My Sephora VIB Rouge Shopping Basket

Once a year, Sephora runs a sale on the stuff that never gets marked down—high end makeup, skincare, and fragrances. And the beauty world goes absolutely insane. Mind you, 20 percent isn't a huge discount, but it's a nice opportunity to stock up on tried and true products. VIB Rouge members get first crack at the sale, followed by their far less VI brothers and sisters.

Of course, it's a source of complete shame to me that I'm VIB Rouge at Sephora. COME ON. You have to spend $1,000 in a single year to reach that level. And I'm already on record as believing that Ulta and Nordstrom reward their regular shoppers much better than Sephora does. What do you get when you become Rouge--free makeup classes? Pfft—I could teach makeup classes. Next! Wait—you mean you get a free red lipstick??? YAY. My scorn was infinite.

And then, I made Rouge.

In my defense, when the Girls (bird, Martha MacGyver, and Susie Sunshine) were in town last month, we went to Sephora, where we made epic hauls. And some of the Girls—I name no names—gave the cashier my Sephora ID when they checked out. This added to Sephora's perceived total of my spending, and I qualified for VIB Rouge status.

This makes for a fun time when I search my purchase history. Like today, when I was trying to figure out what to buy to take advantage of the current sale. I'm just bird-brained enough to wonder "But if I bought that foundation, where did I put it? I don't remember trying it, and I can't find it anywhere."

Anyway. I was planning to shop in easy stages, because now that I'm Rouge, I get free three-day shipping. I thought that I could buy the really important stuff first, and then really wallow in guilt ponder through things thoroughly, because I had until November 7th to finish shopping.

But then the one thing I really planned to buy—the thing that made me feel like a Savvy Shopper—went out of stock in a couple of hours. So I went in hard. This is what I bought.

Sunday Riley Good Genes

I just started using this product this summer. I started out with a sample, then popped for Sephora's Power Couple. I've fallen hard for this genius softening-exfoliating-glow-giving wonder product, and planned on buying two large bottles to ensure a constant supply at a discounted price.

I placed two bottles in my shopping cart, but when I went back to purchase them, the large size was out of stock. So I bought two of the one-ounce size.

The large size I didn't get. Pout.

Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum

A long-time staple. I've gone through multiple bottles of this and am once more down to a tiny driblet.

Guerlain Rouge G in Gracia

Another staple. I'm currently eking out my oldest tube with a lipbrush at home, and carrying the new one in my purse. When I started wearing this shade, I think it cost $48. Now it's up to $54. If there was ever a product I deserve to save money on, it's this lipstick. Honestly, Guerlain, it's lipstick, not world peace.

Estee Lauder DayWear SPF25

I've been using this oil-free moisturizer for at least two years and really like it, even though it's expensive for what it is. (At Sephora, what isn't?)

Before I switched to this product, I swore by Garnier's SPF28 moisturizer, but the Garnier feels heavier and is generally less cosmetically elegant. The Estee Lauder product feels almost like a creme-gel hybrid and melts into my skin.  I use very high SPF Asian sunblocks when I'm really getting a lot of sun, but this is a good daily moisturizer with decent sun protection. It's extremely hydrating, and it's great under makeup.

Sephora collection Blush 101 Face Palette

Finally, something new and different!

The reviews of this palette mentioned that it is a good value, although the blushes aren't very pigmented. Since I'm very fair-skinned and usually wear the lightest shade of blush I can find, I thought this would make a nice all-purpose palette with both pink and coral shades. Also, it's pretty. and on sale, and for $15 (less 20 percent and a 4 percent rebate from eBates) I decided to go for it.