I was lucky to be able to grab all mystery sample bags from Nordstrom, Ulta and Sephora last year! All big 3 mystery sample bags from Nordstrom, Ulta and Sephora 2015 will be revealed in this post series! Also, how and when to get these mystery sample bags.
Nordstrom, Ulta and Sephora Mystery Sample Bags at a Glance
As I recall, NORDSTROM only offered two mystery sample bags last year (2015). The first one is the 12pc in Jan and last around 30 hours. The second one is Black Friday Mystery sample bag 15pc with $50. I think it was out of stock in less than 12 hours (see my post here for the event). Please let me know if you grabbed other Nordstrom mystery sample bag that I missed. If you are interested, you can see my post about previous January Nordstrom Mystery Sample packs here. I haven’t seen any post about these sample pack offered by Nordstrom elsewhere. I am not sure if all of us received similar bags. Please confirm if you grabbed one! Nordstrom always offers 3 free samples at checkout and free shipping no minimum too!
For Ulta, I think this is their first time offering Ulta mystery sample bag. It was a shockingly surprise bag and most people missed it. Because it was offered only 12 hours on Dec 14, 2015 night (9pm – 9am). This Ulta mystery sample bag contains 8 piece deluxe size samples and the minimum purchase was $40. Of course if you follow my blog I was blogging about this All Nighter Sale at Ulta that night in my original post here. People have got different samples in this bag.
Last sample bag is a famous Sephora Cyber Monday Sample Bag. This is an annual event, it will come back every year. You can get them during Cyber Monday and it last a few days after that (minimum purchase $25 and with coupon code SURPRIS3 for 2015). It is filled with 1 full size item and 7 surprise samples see what inside here at Sephora. Similar to Ulta mystery bag, contents are varied.
In this post, I will start from Sephora Cyber Monday Sample Bag 2015 review!
Sephora 8pc Cyber Monday Mystery Sample Bag Reviews
(an update version of my post here)
If you are looking for “what’s in Sephora Cyber Monday bag?”, this is the right place. I will show you all samples, a little bit of information about them and my though! I received this bag with $25 purchase. It is filled with 1 full size mask and 7 surprise samples see what inside here at Sephora.
It comes in a cute bag and I will sure enjoy using it for my accessories!
Sephora Collection Face Mask $6 available in 8 options
A line of natural fiber sheet masks, each with a skin refreshing benefit.
Each of these masks is infused with a different active ingredient for relaxing the skin and achieving a brighter, more revitalized complexion. The fiber masks perfectly hug facial contours for better penetration of the active ingredients.
Lingzhi Mask: Creates the appearance of smoother, plumper, and younger-looking skin.
Lotus Mask: Refreshes tired skin and reduces signs of strain and fatigue.
Honey Mask: Nourishes and balances to soothe and refresh dry or sensitive skin.
Pearl Mask: Perfects and brightens with natural-origin pearl to create high luminosity.
Ginseng Mask: Tones and energizes while providing a tightening effect for a plumped and supple complexion.
Green Tea Mask: Mattifies and purifies to soothe skin, absorb sebum, and reduce the appearance of outbreaks.
Rose Mask: Provides deep moisture and brightening properties through natural rose extract.
Pomegranate Mask: Awakens, energizes, and protects the skin with antioxidant-rich natural pomegranate extract.
What else you need to know: These masks are dermatologist tested and are quick and easy to use.
IcanGWP: I believe this is the full size mask they mentioned in the coupon SURPRIS3 description. Some information on the package here: Mask enriched with natural origin white pearl: Evens out skintone and helps minimize irregularities. Stimulates skin for high luminousity. For skin that is even, fresh and brighter.
Update: The one I received is the Pearl Mask. Interestingly, it actually contains pearl (Conchiolin Powder)! Physically, I really enjoy the shape, fit and size of this mask (some people said it is too slim). For me, it is larger than most masks. It seals and stays on really well. I can wrap it around my chin and cheeks a bit. I am lucky to get the Pearl Mask because people love it more than other masks from this collection. It helps refresh my skin and a little bit brightens my skin. It is a nice gift to your face.A great inexpensive for at home spa session for $6. It contains tiny amount of fragrance (not noticeable for me). I would love to try Honey Mask that most reviewers like as well.
Sephora currently has a great promotion:
STEP 1: Add five SEPHORA COLLECTION Face Masks ($30) to your cart.
STEP 2: Use promo code MASKLOVE at checkout (or SCMASK for Sephora.ca).
STEP 3: A $6 discount will be taken off your total purchase (one discount per order).
Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil $16 – $96
A lightweight oil to deeply hydrate and treat skin, hair, and nails.
This legendary, 100 percent pure Argan Oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids to deeply hydrate and nourish skin. Grown organically in Morocco, the multitasking formula contains astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to create a nourished, youthful-looking complexion. It easily absorbs into skin, delivering a fresh, dewy glow, and keeps you looking beautiful from head to toe. Great for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin, it may also be used to treat split ends and soften cuticles.
IcanGWP: I like this product since I tried it a few years ago. It is a good 100% pure Argan oil that has no fragrance. It will be a little bit too greasy for my combination skin (even in winter time) if I use it as a moisturizer. This is how I use it. Add a few drop to my regular moisturizer. I also add it to my body cream. My skin need some love in winter. I want to try it as a scalp treatment/hair mask in the winter. FYI – It smells like oil (because it is) and I like it this way. Reviews from Sephora is 4.5. Also, it is available in light version.
Fresh Rose Face Mask $62
A hydrating and toning gel mask with a cult following that’s infused with real rose petals, pure rosewater, and a “smart” algae that delivers optimum moisture.
“One of the most recognizable flowers across cultures, the rose is associated with romance and royalty and has been the basis of beauty rituals for centuries. Ancient Roman courts were decorated with garlands to stimulate the senses, and queens from Cleopatra to Marie Antoinette used it for perfume. With today’s technology, we are able to refine the purity of the extract, making it even more effective in skincare. The flower yields an incredibly precious oil brimming with nutrients that help to hydrate, soothe, tone, and restore the skin, and the scent adds a unique mood-enhancing quality to the experience.” —Lev Glazman, Fresh Co-founder
IcanGWP: It is a clear moisturizing gel mask. The color is pink and it smells like rose. It contains real roses – no surprise. Very good smell not overwhelming at all. Like most gel mask, it is nice calm and refresh feeling when it is on. Reviews are split. Some really like it and feel that it hydrates and helps their dry skin. But others think it irritates their sensitive skin.
Update: this product is featured in Sephora Birthday Gift 2016 (Fresh duo). To redeem online: go to Sephora official page for Fresh Birthday gift 2016 here or Sephora Marc Jacob Birthday gift 2016 here. You will see the redeem your gift button, enjoy!
SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Face Powder Customizable Palette $50 (a $70 value) available in 24 shades
Set contains
– Baby Z Palette
– Your choice of 4 SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Face Powders
What it does:
Take your favorite Sephora Collection Colorful Face Powders to go with this travel-size refillable compact. Choose the shades that best suit you, mix and match, and then pop them in to create your own customized palette. Explore the spectrum of 24 shades, including colors made to contour, highlight, bronze, and add the perfect blush. The ultra-sheer texture blends perfectly into the skin without caking, allowing for buildable intensity of color. Designed to be worn alone or layered together for more depth, these face powders provide a healthy glow that flatters any skintone. With finishes ranging from matte to satin and shimmer, this collection allows you to create an endless variety of fresh-faced looks.
IcanGWP: I received No 5 Sweet on you. It is a nice matt finish blush. I like that it is buildable.
Origins GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream $30
A clinically-proven eye cream that instantly de-puffs and reduces dark circles.
Late night? Long flight? Look tired all the time? This natural, clinically-proven morning-after eye cream instantly reduces dark circles. Unsightly bags and puffiness virtually disappear. And Origins’ proprietary complex of caffeine from coffee bean, Panax ginseng, magnolia extract, and natural optic brighteners rapidly wakes up, refreshes, and restores radiance to tired eyes. Best for all skin types.
IcanGWP: The ingredients are great – 49 of them can you imagine? It contains every awesome antioxidants and goodies one can put in a jar. Remind me of Clinique serum that they discontinued. No fancy patent ingredients that have no proof (I like that). Plus, no fragrance and no adding dye. It contains shea butter and smell like it wee… bit. It is an orange cream that is surprisingly not heavy at all (what I concerned). It contains silica for cosmetic purpose too. This product makes under eye area brighten immediately and will help in long term as well. I put it all over the face, love it. I only wish they give me more. Hmm I should wait if it gives me clogged pore before saying that. This is my favorite sample in this mystery bag! Four stars from Sephora average review.
Update: It doesn’t clog pores or break me out at all. Also, I want to point out that it will add a subtle gold glowing look (like most highlighter).
CLINIQUE Even Better Makeup SPF 15 $27 available in 30 shades
A dermatologist-developed liquid foundation that immediately brightens and evens out the skintone with naturally luminous minerals.
Wear this oil-free Even Better Makeup SPF 15 and something amazing happens: Without any makeup, you will see improved clarity, a more even skintone, and visibly diminished age spots. These results can be witnessed by all ethnicities in just 4 to 6 weeks. The long-wearing formula provides moderate-to-full coverage and also helps prevent new discolorations with SPF-plus antioxidants.
IcanGWP: I like multitask products that actually work efficiently. A foundation that can brighten and provide slight sunscreen sounds good. So I am happy to try this foundation. The shade I received is 05 Neutral (MF-N).
Update: Because the shade is too dark for me so I tried it together with MAKE UP FOR EVER Chromatic Mix – Oil Base ($14) in white. The following review will be for Clinique + Make Up For Ever.
Clinique nailed it for a FULL coverage foundation! CLINIQUE Even Better Makeup SPF 15 has matte finish and when it is blended with oil base MUFF, it gives me a full coverage with subtle dewy. I really like it! This product contains a good blend of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and a synthetic sunscreen agent that will assure you a full spectrum sunscreen. Please note that some people that wear it alone mentioned about it has oxidized.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Extravagant Mascara $12 – $24
IcanGWP: This is my second most wanted sample from the spoiler page here. The sample I want the most is Peter Thomas Roth oil. This mascara – I love the wand, gorgeous. As you can see from the image. The thinner tip can go on the detail job and the thicker part goes on the middle and outer lashes. No fiber and not waterproof so I will have fun trial this product with other mascaras!
Update: I love its curl, length, thickness and staying power. The tiny tip is great and I hope to see more mascara with small tip like this. It is very easy to clean too (I used cleansing cloth).
Paco Rabanne Invictus $62
What I thought?
Pros: I enjoyed trying samples in this mystery Cyber Monday sample bag! They are new samples (for me) and I can try them before I make decision to buy the full size. Origins eye cream is my fav. I was not sure at first because people do not like their mystery bag in the past. So I concerned a bit. Totally happy with my decision! In my opinion, sample size is a little bit smaller than PARTYPICKS bags but bigger than MIXITUP bag. And for the upcoming two posts for Nordstrom mystery gift with purchase and Ulta mystery sample bag – Sephora has the lowest buy in ($25).
Cons: Give me Peter Thomas Roth oil and Don’t give me men’s cologne, please.
When is the next Sephora mystery sample bag 2016?
You can expect to get it on Cyber Monday 2016. Were there other mystery sample bags from Sephora last year? I want to hear from you!
What do you think? Sephora, Nordstrom and Ulta (or other retailers offered mystery sample bags) – How do you like yours? For me there’s something about not knowing “what’s in the bag” that always get me. Will you get one if the fast and the furious (only last for a few hours) Nordstrom or Ulta mystery sample bags show up?
A little tease for the next two posts:
I hope you enjoyed my review!
In case you haven’t got one: Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Nude Lip $28 (an $86 value).
Also, a very good time to get just arrived skincare at Sephora for 2x points (no code required)!
Currently, it’s your time to grab a brand new (and only) free sample bag at Sephora! Receive a FREE “Brands We Love” 8pc Sample Bag with any $25 purchase. Use code: FOLLOW. FYI- Sephora.ca Receive a FREE “Brands We Love” Sample Bag with any C$25 purchase. Use code: BEAUTYFEED. I will have a review of Sephora Brands We Love Sample Bag post coming soon.
Gift includes:
Becca backlight priming filter (full size $38)
Bite agave lip mask trio (full size $26)
Hourglass veil mineral primer (full size $18 – $72)
Atelier mandarine glaciale (full size $85 – $125)
First aid beauty hydra-firm sleeping cream (full size $38)
Touch in sol feel like honey moon skin base (full size $24) I want to try this one!
Skin inc. deepsea hydrating mask (full size $75)
Perricone re:firm skin smoothing treatment (full size $155)
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