The Sephora Savings Event Sale is back, granting first access to Rouge! Access to savings occurs during these dates with code SPRINGSALE:
- Rouge Members enjoy 20% off from 4/10 – 4/20
- VIB Members receive 15% off from 4/14 – 4/20
- Insiders benefit from 10% off from 4/14 – 4/20
- All Sephora Collection items are 30% off
Here are my top makeup suggestions categorized for you.
Primers/Complexion Enhancers
I usually don’t utilize primers as I prefer a moisturizer that serves multiple purposes. Here are the multi-functional products I use that can act as a primer or complexion enhancer.
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Stick – This is a luminous foundation stick that I initially suspected would be a glittery disaster on my skin. It leans towards emollient but isn’t sticky. A few readers reached out to me about this and mentioned they employed it as an overall primer base, applying concealer and powder over it for a flawless natural glow. I followed their advice and loved the result.
One/Size by Patrick Starrr Base Thinner – After trying the Bronze base thinner from a press sample, I completely fell in love with it. It’s a versatile product that can be used in various ways, but I enjoy mixing it with my favorite foundations to sheer them out for a more natural glowy effect. I bought Pearlescent Pink to test out as well. Bronze is certainly darker than my skin tone, imparting a bronzed effect, while Pearlescent Pink appears more natural.
Saie Glowy Super Gel – Another favorite for those with dry skin or if your foundations are looking parched or patchy. I prefer combining a pump of this with a liquid foundation to add a bit more luminosity.
Refy Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer – One of the few primers I appreciate due to its lightweight texture, avoiding a heavy feel.
Best Foundations
Here are my top four foundations I regularly rotate from Sephora.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick – This has been my most-used foundation since 2024. I sometimes need to mix shades, but right now 3N is my perfect match. I love the coverage, how seamlessly it blends, and the ease of application. (P.S. I tried the new Forever Skin Glow Foundation formula and found it quite drying on my skin, despite its “glowy” claim.) See it in action here.
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation SPF 40 – This remains the best CC+ cream with SPF, as it’s less thick compared to many CC+ formulations.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – The new formulation performs just like the original on my skin. I still adore this for a naturally glowy finish that isn’t overly shiny. Observe it in action here.
m.ph Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation – I’m fond of this newer formula. I wouldn’t exactly call it “weightless,” as I can still feel it on my skin once it sets. However, I appreciate its medium natural-looking coverage. I fluctuate between shades 150 and 170 (mixing is necessary). Check it out here.
Best Concealers
Recently, I haven’t always relied on concealer since the foundations I use often provide enough coverage. These are my top selections from Sephora.
Prada Beauty Micro-Correcting Concealer – This lightweight medium-coverage blurring concealer is delightful. I particularly enjoy using it under the eyes! Demo and swatches here.
YSL Touche Eclat Concealer Pen – This remains my favorite for under-eye brightening. Its thinner formula is glowy and emollient. While it may not cover dark circles completely, I find it excellent for brightening.
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer – The best multi-functional creamy concealer. I like that it doesn’t crease or cake, plus it’s incredibly long-lasting.
Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer – A new formula offering decent coverage for under the eyes. It strikes a balance, being neither too thick nor sheer, and provides a blurring, self-setting finish. The Ilia and Hourglass concealer brushes are fantastic.
Powder/Set
Currently, I’ve been using only one brand of setting powder, which is Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. I appreciate both the Original and Talc-Free variations. This is one of the few loose powder formulas that doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin.
Favorite Blushes
I have numerous favorite blushes. I love experimenting with new shades and formulations, but if I had to narrow it down to just five, these would be my selections.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème + Powder Duo – I adore the color options and the ability to layer the cream over the powder or wear them separately. I always bring at least one shade with me while traveling. Selected shades are available in mini sizes as well.
Prada Touch Cream-To-Powder Soft Blur Blushes are new favorites. These cream blushes have a lovely satin finish upon drying. I prefer applying them with my fingers. So far, I’ve tried Peach and Tulip, and I adore the tone and will review and swatch all the shades I picked up before the sale concludes. (Peach on the face here, both shades applied here.)
YSL Make Me Blush (powder) is currently my preferred powder blush. The shimmers and mattes are absolutely gorgeous. They have an incredibly smooth texture that is simply stunning. If I had to choose one shade, it would be 44B Nude Lavalliere! Review + swatches here.
Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint is the ultimate long-wear formula for liquid blush. Most competing formulas fail to last, but these have a beautiful dry down and remain intact without feeling heavy.
rhode Pocket Blush – I consider these my favorite cream blush formula. They are extremely easy to apply and blend onto the face. I typically take Freckle and Piggy with me while traveling.
Bronzer
Dior Forever Skin Bronze Bronzing Balm Stick – If there’s one cream bronzer you should buy, it’s this one from Dior. Swatches of three shades here, but this is the finest satin finish cream bronzer I’ve used, and I truly love the colors. They are perfectly balanced—neither too orange nor too cool-toned! Check out the swatches here.
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer – This is a natural cream bronzer, quite similar to the Merit stick version. I adore it because it appears SO natural on the skin.
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer – I have also been reaching for this one, despite thinking initially it was too sheer for my tastes. I’ve been trying to favor lighter bronzer applications, and I find that it’s more flattering on my skin tone to go with sheerer options.
Best Highlighters
Sarah Creal Today’s Highlights Peptide Balm – The most impressive glowy dew highlight I’ve come across since it isn’t sticky or tacky. It’s a balm but appears smooth. The finish is sheer and natural-looking, providing a gorgeous GLOW.
Hourglass Unreal Radiant Glow Liquid Highlighter – I just swatched these here, with a more detailed review coming soon! This is a new formula from Hourglass, along with a new Highlighter Brush. For a liquid highlight, I’d rate it 10/10. The finish is smooth and easy to control, not overly frosty or glittery, with a lovely dry down. Check out the swatches here.
Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Liquid – This is a perennial favorite. If I had to choose one shade, it would be either Peachy or Nude.
Prada Light Glowing Highlighter Powder – I adore this for powder highlighting—the glow is exquisite! Swatches here.
Eyeshadow Loves
Anything by Natasha Denona is fabulous; I still love I Need a Warm and I Need a Nude (swatches available here and here).
Prada Dimensions Multi-Effect Refillable Eyeshadow in 8 Pansy is my favorite palette so far this year (swatches here).
Merit Solo Shadow – These are fantastic for a simple one-and-done shadow look. My top three picks are Vachetta, Glace, and Surrealism.
For a fully matte palette, the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Original ties with the Patrick Ta Matte Palettes (I appreciate all shades, but Medium is my favorite).
Eyeliner/Mascara/Brow
Anastasia Brow Definer – This is a classic, but I recently ordered the ArchiBrow Microblade Detailing Pencil and adore it; the packaging is incredibly innovative, and the application is highly detailed and finely precise.
Glossier Boy Brow Arch Pencil – Another favorite for the formula, though I wish there was more product in the pencil! It runs out SO quickly that I have stopped repurchasing.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing XL – This remains the best non-smudging mascara I’ve encountered.
Diorshow Overvolume Extreme Volume Waterproof – I love this new formula even more than other Dior mascara options.
Lipgloss
As a lip gloss enthusiast, narrowing down my favorites is challenging; however, I keep returning to these five.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer – A devoted fan of Dior lip gloss for LIFE!!!!!
REFY Lip Gloss – They offer THE best neutral shades.
Lawless Forget the Filler Gloss – Some shades may be too light for me, but I swear by Cherry Vanilla for achieving that glossy pout.
Sarah Creal – I genuinely love this formula and the colors. They feel fresh and deliver the perfect amount of hue. These were the shades I carried with me during my travels last year.
Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
I am willing to invest in the latest and greatest balms or oils.
Patrick Ta Major Moisture Tinted Lip Balm – This surprised me pleasantly! I appreciate the good pigmentation level in these balms. Pink Salted Caramel on the lips here.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter – A classic I always keep in my bag. I adore the limited edition duo they just released.
YSL products are worth it – this is the time to save! I love these but they aren’t cheap. It amazes me how overpriced lip products have become. I remember when Tom Ford released a $50 lipstick and everyone was UPSET. Now, it seems nearly all products are around that price point.
Dior Lip Glow Oil – Adore the new formula for its cushioning glass-like finish. Swatches in this post here.
My Go-To Lipsticks
YSL Candy Glaze, but honestly, I love anything by YSL! They consistently introduce top-quality formulas and shades. Especially fond of the Candy Glaze in Shade 13.
Prada Monochrome Soft Matte Blur Lipstick – Still the best matte lipstick formula I’ve experienced.
Dior Rouge Dior On Stage Lipstick – Iconic Rose is the ultimate nude pink.
Gucci Glow and Care Shine Lipstick – A classic I cannot live without, especially in Sally Soft Honey or Julie Blush.
NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick – Perfect for achieving a glossy finish.
Lip Liner
I am currently testing several new lip liner formulas, so I can’t definitively say which is THE best right now. I still genuinely love Tom Ford Beauty and Dior. I will keep you updated on the new ones I test shortly!
This concludes my makeup recommendations! I realize it’s a lengthy list, but I aimed to cover all categories!
**Top Makeup Picks to Buy During the Sephora Sale**
The Sephora Sale is a much-anticipated event for beauty lovers, providing an excellent chance to replenish favorite products and explore new ones at discounted prices. With an extensive selection available, deciding on what to purchase can be overwhelming. Here’s a curated list of top makeup picks that are worth considering during the sale:
1. **Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation**
Praised for its broad shade range and enduring formula, Fenty Beauty’s foundation delivers a soft matte finish suitable for diverse skin types. Its buildable coverage makes it an adaptable choice for both daily wear and special occasions.
2. **Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer**
This cult-favorite concealer is renowned for its creamy texture and luminous finish. It effectively conceals dark circles and imperfections while providing a natural glow. Its long-lasting formula ensures it remains intact throughout the day.
3. **Eyeshadow Palette: Natasha Denona Glam Eyeshadow Palette**
Known for its superior pigments and blendability, the Natasha Denona Glam Palette showcases an array of neutral shades that can generate both subtle and bold looks. The palette’s versatility positions it as a staple in any makeup collection.
4. **Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara**
This iconic mascara is essential for creating voluminous, dramatic lashes. Its hourglass-shaped brush and dark formula extend lash length and fullness, making it a favorite among beauty enthusiasts.
5. **Blush: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush**
Rare Beauty’s liquid blush provides a natural, radiant finish that seamlessly melds into the skin. Available in various shades, it offers a vibrant flush of color that endures all day. Its lightweight consistency makes layering easy for an intensified effect.
6. **Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter**
Although Becca Cosmetics has been discontinued, Sephora occasionally features this cherished highlighter during sales. Renowned for its buttery feel and brilliant glow, it’s ideal for enhancing any makeup look with radiance.
7. **Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick**
Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick is celebrated for its comfortable, long-lasting formula and flattering shades. The distinct square-angled tip allows precise application, making it a go-to for achieving the ideal pout.
8. **Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray**
To ensure your makeup remains intact all day, the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is a dependable selection. Its lightweight formula effectively locks in makeup, preventing fading or smudging, even in humid environments.
9. **Brow Product: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz**
For impeccably defined brows, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is a top contender. Its fine tip enables precise application, replicating natural brow hairs, while the spoolie end assists in seamlessly blending the product for an authentic appearance.
10. **Primer: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer**
This hydrating primer is perfect for establishing a smooth base for makeup application. Its gripping formula guarantees that makeup adheres well and lasts throughout the day, making it essential for individuals with dry or combination skin.
During the Sephora Sale, these top makeup selections offer a blend of quality, effectiveness, and value. Whether you’re restocking your beauty essentials or trying new products, these choices are sure to elevate your makeup routine.
