It's no surprise that I spend a crapload of money on makeup. It's a passion, it's a hobby, it's what I really, really enjoy. Sephora is my FAVORITE place to shop because well, it's the makeup motherland. Because of that, I'm a Sephora VIB Rogue, their top tier rewards members.

There are a lot of perks to being VIB Rogue: free shipping with no minimum (everyone can get this with spending $10 a year on a Flash subscription), exclusive products, an exclusive welcome gift, and special events.

I've felt all the perks expect the special event, until this weekend. About 2 weeks ago I got an email inviting me (and all other Sephora VIB Rogue members) to an in-store event to preview the new Fall launches from a few brands, before anyone else.

It took about 2 seconds for me to respond RVSP and put it in my calendar. I was so excited and I didn't care that I would have to wake up at 8 AM on a Sunday.

I attended the event yesterday and it was wonderful. I got there pretty early because this particular location is on a strip that has the worst parking but on a rainy Sunday morning, I found a spot easily. (Because you care about my parking...)

Sephora Snapchat Filter outside the store

Anyways, we were warmly welcomed into Sephora and I noticed the sign on the door that said the store was closed for a private VIB event and would open to the public at 11 AM. It made me feel ultra fancy.

I received a name tag and a mimosa (uhh yes please!) and walked right over to the tower that held all the new launches. I was slightly disappointed with the selection -- I thought there would be more exciting stuff but there was some exciting stuff.





The new Benefit Brow line was sampled, but only Brow Kaboom, their brow pomade. I definitely would've picked up one of their pencils if they had it.




There was an awesome Sephora favorites set (that I didn't need) and a cute Nars glowing set that was actually really nice and I regret not getting.

The thing I did get? A new Urban Decay Vice Lipstick.




I had a feeling these would be on display and I SWORE I wouldn't buy one because I have too many lip products to count but I couldn't resist.

There were so many shades and finishes, I grabbed a comfort matte in the shade Safe Word, a perfect beige nude.

The packaging is very sleek, similar to their old packaging on their Revolution Lipsticks. It does feel a little lighter and slightly on the cheaper side, however.







I did recently pick up a few of the Revolution lipsticks since they've been 50% off at all retailers and I can say that I think the Vice lipsticks are better. The Vice Lipsticks have a traditional bullet while the Revolution has that lip balm, flat bullet.

The Vice lipsticks feel ultra light weight and creamy, but not so creamy that it bleeds or slips all over your lips.

I haven't worn it for very long, just a quick lip swatch but it feels comfortable and it does have a matte finish but not one that is ultra drying or too flat.

My first impression of the Vice lipsticks is that it's nice. I'm not picky with lipsticks but I'd say these are in my top favorites of what I own. I may pick up a few more once they're available to everyone, I'm curious to try out the other finishes.

Back to the event...

I looked around the store a little while longer and almost picked up this Limited Edition Nars Orgasm blush but realized I didn't really need it. I grabbed the best nail polish remover ever, and a travel size Better Than Sex Mascara for my mom, and headed to check out.

When I paid, I received a free, HUGE makeup bag that is perfect for traveling and a few perfume samples. I have to say, I haven't shopped in a regular Sephora in so long, because I usually go to the one inside a local JcPenny but the staff was amazing.

I was only at the event for an hour but it was a great one and I'm so happy I got the chance to go. I really look forward to another event soon!

Have you ever attended an exclusive Sephora event?

I am not ashamed to admit that I am a Sephora VIB which means I've spent $350 at Sephora in a calendar year. When I hit VIB a few months ago, I was insanely thrilled. I felt accomplished, like when you get your Gold Card at Starbucks.

The perks of VIB are insane, but the one I couldn't wait for? The VIB sale. Before the holidays, and I think sometime in March or April, Sephora offers VIB & VIB Rogue members the chance to get 20% off their entire purchase. It started already for VIB Rogue members(spending $1,000 in a calendar year) and for us regular VIBs, it starts on Friday, November 13th.

If you are a beauty junkie, you know that Sephora never has sales. It's a very expensive store and everything is always full priced, so this VIB sale is a huge deal.

It's also really great that they offer it right before the holidays because you can score all the insane holiday sets that they have in stock--whether it's for yourself or for gift giving.

It is however unfortunate that the VIB sale comes during No Buy November. 20% off insane and only happens once or twice a year so I am making an acceptation. I feel like I'm betraying everyone but hey, beauty junkies/bloggers gotta do what they gotta do!

I will say though that it has felt amazing to not buy anything for the past two weeks. I will definitely be doing No Buy December and hopefully kick this bad habit!

I have been eyeing a few things that I want/need from Sephora but there are also some great gift ideas out there too.

Here's what I'll be purchasing at the VIB Sale, along with some exclusive Sephora at JCPenny kits since that is my closest Sephora and the kits look fab(they are in a catalog I received at home so you'll have to wait till I purchase them to see what they are):

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Here are some gift ideas:

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Have you ever shopped the VIB Sale before? If so, what are you getting this year? Give me some more beauty suggestions in the comments!