“It’s like the mother ship is calling you home.” This is what Phoebe said to Rachel on “Friends” when Rachel received a job offer from Saks 5th Avenue, and it is how I feel every time I walk into Sephora. Surrounded by lotions, potions, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and mascara galore, I truly feel like I am at home. Imagine my excitement, then, when I received an email invitation to an event featuring Andy Warhol inspired Nars makeovers and free samples, plus other glamorous highlights like hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, and cocktails. I RSVP’d faster than you can say “Free Samples.”
I have never been so excited for anything in my life. With joy, I donned my business casual chic outfit, applied my best makeup, and met up with my also beauty-obsessed friend to walk to the event. When we arrived at the “Pop Goes Sephora” event, we were served drinks and some of the classiest hors d’oeuvres I have ever seen. We both got our makeup done with Nars products, featuring the “Flowers” eyeshadow palette. We both tried the palette featuring rose, lavender, and gold, but the collection also includes palettes in blue and brown tones. The new collection also includes lip color and a full-face palette, and I love all the bright colors. This is the way makeup ought to be. Fear not, though, the colors are sheer, so they aren’t too overwhelming, even for those of you who don’t usually wear much makeup. For those of you who are a little more daring, the shades can be layered more for a more dramatic effect.
Once we had our makeovers, my friend and I proceeded to the glamorous photography area, which featured brightly colored props and a professional photographer. Plus, the background made me feel like I was on a red carpet. It was like bringing at little piece of New York to Pittsburgh, and I felt like I was on “Sex and the City.” This, I thought, is pure heaven.
Finally, as the night came to a close, we received our much-anticipated free samples. The gift bag included a pass to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, a $10 Sephora gift card (which I used immediately), a compact mirror, and two deluxe samples of Nars illuminator and “Super Orgasm” blush. Let me say, both of these products were great. The illuminator, which was the “Copacabana” shade, was great for light to medium skin tones. I highly recommend mixing a dab with your moisturizer for an allover glow. It can also be used on top of cheekbones to really highlight them. The blush was a rosy peach color, and works with most skin tones. It can be applied to the apples of the cheeks for a great flush of color and a little glitz. The gift bags really had a great selection of products and other surprises, plus they make you feel like a celebrity (which I’m really into, if you haven’t noticed).
I have always loved Sephora for their great selection of products, and now I love them for a chic event. “Pop Goes Sephora” was a great escape from the pressure of CMU, even if only for a night. I have never felt so lucky to live in the birthplace of Andy Warhol, a truly iconic artist. If you aren’t already a member of Sephora’s “Beauty Insider” club, become one, and you can get invited to great events and receive special offers.