2018 SEPHORiA Feedback Thread

[ElleElleG]

Last month, the BIC Team selected several community members to attend Sephora's first ever immersive beauty experience, Sephoria: House of Beauty, which took place this past weekend in Los Angeles.  In addition to receiving keys to unlock the House of Beauty, the selected community members were asked to photograph the event and report their experiences to the community.

to my fellow Gold Key Recipients:

 @darkiceis @jazmineshepard @NotCrocker @KNC24 @Tamara76 !

                          We Came, We Saw, We CONQUERED SEPHORiA !

**all insights are more than welcome and I'm sure Sephora will appreciate the feedback, particularly if they host another event next year ...

Spoiler

****Also, I'm not sure if there are size limitations to the threads so we each may need separate threads to house our copious photos.  I'll add links here as needed****

@darkiceis review can be found here: https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/Sephoria-Report-The-Good-and-The-Not-so-Great/m...#M340499

@KNC24 review here: https://community.sephora.com/t5/Trending-Now/My-Sephoria-experience/m-p/4260487#M64652

[NotCrocker]

My Official SEPHORiA report:

Getting the chance to attend SEPHORiA in LA was pretty incredible. Off the bat, there was some frustration around the stumbling blocks of the contest, but ultimately I do appreciate the opportunity to win. If we had been notified at an earlier time, the whole adventure would've been a bit more affordable for my friend and I, and I would've certainly stayed for more than the whirlwind that we ended up doing. All that aside, here is my rundown of this admittedly epic experience.

Arrival and kickoff:

Spoiler

s mentioned, my friend (Jazz) and I had a whirlwind trip. That meant flying out of Vancouver at 6:23am on Saturday (leaving for the airport before 4am) and home from LA at 2:45pm on Sunday. I am sad to have missed the amazing first meeting and dinner of all the amazing community women on the Friday night, but get to meet most while there and am so thankful for that!

On arrival we grabbed an Uber into downtown and met with @heartsmyface and fam at the place they were staying, as she so wonderfully offered to put us up! Then Jazz and I headed out to grab some food and check out a couple of spots on our list. We met up with @heartsmyface around 2pm and we all settled into sipping champagne, white wine, and a couple cheeky tequila shots (just my friend and I, as Hearts and her friend were still recovering from the night before). Then we hopped a Lyft over to the venue to get in line for the night! 

The lines for Gold/Silver and Bronze/Will Call were clearly marked and we fortunately got there before it got too long. The four of us connected with @darkiceis and her awesome sis, and then found the incomparable @ZombieMetroAnt, @ElleElleG. In the line we also got to finally meet @KatieBT @LexBT and @BrendaBT

Once inside the white-picket fencing of the garden, we were given our Masterclass wristbands and had the opportunity to sign up for a Vanity service (I went for eyes and Jazz went for hair). There was also a giant La Mer jar in the garden that you walked through, testing their creams and you got a sample of their Soft Cream. Once through the La Mer jar we were a bit confused about how to get in the building and circled it again. We looked like very happy, very excited fools.

First sight, La Mer.

 Masterclass:

Spoiler

We were directed to the entrance and hustled our bustles in because Jazz and I (and @darkecies and her sister) had Charlotte Tilbury's class at 6:15pm. We got seats nearish the front (the room was pretty narrow, VERY toasty), though my seat was slightly obstructed by the lighting set-up, I could see Charlotte perfectly. She was delightful, very charming, but it felt more like a product sales pitch and less like we were being taught a look. For the beginning of her talk, her assistant was doing the makeup on the model, so we weren't being walked through a process. That said, Charlotte checked in on their progress occasionally and did quick mentions of what was being done (foundation, brows). A change from CT's Session 1 class (from what we heard), was Charlotte actually got hands-on for us and applied contour and gold bar as shadow on half the model's face. She also went ham with the gold bar on the model's body (arms, shoulder, cheek, legs, back), which was stunning and pretty fun. The friend I brought isn't a huge makeup user and she was rapt at this point. It was also great that Charlotte was working with a woman of colour model, and my friend who is also a WOC could really see how that product could work for her. I was so thrilled to see Jazz connecting with the event so quickly!  

Charlotte, working away.

 Vanity experience:

Spoiler

After the class we hustled upstairs to our vanity appointments. We were early but that was no problem and I got seated within 5 minutes. My MUA was a Sephora Pro artist and was an absolute delight. We chit chatted about his time as a ballet dancer in Venezuela, and his move to Florida. He asked about me, and we had a big hug at the end. It was a warm start to the night. I went to go find Jazz at the Drybar and we both left our appointments feeling poppin'. Jazz's hair was complimented all night, it looked so flipping great. 

We wandered over to the Foundation Bar and were amazed to discover that they had EVERY SHADE OF EVERY FOUNDATION AT SEPHORA there. Pretty cool. One thing to note throughout the whole event, but in particular in a spot where getting an exact match is the goal, the lighting was pretty bad. I understand that they were setting a mood, and I LOVED the mood they set, but the Foundation Bar was dark. And then there was up-light from the floor that cast terrible shadows and was not true-to-anything like life. So, my delightful foundation babe, Frances, immediately addressed my skin and desires, and found what seemed like a pretty spot-on match. That said, I am going to wear the sample she gave me this week and see if it is an actual match with better lighting.

Me, the eye-station, foundation closet.

 The Great Wander™:

Spoiler

Once done with the upstairs, Jazz and I began The Great Wander. We just went everywhere, winding our way to all the booths, tables, photo-spots, and stations. We connected with the other BIC ladies throughout the evening, as we all met up to exchange hot tips for the best free stuff and experiences. @zombie @elle Jazz and I all fell in love with one rep's glitter lips and were directed down to the Pat McGrath booth beside the dance floor (candidate for best decision of the night). We played in the Fenty glitter (which I am STILL finding everywhere), got blissed out in the fragrance area, got custom lipsticks, were holo-ed up with MUFE, sipped mushroom teas, drank fragrance-inspired cocktails (shout out to Tom Ford's coconut creation), and weighed ourselves down with countless (okay... I can count... 9 BumBums) samples and freebies. The event spoke to my inner child that used to LOVE going to trade shows and picking up every pen/sticker/business card/button/etc. while doing it 100x better by making the swags actually desirable and useful. I am sure my parents were annoyed every year having to find uses for the random magnets stuff I collected in my rounds, but my SEPHORiA swag is a curated bunch of stuff I am legitimately jazzed to try.

That said, some of the room/booth freebies were less than exciting (deepest understanding of my first world problems here). Tarte gave a tiny foil sample of the Maracuja oil, but had a stunning floral display on top of the back of a car and was a great photo stop. I could've just missed them but Fenty seemed to not have a sample, same with Huda, Becca, Laura Mercier, MUFE (but got our glow done, so that was lovely), Artiste Couture, and a few others. That said, all the stations were staffed and most seemed to have some sort of experience element: trying/learning, etc. And I sadly missed GlamGlow and another stop on my rush into our class. 

Staff was a strangely mixed bag. The Sephora-dressed staffers were A+, in my experience. They were enthusiastic, helpful, and friendly. The general event staff were hit and miss, and I often felt like I was in their way as they moved around the venue. I'd say 90% of room/booth staff were enthusiastic and friendly, so that was great. We'd heard that the lines in the morning session were crazy, so we were mentally prepared for that, but, maybe because our session hadn't sold out, it was definitely manageable. We only used one of our fast passes, to jump the line for the PMG lip glitter, and the rest of the time, the wait was part of the fun (chatting, plotting our next stop).  

Some snaps:

Looking like a freshly-married couple, the Glitter DJ, stairs when you enterShots from above of the neighbourhood and livingroom.Gorgeous fire, Fenty glitter bed, my glitter lips (better in video on Instagram)Drybar, me lounging in flowers

My purchases, the tough to find in Canada PMG trip, and a custom YSL (with my name, it's hard to see in photos)

 Key takeaways for me:

1. SEPHORiA was BOLD, beauty-focused fun. I honestly went into this a little trepidatious because sometimes Sephora really flops on promises and the start was a little rocky with communication (other BIC members might address this), but the event itself was impressive, enjoyable, and I left feeling pretty special for having gone. Certainly there are areas for improvement, but it was an amazing first kick at the beauty convention can.
2. Beauty interest is universal. There were a lot of different people in line and throughout the event. While most were clearly beauty-nuts, some were a surprise and I love that. Admittedly there were very few men, but I hope those that came also had an excellent time, I'd love to see that aspect really pick up.
3. The event and this experience was made complete by the people I got to finally meet. Without a doubt this wouldn't have been nearly as magical if not for the ladies I spent my time with. My mind was blown with the immediate sense of familiarity, comfort, and affection that I felt upon meeting each of the amazing ladies listed below. 

SWAG ALERT:The Official Gold Key Swag Bag

The swag I acquired during The Great Wander™

What I call Emotional Swag™ from the incredible beauties I shared this experience with

So many hugs were had and it honestly still feels like not enough. This event and getting to meet you women, felt a bit like coming home. Years of what is essentially pen-palling on this board culminated in a beauty-and-love filled weekend was worth the lack of sleep, the trip down, and legitimately the most off-kilter wacko of an Uber driver to LAX. There is a phenomenon called Cute Aggression, that refers to when you see something cute and you just want to squeeze it until it pops, I feel that for all of you. JUST WANT TO SQUEEZE YOU.

My immense gratitude to the Sephora team, for making this opportunity possible @KatieBT! It was so great to meet you and the other admins! 

And without a doubt, my love is immeasurable and spilling over just thinking about the wonderful women I got to meet who made my time at SEPHORiA so special (I can't tag all your names in this post because I am limited!). Like @Tamara76 mentioned, I have a bazillion more photos that will be shared later, of the amazing ladies of BIC, when confirmed! 

Thank you for subjecting yourself to my TED Talk/bonkers long post.

[curlychiquita]

This sounds like such an amazing experience, @NotCrocker!  I'm so glad for you that you got to go!

[bonafide11]

@NotCrocker Amazing review and thanks for sharing all the photos! That BIC baseball cap is the best part!!! I love it. Love that pile of bum bum cream lol So glad a Canadian got to go! 

For next time, I hope they release more details before the tickets go on sale so people can actually plan travel in advance and it doesn’t have to be so stressful. 

[KNC24]

@NotCrocker how did you get the bag with Bic hat?

[NotCrocker]

@KNC24 sorry for the confusion! I just used the Goldkey Swag bag to display the stuff I received from other BIC members, it wasn't something that came with SEPHORiA! (the couple residual piece of gold glitter DID come from the Fenty room as I found them in my purse!

[Ispend2much6]

@NotCrocker  Love it!  Your personality shines through the review.  That's a good thing. 🙂

[NotCrocker]

Thanks @Ispend2much6! 

[darkiceis]

@NotCrocker  Great review!  It was definitely worth the trip and for the next gathering we will all arrive and leave at the same time.  It might get a little crazy, we are loud for sure.  Also, it was really funny bumping into you literally for the entire time while we were there. Something unworldly was definitely happening but that's ok, we got a good kick out of it.  (pssst, turn around, i'm right behind you)

Spoiler

[NotCrocker]

Oh my lord @darkiceis, you're hilarious! If only your hair was that fab (sorry!) I would've been less freaked out by our clear magnetism! Though I was the one who creeper stalked you out the door! 

[darkiceis]

@NotCrocker  Ok fine, let's clear the air..you followed me outside 😄

Next yr i'll do my hair in a mullet ! 

[NotCrocker]

@darkiceis Further air clearing, I just followed you everywhere. My whole, "oh whoa! It's sooooo crazy that we keep bumping into each other, sooooooo crazy!" was a ploy to throw you off. 

[darkiceis]

@NotCrocker

[NotCrocker]

@darkiceis

[ElleElleG]

I'm glad you were able to come @NotCrocker despite the tight turn around.  Next time we'll make sure there's enough time so you can stay a few more days 😉

Nice shot of the foundation station; I think I may have walked past once but hardly paid attention.  Very good point about the poor lighting considering the purpose of that section was to color match.

Nine bum bums did you say 😜.  I had no clue Tarte had samples of anything.  @ZombieMetroAnt was first in line at their booth and I'm certain she didn't receive anything.  Reflective of how much of a mixed bag each station/brand was.  Glad you snagged your PMG minis, I told myself like 10xs that I needed to go back there and still neglected to do so *face palm*

Awww, the exchanged hugs were far from enough.  LOVED meeting you and Jazz!!

[NotCrocker]

Oh I was so glad to make it out @ElleElleG! And definitely I am committed to a longer stretch! I need to get my fill of you ladies and what ever city we end up in next!

I still can't believe you ended up with some many less BumBums, you were such a good distributer! And bummer about the PMGs! I was so so excited to see them there! I feel confident that they may be lipstick sizes I will actually finish! 

So, so, so loved meeting you too. More hugs to come, absolutely!

[ElleElleG]

Glad I could spread the Bum Bum wealth @NotCrocker 😆

Can't wait for the next adventure!

[Tamara76]

I love your report, @NotCrocker!   I totally agree with your assessment of instantly feeling at ease with our BT/BIC Babe Family, despite never having met in person - After all, we’ve been friends in the community for years!💗💗💗

I definitely hope we can do this again in the future!  Extra time for planning would be great - In retrospect, I really wish I’d had time  to attend more than one session because there was soooooo much to see and do!💗💗💗

[NotCrocker]

@Tamara76 I definitely have more thoughts on the event that could be improved upon. It's so interesting reading everyone else's experiences because some stuff just didn't even occur to me in the moment (eating like @gonerogue mentioned! I was so busy bustling around that I didn't even think to look for food, but that was definitely lacking and I chatted with @heartsmyface and @GhostInTheShell about it after because there certainly should've and could've been staff wandering around with bites, or at least stations). And 100% the timing, in particular for the contest winners, but also for the paid tickets and communication from the concierge is a huge flag.

Overall I am still a little love-drunk from meeting everyone and getting to dip my toe into LA. I am so looking forward to reuniting! 

[gonerogue]

@NotCrocker I think this thread was a great idea. It's always great to see others' perspectives and it gives Sephora the opportunity to take this feedback and improve it the next time around. 

[itsfi]

Love your SEPHORiA report @NotCrocker! And your pics!!! So many great pictures to take in of your amazing experiences! ❤️ Love your haul on the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream - you can never have too many jars of it!! 🙂

[NotCrocker]

Thanks @itsfi! I am glad you liked my report! I am going against my BumBum hoarding instincts and have earmarked a few of the jars as stocking stuffers, so that's maybe my earliest start on Christmas yet!