2013 Sephora VIB Sale: An exercise in restraint

I am a little behind getting this post up. The 2013 Sephora VIB Sale has come and gone, however, it's never too late to share some of the things that I purchased. Weeks before the sale, I browsed around online at sephora to really give myself some time to think about what items I was really curious to try. Going overboard on purchases was something that I was trying to avoid.

After taking inventory of the items already in my collection, I came to the conclusion that my lipstick collection was lacking. I have what appears to be a plethora of neutrals, yet I lack bright fun colors. Now, I admit, I am not really one to wear a bright pink fuscia lip, especially at the office where things tend to be a bit conservative.

With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to experiment with some bright lip colors that are still relatively sheer enough to be able to wear to the office. I settled on two of the Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy lipsticks. I chose the colors in #4 Succulent Pomegranate and #5 Mouthwatering Berry. I also picked up an Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte lipstick in #3 Beige Ultimate (mostly because I'm still in search of that "perfect" nude).

                                         From left to right: YSL Sheer Candy #5, YSL Rouge Volupte # 3, YSL
                                         Sheer Candy #4
In keeping in line with new lip colors, I also picked up the Fresh Sugar Stars Mini Lip Collection gift set. This set comes with 7 of the Fresh Sugar balms. 

The gift set includes: Sugar Rose, whcih is a rosy tinted balm.
 Sugar Honey,  A warm nude.
 Sugar Passion,  sheer rouge
 Sugar Berry, a sheer berry color
 Sugar Petal, a sheer pink
 Sugar Cherry, a sheer red which is a NEW shade to the FRESH Sugar line.
The set also includes an Advanced Therapy balm to correct, nourish and repair lips, and a regular FRESH Sugar to proctect, smooth and nourish lips. Both of these minis have no color, so you have the option of wearing this under or over the other colors that are included in the set.

I find that all of the colors glide on very sheer, but can be built up for more intensity. Perfect for anyone who is just dipping their toes into the world of lip color, also very appropriate for conservative offices.

I have long been a big fan of the FRESH Sugar Rose as it is the perfect light pink sheer color with just the right amount of hydration needed to keep lips smooth and chap free all day. I'm excited to try out the other colors that came in this collection!

So what did everyone else snag during this year's Sephora VIB sale?