So you’re in the mood to treat yourself to a Sephora haul, but are COMPLETELY overwhelmed with ALL of the many choices!!
I figured since I’ve been doing my makeup EVERYday once this whole Pandemic got real, and have also invested in some new products, it’s a great time to share what they are. Applying makeup has been the self care that has been keeping me somewhat sane. You can read my article written on the Medium platform here about the positive mental health reasons behind putting on makeup everyday!
Listed below are some TOP RATED products from Sephora that (1.) I restock up on often OR (2.) have personally tried and would buy again. And then of course I’ll share some products that I’ve had my eye on due to suggestions on other beauty blog websites and/or beauty influencers I trust.
It’s important to note that everybody has different beauty preferences. But the great thing about Sephora is their reviewers/customers are rather diverse. In the ratings and reviews they give details from their skin type and tone which means you’re able to find reviews from fellow customers who want to address the same concerns or have similar appearances to your own!
Without further ado, here are my product picks + recommendations from the Sephora website that have near perfect ratings and you should probably give them a shot.
I have also broken down the products for you by category . This is just in case you’ve got specific needs/wants you want to go straight and look for!
SKINCARE…Your Best Investment, FYI!
Moisturizer:
Normal to Dry Skin. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration, $35. I was introduced to the FAB brand a couple years ago thru a PR gift and have been a fan since. This is a seriously great cream at a very reasonable price and I’ve almost used up my first tub of it. It’s great for sensitive skin as well and has over 6K reviews with 4.5 stars out of 5.
Normal to Oily Skin. Ole Henrikson Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator, $36. Lightweight and contains AHA’s to help control oil production. This is an Allure Best of Beauty winner too so you know it’s good. I’ve trusted this brand for years as well.
Splurge Choice. Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil, $170. The Rodin brand gets lots of love over many beauty sites and I’ve never tried their products before (mainly due to cost) but if I come into a bunch of money, this jasmine + neroli oil would be my first choice bc I love the lightness of face oils for hydration!
Body Moisturizer : Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, $45. I received a sample of this rich body cream in my last Sephora purchase and I’m telling you, you’ve NEVER felt something so creamy, hydrating and smells like a warm tropical heaven!! It comes in a mini size if you want to just try it first, but I ended up buying the big one because it’s just that fabulous. Even my husband comments on how yummy I smell!!
Eye Cream: Ole Henrikson Banana Bright Eye Cream, $39. I bought this last year and was very impressed with it. It contains Vitamin C and has brightening qualities because it’s got a yellow tint to it which is known by all makeup artists as a means of color correcting dark under eyes.
Hand Cream : Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer, $15 + L’Occitane Shea Butter Creams, $12. With our current state of excessive hand washing, everyones hands are getting SO dried out and cracked, which can lead to pain and other problems. These two hand creams get the best ratings on Sephora that offer the ultimate in healing! The Jack Black is a male favorite and could be a great Father’s Day gift 🙂
Serums + Cleansers :
Caudalie Vinosource SOS Deep Hydration Serum, $49. Caudalie is the trusted French skincare brand. This serum sounds like a dream with all of the pluming hyaluronic acid, grape water, and squalane. Squalane is the latest and greatest ingredient that is hydrating, soothing, non-irritating and non-comedogenic.
It Cosmetics Miracle Water Micellar Cleanser, $38. I friggin’ love this stuff. I apply it with a cotton exfoliating round to remove all of my makeup. It works for all skin types and is a skin-brightening radiance-booster, anti-aging treatment essence, AND skin-softening micellar cleanser—in one step. Promise you, it rocks.
FOR THE FACE. Concealer, Foundation, + Blush.
Foundation :
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear, $35. I recently purchased this foundation and have really enjoyed it. It is matte, but not in a chalky flat way. It’s actually a very pretty finish. It comes in 50 shades to choose from so there’s really no excuse for not finding your perfect match. I have color 210 I bought during the fall but for the summer will have to go up a shade or two.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, $43. This old school formula always rises to the top and is a favorite among makeup artists. Nothing stays put as well or gives as full a coverage, but doesn’t look like look like a foundation mask. It’s a good one.
Lighter Coverage Option. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer w SPF 20, $46. This has been an all time FAVORITE of the “less is more” when it comes to coverage. You can’t beat the LM tinted moisturizer for easy breezy realistic skin coverage. And the SPF is a big bonus!
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, $44. I’ve been dying to try this product that pairs with your foundation. It’s a complexion booster that can be used as a primer, highlighter, OR can be mixed in with your foundation. Comes in 7 shade options and was created to give that perfect filtered skin glow.
Blush :
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick, $25. This is one of my favorite things I’ve used from Rihanna’s line. I have this in shade “Yacht Lyfe” which is shimmering golden peachy pink cream blush. It’s perfect for those that don’t like true powder blushes and want something that sinks nicely into the skin and velvety! I’m wearing it in the above photo where my cheeks look like they are glowing!
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush, $29. It used to be Nars powder blush I thought I liked the best in terms of prestige blushes, but I’ve changed my mind to these Tarte ones. They are silky smooth with lots of pigment. I love the shade “Paaarty” which is described as nude, but is more nude mauve IMO. It’s a great color for non-blush wearers!
Bronzer : Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer, $30. It smells like real chocolate, is matte (as bronzer should be to look realistic, no shimmer please) and has zero orange. It’s awesome if you’ve been on the hunt for one.
Concealer :
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, $34. I bought this a few months ago and am obsessed. Now it’s a full full coverage concealer so it’s not for the “natural look” – you’ve been warned! But I think it’s so great and I love the finish it gives when I set it with my must have Laura Mercier translucent powder. (if don’t already have the best loose powder on planet what are you waiting for??) I bought color “Cedar” in the concealer and it’s perfect with it’s golden peach undertones.
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Concealer, $32. Have you ever envied Kacey Musgraves makeup looks (me me me!!)?? If so, then you can probably thank the iconic makeup artist, Pat McGrath, for creating her own cosmetics line that Musgraves own makeup artist, Moani Lee, constantly uses on her. This concealer gets rave reviews and will be my next concealer purchase because we all know how important bright eyes are.
EYES + LIPS. The Colorful Fun Stuff!
Urban Decay Naked Palettes, range from $45 – $54. These are some of the best eyeshadow palettes around and if you’ve never owned one, now is your time to! I just got the Naked Honey full of rich browns, gold and ambers, and the Naked Basics is great for the beginner or neutral lover. There’s literally a palette for everyone.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner, $22. This is a budge-proof liquid liner with the easiest of all easy to use precise tip that draws the perfect cat eye! I’ve used this liner for years, and it comes in 6 wearable shades and is also an Allure 2020 Reader’s Choice Award winner!
Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeshadow Stick, $29. Cream eyeshadows are very flattering and easy to apply. Especially for those of us with mature eyes! These sticks make a quick shadow look a snap. The “Moonlight” shade is such a beautiful neutral to start with.
Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, $19. Y’all know I love love this formula in shade “Fenty Glow” which is a lovely sheer warm nude. These glosses are so comfy and beautiful. I want to try the light pink shade Sweetmouth next. If you’re okay with a pricier lip gloss, the Pat McGrath Lust Lip Gloss $29, is just beautiful right down to the tube it’s in. I own the “Dare To Bare” and am also wearing it in the above photo – it’s a peachy pearl nude.
Sephora Cream Stain Liquid Lipstick, $15. This formula stays put, isn’t drying, and comes in a mass of color choices. This is a banging deal for a great liquid lipstick that is the best hybrid of a stain and a lipstick I’ve seen.
BEAUTY TOOLS. Gadgets + Brushes.
Sephora Ready To Roll Brush Set, $70. this set includes 10 brushes which will be all you’ll ever need in one tidy well curated set. This is a must for anyone starting their brush collection from scratch.
Foreo Luna Mini 2, $119. I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things about this face cleansing tool. It’s more hygenic than a Clarisonic, gentler, doesn’t mildew, no replacement heads needed, AND stays charged for up to 5 months! If you want your cleanest skin, this is the way to go.
Amethyst Roller, $44. Rollers have many benefits such as : depuffing, improving skin radiance, relieving facial tension and promoting drainage from the face. Rolling your serums into your skin is a great way to distribute them as opposed to dirty fingers!
Honorable Mentions that I really really wanted to share but seem to sell out constantly! HOWEVER, you can put in your email to be notified when they’re back in stock because they’re that good so keep these in mind…
NailsInc Superfood Kale Basecoat, $15. Apparently this is what all of our sad brittle flimsy nails need!
Patrick Ta Major Eyebrow Shaping Wax, $22. I love fluffy brows that don’t move around and this wax is supposed to be killer for that.
Also, if you have been following along with me on Instagram you’ve seen my support of the Black Lives Matter movement. A simple way to support this cause is through your purchase on Sephora. You can now redeem your reward points for a charity donation of either $10, $20 or $30 (max) that will go towards the National Black Justice Coalition that supports their mission to end racism, homophobia, bias, and stigma toward Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and same-gender-loving people.
Okay, that’s it my friends! I know it seems like a lot, but it’s really only the tip of the iceberg!! Did I miss anything you think are must haves from the Sephora?? Of course, if you have any specific questions for me about these products, feel free to leave a comment below.
