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Thursday, September 13, 2012

Barneys Love Yourself Bag Event Details & Tips: September 20-23, 2012!

I know that you have been waiting for details about the upcoming Barneys Bag Event, and here are some for you!!

-The Bag Event will run from Thursday, September 20 through Sunday, September 23. Presales will be charged to your card on September 19th-- Barneys cardholders will receive double points on that day, but only on their Barneys card.

-Barneys is already preselling- this is a good idea because this is the way to reserve the gift bag for you. They will be ringing the purchases up on Wednesday, September 19th. Barneys cardholder alert- take advantage of Double Points for the Bag Event (Double Points is September 13-19)!!

-The minimum purchase to get the legendary gift bag is $200 (this is based upon total pre-tax purchases in the cosmetics & fragrance department- not limited to a single counter or line). If you spend $250.00 before tax from the store shipping is free (US only. Shipping fees apply to international addresses).

-You can order online to get the bag, but it will not include step-up gifts. I recommend ordering through a store directly because you can get the step-up gift and be assured that you will get everything that you want (or will be told immediately if it has already sold out). Additionally this way you can be assured that a gift bag has been reserved for you.

ONE BAG PER CUSTOMER & WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
-Step-up gifts are line specific gifts beyond the gift bag. For instance, if you spend a certain amount of money with a particular line they will give you an additional gift from their line. They often give full-sized products- making it all the more tempting. You will still get the Gift Bag even if you spend enough in a particular line to qualify for their step up gift.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ACTUAL BAG
The Gift Bag itself: Here's a sneak preview of some of the products and brands in the gift bag: Cle de Peau, Chantecaille, Oribe (Signature Shampoo & Conditioner), Revive, NARS, Deborah Lipmann polish, Radical Skincare (Exfoliating Pads), 3Lab ("M" Cream), Malin+Goetz, Kevyn Aucoin, Frederic Malle, YSL (Serum), By Terry, REN (Glycolactic Renewal Mask), Kai (perfume Oil sample), Molton Brown, Sunday Riley (mini mascara), Shiseido, Koh Gen Do, Sue Devitt, Hourglass, assorted fragrance samples, and I'm sure I have missed a few. Sometimes there are substitutions- so the contents of your bag may vary somewhat. All of these lovelies are housed in a generous sized color-block bag with a zipper that is quite similar in design to the February Bag (link below)- though it will differ in color to reflect the season. I will post the actual bag the moment I get it!
Love Yourself Gift Bag September 2012 (source: Barneys)
Take a peek in my February Bag Event Post you will get an idea of the types of things that you will find in this bag. Trust me, this is a really good gift bag! Here's the Bag from the February 2012 event- to give you an idea of the kinds of products you will find inside!

These bags never disappoint. They generally include a mixture of full-sized products, deluxe samples, and regular sized samples. Trust me when I tell you that they really stuff the bag with lots and lots of products!

I have had several requests about line specific step-up gifts from my beloved readers- so here are a few of them:

Beauty is Life- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.

By Terry- with a $300.00 purchase receive a gift bag of By Terry samples. (UPDATE: No, I'm sorry that I don't know which samples are included. I would recommend speaking with a By Terry SA).

Chantecaille- with a $200.00 purchase receive a red bag with a full-sized lip liner in Tone, and 3 deluxe skincare samples (mask, cream, and the Rice Geranium Cleanser). They have The Elephant Palette ($82.00) in stock, but they are preselling them fast-- so run, don't walk to the phone if you want one!! (UPDATE: Yes- there were several Elephant Palettes still available when I spoke to the SA at the Beverly Hills Location a couple of days ago-- but you need to call to confirm that they haven't yet presold out at any of the Barneys locations that will plan to patronize. I suspect those are going to really sell like hot-cakes across the board since they are gorgeous drool-worthy palettes-- not to mention the fact that they are limited edition).

Claudio Riaz- with a $250.00 purchase receive a full size eyeshadow (a neutral shade).

Colbert MD- Free full size Nourish Eye Cream when you purchase two products (excludes the purchase of Intensify Facial Disks).

Davines- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.

Hourglass-  Spend $200.00 and receive a 10ml. Veil Mineral Primer ($17.00 Value).

Kai- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.

Kiehl's- With a $125.00 purchase receive EITHER a full size Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter (8 oz. size $36.00 value) (reviewed here) OR the small size Ultra Facial Cream. If you spend $200.00 you get both gifts!!

Koh Gen Do- With a $200.00 purchase receive a full size Aqua Foundation White Primer along with some other goodies.

Malin+Goetz- Travel size Moisturizer and Cleanser when you purchase 3 Malin+Goetz items (not 3 lip balms!!). (Update: I'm afraid I don't have information more specific about the step-up gift. I would recommend calling the counter to ask. Yes, it is the Grapefruit Cleanser that I have been using of theirs, not the Jojoba Face Scrub-- which I have never tried. But now you have me curious about it because I love great face scrubs!).

NARS-Spend $200.00 and receive a full-size Multiple Stick (I'm unsure of the color, but hear that it is one of the more red hues). (Update: To the three lovelies who asked about the NARS Andy Warhol Collection-- I'm not sure whether or not Barneys is carrying, or going to be carrying any of that collection. I would urge you to call them to find out.)

Oribe- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag. (Update: Yes, Oribe very often participates in the Bag Event-- that is how I got hooked on their products to begin with!).

REN- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.

Rodin Olio Lusso- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.

själ-Purchase 3 items and receive a full size cleanser. (UPDATE: Sorry, I don't have anything more specific than the fact you need to purchase 3 items. I agree that the Pearl Enzyme Exfoliating Mask is wildly popular-- so yes, if it were me I would definitely call to reserve one of those if you are concerned that it might sell out).

Sponge- Spend $200.00 and receive a full-sized Body Milk (Galaktoma Somatos reviewed here). (UPDATE: To the two lovely ladies who asked about the Krema Lambrini- I was told that they are sold out at the Beverly Hills location because I was trying to preorder it. If you are still trying to get one- I would suggest calling the store near you to see if they have any left).

Tatcha- With $175.00 purchase you will receive a travel kit filled with their products. With a $250.00 purchase you will also receive a full-sized Tatcha mask (single pack). (UPDATE: Sorry, I don't know how large the travel size products are).

Sunday Riley- With a $250.00 Sunday Riley purchase you will receive a full-sized Effortless Breathable Primer in shade Medium. (UPDATE: Yes, I have heard that they have a nice treat in the gift bag- they always offer really lovely and generous things during Bag Event-- that's how I got hooked on their lip gloss!).

Tracie Martyn Skincare- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag. (Update: Sorry, I don't know if they are participating in the Gift Bag).

I was asked by several people whether I really think that these Barneys Gift Bags are all that they are hyped up to being, and my answer is absolutely! The Barneys Bag Event is extraordinary- I have never been disappointed by a single one, and the bags themselves are amazing.

I will be updating this post-- so bookmark it and check it frequently for any updates, or added specials!!

I would not suggest waiting until the last minute to preorder, because some things really sell quickly during the event-- it's a good idea to call the counters that you are interested in to reserve your bag and all of the goodies that you want to buy.

Until then, if you are planning to partake- might I suggest that you set a realistic budget, check your stash, and make a list. I tend to stalk the Barneys website to help me make my list-- so that might work for you as well.

If you have any questions, post them in the comments section below, and I will try to get an answer for you. This is preferable to emailing me since I invariably am asked the same questions-- so this way everyone gets the answers.

Are you planning on partaking? If so, what are you thinking of getting?

114 comments:

  1. Gift bags are so much fun! It's such a great way to try new products and experiment. It's also a great excuse to go shopping :)

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    1. I completely agree with you, Victoria!! I'm desperately trying to show some self-restraint because I already have so much stuff that i need to use ;-)

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  2. An SA at Seattle Barneys told me that there will be a NARS GWP as well, but I do not know the required purchase amount or the contents.

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    1. I heard the same thing- I will see what I can find out! They had a good step-up gift last year!

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    2. Hi Kathleen- the NARS step-up gift is one of the full size Multiple Sticks. He couldn't remember which color, but said it was one of the redder hues. I imagine that it will be lovely! You have to spend $200.00 with NARS to get qualify.

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  3. Oh, the excitement....it's like Christmas!!! Thank you for the updates!!!

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    1. You are so very welcome!! I will have more information soon, and hopefully I can spill the beans about the contents of the bag soon as well!!!!! ;)

      I'm pretty excited as well!!!!! I'm planning on going a little cray cray with my Sponge indulgences this time around! I made sure to include Tatcha for you!!!!!!

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    2. Did you end up indulging, Gummy? If so, what did you end up getting? xxoo

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    3. Not yet! I can't make up my mind! lol :-) After seeing the goodies in the bag, I'm not sure it's for me. And to be honest I don't think the bag itself is that cute :-( I had made up a list of backup product to get, but discarded that idea because I'm REALLY trying to get out of the habit of having so many backups. All too often I end up falling out of love or wanting to try something else (and loving that more) and end up with items I have to force myself to use up later (much to my chagrin because I'd rather be using something else). However!! If anything there are quite a few Chantecaille items I want and if the step up gift is anything like the one being offered at Nordstrom right now (I love the fun colored bag!! yes, call me crazy!) then I will buy from that line to get the step up and then also the big honkin' bottle of Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water and Maifanshi Pressed Powder.

      I arrived in Dallas yesterday, but unfortunately have not had time to get to the Barneys here & I leave before the shops open tomorrow. And I won't make it to Chicago in time to get to the Barneys there! It's too bad...would have been great to be able to compare bags to the BH & NYC ones!

      Need to make up my mind quick...time is running out to call a store!! Argh...what to do...what to do... #productjunkieproblems

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    4. Hey Gummy!! Yes, it seems that there are a great many people who haven't been as happy with the bag as they had hoped. I have to agree with you on the whole backups philosophy-- I am trying to stop buying backups as well. I have piles of backups, and it definitely has a sharp downside. When you grow tired of something there's nothing worse than having three more bottles of it to get through!! I would only say do it if the step-up gift is outstanding, and that you are reasonably certain that you will like or love the product long enough to still like/love it when you finally get to the backup!! The Chantecaille GWP at Nordstrom seemed like a good one!

      You still have plenty of time-- there are still two full days left. It's pretty funny that you have been flying in and out of so many cities with Barneys locations. I don't suppose that you could have the pilot delay the flight while you shop :D xx

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  4. Hi Lola,
    Thank you for posting this :) This will be my first time purchasing from this event. I plan on buying some Sunday Riley Skincare & Koh Gen Do, but I'm a bit confused. When I asked if there was a step up gift for Sunday Riley I was told there isn't one, but that something of hers is in the beauty bag and as for Koh Gen Do I was told they were giving a little makeup pouch with a mini UV Milk & mini aqua foundation illuminator. I was at the Barney's in Beverly Hills just this past Sunday. How strange, I'm glad I didn't place an order just yet. Thanks again Lola for keeping us updated.
    x Naomi

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    1. You are so welcome, Naomi! I just double checked, and SR is giving away the primer and a mascara with a $250.00 purchase. KGD is doing their white primer and some other goodies with a $200.00 purchase. I'm not sure why they told you that. SR & KGD are both supposed to have something in the gift bag as well. Keep me posted!xxoo

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    2. Hi Lola :)
      I did end up ordering a couple of items from Sunday Riley & Koh Gen Do, but I pre-saled my items through the Barneys in Las Vegas since an SA text me about the event. I was shocked to see my package arrived yesterday (9/20, here in LA) & I was not charged for shipping. I thought I'd have to wait over a week for it to arrive.
      As some others have commented, I too was slightly disappointed with the beauty bag & agree with you that it did lack the KA-POW that the Feb. bag had. Lol...I had ZERO full size products in my bag, but I must say I'm extremely pleased by all the additional goodies the SA threw in! I can definitely say I was well taken care of ;)
      Also, I did receive the SR primer in Light & plenty of SR skincare samples. As for my KGD purchase I spent less than $200, but still received a lovely black velvet cosmetic bag with travel size UV Milk, Spa Cleansing Water, & a mini aqua foundation. Combine that with the additional samples the SA sent, I am one happy customer.
      xo Naomi
      PS Lucy looks flippin adorable with her new haircut!!! Sadly last Friday my old bear (she was a chow mix) Mocha passed away naturally just barely a month after she turned 16. Had her for practically half my life, I still remember the day my oldest sister brought her from the pound when she was just a puppy :'( Now my poor little dog with the cat like behavior that I told you about is all by himself. He keeps sniffing for her & moping around. I hope to find him a little girlfriend like your Lucy, but I was told at the pound (as a suggestion) that I should wait 3 months before bringing a new dog home so he can re-establish himself. Have you ever heard such a thing or have you gone through something like this with any of your pets?... Oops, sorry I know this is a beauty blog! Although if you have any thoughts on this I would appreciate it since I know you are sincerely a fellow animal lover and take great care of your pets. *Hugs*

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    3. Oh no, Naomi--

      I am so very sorry for your considerable loss- I can imagine how difficult it is to have lost Mocha! Reading your post made me cry-- I really feel for you! Your poor catlike dog must just be so devastated. My heart goes out to you, sweetie! I went through a tough loss a few years ago when two of my kitties died two weeks apart from rare cancers (I'm pretty sure that I told you about them before). I know how badly that hurts! Right now I'm dealing with the rapidly deteriorating health of my 15 year old diabetic cat with thyroid disease as well-- Emma is frail and now may have cancer, as well as being on the verge of renal failure. This is the heartbreaking part of sharing our lives with animals-- it's such a shame that we didn't have similar life spans.

      I actually went through something very similar. When one of my kitties died about 10 years ago-- my sweet sweet Sebastian (one of the two kitties who died a few years ago- and who I will never stop grieving for) was so depressed that he took his favorite toy and put it in her bed (that she forbade him from using) after she died, and he sat in it literally crying in the most primal kind of way. It was profoundly moving to see him grieve so hard-- not that I am trying to anthropomorphize his response-- he really was shattered by the loss, and he had no difficulty expressing it. I knew that I had to get another kitty for him- so I actually didn't wait very long at all-- maybe a couple of weeks. I wasn't really ready emotionally, but he needed it-- so I got him Emma. Now he is gone, and Emma is starting to fall apart-- which is awful. Of course it also makes me think of when she was the little kitten that I brought home for Sebastian. Short story long-- I think that you know the character and needs of your broken hearted dog better than anyone, and if you think that he needs canine or feline companionship to help him find a little happy-- then you might want to do it sooner than three months. I certainly do see the wisdom in what the person at the shelter suggested, but you know your dogs needs and wants. Maybe set up some play dates with other dogs and see if that helps.

      Wow, your Barneys package came so fast!! I'm surprised that you ordered from the LV store instead of going to the event in Beverly Hills!! It really sounds like your SA hooked you up!! I'm surprised that you didn't get a single full size product in your bag, but it does sound as though all of the other goodies that you were given more than made up for it!! My SA is always ridiculously generous with me- so despite the fact that the bag wasn't OTT like the February was- I haven't a single complaint about all of the lovely things that I came home with.I hope that you love everything that you got!!

      Isn't Lucy's haircut cute?! She looks like a different puppy now! Too bad she still hasn't read the memo issued about potty training yet!!

      Try and have a good weekend. You need to pamper yourself with some of your new products!! xxoo <3 L

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    4. Wow, I just realized that it was 15 years ago-- because I got Emma when she was a baby-- wow-- time really does fly!

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    5. Hi Lola,
      I am so sorry to hear about your poor kitten Emma :'( {They are always puppies & kittens in my eyes regardless of age!}
      My little Rocco (the catlike dog) is doing a little better now, he is finally starting to eat his breakfast, but he absolutely refuses to be outside alone during the daytime now that Mocha is gone. I guess I will wait a few weeks & see about getting him a girlfriend. Thank for sharing your thoughts with me.
      I hope your Lucy quickly resolves her potty training issues. I'm surprised she hasn't learn from Delilah where to go yet!
      Yes I ordered from the LV store because the SA had text me about the event just about when I was planning to go to the Beverly Hills store so I thought what the heck I'll save myself a trip & avoid any temptation of additional impulse purchases! Lol... I went in the LV store just once months ago to try out the Chantcaille Ultra Sun Protection Primer, but unfortunately when I read the ingredients I knew it was not for me since it had chemical sunscreens in it which I am allergic to. She was the one who suggested I try Sunday Riley. She gave me some samples of the Cashmere which I loved & that very night since I didn't want to gamble I was searching for reviews on SR products & that is when I found all your fantastic postings on SR :D Also I remember the name of your blog because of Everyday Beauty so I knew I could trust your reviews ;)
      As always thank you so much Lola!
      xoxo Naomi

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    6. Thanks, Naomi <3 That means a lot to me!

      It is definitely heartbreaking to watch your little baby come undone by age and disease. You are quite right- she will always remain my kitten- regardless of age! I'm sorry that poor Rocco is having such a tough go of it, but it will definitely take time-- since Mocha was his beloved companion for so long! You will definitely know when he's ready for a girlfriend-- plus it will bring you joy as well!! Everyone needs some joy after sustaining such a devastating loss!!

      Lucy is definitely getting a little bit better about potty training, but not much. I would have hope that she would have emulated Delilah more in that way, but no such luck. Instead she's partial to imitating some of Delilah's bad habits!!

      It definitely was a pain free process ordering from the LV store-- plus it really sounds as though you have developed a good relationship with that SA-- which makes a huge difference!! Interesting that it was through that channel that you essentially found me, and then connected me back to Everyday Beauty!! Pretty cool! I'm just glad that it worked out that way-- because I'm so glad to know you!!

      xoxox, L

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  5. I was going to ask you about this. I doubt there's any one brand that I'm interested in spending $200 at so I might just jump around to see what I come up with. I'm not doing skincare since I'm overloaded now.

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    1. I can imagine that you have plenty of skincare stuff that you are trying out right now, and that you need to review. If there are any lines that you are wondering about-- let me know-- I'm talking to my contact tomorrow. Let's face it, for you and me there really is nothing that we "need" given the size of our stashes!! I'm trying to be level-headed so that I don't spend a small fortune!! I don't need a thing, but I have plenty of wants!!

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  6. excited for this! i think i'm purchasing fragrances since i'm on a semi makeup ban. lol. but who knows what will happen once i step foot into barneys.

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    1. Me too! Fragrances at Barneys= Love! Yes, therein lies the danger!! I find that it's really good to go with a list, a budget, and a plan-- otherwise it can EASILY turn into a $1000.00+ shopping spree!! SUCH TEMPTATIONS!!!!!!!!!;-)

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    2. Have you gone yet, Jackie? What kind of damage did you do? :D

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  7. ooo. a full size tatcha mask -- as in the actual pack they sell with 4 masks inside as opposed to one sheet? :-o

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    1. Hmmm, that's an excellent question, Stephanie. She just said full size- which I interpreted as not being a single sheet. I will see if I an find out the specifics. :-)

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    2. Hi Stephanie- I was told today that the additional Tatcha step-up gift when you spend $250.00 is a single sheet mask.

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    3. thank you! <3 :)

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    4. You are so welcome, Stephanie!! xxoo

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  8. I wish the NARS Andy Warhol stuff was available --I may be able to spend $200 on that! I been wanted the By Terry foundation since I tested it a year ago but can't justify the price right now :(

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    1. ...and it would take very little effort to get to $200.00! Those self-portrait and flower eye shadows are just to fabulous looking to use!!!!!! I'm actually finding out about the By Terry step-up gift tomorrow. So if it's something utterly fantastic-- it might be worth the splurge. Her foundations are definitely pricy, but from what I have heard they are amazing!

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  9. I'm curious...what's on your list to get?? I also stalk the website haha, but can't seem to make up my mind on what to get! Any suggestions on their top sellers that I might want to pre order??

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  10. I'm curious...what's on your list to get?? I also stalk the website haha, but can't seem to make up my mind on what to get! Any suggestions on their top sellers that I might want to pre order??

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    1. Hi Katie,

      I still haven't finished making my list, but I am COMPLETELY obsessed with Sponge Skincare. The line has completely blown my mind. I am definitely picking up the Krema Imeras (anti-aging day cream), the Krema Niktas (anti-aging night cream)- I have been using up samples of this and have determined that it is a must-have product for me. I will probably pick up another Gel Katharistiko (cleanser)- because it is now my Holy Grail Cleanser-- I may also pick up one for my mom and sister. I may also get another Ladi Avokanto oil-- it's extraordinary. I'm also looking at their Gel Mattia(firming eye gel), and maybe their Gel Basiliko (oil free gel moisturizer). So as you can plainly see, I have lost my mind about Sponge products!! I may also pick up a few things from other lines, but I haven't made any concrete choices yet. I want to see what the step-up gifts are from By Terry and Colbert MD first. What have you been thinking about getting?

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    2. I will definitely have to take a look at Sponge!!! I'll be picking up a by terry baume de rose (it's a splurge that I allow myself every now and then), a cle de peau lipstick in the shade R10, oribe dry texturizing spray, and I want to check out some frederic malle fragrances! I used to use a whole Sunday Riley skincare regimen, but I wasn't seeing the results I wanted to see with how much the products are. So I will definitely at least be getting some samples of Sponge!!! And like you...I'm on a budget and it's sooooo hard once you get in that store!

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    3. Definitely try to get samples of their cleanser, oil and any of the face creams that you can. I'm just so smitten with Sponge- the products are high quality, and the prices are actually reasonable compared to lots of luxury lines. I think that you will be surprised by how fantastic and effective Sponge products are-- everything that I have tried from them is absolutely divine-- except the eye cream sample that I tried which bugged my eyes. Plus it is much less expensive than Sunday Riley- which wasn't working for you anyway. I have been wanting the By Terry Baume de Rose, but have always had trouble justifying the expense-- I might have to do it this time around! Cle de Peau lipsticks are divine, and I am a huge fan of Oribe products in general! I know what you mean about that store being a budget buster-- especially during Bag Event with all of the step-up gifts!! Let me know what you ultimately end up getting, and I will definitely do the same!! Have a great weekend!

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    4. Wow, I had the same experience as you, Katie. I also tried the whole Sunday Riley skincare line and I didn't see results either- it just didn't work for me. I'm going to get Rodin Olio Lusso and some Sponge, I think!

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    5. Hi Samantha-

      Skincare is never one size fits all. I have tried many different products from many many different lines over the years, and I thought that many of them would have been perfect for my skin, but sadly there have been plenty that ended up not being a good fit for me. In the worst cases things have caused allergic reactions (rashes, peeling skin etc.) or just horrible breakouts. In the more mild cases my skin appeared dull and lifeless. My sister and I have skin with very similar needs (combination- active t-zone), and you would think that we could use all of the same skincare products. However, while there are intersections in what we can both use-- we have learned that our faces don't necessarily tolerate all of the same products.

      This is precisely why I have become a proponent of trying samples whenever possible before buying the full-size products, in general. I always tell SA that my skin can be funny and reactive, and that I would prefer trying a sample to see if I will react, rather than buying something that I might end up having to return. This has worked very well for me. This has saved me so much money over the years, or the trouble of having to return something that caused a reaction. This is also why, when asked- I always suggest getting a sample and trying new products that way first. It really can save one a lot of skincare misfires (which can get pretty expensive over time!). ;)

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  11. Bobbi Brown just discontinued some of my favorite eyeshadows. Thinking of trying T. LeClerc or Nars for the beauty event. Any thoughts. The colors were Navajo and Woodrose that I am trying to replace
    .

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  12. Bobbi Brown just discontinued some of my favorite eyeshadows. Thinking of trying T. LeClerc or Nars for the beauty event. Any thoughts. The colors were Navajo and Woodrose that I am trying to replace
    .

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    1. Hi Michelle, Wow- I can't believe that Bobbi Brown discontinued Navajo and Woodrose-- that just makes no sense at all!! Those were classic colors and best-sellers! First of all, since Barneys carries Bobbi Brown you might want to call to see if they have any of your favorites left-- at least that is what I would do. I haven't tried any T. LeClerc products, but have heard lots of great things about their makeup. I love NARS shadows, and they are having a nice step-up gift. I'm also very fond of Chantecaille eyeshadows and Claudio Riaz eye shadows-- the quality is superb in both. You will also find a lovely selection of delightful neutrals that you will probably really love! It also helps that they are both having nice step-up gifts for Bag Event!! Also check out Sue Devitt-- I have gotten some fantastic eyeshadows of hers from Barneys in the past. Keep me posted!

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  13. Hi Lola,

    Will there be any special perks for your loyal readers, like last time? :) Also, I wish the Sunday Riley step-up wasn't so highly customized (I have a darker olive complexion and don't like colored mascaras), but I will probably stock up on her amazing eye cream and skin adrenaline anyway!

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    1. Hi Lily! I had hoped to put something together with them, but the person that I needed to set things up with has been out. It probably won't happen this time around :-( There are so many great gifts and samples though-- that you will probably be able to get plenty of extra samples just by requesting a few. Makeup step-up gifts are definitely much more tricky than skincare gifts-- since lots of people won't be a shade match. Let me know what you do end up getting!

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  14. Hi Lola! I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!! You have me so excited about Sponge skincare. I tried a sample of Ladi Avokanto, and it is seriously the best face oil I have EVER tried. I have tried most of the high end ones and a few of the low end ones, but this is the best. I plan on buying it and the cleansing gel- based on your glowing reviews. I have combination skin- active t-zone and drier cheeks-- which of their face creams do think would be best suited to my skin type? Thank you for posting all of this information. You have much more thorough information than anyone out there! Thanks so much =^..^=

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    1. Hi!! Thanks for saying such lovely things-- I really appreciate it! <3 Isn't Sponge AMAZING?!! I'm so glad that you tried it. I'm glad that you tried some samples first, but I am not in the least bit surprised that the Ladi Avocanto got you hooked-- that's exactly what happened to me as well! I have combination skin with an active t-zone, but my cheeks are neither dry nor oily. Of their creams, I have been using samples of the night cream (Krema Niktas) and the Rose cream (Krema Triantafillo) and I really love both of them. The Krema Niktas is an anti-aging night cream, and it feels amazing on the skin so I am getting that, and the Krema Triantafillo is a very soothing cream that it very gentle for even the most sensitive skins. I will either get that one or their Krema Imeras- which is an anti-aging day cream, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm willing to buy it without having tried it because I am having great luck with the line! I imagine that any of the above will work for you, but you might find the Krema Triantafillo might be the perfect soothing cream for your drier cheeks. They are very generous with samples-- so maybe you can try them before making the purchase to see which works best for you. The Ladi Avokanto oil should really help balance out your drier cheeks and oily t-zone though. Please keep me posted and let me know what you end up getting. You will be getting their Body Milk as the step-up gift, and I think that you will love it! I included my review link above, if you haven't already seen my review. Have a lovely weekend!

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    2. Lola!! You are so kind to respond not only so quickly, but also so thoroughly!! Thank you. I will try to get a hold of some samples before the event, but I think that I want to anti-aging night cream for sure. I'm leaning toward the rose day cream, but want to try both of the day creams to see which feels better. You are absolutely right about the Ladi oil-- it is definitely balancing out my skin. My cheeks aren't nearly as dry as the usually are and even my t-zone seems more balanced. Thank you so much for introducing me to this line- I had never heard of it before you introduced me to it! You have a restful fun weekend, though I betting this post is going to keep you busy all weekend long :D

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    3. Absolutely my pleasure! Please keep me posted- I can't wait to hear what you get, and to know your thoughts about those products! You have a great weekend as well! xxoo

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  15. This is an awesome post. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together for us!! You always make it so easy to navigate the Barneys Bag Events! I wish that Rodin Olio Lusso had a step-up gift though! You have definitely included most of my favorites. I'm thinking that I will buy from Rodin, Chantecaille, Kiehl's, and I think I will try that Sponge cleanser that you have been raving about! ;-) Have a nice weekend!

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    1. Hi Samantha, Thank you for being so kind! It was truly my pleasure to put this together for you guys!! Nice selection of lines!! I hope that you love the Sponge cleanser as much as I do-- it's pure magic!! I wish that Rodin was having a step-up gift as well. I have a small sample of it (much of it actually spilled on my counter :( but I must say that it is a very very lovely oil- and even without the step-up gift I am considering buying it!! Keep me posted-- I'd love to hear what you end up getting! You have a lovely weekend as well!

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  16. Hey Lola!

    I just wanted to send a heads-up that I tried to pre-order a few Sunday Riley products for this event, and was told that the only step-up gift was the primer. I mentioned that I'd heard that there was a mascara included, but the very nice SA (in the Chicago store) said that the primer was the only gift.

    Let me know if you hear something different from a different store perhaps? But I just thought I'd let you know!

    - R

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    1. Hi Rachel!!

      I was told this by a very lovely SA at the Beverly Hills Barneys two days ago. She told me that it had initially been just the primer, but that they added the mascara as well. That is the most recent information that I have received. It might be worth calling the BH store to place your pre-order. Let me know what you ultimately do. Please keep me posted! xxoo L

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    2. Rachel, I am going to double check again to make sure that it is part of the step-up gift, or part of the actual gift bag itself-- because it doesn't make much sense that it would be different at the Chicago Barneys.

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    3. Hi again Rachel, I just got off of the phone and the person that told me that the step-up gift included a full-size mascara was mistaken. The step-up gift is the primer, but there is a Sunday Riley gift in the Gift Bag itself-- which is probably what accounted for the confusion. So now the mystery has been solved and your SA associate was right!

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  17. Thanks so much for sleuthing! You are the most helpful beauty blogger I've ever come across. And you have awesome taste.

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    1. You are very very welcome, Rachel. Thank you for saying that-- I'm very touched that you think that! <3 I figured out why there was confusion-- the gift bag has a mini SR mascara-- so the the SA must have thought that they were both step-up gifts. It all makes sense now-- because I cannot imagine one store doing something different from the rest. Thanks again for saying such lovely things. Please be sure to subscribe- that way you can get regular updates.

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  18. Did you get any more details on the bag contents?

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    1. Hi SapphireMaiden- I was given more information, but was told that I needed to wait before saying anything since Barneys hasn't yet released any information. However, if you look above you will see that I provided a link to the February Bag Event-- because this bag is going to have many products from many of the lines that participated last time. From what I have heard this is going to be another fabulous gift bag!!! I haven't actually seen the bag in person yet, but I am pretty excited about it!

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    2. As mentioned, I've never "done" the Barney's bag, so this may be a stupid question:-/ Looking at the pics of the spring bag, is there just the one little bag full of stuff, or are there multiple bags with things from different brands/lines? How would all that stuff fit into one little bag?

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    3. It's always a larger sized makeup bag that is stuffed with all sorts of products- some full-sized, some deluxe samples, and others that are more normal sized samples. Sometimes some of the contents come in their own little pouches or little draw string bags, but everything is in the one larger makeup bag. Typically you will also find that you will be given even more samples from the lines you make purchases from for the event. So you can easily come home with many more samples beyond the bag itself. Of course this is to say nothing of the lovely step-up gifts that they offer. It's also a good time to request samples of things that you have been wanting to try as well. This is a really fun event, and they have so many goodies that it almost always makes my head spin! It's a good idea to call and speak to the SA or Reps from the lines that you are interested in to make sure that they haven't presold out of the things that you are interested in. People buy so much stuff during this event to get the step-up gifts that things can sell out-- particularly more popular things. To be specific about the Spring bag pictures: lots of the products in the bag came in their own little plastic zip lock bags because they included an instruction card. The Radical Skincare gift came in a really lovely drawstring bag (a lovely reusable gift bag), other products came in their retail boxes-- like the Sunday Riley lip gloss (full size) and the Kevyn Aucoin Lipgloss (full size). Other items- like the full-size Lipstick Queen Lipstick was not in retail packaging. Some samples were attached to little instruction cards while others were not individually packaged- shampoo samples, Deborah Lippmann nail polish (full size) etc. I have received lots of gifts with purchases, and store events-- but I have never been as wowed by a Gift Bag as I have been by Barneys-- they really take it to a whole different level. I don't know if you are planning on actually attending the event, or ordering everything over the phone and having it sent-- but it is well-worth going in person if you can. It is quite quite fun. Of course there is always the danger in busting the budget once you actually see all of the step-up gifts being offered!! I have had to try to learn to exert a bit of self-control at these events-- because I have exceeded my budget in the past once I actually got to the store!! I hope that this helps! ;-) Please feel free to ask as many questions as you want!

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    4. Thank you for all the info. I really appreciate it!!

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    5. You are very very welcome, SapphireMaiden!

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  19. Hi- Thanks for this great post!! Do you think Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip is a good cleanser for oilier combo skin? Also is it good with a Clarisonic? I really want to get their step-up gift!

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    1. Hi Ellie! You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by! Ceramic Slip is excellent for combination skin- I have combination skin and having been using Ceramic Slip for many years now. Ceramic Slip is fantastic with the Clarisonic, and I have been happily using it that way for years. I think that you will be very happy with it. If you want to read my full review-- you can see more details about Ceramic Slip- as well as the list of ingredients and how they work. Among the ingredients is French Green Clay which I find works wonders on combination skin.

      http://lolassecretbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/sunday-rileys-ceramic-slip-cleanser-is.html

      Keep me posted on what you end up getting. :-)

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    2. Thanks so much! Do you know if they are going to bring back Gray Expose? Than was my all time favorite cleanser. I finished my last drop so that's why I was asking you about Ceramic Slip because I need to replace my favorite cleanser.

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    3. You are welcome. I have no idea if they are going to be bring back Gray Expose. However, Ceramic Slip is every bit as good- so I really don't think that you will be disappointed. In fact, when used with a Clarisonic I think that you will be delighted by the creamy lather that you get with Ceramic Slip-- it's really fantastic!

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    4. Awesome, thanks! I'm going to get Ceramic Slip, Skin Adrenaline and a lip gloss since you love them so much. I have been wanting to try the Primer-- so I'm excited. I'm in love with Chantecaille- so I'm going to pick up a few e/s and lippies, but haven't decided which. :-)

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    5. Those are awesome picks. It looks like you might end up with 2 step up gifts and the Legendary Gift Bag!!! Please keep me posted!!!!

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    6. Hi Lola- OMG I tried a couple of samples of Tatcha skincare and think that I might have to get the Camellia Cleansing oil and the Rice Enzyme Powder-- I have never tried anything like these products before. I am very intrigued by this line now and sort of want to get their step-up gift! Have you used the line?

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    7. Hi Ellie, I had a couple of samples of the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder, the Brightening Serum, and the Moisture Rich Silk Cream. Tatcha seems to be taking the skincare world by storm!! I LOVED the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder-- and haven't ever used anything quite like it. The other two items were lovely, but I didn't have enough to use it long enough to really see its potential. I have not tried the Camellia Cleansing Oil, but am dying to try it. It seems to have a cult following all by itself!! I don't think that you can go wrong with Tatcha purchases-- especially if you have sampled the line and love what you have tried!

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  20. Thank you for all of this information about the Barneys event! I called my SA today to place my pre-order - they are supposed to be rung up (is that even English?) and sent out on 9/20! Can't wait!

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    1. My pleasure, Nina!!! AWESOME!! If you are using your Barneys card-- be sure to have your SA ring it up on 9/20 so that you get double points!!!!!! It's so worth it!! Ok, so spill it-- what did you end up getting, my friend?!! I'm super excited for you!

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    2. Wait wait wait-- let me guess...even though you JUST bought a new Sunday Riley Primer, I'm betting there's another one in your future with the step up gift. Did you get anything from Tracie Martyn even though there was no step-up gift? I'm dying to know what you ordered!!

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  21. I was really minimal! I got the Tracie Martyn Shakti firming cream which I have heard is miraculous! No Sunday Riley this time...I also ordered some Shiseido makeup for my mom. I have to tell you, she had age/sun-induced brown spotting on her face, even though she had used very heavy makeup (panstick) her whole life. Within a few months of using the Shiseido stick foundation, the spots were virtually gone! She goes through them very quickly though. I will be buying the new Giorgio Armani Fusion foundation soon. Have you tried it? Pretty amazing...

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    1. Now that's serious self-restraint!! You will have to keep me posted on your Tracie Martyn results. I'm trying to cut my list way down-- I am overflowing with skincare, and loaded up on piles of Sunday Riley at the last bag event-- and still have a lot left. I also loaded up on Kai stuff recently- so I am trying to exercise some self restraint because I am trying to break the "buying back-ups habit." That Shiseido stick foundation sounds miraculous!!! What a great find! I haven't seen the Armani Fusion foundation yet-- it's so hyped that I have to see for myself. Have you tried it in person yet?

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    2. As it turns out, I got a call from the SA because they only had one of the Shiseido sticks in stock, so I needed to order something else to get to the magic $200. I tried a sample of the GA Maestro Fusion and really liked it, so I went with that. It is truly unlike any other foundation out there. I find it hard to describe - it is like a pure pigment that glides over the skin and completely sinks in. The Beauty Professor has 2 great posts on it.

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    3. Ahhhh yes, the magic number- LOL! Too bad that they only had one Shiseido stick left for you mom! However, you had been wanting the GA Maestro-- so it seems as though it was meant to be. I have seen BP's wonderful posts-- and it certainly seems like a great foundation. However, I often have a great deal of trouble finding foundations that work for me for some reason-- either the color match is off, or the formula does weird things on my skin. I do tend to prefer tinted moisturizers as a result-- but this really does sound as though it is completely different from everything else on the market. I will have to go try it, and hopefully I can get a sample to try it for a few days. Please keep me posted on your purchases- I'm very excited to hear what you think of what you get! xxoo

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  22. Thanks for all the information! I was thinking to try Tatcha brightening serum ( I love their cleanser and polishing powder). Has anybody tried it? How about Koh Gen Do products? I'm so excited but I have to limit the damage to my wallet.

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    1. You are very welcome, mona!! Tatcha is just such an extraordinary line! I have tried samples of their brightening serum, and it is very nice, but I haven't used it long enough (nor do I have enough samples) to be able to review it, but it is really nice. I love KGD products, and their Cleansing Water is a must-have for me. I share your excitement-- limiting the damage to the wallet is one of the greatest challenges at this event!! Keep me posted on what you end up getting! :-)

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    2. So, so hard to decide :). I also love the KGD water. This and the Tatcha cleansing oil are the best (for me) at removing makeup... Besides Tatcha serum, I might get the KGD pink primer ( I heard is really nice) and probably try some Sponge products... never heard of them but you got me interested...:) Oh, any recommendations for a hydrating but light eye cream?

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    3. I know what you mean-- it's always difficult for me to decide as well! I have been wanting to try that Tatcha Cleansing oil as well-- I have heard nothing but excellent things about it! I don't think that you can go wrong with anything from KGD-- it's another outstanding line! Sponge is amazing- I need more skincare products like I need to sprout another arm, but this line took me by surprise-- it really is superb. Basically almost every sample that I have tried has made me want the full size product! Eye creams are super tough for me because so many give me milia. The one eye cream that I have that is light and hydrating and that causes me no trouble with Milia is actually Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Eye Cream-- it is light, it soaks in fast, feels good, and has never given me a problem with Milia. It is the one that I turn to if I'm just looking for something light and hydrating. You might stop by a counter and see if it appeals to you. I hadn't planned on getting it but when I told a SA what I was looking for in an eye cream- this is what she recommended. It doesn't make lots of claims about reversing the ravages of time etc., but I really like it, and have turned to this for years when I just need some extra hydration.

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    4. Thanks a lot for the recommendation, you are so sweet! I'll take a look at Bobbi Brown's eye cream. Sponge sounds so good, I have to try it out! Oh, do you know anything about Bionova skincare?

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    5. You are very welcome, mona. I think that Bobbi Brown has some very solid basic skincare. I really like this eye cream, and have to admit that I wouldn't have even thought of looking to her line for an eye cream had that SA not shown it to me. Sponge really is a delightful line- I hope that you like what you try or sample. No, I have never heard of Bionova skincare before-- I will have to do some research now!! Keep me posted!! :D

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  23. Hi Lola,

    I notice that talked about shipping is free if you spend over $250 but on the website you can get free shipping always with no minimum...And I always call Daniel O'Neil at the New York store and he has never charged me shipping and I've worked with him for a couple of years. I know some of those orders I placed were just at the minimum too. Maybe it's just store to store policy for shipping but if you're like me and don't have a store close by feel free to call him...he is fabulous!

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    1. Hi Carol!!

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I suspect that the $250.00/free shipping is an official Barneys policy for in-store only purchases to US addresses (and I don't know whether this is something that they tend to enforce during bag event because of the increased volume of sales, or whether this is just a standard policy). When I was given that information, I just assumed that it was a company wide, rather than store specific policy. Therefore I don't know whether the NYC store has free shipping for all purchases as a general policy, but the two California stores that I have made purchases from don't seem to offer free shipping for smaller purchases as a general rule.

      I suspect that there is considerable discretion on the part of SAs dealing with their long time customers though. I live very close to Barneys so I seldom have things sent to me, but on the few occasions that I have ordered from a store directly (and had it sent) they waived shipping even if it was a tiny purchase- because I am a long time customer, and I spend far more than I should there! I'm not sure why the website offers free shipping on all orders (in the US) while the stores do not, but it seems as though there are lots of retailers that do the same. I think that the stores and the websites often consider themselves separate entities with different rules.

      Thank you for the name of Daniel-- I will definitely keep him in mind if I need to order anything from the NY store. It really makes all of the difference in the world forging a relationship with SA- plus it makes everything about the transactions so much better and so much more personable!

      Have you preordered anything from this bag event? If so, what are you getting?

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    2. Hi Lola,

      You are right...forging a relationship makes all the difference! Daniel is so nice and always puts extras in my bag and will seek out specific samples that I request as well. I also double checked that it was OK to give out his name and he said yes...so feel free to call on him.

      I ordered La Mer this time...I love the creme and I also ordered the mask because there was a step up gift with a $350 purchase which includes (and I'm referencing his email for this) .24 oz creme, .1 oz eye balm intense, .17 oz radiant serum and 1 oz body lotion. I love having the travel sizes for my gym bag. Also; and this will let you know how fabulous Daniel is, I got a card in the mail from BNY to sample the new soft cream (at counter) and I called him back to ask if he could score me the sample since I do not live near a BNY and he was more than happy to get me one and add it to my pre-sale.

      Thanks for keeping us all updated on all the step up gifts and what to look forward to in the bag...I love this event! I consider the BNY Love Yourself the holy grail of all GWP events and can't wait to get my bag!

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    3. Hi Carol,

      It really does! I always extras from my SA as well- she has been taking care of me for years now, and I positively adore her! I will definitely keep Daniel's name in case I am purchasing anything at the NYC store!!

      You got lovely things, and a GREAT step-up gift!! That was really nice of Daniel to snag you a sample of the soft cream-- I'm DYING to try a sample of it! Please let me know how you like it!

      You are so very welcome-- it was my pleasure! I'm looking forward to the bag as well. I completely agree with you-- Barneys Love Yourself Gift Bags are the Holy Grail GWP!!

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    4. Is that the Daniel O'Neil who is a makeup artist? I think he worked for Koh Gen Do and did my makeup once. He is fabulous! My contact at the Madison Avenue store is Maya.

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    5. I'm guessing that it's one and the same. Carol- is that the same Daniel O'Neil? He sounds extraordinary!!

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  24. First of all, that you so much for the heads up and other great beauty information on your blog!

    But , I don't know -the Barney's bag and NM bags haven't been as amazing as they used to be. The last Beauty.com gift bag I got seems better than the Feb Barney's bag and I only had to spend 100.

    here's a link to the picture
    http://pics2.ds-static.com/catimg/302380/Costello-LP-A-A.jpg

    And here's a link to the offer

    http://www.beauty.com/designer-bag--costello-tagliapietra/qxc303762

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    1. You are very very welcome! I was happy to provide it! I'm glad that you find my blog helpful, in general! :D

      Thanks for the Beauty.com gift alert. I was really happy with the Barneys Bag from the February Love Yourself Bag Event. I like that the minimum purchase price is $100.00 at Beauty.com, but sadly I seem to have no trouble at all getting to $200.00 at Barneys!!

      Thanks so much for stopping by!!

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  25. I went to BNY and got a whole bunch of Sunday Riley products because of your blog and got my goodie bag as well.... and i was disappointed. :(

    I really wanted the eye lash curler and the eye liner shown on the BNY site, however, my goodie bag didn't have those 2 items!! sigh.

    Hopefully other shoppers have a better goodie bag than mine.

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    1. Click on the link in the middle of the page for multiple pictures of the bag. I included the one I took home as well. I didn't receive the Kevyn Aucoin Eye Lash Curler in this bag, but I did receive the Sue Devitt eye liner. I haven't had the chance to really take a good look-- I just wanted to post something as soon as I walked in the door for you guys. I bummed out that you didn't get the bag you wanted!

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  26. Has anyone gotten their bag yet? I feel like this bag is totally not as good as the February one.. There's only 1 full sized product in it.. even the nail polish this time is not full sized

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    1. Hi AZ, I haven't really had the chance to take a careful look at mine yet, but it did only seem to have one full-sized product this time (the Sue Devitt eye liner). The February bad that I received definitely had far more full-sized products.

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  27. Hi Lola,

    As some of your other readers have described, I'm disappointed with the September bag. I waited months to restock my 3Lab eye cream since February's bag was so spectacular, but this just completely fell flat. It has fallen to the same level as other dept stores....just a handful of random samples with only a few providing more than a passing glimpse of texture or scent, let alone how well they will perform. Not to mention that my bag was missing the Hourglass and YSL samples, which I only now realized.

    If I hadn't driven all the way up from Orange County for an appointment, I would have reviewed the Barneys email first, and likely wouldn't have gone to the trouble of fighting traffic across town this afternoon.

    I guess I'll be sticking with Nordstrom, my tried and true. I'll still be reading your blog of course....you have such a lovely way with words, Lola!

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    1. Hi Lori,

      I only just now had a moment to actually really take a look through what was in my bag as well-- I just tossed it on the floor and photographed it so that I could get it posted asap.

      I have to agree with you that my bag also lacked the wow factor that the February bag really had. I definitely thought that it was going to be every bit as fantastic as the last one-- but it definitely wasn't. I did get the Sue Devitt eye crayon-- I think that Oliver must have snatched it because I am now noticing that it isn't in my picture. It was the only full sized product in my bag this time around. This GWP does look a bit ordinary in comparison to the unprecedented February bag- where there were 4 full size products. Fingers crossed the upcoming February bag is more like the one from this February instead!

      They did seem to be having some pretty amazing step-up gifts as I walked around from counter to counter today, and they did seem to be giving away a good deal of full-sized products as step-up gifts.

      I can only imagine your disappointment in driving all the way up here from Orange County :-( As I look at the Barneys stock photo of the bag-- it includes a Kevyn Aucoin Eye Lash Curler which I didn't see at the store, and definitely wasn't in my bag. I also see something from Eve Lom which I neither saw at the store or received in my bag, and that picture includes a Chantecaille skincare item, and I received a mini lip gloss from Chantecaille.I also received 2 YSL serums. I know that there is sometimes some variation between the bags, but I'm wondering if the ones at the Beverly Hills location differ from those elsewhere. I wonder if the Manhattan store offered something closer to the stock photo instead.

      Thank you for saying such lovely things about my blog-- I really appreciate that very deeply! xx

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  28. Shoot, and I just realized I didn't get the lash curler either. Wow. Free is free, but after all the hype and spending almost $300, I just expected more from Barneys.

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    1. I didn't receive it either-- read my last comment to you last comment above. :) When I was told about the contents of the gift bag last week there was absolutely no mention of the eye lash curler at all. And I remember receiving the eye lash curler in one of their bags a while ago. I wonder if the bag was different at the various locations? The items in the stock photo definitely differed from what I saw on the counters today at Barneys, and what I came home with. It's rather odd, really.

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  29. My SA said one of the full sized products is a lip gloss from Chantecaille. To add your list she said there is something from Eve Lom as well.

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    1. Hi tuna lala- Hmmm that's very interesting! My Chantecaille lip gloss is much smaller than my regular sized Chantecaille lip gloss-- it definitely is along the lines of a sample size, and there wasn't anything from Eve Lom in my bag. I wonder if there are regional differences in the gift bags. Which Barneys did you go to? I shop at the Beverly Hills location.

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    2. To be honest, it's still a decent bag.. I mean it is free after all so I shouldn't complain. Free is free right?
      My bag is from new York and I'd be happy to take a look at your photo from the other post and comment on the differences if people would like. For starters, I have the mini chantecaille lipgloss as well, not a full sized. I had one ysl serum sample not two. No eyelash curler. I have two full sized products, the eyeliner and a potted gloss from Kevin aucon.. But I think the gloss is supposed to come with a brush which isn't included in mine.
      I think next time I'll wait for the actual event to see the bag before i order. They charged my card twice for the presale by accident too. I hope it clears up otherwise I have to go back...

      Your blog is really great :) so many skin care posts. I also really appreciate you effort at getting back at everyone's comments. It's quite time consuming.

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    3. I agree with you, AZ. I'm not unhappy with my bag either, and am always grateful to receive their gifts as well.

      That said, everyone's observations that this bag lacked the number of full sized products that were included in the February bag is accurate. Even if there are some regional differences in the bag contents- their bags are still fantastic!

      I do think, however, for all of the people who do not live near a Barneys and who have been saving up for 6 months to buy their favorite splurges-- that this bag lacked the KA-POW that the February bag had.

      I also think that there is a wildly different experience when you are ordering online or ordering from the store vs. going to the event itself. In fact, I find that I get loaded down with so many extras when I attend the events because the vendors are there and they tend to be extremely generous with extra gifts. I actually came home with so many things yesterday that I didn't really notice the contents of my gift bag until people started expressing their disappointment in theirs. Even when I tossed the contents on the floor to photograph it to post-- I wasn't paying much attention.

      I'm sure that they will credit back the mistaken second ring up for your purchases. I would just call your SA to get it cleared up.

      Thank you for your kind words about my blog, and my responsiveness to all of your comments. I am very happy that you feel that way!! I really love interacting with all of you so much. It is a really fun outlet for me!! Ahh, yes-- all of the skincare posts-- my secret has been revealed- I am an absolute skincare junkie!! While I love makeup-- I really have a weakness for skincare products. New technologies, new products, new lines-- they make my heart go pitter patter, and I find these things very very hard to resist trying. Some of my greatest skincare discoveries are from The Apothecary department of Barneys. I can spend hours back there without ever making it to the from of the store!!

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    4. I'm sorry I must have heard her wrong. Maybe I jst wanted to hear full size! Lol. I shop at the one on Madison Ave in NYC although I did mine by phone as I don't live that close. She definitely said Eve Lom though as she rambled on through the list.

      I'm grateful for the freebies as well but I also feel the sentiment of those a little disappointed. This is my first bag and I'm a little jealous of the February bag. Mine did come with the Kevyn Aucoin potted gloss, it seems full size to me. And my SA was pretty generous with the step up gift bags. I didn't mee the amount but I got a mini candle and travel size spray from Diptyque.

      Tuna Lala

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    5. Hi Tuna Lala,

      Maybe she did say that. I think that there is definitely some variation being seen in what people are getting regionally. The Kevyn Aucoin potted glosses are so lovely. I definitely didn't see any of those in the diplays at the BH location=- nor did I see anything from Eve Lom, but the publicity photo from Barneys definitely had something from Eve Lom, and I'm betting the eye lash curlers shown are Kevyn Aucoin-- which was actually something included in a gift bag a while ago.

      I am grateful for all of my freebies as well, and am forever grateful to my SA who always takes such great care of me with lots of samples. There is no question that the February Bag was exceptional, and completely over the top-- I have never received a GWP anything like that before, but I am still very happy with everything that I came home with-- including the bag!

      I'm so glad that you got som elovely things that you wanted! :-)

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    6. I also got my bag from NYC. The eyelash curler definitely looks like Kevin Aucoin, which I actually wanted to try.

      I just want to mention that the step up gift from KGD at NYC is different. If you spend $150 you get a travel makeup bag with some samples inside. They have a 100 ml cleansing water, a mini UV shield cream and a mini white primer. I was hoping for the full sized primer but I couldn't spend $200 at KGD anyway.

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    7. Hi AZ,

      I think that it is safe to say that there are same variations then. I wonder if the differences have anything to do with the fact that NYC store is the flagship Barneys. I haven't heard anyone say that they received the eye lash curlers from this bag event-- the only KA product I have been hearing about is the potted gloss. Sometimes it's definitely difficult making it into the next tier for step up gifts if you really don't need or want anything else!!

      Have a lovely weekend! :)

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    8. Have a great weekend yourself as well :)

      I received the potted gloss, I was just commenting that the eyelash curler on the promotional image is from Kevin Aucoin. Sorry for the confusion.

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    9. Thanks- I will definitely be playing with some of my new toys from Barneys-- I imagine that you ay be doing the same! You caused no confusion whatsoever :-)

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  30. Hi Lola, I love your blog and I hate this year’s Barney’s bag!

    I’ve been getting the GWP for a couple years now –it’s an event for me. People, the February bag wasn’t exceptional, it was par for the course (as in, they were up until now all exceptional!). Usually there’s four or five full-size products in there. This year, no full sizes (I didn’t get a Kevin Aucoin) and the few samples do not fill up half of the actual canvas cosmetics bag – my items are approximately what is pictured in your photo minus one or two items. No Route de The, no Outrageous, both Love Yourself staples. Even the Deborah Lippman polish, usually a dependable full-size Barney’s bag staple, is a mini – I didn’t even know she made minis! So not up to par with anything prior - the first bag I got wouldn’t zipper fully up, it was so stuffed and included a full-size hairspray that they packed up with the bag. Oh yeah, did I mention I don’t live near a Barneys. I mail order (not from online, from a store). This bag isn’t worth the price to ship it. The gift bag is feeble and feels outmatched even by the last Sephora VIB insider bag. Oh yeah, and my tiny Hourglass 28 primer leaked everywhere; in the Spring GWP, the Hourglass primer was a fullsize.

    BTW my SA was awesome and he threw in a few gifts for me for my fragrance purchase, I am VERY appreciative of his and the other SA’s effort and care. But Barneys the Company, you have greatly disappointed a loyal customer.

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    1. Thank you for saying such a lovely and thoughtful thing-- it means a great deal to me!! You are right that the February bag wasn't the exception-- more like the rule up until this most recent Bag Event. You are quite right about the omissions, and the mini Deborah Lipmann was definitely a surprise. I wonder if this is a sign of the times, in general since people keep making similar comments about the Neiman Marcus & Saks beauty bag events as well.

      I'm so glad that the SAs took good care of you-- which is always much appreciated when we are spending so much money at these events! Hopefully the next bag event will be like all of the bag events that preceded this one. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to express your take on the event. :)

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  31. There's no Barneys near me so I placed my order online. I finally received the package today and the GWP that I got is exactly as pictured above including the Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler plus a perfume vial from L'Artisan Parfumeur. Can't wait to sample all these goodies. BTW, the package was shipped from New Jersey.

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    1. Hi! That's so interesting! Wow, you received KA eyelash curler!! That's so cool- I wonder if the differences in the bag that you received is a function of having ordered it online? I hope that you love all of your samples, and of course the lovely things you bought!! Thanks for stopping by!! Have a lovely weekend!

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  32. Hii Lola! I was wondering if Barneys will be having another event sometime soon?

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    1. Hi! Yes-- the next Bag Event is next month (February). I will release all of the details as soon as I have them! :-)

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    2. For the GWP , is the qualifier amount before or after tax?

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    3. It's always a pre-tax amount! :-)

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