I didn’t start shopping at Sephora until a few years ago, but I already have a full blown list of Sephora beauty favorites!
I’m finding as I get older, I am more willing to buy fewer, high quality products that might be a little more expensive than a million drug store priced products that only work fairly well, and Sephora is just the spot for that. The staff is incredibly helpful at pointing my confused self in the right direction, and their return policy makes it so easy to try new things worry free.
I’ll be honest that I typically don’t buy things outside of their sales. Many of these items rarely go on sale, so I use their VIB Sale as an opportunity to stock up on my holy grail favorites that I always reach for. However, I’ll warn you that I’ve fallen in love with a few things that I will always replace them when empty, even at full price. You get what you pay for, right?
The other great thing about Sephora is that most of the products are offered in smaller travel/sample sizes. I’ve found some of my most favorite products this way, because even with that great return policy, my track record of actually returning is not great. There’s less pressure with the smaller sizes, they feel like a fun treat, and it’s always nice to have a smaller size when traveling.
And don’t sleep on the samples! When you sign up for the Sephora reward program, you earn points that work for so many kinds of samples. I’ve found some of my most favorite things this way!
Sephora beauty favorites: skin care
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
This is such an amazing mask! It’s super exfoliating, which is great for dry skin, and it smells amazing. It’s a bit spendy, so grab it during the annual sale. You will not be disappointed!
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IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream
This product does it all- promotes firmness, hydrates, and targets fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. This is a great place to start if you are intimidated by skin care!
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Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
If you struggle with redness and uneven skin, you will love this product!
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OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème
The product is incredible. It smooths the under eye and hydrates, which makes the concealer go on so smoothly. This is a great place to start if you think you need an eye cream but are intimidated by all the options.
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Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Heather has used this exfoliant for years, and always goes back to it. Very gentle, yet effective!
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Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
This would be a great gift for a new, tired mom. It feels calming and cooling on the skin, and really brightens up the dark circles.
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OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner
I’ve been a long time fan of Ole Henricksen, and this product didn’t disappoint. This is great if you have lots of sun damage, and are looking to lighten the dark spots. I don’t think this is something you need to use long term in your skin care routine, but after one bottle, you will notice a difference. Highly recommend!
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Argireline Solution 10%
Great for fine lines and wrinkles!
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Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid has gotten very popular over the last few years, and this is a great budget friendly version. It layers well with other products, like the Vitamin C serum.
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Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
This is a really budget friendly Vitamin C serum. Highly recommend using this with another serum, like a hyaluronic acid because it is a high concentration and can be hard to rub in.
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AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution
If skin care intimidates you, this is a great place to start. Use this peel once or twice a week, and work your way up. Major bang for your buck with this peel!
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Caffeine 5% Depuffing Eye Serum
Great on puffy under eyes!
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Buffet Anti Aging Serum
This serum has it all and is great for the nights when you don’t have energy to think about skincare, but still want to do something good for your skin.
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100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Squalane is amazing on dry skin, and you will see a noticeable difference within a week. One of the best serums I’ve used!
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Sephora beauty favorites: make up
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
This powder is perfect if you live in a hot, humid climate or are prone to shine. The loose powder can be a bit messy, but once you master that it’s well worth it. It’s really great to set concealer under the eyes and doesn’t settle in fine lines.
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Too Faced Natural Eyes Eyeshadow Palette
This is the perfect eye shadow palette for every day use. You can also easily build on the neutral colors for a more dramatic look too. The colors blend easily and there is little to no fallout, even from the metallic shades. The metallics are also very pigmented, and the size is ideal for travel. A win across the board.
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NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
The absolute best concealer. The shade range is huge. It applies so smoothly and never cakes. I could go on and on. Always and forever replacing this and never bothering to try a new one.
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IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
We both reach for this when doing a full face of makeup. It’s a little thick for a CC cream, but the coverage is great, plus it has SPF!
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Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
The cult favorite brow pencil!
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SEPHORA COLLECTION Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner
Eyeliner can be tricky. I don’t want it to smudge, but I also want it to wash off at some point. I’m also really bad at applying it, so liquid is not for me. Finding one that isn’t nuclear weapon proof, but glides well is hard. This is the perfect medium!
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Hair products
Fable & Mane Mini HoliRoots™ Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil
I have heard such great things about this product, so I’m giving the mini version a whirl. Reviews say it softens hair and moisturizes the scalp, so sign me up!
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Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo
Just when I thought Living Proof couldn’t do any better, they go and out do themselves. I was skeptical that this would actually “clean like a rinse out shampoo”. It’s definitely not the same as freshly washing your hair, but it gets damn close! Definitely worth a try if you love the original Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo.
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Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo
If you only buy one thing, buy this! I could write a love letter about this shampoo. Not only is this company owned by a black woman, the products are sustainable, and they work. I get a terribly dry scalp in the winter, and when that combines with the dry shampoo build up, my head is a mess. My scalp has never felt cleaner after using this.
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Briogeo Superfoods Banana + Coconut Nourishing Shampoo + Conditioner Duo for Dry Hair
I’ve looked high and low for a good quality, sustainable daily shampoo and conditioner that didn’t leave my hair feeling like straw or with a ton of product build up, and this is it! And don’t be deterred by the banana scent. It is very mild!
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Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo
I have actually been buying directly from Living Proof because they have a recycle program for the empties. But, if you are looking to fill a basket for free shipping, etc I have been known to grab a can at Sephora too because I know I will always use it.
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other beauty products we love
Tell us your favorite Sephora item!
Juliette Has a Gun Not A Perfume
This is the perfume for non-perfume people. The scent is clean and simple, and could be layered with other perfumes. It’s hypoallergenic, so ideal for people with allergies or migraine sufferers. Buy the travel size to make it more budget friendly. A little goes a long way with this perfume, so the mini size lasts a while!
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St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
This tanner is subtle and the color builds well. It’s great for a special occasion or vacation.
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Looking for more beauty favorites? Check out our Ulta Beauty Favorites too!
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