Readers Questions: Sephora F&F Haul and Ebates.com

Q: What did you get for the Sephora F&F sale?


Ok, I think I might have tad went a bit overboard with my purchases, but at least half of them have been the ones I've been really wanting to get (especially the Dior ones). I only got one Dior palette which was the only really one I liked and was used when I had my Dior makeover. As far as the lippies go, the Beige Velvet was also part of the Dior makeover, and I just thought it was the perfect peach/pink lipgloss and it didn't have glitter. It was just a really nice color. The rest are blindsighted purchases. I have no idea how they look like in person. I just pretty much based it on the color description.

I was planning on getting the Urban Decay at Beauty.com because there's no discount, but I think they're out of stock of the VIP set, so I just got it at Sephora. I'm contemplating on getting the Velvet rope one though. Someone stop me.

Then I just got a face wash. I wanted to try Bliss for some reason, and it got really good reviews at Sephora and MakeupAlley, so we'll see how that goes. I'm just in need of a new facial cleanser.

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow - Earth Reflection 609 ($54)


Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick/Catwalk Mauve 680 ($25)
Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick/Nude Silhouette 214 ($25)



Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect/Beige Velvet 127 ($24.50)
Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect/Fuchsia Poplin 577 ($24.50)

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash ($22)
NARS Lip Gloss Set Sandpiper/Rose Gitane ($30)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil - Ozone [clear] ($16)



Urban Decay 24/7 Travel Size Set Of 5 - VIP ($29)

Image Credit: Sephora.com

So what's the total damage? $214.50 with the discount. Pretty hefty amount if you ask me. It's probably because I hauled so much Dior stuff. So it added up pretty quickly.

I feel like going back and make more purchases, but we all know I don't need anymore that what I have. I wanted to pick up a few NARS blushes and duos. I love, love, love NARS eyeshadows because they're just a dream when it comes to blending.

I'm also contemplating purchasing the MUFE primer, but I'll probably won't get it since it's not really a need. I probably will end up not using it anyway because I just hate putting extra things on my face. I feel like it's suffocating when I put too much cream or what not. BUT! I'm still on the border whether or not I should get the Clairsonic. Holy crap, $195 is pretty steep for a motorized brush, but I heard so much raves about it, and imagine what it can do to my skin even more. I also want to get another one for my mum. She'll probably like it, but not cuz it's expensive LOL.

I had a few more things I wanted to try. Mostly HE brands cuz they rarely go on sale LOL. But geez louise, I need to get a grip. LOL.

Q: Can you make a video on how you put your foundation?

I can, but I don't wear foundation. As much as I want to wear them, I just don't have time in the morning, and I'm just lazy to put a full face on. I've returned the Chanel Compact that I bought awhile back because it broke me out. I'm not planning on getting the Dior tinted moisturizer because that broke me out too and it's too orange on my skin. Besides, I haven't had the need for it either ever since I started taking care of my skin.

I don't like how certain powders look on my face because you can clearly tell that I have something on (looks powdery). Liquid foundation is out of the picture for me too cuz it tends to get heavy on my face. I hate having to deal with white casts on my face too when taking a picture.

As much as I hate how messy mineral foundations are, its still my go to foundation if I really want my face to look even for the night. It doesn't leave a white cast and it looks natural. I just buff it on with a kabuki brush and I'm done.

Q: Is Ebates.com safe?

I had a reader who was pretty concerned of signing up for Ebates. I've actually looked it up, checked it out, read their FAQ section, and read what Ebates is all about.

If you scroll all the way to the bottom of their page, you will notice that they are BBBOnline accredited business seal (Better Business Bureau Accreditation) which certifies that Ebates meets the standards and is a legit business. You can click on the image and it'll take you to the BBBOnline site where they also provide a report on Ebates. They also have been reviewed by the TRUSTe organiziation that certifies them they are a "trustworthy online business" if you're concerned about your privacy. You can check their list, and look under 'E' and you will find Ebates.com under it. In addition to that, the founders of this company are Deputy District Attorneys in Silicon Valley who used to prosecute online fraud & identity theft before starting Ebates. So ya.

The reason that you have to access the retailers through their website is because they have to have some visibility on your purchase (how much you spent) to determine the amount of your cash back based on your total purchase amount. You have to go through them in order to get your cash back. If you go directly to the retailers website (for example, Sephora), they will have no way to track your purchase where they can apply the cash back rate.

Ebates.com is an affiliate program. They are the middle between the retailers and they get commission from the retailers when you make a purchase, but instead of keeping everything, they "share" this commission with you through cash backs (Source). So you're pretty much getting a percentage of their commission when you go through Ebates.com. So you buy your stuff, they get paid, and you get some money back, and everyone is happy!

With that said, I'm not pushing everyone to sign up for Ebates.com. Maybe it's not for you. If you're still really concern about your information then just don't do it. Do it at your own discretion (just like when you buy the products I review on this blog). Do some more research if you have to. I'm just relaying an information and a tool that some people might find helpful since most of us do shop frequently. So why not get some money back from that?

Also, if you noticed that most of the major retailers are actually advertising in there. Ebates.com are also using their logos for business purposes, and last time I checked you can't just use someone's logo for profit and claim you are affiliated with them without their permission. They've also been in business since 1999. So if they are doing something shady, then they should've be been in trouble a long time. Besides they wouldn't be accredited by BBBOnline if they are involved in such actions. I don't know, I'm just kinda pointing out the obvious.

Anyway, when in doubt. Just research it.

I hope that answer some of the questions ya'll had.

Happy Friday and have a good weekend!