I tried $1,687 worth of products from Sephora — here's what I would re-buy (and skip) from the Sephora sale
I have tried thousands of dollars worth of products from Sephora — here's what's actually worth your money.
As someone who reviews and writes about products for a living, you would be right to assume that I've tried my fair share of Sephora goodies. From the extremely expensive — Clé de Peau Beauté's The Serum — to the surprisingly affordable — Sephora Collection Foot Mask — I have dabbled in a good chunk of Sephora best-sellers.
That said, my access to beauty products has turned me into a very nitpicky consumer. If I'm going to recommend a product with a triple-digit price tag, it has to be worth its weight in gold. So, to help you navigate Sephora's ever-growing collection of makeup, hair, body and skincare products, I decided to break down some of my recently-tried products and let you know which ones are worth buying — and which you're better off skipping during the 2024 Sephora Sale. To read my honest reviews, scroll below.
Early Black Friday deals: Sephora Sale 2024
Now through Nov. 11, Sephora shoppers can save up to 20 per cent sitewide using the code SAVINGS at checkout. Discounts vary by your Beauty Insider tier: Rouge members save 20 per cent, VIB members can save 15 per cent and Insiders can save 10 per cent during the Sephora Savings Event.
Editor's picks: Skincare worth buying (and skipping)
If there's one product on this list that has transformed my skin more than anything else, it is Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner.
I have oily skin and other than prescription retinol, I don't think a product has made a bigger — or better — impact than this toner. It's designed to hydrate, gently exfoliate and minimize the appearance of pores, and I promise you, it does all of those things and then some. Even when I think my skin is clean, I use this toner and am always shocked by the results. I love it, I swear by it, I recommend it.
VERDICT: It's worth it.
I have tried my fair share of vitamin C serums over the years and would rank Dermalogica's BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum among the best. It's concentrated with vitamin C, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, firm, and reduce the look of fine lines. I use it daily and can actually see a difference in my skin on the days when I don't use it. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? I think so.
VERDICT: It's worth it.
As someone with historically oily, acne-prone skin, I was surprised by how much I liked (really, truly liked) the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil. Not only does the oil not break me out, but it leaves me with glowy, nourished skin. If (like me) you've played it a bit fast and loose with actives and have a stressed-out skin barrier, this face oil works wonders to calm your skin while simultaneously leaving it feeling and looking supple.
VERDICT: It's worth it.
I have so much love for Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant. Unlike other exfoliators, it's a dry rice-based powder that you mix with water, so you can really customize your experience. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin yet minimizes the appearance of blackheads, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation.
The Microfoliant is designed for daily use; however, I usually use it 3-4 times a week. If you love a physical exfoliator that sloughs off dead skin, this may not be for you, but if you're looking for something gentle to smooth and brighten your skin, this is a winner.
VERDICT: It's worth it.
If you're looking for a do-it-all night cream, this is it. Loaded with magnesium, peptides, ectoin and squalane, Biossance's powerhouse night cream reduces inflammation and helps replenish the skin's moisture barrier.
As someone who has been known to overdo it with her retinol, I often turn to the Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue when my red, scaly skin needs a bit of TLC. It calms my stressed-out skin and is super moisturizing to boot.
VERDICT: It's worth it.
While I know many people who are obsessed with First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to pass on this one. The daily treatment pads are formulated with lactic and glycolic acids and are designed to exfoliate, tone, and brighten your skin.
If you have normal or acne-prone skin, you might love them, but for my semi-sensitive face, they were a no-go. We're more of a gentle parenting household, you know?
VERDICT: For me, it's not worth it.
Editor's picks: Makeup worth buying (and skipping)
Rare Beauty blush turned me into a blush girl. I love two in particular: the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and the Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush (keep scrolling for my thoughts on the latter).
The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, for starters, is incredibly pigmented, yet, super blendable, so even if you apply it with a heavy hand, it blends and builds beautifully. It lasts for up to 12 hours and comes in a range of shades that will suit every skin type.
VERDICT: It's worth it.