The Sephora sale is here (!) and I’ve rounded up all of my favorite skincare and beauty picks – some new, most classics. Happy shopping!
Sale Details
Use code SAVINGS online (make sure you’re signed in to your Beauty Insider account)!
Rouge – 10/28-11/7 | 20% Discount
VIB – 11/1-11/7 | 15% Discount
Insider – 11/3-11/7 | 10% Discount
SKINCARE
CLEANSING BALMS
Eadem Dew Dream Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($30) – My latest obsession from Eadem. This cleansing balm has a thick, bouncy gel texture that emulsifies into milk when rinsed with water. I absolutely love the squeeze tube packaging – it’s so easy to travel with – and it works great to break down makeup and sunscreen.
Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($36) – The fragrance-free version of the cult classic Green Clean. This works just as well as Green Clean – it melts into the skin to effortlessly break down makeup and sunscreen (even waterproof mascara). Those with sensitive skin and eyes will appreciate this fragrance-free version!
CLEANSERS
Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser ($37) – If you haven’t experienced a cream cleanser yet, let this cleanser be your foray into the world of cream cleansers. It almost feels like cleansing your face with a lotion, and I’m obsessed. It’s incredibly nourishing, leaves my skin feeling softer than any other cleanser, and works well to remove any makeup my cleansing balm may have missed. One of my favorite cleansers of all time.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($38) – A cult classic. Every time I repurchase this, I forget how much I love it. It works incredibly well and I’m obsessed with the light cucumber scent!
Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser ($36) – The best gel cleanser out there. This lightweight gel lightly foams to thoroughly cleanse skin without stripping it. It works well as a second cleanser, and I love using it in the morning after a workout or during the warmer months.
TONERS
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid Moisturizing Toner ($39) – If you’re looking for a hydrating toner to give you the juiciest, hydrating skin this winter, this is it. This toner is SO thick and deeply hydrates the skin – I can’t say enough good things about it. I like to apply a few layers of it to my skin, then apply serums on top while my skin is still slightly damp for optimal absoroption.
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner ($38) – A gentle exfoliating toner to sweep away dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin. There’s a lot of great exfoliants out there, but I swear by this for sensitive skin.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment ($56) – Another exfoliating toner my skin swears by. This one is formulated with 5% glycolic acid, so those who are sensitive to glycolic may want to opt for the lactic acid formula of REN Ready Steady Glow, but if your skin can tolerate it, your skin will thank you for incorporating this treatment. Use it 1-2x a week to reveal smoother, brighter skin.
BRIGHTENING SERUMS
Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C ($68) – This brightening serum is uniquely formulated for skin of color – it visibly reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation while preserving skin’s natural tone. It’s hydrating, fragrance-free, and visibly smooths the skin without irritation. A newer launch, but a holy grail.
Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum ($64) – One of my favorite vitamin C serums – the lightweight gel consistency absorbs quickly and layers well with the rest of my routine, and the addition of niacinamide in the formula means it’s incredibly brightening. It’s also formulated with squalane to boost hydration.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum ($79) – A cult classic for a reason. If your skin is sensitive to Vitamin C, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum is a must – it’s powered by Viniferine to rapidly diminish dark spots. It’s also packed with squalane, so it’s incredibly hydrating.
HYDRATING SERUMS
Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Deep Hydration Serum ($44) – My absolute favorite. This creamy gel serum absorbs instantly and feels intensely hydrating. It layers well in both my morning and night routines, and I love that it’s fragrance-free.
Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra SOS Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($49) – Another favorite that I’ve gone through countless bottles of. This is my favorite hydrating serum for winter – it’s packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, as well as antioxidants and grape water to replenish the skin’s microbiome. I’m obsessed with the milky texture of this one.
RETINOL SERUMS
Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($88) – No one does retinol like Shani Darden. This serum is a classic – encapsulated retinol works to smooth fine lines without irritating the skin, and it’s formulated with AHAs to gently exfoliate. My skin is obsessed with this one.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum with 14% Glycolic Acid ($101) – A game changer for my skin. This is formulated with 1% granactive retinoid, which is great for sensitive skin like mine, to resurface and smooth without irritation. The addition of 14% glycolic acid exfoliates skin to reveal a brighter complexion, and it’s also formulated with tripeptide-5 to stimulate collagen production for plumper skin. My go-to exfoliating serum.
EYE CREAM
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream ($42) – A favorite for instantly brightening the undereye area. It’s formulated with vitamin C and caffeine, so it’s my favorite to use in the morning.
Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides ($68) – One of my favorite eye creams that does it all – firms, brightens, lifts, nourishes and hydrates. I also love that it comes with a pump. Layers well before makeup, but it’s my favorite to use at night.
MOISTURIZERS
Youth To The People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream ($64) – I’m on my second jar of this cream since it launched earlier this year – it’s been my go-to daily moisturizer, especially during these colder months. It’s fragrance-free and is packed with peptides and ceramides to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, as well as Polypeptide-121 to visibly firm skin.
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream ($52) – An effective, no-frills moisturizer that I didn’t expect to love so much. It’s a richer cream without feeling heavy, and I love using it morning and night during the winter. It’s packed with peptides and shea butter, and I love the pump packaging.
Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra SOS Intense Hydration Moisturizer ($42) – My favorite rich moisturizer. I love a heavy cream during winter nights (especially on retinol nights!), and my skin is obsessed with this one. I’ve gone through countless jars and have several backups for this winter.
FACE OIL
Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen Face Oil ($55) – A newer launch that immediately became a favorite. This blend of 16 non-comedogenic oils is so nourishing – I love mixing a couple drops with my daytime moisturizer for a hydration boost, using it before makeup, or using it as the last step of my night routine to seal in moisture.
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil ($44) – Another one of my favorite facial oils. This one has a lighter consistency compared to the Summer Fridays, and it’s packed with antioxidants, so I love using it in my morning routine.
The Inkey List Squalane Oil ($12.99) – I love squalane for a boost of hydration. There are other premium squalane oil options on the market, and while I admit this one doesn’t feel as luxurious as some of the others, you can’t beat this price.
SUNSCREEN
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen ($36) – One of the best mineral sunscreens I’ve tried, hands down. Doesn’t leave a cast whatsoever on my skin tone. Feels lightweight like a chemical sunscreen. Doesn’t leave a greasy feeling or finish. Layers well under makeup. I’ll be stocking up on this one!
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 ($55) – Charlotte Tilbury launched a chemical sunscreen that doubles as an illuminating makeup primer, and it’s SO good. I can’t get over how beautiful this makes my skin look. However, it’s crazy expensive – at $55 for 1 oz, I highly recommend grabbing it on sale.
innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 ($15) – This is one of my favorite chemical sunscreens, and for the price, it can’t be beat. It doesn’t leave a cast, leaves a glowing finish, and layers well under makeup.
MAKEUP
PRIMERS
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer ($66) – This doubles as a moisturizing primer, and it is essential to my makeup routine. I don’t do my makeup without it, especially during the colder winter months. It’s rich without feeling heavy and has a makeup-gripping finish, so it helps my makeup last all day.
Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter ($28) – A holy grail and glowy makeup essential. I love wearing this on its own, underneath makeup, or mixed in with my foundation for a glow boost. No shimmer or glitter – just a healthy glow.
FOUNDATION
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation ($69) – A classic. Glowy, medium coverage. Skin looks like skin. I rediscovered this foundation this year and can’t believe I lived several years without it.
PATRICK TA Major Skin Crème Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo ($52) – A new launch that I’m obsessed with. It has such a natural finish and amazing coverage. I don’t love the brush that they launched with it, but find that I achieve seamless coverage when applied with the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush. This is one of those foundations that requires extensive skin prep beforehand for a natural, lasting finish.
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint with Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane ($42) – I didn’t expect to love this skin tint as much as I do. It looks so natural and wears incredibly well on the skin – I like to apply it with a brush for light coverage.
CONCEALER
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer ($36) – My favorite full coverage concealer. There’s nothing better.
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer ($28) – My favorite everyday concealer as of late. Buildable, medium coverage with a natural finish.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium to Full Coverage Radiant Concealer ($33) – A new concealer launch with a beautiful formula. This feels so lightweight, can be built up for fuller coverage, and wears incredibly well throughout the day. I own a couple shades that are too dark for me, so I’m planning on picking up a better shade match.
COMPLEXION
MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer ($30) – A foolproof cream bronzer that blends effortlessly. Everyday makeup perfection.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick ($48) – Not as easy to blend as Merit, but an incredible pick nonetheless. Biscuit is a shade that no other brand has been able to replicate – it’s the perfect neutral bronzer for lighter skin.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Face Palette ($85) – Hourglass palettes are synonymous with the Sephora fall sale, right? I’m obsessed with the shades in the limited edition Butterfly palette.
Saie Dew Blush ($25) – One of my favorite blushes. A little goes a long way, and for a liquid, they’re incredibly easy to blend. I’ll be wearing Spicy all fall.
Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush ($20) – One of my all time favorite blush formulas, and so affordable. I’ll be wearing Power Hour this fall and have Office Hours ready for winter.
MERIT Day Glow Highlighting Balm ($30) – This is my favorite cream highlighter; it doesn’t break me out and it gives a very natural, subtle glow to the skin. It’s not chunky and it doesn’t visibly sink into my pores – just a natural glow.
SETTING
Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc-Free Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($44) – I didn’t expect to love this powder as much as I do. It has a soft, blurring effect and is formulated with hyaluronic acid, so it doesn’t look or feel drying or cakey.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder ($46) – A really good compact setting powder from Charlotte Tilbury in four different shades. It visibly reduces shine and is easy to travel with.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray ($36) – Not my favorite setting spray, but one of my favorites at Sephora. Helps my makeup stay put for a decent amount of time and adds some glow back to my skin.
BRUSHES
Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush ($55) – My absolute favorite foundation brush for liquid formulas and skin tints.
Saie The Big Buffing Bronzer Brush ($26) – My favorite for blending cream blush and bronzers.
Saie The Fluffy Setting Powder Brush ($26) – My go-to brush for setting powder.
LIPS
Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner ($15) – An incredible and affordable matte lip liner with so many great neutral shades. Bold is my favorite for fall.
MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick ($26) – My favorite everyday lipstick, in case you didn’t know already. Tiger is my favorite for fall, while Cabo is my go-to during the summer.
Saie Lip Blur Soft-Matte Hydrating Lipstick ($24) – So creamy and pigmented with comfortable wear. I’m obsessed with Dada!
Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick ($45) – The sale is a good time to grab a luxe lipstick you’ve been eyeing! The Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick is one of my favorite formulas. Agatha Orange is my favorite shade of all time, and I’ll be picking up Goldie Red during the sale.
MERIT Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil ($24) – My favorite lip oil formula with the most gorgeous shades. Cara Cara is my favorite.
HAIR
TREATMENTS
The Nue Co. Supa Thick Scalp Serum ($45) – I can’t live without this. I massage this into my scalp before washing my hair and it does an incredibly job at removing buildup and dry flakes. It also supports hair growth!
Ceremonia Yucca & Witch Hazel Deep Hydrating Shampoo ($20) – Ceremonia products smell incredible, and I love that this shampoo is formulated with witch hazel to balance the scalp in between washes.
Ceremonia Cupuaçu & Castor Deep Hydrating Conditioner ($20) – I love the creamy texture of this one. It leaves my hair feeling so soft!
Ceremonia Mascarilla de Babassu Hydrating Hair Mask ($29) – My new favorite. Smells amazing (duh) and leaves my hair feeling smooth and silky. A little goes a long way, and it’s one of the more affordable hair masks at Sephora.
OUAI Detox Shampoo ($30) – My go-to shampoo when my scalp needs a reset.
STYLING
Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo ($36) – I love a good aerosol dry shampoo, but picked this one up a few months ago since my partner is sensitive to aerosol. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did – it absorbs oil beautifully and adds volume back to my roots. I love the little brush it comes with to evenly distribute the powder.
Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner Cream ($48) – My favorite leave-in conditioner for adding moisture back to my hair.
Ceremonia Guava Rescue Hair Heat Protectant Spray ($22) – My go-to heat protectant spray as of late – an essential for heat styling.
Virtue Frizz Block Humidity Proof Smoothing Spray ($44) – I have the frizziest hair and live in a humid climate, so I use this as a blowout spray to fight frizz for smooth, silky hair. It provides heat protection, as well as solar and UV protection – a must for my dark hair.
Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil ($48) – The best hair oil out there. Period.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($49) – This is the best texturizing wave spray that has ever graced my hair. At $49, I always try to snag it on sale.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer ($429) – Life changing. Trust me.
DAILY ESSENTIALS
The Nue Co. Growth Phase Hair Supplement ($65) – I set up a subscription for these – they’re that good. After a few days, I notice significantly less hair shedding. These help support hair growth and actively addresses hair thinning. I can’t imagine my hair routine without these.
Crown Affair The Brush No. 001 ($62) – Do yourself a favor and invest in a high quality hairbrush. I’m obsessed with this dual-bristle brush – it feels so good on the scalp and helps to distribute natural oils. Brushing my hair with this every night is a ritual in itself.
Crown Affair The Silk Scrunchie No. 001 Set ($15) – My favorite scrunchies (and how pretty are they?). Worth grabbing on sale!
DISCLAIMER
Some of the links and discount codes provided are affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my link and/or discount code. Your support is always endlessly appreciated, and helps me contribute more of my time to curating product guides like this one. Some products featured were gifted to me by the brand for testing purposes, but all thoughts/opinions are my own.
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