Sephora kicks off its semiannual Beauty Insider sale this weekend, so today I’m sharing a list of my favorite items.
Here’s the breakdown of dates, according to your member status:
Rougue: 11/1-11/11 (20% off)
VIB: 11/5-11/11 (15% off)
Insider: 11/5-11/11 (10% off)
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just sign up with your email to unlock “Insider” status on the 1st!
The code is SAVINGS which you can enter at checkout.
Spring Sephora Sale Picks
In today’s post, I’m sharing a list of my Sephora sale picks–my very best recommendations, categorized by skincare, makeup, and hair.
Skincare:
INNBEAUTY Extreme Cream Moisturizer:
I’m kicking this list off with might be my favorite beauty find of the entire year. This moisturizer caught my eye after I started seeing people call it a dupe to Dr. Bader’s Rich Cream. This moisturizer is made with lifting peptides, a bio-retinol, and ceramides that all work together to lift, sculpt, hydrate, and protect skin. I LOVE this moisturizer. It feels so hydrating, leaves my skin super glowy and dewy, and lays perfectly under my SPF. Note: The consistency is very unique (same with the Rich Cream actually) and you kind of have to “pat” it in for the full effect. I use this during the day but it can totally be used at night too. This moisturizer pairs beautifully with their Elastic Skin serum too. (For more INNBEAUTY faves, check out my full brand review here).
Tatcha Texture Tonic AHA Liquid Exfoliating Toner:
I use this toner as the last step of my cleansing routine at the end of the day. I love using a toner because it helps turn over dead skin cells and clear out my pores, but I needed one that was not harsh or over-drying. This toner fits the bill. I’ve been using it since January, and my nose blackheads have improved so much. The big bottle lasts a really long time, but I also love that it comes in a smaller, more travel friendly size.
Summer Fridays Light Aura Eye Cream:
I’m very passionate about this eye cream (it’s featured here on my beauty page on my morning routine bar!). I had been looking for a while for a cheaper alternative to the Tatcha Silk Peony Eye Cream and was SO happy to find this one. I’ve been using it now for about a year and love it so much. It’s SO moisturizing and helps reduce the appearance of dark circles because the cream has the slightest bit of a tinted glow to it (moms everywhere can get behind that).
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum:
I use this resurfacing serum at night 2-3 times per week–just one or two pumps all over my face, neck, and chest. This product is made with a 14% AHA/BHA/gentle flower acid blend which helps exfoliate, resurface, and retexture your skin overnight.
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm:
Is there a better feeling than a clean, fresh face after a long day? I LOVE this cleansing balm because it gently removes my makeup/SPF without drying out my skin. My face feels SO clean after using this, and I especially love this hydrating formula during the dry winter months.
Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Pore-Minimizing Cleanser
I love this cleanser because it’s super gentle and makes my skin feel really clean. I often use this as the second step of my double cleanse (following the cleansing balm I just mentioned). This face wash lathers really well which I love too.
Farmacy 10% Waterless Vitamin C Serum:
I read somewhere earlier in the year that water destabilizes Vitamin C which shook me to my core, lol. I decided to search for a waterless formula and have really been liking this one from Farmacy. This is the very first step of my morning skin routine, and I feel like it brightens my skin instantly. This one is fairly well priced compared to many of the other C serums on the market.
Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads:
I like to do a little at-home spa night once a week or so, and my favorite thing to use are these two step anti-aging mini peels from Dr. Dennis Gross. These were my first big skincare purchase in my early twenties, and I swear they changed the trajectory of my skin. I like to use them alongside my trusty Amazon facial steamer. If it’s your first time trying these, my recommendation is to try a mini set first. The peel pads come in Sensitive, Universal, and Extra Strength–start at least with Universal and let your skin get used to them before you move to Extra Strength.
Dr. Dennis Gross Retinol + Ferulic Serum:
I talked about this product on my nighttime skincare routine post last month, but this serum is the real power player of my regimen. Retinol can be intense, but I’ve had no issues adjusting to this one. I use this a few nights a week and have noticed a huge difference this last year in the texture of my skin. Retinol is one of those “long game” products that works over time to fight fine lines, so consider this an investment in your anti-aging strategy.
REN Overnight Recovery Balm:
I recently linked this on my post about night creams, but I wanted to mention it here too since it’s saved my face this year. I love to use this balm after an active serum or on days where I’ve been in the sun too much. It has helped with redness a lot too.
Clarins Depuffing Mask:
The name of this product sounds both ridiculous and too good to be true–I myself was skeptical for years. But I have to say it WORKS. I use this in the morning after pizza-and-Juneshine type of nights, and somehow this just totally tones and tightens my face. It’s incredible, really. I’m almost out of my first jar and will definitely be repurchasing.
Makeup:
Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray:
The devil works hard, but this setting spray works harder. Since I use all cream products, I need a really powerful setting spray to lock everything in, and this one does the trick. It also leaves a very subtle glowy finish; as I always say, life’s too short for a matte finish. Grab this travel set duo while it’s still in stock.
Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter:
I’m just going to say it: if you’re going to buy ONE makeup product from the sale, make it this. It’s branded as a “complexion booster,” a strategically vague title for a product that can be used as a primer, as foundation, mixed WITH foundation, or as a highlighter. I, personally, use it as my foundation. I always get compliments on my skin when I wear it.
I can’t say enough good things about this; in all honesty it’s probably sold out by now, but be sure to grab it in a mini if anything! I’m a 3 in it, if that helps at all. I hesitate to say something so bold, but this might be my favorite makeup product of all time (!!!!).
Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush:
I really, really love this cream blush from Merit. It’s a cheaper and comparable alternative to the Westman Atelier blush stick that I love, and it’s easy to apply and blend in. I have tried a bunch of shades this year: Hills is a subtle peach that is great for day time. Stockholm is bright baby pink that is SO fun–this is my most used shade. Rouge looks crazy when you first apply it but then blends out to this super beachy “sunburnt” glow. And I most recently tried Cheeky which is a cooler, darker pink that I will use at night this fall and winter.
Merit Beauty Sculpting Stick:
I have been using this contour stick for about a year now and really love it. It’s not quite as pigmented as the Westman Atelier one that I love, but it’s way more affordable. I also love that it has a little bit of glow to the finish, where the Westman one is more flat. I use this along the top of my forehead and to sculpt my cheekbones and jawline. Just remember to blend, blend, blend with a fake beauty blender. The whole operation takes about 30 seconds, and-not to be dramatic-it brings me to life.
Merit Day Glow Highlight Stick:
This is another great, easy to use product from Merit that I’ve been using a ton this year–and another more affordable alternative to the Westman one. This highlight stick is amazing and adds a subtle glassy glow. I use this on the ridge of my nose and top of my cheeks. (Read my full Merit review here).
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Sticks:
I recommend these for the makeup-challenged like myself. I’ve always struggled with eye shadow, and these eyeshadow sticks really unlocked the game for me. There are so many gorgeous colors, but my favorites right now are Golden Bronze, Golden Pink, and Moonstone. These really couldn’t be easier to apply. This little set would be a GREAT starter pack.
Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in “Space Dust”:
This eye shadow is so special and adds just a light “sprinkle” of super fine glitter. I love this so much. The Space Dust shade is a really unique champagne that pairs well with every shadow I own. Basically, I apply my eyeshadow sticks as normal and then add a layer of Space Dust across my whole lid. It kind of makes my eyelids look wet. This is a “just trust me” moment, but it’s magical, I SWEAR.
Sephora Collection Waterproof Retractable Eyeliner:
I use this on my upper waterline before I apply mascara. It lasts all day without smudging and makes my lash line look more…complete? I used to use this really expensive version from Chanel but found this a couple of years ago and like it even better. The entire Sephora Collection is 30% throughout the sale, so it’s a great time to grab this one.
Makeup Forever Lipliner in Anywhere Caffeine:
This is a great nude that matches my lip color really closely. I will often line my lips with this and then smudge it inwards and then add a Summer Fridays or Ole Henricksen balm on top.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss:
This is my all-time favorite lip gloss. It doesn’t plump my lips in a weird way–it just kind of smooths everything out and makes them look more youthful/relaxed, lol. It’s very subtle. Also, the gloss isn’t sticky at all; in fact, it almost feels like a balm. My sister and I both have this in the Beige color and we are obsessed.
Hair:
Nécessaire Scalp Serum
Chances are, you’ve seen me preach about this scalp serum. I used this every day for 8 weeks at the beginning of last year, and my hair grew at least 2 inches. I also experienced a ton of new hair growth along my hairline and part, too. And my hair has never been healthier. Check out this blog post for my full review and before and after pics. I am obsessed.
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Oil Serum
This is another product I started using religiously this year. I apply two pumps every night before bed on the bottom half of my hair and then sleep with it in a braid. My hair stylist told me how healthy and hydrated my hair was the last time I saw her, so if that’s not a testament enough to this product, I don’t know what is! I also like to use this after I curl my hair. I’ll curl my hair, spray it everywhere with hair spray, and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, I brush out my curls completely, and then apply one pump of this oil to my ends before I spray it once more with hair and wave spray.
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer:
At this point, I have tired every single detangling spray on the market (Unite 7 Seconds, Perfect 10, Kristen Ess, Oaui, etc etc etc), both on my own behalf and Charlotte’s. I can say with absolute certainty that this is the best. I like it for a few specific reasons. Most importantly, it detangles both of our crazy heads of hair, leaving it smooth and soft. I also love that this product is a multitasker and serves as a heat and UV protectant. Also, unlike many of the other brands I’ve tried, it leaves ZERO product buildup or greasiness.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo:
I love this no-nonsense, no-residue dry shampoo. Smells good but not perfume-y at all and easy very easy to rub in. Actually cleans my hair and doesnt make my fingers feel gross if I end up touching my hair throughout the day.
Ouai Wave Spray:
I spritz this on second (and third) day hair. Adds texture to an “undone” wavy look and smells like Maui.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner:
After having spent many years feeling uninspired by my shampoo and conditioner situation, I discovered this line last year and couldn’t love it more. My hair feels so much softer now, and I have noticed ZERO product buildup with it which is important to me. The scent is invigorating (a word I’d never thought I’d use but so perfectly describes it) but not overpowering.
Sets + Gifts
If you’re here for stocking stuffers, welcome. Here are my picks:
Slip scrunchies: These colors are so sweet. This is such a great gift because every girls loves them but hates buying them for herself.
Touchland hand sanitizer: These little hand sanitizers just spark joy.
Merit blush trio: For the makeup obsessed woman in your life. These are TOO CUTE.
Summer Fridays travel set: This set is great because it comes with travel minis (so useful) and a full size butter balm.
L’Occitane hand cream set: One for her car, one for her purse.
Cologne sampler set: This is such a great husband or boyfriend gift. It comes with 11 sample-sized colognes and a voucher for a full-sized cologne! I got this for Tyler when we first got married and it was a huge hit. They make a perfume sampler too.
Thanks for checking out my list of Sephora sale picks. Looking for more beauty recs? Click here.
