It's that time of year again and the Sephora VIB/Beauty Insider sale is upon us. If you're anything like me, you have the sale marked on your calendar because it's one of the few times that Sephora actually has an annual sale. It's the perfect time to splurge on items you'd otherwise feel guilty about buying—like that eyeshadow palette close to your car payment. It's also a great way to knock some of your holiday shopping out of the way—that Ciaté London nail set will make your mom forget about that time you didn't call on her birthday (joking, of course…mothers never forget). Whether you're shopping in stores or online, the sale lasts until the 15th and VIB members receive 20% off their entire purchase, Beauty Insiders 15%.

Shopping in stores can be quite the hassle, fighting over a Stila eyeliner, squeezing through tight spaces, and navigating the perfume corner where someone has conspicuously sprayed an outrageous amount of fragrance into the air. Headaches and shopping etiquette aside, it's best to go in prepared with an idea of your budget and a list of your most coveted items. Sephora is a beautiful maze: From the outside, it looks sleek and inviting, from the inside, like a caged zoo where lions fight for scarce pieces of meat. Don't fall prey this holiday season and check out this shopping guide sure to get you some goodies on any budget.

With this guide you can budget and plan out all of your holiday shopping. Online and in stores, use your VIB/Beauty Insider coupon to guarantee you save up to 20% off. I recommend online shopping, but for you brave souls out there who voyage into the store, determined in your beauty expeditions, I wish you the blinding light of Rihanna's glow. May your baskets be filled with many goodies.

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