Reward Redemption Is Limited
You can redeem rewards only in U.S. Sephora stores not including Sephora locations inside other retailers and on sephora.com. For every 125 reward dollars you earn, you get a $5 credit card reward, and rewards are issued in $5 increments.
Those rewards expire more quickly than a bottle of perfume left on a sunny windowsill. Earned reward dollars expire after 18 months, while you have 90 days from the date those credit card rewards are issued to spend them.
In other words, once you get that $5, you dont have too long to spend it. That also makes it hard to stockpile points in the hopes of offsetting the cost of a large purchase so much for a deep discount on that $500 blow dryer youve been eyeing.
About the author:Sara Rathner is a NerdWallet travel and credit cards expert. She has appeared on the Today show, Nasdaq and CNBCs Nightly Business Report.Read more
Online Sephora Rewards Bazaar
Once youve earned rewards points , you can redeem them for sample size to full-sized beauty products.
Rewards can cost 100 points to 5000+ points.
Individual rewards of 750 points or more ship FREE, no purchase required.
New Rewards are released every Tuesday and Thursday at 9am PST, and popular rewards are often offered in low quantities.
Find out more about how to join the Beauty Insider Club here.
For Erasing Imperfections: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Reviews: 10,907Average rating: 4.3 starsA great concealer keeps you looking awake by covering under-eye circles and unblemished by spot-treating any acne-prone areas. The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a staple in the beauty community because it can be applied in thin layers to smoothly cover any skin discoloration. It comes in 30 shades to suit seven undertonespink, peach, yellow, golden, olive, red, and neutral. A reviewer raves: It looks natural, doesn’t crease all day long, and feels more like an extension of my skincare. Brilliant. I’ll never look back, and I challenge you to find any under-eye circles.
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Consider Your Other Options Too
Overall, there are better credit card options than store cards, from cash-back cards like the Citi Double Cash Card to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for earning travel rewards. But if you regularly shop at any of the stores mentioned above, a store card could be a really great option especially if you have a big purchase coming up or are looking to build your credit. I personally have and use both the REI Card and the Kohl’s Card, and both have served me well!
For Luscious Lips: Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Reviews: 8,541Average rating: 4.7 starsLip gloss is officially back in style and Rihanna is on a mission to achieve the perfect pout. This “luminizer” leaves lips looking shiny and full, while moisturizing them with shea butter. The peach-and-vanilla-scented formula comes in three shimmering shadesFU$$Y , Diamond Milk , and Fenty Glow that work with all skin tones. One reviewer is a self-proclaimed hoarder of the product: I have nightmares that they will discontinue it, so I buy one a week. Y’all think I’m kidding. Go get yourself one or two or 11. It’s magical.
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For Makeup Preparation: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Reviews: 7,076Average rating: 4.3 starsThe difference between a good makeup day and a fantastic makeup day is often in the primer you use before an applicator brush even touches your face. The Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a clear gel that smooths and blurs fine lines and pores, helping foundation glide onto the skin and blend seamlessly. One reviewer writes: I apply this primer right before my makeup and it leaves my skin smooth and flawless. I love this product and can not go without it. My makeup lasts all day using this.
Bottom Line: Should You Get It
Overall, the Sephora credit card is mostly in line with other retail store credit card reward programs, which means its OK for the stores biggest fans, but should not be anyones everyday credit card. The 4% reward on Sephora purchases is actually a little less than expected most good retail rewards credit cards give 5% in rewards on purchases made at their stores. Earning 1% in rewards outside of Sephora is measly most any other rewards credit card you might have could give you significantly more.
Were no fan of credit card programs that dole out rewards certificates and then give you a limited time to actually use them. This card is no exception, though it does give you three months to use your reward, where some retailers only give 60 days.
Should you get it? Only if you think youll spend enough at Sephora to earn those $5 rewards certificates on a regular basis. It takes $125 in purchases at Sephora to get a $5 reward. Are you spending that much regularly? If so, the card makes sense. If not, wed avoid it. There isnt much value for the occasional Sephora shopper after youve used up the initial discounts and rewards for new cardholders.
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Or Even Better Check Out The New Sephora Favorites Section For Deals On Bestselling Beauty Products
As of April 2020, Sephora cancelled its subscription box program, called Sephora Play! In its place is the Favorites program, which in my opinion is a much better value. Sephora creates limited edition sets of their best selling beauty products, from makeup to skincare to perfume and haircare, and bundles them together in a discounted set. For example, the Limited Edition Makeup Must Haves set contains the following combination of full and mini-sized products, for $48, which they claim has a $146 value:
I did the math, and all of these added up to $161.50, but that could be because I couldnt match the same size on the KVD Vegan Tattoo Liner. But the takeaway is that this is a very good deal!
For A Sultry Smokey Eye: Urban Decay Naked Palettes
Reviews: 6,389Average rating: 4.4 starsA pre-designed eye shadow palette takes the guesswork out of selecting complementary shades to layer on lids. The original Naked lineupan instant hit from its introduction in 2010was discontinued in 2018, but the Naked3, which features shimmery and matte rose gold-hued neutral shades, is just as loved. The versatile colors are highly pigmented and easily blendable. Writes one reviewer: I love this palette. I have been using it daily ever since I bought it and I get compliments everytime I wear it. The pink tones are so pretty yet subtle. I’m in love. This was the best high-end purchase ever for me.
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But You Can Go Negative With Your Beautyinsider Points In
Want a 500 point gift like this Clinique More than Moisture sampler but only have 250 points? Ask for it in-store anyway. According to Sephora employee Kyra Gallego , who shared her insider Sephora hacks on TikTok , if you want a free thing, they have to give it to you.
Youll just have to build your points back up before you can cash-in again.
Jcpenney Credit Card’s Rewards
- Get an extra 15% off today on select apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry, watches, salon products, furniture, mattresses, home, blinds and shades. Plus 5% off select electrics/electronics, Modern Bride Design Your Dream Ring, smart watches and Tempur-Pedic. Terms Apply.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 of qualifying purchases, up to a maximum of 2,000 points in a single purchase transaction.
- Get a $10 JCPenney Rewards certificate for every 200 points.
- Earn additional JCP Rewards and discounts when you reach Gold or Platinum status with qualifying purchases and points.
- Provide your email address to get your $10 rewards via email.
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For A Clean Start: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Reviews: 7,038Average rating: 4.4 starsSkincare products can be tricky to recommend because of how different everyones skin needs are. But the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser somehow appeals to the masses. Designed for all skin types, the cleanser claims to remove makeup and dirt from the face, maintain the skins elasticity, soothe with cucumber extract, and calm with rosewater. One reviewer writes: My face feels clean, skin looks brighter and refreshed. Im hooked.
Make Sure Youre Choosing The Very Best Aka Most Valuable Samples
Ever wonder what a free sample could be worth at Sephora? Which products provide the best sampling value? Well, I analyzed the price per ounce of the entire Sephora inventory and found the top samples. This Perricone Cold Plasma Eye Cream costs $196 per ounce and is on my list of the best, high-value samples.
PRO TIP: Dont just pay attention to the brand name and overall cost of a product. The most important metric when shopping for beauty products is the per-ounce cost. Your wallet and self-care routine will reap the rewards of going with the best value per ounce of your favorite products, not just the biggest or smallest size.
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The Return Policy Is Just As Awesome
It’s still easy to return products to Sephora, thankfully.
Nothing has changed about Sephoras impeccable return policy, which is a relief. Even with the plexiglass trick, its difficult to determine whether things like a lipstick or a concealer will dry down to the correct shade for you, but dont worryif its wrong, bring it back. Seriously! Bring it back with your receipt within the 30-day window for a full refund, no questions asked.
Save All Your Purchases For January To Make Your Vib Or Rouge Status Last As Long As Possible
When you qualify for VIB or Rouge status, your membership lasts the current calendar year plus the following year. So, if you have a laundry list of items you know youll use throughout the next year or want to stock up on Christmas gifts super early then you might as well do it in January.
Thats 23 months of extra perks like free shipping, access to the best sales, and complimentary gifts for birthday, tier anniversary, and access to the Rewards Bazaar. Plus, January is an awesome time to shop at Sephora. The stores after-holiday sales on holiday gift sets are legit
Lastly, dont go and be a sleaze-ball after I tell you this, but returns do not disqualify your status. Repeat. Do not be a sleaze-ball.
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Blue Cash Everyday From American Express
If you dont want to spend on annual fee yet want rewards from everyday purchases then you will find Blue Cash Everyday beneficial. There is no annual fee on this card, it offers the potential to get a $150 bonus when you spend $1,000 on your purchases within 3 months of account opening.
Terms Apply
New users can also avail 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers for a period of 15 months after which variable APR rates are applied.
Earning cashback potential is good on this card as you can get a 3% cash back at US Supermarkets purchases after which the cashback percentage is lowered to 1%.
You also receive a 2% cash back on purchases made at US gas stations and select US department stores.JCPenny is one of the department stores where you would earn 2% cash back on your purchase.
For all other purchases, you get 1% cashback.
Its important to note that the cash back is in the form of reward dollars which can be later redeemed for a statement credit, gift card or shopping with listed retailers. The AMEX benefits that come along with this card are return protection, roadside assistance hotline, car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty. To be eligible to apply for this card you must have a good credit score.
Whats The Difference Between Sephora Store Card And Sephora Visa Card
You can use Sephora Store Card to make your purchases at Sephora stores and www.sephora.com only. Once you get approval, for every $1 spent at either Sephora stores in the US or online, you will earn 4% back. This offer does not apply to Sephora stores in Puerto Rico, Canada, and Sephora inside JCPenny retail stores.
As for the Sephora Visa Credit card, you can use it to make purchases in any place that accepts Visa payments. You will earn 4% in rewards for every $1 spent in Sephora US stores or at www.sephora.com and 1% back on recompenses for expenses in places that accept Visa. This offer also excludes Sephora stores in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Sephora inside JCPenney retail stores.
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What If I Forgot My Username/password
Click on the Forgot Username/ Password icon below the Sign In form. Fill in your Account Number, ZIP/ Postal Code, Identification Type, and the last four digits of your selected Identification document. Click Find Account. This will help to Find your account and verify your identity. Enter your email address, and you will receive a link to reset your username/password.
Get Two Free Sephora Samples With Every Online Order
Sephoras generous sample policy is one of the best things about shopping there, and this is true for shopping on, too. Every online purchase even a single order of Sephoras $14 Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick comes with two complimentary samples.
PRO TIP: Get one additional free sample on top of the two you get for every purchase by visiting the Beauty Offers page and entering the promo code you find there!
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Perks Of The Sephora Credit Cards
Business Insider listed the Sephora cards as one of the best credit cards for brand loyalists. The list featured other popular brands such as Amazon and Kohls.
As well as the percentage rewards, one of the biggest perks is a one-off 15% discount at Sephora when you open a card. If you have a high priced item in mind, such as the Dyson hairdryer , you can save big. Paired with some of the luxury brands that Sephora carries, you can save on multiple high priced items.
Another benefit of the credit card is that you will also receive a $20 reward if you spend $500 outside of Sephora within 90 days of receiving the card.
Youll Have To Skip Taking Samples Home
Certain beauty companies send samples that you can pick up for free.
Another big one: unlike in normal times, cast members cannot make samples for you from the testers on the shelves. For me, this may be the greatest bummer. I love trying things without committing to the cost, and Sephoras always been an amazing resource for that. However, the brands partnered with Sephora have come through with pre-packaged samples for a lot of their most popular products, and those can go home with you. This isnt necessarily new, but it certainly felt like cast members had tons of them to show me, which tells me there may have been a push to get more sample-sized products out there for exactly this reason.
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Is It Possible To Use My Sephora Credit Card Immediately Upon Approval
Yes, you can. Once you get approval, you will receive a temporary card number. Although it is valid for only 14 days, you can still use it to make your purchase at Sephora. While shopping in-store, you will need to produce a valid drivers license or any other identification document to the cashier, who will look up your account.
If you are using the online shopping platform, you will find your temporary number automatically uploaded into your online payment profile. You only need to ensure that you upload your card information when you receive your card by mail.
How Can You Tell If Sephora Reviews Are Trustworthy Here’s What To Look For
When I saw that had added a new product that promised to smooth out otherwise unfixable acne scars in eight weeks, I was intrigued but not entirely convinced. When I saw it had already racked up close to 200 five-star reviews, I grabbed my credit card.
But my excitement was tempered nearly all of those reviews had a small disclaimer beside them: Received free product.
The reviews were not written by those who spent their own money on the product, but rather by those who had been given the product in exchange for a review.
The value of a good review has not gone unnoticed by beauty brands, and to boost their ratings, theyve effectively infiltrated the system. In 2018, for example, the brand Sunday Riley asked employees to write fake reviews, and as I saw, companies often give away products in hopes of getting a positive review.
Reviews have a huge impact on the success of a product, said Natalie Silverstein, the vice president of brand, marketing and culture at Collectively, a PR agency that specializes in influencer marketing. Smart marketers see positive reviews as a critical part of their brands broader digital footprint. They take steps to ensure that there are authentic reviews online as part of their launch strategy and ongoing marketing.
Some users arent happy with the way these reviews can seem to take over a products ratings, as evidenced by a thread on Sephoras own messaging board titled Influenster, please go away!
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Makeup Palettes Are Where Its At
Sephora Makeup palettes offer savings just like value sets or Sephora Favorites. The NARS Overlust Cheek Palette included six different colors, was a $125 value, and sold for $59. Dont dismiss palettes just because you dont love one color! The palette may make each item look small, but typically the quantities are close to their full-size counterparts.