugly.  I acquired 4 Revlon Lip Butters, 2 Revlon Just Bitten Kissables Balm Stain, 1 Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm, 2 Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks, 5 Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss, 2 Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss, 6 Almay color + care Liquid Lip Balm, and 3 Milani Lipsticks for a total of 25 lip products.  *gulp*

The Details:

Before anyone freaks out on me, I did some extreme couponing on most of these purchases.  Some of these you have even read about if you have been following my blog. Here, here, here, here, here and here.

So less then $25 for all 25 lip products.  Which is incredible right?  But 25 dollars is 25 dollars.  But I won't need any lip products for the next 3 years when all of these expire.  Justified?  :)

What I learned:  I can buy 25 lip products for less than 1 YSL.  That is crazy.  What is also crazy, I bought 25 new lip products. I'm good for a very long time.  I also would never have tried the Almay Lip Balms if it wasn't for that $5/2 coupon.  I love them!  Hidden gems!

4. L'OREAL Infalliables:

The Good:  I bought 2 at the CVS clearance with ECB for essentially free!  Link!

The Bad:  I bought Garnet that I already had.

The Ugly:  I have so many that I don't even know what I have.

The Details:

What I learned:  I need to keep better track of what I have.  This is the second time that I have bought an Infalliable that I already owned.

5.  Maybelline Color Tattoos:

The Good:  I bought 8 at Big Lots from the Limited Edition Spring 2013 collection for $1 a piece!  I also bought the 3 mattes from the Limited Edition Gilded in Gold collection.

The Bad:  I now have 11 additional color tattoos.

The Ugly:   I have an uncomfortable amount of Maybelline Color Tattoos in my Muji drawers.

The Details:

 

What I learned:  I use color tattoos as bases for eyeshadow pretty much every day.  They are staples in my collection.  These are fun layered over a black cream base!

6. Palettes:

The Good:  Urban Decay Naked3.

The Bad:  I bought UD and Lorac and...

The Ugly:  Though I allowed the Lorac Pro purchase, I didn't know (though it was hinted at for a while now) that Naked3 would be coming out in December.  I would have made an exception for that as well.  I consider that purchase a pass. :)  Did I really need the huge WnW mega palette for $15 (Black Friday sale price)?  Umm, no.  Curiosity gets the better of me.  I also picked up a Flower by Drew Barrymore at Walmart and a Maybelline that was 50% off at RA with +up rewards. Among other things...

The Details:

Top row: Flower Beauty Smoke and Mirrors, Sonia Kashuk Moroccan Dunes Quad (clearance find), Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals (40% off)

Bottom Row: Flower Beauty Crème Shadow Orchid-ing Around, L'OREAL Anitque Brown, L'OREAL Charming, Rimmel Orion (supposed to be clearance at Walgreens according to shelf label but not reflected on my receipt)

What I learned:  I feel like I must have every possible shadow color every to be created either in pressed, pigment, loose, mineral form at this point. 

7. Powders:

The Good:  I bought only 4!  Things are looking up?  One was a replacement for a used up one, 2 were on clearance and 1 was a dupe that didn't work out.  I will explain shortly.

The Bad:  I was supposed to use up all 7 of my powders before I bought any new powders.  I finished 4 and tossed 1.  Not bad.

The Ugly:  I think I did pretty darn good in this category.

The Details:

Okay.  CVS end of the year clearance struck again. Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder was on 75% off clearance making Naturally Neutral for $1.99!  I do have a Coty in Translucent Extra Coverage and love it so I'm hoping the Naturally Neutral which is more yellow will neutralize some redness.  My second powder purchase was Physician's Formula Powder Palette in Creamy Natural for 75% off or $3.74.  Both were pretty much free after ECBs.  Check out the post here!

I grabbed WnW Reserve Your Cabana was a dupe purchase for the NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder.  I can't remember why I thought that this would be a good dupe.  It's more like a highlighter.  It had too many silver shiny particles in it for me to use all over my face.   In the sunlight, it's a glitter bomb.

Last but very not least is NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder.  This was my very last purchase to become a Sephora VIB.  This is a replacement for my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder that I finally finished, aka hit major pan and do not feel wasteful pitching it.

What I learned:  Sometimes it's not worth buying the dupe. 

8.  Mascara:

The Good: I did not buy any mascaras!  I'm still using samples and I still have more samples.  I did receive a L'OREAL Voluminous Butterfly Mascara for testing out some products that I will be reviewing very soon!

The Bad:  None!

The Ugly:  None!

What I learned:  I will probably go another year without needing to buy a mascara!  Yay! 

9.  Blush:

The Good:  I bought 3 Milani baked blushes all within Makeout 2013 parameters!

The Bad:  I bought a NARS Cream Blush in Enchanted just because it was on sale at Sephora for $10.

The Ugly:  Just a tiny $10 slip up.  ;)  It's pretty.

The Details:

I found Fantastico Mauve at CVS for 50% end of year clearance sale.  Rose D'Oro and Luminoso at Kmart for B1G1 50%.  All were on sale!  Yay!

What I learned:  I need to part with some blushes. ASAP. 

10. Bronzers/ 11. Highlighters:

The Good:  I finished 1 bronzer and discarded 2.  I bought Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Cream Bronzer in Warm Tan basically as a cream contour product.  No highlighters were purchased (unless you count Reserve your Cabana as one)!

The Bad:  I didn't need a bronzer but Sonia Kashuk was used it everyday this summer!

The Ugly:  None! 

The Details:

What I learned:  Cream bronzers look more natural.  No regrets!

So what did I learn during the entire Makeout 2013 experience?

Sales and coupons are my nemesis!  Kidding. I didn't just learn this.  If I didn't go absolutely crazy in the lip department and concealer, I would be cheering over a great success.  But as a whole, for a beauty blogger, I think I did really well.

I did need an update in the lip product department and happy that everything I got was at a major discount.  The sales were just incredible this year and I really got a lot of good deals.

Will there be a Makeout 2014?

I think that there should be. I haven't decided to be honest.  Why set myself up for another disaster right?  It is really eye opening to actually sit down and look at all the makeup I bought in an entire year.  Wow.

No buys are unrealistic for me.  I've learned that.  However, there are a few specific products that I would like to purchase.  Which I will finalize into signed contract or something that will hold me accountable, maybe 1 product a month or a fixed budgeted amount for the year.

Look for that in the next few days!

Did you participate in a Makeout 2013?  How did it go?

Last Rite Aid Trip of 2013!

I've had a rain check in my wallet since Black Friday for the $3/3 Yardley soap and get $3 +up rewards.  I would check in every few days and finally they had them back in stock!  I love rain checks because you just get the price of the item minus the rewards.  So in this case, all three bars of soap were $0.  Nice.  I didn't realize that the manager put 2 offers on my rain check so I can go back again and get 3 more for free. 

So here's what I grabbed!

So the 3 Yardley soaps were free.
Sharpies were on Christmas Clearance for .49.  I love writing in green.  I should have grabbed more!
The Revlon nail files were $2.79, I had a $2 Facebook coupon for Revlon tools.
The L'OREAL eyeshadow in Antique Brown was on clearance for $2.45, I had a $2 MC.
I just realized that I slipped the Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals in the photo but it was bought last week during a trip.  However, when I bought it, it was 40% off.  :)
I also grabbed 2 Almay Lip Balms because I had another $5/2 MC and a $2 Maybelline lip product RA Video Values coupon.  Almay was B1G1 50% off.

 

So one more trip to RA in my near future for 3 more free bars of Yardley soap and then a self imposed hiatus is in order.  :)

Last CVS Trip for 2013!

This was a magical CVS...  One where the shelves were stocked of all the products that I wanted to buy!  We were dropping off a family member a couple hours away and never one to pass up an opportunity to check out a new CVS... I stopped by.

CVS clearance was going on full strong, every item was in full stock.  It was nice to see the L'OREAL Infalliables at 50%, the Milani baked blush in Mauve and the Revlon DNA concealer.

Not pictured is Milani Baked Blush in Mauve 50% off.

 

Infalliables in Garnet and Sultry Smoke ($4.15), Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Bordeaux ($1.99) and Revlon DNA in 01 light ($2.75).

You can see the breakdown on my receipt below but I had coupons for the following items:

$5 off $25 CVS purchase
3 $5 ECB
$3 ECB
$1.50 CVS coupon on 2 hand or body lotions
2 $2 Eucerin MC left by a very nice coupon fairy at my local CVS that I saved.  Thank you!
2 $2 Dove hair purchase
50 cent Dawn dish detergent
25 cent Dawn dish detergent
$2 Revlon lip product MC

 

If they had more socks on the shelf, I definitely would have picked more up at 99 cents! 

Alright, one more CVS trip this weekend.  I have another $5 off $25 purchase, $5 Beauty Club ECB, $5 "CVS Brand Club" (Spend $30 on exclusive brands only at CVS, get $5 in ECBs), and $6 Winter spending ECB (earned double). 

Everything was reset January 1st.  Starting fresh!

CVS!

Quick little trip to CVS before Christmas to use up some coupons!

Did anyone else receive an email from CVS offering 40% off coupon exclusive to CVS brands?  When this coupon was used, you were entered into the "CVS Brand Club."  That's not what it is called but for every $30 you spend on CVS brands, you will receive $5 in ECB.  This includes Nuance by Salma Hayek which is a line of products that I really like.

Here's what I grabbed!

So I used the 40% off coupon for Nuance and a CVS 5 blade razor, I also had a $3 CVS coupon for the razor.  CVS also emailed me a $4 off $20 purchase and I had a $5 off 2 Almay product MC.

Saved a lot, but a lot to spend out of pocket!  Fortunately I received 3 ECB offers totaling $13.  Almost broke even!

 

Not my best but I'm excited to try the Nuance AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Lotion.  It claims that it is a "lightweight, oil-free formula effectively moisturizes and helps protect with a matte finish."

My skin is super dry right now.  I'm actually glad that I have annoying oily skin most of the time after dealing with dry skin for the last few days.  I even put on a thick layer of Embryolisse this morning.  The weather has been cold and dry down here in NC (30's).  I know that is nothing compared to what you Northerner's are dealing with right now.  Trust me, I grew up in Massachusetts.  I miss the snow too!

I'm assuming that my skin will return to it's oily self as soon as soon as the humidity returns so I will see how well the new Nuance works.

Have you tried Nuance skincare? 

Get yourself to Walmart!

If you see this Suave Ultimate Gift Set under a $14.97 sign, don't be fooled!

It's really $4.50! 

There is also a $2 peelie on some making this set $2.50!  Not a bad price for shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner shine mask, a styling oil and Goody elastics if I do say so myself!

I picked up 2...  :)

Little Black Bag

Little Black Bag is yet another monthly subscription, which I'm sure everyone knows about by now, to fuel your on-line shopping addiction.  It started with bags and jewelry and has now expanded into other accessories such as scarves, leggings, hats, shoes as well as skincare, hair care and makeup items. 

It took me a few months to get started because I didn't understand how the process worked.  The program has changed slightly (well a ton) since its incarnation.  But I like now that there are a variety of starting prices not just $29.95 and $49.95.  You also have the option to skip the month with no penalties which is a nice feature.  If you choose not to skip that particular month, you will be charged a $9.95 fee and given a $10 credit.  

On the 1st of every month you are invited to add a bag to your cart from your "gallery."  But your choices are no exclusive to the gallery, the entire site it open for your choosing. You can buy a single bag or "bundle" it for a few dollars more and up to 3 stylist picks are added and the trading begins.  The picks are based off of a survey that you take when you open an account with LBB.  You don't see the stylists picks until you purchase the bag.  Surprise!  But you certainly are not obligated to keep any of the original items.  You can trade some, all or none.

On Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday there is a preview of some items at 6:00 pm PST.  Be sure to friend LBB on Facebook for advance notice and photos.  They used to post YouTube videos as well showcasing the new items.  Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday new items are posted on the LBB website at 10:00 am PST.  You have the 1st-5th of every month to decide if you want to purchase, bundle or skip a bag that month.  Trading lasts for 7 days.  LBB emails you new trade offers, but you have to be quick.  The offer is sent to every member with the same item.  If you like the offer, accept right away!

Now, this isn't my first LBB experience.  I joined I believe early last year (2012) and finally started trading that summer on a week long vacation.  It was so fun (addicting actually) trading and interacting with members.  I remember trading away the original bag that I had opened up with, then regretting it, then trading to get it back.  I got so into it that I opened up a new bag (which you can do as many times as you want!) during that first trading experience...adding another $39.95 to the original $49.95.  Oops!  At one point, I had the bag that I wanted in 2 different colors.  Craziness!  It was really easy to trade up as well and members eagerly traded and offered reasonably.  This time around, trading was much slower and the offers were much lower.

Last summer a huge LBB box arrived and I opened up all my goodies.  I immediately had buyers regret.  The gold hardware on one of my bags was just too much for me.  It wasn't depicted any differently in the pictures on the LBB website.  But in person, it just was so shiny and fake looking. The other bag that I finally traded for was in a light brown/tan shade, a total departure from what I would normally consider as suitable.  Which I had wanted to break up my black bag collection but it just didn't work.  It also had a crease in it that bothered me.  A pair of earrings that I received were a bit chintzy and super long, I barely remember them.  I had one other silver bracelet that was beautifully detailed and substantial but it was just too big for my tragically small wrist.  And considering the entire LBB package cost just under $100, I didn't love the bags enough to justify the expense.  So everything but one bracelet, a cuff that I still wear on occasion was returned.

The return process was easy but it was a bit wonky back then, something like 33% back and there was a restocking fee...  Here is the current return process breakdown from the LBB website:

For refunds, we use the formula below to calculate the amount. Please note that you will not be refunded or given credit for any shipping charges or taxes/duties charged for Canadian shipping. 
 
 
Retail price of returned item(s)
-----------------------------------------     X   Price you paid for your bag  = Return amount
Total retail value of your bag
 
 
Here's an example using real numbers:
 
 
Returned item $25.00
-------------------------------------------------    X   Price paid $49.95 = Return amount $12.49*
Total retail value of your bag $100
 
Once a return is received at our warehouse, it will be processed within 2-3 business days and you'll receive an e-mail notification letting you know.
*The refund amount on an item can never be greater than the "Add to Bag" price of the item.

Sadly, I didn't take a photos!  Just of the box.  That's how fast I sent the package back.  Lol

This time around I had a $20 credit  after forgetting to skip trading for 2 months and with the Black Friday special guarantee of 2 bags, I caved.  I had been looking at this one particular structured Nila Anthony satchel for a couple of months.  I didn't open December's bag with that particular one, but ended up trading for it. I decided to go with the bundle and I received a stylist pick on a bag (valued up to $79 I believe) and 2 other jewelry items.

I didn't like the free bag the stylist picked for me but was able to trade it away for jewelry then back to the original Nila Anthony that caught my eye in the first place.

You receive a large LBB box and everything is wrapped in black tissue secured with a LBB sticker. Each bag is wrapped in a dust bag and then wrapped in plastic. 

So here's what I got! 

I opened my bag with this black Balibelts Studio Studded Hobo.  This bag is quite large.  It measures 19.5" in length x 2.5" in width x 13" in height.   I didn't actually take out a tape measure until the last day of trading to see exactly how big this bag was.  Which I recommend, the picture with the mannequin on the site can be deceiving... 

I did "panic" a little, worrying that it would be too big, and I would succumb to the same buyers remorse as the first experience, but fortunately I really like it.  I wouldn't mind if it was a touch smaller but I tend to carry everything, including the kitchen sink when I leave the house.  :)  The feel and look of the bag is luxe and the hardware looks authentic, not cheap and shiny. 

 

The only thing I find a bit annoying is the zipper.  As you can see in the middle right of the photo below the zipper just hangs out connected when the zipper is fully open.  I would have had the zipper disconnect at the end, as well as the ends of the zipper sewn into the side of the bag so that I could fully open up the center.  It's a minor grievance...

The second bag I received is a Nila Anthony Liam Structured Satchel in a deep chocolate brown with a pink suede tassel.  Originally I was worried it was going to be too "stiff" and boxy.  I have been looking for a structured bag for months/years really...   And this bag fit the bill and as a medium sized bag.  I can't over stuff it. 

At 11" in length x 4.5" in width x 9" in height, it also features a 3" drop top-handle and a 24" adjustable drop or cross-body strap.  Thankfully, I was able make a trade for it.  Love a happy ending!

It has a fun and stylish zippered fold over flap which is a unique feature.  It closes with a magnetic closure and there is also a double pocket feature under the flap.  The stitching detail and antique brass hardware are really appealing to me.  It does take a few seconds to get into the bag as you have to zip both ends up and back.  But its also a nice anti-theft detail...

It's just the perfect width and height for my planner, wallet and a smaller makeup bag. 

The bags are quite lovely and the quality is very nice.  Very pleased this time around.  The trading is a lot of fun and there is a chat room where you can interact with members of the LBB community.  I noticed this time that many members using chat knew each other and were forthcoming with information if you had questions.  Interacting helps you decide what items are "hot" and worth trading for.  Very helpful indeed.

Also during the trading process I acquired 2 Clairol Professional conditioners. If I hate them, I'm sure they will make good shaving creams!  Also a Moor Spa 100% Glycolic lotion.  They were wrapped separately in a bubble envelope.

Detailed reviews are far and few between on LBB bags so it's hard to gauge how your bag is really going to look and feel like.  New bags are added every week so the turn around is quick.  I'm a bit particular as well.   I searched and searched for any and all reviews of both of these bags and came up with nothing during my trading process.  So I hope this helps you! 

If you want to try Little Black Bag here is my link!  http://lbb.ag/b4dd  You will get 25% off you first bag and I will get a free product in my next bag.  Learning from my past mistakes, just keep calm, order a single bag and have fun trading!

Have you tried Little Black Bag yet?  What do you think about this monthly service?

The Road to VIB

Most retailers have a Rewards Program.  What's not addicting than a little positive reinforcement to our spending?  It keeps the customer happy and spending and the store happily churns out the profits.  Win!  :)

One thing I dislike about Sephora was the $8 shipping charge.  I live 2.5-3 hours away from a Sephora.  I found myself ordering a lot from Nordstrom as they always have free shipping.  So when Sephora offered free 2-day shipping for the rest of the year for $10 or maybe it was $20, I scooped that right up. 

Shipping is immediate, within 24 hours.  Most of my orders did come within 2-3 days, the Naked3 palette took 4 for example. 

And that's what I like about Sephora.  They know their customer.  They ship fast, their communication is superb, ship with samples, have a generous rewards program, have Friends & Family sales and give out a $15-$20 giftcard near the end of the year.  It's strategic and effective at satisfying the customer and at keeping us ordering!

And order did I with the free 2 day shipping which I hope that they offer again next year!

Over the summer, end of August to be exact, I placed an order for Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser and I noticed that I had over 350 points so I cashed them in on various deluxe samples and just assumed I was a VIB after that order or very close to it.  I didn't realize that you had to spend $350 in a single calendar year, January to December.  I was over $200 away...  Oh the disappointment!

In November, I noticed that I was $168 away.  I thought never am I going to make it this year.  But after trading some Victoria Secret cards for Beauty Insider gift cards (thanks ladies!) it quickly became a reality and my last order of NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder, earned me Very Important Beauty Insider baby!

Now what does this mean?

Shop the 20% off VIB sale.
VIB gifts.
Double/Triple point ordering periods.
In-store events (that I probably won't be able to take advantage of).
Opportunities to order new products first.

But VIB Rouge is really something to strive for! 

After a $1000 spent at Sephora, you become VIB Rouge.  Everything VIB plus free shipping on all orders and special gifts.  At first I thought no way, but I definitely (sadly but happily!) spend $1000 a year on skincare, Clarisonic brush heads, makeup, nail files, oil blotting sheets, foundations, powders, eye primers, makeup removers... 

I just checked my status and it seems that I am $644 away.  Hmm...  But will my points start back at zero January 1st?  I think so.

So here are my most recent purchases that put me into VIB status:

I did use 3 $15 Beauty Insider gift cards that I traded Victoria's Secret Secret Rewards cards saving me $45 total which was a nice bonus. 

1. Not pictured are of course, an expensive necessity, Clarisonic brush heads twin pack-Deep Pore.

2. Naked3

3. NARS Cream Blush in Enchanted which was on sale for $10!  Couldn't resist with free shipping.  :)

4. NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder.  I was torn between this and the Hour Glass Ambient Lighting powder but ultimately went with this.  I'm nearing the end of my Rimmel Stay Matte powder which has not been sitting nicely on my skin as of late.  I've hit major pan, not sure if it's old, my skin is a bit dryer, the wrong color but it's translucent...  I needed a change.

5. Shiseido eyelash curler which was a major necessity after my Urban Decay eyelash curlers broke off my lashes!  I'm not sure if I was over due changing the rubber pad or what but the outside of my right eye and the inside of my left eye lashes were stubs for about a month.  We are talking almost midway about 1/2 inch.  I will do a review on the Shiseido so look for that soon!

Are you a Beauty Insider, VIB or VIB rouge?