Cosmetic Loyalty/Rewards Programs

September 30, 2014

If you are reading this blog chances are you are as big of a makeup junkie as I am (or worse, no judgement) and since we are spending our hard earned cash on things we do not need, I thought it was a good idea to sum up some of the cosmetic loyalty or rewards programs out there that will give you certain tokens of appreciation for shopping with them.

SEPHORA

Beauty Insider: Anyone can join, your points can be used to get rewarded with deluxe samples of what ever products the store is featuring at the time.  These perks are generally slightly different from store to store and online.  There are 100, 250 & 500 point perks featured every month. You also get a birthday gift in your birthday month.

VIB: You are eligible if you spend $350 or more in a calendar year.  In addition to the rewards mentioned above, this status will also get you special discounts and access to new product launches before the rest of the world see them!

VIB Rouge: You are welcomed into this level when you spend $1000 or more in a calendar year.  Sadly or excitedly this is the level I am depending on how you look at it.  You iwll get access to private, closed door events, additional discounts, additional points during select times and an additional birthday gift.

I personally love this program and the points perks give me a chance to try some new products, stock up on minis for travel and get great coupons occasionally which save me 10-20% off my purchases.

ULTA

Ultamate Rewards: you will earn points for every dollar spent in store or online.  You will receive a birthday gift and the points never expire.

Platinum: when you spend $400+ per calendar year.  You will earn points 25% faster.

WALGREENS

Balance Rewards: 5000 points for every $5 you spend 10,000 for every $10, 18,000 for every $20, 30.000 for every $35 and 40,000 for every $50.

On particular weeks they will feature certain brands that when purchased will earn you extra points for example when writing this post No7, Aveeno, Eos, Maybelline, Olay, Neutrogena were all with 3,600 additional points.

NORDSTROM

Beauty Rewards: is still in a test phase which means you can only gain points when shopping at one of the participating locations throughout the country or online.  Currently there are a few in California and Florida.  You will get 1 Beauty Mark for every dollar you spend.  Points expire in 3 years.  100 points = delux sample and 500 points = premium reward

Verdict: Ulta and Walgreens give you the best cash back option.  

Sephora offers the best samples/rewards.  

Nordstrom currently is the worst and least effective program unless you live near a participating location.