floriduhgirl

With the revolution of the internet, and more specifically social media, we have become inundated with deals, specials and offers.  Programs like LivingSocial.com and Groupon.com are making millions by giving the average joe 50% off on restaurants, spas and other services (and please note that I am one of their many customers).  Then there are the hundreds–let’s be realistic, thousands–of customer rewards programs put in place by merchandisers.  Build up enough points (in other words, spend enough dough) and you’re eligible for everything from free movie tickets to store credits.

Normally I scoff at these programs, realizing the amount of cash I will need to spend and questioning the actual return on investment.  But every once in a while I stumble upon a program that just makes me smile.  Case in point: Sephora.  As a 30-something gal, I have my beauty regime and will be spending “x” amount of dollars on moisturizers, eye creams, scents and make-up regardless of a rewards program, which is why Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is so fabulous.  Example:

– For every dollar I spend, which as previously pointed out I would spend anyway, I earn points toward products selected by Sephora.  Choose to use those points immediately or let them accrue indefinitely.  I’m almost to 500 points and really looking forward to the amazing eye shadow kit I will most certainly get!

– Need some insider beauty tips?  How about details on the latest and greatest products?  As an Insider, you are signed up for Sephora’s catalogue that does more than push make-up and hair gels; it provides great advice and explanations…a must for any fashionista.

– Get a free birthday gift!  As an Insider, Sephora invites you to visit one of their retail locations anytime in your birthday month to get a free gift, and I can assure you it’s not chintzy.  Typically bubble bath, shower gel or some other skin care product, it’s not sample size and is always a great fragrance. 

– Promo codes.  Sometimes available to all Sephora customers, sometimes specific to Insiders, the checkout promo codes range from product samples to partnering offers.  Today I landed a FREE one-year subscription to ELLE magazine, and there are NO future obligations.  She shoots, she scores!

So, the next time you’re in Sephora, make sure to ask about their Beauty Insider program.   And check out my favorite new fragrance, LaVanila’s vanilla coconut…all natural, organic and not tested on animals.  PS. LaVanila has other vanilla-based fragrances, too!

PSS.  Free slurpies at 7/11 on 7/11…at least in Florida.  Hurray!

Tags: Beauty Insider, birthday, bubble bath, coconut, deal, ELLE, ELLE magazine, eye shadow, fashionista, gift, Groupon, LaVanila, LivingSocial, make-up, makeup, moisurizer, perfume, Sephora, shower gel, skin care, skincare, vanilla