The Sephora Sale is here, and even though I’ve done a previous newsletter showing my best buys, I’m also well aware that a sale like this makes it really easy to buy things you don’t need. So I’ve done some more sorting for you. These are the eight things I’d put in your basket, from base makeup to skincare to body care, and I’ve kept each one short so you can get straight to shopping.
Before anything goes on this list, I think about whether I’d tell a friend to spend her money on it. If the answer’s no, it doesn’t make it.
1. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Foundation
This is the one I’d choose for long days, hot weather, or anything where you can’t touch up your makeup. It’s a natural matte, but it doesn’t look flat, and the coverage is medium so you can add a bit more only where you need it. It’s a good pick if your skin gets shiny.
Shop the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Foundation
2. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer
If you’re worried about creasing, this is the concealer I’d buy. It’s hydrating, with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in it, so it looks like skin instead of sitting on top of it. Pat a small amount under your eyes and on any spots with your finger, and build it up only if you need to.
Shop the Haus Labs Triclone Hydrating Concealer
3. Beautyblender Original Sponge
A good sponge makes a big difference to how your base looks, and this is the one I’d get. Wet it, squeeze it until all the water is out then wrap a tissue around it and squeeze again until it’s just damp, then bounce it onto your skin instead of dragging it, and your foundation and concealer will look smooth instead of streaky. Wash it after every few uses and swap it for a new one every few months.
Shop the Beautyblender Original
“I only buy in a sale what I’d buy at full price.”
4. Marc Jacobs Born Star Cream To Powder Eyeshadow in Spicy
This is my easy eyeshadow. It goes on like a cream and sets to a powder, so you can pat it on with your finger and be done, with no brushes and no fallout. It stays put without creasing, which is what you want on lids over 40.
Shop the Marc Jacobs Born Star Cream To Powder Eyeshadow
5. Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
This starts as a balm and turns into an oil when you add a splash of warm water, and it breaks down makeup and sunscreen, even the waterproof kind. I double cleanse at night, and this is the one I’d use as the first step. Massage it onto dry skin, add the water, then rinse. It has a light scent, so skip it if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
Shop the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
6. Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Balm
This is the lip balm to grab if your lips get dry or flaky. It’s cushiony without being sticky, it leaves a juicy shine, and it has a gentle exfoliating ingredient that softens the flakes. Put a thick layer on before bed, or a thin one under lipstick for a smoother finish.
Shop the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Balm
7. Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
This is the perfect spray for when your skin is red, irritated or breaking out. It’s made with hypochlorous acid, which helps calm redness and irritation. Spray it on clean skin morning and night, let it dry, then moisturize. The mini size is handy for a gym bag or travel.
Shop the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
8. Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter
Dry skin is the reason I’d buy this one. I don’t know about you but as I’ve gotten older the skin on my body is much dryer than before. The texture’s whipped, which makes it much easier to spread than a thick, heavy butter, and the argan oil and shea go straight to work on the rough spots. I’d use it on elbows, knees and shins. One jar goes a long way!
Shop the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter
How I’d shop it…
If you’re building a basket by category, here’s how I’d split it. For your base, the Fenty foundation, the Haus Labs concealer and the Beautyblender. For your skin, the Then I Met You balm and the Tower 28 spray. For the little extras, the Marc Jacobs eyeshadow, the Eadem lip balm and the Josie Maran body butter.
A sale is the best time to stock up on the things you already know you’ll use, and that’s really all this list is. A base that lasts, a concealer that doesn’t crease, a sponge that makes it all blend, plus a few small extras for your eyes, lips, skin and body. You don’t need all eight, so start with the one that fixes the thing that bugs you most and add from there.
My Top 5 Body Care Picks To Buy During The Sephora Sale
The Sephora Sale is on, and if you’re planning on picking up a few things, body care is where I’d spend first. It’s part of the routine most of us skip, and it makes a big difference to how your skin feels day to day. These are the five body care products I swear by, and the ones I’m personally topping up on during the sale!