-The Bag Event will run from Wednesday, February 13 through Saturday, February 16. They will be ringing up the presale merchandise on February 13th, 2013. I was informed that there aren't double points for Barneys cardholders this time.
-Barneys is already pre-selling- this is the best way to reserve the gift bag for you.
-The minimum purchase to get the 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 $200.00 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (if you have more questions- just ask!):
Q: Are there double points for Barneys cardholders during this Bag Event?
A: No, not this time.
Q: Is the $200.00 minimum for the gift bag before or after tax?
A: It is always a pre-tax minimum.
Q: Is there ever variation in the gift bag contents?
A: Yes, your friend in Chicago might end up with slightly different items than someone in NYC or LA, for instance. Vendors often supply goods even during the week of the event.
Q: Do step-up gift minimum purchase prices ever vary from store to store?
A: It appears that it does happen. That is why I stated that the information that I have provided here is from the Beverly Hills location.
Q: Is it really that important that I pre-purchase what I want?
A: It really is. Things sell out quickly during this event, and they quite often run out of the really hot step-up gifts (sometimes before the sale even officially begins).
Q: What day will my purchases be rung up when I pre-purchase?
A: Pre-sales will be rung up on Wednesday, February 13th
Q: Will there be any free international shipping for this event?
A: I was told that free shipping is US only if you spend $200.00 pretax. You may want to verify that if you shop at a location other than Beverly Hills.
Q: If you could give me one piece of advice about the Bag Event, what would it be?
A: Set a realistic budget that you can live with and afford, and stick to it! The Bag Event happens twice a year- you can do it again! Make a list of what you want and do your best to stick to it- otherwise it can become a very very expensive event, trust me.
Q: Is there an advantage to ordering from a store over the phone rather than online (since I don't have a store near me)?
A: Yes, there is! Here's why: a) First of all, if they sell out of what you want online it may take some time for you to receive notification since they sell so much during these events. This can sometimes mean that you find out after the Bag Event ends, and thus you miss out on the event altogether, b) Online purchases do not support step-up gifts, only the gift bag itself. Therefore, if you are interested in step-up gifts you need to call the counter at a physical store location, and c) Sales associates often add in other samples, and often include their business cards so that you can establish a relationship with them (and then they call you to alert you of specials, pull step-up gifts for you etc.). Trust me, this makes all of the difference in the world, and d) You can be eligible for free shipping with in-store over the phone purchases (provided that you make the $200.00 shipping minimum to a US address).
Q: Is there an advantage to ordering from a store over the phone rather than online (since I don't have a store near me)?
A: Yes, there is! Here's why: a) First of all, if they sell out of what you want online it may take some time for you to receive notification since they sell so much during these events. This can sometimes mean that you find out after the Bag Event ends, and thus you miss out on the event altogether, b) Online purchases do not support step-up gifts, only the gift bag itself. Therefore, if you are interested in step-up gifts you need to call the counter at a physical store location, and c) Sales associates often add in other samples, and often include their business cards so that you can establish a relationship with them (and then they call you to alert you of specials, pull step-up gifts for you etc.). Trust me, this makes all of the difference in the world, and d) You can be eligible for free shipping with in-store over the phone purchases (provided that you make the $200.00 shipping minimum to a US address).
3Lab- Spend $250.00 and receive a full size the Perfect Cream. Spend $1200.00 and receive a full sized The Perfect Cream & Perfect Neck Cream!
Aesop- Spend $100.00 and receive a cute travel kit in a draw string bag filled with travel size samples.
Armani Beauty- with a $95.00 purchase receive a cosmetic bag with a deluxe size of the brand new lip gloss treatment (not yet launched!), sample of the Maestro Foundation, sample of the Luminous Brightening Serum, deluxe sample of their mascara, and a deluxe sample of their Maestro Eraser Dark Circle Concealer.
Beauty is Life- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
By Terry- with a $350.00 purchase receive a deluxe sample Serum de Rose (nighttime serum) and a deluxe sample of Baume de Rose Lip Balm.
Chanel- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag. Also Barneys does not have Chanel Cosmetics on their website- so there is no hyperlink for you.
Chantecaille- with a $200.00 purchase receive a deluxe sample of Magnolia, Jasmine and Lily Healing Emulsion, a deluxe sample of Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara, and two additional skincare samples in a lovely fuchsia wallet type bag.
Claudio Riaz- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
Clé de Peau Beauté- with a $350.00 purchase receive a full sized Lip Treatment. Spend $500.00 and receive the Lip Treatment PLUS 1 of the following 4 full sized products: Massage Cream, Eye Makeup Remover, Energizing Cream, or the Clarifying Emulsion.
Colbert MD- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
Davines- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
Eve Lom- Spend $200.00 and receive deluxe samples of the Cleanser and the Rescue Mask.
Fresh- Spend $125.00 and receive a gift bag filled with some of their most popular products (like their fragrances and Brown Sugar Cream).
Hourglass- Spend $200.00 and receive deluxe samples of Mineral Veil Primer and their Nº 28 Primer Serum (both deluxe samples are half the size of the full size retail bottles!).
Kai- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
Kevyn Aucoin- Spend $225.00 and receive a full size The Celestial Powder Candlelight!!
Kiehl's- With a $125.00 purchase you will receive a full size face or body product (they are still waiting to learn which products).
Koh Gen Do- With a $120.00 purchase receive a deluxe travel size Gommage Spa Gel in a makeup carrying case.
Malin+Goetz- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
Mila Moursi- Spend $200.00 and receive a travel kit with a 5 oz. bottle of Cleansing Milk and a 5 oz. bottle of the Cleansing Toner.
NARS-Spend $200.00 and receive a full-size Laguna Body Bronzer.
Natura Bissé- Spend $300.00 and receive huge deluxe samples of The Cure All-in-One Cleanser, The Cure Pure Serum, The Cure Hydro-Gel Toner, and The Cure Cream.
Oribe- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
REN- Spend $150.00 and receive a deluxe sized Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (reviewed here) and a deluxe size of the Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream (overview here) . Ask for Suzi and tell her that you are a Lola's Secret Beauty Blog reader and receive extra gifts from REN!! (310) 276-4400 Ext. 5613.
Red Flower- 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.
Sue Devitt- With a $200.00 purchase receive 2 of the 4 full size products: The Microquatic Fortifying Primer (the white one), Microquatic Pro-Juvenation Eye Cream, Microquatic Oxygen Infusion Masque, and the Microquatic Luminous Finishing Mist.
Shiseido- Spend $200.00 and receive a full size Shimmering Rouge Lip Gloss
själ- Spend $450.00 and receive a 3 piece travel set.
Sonia Dakar- Spend about $200.00, and there will be a nice gift-- but they haven't yet heard what it will be.
Sponge- Spend $200.00 and receive a full sized face or body product (somebody told me that they received a full size cleanser).
Sunday Riley- With a $250.00 Sunday Riley purchase you will receive a full-sized Effortless Breathable Primer (in the shade of your choice).
Tatcha- Spend $200.00 and receive a size large deluxe sample of the Ageless Cream, Eye Cream, and Face Mist (all deluxe samples). Spend $300.00 and receive the Mask as well (a single full size mask). Spend $500.00 and receive a full size Moisture Rich Silk Cream.
The Organic Pharmacy- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
Tracy Martyn Skincare- No step-up gift. However, your purchases will make you eligible for the gift bag.
Yves Saint Laurent- Spend $150.00 and receive a cosmetic bag with a deluxe sample of their eye cream, a deluxe sample size lipstick and a deluxe sample sized mascara.
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.
If you want to place an order in store, feel free to call the Beverly Hills Location (310) 276-4400 and they can connect you to the counter of your choice. There are sometimes some variations in the gifts from store to store- the aforementioned step-up gifts reflect what is being done at the Beverly Hills location.
Are you planning on partaking? If so, what are you thinking of getting?
I am going to participate this yr for the first time...I am excited! I am thinking of getting a few Oribe products. I have never tried the brand before. I've done some research and I think I narrowed it down. I also might get I might get something from By Terry as well...thanks for all the details!! :)
ReplyDeleteWoohoo!! I can't wait to hear what you think, and what you get! I LOVE ORIBE!!!!! I have used their Signature Shampoo, Conditioner, and Hair Mask-- and they are all amazing! Seems like you can't go wrong with By Terry either!!!!!!!
DeleteSpeaking of By Terry, Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is doing an exclusive promotion/launch with SpaceNK and By Terry-- and there will be a lovely GWP exclusively for my readers later in the month!! You might want in on this one-- and they will ship it to you for free if you meet the GWP price which won't be too high. I will have more details soon! <3
DeleteWhoa....and thanks to Bronzer Bunny I signed up for space nk rewards program the other day! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us!!!!!
DeleteIt's all kinds of awesome!!!! I will definitely give you a feast for your eyes post leading up to the event!!!! I think that you will enjoy it!! I'm SOOOO excited!
DeleteThe SpaceNk rewards program is awesome! I just picked up my Eve Lom Lip Mix (full size) from them as a birthday gift! Not too shabby!!!!
DeleteThis sounds amazing! I can't wait! I've never shopped through SpaceNK before, but after reading your blog, I signed up for their loyalty program ASAP (love love love Kiss Mix). Do you know if you have to shop/pick up your birthday gift in stores only, or can you also receive it online? Thanks for your incredibly blog, and also your wonderful comments! I can't believe how conscientious you are, and even when you're sick! Hope you feel better soon! - A
DeleteHi Archana!
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and welcome to my little blog!!! I'm so glad that you signed up for the SpaceNK loyalty program. Each year they send me an email reminder about my birthday gift, and the instructions on my email say, "Simply print out this email and take it to any SpaceNK store, along with your N.Dulge membership card." So based upon that I assume that it must be done in person but it might be worth poking around their website to see if it can also be redeemed online with orders placed. Yes, my upcoming partnership/launch with Space NK/By Terry is VERY exciting, and the GWP is fantastic!! I need to kick this cold to the curb to prep for it!! Plus I still have to get over to Barneys to shoot the event and the bag for you guys!
I'm very touched that you feel that way about my blog-- interacting with you guys is what makes me love doing this!! Thanks for the lovely praise and well wishes!! If you haven't already subscribed- I hoe that you will consider doing so-- there are some other exciting upcoming things for subscribers!
xo, Helen
Thanks so much for your hard work at every bag event, Helen! You are my resource for the bag event each time! I think that I am going to get the new lip chics and glosses from Chantecaille, something from Sponge, a foundation from By Terry, the Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm that you have tempted me with, and maybe the Tatcha Cleansing Oil.
ReplyDeleteThose are great choices! I hope that you love the Olio Lusso lip balm-- it's my very favorite! I also want the new Chantecaille lippies- I want the Pink Melon Gloss and the Daphne Lip Chic! I love everything I have tried from Sponge, and I love the Tatcha Camellia Oil (and need to review it!). I want to try the By Terry Foundations badly! Thanks for your kind words! <3 Keep me posted on what you end up with!
DeleteHi lola! I want to get a moisturizer from Sunday Riley but I cannot decided between bionic or skin adrenaline. I hear bionic helps with hyperpigmentation and that's one reason why I want to get it but I have combination/oily skin . I've tried both and they are both lovely but I would like one that would benefit me the most. I am 20 years old very fair and very prone to pigmentation from acne scars. Also I am also interested in the stimulant 3 and was wondering if it is worth it. Is it better than other products that help fade pigmentation? Or is it just the same as any. I want a product that will be super effective and help fade the scars . My scars are not bad but I haven't found a product to help fade them .
ReplyDeleteHi!!
DeleteWell, Bionic is much richer than Skin Adrenaline- so if you have combination/oily skin I think that you might prefer Skin Adrenaline all the way around. Also a retinol based product at night will likely do more for hyperpigmentation than Bionic. I replaced Stimulant III with FutureDerms Retinol because I found it to be just as effective for 1/6th of the price so $50.00 vs. $300.00 seemed like a good idea to me! I have not noticed any difference since switching. I also recently bought a retinol fro Dr. Brandt, but haven't started using it yet. One of the most important things that you can do for your scars and hyperpigmentation is make sure to wear a high SPF sunscreen whenever you walk outside. I have been using the most extraordinary SPF 40 from Clarins that is the best sunscreen that I have found to date. I need to review it and the FutureDerm Retinol soon!! I hope this is somewhat helpful- let me know if oyu have any other questions! Let me know what you end up getting! :-)
I have the sunscreen from clarins and love it! I've been reading your reviews for quite sometime now and you always recommend some amazing products right now my skincare consist of ceramic slip good genes juno and rosa arctica from kiehls. If I do add the future Derm retinol to my skincare routine would I use it before or after good genes? Also I've been very curious to try the sponge line as well. Are there any products you recommend from that line?
DeleteI'm glad that you find my reviews helpful. Isn't that Clarins sunscreen AMAZING?! I would NOT use Good Genes and any night time retinol product at the same time-- that's WAY more exfoliating than your skin needs!!! If you over-process your skin it can lead to far more problems- thinning of the skin, making it sensitive, causing breakouts etc. I would do one or the other at night, but definitely not both. I think that you need to take a less is more attitude when using heavy exfoliating types of products. Let your skin adjust to each new product that you throw at it. Sponge is an AMAZING line. They make my all-time favorite cleanser- The Gel Katharistiko, and I LOVE their Lado Avokanto Oil- it's lighter weight than Juno and sinks in really fast and leaves, and their Krema Triantafillo (Rose Cream) is an amazing and soothing daytime & Night time lotion- it is fantastic for even the most sensitive skin, and it is quite healing. I love this stuff!
DeleteThank you so much for all of your research on the Barneys Bag! Could you please share exactly which Clarins SPF 40 you are referring to? Thank you!
DeleteHi Nina!! You are so welcome- it is always my pleasure to do it! As soon as they give me the okay I will post a picture of the bag- they are still hush hush about it! OMG, the Clarins sunscreen is the most amazing sunscreen that I have EVER EVER used, and it's so affordable too! It's their UV PLUS HP Ecran Multi-Protection SPF 40. I introduced it briefly here:
Deletehttp://lolassecretbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/top-pick-holiday-skincare-body-care.html
I need to review it soon. It has a thin easily spreadable texture and consistency and it plays very well with makeup! I loved the sample so much that I tried that I bought two bottles! I never thought that I could get this excited by a sunscreen!! <3
Thank you so much for telling us which Clarins sunscreen that you love!! I was just going to ask the same question!! Clarins makes some amazing skincare products too! I think that they often get overlooked these days! :)
DeleteMy pleasure!!! Clarins does make some very solid skincare products! They were WAY ahead of the curve with respect to the face oil phenomenon! :-)
DeleteThanks again for the Clarins sunscreen recommendation- I went and bought it at Macys yesterday, and it is divine! The texture is so light and it disappears so quickly that I can apply my makeup immediately! Plus it's a mineral sunscreen rather than chemical- which is a must for me. I think this might end up being my HG sunscreen!! Thanks so much! :D
DeleteI'm so glad that you like it so much!!! It is definitely my HG sunscreen!! I tested it out at Sephora, and they gave me a little sample, and I liked it so much that I ended up buying two bottles! I'm delighted that it's working for you!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
DeleteThanks! I hope you get over your cold quickly- especially since the bag event starts on your birthday! Happy Birthday!
DeleteThank you so much- that is very thoughtful of you and much appreciated! I hope that the cold passes quickly because I'm getting cabin fever! <3
DeleteI promised I wouldn't spend any more money. But that doesn't mean I won't break the promise since I do have a gift card!! Those new Hourglass powders are calling to me and there's a Beauty is Life gloss that Beauty Professor has me drooling over.
ReplyDeleteThat gift card has been burning a hole in your pocket for quite a while, Marcia!! Can't wait to see what you end up getting!!!! <3
DeleteThe tatcha step up gifts. Are those full size??
ReplyDeleteOMG, I hadn't noticed that I didn't specify size-- thanks for catching that. I am home sick with a bad cold and clarity is fleeting- LOL! Their step-up gifts are large deluxe samples. If you call the rep in Beverly Hills (use the number at the end of the post). She said that they are being very generous with their gifts, and if you buy more than the stated minimums that there will be even more gifts. I would urge you to call the Beverly Hills location at the bottom of the post and ask for the Tatcha counter if you want to stock up. I have found Tatcha to be very generous with their gifts during past Bag Events!
DeleteThanks for the info. Did they actually promise some full size items? Fall's gift bag had NO FULL SIZE ITEMS, even the Lippman polish was a mini which was the icing on the stingy cake. Please advise if they made a point of indicating that they are not being stingy like last Fall, will totally influence my decision to participate because last year was a disappointment, not just meh but WTH level.
ReplyDeleteBarneys is known for this event so throwing some samples in a bag like Saks or Neimans will not cut it.
You are so very welcome. I was told that there are a couple of full-sized products in the Gift Bag. One SA told me that it would be a full-sized DL Nail Polish and a full sized Lip Product from Kevyn Aucoin. Another said that she had no idea and had heard that there were a few full sized products, but that she didn't know what they would be. Yet another SA told me that she hadn't actually seen the bag yet and that Barneys is keeping it under wraps, but that they are still adding products into the bag as we speak. Vendors supply products for the bag up until nearly the last minute, and thus there can be some variation. So I don't know how this will ultimately compare to the Bag Event last fall. I was told that it was a lovely bag, and the promo picture that I was sent looks nice (I will post it soon).
DeleteThanks again!
DeleteAbsolutely my pleasure. If you think of any more questions let me know- I am talking to my contact at Barneys today :-)
DeleteThanks for full breakdown of Step ups! Very helpful. I am actually out of my SR primer (which was on my shopping list) so now I have to adjust things a bit. This is what I am thinking of getting:
ReplyDelete- Start Over Eye Cream ($85)
- Liquid Light: Perfecting Foundation ($52)
- Crème Radiance: Ageless Foundation ($58)
I have been dying to try these foundations and already adore the primer.
- Charisma Crème Cleanser ($45)
Seems like the Grey Expose is discontinued? I really wanted to try that.I already use ceramic slip and love it. Oh well, i'll give this one a go.
How stickler do you think they are they on meeting the exact step up amount. I am 10 dollars shy of getting my primer for free.
You are very very welcome, Liz! It is my pleasure- I love covering the Barneys Bag Event each time!
DeleteWhat a nice selection! Wow, you are only $10.00 off. My guess is that they are likely to enforce the $250.00 pretax minimum. They always have a limited amount of step-up gifts on hand so more than likely they will hold you to the minimum. Sometimes a SA who knows you well may let it slide when you are that close to the limit, or will let you add in some other item from another line to make up the difference. That said, I wouldn't make that assumption, and I would come up with a backup plan that gets you to the $250.00 limit. You could always just ask :-)
Talk about convenient timing with respect to running out of your primer!
I was told by a SA that they discontinued Grey Expose a while ago-- it was my favorite!
:-)
Thanks for being an amazing resource!
DeleteYou know - i've been considering trying TATCHA: cleansing oil + enzyme rice grains from SPONGE: herb cleanser. EVE LOM: rescue mask.
Ha! I think I just went over budget! I can't get it all - but if you had to pick one of these - what would it be that you couldn't live w/out?
Also - while I have your attention. To get to my SR min back up plan would you recc Disrobe or Liquid Diet?
DeleteThanks for saying that Liz- that means the world to me! OMG- we have the same taste!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have the TATCHA Camellia Cleansing Oil and the Classic Enzyme Powder and love them both-- I need to get around to reviewing them! The Sponge Herbal Cleanser is my all-time Holy Grail cleanser! It is so gentle yet cleans the skin so thoroughly- your skin ends up feeling like you used a serum-- it also is AWESOME with a Clarisonic. I have never used another cleanser that comes close to this one for my skin. That said, while all of these things are must-haves for me doesn't mean they will be for you- I would try them first if at all possible. I have never used the Eve Lom Rescue Mask, but have heard good things about it!
DeleteWow, that is a super tough choice. I much prefer the Sponge Cleanser to Charisma Cream- so if it were me and I had to get one cleanser I would go for the Sponge Cleanser, but you may not feel the same way about it that I do. Those two Tatcha products are extraordinary and unlike so much of what is on the market right now, but if you have a strict budget and you are trying to get the SR step-up gift then you will get further away from that goal if you substitute out the cleanser. My one question is why do you need both of the SR foundations? Are you just trying to get the free primer? Because that might be a kind of redundant purchase and you could try something else instead of getting two foundations. Such a tough choice!!! Get what you need and really want.
It's so easy to go over budget. I have been learning to control my impulses and focus on what I really want- even if they don't include step-up gifts!
Since you are off by $10.00 I would probably get something like a lip gloss- LOL. Lat time I checked Disrobe was $65.00 and Liquid Diet was $105.00. If I had to choose between those two I would get Disrobe, but it seems to me that blows through your budget especially since you are also flirting with Sponge, Tatcha and Eve Lom! LOL! Girl, you are falling so far down the Barneys Bag Event Rabbit Hole!!!! I did that one year and literally spent $1000.00 when I had about a $200.00 budget! Be careful, it is easier to do than you think. :D
DeleteYes I am falling into it! I had better catch myself. Thank you for reeling me back in.
DeleteAbout the double down thought on the SR Foundation. I have sensitive skin which is prone to annoying cystic flare ups (which leaves pigmentation/redness etc). I am never oily and often dry to combo. So I like to have more than one kind of foundation option as my skin changes from day to day. Some days I need fuller coverage some days and other days I can get away with just the " SR Primer". I've been using Armani Luminous Silk + Chanel Vitalumiere. But am really wanting to switch over to natural products as much as possible.I remember really liking the "Liquid Light" in store. But after reading all about the "Creme Radiance" (which i have not even felt) it seemed like I might like for winter (moisture/added botanical)fuller coverage?
After all this though,you are right I should get what I want and not worry about the step-ups. From what i've read TATCHA products will change my skin. So I am reminded that introducing too many new things could be problematic. I should probably save the foundations when I can select in person!
You are one smart and helpful cookie!
Well, I used to lose my head over step-up gifts, but am no longer willing to buy a truckload of stuff in order to make the minimum to get into a step up. In fact, I seem to be interested in a good many lines that I have never seen participate in step-ups- like Rodin, Kai, and Organic Pharmacy. I used to buy backups of SR skincare products to get the step up gift, and when I realized that I preferred Rodin Olio Lusso to Juno- I still had two full bottles of the latter! So I am trying to use my head when I make purchases- and not just buy for the sake of buying. Plus, if you saw how much skincare I actually have you might be prone to launch an intervention or have me committed- LOL. While I do have a lot sent to me by PR companies- I spend a crazy amount of my own money on it as well!
DeleteGet what you REALLY want, period!! If all you really want is the primer-- then just buy it- unless you really want/need all of the other stuff that will get you the free primer! I think that the SR Crème Radiance might be a touch too rich for your skin if you are acne prone-- unless you use it and know that it works. If you haven't tried it, then request a sample and patch test it somewhere that you can afford to get a cystic flare up. I would also want to make sure that you have a good color match before double fisting it on foundations. But that's just me.
If we had no budgetary constraints it would be easy to get into the step-ups from every line that spoke to us. However, when one has a budget I think that the purchases are more meaningful and special when you actually get what you want whether the company offers an amazing step-up gift, or frankly none at all! I don't think that I will be getting any step-up gifts this time around!
The texture of my skin after using the Tatcha enzyme powder- is the closest that I have ever been to having my face feel like a baby's bottom, I kid you not! It comes in three formulas to accommodate various skin types, and the Camellia Cleansing Oil does an amazing job cleansing the skin and even removing eye makeup. Your skin is left soft and supple. I would carefully peruse the ingredients to make sure that there are no triggers for your acne though. If it were me I would definitely try the foundation shades in person-- or have them send you a selection of shades so that you can find your best color match.
<3
Liz,
DeleteHave you ever tried the Suki Tinted Moisturizer? I might think about looking into it for the times that you are having acne flare-ups! I used to use it exclusively, and it is the most natural tinted moisturizer that I have tried, and has buildable coverage- and it includes salicylic acid and white willow bark- so it keeps breakouts in check.
Here are the ingredients:water (aqua), helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil, alcohol, cera alba (beeswax), vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, cetearyl (coconut) alcohol, butyrospermum parkii (shea) seed butter, corylus avellana (hazelnut) seed oil, borago officinalis (borage) seed oil, salix alba (willow) bark extract, lecithin, retinol, ascorbic (vitamin c) acid, phospholipids, sodium borate, acacia (arabic gum), xanthan gum
may contain: titanium dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499)
Here's the link: http://sukiskincare.com/products/tinted-active-moisturizer.html
The color selection is quite limited, but it is a fantastic product!
:-)
Lola, I've never heard of the line SUKI.I am really looking forward to trying this.Thank you for this recommendation and for all of your help thus far. I am truly blown away by your knowledge, dedication and sincere willingness to be such an amazing resource, confidant and beauty adviser!
Deleteyours in beauty,
liz
SUKI is a really lovely very natural, but highly effective skincare line. I used to use the line exclusively and really loved it. The Tinted Moisturizer is lovely. The Facial Lift Ultimate Firming Cream is one of the loveliest face creams that I have used, and it doubles as an eye cream. Her "gateway" product is the Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser- which is a lovely scrub/cleanser. It's a really lovely line, and the woman behind the line is extraordinary. I met her once at a launch in LA and was taken by her sincerity and intelligence.
DeleteThank you for your very kind words- I am truly and deeply touched that you feel as you do!
Keep me posted!! xoxo, Helen (you probably know that Lola is actually my cat :)
Does Barneys have Le Metier de Beaute or Burberry? If so, do you know if they have step-up gifts? Thanks!! I have been lurking around your blog for a while and this is the first time I have commented. This is my very favorite blog! I also love the "new look!" :D
ReplyDeleteHi there!
DeleteThank you for your very kind words. I'm home sick with a cold, and your comment just made me feel soooo much better!
OMG- I wish that Barneys had LMdB and Burberry, and if they did I would get into even more trouble during their bag events!
I'm so glad that you love the new look!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :-)
Bummer!! I probably would have spent WAY too much if they had either of those counters there-- my bet is that you would have as well! Thanks again! Get better soon!
DeleteYup, me too!! Thank you so much- I hope that this cold passes quickly! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
DeleteI'm so sorry I was going to email you the same picture of the bag you already posted. I get chronic migraines and it totally knocked me out for two days. I was analyzing the picture and it seems like the only two full sized products are the eyeliner and potted gloss. What do you think the Koh Gen Do packets on the bottom are? I have no idea what to get this year...
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in getting skincare (because honestly I think I have enough make up than I can use up...) It seems like everyone loves SR products but I don't really want to purchase full sized products without testing them. I'm gonna read through the comments and see what other people are getting :) Anything from SR you really love?
No worries, AZ!! I hope that your migraine went away!!!! First, I would not take the stock picture as a literal depiction of what each of us may find in our bags because they can vary depending on what the vendors send-- they are still putting things in the bags. People get pretty bummed out when they expect everything that is in the stock photo and they get other things instead-- which is part of what happened during the last bag event in September.
DeleteThe eyeliner looks like the Sue Devitt eye crayon that was in the last bag- though it may be a different color, the little potted jar appears to be something from Shiseido. I can't tell what's in the KGD packets at the bottom- the first thing that came to mind was their Macro Vintage Stretch Eye Sheets, but it looks too small. I'm not sure.
I definitely would NOT recommend buying full sized skincare products that you haven't tried first. There are lots of people who love SR skincare, but I also know many people who do not care for the line at all. The only way you could know how it works for you is to try it out first, and at a luxury price point it's not worth buying expensive skincare that you have never tried or sampled just to get a gift bag. That is my absolute honest assessment. Whenever I try out new skincare I sample it before I buy it, period. I did that with SR, Sponge, KGD, Rodin, Tatcha, and everything else that I have purchased over the last few years. I have saved myself PILES of money on things that didn't work for me, but also I have spent piles of money on things that I really liked. In fact, the only time that I try full sized products without sampling them first is when they are PR samples sent to me for review. I would say only buy things that you use and love, or that you are reasonably certain that you will like because you try it each time you go to the store. Skincare products are way too difficult to buy without having tried-- it's such a sensory and textural thing that really is best done in person. At least that's the way that I approach it. The other thing to keep in mind is that they have bag event twice a year- so if you don't shop now- there is always one coming up later on in the year. If you need some specific skincare recommendations, I'm more than happy to help-- but I would definitely urge you to try before you buy-- even if only at the counter with testers!! Sorry to sound so sensible in the face of a big GWP event, but I think that the frenzy of the GWP and step-up gifts can cause us to make rash purchases just to get the free loot, but when it comes to skincare I tend to draw the line because it definitely is not a one size fits all paradigm! I hope that this was somewhat helpful! :-)
Definitely don't feel bad because you're being overly honest. It's true and we're not all made of money. I think once we start reading beauty blogs it's very easy to over-buy. Bloggers rave about products all the time and we can't possibly buy everything we read about. So I completely appreciate your honestly and the fact that you always try to state that certain products may do wonders for you but not necessarily everyone. I also think everyone appreciates your efforts at responding to all the comments :)
DeleteI'm not sure what to buy because the two products I've tried and need to repurchase are the Tatcha cleansing oil and the rice powder. However I got an email from Tatcha recently that the two are now being sold as a package. I'd rather get it from Tatcha's own website... The stripped Barneys bag is so cute though! I'm only going to buy things I know I won't regret purchasing.
Thanks for saying that, AZ!
DeleteAs both a beauty blog reader and a beauty blogger, I am keenly aware that rave reviews cause us (myself included) to buy things that we otherwise may have passed on. It is something that I think about a great deal, and I even wrote a post about that fine line between collecting and hoarding makeup.
http://lolassecretbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/makeup-collecting-or-hoarding-its-fine.html
It's so easy to get swept up and seduced by pretty swatches and favorable reviews, that before you know it your beauty stash starts to look like several mortgage payments! I haven't ever imposed buying bans on myself, but I have forced myself into a "cooling off" period before making such purchases. I am trying hard not to be wooed by LE collections that send us off in a frenzy to get yet another pink or nude lipgloss that probably isn't unique enough to justify adding to an already sizable stash. GWP is another one, and I'm trying to pick and choose carefully-- and with things that I KNOW that I will use (and use up). You are so right- it is VERY easy to over-buy. I think blogs and reviews can be great resources, but I think that they are also important forums that should be impartial- rather than serving as paid or unpaid advertisers for products that they don't necessarily believe in, or use. That said, I am definitely a skincare and makeup magpie (more so with skincare though), and I love to try out new products, but the key for me is to spend within reason- and to avoid having a stash that is completely out of control.
The Tatcha Camellia Oil and rice powder are the only two full-sized products that I own from them (though I do have several deluxe samples from the Barneys Bag Event last September), and those are two of my most coveted skincare products-- I find them both to be utterly extraordinary, and I will definitely replace them once I finish them up. I hadn't realized that Tatcha was bundling those two-- it makes sense though-- it is the perfect marriage of products. Currently it looks as though Tatcha is out-of-stock on the individual Enzyme Powders-- hopefully they restock quickly. I imagine that they sell so much of that all of the time! The striped bag at Barneys is definitely cute, but I definitely agree that it's only worth indulging if you are getting things that you know that you won't regret purchasing!! Definitely words to live by! :-)
Hi Helen! Thanks for doing all of this hard work- you are my source for everything Barneys!! Have you tried anything from The Organic Pharmacy? I noticed that you included it above, and wondered what your take is on the brand. I have heard that the face oil is supposed to be a great anti-aging product, and that the cleanser is supposed to be lovely. What is your take?
ReplyDeletexoxo, K
Hi Karla,
DeleteThank you for your very kind words. You are very very welcome-- I'm so glad that you find these posts useful! I have played with the testers of The Organic Pharmacy products several times, but actually got a generous sample of the Antioxidant Face Firming Serum-- which is the face oil that you are referring to. I have been using it for a couple of weeks and REALLY love it! I actually might crack and buy it! It smells of citrus and feels divine on the skin. The powerful scent does fade quickly, but definitely will not appeal to everyone. I would try it before buying it to see if you like it. I really love the philosophy of the company, and their products are much more healthy than so much of what is currently on the market.
I have neither tried, nor smelled any of their cleansers, but am more and more curious about the line! Let me know if you try any of their products, and what you think if you do!! :-)
Thanks, Helen! Smells like citrus, that sounds delicious!!! The philosophy appeals to me as well. I have used so many products like Sunday Riley and wasn't impressed by the results or all of the chemicals. I'm trying to move away from parabens and silicones as much as possible- at least in my skincare products. I tried Jurlique and it was meh on my skin, but I really love many of the products from REN, and might buy a few things from them since there is a step up gift, and I love their glycolactic peel. I'm even more intrigued by the Organic Pharmacy Oil now that I hear that you have tried it and like it. Sponge is another line that you have me quite curious about as well! Thanks for all that you for us- you are an amazing resource! Feel better! xoxo, K
DeleteHi Karla,
DeleteMy pleasure! It really does smell divine to me! I know what you mean by all of the chemicals lurking around in skincare products. With lines like Suki, Tata Harper and The Organic Pharmacy there is a viable luxury alternative to the more mainstream brands. I agree that REN is an extraordinary line, and honestly can't think of a single product of theirs that I didn't like or love. I LOVE Sponge, and really can't say enough good things about the line. I love all of the products that I use from them, and think that they offer a simple and effective skincare. Ultimately I think that it comes down to what works best for your skin (and its particular needs), and also the tactile and experiential aspects of using the products. To me, I have to really enjoy using the products, but they have to be effective as well. Every single time that I pull out my Rodin Olio Lusso I take a deep breath and smell it before massaging it into my skin. It is a luxurious experience, and it marks "me" time when I can enjoy pampering my skin with a divine elixir!
Enjoy the remainder of your weekend! xoxo, Helen
Hi Helen!
DeleteI hope that you are feeling a little better today!! I can't believe that you continued powering through this mega post with all of your constant updates when you are down with a bug!! I hope that you have some idea just how special that is, and how much we appreciate it! I reread your Rodin Olio Lusso review, and really must try it next time I am near a counter. It really sounds amazing-- plus I love Jasmine- so I am very curious. I agree with you that the tactile aspects of skincare products is so important- especially when you are spending a small fortune on high end products! Pampering yourself after a long day at work is like a sweet reward for all of your efforts!!
Feel better! Happy Birthday-- I'm pretty sure that Barneys started the Bag Event on 2/13 to celebrate your birthday! :-)
<3 K
Thank you so much for saying such kind things, Karla!! It is my pleasure to do this for you guys, truly!
DeleteDon't even get me started on Rodin Olio Lusso-- that stuff is just PURE MAGIC. I feel so happy every time that I use it!! Plus it makes my skin glow that crazy! That is my absolute must-have Holy Grail Desert Island face oil! If you love Jasmine- then you have to at least try the tester and ask for a sample! It's pure luxury, but with astonishing results on my skin!
Thank you for the thoughtful birthday wishes!
:-) Helen
Gosh! what a great gift bag event it is! part of me was insisting i shall not buy here and there as i'm on a mission to reduce my stash size, but part of me felt that it's too great of a deal to pass! LOL
ReplyDeleteYou are such a wise woman, Jenni!! I want to reduce my stash as well-- keep up the good work. Nice blog sale- by the way! If you don't need anything and are trying to reduce- then be strong! On the other hand, if you need refills of tried and true things and happen to make the bag amount- then YAY! I think as beauty bloggers we easily lose perspective on what is a reasonable amount to buy or own. Sometimes I look at my stash and feel overwhelmed and wasteful-- I mean there is no way that I could possibly use all of this stuff up (especially with makeup). So I really admire your efforts to reduce rather than hoard!! Thanks for stopping by! :-)
DeleteLola!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Love Yourself event virgin anymore!!! LOL!!! I placed an all Chantecaille order because I've wanted to try the brand for a long time, and I found the Chante step up gift the most appealing out of any of them. I did place my order over the phone, and she said the amount to get the step up gift is $250 and not $200 as you have listed.
They didn't have the 2 palettes I wanted so I opted for some other things:
* 2 Spring glosses in Pink Melon and Framboise
* Perfect Sweep eyeshadow brush
* empty 3 pan palette
* shadows for the palette - rose gold, sel, granite (laid out my whole eyeshadow collection, which is not very big, and found I was lacking in lighter toned neutral colors)
* Retinol Hand Cream
Big HUG and a big THANK YOU for the tremendous work you do to keep us all informed!!! You are wonderful!!!
xo
Gummy
P.S that was the NYC Barneys where it was $250 for the Chantecaille step up gift, in case anyone is shopping from there :-)
DeleteWhat a super fabulous haul, Gummy!!!
DeleteI want Pink Melon too! I'm dying to read your reviews!! I'm so glad that this was so helpful to you!! <3
Interesting that the step-up is $50.00 more in NYC than in BH! I'm not sure why it isn't uniform from store to store!
xoxo
OMG- BTW-- OI have been meaning to pop on over and comment on your FABULOUS Burberry Mothership post-LOL! If the powers that be in the Mothership knew that you were cheating with Chantecaille- you may have been shunned and denied transport to the land of Burberry where we were meant to frolic about!!!!!!!! LOL!
DeleteOH, and can you imagine what would happen if Burberry went into Barneys and had step-up gifts?!
DeleteOMGoodness!!! Pleeeeeeezze don't utter a whisper to the Burberry gods!!!! I'm not cheating...I'm...I'm...merely taking a little side trip on the way to the ultimate destination. It'll only make me appreciate the land of Burberry even MORE!!!!! Ahhhhh...Burberry land...where beaches are made from the finest check eyeshadows you will ever encounter :-)
DeleteWOW WOW WOW!! if Barneys ever carries Burberry and had the step up gifts, I'm pretty sure they would run out of stock during pre sale...poor little ones that didn't think ahead wouldn't even have a chance!!! Haaaa haaa :-)
Right because our crew would clean em out-- we would buy it all up just cuz!!!!!!!!! I would never rat you out-- could never throw our own under the bus. Sometimes a girl just simply has to buy other brands. Burberryland needn't ever know. Our allegiance to the Burberry gods- based on what we spend there alone secures our spots on the Mothership!!!
DeleteSeriously, it's probably a good thing that they don't stock Burberry!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can someone help me? I can't remember if the Barneys in NYC carries Chanel cosmetics... I've been there but I never wander much.
ReplyDeleteHi AZ, You know, I'm not sure. My guess is that they do. They do at the Beverly Hills location. I don't understand why they don't have it on their website though!
DeleteAnyone know first hand?
Do you know what stores have Armani Beauty?
ReplyDeleteHI Katie! They have an awesome Armani Beauty Counter at the Beverly Hills Store!Very knowledgeable and helpful SAs! Well worth shopping their counter!! :-) I'm not sure which of the other stores do, but I am betting it's not the only store in the company that does. Of course it is also available at their website, but you won't get the step up gift only the event gift bag if you shop online.
DeleteHi Lola
ReplyDeleteIs this available online? I cannot find it.
xx
Hi Makeup Remastered,
DeleteNo, this was just my legwork. They don't do step-up gifts online-- only the gift bag-- so twice a year I gather piles of information from my contacts and compile it for you guys! :-)
xoxo
mmmmmm. I cant seem to find the gift bag online- even when I go to checkout:(
DeleteThis is all I can find and its been unavailable for days http://www.barneys.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Search-Show?q=love+yourself
DeleteAaaargh!
Hi Makeup Remastered! It's not there because the sale doesn't start until tomorrow. You can't pre-order online. The gift bags will become available online the minute the sale starts. I would definitely recommend ordering it from a store through a sales associate- who can let you know if they still have it in stock, send you a step-up gift if you are eligible etc. Plus if they are out of stock you will find out immediately, rather than waiting for the online system to notify you that it sold out- then you can end up missing out on the gift bag altogether (that happened to a few readers last year who were really bummed out!). I would call the counter that you are interested in and place the order there- plus you will be eligible for free US shipping if you meet the $200.00 minimum (which at the very least applies to the Beverly Hills Store). I included their number in the post. Let me know what happens, but I strongly urge you to place the order through a store directly. :-)
DeleteSorry, I didn't respond about the bag image that you found on their website. That's an old photo of a bag from last year that appears to have been archived on their website-- that's why you keep hitting a wall wit your search. It will either appear at some point today, or more than likely first thing tomorrow. Either way, I would definitely suggest calling a store. I hope that this is helpful to you! :)
Deletethanks for taking the time!- I will stalking the online store in anticipation!
DeleteMy pleasure!! I would still urge you to call a store to place your order so that you can be sure to get the things that you want. Online purchases are tricky during the event because they get backed-up processing orders, and often sell out. The physical stores are really the way to go in this situation. Figure out what you want based on their website, but then order through a SA at the store of your choosing. :-)
DeleteUpdate- the bag is available online- but alas, as soon I try go to International shipping it no longer allows it in my basket! Hurumph! better luck next time:)
DeleteOh no!!! Is it worth calling the store or customer service to see if they are able to process your order? Paying for the International shipping and the phone call might get a bit costly though, and outweigh the benefits of the gifts etc. I'm so sorry that your efforts were thwarted by the check out system :-(
DeleteHi Helen :)
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say thank you for taking the time to update info on the Barneys Bag event for everyone. I placed my order earlier today. I was a good girl & stuck to my list as you wisely suggested to all, lol. All KGD items & 1 Aesop hand cream based on my SA recommendation (every tried anything from that brand?)& figured the next event I'll purchase some Chantecaille skincare since I'm halfway through with my SR products. Plus your tempting me to try Rodin Olio Lusso with your rave reviews!
Many thanks & pray you are feeling better
XOXOX Naomi
Hi Naomi!!!!!!!!! <3
DeleteYou are very welcome, sweetie! It is absolutely my pleasure to help in any way that I can, and to get as much information out there as possible. Yay on KGD-- what did you get? I actually have a pile of samples of Aesop that a lovely SA gave me a while back. I have played with their products in store, and was quite impressed. I need to try those samples in earnest though. You know what a skincare product junkie I am-- and trying and loving something new always means trouble for me :-) I can't wait to hear what you think about their hand cream! Chantecaille is such an amazing line-- I'm being drawn in by so many of their products, but right now have my sights set on the Mink Melon Lip gloss and the Daphne Lip Chic-- I'm betting that your love of lip glosses may have led you to those as well! If you have them please let me know what you think-- I haven't seen them in person yet because of this stupid cold and my current "outbreak monkey" state of being. I suppose I could put on a hazmat suit and go shopping-- i could always say it's the rage on the runways at NYFW and sneer at people in derision when they look at me like I'm crazy-LOL!!
At some point I will definitely further investigate Chantacaille skincare, but the things that I have tried, as you know, are EXCELLENT!! Yeah, no point in getting another skincare line if you still have to finish up your SR. Olio Lusso has really been one of my greatest skincare surprises- it is the only face oil that made my two little dry patches go away altogether-- neither Juno, nor Ladi Avokanto were up for the task--plus there is really something very special about the glow that I get. It's pure magic for me. Why don't you call back your Barneys SA and have her/him make you a sample-- that's how I started out, and that is what hooked me!! You may not love it as I do, but a sample will let you determine what you think!
Thanks so much for your well-wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery!! I'm getting sick of cold medication!!!
xoxox Helen
Hi Riddhi,
ReplyDeleteI will answer your email, but thought that I would respond here just in case you are reading this. Sorry that you were having trouble leaving a comment! Yes, if you call the stores and place an order over the phone- rather than online- then you will be eligible for free US Shipping with a minimum purchase of $200.00 pretax. I don't know whether the minimum varies by store, but $200.00 definitely applies to the Beverly Hills location.
Also the benefit to ordering over the phone from a store is that you will find out immediately whether or not they have the item you want in stock, and you will be able to take advantage of step-up gifts.
Thanks for reaching out. I hope that this answers your questions. :-)
Hi Lola! Had a question? Is the San Francisco Barneys one of the large ones? I remember Chicago's Barneys doesn't have all the counters. Is San Fran like Beverley Hills in terms of the size of their in-store beauty dept?
ReplyDeleteHi!!!!!!!! The Beauty Department at the San Francisco store is tucked into the lower level and is smaller than Beverly Hills, if I recall correctly. The Beverly Hills location has a huge beauty department that is divided into the front Wilshire entrance near the designer handbags, but extends all the way to the back of the store where you land in the Apothecary section (my favorite magical land where I get into lots of trouble!)- it is tucked in toward the back of the store near the valet, but it is just pure unmitigated magic!!!!!!! I can spend hours in there, and sometimes I don't make it into the rest of the store!!!!!!!!!! :D
DeleteI believe that it is a higher volume store at the BH location as well-- so you might have a better chance of getting more brands of interest to you if you are thinking of ordering by phone.
DeleteThank you so much for your great posts! I just ordered from the BH store some Sponge products based on your recommendations. And yes, I got the gel cleanser for free! FREE! Kelly was so nice and helpful, I'm planning on ordering from this store from now on. Keep up the great work and don't forget to tell us about the By Terry/SpaceNK event!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome! It is totally my pleasure! I hope that you love what you bought! I kid you not, their cleanser is the best cleanser that I have ever used in my life- no exaggeration! Please please please keep me posted and let me know if you love it! I'm so glad that you connected with Kelly and feel good about the transaction! Forging a relationship with a SA will make a huge difference!! YAY!!!!!!!! I will definitely keep you posted about the Lola's Secret Beauty Blog/SpaceNK/By Terry event!! As soon as we hammer out all of the details (and I kick this cold) I will do a HUGE post! :-)
DeleteOk I'm gonna go do some damage during lunch break... I think I'm also gonna have to make sure I don't get anything in September... I hope the stuff I want aren't sold out. I may pick up the Sponge cleanser. I was gonna get the eve lom one but honestly I don't think it's worth the price. Thanks for the awesome post! I'll have to read your lipstick storage one when I get home :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like some damage!! Let me know what you end up getting!! Since it's the first day you should be okay on getting what you want- unless it was so popular that the presold out, but I have a feeling that you will make out well! I've heard wonderful things about the Eve Lom Cleanser, and I love the concept, but I haven't tried it so I can weigh in. It's ridiculously popular, but that certainly is no guarantee that you will like it. Maybe ask for a sample and try it tonight. Now the Sponge Cleanser is something that I can weigh in on, and I'm madly in love with it as you know.
DeleteYou are so very welcome-- I'm glad that the post helped you!
You had better be sitting down when you see my lipstick storage post-- you will get a glimpse in to the demented mind of someone crazy about lipgloss!
Have a lovely day! Have fun shopping the event!!!!!!
I just received my bag, ordered from Boston...HORRIBLE. Nothing worth while in there. I was so mad, I called the store and told them I was returning everything. No Sue Devitt, No Kevin Aucoin, no by terry, no Red Flower, no Tocca. The poor SA was so apologetic and said she would overnight me some more gifts, but honestly, I don't feel like I should have to call and complain. I'm waiting now for the manager to call me back. I ordered from the BH store too, the Sponge skincare, so it will be interesting to see the difference in the bags. Honestly, SpaceNK is having a one day event on the 20th, and their bags ALWAYS wow me. I think I am through with Barneys Bag event. So not worth it.
ReplyDeleteREALLY?! A reader from NYC said the same thing abut the Madison Avenue Bag. The picture of the actual bag from BH seems to have a full size DL polish, but I haven't actually seen it yet. I will be very very curious to see the difference between the two bags! Would you mind taking a picture of the Boston Bag and sending it to me-- I'm very curious to see how they differ from store to store. It's odd that the whole thing isn't standardized! I'm so bummed out that you are so disappointed, and tha the Boston Ba just doesn't measure up. :-(
DeleteI still have to post that 1 day event at SpaceNK-- the gift looks awesome!
I just bought a bunch of stuff at the Chicago Barneys and the gift bag was subpar, too! :( Weird, because I've done this a few times in the past and while the gifts have always been slightly different than what I've seen online, this is the first time it just...sucked. About 6 or 7 items less than shown in your blog and the Barneys email! I'm bummed since I wanted the Red Flower lotion and Koh Gen Do cloths (but not buy the full sized products, haha). I'm wondering if I should complain as well? The upside is that I have a lovely new fragrance and stocked up on bath items I needed.
DeleteThe bag contents seem to be varying from store to store, and have for quite some time. I'm not really clear on why, but it has been suggested that brands that aren't carried in particular stores don't end up appearing in their bags (told to one of my readers by a SA, but not to me directly). There are always differences in what we seem to get and the stock image that Barneys releases- I suspect that all of those items end up in bags, but not necessarily in all of the bags. There is nothing that the SA can do about the variation from bag contents from store to store- they have no control over what they are sent. Though if you are missing about 6-7 items from the stock image of the gift bag that is on their website- then one might wonder whether your bag didn't get finished being packed with goodies. It's also just possible that what you got reflects the contents of the Chicago bag. What I have learned for myself is to expect lots of potential variations- especially when comparing it to the stock image. They sell so much during these events that I imagine that they also run out of plenty of the stuff in the gift bags-- especially because of all of the pre-selling that happens well in advance of the actual event. I'm glad that you got some lovely things that you needed!!
DeleteHi, Anonymous Bronzer Bunny & I shopped in Chicago yesterday. We were disappointed. I called & spoke with the Cosmeticss manager & she said she will send us what she can, which will at the very least be the Sue Devitt pencil & by Terry sample. She said she had to find out about the Kevin Aucoin full sized product. But I would call and let them know you were disappointed as well. The more people they hear from & get feedback...well maybe they can adjust things for the next time :-)
DeleteSO I just called Barneys NY, and talked to a lady from SUnday RIley to see if my package was sent and I just found out that you do not get a lipstick with ever $100 spent. You only get a lipgloss. Do you know if this is true
ReplyDelete?
The Sunday Riley Rep said that it was a lipstick for every $100.00 spent, but that is at the Beverly Hills location. There is often variation from store to store so what they are doing in NYC isn't necessarily the same as in BH. I'm not quite sure why. Though sometimes I think that they have to substitute items when they run out. They sell such high volumes of stuff during this event that stuff literally flies off of the shelves. One reader went to pick up some stuff from Tatcha and they were already cleared out and waiting for another shipment tomorrow. As for the step-up gift for SR you might call the BH store and place your order there instead. Let me know what happens!
DeleteDid they initially tell you something different at the SR Counter at the NYC store?
DeleteI wonder what happened. She told me something completely different the other day. However, she did say that it was a new lipstick formula and they hadn't even received it the other day-- so I wonder if they just didn't get it in in time for the bag event. Interesting.
DeleteI dont know what happened :(
DeleteI'm really sad that they are not doing the lipstick thing anymore.
I kinda wish I pre-ordered from my local barneys instead.
Sometimes the vendors are trying to get stuff out in time for the event, but can't make it on time and so they change the step up gifts to what they have on hand. I have seen that happen numerous times with different lines. In the past I have received a couple of different step-up gifts from a few different lines and watched as the poor reps who were trying to get ready for the event and were still waiting for their shipments. Also sometimes they end up selling so much product during the event that they run out of step-up gifts and have to get more. Some SA didn't know what the companies were going to be sending for step-up gifts even a day before the event. It's a crazy mad scramble to send all of that stuff out to all of the stores, and sometimes it doesn't happen on time. I have no idea what actually happened in this case because all I know is what I had been told the other day by the rep. Also sometimes information seems to come from whoever happens to answer the phone in the particular bay, and they may not have been notified of line specific gift changes that occur. From what I can tell it seems pretty stressful leading up the the event for the SA & Reps who are waiting for stuff to arrive, and who might be met by very unhappy customers if what they were told either doesn't come to pass as originally intended. That certainly doesn't change the fact that it is disappointing when we have our hearts set on certain things and they end up getting changed for whatever reason.
DeleteAaaaahhhkk--SO sad that I'm broke right now (school just started not too long ago and money is tight :/) otherwise I would SO indulge. I love the bag--it's so much cute than a lot of the other ones I've seen. Also, is that Kevyn Aucoin product I see part of the bag or is that the step-up gift? (which, by the way, is AWESOME! I've been dying to have the Candlelight highlighter--I've swatched it and it's seriously stunning!) Eek! Too much gorgeousness going on here!
ReplyDeleteOh and PS: Happy birthday, Helen! I hope you had a wonderful day and got lots and lots of beauty goodies and I'm sorry you were sick on the day :/ Feel better!!
Hi Becca!!!!!!! Don't sweat missing the sale- your tuition, fees and books are a much more valuable investment than makeup! These events happen twice a year- you will always have another chance.
DeleteThe picture shows what appears to be a full size KA Lip Gloss and E/S, but I haven't been well enough to go down there and see for myself. What you see there is a part of the gift bag on display in the BH store. The Candlelight Highlighter is actually being offered by KA as a step-up gift with a $225.00 KA purchase.
Thanks for the sweet birthday wishes- I spent the day in bed feeling yucky, but ate yummy Udon for dinner (sadly I could only taste it periodically). xoxox
Thank you for posting, even though you aren't feeling 100%. I ordered from Beverly Hills and the service was excellent! Thank you for your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI usually don't expect much from beauty event bags as it's rare that I find something I like in it, but I needed the Koh Gen Do anyway so the free shipping, bag, and step up gift offered by Barney's was a nice bonus I thought I would try at least once.
Hope you feel better soon!
You are so very welcome- glad to help! Oh good, I'm so glad to hear it. I love the BH, and yes, the customer service is excellent-- I love the people that work there-- you are so welcome for the recommendation.
DeleteI think that is a very sensible approach to bag events, but when you are getting what you needed anyway and are given a lovely step-up gift and a beauty bag- it's a win win situation-- especially when you are receiving excellent customer service (that is essential in my book). I would love to know what you think about your purchases and gifts after they arrive!! Keep me posted.
Thanks for the well-wishes- I feel a touch better today, but not well enough to go out of the house and face the world. This seems to be a particularly pernicious head cold :-(
Well, sometimes it does pay to complain. I called the Boston Barneys yesterday and complained about the crappy bag and both the Nars Manager and the Cosmetics Department Manager were very apologetic. And today, I got another bag filled with some delux samples. Not what is shown in the picture, no, but,they made a real effort to make it more appealing and I so appreciate that. The funny thing is that they know their bag is sub par to the other stores, but there is nothing they can do about it, they can only fill it with what they receive. So, a big shout out to those two managers for great customer service. Now...patiently awaiting for my BH bag and products to arrive! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, now that is what I all EXCELLENT customer service! Keep their names and make them your contacts for future purposes-- it will make all of the difference in the world if you maintain/build those relationships. You are right- they get whatever it is that they receive for the bag and have no control over it. It's a shame that the bags aren't all the same across the board because these situations could be avoided if they were. Then if people didn't like the bag, they didn't like the bag- instead of disliking theirs when compared to one from another store. It seems to make things more complicated since people do compare notes!
DeleteI hope that you love what you receive! Keep me posted!!!
DeleteOMG, Kelly in the BH Barneys is just amazing. My bag is packed and I do mean packed full of samples. I got the KA curling mascara (but no eye shadow) and the Sue Devitt pencil which is great. But, Kelly put in so many other samples! Shower gel and body cream samples from Beautannia, which is a new line to me,(smells wonderful) a sample of L'Wren Scott Eau de Parfum that I want to put on now, but it's 10PM and skincare samples to try. I am so in awe that someone would go to the extra length to make this so special. Kelly, if you read this, thank you from a very, very satisfied customer! I know it is said all the time but it warrants a repeat...customer service is the key to repeat sales, especially in cosmetics.
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!!!!!!!! I'm telling you, Barneys BH is outstanding!! I am madly in love with the place! It is harmful to my wallet that it is so close to my house, and that I don't have the budget of an industry magnate! I'm so happy that you are elated by your purchases and treatment! Customer service is key, and it is the only thing that guarantees repeated business when there are so many places that one can spend one's hard earned money! I'm thrilled that you are happy! :-)
DeleteReceived my Barneys Bag and I have a few observations: First off, the bag itself is very flimsy. Compared to the sailing canvas type of material used in all the prior bags, I was really surprised by this. Just shows where they are cutting costs. NO full size products... no Sue Devitt (and I REALLY wanted that eye pencil as I love them), no Kevyn Aucoin, no red flower and the Revive item was a tiny sachet packet of a serum.
ReplyDeleteThat all said, I love everything in it, lol. Maybe 3 little things I can't use but otherwise, all great things and a few new ones.
I did receive the lipgloss from Sunday Riley due to ordering one product from the line and love the shade; Sangria. A great hot pink for spring.
The Chantecaille SWP was a lovely surprise as it's a hot pink zip around wallet (quite large actually) and every single sample item in it I use!! The only bummer was that a few of the Lip Chics I ordered are HORRIBLE colors on me; the #1 reason I hate ordering from on-line swatches- you really can't tell the shade.
Between the hot pink gloss, the hot pink Lippmann polish and the hot pink clutch/wallet (which I really like, lol), I am set for Spring. Not too shabby.
Sadly, though, the contents of the bag are nothing like the ones I (and many here) remember. Ah well. Sign of the times.....
I noticed the difference in the quality of the bag itself as well. I received the Sue Devitt eye pencil, but nothing from Kevyn Aucoin.
DeleteI have Sangria, and think it is lovely as well.
What a score from Chantecaille!!!!!!! The Rep told me about the pink wallet-- I wish that I had seen it! Bummer that the Lip Chic colors don't work for you!!!
All of those pinks will serve you well this Spring!!!!!!
I hope that they surprise us in September with lots of full size products, but you may be right that this is a sign of the times.
Just wanted to let you know that I was surprisingly happy with what I got. It was all too easy to spend the minimum with just the F Malle carnal flower hair mist and chanel illuminating bronzing fluid. This was the second time I ordered through David at the Madison store, even though I live within 90 minutes drive to the Chicago Barneys. He's sweet, threw in extras (la mer and rodin face oil) and never charges me shipping! It seems that Madison and BH are the busiest stores and carry the most lines. Hence, IMHO, the best chances for a decent gift bag. I think I was only missing revive and SR, but when I mentioned it, the SA immediately sent it out thru the post. What amazing customer service.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you are happy with what you received!!! I definitely think that the Madison Ave & BH locations are among the highest volume stores- I think that probably makes a big difference with the gift bags. Mine was missing several things, but my SA made up for it by giving me lots of other samples. what amazing customer service you received!!!!!!! :-)
Delete