Ever since I first started watching YouTube makeup tutorials back in ’09, Sephora has been one of my go-to stores for beauty products. My very first purchase was Urban Decay’s Primer Potion (again, all thanks to YouTube) and so the (admittedly, unhealthy) obsession began. It wasn’t until after college that I got to step foot in an actual store (which can be very dangerous – especially when you’re fresh out of school and making money, but still living with the ‘rents. I mean what else was I going to spend my money on?! Start a retirement fund, now?? Nah..)
Fast forward to today, and while much of the excitement of buying new makeup has died down (not that I can keep up with the continuous stream of new releases nowadays anyways), Sephora still holds a special little place in my heart and continues to be one of my favorite destinations for dabbling in beauty products as well as restocking on faves. And especially now that they stock more clean beauty brands, they offer something for everyone – including those of us who are more ingredient-conscious.
Thing is, Sephora isn’t too big on sales, so when they do come around – it’s a big deal. Kind of like right now… Sephora’s annual holiday sale kicked off last weekend and will be continuing until mid-November. Throughout the sale, Sephora Beauty Insider members can save 15–20% off all purchases – online and in-store – so it’s a great time to restock on your favorites and/or do a little gift shopping before the craziness of Black Friday and Cyber Week begins.
Not a Sephora Beauty Insider Member? You can sign up for free online here and start saving right away. Depending on how much you spend in a year, you could be upgraded to VIB level (if you spend $350+ a year), or Rouge level (if you spend $1000+ a year). Each level comes with extra little goodies, beginning with birthday gifts, free trial-sized products, the occasional coupons throughout the year.
Upcoming Sephora sales dates:
For each tier of the membership, Sephora Beauty Insider Members will have their own special weekend to shop discounts from 15–20% off:
- November 2–5 – Sephora Rouge members can get 20% off all purchases in stores and online with the code ROUGEBONUS
- November 9–12 – VIB members can get 20% off with code VIBBONUS
- November 16–19 – Beauty Insider Members (aka anyone who signs up for a free membership) can get 15% off with code BIBONUS
Another plus about shopping at Sephora? No matter if you use a coupon or purchase at full price, they accept returns if you aren’t 100% satisfied with your products.
With the sale and all, I thought it might be fun to share some of my all-time favorite beauty products available at Sephora – including a few recent faves, and some tried-and-true classics (some of which I’ve been using for almost a decade now!). Keep scrolling to see them all, and share some of your favorites down below!
My Favorite Beauty Products from Sephora
Makeup – Eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion – A cult-classic, for a reason! Not only does this extend the wear of your shadow for hours on end, stopping creasing and smudging in its tracks, it also creates a base that increases their vibrancy. I’ve tried quite a few primers over the years, and to this day, it’s still my number one. (Stock up and save $20 with this duo here!)
stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner – This is the only liquid eyeliner that lasts all day for me – it doesn’t budge! I even wore it mountain biking once on a hot summer day and it still looked fresh at the end of my ride! It’s also easy to apply with the felt tip, and easy to remove at the end of the day.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara – If you’re looking for dramatic volume, length, and curl that lasts all day long, this is it. Unlike other volumizing mascaras I’ve tried, this one doesn’t weigh down my lashes, nor does it clump. Instead, it leaves lashes separated and defined, and lifted for hours on end. Full review here.
Makeup – Base
Erborian CC Crème High Definition Radiance Face Cream– My favorite BB/CC cream of all time. It provides amazing coverage that evens out the skin and conceals redness, while still giving you that ‘no makeup makeup’ look. It also adds a touch of radiance (which my oily skin doesn’t always agree with – set with a little powder though, and it’s perfection!). My only complaint is that, in addition to physical sunscreens, it also contains some potentially not-so-skin friendly chemical ones like octinoxate. However, since I’m not slathering this all over my body like a sunscreen lotion, I don’t see there being too much of a risk. Full review here.
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer Tinted SPF 47 Protect + Perfect – Another favorite for ‘no makeup makeup’ days. It provides just enough coverage to even out the skin, while at the same time hydrating, nourishing, and soothing skin with green tea and argan oil. It also contains natural, chemical-free SPF and antioxidant-rich SunBoost ATB which provide UVA/UVB protection plus anti-aging benefits.
lilah b. Marvelous Matte Creme Foundation – My new favorite medium coverage foundation for the days when I want to look a bit more polished. It’s as quick and easy to apply as a powder foundation, but provides slightly more coverage and a smoother, more satin-matte finish. Great for all skin types (though if you have dry skin – exfoliate and moisturize right before applying, and if you have oily skin, make sure to set it in the T-zone). Full review here.
lilah b. Aglow Face Mist – This is the best setting spray I’ve ever tried. It refreshes, hydrates, and sets makeup for longer wear. Apply over powder and it instantly adds a dewy glow. Also contains: dandelion extract (to detoxify, soothe, and promote radiance), knot grass extract (firms and protects from environmental defense), fig extract (soothes, hydrates, and has antioxidant properties), and brown algae (rejuvenates), plus lavender essential oil.
Makeup – Cheeks & Lips
Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush – Charlotte Tilbury is now available at Sephora! I honestly love almost all of her products, but this blush I reach for the most. The texture is silky smooth and looks gorgeous over the skin – never heavy or powdery. I love the shade Ecstasy in particular – it’s a warm peachy-pink that brightens the complexion. It also has a subtle amount of shimmer that also adds a soft sheen. It’s my go-to to wear over powder foundations!
Ilia Multi-Stick – One of my all-time favorite cream blushes to pair up with a BB/CC creme for a super quick look. Loading with organic oils, the formula feels incredibly buttery and blends in in seconds, creating a sheer, natural wash of color. Can be used on the lips too! Full review here.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color – The perfect lipstick for the lipstick haters. It feels lightweight and barely-there on the lips. It also fades away evenly and leaves behind a bit of stain too, so it’s very low-maintenance! My favorite shade for everyday is ‘Baby’, a medium, slightly warmed-up pink. Full review here.
lilah b. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek – Another lightweight, velvety-smooth, lip-staining lip color. (It’s also great for makeup minimalists as it doubles as a cheek stain!) I’m loving the shade b.lovely (a muted beige-red that’s perfect for everyday) along with one of their newest shades, b.memorable (a neutral, deep berry-wine, shown in the photo above). Until they stock the latter at Sephora, you can find it over at Dermstore. Full review here.
Burberry Fresh Glow Highlighting Luminous Pen – A gorgeous, easy-to-apply, travel-friendly highlighter. The shade ‘No.1 Nude Radiance’ adds a soft off-white sheen to the skin, sans any heavy shimmer or glitter. It can be built up or blended out, making it great for all skin tones. Plus, between the pen applicator and creamy, blendable formula, it’s quick and easy to apply, even on-the-go! (Sephora no longer stocks this, but you can still find it over at Nordstrom).
From left to right: lilah b. Divine Duo in b.memorable / Ilia Multi-Stick in Cheek to Cheek / Charlotte Tilbury Blush in Ecstasy / Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Baby / Burberry Fresh Glow Highlighting Luminous Pen
Skincare
Herbivore Lapis Oil Balancing Facial Oil – This is one of the few serums that manages to keep my combination skin in check. It provides intense hydration for my driest areas while keeping sebum at bay, and yet it feels impressively lightweight and non-greasy (so it works great as a morning-time, pre-makeup moisturizer!). I highly recommend this for oily and combination skin types!
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum – My favorite nighttime serum/moisturizer. It combines a AHA/BHA/gentle flower acid blend with real honey and hyaluronic acid (two excellent moisturizers), so you get all the benefits of chemical exfoliators, without the dryness (or excess oil production from your skin trying to re-balance itself). I’ve been using this on its own after cleansing, and it makes my skin noticeably smoother and more even toned. Great for all skin types (it does sting a bit though, so if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first).
REN Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask – The ultimate ‘rescue’ mask for stressed or irritated skin (also great for those of us with very sensitive skin!). I use it post-sun, post-workout, after (and also during) long flights, and following more intensive chemical masks. The formula is super gentle – it instantly soothes and comforts using mushroom extract, while smoothing and softening rough skin, and it’s also free of fragrances and potential irritants. Full review here.
Foreo LUNA mini 2 – An amazing little device that uses gentle vibrations to send your cleansers deep into your pores while removing gunk, oil, makeup, and dead skin on the surface. It cleanses 10x between than using your fingers – you’ll notice the difference after just 2-3 uses! The mini 2 works for all skin types too, plus it’s a bit more travel friendly than the larger LUNA 2. Check out my reviews of the LUNAs here!
Perfume
NEST Cocoa Woods – This is the scent I’ll be wearing all fall and winter long. At its very core lie woodsy, forest-y notes and bittersweet cocoa, topped with subtle hints of sweet tiare blossom and fresh Thai ginger. It’s a very deep, comforting, yet non-‘intrusive’ scent that’s perfect for daytime wear as well as evenings out (or in, cozy-ed up by the fire!).
What are some of your all-time favorite makeup and skincare products?
