Sephora $100 Gift Card.

I tend to pay for pretty much everything by credit card so as to take advantage of it's rewards system. (I should point out that I pay it off in full each month so that I don't incur any charges - my bank must hate me!).

I always opt for a gift card and until recently it's always been for either Amazon, CVS or Target. Imagine my delight when I cashed in my most recent points and saw that they had Sephora gift cards... Who knew?... Of course I had to have one!

I split my spending into two orders to maximize the samples available. 

Order #1 was a make up treat. 

I love the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder and had been eyeing up their Ambient Blush for a while. I like a powder blush in the summer as it lasts so much better. I wanted a summery shade and chose Dim Infusion, a peachy color, long lasting, easy to apply and blend and it looks very natural. I'm very pleased with this and can see my Ambient Blush collection expanding at some point!

I needed a brush to replace my Real Techniques Buffing Brush - I've used mine to death and can only find it as part of a set here - so I bought Sephora's Multitasker Complexion Brush #45. It's a nice soft brush and I use it all over my face to blend everything in when I've finished my make up. Whilst I don't love it quite as much as the RT Buffer it is a very good brush that I am pleased with.

Order #2 was more skincare orientated. As I'd used up my huge box of Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pads I decided to give F.A.B. Facial Radiance Pads a whirl. I've only used them for a few days but I'm impressed so far! There's a bit of a tingle there but they are gentle enough for everyday use (I'm using them just at night). They are a no frills product that is very economical and live up to all the hype they have received. I've yet to try Nude Radiant Day Moisturiser which I grabbed as it was on sale. I'm always on the lookout for a simple, basic moisturizer that I can layer on top of serums and oils and this fitted the bill.

Deluxe weekly sample specials that I picked up were Sunday Riley Good Genes  (I can never have too much of this) it's my night serum of choice and as it's a pricey one I always choose samples of this whenever I see them - and another chemical exfoliator, Alenist Genius Bi Phase Peel, which will be good for travel. 

Smaller samples included two perfumes - Chloe and Replica Beach Walk, a sachet of Living Proof Style Extender hair treatment, and skincare sachets from Sephora, Dr Brant and Estee Lauder.

All in all I think that's a pretty good range of freebies and my bank account and manager are happy with my purchases!