The Sephora fall VIB sale is coming up, which usually means a lot of product researching for me. This year with the pandemic, I haven’t been wearing or purchasing much makeup, so my shopping list is quite small. But I thought I’d share some of my recent Sephora hits AND misses, as well as some items recommended to me from friends.
Sephora Fall Sale 2020 Skincare
My Best Purchase from Sephora Ever
If you buy one thing from the Sephora fall sale this year, it’s got to be this moisturizer. I love it so much. It’s pretty much a perfect dupe for Drunk Elephant’s Protini Peptide, except it’s OVER $50 CHEAPER. I’ve been using it everyday, and you can bet I’ll be stocking up on it. It’s got a gel like texture while still being very moisturizing, and it’s fragrance free.
Other Recommended Moisturizers and Oils
If you have really dry skin and need a heavier moisturizer, I highly recommend the Belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. I’ve repurchased this several times, and it’s been great. I’m not currently using it right now only because I have an open Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Cream from Ulta, which I’ve also repurchased several times.
For facial oils, I really love squalane oil. It’s supposed to be great for ALL skin types, even really sensitive ones. The texture is light, not greasy, and it keeps my skin moisturized even in the dry winter air. My favorite is Biossance, but it’s so pricy, I think I might try out the Inkey List version this year.
Best Exfoliating Acids and Serums
My favorite exfoliator has got to be the Farmacy Honeymoon Glow. I can tell it works, but it’s not so strong that it irritates my skin. But because it’s kind of on the pricy side, I’m considering trying out other lactic acids. Both Inkey List and the Ordinary have their own versions.
Because I get oily in the T-zone, I usually like to use salicylic acid. Since I’m nursing right now, I haven’t been using any recently. BUT my favorite is this one from Peace Out! It’s got centella asiatica extract too, which is really calming. I love it!
Exfoliating Acid Misses
Recently, I’ve actually been using the Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner. I’ve gone through two bottles, but I actually don’t feel like it does much for me. So this is one of my misses. Other people seem to really love it, though.
Hydrating Serums and Toners
I typically like Asian toners for hydration, like this Klairs one from Ulta. But I won this hyaluronic acid one from Inkey List in a giveaway, and I quite like it! It’s pretty no frills, just straight hydration. And really affordable!
If you’re not using peptides for anti-aging in your moisturizer, then I highly recommend this serum from the Ordinary. I would definitely purchase this again.
Sephora Fall Sale 2020 Makeup Picks
I almost never wear makeup now, since the pandemic started! But I’m sure one day I’ll wear makeup again. Here are some of my staples in my makeup routine.
Foundation and Concealer Picks
I’ve only been using the Nars Sheer Glow foundation for a couple years now. Good, even coverage but feels light on the skin and never cakey.
My new holy grail concealer is sadly not sold at Sephora! It’s the Shiseido Gelstick concealer, which I typically get at Nordstrom. However, I used the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer for many years in the past. It’s full coverage and very creamy, as the name implies.
Eyes
I used the Kat Von D tattoo liquid eyeliner for years and years. It’s still probably the best I’ve ever tried. BUT, recently I discovered that the NYX epic liner was an almost perfect dupe, and at only $9, I’ve been using that recently. On the other hand, the Kat Von D packaging is way better. I find the NYX eyeliner dries out much quicker. So which is better? I guess I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
In terms of a pencil/gel eyeliner, this Hourglass Mechanical Gel Eyeliner has been my ABSOLUTE HOLY GRAIL for years! The tip is so so so fine. I can line my Asian eyelids so precisely, and it never smudges. I love it!
Even though I almost never have an occasion to wear false lashes anymore, I really like having a set from Velour in my drawer, JUST IN CASE. You can’t beat Velour’s quality. I’ve also been really curious about their lash and go eyeliner, so I may give it a try.
Rare Beauty Recommendations
I have not yet tried any of the rare beauty line by Selena Gomez! My sister has, though, and she highly recommends the liquid luminizer and matte cream lipstick.
My style is more natural, so I will probably go for the dewy lip balm. Since I’m in the market for a new eyeliner, maybe I’ll try the Rare Beauty one too. Selena always seems to have great eyeliner, right?
Sephora Makeup Misses
The only makeup items from Sephora that I really haven’t liked are the mascaras. All of them. Every single one of them. I tried Too Faced, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Blinc, you name it. The only mascaras I use now are the tubular drugstore ones. I recommend Boots No. 7 and L’oreal, but I’ve heard great things about Thrive Causemetics as well.
Other Sephora Picks
Two other things I ALWAYS get during the Sephora sales are the Farmacy Green Clean cleansing balm and the Farmacy natural deodorant. The cleansing balm is a little expensive, but I’ve tried drugstore ones and this is still my favorite. Same goes for the deodorant, although I should warn you that I’m not an intensely smelly person, so your needs may require a different formula.
And that’s kind of it! If you’ve got more recommendations, feel free to send them my way! Happy shopping!
