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: 4/14-4/24 (20% off)
VIB: 4/18-4/24 (15% off)
Insider: 4/18-4/24 (10%)
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just sign up with your email to unlock “Insider” status on the 18th!
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.
Spring Sephora Sale Picks
Skincare:
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 (packs a punch) and hyaluronic acid which helps skin hold onto hydration.
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.
Tata Harper Exfoliating Cleanser:
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.
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.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops:
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.
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.
Saie Sun Melt Bronzer:
This bronzer is amazing. The color is beautiful, and it has the perfect dewy glow. I apply it with a damp beauty blender (I like this knockoff from Amazon way better, btw) on my forehead and cheek bones, and it just makes me look *instantly* more relaxed.
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, 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 (!!!!).
Westman Atelier Blush Stick:
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.
Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick:
I had kind of given up on highlighter because I felt like it was always too powdery and would sink into my crow’s feet. Then I found this highlight stick from Westman Atelier–it is SO easy to apply and leaves a *glassy* finish. The “lit” color is a little iridescent and just gives a subtle glassy glow. I love it so so much.
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 and Moonstone. Couldn’t be easier to apply! This little set would be a GREAT starter pack.
It Cosmetics CC Cream:
I love this foundation for when I want more coverage or am doing a “full face”. 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.
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 Wherever Walnut:
I don’t usually like a bold color on my lips, but this is a great pigmented 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. I use this for date nights under the Dior gloss linked below.
Makeup Forever Aqua Waterproof Lipliner in 1C Nude Beige:
This liner is the *exact* same color as my lips, so it’s perfect for everyday use. I love it under a balm or gloss.
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 the 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. I always stock up on these during the sale, and I might even have to go for this new value set which seems like a deal that’s too good to be true.
Thanks for checking out my list of Sephora sale picks. Looking for more beauty recs? Click here.
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