The Sephora sale has officially started and if you know me, you know I’ve already placed my order. Sephora only does the VIP Savings Event a few times a year, so if you are needing to stock up, now’s the time.
Use code YAYHOLIDAY
I’ve written several blog posts covering the sale over the past few years, but it’s probably time I share an updated list of my holy grail Sephora recommendations. These are the products I’ve repurchased, use till empty and truly feel I’d be missing out if they weren’t in my makeup bag.
Comment below and let us know what’s your holy grail products? I always like to hear what you all are using and loving. XX AR
MY HOLY GRAIL SEPHORA PICKS
FACE
ICONIC LONDON RADIANCE BOOSTER
I call this my filter in a tube. This is truly a one and done product that softens skin, add illumination, and gives you a subtle radiance so your skin looks fresh and hydrated.. I wear the shade, Champange Glow. Here’s how you can use it:
- mixed with moisturizer
- as a primer (my favorite way)
- mixed with foundation
- on top of foundation
I use 1-2 pumps. It truly gives you that “post-facial” glow. My skin never looked better!
ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION
I always talk about this as my “special occasion” foundation. It’s so pricey (I only buy during this sale) so I don’t like to use it everyday. But when I do, my makeup has never looked better. I highly recommend this if you are looking to splurge. For everyday, I use IT Cosmetics CC + Cream or Bobbi Brown Serum Foundation.
LA MER RADIANT TINTED SKINTINT SPF 30
I bought this at the last Sephora sale (definitely wait to buy this on sale if you can) after seeing several people hype it up. I like this because you don’t have to use a lot and it still gives you a nice medium coverage. If you are looking for something similar but less $$$, I would say it’s comparable to CC + Illumination Cream but not as full coverage
I am so picky when it comes to a contour cream. It has to be easy to blend, long wear and not look too thick or cakey. I love Makeup By Mario, I wear shade Medium Dark. It doesn’t pull orange and blends really well into my skin. I also love the Fenty Match Stix Matte Contour in Amber if you want something more cool toned. Both have a similar formula and wear. I have both and use often.
This is the brush that I always talk about and was a Monthly Cut favorite back in September. Highly recommend for cream contour or bronzer. I use one side to “carve” out the crease and the other side blends and creates an airbrushed finish without moving other product.
EYES
I always use a lash primer. It really does make all the difference. I continue to repurchase Marc Jacobs (just found out they are no longer making this!) or Givenchy. I used to only wear Lancome Cills XL, and while it definitely works, I think those two have a little more oomph when it comes to volume and length on your lashes.
EYESHADOW
I love any of the Tarte Eyeshadow Palettes. They are velvety and seem to stay on really well. This one was perfect to travel with. I also love the Natasha Denona Glam Palette. I bought the mini version a few years ago and just ordered the larger one. The shades are so universal and perfect if you like to wear a more neutral/everyday look.
This is one of my favorite brow pencils. I keep one in my purse and one in my makeup bag and love that you don’t have to keep sharpening it. I wear shade Universal Dark Brown.
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS MICRO-STROKE DETAIL BROWN PEN
Hands down the best brow marker I’ve used. Highly highly recommend if you want feathery brows. I wear shade ‘dark brown’.
Several months ago I did a test run on 5 of the most popular brow products on social media. This was hands down my favorite if you like the laminated/fluffy brow look. This kept my brows in place *the entire day*.
Here’s my technique:
- Brush up brows
- Apply brow pencil
- Brush the gel into the brows in an upward motion (this will also create the look of “lifted brows” or eyes)
- Take the back of you brow brush or brush handle and press into brows. This will basically set your brows so make sure you like how they are brushed up. They won’t move after it dries.
SKIN
I’ve been a huge fan of this mask since it launched a couple years ago. I prefer to wear at night and leave it on while I sleep. Or on days when I’m just at home and don’t put on makeup, I’ll wear this at my desk and leave it on all day. It makes my skin feel hydrated and instantly refreshed. The mini size would be such a cute stocking stuffer or “favorite things” gift.
The best hand cream! I love that this is fragrance free and doesn’t compete with your perfume. I keep this in my nightstand and use before bed. My hands feel instantly softer. I also put this on my HIM LIST for holiday gift inspo.
I just bought this travel set, which would be perfect if you want a good intro to the brand.
TAN LUXE THE BODY- LIGHT/MEDIUM
(I’ve purchased this twice!) Tan Luxe is truly the best for a natural looking faux tan. I do this every 3-4 days. I have a big review here!
DR. BARBRA STURM HYALURONIC SERUM
I know…I know. This is ridiculously expensive. I met with Dr. Sturm last week (she was lovely and incredibly smart) and she told us her Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight and penetrates deeper skin layers, leaving skin feeling firmer, refreshed and visibly more radiant for the long term. She said it’s her #1 product and she is very proud of her unique formula. When used daily, it improves the skin matrix and acts as a super-hydrator, improving skin health and reducing the formation of wrinkles caused by dehydration.
I ration this and only use a pea size in the morning. You really don’t have to use that much for it to cover your entire face. It dries almost instantly and doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky either. This kit is a great intro to the brand if you are curious.
LIPS
These lip glosses are so creamy and not sticky. I have this is $weetmouth and Diamond Milk. I love wearing these on top of my lipstick.
HAIR
Favorite of all time! I was hooked on the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil for a while, but this works so much better on my hair.This hair oil is LIGHT and does not weigh down your hair. It’s perfect to apply on wet hair, dry hair or even 2nd day restyling.
I only buy this on sale. If you don’t have it, now is your time. I use after I curl my hair and it gives me a medium/light hold with texture. And it smells amazing.
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