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Tag: RIhanna

  • What is the Sephora Beauty Insider Program?

    What is the Sephora Beauty Insider Program?

    Ever wondered why beauty influencers and lovers rave about Sephora’s Beauty Insider program? The simple answer is it’s a free program to unlock exclusive perks, savings (like during the Sephora VIB sale), and more. As a beauty lover who shops recreationally but also for work, I highly recommend joining the program even if you don’t plan (emphasis on plan) on shopping at Sephora religiously. 

    Keep reading to learn all of Sephora’s loyalty program details.

    What Is the Beauty Insider Program at Sephora?

    Sephora Beauty Insider is a free loyalty program that rewards customers with exclusive benefits based on their spending throughout the year. From birthday gifts to special sale promotions,  members enjoy a variety of perks to get more bang for their buck when purchasing their favorite beauty products. 

    Points are valid so long as there is activity with your Beauty Insider rewards account within a 12 month period (e.g. making a purchase, redeeming a reward, etc.). After that, points will expire. 

    What are the benefits of being a Sephora Beauty Insider?

    Members of the Beauty Insider program earn 1 point for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for valuable rewards. This includes:

    • Trial-size products, exclusive sets, and even full-size items in the Sephora Rewards Bazaar
    • A free birthday gift (once per year during birthday month), access to members-only discounts like the Sephora VIB Sale, exclusive events (such as beauty workshops)
    • All members qualify for Beauty Insider Cash aka $10 off a purchase after redeeming 500 points
    • Rouge members can access $100 off coupons in exchange 2,500 points in the Rewards Bazaar
    • Free standard shipping on online purchases with no minimum purchase requirement
    SIGN UP

    Can you get points at Sephora inside of Kohls?

    Yes, you can earn rewards when shopping at Sephora inside of Kohl’s (U.S.) so long as you checkout with an email address associated with a Beauty Insider account, you can receive points on eligible purchases from Sephora at Kohl’s in addition to Instacart, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube shopping. 

    How does the Sephora Beauty Insider Program work?

    The program is tiered, starting with the entry-level Beauty Insider, progressing to VIB status after spending $350 in a calendar year, and then to Rouge status after spending $1,000. Each tier offers progressively more generous benefits, including better points-to-dollar ratios, free shipping, and early access to products and sales.

    • Beauty Insider (entry-level tier)—receives 10% off during VIB sales
    • VIB (after spending $350 in a calendar year)—receives 15% off during VIB sales
    • Rouge (after spending $1,000 in a calendar year)—receives 20% off during VIB sales
    • All tiers receive 30% off Sephora Collection during VIB sales events

    Please note that if you make a return on a purchase you’ve earned points on, the points will be deducted from your available balance. This will also affect your dollar spending for the year to maintain your VIB or Rouge status. Additionally, products purchased with points from the Rewards Bazaar aren’t eligible for returns or exchanges for different rewards, points or cash etc. 

    How can I maximize my benefits as a Sephora Beauty Insider?

    To maximize your benefits:

    • Shop during bonus points events to accelerate your points accumulation. For example, there are some instances where shopping will give you 2X the points or more. Sephora will email you as these opportunities come about.
    • Save your points for bigger rewards, as the value increases with higher-tier rewards.
    • Rouge members can receive a $100 rouge reward by trading in 2,500 points—the offer is available through the Rewards Bazaar but goes fast. From my experience, typically, you have to add and redeem on a Tuesday or Thursday when they’re first added.
    • Take advantage of your annual free birthday gift, which does not require a purchase if claimed in-store (purchase required online). You do have to claim your free gift during your birthday month.
    • Keep an eye on exclusive offers and sales for Beauty Insider members.
    • Track your spending to maintain your current tier or to work towards the next one. 

    Can anyone join the Sephora Beauty Insider Program?

    Yes, anyone can join the Sephora Beauty Insider program. It’s free to sign up either in-store or online. Once you’re signed up, you can start earning points immediately with every purchase. Just remember to provide your number, email address or scan your barcode at checkout.

    Are there any tips for shopping Sephora sales?

    Yes, planning ahead is key. Know the dates of big sales events (like the Sephora VIB sale which typically happens in the spring, fall and sometimes again during holiday season). Below are some more tips.

    • Make a wishlist in advance by adding products to your Loves in the Sephora app (<–download it here).
    • Consider the higher priced items that rarely go on sale—prioritize those purchases during any sales event. For example, if you were looking to get a Dyson hair tool, the VIB sale is a great time to get it discounted (limit 1 per customer).
    • During the holiday season sales, shop gift sets that already give more bang for your buck before the additional discount. If it’s a good deal as a gift set, it’s an even better deal once you add 10-20% off.
    • Sign up for Sephora’s email list to know what sales and promotions are coming.
    • Request restock notifications for products that you love but are currently unavailable. It’s not unlikely that they may come back in stock before or during a sales event.
    • Resist the temptation to shop between sales unless you’re restocking your absolute essentials

    Is the Sephora Beauty Insider Program the same as the Sephora store credit card?

    No. The Sephora Beauty Insider program is completely free, open to anyone and doesn’t require signing up for the Sephora Credit Card or Sephora Visa Card store card. There are two different Sephora credit card options that come with a completely different set of benefits such as 25% off your first credit card purchase, 2X the beauty insider points and more. 

    If you haven’t already, sign up for Sephora’s Beauty Insider program. It’s the only way to score discounts during the upcoming VIB sale running 4/5/24–4/15/24 (check out my Sephora sale recommendations).  

    I may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, however, all opinions are my own—YKTV.

  • [REVIEW] Rihanna Smells Like “Heaven” so she created her own perfume

    [REVIEW] Rihanna Smells Like “Heaven” so she created her own perfume

    Word on the street is Rihanna smells good as hell. After years of celebrities raving about how good the “bad gyal” smells, Rihanna finally decided to drop her own perfume. I guess she figured we all would like to smell like success and good vibes. Summer 2021, Fenty Beauty and Rihanna blessed us with the FENTY Eau de parfum, the first scent from the former singer’s namesake brand.

    FENTY Eau De Parfum Scent Notes

     “Magnolia and musk unite with tangerine, blueberry and hints of Bulgarian rose absolute, geranium and patchouli”- FentyBeauty.com.

    SHOP AT FENTYBEAUTY.COM
    SHOP AT SEPHORA

    Does FENTY perfume smell like Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy (Rihanna’s previously rumored favorite perfume) ?

    KILIAN PAris Love Don't be Shy Fenty eau de parfum perfume
    Credit: Sephora.com

    Kilian Love, Don’t be Shy fragrance profile (from Sephora.com)

    Fragrance Family: Floral

    Scent Type: Warm Floral

    Key Notes: Orange blossom, Vanilla Absolute and Luscious Marshmallow

    Long before Rihanna dropped FENTY Eau De Parfum, it was rumored that her perfume of choice was Love, Don’t Be Shy from luxury fragrance house Kilian Paris. If you haven’t smelled this fragrance, let me be the one to tell you that the scent is absolutely divine. It’s expensive as hell (around $195 for a travel set), but I can see why Rihanna would be a fan.

    While Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy and FENTY Eau De parfum both have sweet elements, I don’t find them similar at all. But why would Rihanna copy and paste a perfume in the first place? Duh. Love, Don’t Be Shy is much sweeter, intense scent. FENTY Eau de parfum has a unique fragrance profile with some earthy and woody elements but dries down soft and sweet with a slightly musky undertone. According to the brand, it creates a unique scent for everyone based on their body chemistry.This is a good time to mention that the fragrance is unisex, in case you were wondering.

    Read Later: FENTY Skin Review

    Thoughts on FENTY Eau De Parfum (shop here)

    Let me lead by saying that the FENTY fragrance smells great in my opinion and unique. I can’t reference one perfume that smells identical to it. When I first sprayed the scent, it came off somewhat masculine and very intense, but once it dries down, the fragrance is subtle—with my body chemistry, it has a great balance of sweetness and musky. It pairs really well with sweeter fragrances (especially those with hints of vanilla-like NEST Madagascar Vanilla Perfume Oil). The scent feels luxurious and sultry (major rich bitch vibes), and the warm amber glass bottle is absolutely stunning.

    I recently discovered that I’m one of those people who sometimes don’t smell perfume on themselves. Initially, I thought this fragrance didn’t last, but apparently, it smells amazing, according to the compliments I’ve gotten while testing it out. Rihanna and her team recommend spraying directly to the chest to get the most out of the fragrance (they’re not wrong). Of course, you should apply to your pulse points (wrists, behind elbows, behind knees, lower throat, and behind ears) as you would any other perfume.

    @mikadadiva

    It’s giving rich baddie. Have you guys smelled? #fentybeauty #fentyskin #fentyparfum #fentyperfume

    ♬ original sound – ASTOLDBYMIKA💕

    Additionally, I love spraying this fragrance in my hair (wigs, not my natural hair). I can’t explain it, but this scent smells particularly good in my hair compared to some of my most loved fragrances. Personally, when Fenty hair care becomes a thing, I wouldn’t mind it if the Fenty Eau de Parfum scent was the fragrance for the products. Rihanna, if this perfume launch was you checking the temperature for Fenty Haircare, your secret is safe with me.

    For my chemistry FENTY Eau de Parfum indeed smells really good, but it wasn’t necessarily what I imagined in a fragrance from FENTY. While I don’t think it will be my signature scent (I’m still exploring that), I don’t regret buying it and adding it to my growing collection. FENTY Eau De Parfum is not a crowdpleaser but those who are open to indulging in something outside of their comfort zone truly enjoy this perfume. I’ve literally have had strangers tell me how good this perfume smells on me even though they think it smells horrible on them—that goes to show that it truly pulls on body chemistry.

    FENTY BEAUTY EAU DE PARFUM PERFUME FRAGRANCE REVIEW

    SHOP AT FENTYBEAUTY.COM
    SHOP AT SEPHORA

    Fenty Parfum Body Creme

    If there’s one thing to know about Fenty it’s that their Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream gives a lasting glow like no other. Surprise—a body creme will be launching with the Fenty signature scent. The brand describes the scent of this body creme as “A deliciously thick, whipped oil body crème that intensely hydrates scented with @badgalriri’s iconic, intoxicating personal fragrance.” We can expect this Fenty Parfum Body Creme to hit Sephora and FentyBeauty.com on September 1st, 2023.

    I may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, however, all opinions are my own—YKTV.

  • Can We Talk About Fenty Beauty’s Powder Foundation Real Quick?

    Can We Talk About Fenty Beauty’s Powder Foundation Real Quick?

    I may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, however, all opinions are my own—YKTV.

    It’s safe to say, that if Fenty Beauty drops something new, Mika is going to try it. With that being said, myself and my sebaceous glands were ecstatic when our fave (Rih) announced the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation. I was lucky enough to have been gifted the product and here are my honest thoughts and a few tidbits if you’re new to powder foundation.

    Click below to skip ahead!

    Powder Foundation, Pressed Powder, and Loose Powder
    Fenty Beauty Liquid Matte vs Powder
    Should you buy it?
    Where to purchase?

    The Tea: My Shade is 420 (in all Fenty Products including this one)

    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation

    # of Shades: 50 (same shades as Fenty Beauty’s Liquid formula)
    Coverage:     Light to Full coverage
    Finish: Soft Matte
    Price:     $36
    Retailers:     FentyBeauty.com | Sephora

    What’s the difference between powder foundation, pressed powder, and loose powder?

    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation

    Powder Foundation: Meant to replace a “traditional” liquid foundation entirely but in some cases can be used in combination. Usually comes in a pressed compact but on occasion is available in loose powder form. Ranges in coverage.
    Example: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation (of course). Also, Clinique Beyond Perfecting (one of my long-time favorite powder foundations).

    Pressed (Setting) Powder: Designed to lock in makeup + keep it from shifting while controlling shine throughout the day. Great on the go for minimizing shine that may come about. Typically sheer to medium coverage.
    Example: NARS – Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

    Loose Powder: Finely milled powder that is very similar to Setting Powder in regards to locking in your makeup. Most commonly used for under-eye baking to minimize concealer creasing. Typically transparent or very sheer in coverage.
    Example: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

    The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation can be used alone as a foundation, with a liquid foundation (to add more coverage) or for makeup touch-ups (i.e. fixing your makeup after putting a mask on and off during the course of the day). Speaking of masks, I experienced very little transfer when wearing this powder foundation with a disposable mask.

    Comparison: Fenty Beauty Soft Matte Liquid vs. Soft Matte Powder Foundation

    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
    Top to Bottom: Fenty Soft Matte Liquid Vs. Powder

    In my opinion, the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation applies much better than the original Matte Liquid Formula which has a tendency to dry down really fast. With this powder, you can move at your own pace.

    The Verdict

    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
    ★★★★★

    We got another one, Rih! I’ve long been a fan of powder foundation since my time working as a Clinique Beauty consultant (circa 2012). My skin strays toward oily—there’s something about when my natural oils and powder foundation link up that’s absolutely magical. For the sake of this review, I went for a full-coverage and the product delivered. No dark spots formed against this powder shall prosper.

    “No dark spots formed against Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation shall prosper.

    Though the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation is indeed a powder, it’s by no means dry, especially after hitting it with a bit of setting spray. If you have dry skin and wish to try it out, I recommend hydrating tf out of your skin before applying (as you should already be doing that regardless) and using a setting spray after.

    FYI: I’m shade 420 in all Fenty Beauty complexion products so shoutouts to them for being consistent!

    Mika’s Pro-Tips

    • Want more coverage? Opt for a dense brush.
    • Less coverage? Use a fluffy powder brush.
    • Apply primer as you would normally. I used Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer.
    • Don’t forget to use a setting spray between layering on the powder to help it melt into your skin and look natural.
    • I prefer applying my powder foundation before my concealer but do whatever feels right
    SHOP HERE

  • Cop or Flop | Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream

    Cop or Flop | Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream

    I may earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post, however, all opinions are my own—YKTV.

    Unless you’re new here (if you are, what’s poppin’ sis), you know that I live for Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer (say that three times fast). Even with me being inside for the majority of 2020 and now 2021 going into 2022 (damn), I used this magical gloss pretty often. In conclusion, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb is chapstick for bad bitches, and I will never stop using it as such. And now we have Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream to add to our bad bitchery.

    When I caught wind that Fenty Beauty would be dropping a shimmerless version of the Gloss Bomb, dubbed Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream, I was on the fence. While I was intrigued by it not having any glitter, I also thought, “if it’s not broke, then why to try to fix it?”.

    Keeping reading for my honest thoughts and shade try on.

    I’m a bit crazy so I purchased every shade from Sephora (using their in-store pickup option, which I highly recommend), and here are the swatches plus my honest opinions.

    Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream Fruit Snackz

    Shades

    Fenty Glow

    Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream Fenty Glow

    This shade is meant to be the OG Fenty Glow Gloss Bomb’s exact color match without the glitter. I think this color is FIRE but it looks a little pinker on my lips than the OG Fenty Gloss Bomb does (see my IG pic below to compare).

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsgw5KQAZ20/

    SHOP ON FENTYBEAUTY.COM
    SHOP ON SEPHORA.COM
    Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream Cookie Jar

    Described as a chocolate caramel shade, it’s clear that this gloss was made with melanin in mind. This is def a nude gloss that I would wear without any lip liner.

    SHOP ON FENTYBEAUTY.COM
    SHOP ON SEPHORA.COM

    Honey Waffles

    Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream Honey Waffles

    This nude gloss is literally everything, especially if you have a warm skin tone like myself. The name couldn’t describe it any more perfectly. Complete transparency—I used a brown lip liner (shade Intense Cafe from Clinique) and it made the shade look almost identical to Cookie Jar. With that being said, I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to pick up both. 

    SHOP ON FENTYBEAUTY.COM
    SHOP ON SEPHORA.COM

    Fruit Snackz

    Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream Fruit Snackz

    I don’t know who needed to hear this, but red glossy lips are truly that girl. I used MAC’s legendary “Nightmoth” Lip Liner to create the combo before applying the gloss on top. The centermost part of my lip is the truest depiction of Fruit Snackz color. 

    SHOP ON FENTYBEAUTY.COM
    SHOP ON SEPHORA.COM

    Mauve Wive$

    Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream Mauve Wive$

    Honestly, I didn’t think I would like this shade as much as I did; however, when paired with the right liner (aka MAC”s Nightmoth). It’s perfection!

    SHOP ON FENTYBEAUTY.COM
    SHOP ON SEPHORA.COM

    Verdict

    Okay, so boom. I’m 100% feeling this new addition to the Fenty Gloss Bomb family. The shimmer in the original formula never bothered me but it’s nice to have an option without that has a bit more pigment. Of course, in these times wearing this gloss with a mask may not be desirable. In that regard, I have to say it’s not a “must-buy right now” kind of product but if you’re like me and love applying gloss in the comfort of your own home, I say go for it, boo.

    How about that pigment?

    I think a lot of us were expecting the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream to be much more pigmented than what it is however, we have to keep in mind that it’s still a lipgloss, not a lipstick. I did attempt to layer to the gloss heavy to make the color appear more pigmented but let me be the first to tell you that’s not a great idea. Applying too much of the Gloss Bomb Cream inevitable makes the color separate on your lips. While the Sephora description describes it as a medium-to-full coverage gloss, I think sticking to just one swipe is best.

    I don’t prefer the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream over the OG Fenty Gloss Bomb range however, I don’t regret adding to my collection and can see the new lip drip being a part of my stay at home glam.

    Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream Fruit Snackz

    Let me know if you plan on picking up any Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Creams. And don’t forget to share this post with a friend so they can see swatches and sip this tea!

    SHOP ON FENTYBEAUTY.COM
    SHOP ON SEPHORA.COM
  • REVIEW—Is Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb REALLY That Good?

    REVIEW—Is Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb REALLY That Good?

    I may earn commission for purchases made through links in this post, however all opinions are my own—YKTV.

    Ever since Fenty Beauty hit the scene in the fall of 2017, more than several points have been made. One of these points being the infamous Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer (say that three times fast). (more…)

  • What We’re Expecting From Fenty Beauty This Fall

    What We’re Expecting From Fenty Beauty This Fall

    I don’t know who gave me the authority to forecast Rihanna’s highly anticipated Fenty Beauty makeup line but here goes nothing.

    Fenty Beauty will is being released September 8th, 2017 and will be available at Sephora.

    (more…)