Sephora perks and rewards just got better. If you are a Sephora VIB or VIB Rouge, you are now welcome to choose between five birthday gifts, rather than two. One of those gifts is a VIB + Rouge 250 rewards bonus points credit. These reward points can be applied to future Rewards Bazaar gifts.. I'll take it!

Beauty Insider's Rouge and VIB Rouge also receive an annual rewards credit - Choose Your Tier Celebration Gift. You can choose four makeovers to share, 750 bonus points or free flash shipping. I'm a VIB Rouge member (and already have free flash shipping). I chose 750 bonus points. January was a good month for me at Sephora - I gained 1000 points aside from the points I gained purchasing products!

Here's the BIG one - you can add TWO beauty offer codes to your cart. There are restrictions (many restrictions), but if you plan accordingly, you can add a deluxe size sample AND a discount code. Who doesn't love a discount and gift with purchase? Albeit, the restrictions are fierce, so be patient and get the most out of this new Sephora perk.

I usually ignore emails from Sephora and most other brands. The constant parade of 'new arrivals' emails can be annoying. I KNOW, I should just unsubscribe, but maybe I'll be in the mood for a looksie, or if I'm lucky there's a discount in there?! Since learning about Sephora's Beauty Insider Rewards Bazaar (I'll come back to that), I'm anxiously waiting for notifications from Sephora ..and it was my new fondness for Sephora emails that led me to a VIB Rouge in-store event. Perks - facials, makeovers, 4X the points and a gift with purchase. While I thought the event would be a little more extravagant, it was fun to stock my basket with all the stuff I'd been eyeing since the invite, and get 4X the points. The Georgetown location offered snacks and beverages and the staff were super friendly. I didn't indulge in the makeover/facials (I hate people touching my face), but I'd imagine it was fun for the other ladies. Sephora's VIB program reigns supreme - you get gifts, points for additional gifts, invitations to events... 

Sephora's Beauty Insider Rewards Bazaar is long overdue. Not sure if its just VIB Rouge or all VIB's? Every Tuesday and Thursday, new AMAZING rewards are available for 100 - 20000+ points (no purchase necessary). I have a ridiculous amount of points, and am super excited about the new program. Will let ya know if I snag any exceptional gifts.

Take advantage of beauty sample programs - it's a great way to try new products at no cost. Most stores that sell cosmetics offer samples and if they don't, ASK! I'm sure they have samples hidden behind the counter. Sephora has a great sample program. Sign-up to become a Sephora Beauty Insider and based on how much you spend throughout the year you may graduate to VIB or VIB Rouge. Each level grants you gifts, samples, promotions and beauty classes. Of course, the higher the level, the more rewards you will receive. You can also use your points to purchase gift sets comprised of deluxe samples from high-end brands.

Not interested in trying new (random) products - collect the samples anyway and make little beauty gift bags for your friends. They will luv it!