Event Recap: Sephora VIB Rouge Reception (Ottawa)

I am such a fan of deluxe minis.  I use them almost as often in my daily routine as I do full sized products.  In fact, there are some products that I actually prefer as a mini.  Wild lipstick or lip gloss colours come to mind.  When it came to my attention that Sephora was having a VIB Rouge reception with a bag full of deluxe minis as a gift for spending $50 or more, plus 4x the points, it was booked in my calendar as non-negotiable.  One of the best party about going to this event is that I was able to invite a friend.  Having once gone to one of their Rouge events alone, I can tell you it is much better with company!

The event started at 7, but we arrived at 6 to confirm it was a 7pm start time, ask a few questions, and then grab a quick dinner at Rideau's new and improved food court.  You can't shop on an empty stomach.  At 6:58 we were back at Sephora ready to shop.  My friend and I had both put a lot of thought into this, and as a result already knew with 98% certainty what we wanted.

Upon entry we got name tags that said "VIB Rouge" and "Future VIB Rouge".

After making my initial $50+ purchase to ensure I got the sample bag (and a small additional gift with purchase aka a TOA), I wandered around the store to see what reps were there and who was handing out what.

The sample bag with 50+ purchase can also be redeemed online with code VIBPARTY.

Escada Perfume vial, MUFE Blush sample, Watts Up Mini, Living Proof PHC Hair styling cream, Hope in a Jar, Clinique Mascara, Buxom Mascara, Agisist Eye Cream

While there were some reps there, I was disappointed to note that none were handing out freebies or even gifts with purchase of their product.  To make up for it I went around and asked for a few samples of products I had been thinking about.

After taking a walk around I came across their little snack department.  There were patriotic cupcakes (fitting for our nation's capital!), bananas, granola bars, mini water bottles, coffee and tea.  I was delighted to see the tea so I poured myself a mint tea.  Life really is grand.  I grabbed a banana to eat...and then put it in my bag after re-noticing the cupcakes.  Oops?

Cupcakes!

Healthy stuff!

Water and tea!

In consultation with my friend we determined that we were a touch disappointed by the Rideau event compared to the Eatons Centre events we are use to.  I think in the future I will try and stick to the Eatons Centre.  That being said, Rideau did exceed my expectations for Ottawa.

I had a tough time telling the reps apart from the regular Sephora staff.  I ended up talking to the Guerlain rep and asked her about the new Kiss Kiss lipsticks that they have coming out (ahh can't wait!) and then idly asked her what this weird looking eyeliner did.  Well!  She explained that it was a "feeling" to apply and it was a "lipstick for your eyes" designed to make tight lining easy.  Oh. My. Gosh.  It works.  So I threw it in my bag!

It is called The Original Creamy Khôl Me Kajal Eyeliner.  It is specifically designed for easy tight lining.  I love how tight lining looks (lining your waterline) but I generally find it awkward, ineffective, and painful.  This product makes it so, so easy.

The actual eyeliner of this eyeliner starts where the red lip pencil indicates.  

I felt this event was a big improvement from the last VIB Rouge event I went to.  Last time as a Rouge I got samples and gift bags left right and centre and my guest who was just a BI got shafted.  It put me in an awkward position because I was getting so much and my guest...wasn't.  This time my guest got almost as much as I did, with the main difference being the VIB Rouge tote.  All things considered, I thought they did a good job at treating the Rouges well while respecting the friends.  After all, one of the Rouge perks is getting to bring a friend to these events.  Having my friend treated poorly just puts a damper on the whole experience.  Gold stars for fixing that Sephora!

My friend who I went to the event with had a good suggestion: Reps should each be handing out a deluxe mini of their product rather than tossing it in as a TOA.  Of course, the gift with purchase gift set should remain a set because those are amazing.  This way customers will engage with the reps, maybe discover a new product, and feel like they are getting more bang for their buck.  Think trick or treating but for beauty.

I didn't feel like the event was exclusive.  There weren't enough staff on hand to cater to all the customers, and I got the impression that somehow people who weren't on the list got in.  But, all things considered I had a great time at this event and I can not wait for the next one.  They usually do some sort of holiday party!  Mmmmm Christmas sets....

My Haul

Things I Paid For:

Living Proof Style Extender Spray

Ole Henriksen On The Go Cleanser

Hourglass Lipliner in "Icon"

NARS Dual Intensity Shadow in Andromeda 

Stila Convertable Colour Blush in Lillium

Guerlain The Original Creamy Khôl Me Kajal Eyeliner

Orchid-Violet Hair Ties

Things I Got for Free:

2x Sample Bags with 8 samples

2 Clinique bags with a nail file, mini mascara, and nail clippers

See By Chloe Deluxe Mini

2x Benefit They're Real Mini Mascaras

An eye cream

Guerlain foundation mini

Some perfume samples

I actually ended up with two of the sample bags because I had made an initial purchase and then near the end of the event went back to buy the Guerlain liner and the hair ties.  They had a different girl on cash, and well, I wasn't going to say no to another bag of samples!  My mom will be getting some of the goodies when I get home tonight.

I use this cleanser and hair primer daily.  Never a bad idea to stock up on staples!  I first received this cleanser for Christmas (2013).  I not have about 1cm left at the bottom.  Not too shabby!

Andromeda is the prettiest palest gold that completely brightens up my eyes.  Lillium is a soft, pretty blush that gives just the right flush of colour.

These two follows are more true to colour:

Icon is such a powerful red.  I ordered the lipstick online but after thinking about it realized that such a bold colour needs the matching lip liner.  I can't wait to rock a strong red lip this fall.  The Guerlain eyeliner is something else!  I love how smoky and smouldering it makes my eyes!

Love these new additions to my collection!

Swatches!  Icon, Andromeda, Kajal eyeliner, Lillium

For comparison, I have swatched my Stila Convertible Colour in Peony next to Lillium.  Lillium is the lighter shade, where as Peony has more of a mauve undertone.

The sample bag:

I was so happy that the Living Proof hair cream was from their PHD line.  I have tried it a bit but am excited to make it a part of my daily routine!

Some of the TOAs I received:

I walked out with 8 free mini mascaras!  What is this madness?  I guess I will continue my trend of not buying mascaras...I've got 8 more at home!  Delighted to have two of They're Real by Benefit.  One of my top 3 mascaras.

I was pleasantly surprised that this foundation actually mostly matches my tone.  It is 02, where as I would be 01, but in the summer I can get away with it.  Beautiful feel to the foundation!

The Escada samples appear to be half full.  But given how much I got for free, no complaints!

In the end, this is my haul:

The red totes are really useful.  I have a few from last year and I use them for almost everything!

All things considered I am delighted with my haul!  I love all the deluxe minis I was given.  Walking out with 8 deluxe sample mascaras means I will not be buying mascara for a very very long time.  I also earned close to 800 points.  Oops? Bringing me to a total of about 3000 points.  Lately I haven't seen anything worth redeeming for.  However I can't wait to see what they will have over the next few months.  I walked out of that event happy, and despite the rain on my walk home I stayed happy all the way to my bedroom where I proceeded to dump my bag and start swatching.

Today I was chatting with my friend who joined me and her boyfriend.  Her boyfriend wanted to know if when I got home I wanted to show each and every object to my boyfriend.  The answer is yes, yes I did.  Her boyfriend was about as amused by her haul as mine was.  They should be happy that we're happy!  I could swatch and play with my haul all day.

I will be doing a second haul post of all my products that I ordered online once they arrive!  I will also be doing posts on the products I purchased.

Did you go to the VIB Rouge reception?  How was your experience?  What did you get in your haul?

Deal + Event Alert: Sephora at Yorkdale and the Eatons Centre

Just got an email from Sephora!  

Online and in store, for VIB and VIB Rouge only.  Spend $50 or more and get a deluxe sample of the Marc Jacobs moisture balm, and this collection of lip samples.

I want this.  However I am going to wait until August 4th so I get 4x the points on the $50 purchase.

More exciting news!  On August 8th and 9th Yorkdale and the Eatons Centre are having events.  Check out the details here!

I think I am going to try to go to both...The YSL event looks like a lot of fun.  Best part?  Purchases at these events will qualify for the 2, 3, or 4x the points since it is within the window.  #win

I would recommend calling the store for details.

Will I see you there?

Calling Out Beauty BS: Sephora's Bottled Dreams

Announcement!  I just joined Twitter.  Follow me @ClassyOnTheRun. 

Sometimes the price difference between Canada and the States drives me crazy.  But lately something from Sephora just has me feeling like they just don't value Canadians clients.

Sure, everything costs more on their Canadian site.  And yes, when Americans make a $25+ order they qualify for a free gift while Canadians have to spend $35 (on products that already cost more).  And yes, when Canadians buy something online they only get the American points.  So if you pay $76 but in the States it costs $67 you have to call in for your extra 11 points.  But this latest find just drives me nuts.

I discovered this while making my shopping list for my upcoming trip to Boston.

One of my good friends bought me this set for my birthday.  It cost $64 Canadian and came with 8 deluxe minis including some fragrances I love.  I was delighted!

In the States this product retails for $58.  But there is one huge value difference: In the American box consumers get a voucher to get their favourite fragrance mini full sized.  

That means that in Canada we not only pay more for this product but we actually get substantively less.  As in a whole full sized bottle of perfume less.  

I called Sephora to ask what exactly was going on, and of course the CS rep really had no answer.  She was sympathetic but offered a very awkward solution: To return my beloved Bottled Dreams set in Canada for store credit, wait a month until I am in Boston and then hope the set is in stock, purchase it in Boston and redeem for the full sized fragrance.  

I explained to her that that was taking quite a risk given that the item may not be in stock when I get there.  I asked to be called back by a supervisor who has the information to answer my question and offer a solution (No, 100 points won't fix this problem).  I was told I would be called back the next day.  Well, its three days later and no call.  So, I called them and spoke to a nice gentleman who really couldn't explain why I didn't get a call back.  As a VIB Rouge I expect better.  I was assured I would be called back on Monday afternoon.  Let's see how this goes.  

I want an explanation why Canadians don't get the voucher, and then a solution for how I can either get the voucher, the perfume, or a guarantee that I will be given the voucher in Boston.  Right now I just feel cheated by Sephora, and like they don't value their Canadian clients.  I am looking forward to having this conversation with Sephora, and to seeing if they do bring solutions forward.  

This is true of their other mini sets.  While Canadians get to enjoy a collection of minis, Americans get to try the minis and then bring in a voucher for their favourite for free.  

Have you ever felt like Canadian consumers get the short end of the stick at Sephora?  I'd love to hear about it.

//end rant.

Deal Alert: Sephora VIB Rouge Reception and Bonus Points

Sephora very rarely has deals for bonus points.  Around Mother's Day fragerence is 3x the points.  This August, like last year, they are having a fantastic point promo:

2x the points for Beauty Insiders
3x the points for VIBs
4x the points for VIB Rouge

To sweeten the deal for VIB Rouge they are having a reception at every location in Canada on August 6th.  Rouges are able to invite 1 friend. Needless to say my friend and I have already RSVP'd.

The Rouge and friend will each receive a make-up bag filled with samples with a minimum purchase of $50.  The Rouge will also get a limited edition tote bag.  These samples are only available at the reception.  Samples may vary by store.

Last year the sample bag was unreal.  And, if this photo is any indication of what is to come...well.

That sample bag looks fantastic! Laura Mercier, Living Proof, Make Up Forever...

In addition, the fine print says:

"Qualified VIB Rouge will earn quadruple points, VIBs will earn triple points and Beauty Insiders will earn double points on merchandise purchases made Monday August 4, 2014 thru Sun August 10, 2014 at 11:59pm PDT. This offer is subject to termination by Sephora in its discretion at any time. Bonus points will be automatically credited to your BI Accounts the same day of purchase. Points not earned on sales tax, shipping, Sephora gift cards, and prior purchases. This offer is subject to termination by Sephora in its discretion at any time.

† Sephora Cosmetic Bag with samples and Rouge Tote Bag are only available in Sephora stores during the VIB Rouge Reception with any merchandise purchase of C$50 or more. Limit of one of each offer per VIB Rouge client, non-transferable. Guests of VIB Rouge that are Beauty insiders are also eligible to redeem the Sephora Cosmetic Bag with samples with any merchandise purchase of C$50 or more, limit one per client. Valid while supplies last, quantities are limited, sample bag assortment may vary. Not valid on previous purchases or purchases of gift cards. Sephora employees are not eligible for offers. No returns or exchanges. These offers are subject to change, alteration or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time." 

Take away:

Bonus points valid from Monday August 4th to Sunday August 10th on any purchase (does this include online?)

My shopping list so far:

NARS Olympia $46*
A new perfume ~$70
Hourglass Ambient Light Blush in Mood Exposure $41*
Urban Decay Sin Eyeshadow Primer $24
Make Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara $28
Glamglow Thirsty Mud $76
Smashbox Full Exposure Travel Sized $23*
NARS Callisto $33

I can't say if I will end up buying all of this, however I am planning to spend about $200-$250 which will earn me 800-1000 points.  Hmm...maybe I will cave for the Benefit 500 point gift after all.

I will also be asking my mom and grandma if there is anything they need.  Might as well stock up on Christmas and birthday gifts!

*Items that I will order online with gift with purchase codes (orders of $35 CAD+)