Some beauty junkies call it their happy place. Others call it a candy shop. We even hear it referred to as heaven. There’s no doubt that Sephora is the ultimate playground for beauty enthusiasts, whether they shop once a year, each season, or every day. But browsing the hottest brands and newest launches is only the tip of the iceberg. If you know how to navigate the store like a pro, you can absolutely hit the jackpot. We asked Rachel Ito, Clinique's Executive Director of Specialty Multi Channel and our own Sephora expert, to share her insider intel on how to get the most out of your next shopping trip. 

1. Get connected.
The Sephora app and Sephora.com are great ways to see the latest products and read ratings and reviews. “I love to see what’s new every week and what people are saying.  You can see how people are wearing the products on the Beauty Board, and of course, get pulled into watching all of the how-to videos,” says Rachel.

2. Shop before lunchtime.
Hit the store first thing in the morning.  “It's not as busy. You can browse, play, and discover without a million other people trying to grab the same palette or mascara…I don’t like to share!” says Rachel. P.S. Don’t forget that you can request a sample of anything you want to try.

3. Check out the exclusives—they always rock!
Sephora carries awesome exclusive products that can only be found at Sephora. “For example, Clinique just launched Pep Start Eye Cream, which is my new go-to.  With all my travel and tired eyes, this product immediately makes me look awake and hydrated. I'm seriously addicted and don’t go anywhere without my Pep…which can only be found at Sephora,” says Rachel.

4. Get IQ’d
Sephora has devices and services to help you find products that are right for you.  Colour IQ, Skin Care IQ, and Fragrance IQ eliminate guess work and give you choices. “Colour IQ is a genius device that reads your skin tone and suggests foundation shades that are just right for you,” says Rachel. Her favorite foundation: Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer. “Who doesn’t love a 2-in-1?”

5. Pick up some new tricks.
Sephora offers mini-services at the beauty studio…for free! You can learn to do a smoky eye or get the perfect pout. “I love how quickly the makeup artists work, and they really teach you how to use the product—when you get home, you're not fumbling in front of the mirror," says Rachel.

6. Become a Beauty Insider
Love anything mini? Then sign up to become a Beauty Insider to score exclusive deluxe-sized samples. “I always shop during double and triple points so I can earn my VIB Rouge status every year.  Once you get to 100 points, you can cash in for samples from all brands. I love that you can hoard your points and wait to cash in for the products you love," says Rachel.

Photos: Dayna Wergedal | Words: Rachel Hayes