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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,713
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

I'm now a Sephora VIB after spending a ridiculous amount of money there, but am not clear on the advantages. The samples I received at check out were nothing different, I will apparently learn about "new products" sooner....not a big deal as I don't like buying anything until I've read reviews....are there any material advantages to being a VIB? Freebies or discounts?
Super Contributor
Posts: 1,999
Registered: ‎04-03-2010

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

Well, you get the big discount once or twice a year...and with the price of some stuff that is NEVER on sale, I guess that is a good deal. But you have to have spent $300 during the year...

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,570
Registered: ‎06-13-2012

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

lol, nothing! I was a VIB for the first three or so years it was out and it was nothing special. Certainly not something worth purposely aspiring to!

Valued Contributor
Posts: 949
Registered: ‎05-22-2010

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

You get a 20% discount instead of the BI 15% but you don't get invited to a VIB sale only. Also think when I got one of those sales card with a certian dollar discount I got $20 off such & such, versus as a BI $15 off such & such. TBH there really isn't that big of an advantage you don't end up saving much more money than a BI. Sephora overall is disappointing in the number of sales they offer, only 2 a year regardless if your a BI or a VIB.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,820
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

Remember, while you are earning your VIB privileges, you pay for shipping if you do not purchase 45 or 50 dollars or more.

I liked the old days with the old VIB. I have shopped once this year at Sephora. Their stuff is never on sale, and big whoopdeeee do, 20% once or twice a year. Not worth it. I just shop at Perricone, Nordies and Neimans. Free shipping and returns always, on ANY amount. They have the same deal twice a year, and you get points, even double points. with better rewRDS. A 100-250 points for a sample lip gloss, or a tablespoon of hand lotion?

The free samples are horrible most of the time, and the point gifts are nothing like they used to be. They are just a different store to me. I used to spend a lot of money there, and buy most of my beauty items there. It is just not as unique as it used to be.

I am probably in the minority, but it's JMHO

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,321
Registered: ‎03-15-2010

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

I now almost exclusively shop at Ulta. There are LOTS of sales, coupons, discounts and incentives. I am a Platinum member so I get extra discounts, unrestricted coupons, extra points, etc. Also, when I accrue points I get money off future orders instead of the gifts from Sephora that I never liked anyway. Often they have free shipping on $25.

Ulta also sells drugstore brands. I stock up when they have BOGOs on NYX, Physician's Formula, nail polish, etc. and they usually have a $3.50 off $10 purchase coupon that can be used on these products.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 2,767
Registered: ‎04-06-2013

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

i'm a rouge and rarely shop at sephora any longer. i prefer having working directly with a commissioned sales associate. they're the best, in my opinion.

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?" Hillel
Regular Contributor
Posts: 182
Registered: ‎10-27-2014

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

I am rouge also, but don't intend to purposely maintain my status when it expires next year. It just so happens that I have 2 Sephoras within 5 minute walking distance of me. There are no Ulta's nearby, so I merely go for convenience.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 622
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

On 11/21/2014 Serena-1130 said:

I am rouge also, but don't intend to purposely maintain my status when it expires next year. It just so happens that I have 2 Sephoras within 5 minute walking distance of me. There are no Ulta's nearby, so I merely go for convenience.

Serena, your situation sounds exactly like mine! LOL - wonder if we're neighbors and don't even know it.

The problem with Ultra for me, even if there were one close by, is that the things I want are always excluded from the coupons.

"Behold! We are not bound forever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory." J.R.R. Tolkien
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,713
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Sephora VIB - what are the real advantages?

A discount is nice. I'll look forward to getting that. I've never been a VIB before. I purchased a few fragrance gifts and a nice blowdryer for myself this past week and bam, got an email saying that I'm a VIB! So I thought that would be something special, but found nothing that excited me about the status at first peek. I wish I'd gotten the 20% discount before I purchased my Drybar Buttercup kit, but I suppose that's what made me a VIB lol Smiley Wink