Sunday, August 26, 2012

August Sephora VIB gift with purchase


         Every August Sephora offers a nice gift with purchase event for their VIBs. They usually offer several minis for a $35 purchase. I thought I'd share a quick snapshot of what was offered this year. Most of the samples were minis not deluxe sizes. There were two mini primers: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer and Benefit the Porefessional. Primers seem to be typical inclusions with gift with purchases, as companies seem to be keen to market them. The heavy amounts of silicones in primers simply don't agree with me, so I'll likely be giving these away. Two quality samples that I'll be happy to use are  Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara and the L'Occitane Hand Creme. I've tried Hanae Mori Eau de Toilette sample before and it's a pleasant scent. I've reviewed the Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel previously (see here), and it's another nice offering. There are also two moisturizers: the Sephora Instant Moisturizer and Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream. I don't really know much about either, however I guess I can use them for myself or on the Mr. And of course, everything came in a silver pouch. Overall the samples were decent for the buy-in level, especially considering some of the paltry gift with purchase offerings I've seen from department stores at even the $100+ level. They're recognizable brands and I'll be able to use a few of them for fun. Lately my philosophy on gift with purchase has been changing. While I might have been easily enticed in the past, I only indulge if I have a burning wishlist or if the gift has samples I'm really excited about. How about you? Did you jump for Sephora's VIB gift this year? Do you typically purchase during gift with purchase events or as the need arises?

Love, Dovey.

13 comments:

  1. This gwP looks pretty good:-)
    You seem to be happy with the lancome mascara.
    Any specific reason?

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    1. Hi Penny, Thanks for the comment! I'm going to try it tomorrow, but I've heard good things about Lancome mascaras, including Hypnose. I'm a mascara junkie, so I always love to get a good tube :)

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  2. I really wanted to get this bag but had a hard time deciding what I could spend $35 on. In the end I didn't buy anything and I doubt the bag is still available. Am trying to be good and not letting these sort of things be an incentive to buy needlessly. ("Needlessly" changing definition as I see fit pending occasion, LOL)

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    1. Go Liz! I think when there isn't anything you really want at the time, it's great if you can pass!

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    2. So I went back yesterday to ask if they were still offering it and the SA laughed because it was completely sold out on the first day. Relief! lol

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  3. I always used to go crazy whenever there was a gwp from a brand I liked, BUT now I really try to hold back. I suppose my boyfriend is helpful - the conversation usually goes something like this:
    me: ooo it's a gwp!
    him: you don't even want any of those things
    me: oh. BUT it's a gwp! oh but i guess you're right. *pout*
    and then I don't end up buying things lol. but i did end up getting this one! In my bag, I got benefit cha cha tint instead of porefessional, and the murad essential day cream w/ spf. I would've liked to try the peel though!

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    1. Hi Bronzer Bunny, I would have loved the Cha Cha tint! Thanks for sharing the differences, I'm surprised that there were differences in bags. (Also--- it's lucky that your bf helps out with gwp resistance :))

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  4. Wow, such a nice selection in the GWP! I'm not a VIB (I guess that's half good and half bad for me?), but things like this wish I were one! I must save my money for now, hehe. I have the Hanae Mori sample too, I quite like it so I might get a roller ball of it soon! :)

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    1. Hi Maggie, in some way I think it's good not to be a VIB :) I think most of the samples are small-ish and could be collected here and there! Hanae Mori seems to promoting their scent a lot; this is the second vial I have!

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  5. I've never purchased enough at Sephora to attain VIB status; in fact, I've yet to break 100 points. Admittedly, I really wanted this GWP when I received an Exciting! New! Email! From Sephora! telling me about this offer. (All exclamation marks are tongue in cheek.) However, I've come to realise that Sephora's BI/VIB system isn't worth it to me. Yes, I'm glad my points roll over each year and yes, I'm glad the company gives back a little to its customers; yet, those 100- and 500- point "bonuses" are so puny! Does anyone else think this way?

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    1. Hi BooBooNinja, Haha, I think it's a proud thing not to be a VIB too! I've had the same feelings about the recent 100 and 500 point perks. A couple years ago I believe that the samples used to be more generous. I've been so disappointed with the perks lately that I probably have over a 1000 points that are unspent.

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  6. As I get older, more jaded, more cynical - insert appropriate descriptor here - I'm less enticed by a GWP. I shudder to think of the money I spent just to get a GWP in years past. Now, I would rather spend my funds to get items that I truly want, even if there is not a GWP attached. Now, it's a bonus if there is a GWP for something that I am ready to purchase!

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    1. Hi Kristi, I think that's a good thing; they're around to encourage us to spend money. I'm trying to save GWP purchases for times I really wanted to purchase something too!

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