Beauty Insider Updates + Beta FAQs

[SephoraBIC]

UPDATE 1/25/2020: Thank you for sharing your feedback. The functionality has been fixed to opt into the Beta. Please continue to share your feedback with your experience by commenting below or by emailing beautyinsidercash@sephora.com.

UPDATE 1/24/2020: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We also know that the functionality isn't working for everyone. Due to the overwhelming response, we’re actively working to get the site back up and we recommend checking back Saturday, 1/25, in the afternoon.

How will the Beauty Insider program be evolving? What can we expect to see?

We will continue to evolve the Beauty Insider program throughout 2020 to bring members more access to savings, more sampling choices than ever and new, unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Stay tuned for more updates in the months ahead!

What will be included in the new savings offering?

We will continue to offer all Beauty Insiders premier access to more opportunities for savings. Members will be able to take advantage of new types of savings events, including points multiplier events and new shipping deals. More details about savings benefits will be shared in the coming months, so be sure to check your emails and the Beauty Insider Community regularly.

What are the new experiences you are offering to members? Sephora has always offered premier beauty experiences to our BI members, and in 2020, we will go beyond beauty to offer our clients access to wellness and lifestyle events as well. On top of the tiered choices and never-expiring points that all members will continue to benefit from, we are excited to offer early access to new brand launches, as well as a range of new premium reward experiences, where clients can use their points to gain exclusive access to the most coveted beauty events and experiences.

What will more access to sampling look like in the new Beauty Insider program?

We will bring Beauty Insiders exclusive access to even more sample choices, trial sets, and birthday gifts so they can try more products from the brands they love. We will be sharing more details throughout 2020, so stay tuned for more updates!

Which program benefits are going away as part of these changes?

We are always looking for ways to improve and enhance the client experience. In order to implement some of the program updates, we’ve retired the choice of a tier celebration gift and unlimited custom makeovers for Rouge.

What’s evolving and new in the BI program?

We are always looking for ways to improve and enhance our client experience and bring the best to our most loyal beauty enthusiasts. Clients’ needs and preferences are always changing and we want to ensure the Sephora experience and Beauty Insider program evolves with them.

Can you share more details about the Beauty Insider Cash Beta test?  

We are testing an idea that would allow members to apply points to their purchase for an amount off. The beta test is a limited trial online and at select stores in the U.S. and Canada until 2/28/2020. At Sephora we are always looking to evolve our loyalty experience and look forward to hearing from our clients.

How many times per purchase can I use Beauty Insider Cash offerings during the Beta test?

Participating Beauty Insider Beta members can apply the test offer once per transaction. Your transaction must be $10 USD/CAD or more before tax, shipping and handling to use Beauty Insider Cash.

How does the Beta test work? Is there a difference between online and in store?

We have selected nine stores in the U.S. and eight stores in Canada to participate in the cash Beta test.  For our online Beta test, we invited Rouge members via email to participate on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please see below for the stores that are participating.

U.S.

(Limited to participating stores in the Bay Area, California)

Sephora Corte Madera Town Center

Sephora Daly City

Sephora Embarcadero

Sephora Laurel Village

Sephora San Francisco Centre

Sephora Santa Rosa Plaza

Sephora Stonestown Galleria

Sephora Union Street

Sephora Vintage Oaks Shopping Center 

Canada

(Limited to participating stores in Montreal, Quebec and Vancouver, British Columbia)

Sephora Coquitlam

Sephora Guildford

Sephora High Street

Sephora Metropolis

Sephora Park Royal

Sephora Richmond

Sephora Robson

Sephora Ste Catherine

Who can participate in the online Beta test?

We invited our Rouge members to be part of the test on a first-come, first-served basis.  The sign-up period will close on 1/29/2020, or as soon as all spots are full.

I opted in to the Beta test. If I don’t use my points for $10 off before the end of the pilot, will I lose them?

No. The Beta test is an opportunity to try out a new offer, but you will not lose points if you ultimately decide not to participate in the test before 2/28/2020.

How do I give my feedback about my experience/benefit?

We will be sending a survey to anyone who applied the offer in the Beta test. To share feedback outside of the survey, members can email us at beautyinsidercash@sephora.com or comment on this thread.

I was invited to take part in the online Beta test, but it’s closed. How can I join? 

Unfortunately, our online Beta test is limited to a certain number of participants. A closed page means we have a full list of participants. You can still share your thoughts on the Beta test with us at beautyinsidercash@sephora.com or by leaving a comment on this thread.

I am Rouge—why didn’t I get an invite to the online Beta test?

The invitation was sent to Rouge members who signed up to receive emails from Sephora and acquired their status by 1/15/2020.

Does this Beta test mean Rouge Reward is going away?

Not to worry, Rouge Reward is not going away and will not be affected by this test. With your help, we want to test a new experience offering instant savings.

Are there any exclusions when I redeem my 500 Beauty Insider points for $10 off?

Yes, please see restrictions here: Benefit cannot be applied to gift card purchases, in-store services, previous purchases, gift wrapping, packaging, taxes, or shipping & handling charges. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid after the $10 benefit, neither the 500 BI points deducted from your BI account or the $10 benefit will be refunded. Exchanges of the same item will be credited for the full transaction value including the $10 benefit. Sephora is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen offer materials. Offer has no cash value without a purchase and may not be altered, sold, bartered or transferred. Rouge status must be attained prior to participation in the pilot, by 1/15/2020. Minimum qualifying merchandise purchase of $10 (before tax, shipping and handling) is required to redeem 500 BI points for $10 off and benefit may only be used once per transaction. Due to heavy demand, Sephora FLASH delivery times cannot be guaranteed for orders using this benefit. Not valid on orders shipping outside the U.S. or Canada. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or rewards. Sephora may modify or cancel the pilot at any time for any or no reason. Sephora may exclude a Rouge member from the pilot for any abuse of the pilot or violation of the pilot rules.

[ashlinry]

Something that should definitely be brought back is being able to use multiple sample / promo codes per order.

Didn't we used to be able to use 2 or 3 per order a few years ago? Maybe this is something worth bringing back for different tiers? Maybe Insiders can use 1, VIBs can use 2, and Rouge can use 3? 

It really sucks when I have a promo code for something like $10 off, and then I can't use it to get a specific sample I really want. Honestly, if it's around Christmas or something where I'm making bigger orders, I'll split my order up (since I have flash shipping, or at least keep enough in each order to get free shipping when I don't have flash), and I suspect that ends up costing Sephora more money to have orders split and have to ship out multiple boxes. I suspect I'm not the only one who does this so that I can use multiple promo codes, so it backfires on Sephora when you limit the number you can use.

As I'm writing this, one way to prevent that would be to offer a number of promo codes based on the amount you're buying. Say you're placing one order that qualifies for fee shipping - allow one promo code; but if your order would qualify for free shipping twice over, then why not allow two promo codes? 

I think I prefer the idea of the number of promo codes allowed being based on your rewards tier, but I still think something can be done that would make your customers happy while also making more financial sense for the company.

[boredbuyer]

Agreed! I broke my last order down into FOUR different orders that would have easily all fit in one box. The cost of their shipping and packaging quadrupled due to the feature being disabled, not to mention I felt guilty about increasing my footprint. Help us help you, Sephora. And help the planet. Let us use multiple codes!

[RGbrown]

@ashlinry 

Stacking multiple codes was something Sephora made a BIG DAMN DEAL about (last year, IIRC), but never really followed through with. You could only stack one GWP code with either a Play! pass or a Rouge Reward...and a large majority of shoppers have neither one of those. Play! passes are now dead and gone, and Rouge Rewards may as well be since the availability is practically zero. 

I was actually excited when Sephora announced that as a coming perk...but then it just fizzled out to nothing. I'd love to see this revisited though...mayhaps it'll come back again... 

[Buootiful]

First Impression:

• 500 points for $10 doesn't seem worth it. 2500 points for $100.00 is a better deal. IF you use 500 points x5 you are getting only $50?? That is really low-balling  @SephoraBIC 😞

---

@SephoraBIC wrote:

What will more access to sampling look like in the new Beauty Insider program?

We will bring Beauty Insiders exclusive access to even more sample choices, trial sets, and birthday gifts so they can try more products from the brands they love. 

• 90% of the time we don't get the samples we pick so I don't see this a an improvement at all 😞
• You better make sure what you are purchasing isn't going to be returned. Otherwise, you still lose the 500 points but get the $10 back.
• This is a really bad test. Especially considering you know we would all compare it to Ulta and the current  Sephora rewards bazaar.

[DaneeBT]

Hi all! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us regarding the Beauty Insider Updates + Beta. Please know that we value all of your feedback. Additionally, I'm truly sorry some of you are having trouble with the link! I've reported the issue to the appropriate team so that it can be looked into. I recommend trying again a bit later. If you have any questions, you are welcome to send any of the BIC mods a private message. Thank you!

[MyLipGlossBring]

Why don’t you address the rationale of taking a previously great benefit— 2500 points could be spent on a $100 gift card. You now can only get $50. Please explain how this makes sense??  Would love to understand this better. 

[ZakiyaBT]

Hi @MyLipGlossBring,

The $100 Rouge Reward is still being offered every Tuesday and Thursday from within the Rewards Bazaar. 

Best,

Zakiya

[MyLipGlossBring]

I haven’t seen that. Please let me know when the last time this happened actually is! 

[MyLipGlossBring]

Interesting.... not sure how that works— 500 points is $10 but 2500 points is $100 but works for me! 

[caseybarb]

I have been trying for an hour with no luck. Not good Sephora 

[MyLipGlossBring]

You guys are out of your minds!!!  You literally took a benefit and slashed it in HALF!!!  You used to be able to cash in 2500 points for $100 giftcard.  Now you get 10$ for every 500 points?  GTFO!!!  This is BS.  Time to shop at ULTA-- you guys have completely put PROFIT over CUSTOMER.  You think we aren't aware of this??  

[Twa1ker]

Your beta test and your whole rewards program are total crap. I was on my e-mail and immediately when I received the e-mail, I logged in and signed up. When I clicked to register it said an “error occurred. Please try again.” Well I have been trying for almost 2 hours now. You have no rewards of any value, compared to Ulta and the direct brands you sell (i.e. Tarte’s fantastic rewards). You better step up your game and offer real monetary rewards to all of us, and not LIMIT them, like the elusive $100 reward that is ALWAYS SOLD OUT. Also, $10 for 500 points seems disproportionate, given what we need to spend for 500 points, especially when for 2,500 points you can get $100 (allegedly.) it should be $10 for every 250 points. The whole thing is a sham and the fact that this “beta offer” is glitching and doesn’t even work is icing on your sh*tty rewards cake. 

@SephoraBIC wrote:

How will the Beauty Insider program be evolving? What can we expect to see?

We will continue to evolve the Beauty Insider program throughout 2020 to bring members more access to savings, more sampling choices than ever and new, unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Stay tuned for more updates in the months ahead!

What will be included in the new savings offering?

We will continue to offer all Beauty Insiders premier access to more opportunities for savings. Members will be able to take advantage of new types of savings events, including points multiplier events and new shipping deals. More details about savings benefits will be shared in the coming months, so be sure to check your emails and the Beauty Insider Community regularly.

What are the new experiences you are offering to members? Sephora has always offered premier beauty experiences to our BI members, and in 2020, we will go beyond beauty to offer our clients access to wellness and lifestyle events as well. On top of the tiered choices and never-expiring points that all members will continue to benefit from, we are excited to offer early access to new brand launches, as well as a range of new premium reward experiences, where clients can use their points to gain exclusive access to the most coveted beauty events and experiences.

What will more access to sampling look like in the new Beauty Insider program?

We will bring Beauty Insiders exclusive access to even more sample choices, trial sets, and birthday gifts so they can try more products from the brands they love. We will be sharing more details throughout 2020, so stay tuned for more updates!

Which program benefits are going away as part of these changes?

We are always looking for ways to improve and enhance the client experience. In order to implement some of the program updates, we’ve retired the choice of a tier celebration gift and unlimited custom makeovers for Rouge.

What’s evolving and new in the BI program?

We are always looking for ways to improve and enhance our client experience and bring the best to our most loyal beauty enthusiasts. Clients’ needs and preferences are always changing and we want to ensure the Sephora experience and Beauty Insider program evolves with them.

Can you share more details about the Beauty Insider Cash Beta test?  

We are testing an idea that would allow members to apply points to their purchase for an amount off. The beta test is a limited trial online and at select stores in the U.S. and Canada until 2/28/2020. At Sephora we are always looking to evolve our loyalty experience and look forward to hearing from our clients.

How many times per purchase can I use Beauty Insider Cash offerings during the Beta test?

Participating Beauty Insider Beta members can apply the test offer once per transaction. Your transaction must be $10 USD/CAD or more before tax, shipping and handling to use Beauty Insider Cash.

How does the Beta test work? Is there a difference between online and in store?

We have selected nine stores in the U.S. and eight stores in Canada to participate in the cash Beta test.  For our online Beta test, we invited Rouge members via email to participate on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please see below for the stores that are participating.

U.S.

(Limited to participating stores in the Bay Area, California)

Sephora Corte Madera Town Center

Sephora Daly City

Sephora Embarcadero

Sephora Laurel Village

Sephora San Francisco Centre

Sephora Santa Rosa Plaza

Sephora Stonestown Galleria

Sephora Union Street

Sephora Vintage Oaks Shopping Center 

Canada

(Limited to participating stores in Montreal, Quebec and Vancouver, British Columbia)

Sephora Coquitlam

Sephora Guildford

Sephora High Street

Sephora Metropolis

Sephora Park Royal

Sephora Richmond

Sephora Robson

Sephora Ste Catherine

Who can participate in the online Beta test?

We invited our Rouge members to be part of the test on a first-come, first-served basis.  The sign-up period will close on 1/29/2020, or as soon as all spots are full.

I opted in to the Beta test. If I don’t use my points for $10 off before the end of the pilot, will I lose them?

No. The Beta test is an opportunity to try out a new offer, but you will not lose points if you ultimately decide not to participate in the test before 2/28/2020.

How do I give my feedback about my experience/benefit?

We will be sending a survey to anyone who applied the offer in the Beta test. To share feedback outside of the survey, members can email us at beautyinsidercash@sephora.com or comment on this thread.

I was invited to take part in the online Beta test, but it’s closed. How can I join? 

Unfortunately, our online Beta test is limited to a certain number of participants. A closed page means we have a full list of participants. You can still share your thoughts on the Beta test with us at beautyinsidercash@sephora.com or by leaving a comment on this thread.

I am Rouge—why didn’t I get an invite to the online Beta test?

The invitation was sent to Rouge members who signed up to receive emails from Sephora and acquired their status by 1/15/2020.

Are there any exclusions when I redeem my 500 Beauty Insider points for $10 off?

Yes, please see restrictions here: Benefit cannot be applied to gift card purchases, in-store services, previous purchases, gift wrapping, packaging, taxes, or shipping & handling charges. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid after the $10 benefit, neither the 500 BI points deducted from your BI account or the $10 benefit will be refunded. Exchanges of the same item will be credited for the full transaction value including the $10 benefit. Sephora is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen offer materials. Offer has no cash value without a purchase and may not be altered, sold, bartered or transferred. Rouge status must be attained prior to participation in the pilot, by 1/15/2020. Minimum qualifying merchandise purchase of $10 (before tax, shipping and handling) is required to redeem 500 BI points for $10 off and benefit may only be used once per transaction. Due to heavy demand, Sephora FLASH delivery times cannot be guaranteed for orders using this benefit. Not valid on orders shipping outside the U.S. or Canada. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or rewards. Sephora may modify or cancel the pilot at any time for any or no reason. Sephora may exclude a Rouge member from the pilot for any abuse of the pilot or violation of the pilot rules.

---

[Mulberrybush]

Tut tut tut Sephora. Very shabby REWARDS??? scheme.

[lmo10293]

I am experiencing an issue when trying to sign up. The screen appears to load for a period of time and then it says Error. Help!

[ocean18]

I'm experiencing the same issues. The Beta test page loads, but I keep getting error messages when I try to enter my information. I'm also assuming when I finally can get it to work, that it will be full. 

[Malicequinn]

I'm sorry, but this program looks like trash. I've always preferred Sephora over Ulta, but I see no reason to stay loyal. 500 points for a $10 reward? I spent $120 at Ulta this month when I had a 5x points coupon (and bonus points are common with them), and earned enough for a $20 reward.... which I can continue saving the points for a higher reward. Only being able to use $10 worth at once at Sephora is a joke. If this is what your "loyalty" program is going to be, I'll be switching to Ulta for the products they carry, and directly to the brands website for product like Tatcha that they don't carry.

[Schadenfreude]

I had heard the program was getting revamped so I purposely hit Rouge status again this year in hopes that someone was actually listening. Disappointing. I've reactivated my long-dormant Ulta account and will start fresh over there and not bother with Sephora's "status" tiers anymore.

[ashlinry]

I clicked on the beta test the second I got the email, and while the page loads, I can't submit the form. I just keep getting "Error occurred. Please try again."

One of the most frustrating parts of the reward program is getting an email and seeing a reward that I'm actually interested in, and then go to the site seconds later and it's already sold out. Are emails sent out after it's already available, and things are just in such low supply that they're snatched up before they're even announced?

And now I can't get into the beta program (which maybe isn't a huge loss) because the form won't submit. I'm sure if/when I do get the form to submit, entries will be full, of course.

Edit: I wanted to add, I just tried submitting a form and monitoring the network log as it spun and I waited... and it doesn't look like it's actually attempting to do anything when you submit it?!

Edit2: Actually, it looks like an Ajax request that isn't working at all and doesn't manage to actually transfer anything. 

[Xiomara95]

Same with me, I am getting the error too

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@ashlinry wrote:

I clicked on the beta test the second I got the email, and while the page loads, I can't submit the form. I just keep getting "Error occurred. Please try again."

One of the most frustrating parts of the reward program is getting an email and seeing a reward that I'm actually interested in, and then go to the site seconds later and it's already sold out. Are emails sent out after it's already available, and things are just in such low supply that they're snatched up before they're even announced?

And now I can't get into the beta program (which maybe isn't a huge loss) because the form won't submit. I'm sure if/when I do get the form to submit, entries will be full, of course.

Edit: I wanted to add, I just tried submitting a form and monitoring the network log as it spun and I waited... and it doesn't look like it's actually attempting to do anything when you submit it?!

Edit2: Actually, it looks like an Ajax request that isn't working at all and doesn't manage to actually transfer anything. 

---

[FreyjaO]

Same thing is happening to me. 

[PrinPebb]

Rouge has lost its value. This was the nail in the coffin. Shoppers has been making their program better and expanding the brands they carry and this is Sephora’s response? End of an era.