SEPHORA: VIB Rouge

[numbersmom]

There are that many rouge customers? I guess I'm surprised by the numbers unless they allowed other people in during the event?

 

[SaraP]

I don't think I'll make it tonight, but I'm curious about the # of people...

 

[numbersmom]

I'm not rouge and didn't go tonight however, I did go today since I was nearby and wanted to see if they got the UD 500pt perk. They were making that store sparkle today and had a full staff for 11am. I was surprised until I remembered afterwards about the event.

And I was able to get 2 UD points perks from "the back". Luv that!

I feel like part of the secret society when they have to get something I know about before they are scheduled to release it.

 

[sparklesgirlxox]

There are that many rouge customers? I guess I'm surprised by the numbers unless they allowed other people in during the event?

there are  3 sephoras within 50 miles of my house.  Only  one had the event.  They drew on a huge area  I didn't go because to get to a Sephora event today I would have to drive a few hours.  The sephoras  closer to my house don't hold events.

 

[Brandy Roberts]

I'm at SiJCP returning a couple things, and having issues. She soooooooooo wanted me to go to the big store to return my stuff! I haven't even passed the main store in the mall though so no idea if there is a line or not...event starts in an hour.

 

[BSquared]

K so I went. I didn't stay long, hubs was with me and I didn't want to torture him so I was in and out in under 30 minutes. My thoughts:

It was extremely crowded. More so than the last one. I got there right at 7, there was a line. It was packed when I left. They gave you sparkling grape juice, water, cookies, and chocolate when you came in which was nice.

They did have brand reps this time which was my biggest complaint last time because my store had none for the spring event. MUFE, Josie maran, and too faced at my store. Maybe a bumble and bumble one too I think I saw one but I didn't go to hair care.

The bracelet is pointless. It's a typical string bracelet and it had a MUFE charm on it. No.

Staff was attentive and helpful, I had at least 10 cast members ask me if I wanted anything or wanted any services, which I declined due to the aforementioned husband who was looking on the verge of a breakdown after 20 minutes.

Checkout was fast and easy. I picked up some stuff I needed (foundation, primer, eyeliner) and a few fun things. I re-rouged for 2015.

I will say they absolutely FAWNED over the hubs. He picked up the cologne sampler set. He paid seperately and they signed him up for a BI account and gave him the 20% off even though I had given my "extra" code to a friend (who was not with me and will be using it online). He got a boatload of cologne samples after checkout and the manager was at the register and wrote him a handwritten thank you note, which was sweet, but like I got nothing---no samples, no card. I got the rouge nailpolish.

Overall it was fine and I'm not mad I went but I don't think you really missed anything if you skipped it.

 

[nolongerhere1723]

I went, and I would say this is my least favorite Rouge event to date (I've gone to all the pre-sale events in 2014). It was way, way too crowded. People were allowed to bring a non-Rouge friend, but I think that was true for previous events too? My theory was that on Sunday mornings, you have early risers and late risers, so people spread out more. But on a week night, most people would want to get in around 7 pm and get home as soon as possible. Also, this was the biggest discount of the year, so I'm sure that factored in to more people bringing someone along. 

Several brand reps at my store (MUFE, UD, Bumble and Bumble, some skincare, and a few other makeup that I wasn't sure about the brand), but as always, trying to get time with them is difficult. They need some sort of sign up system. I did get time with my favorite makeup artist at the studio, and she did a great job, per usual (and never pressures me to buy anything!). In general though, the staff were just busy busy busy. It was definitely fully staffed, and everyone was nice and would check in if I needed something, but in that fly-by way that if you actually asked them to do something you would feel bad about it!

Simple but nice food--chocolates, cookies, and cupcakes (that were late to arrive). Sparkling cider and mini water bottles. They had the sparkling cider being passed out on trays around the store, which was a nice touch.

I got most of what I wanted, though I was glad I did a bee line for something when I first got there because it was sold out by the time I was checking out. They didn't have the Bite mini ornaments, which I had been hoping to purchase, but other than that I got everything on my list. They gave me three foil samples at check out, that was it, and I had to ask for those (I spent over $100, for reference--not crazy huge but not nothing!). The bracelet is just not cute--it looks like something I would have made in 4th grade. I would have preferred the bag of samples.

So TL;DR: if you didn't go, you didn't miss out!!!

 

[chelsealynn]

The bracelet is just not cute--it looks like something I would have made in 4th grade. I would have preferred the bag of samples.

I ended up being able to make it to my store for the event.  When I showed my boyfriend the bracelet he said "That's ugly as hell."  Hahahah!  I thought it would be cuter!

 

[KBanks]

Very underwhelming... I get to my store and my name wasn't on the RSVP list. Luckily I was able to pull the confirmation email off of my phone. Urban Decay and Clairisonic had brand reps. Clairisonic was actually giving out two really decent gifts with purchase so that was neat. They had cupcakes, and chocolate, which no one was touching so I helped myself and then I got stared down like I stole it. Checked out with my small purchase, was told there was no bracelet. I was sort of frustrated that I left my house for something I could have got online. As I'm walking out I see a few girls with the bracelet. Go back to ask another cast member. She tells me it's only for people who made a purchase. I hold up my cheesy bag. She tells me she has to ring it up, like seriously...She has me wait while she checks out a few people I was in front of. Finally, she gives me the bracelet. Fun times were had by none, but hey at least I got a cupcake. 

 

[SaraP]

Thank for the info girls! I was waffling on going or not, but I really have a ton to do, so I can skip it and not worry about missing out =)

 

[tweakabell]

Other than meeting @ and getting new haircare items for the new 'do, it was a major bust. It was so hot in there the bracelet was a red piece of embroidery floss with seed beads on it and the checkout woman apparently thinks I work black magic to make my phone not scan my BI card while she tries to break it shaking it up and down at the scanner .

 

[Shalott]

Sorry you all had bad experiences! I actually had a wonderful event! The girls (and guys!) at Sephora Venetian are soooo nice. I ate too much chocolate, had more than one glass of sparkling grape juice and got offered all sorts of things I had to turn down, since I ended up having to tow my kiddos along (don't think they would have wanted to hang out while mommy got a Givenchy makeover). In the end I bought nearly everything on my list, plus several things that weren't (oh god, too much, no more spending for me). I agree with the consensus, the bracelet is phooey, but I also got  nice little sample bag.

It wasn't crowded at all, but that is to expected of the Strip locations. I was invited to a Bumble & Bumble event on Sunday but since I literally can't buy anything else for myself, I think I will pass. The only thing that disappointed me was that they didn't have the UD 500 pt-perk yet. Bah, it wasn't meant to be.

 

[Brandy Roberts]

I pretty much wrote my whole night out so put it in a spoiler.  I don't get out much so for me the Soiree was pretty fun! 

Spoiler

So I was at the mall early, shopping at SiJCP where I went only one time before, two weeks ago. Two weeks ago I had SO MUCH FUN!  The girl who helped me that time was SOOO cool and went all around her little store pulling things out of drawers that were marked down but not out on the sale rack yet.  We had so much fun!  Fast forward to today - different staff, and my word, the girl ringing me up wanted to be anywhere but helping me.  I had 5 returns....3 were red lipsticks that were the wrong red (I REFUSE TO TRY LIPPIES IN STORE.  NOPE.  WON'T DO IT!!).  One was a palette that was broken, the other was a B&B hairspray that I won't use because it made my hair sticky.  Oh and I forgot, a Kat Von D foundation that was really yellow on me.  Anyway....with my returns and some previous credit/gift cards, I left there with Naked 1, Naked 2, Naked 3, some cheap but cute $3 glosses in the sale bin (Sephora brand) and a travel sized Thirstymud Glamglow that I have always wanted to try.  With my 20% off I left with a $14.41 store credit for JCPenney!

I go to the event and at 6:30 there were two girls in line.  That was it.  They couldn't have been older than 15.  I went out to smoke and up to the food court to grab some dinner.  Went back at 6:50 and there were maybe 15 in line.  They were checking people in that were in line, and didn't have me on the list.  I had a feeling since I had to call to RSVP and when I did, and told them I couldn't register online, I felt like the girl wasn't really doing anything...well she didn't.  I had my invite though so now I'm checked in.  The girl behind me said she'd hold my place and I went and had another smoke...back around 6:58 and VOILA!  The doors were opening!

SIDE NOTE:  I asked as I was being checked in, what brands were there.  I was told Elizabeth Arden and Clarins both cancelled, but that Bumble and Bumble, and Ren were there. Seriously, 2 hours from the home of Algenist and they can't show???  I'm going to message them on FB.  Ok....back to the Soiree...

First thing I notice when I go in is my friend Mel who works there - I love her.  Her make up is always flawless and she is probably the most beautiful woman I know - inside and out. She was in the line up with all of the other employees....I really like that they do that here, I went to the August Rouge event here and they did it then too, so they line up and thank you as you walk in...cheesy maybe but I really appreciated it!

They had a lady at a table serving us cookies, sparkling apple cider, individually wrapped truffles and they had bottled water there too.  No fruit.  Ok no fruit except for the cider, of which I helped myself to 4 champagne glasses!  Ok fine.  I had a cookie too.

I was just picking up my Algenist Primer, when it was like the sea of people parted and I saw a very tall man and a young girl...@@tweakabell said I'd find her there if I looked for a 6'4" man and a 7 year old girl...so I kind of rushed over and there she was!  So I got super hot and all nervous and of course choose the moment she is paying to introduce myself (so sorry tweakabell!) so I busy myself with smelling a 20 vial sample set of perfume I was interested in, while they are checking out, then we get to meet!  SUCH A WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!  I was impressed with her daughter's behavior/manners...and her husband was very nice and we chatted a bit too.  That was totally the highlight of my night!  Thanks for letting me chat your ear off @@tweakabell!!  When I get nervous it's like my mouth is a faucet that someone turned on high and walked away from...to just let it run run run!!

The rest of my time was actually pretty fun.  I talked to the lady from Ren - it was great - we both love Algenist LOL!  We talked about that and skin care and she said the best thing from Ren is the new 1 minute  facial.  She works for a dermatologist and said since they tried the 1 minute facial they are now recommending it as part of their recovery suggestions for some outpatient procedures.  Considering we spent more time talking about a product line that she wasn't representing, I figured she was being real with me.  I bought the facial stuff.  I didn't want to tell her that I just rec'd like 10 of them in the mail as free samples, I figure if it works that great then I can gift my surplus so others can enjoy the 'wonders of Ren' hahaha!  She gave me a couple of samples too.  They were in a little gauze and ribbon baggie, and one was the facial LOL and the other two were the same - Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask.  I have not used anything Ren before so I'm excited to try these.  She also gave me what I consider to be an insider tip.  She works for a dermatologist, her skin looked amazing (I did not ask her age of course, but she was older than me and had WAAAAAAY better skin than me - without surgeries or botox), she works for Ren, she loves Algenist, and she said the VERY BEST eye cream is Caudalie's Premier Cru La Creme.  She gave me a HUGE sample - probably about .1 oz!  (the size of the Fresh Black Tea eyemini promo)  So many things to try!!  So I am all done with skin care now...

and I turn a corner and Tarte was there!  Charissa - who works with my Tarte rep Lynh - was just standing there! She looked at me and I looked at her and we cracked up!  She's like "aren't you an Ulta customer?"  It was super funny!  Turns out I didn't have a need for anything from Tarte, but we had a nice chat.

The ladies that work there are starting to get to know me as a regular now, so that was actually pretty fun.  A couple of them commented on my hair (I just went pretty dark on Saturday) and it made me feel good to know that they remembered me as a customer.  Also, the Bumble and Bumble rep remembered me from the Rouge event in August!  That floored me!  But she didn't just seem to remember me, she really did remember me!  The girl who did my hair this time told me that she remembers EVERYTHING.  I believe it!!  No discounts like the last time when I was offered a cut and color for $75...kinda bummed about that.

The rest of the time I did a little people watching, and swatched a ton of red lipsticks in search of my perfect red...I'm trying a combo of Butter London's Come to Bed Red - the stick and the gloss.  We'll see.  I won't use the in store lip testers so I will have to try tomorrow night or on the weekend.

I also purchased NARS Shrinagar and Sexual Healing, MUFE 13, and Kat Von D Homegirl.  These are all new to me, brands and colors for lipsticks.  I've only let the girls at SiJCP do KVD lips on me a couple of times (and I get new testers when they do) - and it was fun but SO bright! LOL!  But Homegirl I couldn't resist and I can't wait to try it out.

Lastly, checkout.  What a joke.  Remember when I said I purchased at SiJCP.  Well rather than give me a Sephora shopping bag with my purchases, they gave me a tote bag with my purchases.  HOLY SH!T!  It took 4 employees to figure out if I could get another bag because they just didn't know what to do because even though I told them how I got it, they just gave me blank looks, and sideways looks, and looks to each other because according to them, SiJCP didn't have a Rouge event so how exactly did I get this bag again??? Hmmm???  Wow. WTF is it with me, Sephora, and the perks??  Any perk??  So eventually after they had a huddle, their backs to me, and after confirming it was me that was Rouge, and I wasn't 'the guest' who came without my Rouge host because I didn't realize until that very moment that SiJCP kept my Rouge discount card and I only had the guest one still attached to my invite...with no envelope...and I know what you are thinking...they had my ROUGE CARD, but I think only I thought of that.   So mentioned it.  Then they calmed down a bit and since I was making a purchase - they'd allow me to have a second bag. Seriously.  I repeat...WTF.

They did throw in the bracelet, apparently no fuss over scamming for an extra one of those.  Hmpf. So on my way out I walk over to say good bye to my friend Mel, and thank the Ren lady again and she comments on the cute bag.  I asked her if she gets one because she is there working, and she said sometimes they give her the promo and sometimes they don't.  So I put my stuff down, combined my purchases into one bag, and gave her my second one.  She was so excited - she said her daughter would love it!  I wish I would have thought to give her the bracelet too - I hadn't even looked at the bracelet so had no reference at all, but if I knew what it was like I totally would have given it to her too - I'm sure a 7 year old would have loved it!  So I feel bad about that but was happy to gift the bag - and then she gave me two more sample baggies - so I ended up with 6 mini masks, and 3 extra one minute facials!  

Oh, so to sum up this purchase, I got the primer, 4 lippies, the facial and PTR Pro Strength Triple Action Peel travel size (two doses) and after my gift card and 20% off, spent $46.81.  At the end of the day, both purchases I am out of pocket $32.40!  And I have all three Naked palettes to play with now!  I don't think I'll be able to sleep!  

Anyway - I like to hear details like this from others so I just thought I'd give you all my little story. LOL!

 

[wadedl]

I pretty much wrote my whole night out so put it in a spoiler. I don't get out much so for me the Soiree was pretty fun!

Spoiler

So I was at the mall early, shopping at SiJCP where I went only one time before, two weeks ago. Two weeks ago I had SO MUCH FUN! The girl who helped me that time was SOOO cool and went all around her little store pulling things out of drawers that were marked down but not out on the sale rack yet. We had so much fun! Fast forward to today - different staff, and my word, the girl ringing me up wanted to be anywhere but helping me. I had 5 returns....3 were red lipsticks that were the wrong red (I REFUSE TO TRY LIPPIES IN STORE. NOPE. WON'T DO IT!!). One was a palette that was broken, the other was a B&B hairspray that I won't use because it made my hair sticky. Oh and I forgot, a Kat Von D foundation that was really yellow on me. Anyway....with my returns and some previous credit/gift cards, I left there with Naked 1, Naked 2, Naked 3, some cheap but cute $3 glosses in the sale bin (Sephora brand) and a travel sized Thirstymud Glamglow that I have always wanted to try. With my 20% off I left with a $14.41 store credit for JCPenney!

I go to the event and at 6:30 there were two girls in line. That was it. They couldn't have been older than 15. I went out to smoke and up to the food court to grab some dinner. Went back at 6:50 and there were maybe 15 in line. They were checking people in that were in line, and didn't have me on the list. I had a feeling since I had to call to RSVP and when I did, and told them I couldn't register online, I felt like the girl wasn't really doing anything...well she didn't. I had my invite though so now I'm checked in. The girl behind me said she'd hold my place and I went and had another smoke...back around 6:58 and VOILA! The doors were opening!

SIDE NOTE: I asked as I was being checked in, what brands were there. I was told Elizabeth Arden and Clarins both cancelled, but that Bumble and Bumble, and Ren were there. Seriously, 2 hours from the home of Algenist and they can't show??? I'm going to message them on FB. Ok....back to the Soiree...

First thing I notice when I go in is my friend Mel who works there - I love her. Her make up is always flawless and she is probably the most beautiful woman I know - inside and out. She was in the line up with all of the other employees....I really like that they do that here, I went to the August Rouge event here and they did it then too, so they line up and thank you as you walk in...cheesy maybe but I really appreciated it!

They had a lady at a table serving us cookies, sparkling apple cider, individually wrapped truffles and they had bottled water there too. No fruit. Ok no fruit except for the cider, of which I helped myself to 4 champagne glasses! Ok fine. I had a cookie too.

I was just picking up my Algenist Primer, when it was like the sea of people parted and I saw a very tall man and a young girl...@@tweakabell said I'd find her there if I looked for a 6'4" man and a 7 year old girl...so I kind of rushed over and there she was! So I got super hot and all nervous and of course choose the moment she is paying to introduce myself (so sorry tweakabell!) so I busy myself with smelling a 20 vial sample set of perfume I was interested in, while they are checking out, then we get to meet! SUCH A WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL FAMILY! I was impressed with her daughter's behavior/manners...and her husband was very nice and we chatted a bit too. That was totally the highlight of my night! Thanks for letting me chat your ear off @@tweakabell!! When I get nervous it's like my mouth is a faucet that someone turned on high and walked away from...to just let it run run run!!

The rest of my time was actually pretty fun. I talked to the lady from Ren - it was great - we both love Algenist LOL! We talked about that and skin care and she said the best thing from Ren is the new 1 minute facial. She works for a dermatologist and said since they tried the 1 minute facial they are now recommending it as part of their recovery suggestions for some outpatient procedures. Considering we spent more time talking about a product line that she wasn't representing, I figured she was being real with me. I bought the facial stuff. I didn't want to tell her that I just rec'd like 10 of them in the mail as free samples, I figure if it works that great then I can gift my surplus so others can enjoy the 'wonders of Ren' hahaha! She gave me a couple of samples too. They were in a little gauze and ribbon baggie, and one was the facial LOL and the other two were the same - Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask. I have not used anything Ren before so I'm excited to try these. She also gave me what I consider to be an insider tip. She works for a dermatologist, her skin looked amazing (I did not ask her age of course, but she was older than me and had WAAAAAAY better skin than me - without surgeries or botox), she works for Ren, she loves Algenist, and she said the VERY BEST eye cream is Caudalie's Premier Cru La Creme. She gave me a HUGE sample - probably about .1 oz! (the size of the Fresh Black Tea eyemini promo) So many things to try!! So I am all done with skin care now...

and I turn a corner and Tarte was there! Charissa - who works with my Tarte rep Lynh - was just standing there! She looked at me and I looked at her and we cracked up! She's like "aren't you an Ulta customer?" It was super funny! Turns out I didn't have a need for anything from Tarte, but we had a nice chat.

The ladies that work there are starting to get to know me as a regular now, so that was actually pretty fun. A couple of them commented on my hair (I just went pretty dark on Saturday) and it made me feel good to know that they remembered me as a customer. Also, the Bumble and Bumble rep remembered me from the Rouge event in August! That floored me! But she didn't just seem to remember me, she really did remember me! The girl who did my hair this time told me that she remembers EVERYTHING. I believe it!! No discounts like the last time when I was offered a cut and color for $75...kinda bummed about that.

The rest of the time I did a little people watching, and swatched a ton of red lipsticks in search of my perfect red...I'm trying a combo of Butter London's Come to Bed Red - the stick and the gloss. We'll see. I won't use the in store lip testers so I will have to try tomorrow night or on the weekend.

I also purchased NARS Shrinagar and Sexual Healing, MUFE 13, and Kat Von D Homegirl. These are all new to me, brands and colors for lipsticks. I've only let the girls at SiJCP do KVD lips on me a couple of times (and I get new testers when they do) - and it was fun but SO bright! LOL! But Homegirl I couldn't resist and I can't wait to try it out.

Lastly, checkout. What a joke. Remember when I said I purchased at SiJCP. Well rather than give me a Sephora shopping bag with my purchases, they gave me a tote bag with my purchases. HOLY SH!T! It took 4 employees to figure out if I could get another bag because they just didn't know what to do because even though I told them how I got it, they just gave me blank looks, and sideways looks, and looks to each other because according to them, SiJCP didn't have a Rouge event so how exactly did I get this bag again??? Hmmm??? Wow. WTF is it with me, Sephora, and the perks?? Any perk?? So eventually after they had a huddle, their backs to me, and after confirming it was me that was Rouge, and I wasn't 'the guest' who came without my Rouge host because I didn't realize until that very moment that SiJCP kept my Rouge discount card and I only had the guest one still attached to my invite...with no envelope...and I know what you are thinking...they had my ROUGE CARD, but I think only I thought of that. So mentioned it. Then they calmed down a bit and since I was making a purchase - they'd allow me to have a second bag. Seriously. I repeat...WTF.

They did throw in the bracelet, apparently no fuss over scamming for an extra one of those. Hmpf. So on my way out I walk over to say good bye to my friend Mel, and thank the Ren lady again and she comments on the cute bag. I asked her if she gets one because she is there working, and she said sometimes they give her the promo and sometimes they don't. So I put my stuff down, combined my purchases into one bag, and gave her my second one. She was so excited - she said her daughter would love it! I wish I would have thought to give her the bracelet too - I hadn't even looked at the bracelet so had no reference at all, but if I knew what it was like I totally would have given it to her too - I'm sure a 7 year old would have loved it! So I feel bad about that but was happy to gift the bag - and then she gave me two more sample baggies - so I ended up with 6 mini masks, and 3 extra one minute facials!

Oh, so to sum up this purchase, I got the primer, 4 lippies, the facial and PTR Pro Strength Triple Action Peel travel size (two doses) and after my gift card and 20% off, spent $46.81. At the end of the day, both purchases I am out of pocket $32.40! And I have all three Naked palettes to play with now! I don't think I'll be able to sleep!

Anyway - I like to hear details like this from others so I just thought I'd give you all my little story. LOL!

The Caudalie cru eye cream is amazing! La Mer, La Prairie , Kiehls and who knows how many others I have tried, there is no comparison. Brightening, puffiness, fine lines... I rub the remainder (la prairie tip) on my 11 lines, forehead and around my lips and the 11 lines and forehead wrinkle have softened.I stumbled upon this at sephora when I asked the sales person about another eye cream and got a but. She was like this is good and so is this... Finally I ask what is the best and she gave me a sample of the Caudalie.

 

[tweakabell]

Dude I don't know what was going on with the checkout ladies. I usually have the same girl (I don't know her name) and she's always super sweet. Tonight the (different) woman took my phone (I ALWAYS use my phone for my Rouge card) and starts moving it really fast up and down at the scanner nowhere near the barcode, then hands it back to me and asks me to make it bigger. I turn it to the side and hand it back to her she can SEE the code and then starts shaking my phone really hard at the scanner AGAIN and of course she hits something and goes to another page. She looks down at the screen that she SAW had the code earlier and says in an accusing voice "there's no barcode on this" like I have magically without touching my phone have personally made the barcode disappear. I fix it AGAIN and she still is just shaking my phone at the scan gun like a mad woman. I wanted to tell her to just slow the @#/& down, breathe and pay attention to what she was doing. Of course I said none of that and just took my phone back while she sighed and I had to give her my email (why she didn't grab that off the phone like the SinJCP ladies do is beyond me).

It was silly and Hubby had a good laugh about it all night, he now insists I used voodoo magic on my phone and whenever something went slightly wrong would look at me and go "there's no barcode on this" (we're easily entertained).

I was impressed they were really turning people away from the door it was an exclusive feeling. When we were leaving they were explaining to a woman that she couldn't go in and Hubby said that a lady in line behind us got turned away at the door, she had apparently just seen the line to go in and hopped in line. Z had a cookie she said it was good. I would have loved to talk to @ more but I was dying in the heat and we hadn't had dinner.

It wasn't awful it's just if you felt you were missing out on something you really weren't. Just like shopping during rush hours but with snacks and crazy people grabbing 15 sets of Fresh Sugar.

 

[eastofthesun]

I'm not a Rouge yet, but I just had to read all your stories, they were so great!!!

I'm not rouge and didn't go tonight however, I did go today since I was nearby and wanted to see if they got the UD 500pt perk. They were making that store sparkle today and had a full staff for 11am. I was surprised until I remembered afterwards about the event.

And I was able to get 2 UD points perks from "the back". Luv that!

I feel like part of the secret society when they have to get something I know about before they are scheduled to release it.

I TOTALLY LOVE knowing about products before them. I told them about the Hourglass blush palette, and I can't wait to tell them about the Hourglass eyeshadow palette too. Mwhahaha!

K so I went. I didn't stay long, hubs was with me and I didn't want to torture him so I was in and out in under 30 minutes. My thoughts:

It was extremely crowded. More so than the last one. I got there right at 7, there was a line. It was packed when I left. They gave you sparkling grape juice, water, cookies, and chocolate when you came in which was nice.

They did have brand reps this time which was my biggest complaint last time because my store had none for the spring event. MUFE, Josie maran, and too faced at my store. Maybe a bumble and bumble one too I think I saw one but I didn't go to hair care.

The bracelet is pointless. It's a typical string bracelet and it had a MUFE charm on it. No.

Staff was attentive and helpful, I had at least 10 cast members ask me if I wanted anything or wanted any services, which I declined due to the aforementioned husband who was looking on the verge of a breakdown after 20 minutes.

Checkout was fast and easy. I picked up some stuff I needed (foundation, primer, eyeliner) and a few fun things. I re-rouged for 2015.

I will say they absolutely FAWNED over the hubs. He picked up the cologne sampler set. He paid seperately and they signed him up for a BI account and gave him the 20% off even though I had given my "extra" code to a friend (who was not with me and will be using it online). He got a boatload of cologne samples after checkout and the manager was at the register and wrote him a handwritten thank you note, which was sweet, but like I got nothing---no samples, no card. I got the rouge nailpolish.

Overall it was fine and I'm not mad I went but I don't think you really missed anything if you skipped it.

That's not fair that the gave your hubby tons of love and samples and left you hanging. You're the one who is Rouge for pete's sake!!!!

I ended up being able to make it to my store for the event.  When I showed my boyfriend the bracelet he said "That's ugly as hell."  Hahahah!  I thought it would be cuter!

Hhahahaha, that's hilarious! Sorry the bracelet wasn't very good. Sephora should know better.

Very underwhelming... I get to my store and my name wasn't on the RSVP list. Luckily I was able to pull the confirmation email off of my phone. Urban Decay and Clairisonic had brand reps. Clairisonic was actually giving out two really decent gifts with purchase so that was neat. They had cupcakes, and chocolate, which no one was touching so I helped myself and then I got stared down like I stole it. Checked out with my small purchase, was told there was no bracelet. I was sort of frustrated that I left my house for something I could have got online. As I'm walking out I see a few girls with the bracelet. Go back to ask another cast member. She tells me it's only for people who made a purchase. I hold up my cheesy bag. She tells me she has to ring it up, like seriously...She has me wait while she checks out a few people I was in front of. Finally, she gives me the bracelet. Fun times were had by none, but hey at least I got a cupcake. 

Eugh, I'm sorry you had such a horrible experience. What is wrong with those people? I'm glad you ate a cupcake. I'd be one of the ones eating like, 5 cupcakes. Mwahaha.

I pretty much wrote my whole night out so put it in a spoiler.  I don't get out much so for me the Soiree was pretty fun! 

Spoiler

So I was at the mall early, shopping at SiJCP where I went only one time before, two weeks ago. Two weeks ago I had SO MUCH FUN!  The girl who helped me that time was SOOO cool and went all around her little store pulling things out of drawers that were marked down but not out on the sale rack yet.  We had so much fun!  Fast forward to today - different staff, and my word, the girl ringing me up wanted to be anywhere but helping me.  I had 5 returns....3 were red lipsticks that were the wrong red (I REFUSE TO TRY LIPPIES IN STORE.  NOPE.  WON'T DO IT!!).  One was a palette that was broken, the other was a B&B hairspray that I won't use because it made my hair sticky.  Oh and I forgot, a Kat Von D foundation that was really yellow on me.  Anyway....with my returns and some previous credit/gift cards, I left there with Naked 1, Naked 2, Naked 3, some cheap but cute $3 glosses in the sale bin (Sephora brand) and a travel sized Thirstymud Glamglow that I have always wanted to try.  With my 20% off I left with a $14.41 store credit for JCPenney!

I go to the event and at 6:30 there were two girls in line.  That was it.  They couldn't have been older than 15.  I went out to smoke and up to the food court to grab some dinner.  Went back at 6:50 and there were maybe 15 in line.  They were checking people in that were in line, and didn't have me on the list.  I had a feeling since I had to call to RSVP and when I did, and told them I couldn't register online, I felt like the girl wasn't really doing anything...well she didn't.  I had my invite though so now I'm checked in.  The girl behind me said she'd hold my place and I went and had another smoke...back around 6:58 and VOILA!  The doors were opening!

SIDE NOTE:  I asked as I was being checked in, what brands were there.  I was told Elizabeth Arden and Clarins both cancelled, but that Bumble and Bumble, and Ren were there. Seriously, 2 hours from the home of Algenist and they can't show???  I'm going to message them on FB.  Ok....back to the Soiree...

First thing I notice when I go in is my friend Mel who works there - I love her.  Her make up is always flawless and she is probably the most beautiful woman I know - inside and out. She was in the line up with all of the other employees....I really like that they do that here, I went to the August Rouge event here and they did it then too, so they line up and thank you as you walk in...cheesy maybe but I really appreciated it!

They had a lady at a table serving us cookies, sparkling apple cider, individually wrapped truffles and they had bottled water there too.  No fruit.  Ok no fruit except for the cider, of which I helped myself to 4 champagne glasses!  Ok fine.  I had a cookie too.

I was just picking up my Algenist Primer, when it was like the sea of people parted and I saw a very tall man and a young girl...@@tweakabell said I'd find her there if I looked for a 6'4" man and a 7 year old girl...so I kind of rushed over and there she was!  So I got super hot and all nervous and of course choose the moment she is paying to introduce myself (so sorry tweakabell!) so I busy myself with smelling a 20 vial sample set of perfume I was interested in, while they are checking out, then we get to meet!  SUCH A WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!  I was impressed with her daughter's behavior/manners...and her husband was very nice and we chatted a bit too.  That was totally the highlight of my night!  Thanks for letting me chat your ear off @@tweakabell!!  When I get nervous it's like my mouth is a faucet that someone turned on high and walked away from...to just let it run run run!!

The rest of my time was actually pretty fun.  I talked to the lady from Ren - it was great - we both love Algenist LOL!  We talked about that and skin care and she said the best thing from Ren is the new 1 minute  facial.  She works for a dermatologist and said since they tried the 1 minute facial they are now recommending it as part of their recovery suggestions for some outpatient procedures.  Considering we spent more time talking about a product line that she wasn't representing, I figured she was being real with me.  I bought the facial stuff.  I didn't want to tell her that I just rec'd like 10 of them in the mail as free samples, I figure if it works that great then I can gift my surplus so others can enjoy the 'wonders of Ren' hahaha!  She gave me a couple of samples too.  They were in a little gauze and ribbon baggie, and one was the facial LOL and the other two were the same - Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask.  I have not used anything Ren before so I'm excited to try these.  She also gave me what I consider to be an insider tip.  She works for a dermatologist, her skin looked amazing (I did not ask her age of course, but she was older than me and had WAAAAAAY better skin than me - without surgeries or botox), she works for Ren, she loves Algenist, and she said the VERY BEST eye cream is Caudalie's Premier Cru La Creme.  She gave me a HUGE sample - probably about .1 oz!  (the size of the Fresh Black Tea eyemini promo)  So many things to try!!  So I am all done with skin care now...

and I turn a corner and Tarte was there!  Charissa - who works with my Tarte rep Lynh - was just standing there! She looked at me and I looked at her and we cracked up!  She's like "aren't you an Ulta customer?"  It was super funny!  Turns out I didn't have a need for anything from Tarte, but we had a nice chat.

The ladies that work there are starting to get to know me as a regular now, so that was actually pretty fun.  A couple of them commented on my hair (I just went pretty dark on Saturday) and it made me feel good to know that they remembered me as a customer.  Also, the Bumble and Bumble rep remembered me from the Rouge event in August!  That floored me!  But she didn't just seem to remember me, she really did remember me!  The girl who did my hair this time told me that she remembers EVERYTHING.  I believe it!!  No discounts like the last time when I was offered a cut and color for $75...kinda bummed about that.

The rest of the time I did a little people watching, and swatched a ton of red lipsticks in search of my perfect red...I'm trying a combo of Butter London's Come to Bed Red - the stick and the gloss.  We'll see.  I won't use the in store lip testers so I will have to try tomorrow night or on the weekend.

I also purchased NARS Shrinagar and Sexual Healing, MUFE 13, and Kat Von D Homegirl.  These are all new to me, brands and colors for lipsticks.  I've only let the girls at SiJCP do KVD lips on me a couple of times (and I get new testers when they do) - and it was fun but SO bright! LOL!  But Homegirl I couldn't resist and I can't wait to try it out.

Lastly, checkout.  What a joke.  Remember when I said I purchased at SiJCP.  Well rather than give me a Sephora shopping bag with my purchases, they gave me a tote bag with my purchases.  HOLY SH!T!  It took 4 employees to figure out if I could get another bag because they just didn't know what to do because even though I told them how I got it, they just gave me blank looks, and sideways looks, and looks to each other because according to them, SiJCP didn't have a Rouge event so how exactly did I get this bag again??? Hmmm???  Wow. WTF is it with me, Sephora, and the perks??  Any perk??  So eventually after they had a huddle, their backs to me, and after confirming it was me that was Rouge, and I wasn't 'the guest' who came without my Rouge host because I didn't realize until that very moment that SiJCP kept my Rouge discount card and I only had the guest one still attached to my invite...with no envelope...and I know what you are thinking...they had my ROUGE CARD, but I think only I thought of that.   So mentioned it.  Then they calmed down a bit and since I was making a purchase - they'd allow me to have a second bag. Seriously.  I repeat...WTF.

They did throw in the bracelet, apparently no fuss over scamming for an extra one of those.  Hmpf. So on my way out I walk over to say good bye to my friend Mel, and thank the Ren lady again and she comments on the cute bag.  I asked her if she gets one because she is there working, and she said sometimes they give her the promo and sometimes they don't.  So I put my stuff down, combined my purchases into one bag, and gave her my second one.  She was so excited - she said her daughter would love it!  I wish I would have thought to give her the bracelet too - I hadn't even looked at the bracelet so had no reference at all, but if I knew what it was like I totally would have given it to her too - I'm sure a 7 year old would have loved it!  So I feel bad about that but was happy to gift the bag - and then she gave me two more sample baggies - so I ended up with 6 mini masks, and 3 extra one minute facials!  

Oh, so to sum up this purchase, I got the primer, 4 lippies, the facial and PTR Pro Strength Triple Action Peel travel size (two doses) and after my gift card and 20% off, spent $46.81.  At the end of the day, both purchases I am out of pocket $32.40!  And I have all three Naked palettes to play with now!  I don't think I'll be able to sleep!  

Anyway - I like to hear details like this from others so I just thought I'd give you all my little story. LOL!

I loved reading your story!!! I'm so glad you went and got to meet tweakabell!!! That's so cute! And you did such a nice thing giving that Ren rep your extra bag. Sweet! Where do you guys live? Maybe when I become Rouge I can visit for the events! Hehe! I'm in Mississippi.

Dude I don't know what was going on with the checkout ladies. I usually have the same girl (I don't know her name) and she's always super sweet. Tonight the (different) woman took my phone (I ALWAYS use my phone for my Rouge card) and starts moving it really fast up and down at the scanner nowhere near the barcode, then hands it back to me and asks me to make it bigger. I turn it to the side and hand it back to her she can SEE the code and then starts shaking my phone really hard at the scanner AGAIN and of course she hits something and goes to another page. She looks down at the screen that she SAW had the code earlier and says in an accusing voice "there's no barcode on this" like I have magically without touching my phone have personally made the barcode disappear. I fix it AGAIN and she still is just shaking my phone at the scan gun like a mad woman. I wanted to tell her to just slow the @#/& down, breathe and pay attention to what she was doing. Of course I said none of that and just took my phone back while she sighed and I had to give her my email (why she didn't grab that off the phone like the SinJCP ladies do is beyond me).

It was silly and Hubby had a good laugh about it all night, he now insists I used voodoo magic on my phone and whenever something went slightly wrong would look at me and go "there's no barcode on this" (we're easily entertained).

I was impressed they were really turning people away from the door it was an exclusive feeling. When we were leaving they were explaining to a woman that she couldn't go in and Hubby said that a lady in line behind us got turned away at the door, she had apparently just seen the line to go in and hopped in line. Z had a cookie she said it was good. I would have loved to talk to @ more but I was dying in the heat and we hadn't had dinner.

It wasn't awful it's just if you felt you were missing out on something you really weren't. Just like shopping during rush hours but with snacks and crazy people grabbing 15 sets of Fresh Sugar.

That is so dopey re the checkout lady. What's her deal? I love that you and your husband now have a new little inside joke. THERE'S NO BARCODE ON THIS! Hahahah!

 

[Brandy Roberts]

I loved reading your story!!! I'm so glad you went and got to meet tweakabell!!! That's so cute! And you did such a nice thing giving that Ren rep your extra bag. Sweet! Where do you guys live? Maybe when I become Rouge I can visit for the events! Hehe! I'm in Mississippi.

Northern California. LOL!  Not quite the hot destination vacation spot!  Lake Tahoe aside...

 

[tallison]

I forgot to post about my VIB sale experience from last week.  They did have my store closed off, and I was allowed to enter around 6:45, so I got there when the store was straight up empty.  I grabbed several items that I thought might sell out and put them in my basket to contemplate which was going to get.  I only ended up getting a few things, but the store got crowded quickly and got extremely hot.  MUF was there giving "classes" which actually sucked if you were just trying to shop and get around this mass of people learning how to contour.  There were reps there doing people's hair and such, but I'm not that into talking to Reps at these things.  That being said, the regular SAs were very nice, they definitely were trying to help everyone and keep things well stocked.  

At checkout, they gave me the tote, but no bracelet.  I got a sephora/pantone makeup bag.  A few samples that were mostly foils and one or two deluxe samples.  I didn't care about the bracelet, but that was supposed to be part of the promotion.  It was an OK event, on par with the other events I've been to, but yes, too crowded.

 

[eastofthesun]

YAY!!!! I finally made VIB Rouge! I'm glad to join the club, even though sometimes we're not as happy with our perks as we should be!

Taking full advantage of free shipping, here I come!!!

And the purchases that put me over the edge today (20% off, wut wut!):

 

[JenTX]

Was going to go to the Rouge event tonight but there was a huuuuge line up. It was ridiculous. I went in the summer to a different Sephora in Toronto and it was not that busy at all. I had been at work all day and I couldn't stand the thought of being in line, just to be hearded into the store. Will do my ordering online. TBH the only reason I went was bc I wanted to get the free bracelet lol

  

My friend went to a rouge even tonight and couldn't get near the store .  100s of people couldn't fit in the store so she just left without getting in the store.

Eek! I feel bad for ladies who left due to lines to get in. We were worried at first by the line in front of our store but then realized the line was actually non-routes trying to get into the store. They moved through them pretty quickly and we walked in. Yes, my store was pretty crowded (I went to one more convenient to work that I don't usually go to). Yes, it was a horrible time to have the event especially since they had to turn tons of customers away outside which they don't have to do on Sunday's at 8am. There were a few brand reps but they were all skincare. Personally, I love skincare but at past events the skincare reps have done little demos on me and given me samples. That didn't happen at all at this event. Overall, a bust if I didn't get my 20% off and little box of samples they put in my bag. Oh, and the Godiva chocolates were a nice touch.