Sephora has a hold on the beauty market, but now my eyes have opened
Sephora's VIB Rouge is certainly a feat to accomplish. Three years in a row is impressive. In order to to get this "elite" status, you would need to purchase $1000 USD worth of product.

Hear me out here. This was a time when I was trying to get better acquainted with skincare, and when beauty gurus were SELLING the product. How can I watch Jackie Aina and not get tempted to run and get a foundation to match my skin to a T!
However, now that I am well into my third year, the sparkle is not as grand anymore. And it looks like Sephora has cheapened the title a bit by limiting the benefits. Now that I'm in major saving mode, I can't be bothered to spend that much money for bland benefits.

How can I be saving money, but still insist on having nice things? The simple answer is saving up. The expanded answer is sheer determination.
I have a pretty deep complexion and for the most part, drug store makeup just doesn’t cut it. Though I have heard Maybelline FIT Me has been a great option, I never see them in stores and I am rather hesitant to buy foundation shades (can you imagine ordering Kylie Cosmetics concealers?). I’ve had way too many misses.
Since I have been able to afford makeup, Sephora has always been my go to. I started with the YSL Touché y Clat - using this almost daily as an under eye concealer, my foundation was matched perfectly to a Makeup Forever Foundation. With the rise of Youtube, I started experiencing how these products were applied and blended. My experimentation led me to buy a lot of product - rising through the ranks of Beauty Insider, VIB, now VIB Rouge over the years.

Free 2 Day Shipping
Now that I’ve accomplished 2 years of VIB Rouge I’m realizing the perks are not what it’s perked to be. Free makeup appointments without the $50 minimum purchase are awesome but for events and weddings, but I find that I don't go to too many formal events. And it was just too out of the way.
Custom Makeovers
Do you see how my makeup shopping was limited to the joys of Sephora? I’m learning that though I’m not a fan of drugstore makeup, Sephora is only convenient because of my ability to go on and test the product, after that - what’s the harm of getting your next fix somewhere else?
Alternative Sites to Buy Makeup
Beauty Lish - England based, niche products
Selfridges - England, based and carries even more lux brands. Slightly Less expensive as VAT is not included in dollar-priced items
Ulta - Great discounts and points system
Camera Ready - Studio makeup and often preferred by MUAs
Dermstore- Clean luxe skin care and reasonable sales
Brand Website - Go to the actual website of the Brand! You'd be surprised at how often they have sales and promotions
Camera Ready - Studio makeup and often preferred by MUAs
Brand Website - Go to the actual website of the Brand! You'd be surprised at how often they have sales and promotions

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