Sephora doesn’t tend to do sales a lot, so when they do have one of their twice-a-year sale events, I try to take advantage. I don’t go crazy, but I’ll stock up on products that I’m running low on and pick up one or two new things that I’ve been wanting to try. And if I’m in need of something “big” like a blow dryer or curling iron, I’ll definitely try to hold out and wait until the sale time to buy.

If you’re planning to shop the sale – either to pick up some holiday gifts, or to shop for yourself, no judgement here – I rounded up some of my favorite Sephora products to help you when you’re shopping! To make it easier, I split it up into different categories – makeup, skincare, and tech.

Cream Eyeshadow Set // Mascara // Metallic Eyeshadow // Tinted Moisturizer

Pillow Talk Lip Set // Whipped Blush // Powder Blush // Foundation Stick

Bite Lipstick // Eyeshadow Quad // Cream Eyeshadow Set // Tinted Lip Balm

Makeup

So while I am far from a makeup expert, I do have fun playing around with it and trying out new products! I thought that I’d start my sharing the things that I use basically every day. For me, that’s the cream foundation stick, the Bite mascara, and this whipped blush. They’re all my absolute go-tos – they work really well, they’re easy to use, and they last all day. If you’re looking for a tinted moisturizer rather than a foundation, I love this one from Bare Minerals. And this powder blush is also great – before I discovered the whipped one, it was my favorite.

When I’m playing around with makeup, my favorite product to experiment with is eyeshadow. If you want an easier option, the eyeshadow sticks from Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier are both great and super long-lasting. Pat McGrath makes some really great quad palettes, and this one is no exception – I love the colors! I picked up this gold shimmery solo shadow myself and can’t wait to try it out. I love a good metallic eye.

I’m honestly kind of boring with my lip products. I have bought so many lipsticks in bold colors that then just sit, collecting dust. So my favorites are neutral, easy-to-wear shades. This Pillow Talk set is an absolute classic – the color is really universal, and I love that it comes with a matching liner for times when you really want it to last. Bite lipsticks are some of my favorites – Chai is a good neutral plus a little something shade for me, but I’ve tried others and they’re all good. And when you really want just a little hint of color that you can put on without even needing a mirror, I love the Nars tinted lip balms. It’s nice and moisturizing but not sticky, and gives you juuuust enough color.

Shop my makeup picks:

Gel Face Cleanser // Lash Serum // Moisturizer // Exfoliating Solution // Exfoliating Serum

Spot Treatment // Toner // Body Lotion // Vitamin C Serum // Babyfacial Mask

Skincare

This is probably my favorite category to write. I think because it took me so long to find a skincare routine that really worked for me, and tried and researched lots of different products until I figured out what ingredients were effective, which would irritate my skin, and the right combination of products. I should note that my skin is oily, but the products that I’m sharing should work for most skin types! You just might need a heavier moisturizer to layer on top.

For everyday products – this cleanser is amazing; it’s gentle and non-irritating and won’t strip your skin. I always follow my cleanser with a toner and exfoliant. This toner is nice and lightweight, and this exfoliant has been so helpful in terms of dealing with my acne. In the evenings, I use this exfoliating serum instead, after the same toner – it has both BHA and AHA, so it helps deal with clogged pores and surface dullness and flakes. I’ve been using this vitamin C serum for over a year now, and it is by far the best vitamin C that I’ve ever tried (and I’ve tried quite a few). I end with this lightweight moisturizer – I know it says that it’s a cream, but it’s closer to a gel-based moisturizer. For me, it’s just enough, but if you have dry skin you probably want something heavier.

I have a few more products I love and recommend. This spot treatment is incredible for stubborn acne or dark spots that just won’t go away. This mask is so good, but definitely only use once a week – it is strong! I don’t use it as often as I’d like, but whenever I do, I am so pleasantly surprised by how soft my skin feels (it’s called Babyfacial for a reason!). I haven’t tried this body lotion yet, but I’m really looking forward to trying it – I love that it can help with skin texture and moisture, too. Finally – I love this GrandeLash eyelash serum. It honestly, truly works – ever since I started using it, my eyelashes have been noticeably longer. If you’ve been wanting to try it, now is a great time.

Shop my skincare picks:

Dyson Air Wrap // Foreo Luna // Drybar Three Day Bender // T3 Hair Dryer

Tech

Some of these are a little splurge-y, but if you’re in the need for a new hair dryer, curling iron, etc., it’s great to take advantage of the sale, because lots of these don’t actually go on sale very often.

The Foreo Luna is one of my favorite things – my face has been noticeably clearer since I started using it. It’s kind of like a Clarisonic, but much, much gentler on the skin. I also love that it’s silicone, because it doesn’t get gross and moldy. I love it so much that I even take it with me when I travel!

For hair devices, the Drybar curling iron is the one I use when I do my hair at home (well… when my mom or my aide curls my hair, technically). I have super thick hair and this is actually powerful enough for me. I’ve used a T3 blow dryer for years now and it just works so well – it really keeps my hair from being frizzy. And this last thing is on my personal wish list – the Dyson Air Wrap. I’ve basically only read rave reviews of it. I’m not sure that this is the year for me, but if it is for you, be sure to let me know how you like it!

Shop my tech picks: