A Guide to the Sephora Sale
what I'm trying for the first time, and what I'm stocking up on
I wrote an earlier post a bit about my relationship to beauty, including how “my beauty rules largely revolve around lifestyle: hydrate, eat well, manage stress, move everyday, prioritize sleep, stay consistent with skincare routines, and of course never go to bed with makeup on.” That said, as someone who enjoys the creativity of makeup and who spends a lot of time in front of the camera, I experiment with and use a lot of different products. So while I do think that beauty is an inside job, I’m still putting plenty of products in my cart and taking advantage of the current Sephora sale. Here are my picks!
WHAT I’M BUYING FOR THE FIRST TIME
SOFIE PAVITT: I first heard of Sofie Pavitt several years ago through a very close friend friend who had struggled with her hormonal acne for most of her adult life. Like many others, Sofie’s products and treatments were the first things that had worked in years and felt miraculous to her. From everything I’ve heard, she seems to be a homegrown, proven skincare genius, and I’m excited to try her products, specifically her face wash and micellar cleansing pads which are good for most skin types and convenient to travel with.
DR IDRISS: Dr. Idriss is a well-known and respected creator in the skincare space. As she is a dermatologist who people have sworn by for years, I’m curious to see if her major fade treatments will help fade some of the minor discolorations on my face. This under eye roll-on includes arnica, and I look forward to refrigerating it and using it in the morning for a little wake-me-up under my eyes.
DIEUX: I already love the Instant Angel cream, and want to add something specifically for my under eye area for long term care. This has great reviews on and off line.
EADEM: I cannot stop hearing about this lip gloss, and NEED to know what the hype is all about.
TRIED & TRUE SKINCARE
FACE MASKS: One of my goals this year has been to take more intentional care of my skin, and these at home masks are an easy way to move in that direction. I love this for a deep clean or this for a brightening effect followed by this to lock in moisture.
SERUMS & TREATMENTS: This saffron serum is luxurious in every way, from the packaging to the smell to the way it feels on your skin. It leaves my skin glowing and calm - a cult favorite for a reason. Sometimes my regular routines are not enough to keep blemishes at bay. I use this for acne spot treatment and this for larger area acne treatment, or for preventative use under makeup and skincare while traveling.
MOISTURIZER: My go-to skincare! I never fail to look and feel glowy with this face cream. I love it so much.
LIP BALM: This is one of my go-tos for a clear, non sticky, glossy lip balm. and this for moisture with hint of tint.
BODY & HAIR CARE
SKIN: These buffing bars are amazing exfoliation, and this serum right after helps keep skin fresh and clear. I’m always moisturize after a shower; Youth to the People makes great products across the board, but I specifically love this body butter because it’s reasonably priced, smells lovely and soaks right in post shower.
HAIR CARE: My mom, my brother and I all love this shampoo and conditioner. It feels good on my scalp and nourishing for my hair, which looks so very shiny after use. For after a wash, my (incredible) hair stylist turned me onto this for a little extra moisture on damp hair. Bonus, it’s also a heat protectant.
HAIR STYLING: This is one of my favorite hair oils, because it smells SO GOOD. I use the tiniest bit on my ends because I have fine hair. When I want a slick back, I use this hair oil that also smells amazing and is a little heavier and thicker. Lastly, this styling cream is what I use for all of my slick back wet hair looks, and this lightweight oil is perfect for adding shine to fine hair. If you want high-gloss, this is the perfect treatment for that shiny, just got a blow out look. I love using it in combination with this finishing spray for a little hold without crunch.
MAKEUP
FOUNDATIONS & TINTS: Technically, this is a gel that I use under my foundation, but it is the BEST way to get that lit from within glow. This tint is perfect for an everyday no make up look and has SPF in it, which I love. This one gives slightly more coverage and lasts a bit longer. This is everyone’s favorite foundation, and for good reason - it’s lightweight with decent coverage, but feels and looks like skin.
CONCEALER: Makeup Forever is true to its name. This full coverage concealer stays in place all day long. I often put it on at 6am, and it lasts until 5pm before it needs a refresh.
BLUSH & HIGHLIGHTER: These jellies are highly pigmented, versatile (lips and cheek!) and so easy to use with your fingers. This is a viral product - and I can see why! It’s a gorgeous, buildable, sheer liquid blush. This blush is what I use on camera; combining the cream with the powder gives it dimension and depth. I love a simple, straightforward product, and this highlighter is so easy to use that it’s become my daily go-to.
EYE MAKEUP: This is my favorite Pat McGrath eyeshadow. If you are new to the brand, you can look forward to high quality, highly pigmented colors that work on all skin tones. Natasha Denona also makes great eyeshadow palettes, and has a lot of tutorials on how to use them. I like this and this. Beyond eyeshadow, I wear a winged eyeliner most days, and this is my go to liquid liner, mascara, and brow gel (it makes a big difference!)
LIPS: My go to liners come from either Makeup Forever or Saie. I’ve been loving these lip stains, and this super moisturizing lip gloss. This lip color is gorgeous and lasts forever, and this brand is one I’ve been curious to try for a long time, both the buildable lipstick and the matte stain. Their other products are highly pigmented and gorgeous, so I have high hopes!
OTHER: In my opinion, this is the best finishing spray that doesn’t make me sneeze or leave any marks on my face. This all in one palette is what I take with me when I don’t want to bring me makeup with me. It is so versatile, buildable and long lasting. It’s amazing.
TECH & TOOLS
It’s always great to stock up on daily needs, like this face puff and this eyelash curler, and I’m taking the opportunity to buy something I’ve been eyeing forever. I’ve heard great things about the ease of use and effectiveness of this depuffing wand - I’ll report back once I try it out for a while.
Let me know what you try, buy, love or hate. Can’t wait to hear your take!