Sephora

Full review
Omaha's first full Sephora store opened last week and it's not far from where I live, but I enjoy shopping on Sephora.com for prices, service and delivery.

The physical stores are such fun to visit because you can test pricey beauty products before buying - what a fantastic concept! Sephora has stations equipped with makeup remover, Q-Tips, tissue, cotton balls and mirrors so we can play all we want to before buying. But there are many advantages to using the online store.

No Sales Tax, Free Shipping Over $50, Insider Deals

Sephora.com encourages users to sign up for "Insider" status which entitles you to occasional e-mail coupons, three samples of your choice with every order, deluxe sized samples for every $100 purchase, and even better free shipping deals for $25 purchases.

Sometimes Sephora's e-mails that look like new deals are simply reminders of the same things you already get, but I do open them and those reminders tend to jog my memory about something I need to buy.

I also like receiving the Sephora catalogs by mail. Those, too are mostly a showcase of featured products you can buy in stores or online, and sometimes they have coupons.

News on Trends, New Products, Skin Care

Sephora.com has an online magazine with articles on new lines (like the one recently launched by LA Ink reality TV star and tattoo artist Kat Von D), summer skin solutions, advice for specific makeup looks and current trends.

The website is easy to navigate, and you can find specific lines and products easily among thousands of offerings.

It's also easy to buy a Sephora Gift Card in many denominations and have it shipped free to the recipient. I bought one for my 16-year-old niece in April for her birthday because I know how much she loves shopping for makeup and fragrance.

Saving Even More With Ebates.com

Sephora is a featured store on Ebates.com, one of my favorite online services where you get cash back for using their links to make your purchase.

Since joining Ebates.com five years ago, I've received quarterly checks totaling $760 for buying things I already planned to buy. Ebates now offers "Double Cash Back" at a featured store each day. When Sephora is featured, I earn 8 percent instead of the usual 4 percent.

Ebates also lists any coupons Sephora is offering, like free shipping or percentage off deals.

Sometimes Service is Worth The Price

Since I plan to visit Omaha's new Sephora store often to play with makeup and try fragrances before I buy, I'll feel obligated to purchase a few things in the store.

Like most women, I'll also want something "now" and not care to wait for a Sephora.com delivery. But it's well worth my while if I want to buy a nice bottle of perfume or large gift box from Bare Eccentuals or Philosophy to buy online and save sales tax, get discounts and not burn gas needlessly.

Delivery is always prompt, products arrive in pristine condition, and Sephora.com gift certificates make shopping so easy for us. Men's products also are available, so it's ideal for guys who enjoy grooming and fragrance but who hate going into giant female-dominated retail spaces.