Sephora kicks off its semiannual Beauty Insider sale this weekend, so I’m very excited to share my Sephora sale picks with you guys today.
Here’s the breakdown of dates, according to your member status:
Rougue: 10/28-11/7 (20% off)
VIB: 11/1-11/7 (15% off)
Insider: 11/3-11/7 (10%)
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just sign up with your email to unlock “Insider” status on the 3rd!
I, of course, take the sale very seriously. As a skincare addict and (albeit, self-proclaimed) beauty blogger, I use the opportunity to stock up on my ESSENTIALS and try out any products that have been calling my name.
In today’s post, I’m sharing a list of my Sephora sale picks, my very best recommendations, categorized by skincare, makeup, and hair.
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 when I tried this one. I’ve been using it now for about 6 months and love it so much. It’s 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).
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 (packs a punch) and hyaluronic acid which helps skin hold onto hydration.
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.
This year, I have been working on not over-washing my face (over-washing dries you out). However, I do LOVE to use this gentle exfoliator in the shower a couple of times per week. This cleanser removes dead skin cells and grime and makes my skin feel so glowy after.
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.
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.
I have tried a lot of SPF products over the years, and Glowscreen is hands-down my favorite. I love the way this lays–under makeup or by itself–and because it’s both slightly tinted and illuminating, most of the time I don’t even need to add foundation on top of it. We love a two-birds moment around here. (If you prefer a more matte finish as a base for makeup, I recommend the Unseen Sunscreen–this one goes on clear and basically disappears on your skin).
I mix 1-2 drops of this each morning with my moisturizer. This product provides a very subtle boost of color AND helps protect skin from free radicals and pollution. One bottle lasts forever.
The devil works hard, but this setting spray works harder. Since I use all cream products, I need a really powerful setting spray 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.
I used to use this one amazing cream bronzer from Chanel–it was kind of expensive but it lasted for eons so it didn’t really matter. When I finally went to restock it last year, I noticed that its reviews has tanked on account of a formula switch snafu! I was devastated, but not for long, as I discovered the Saie bronzer shortly after. This bronzer is amazing. The color is beautiful and it has the perfect dewy glow. I use it on my forehead and cheek bones and it just makes me look a bit more relaxed.
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, have used it in every way possible. In fact, I always get compliments on my skin when I wear it. I often wear it by itself without foundation, or I’ll just add a tiny bit to the tops of my cheeks for a Meghan Markle cheekbone moment.
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 (!!!!).
This blush stick from Westman Atelier is amazing–it’s very pigmented and just blends right into my skin. I bought this over a year ago and still have a TON of product left. It takes 2 seconds to apply and blend with my fake beauty blender, and I love the Couchette color.
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 and Moonstone. Couldn’t be easier to apply! This little set would be a GREAT starter pack.
I love this foundation for when I want more coverage or am doing a “full face” for a date night or something. It’s illuminating and lays SO well. I’ve tried both the illuminating and the regular version of this, and I found the regular version’s color a little too yellow for my skin tone? The illuminating version helps balance my pink undertones, I’ve noticed. A little goes a long way, btw.
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.
I don’t usually like a lot of color on my lips, but this is a great nude to wear underneath a subtle gloss or balm. It reminds me of Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Pillow Talk but it’s just a bit more muted which I like.
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.
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.
My hair is crazy frizzy, and this product helps a lot. I use a teeny tiny drop of this when I’m done styling my hair and it kind of calms everything down and helps get my flyaways in check. Smells INCREDIBLE.
I spritz this on second (and third) day hair. Adds texture to an “undone” wavy look and smells like Maui.
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.
It’s a pre-weekend pick me up: just a little note with links to the latest blog posts, what I’m reading lately, and products I’m obsessed with. Think of it as a friend dropping off a surprise latte in the morning--you know?