The Holiday Sephora Savings Event begins today with exclusive access for Rouge Members! Utilize code EVERYTHING to enjoy savings while shopping online; here are the specifics for each tier:
- All Sephora Collection 30% discount: 10/31 – 11/10
- 20% discount for Rouge members: 10/31 – 11/10
- 15% discount for VIBs: 11/4 – 11/10
- 10% discount for Insiders: 11/4 – 11/10
I’m compiling my essentials and favorites categorized. I aimed to limit each category to my Top 3, but some sections contain more than three favorites.
Top Primers
These are my top choice primers. I seek those that serve multiple purposes (i.e., provide SPF, enhance hydration or radiance).
Preferred Foundation Formulas
I categorized foundation and skin tint bases by their formulas.
Top Skin Tints/Sheer
Top Medium Coverage
Top Stick Foundations
Top Concealers
Favorite Setting Powders
I’ve categorized my favorites into pressed and loose variations. I still favor a pressed format for its convenience, but I find that loose powder applied with a puff lasts longer.
Loose Powder Favorites
- Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc Free Translucent Loose Setting Powder – This setting powder consistently earns me the most compliments. Whenever I use Translucent or Rose, people remark on how flawless my skin appears. It’s really not these days, but this powder truly blurs the skin beautifully. I pair this with the Makeup by Mario Powder Puff.
- YSL All Hours Hyper Blur Loose Setting Powder – I picked up 02 Fair Medium back in April, and I really like it. It blurs, sets, and doesn’t darken. I may try the Translucent formula since my skin tone is a bit lighter at the moment.
Pressed Setting Powders
Favored Setting Sprays
I don’t use setting sprays frequently these days, but the ones I’ve tried and enjoyed are from Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup by Mario, and NARS. All are lightweight with an ultra-fine mist.
Top Bronzers
My bronzer favorites have remained unchanged for years. I keep hoping for a new formula to fall in love with, but I always return to these for their tones and formula.
Contour
I typically use bronzer as a contour instead of a traditional contour product, but there are three that I truly like for their tones.
Best Blushes
I’ve also categorized my recommendations between powder and cream/liquid. I generally prefer powder for longevity.
Preferred Powder Formulas
Preferred Cream or Liquid Formats
- Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint – This remains the top formula for liquid blush. It’s perfect and long-lasting. The shine shades are lovely too, but the matte formula offers better longevity. Review + swatches here.
- Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush stands out for its stunning tones and formula. These lean toward the dewy side, but my skin has been exceptionally dry this year, making them a favorite. Review + swatches here.
- Rhode Pocket Blush – I truly enjoy these. Freckle is the best everyday neutral. Swatches + review here.
Highlighter Favorites
Eyeshadow Palettes
Top Cream Eyeshadow
Essential Brow Products
My top four brow products include:
I recently purchased the ABH MicroStroke Detailing Brow Pen and adore it. I’m still mastering the application, but after trying multiple pens and disliking them all (some colors appeared green on me), a friend recommended the ABH one, and she was spot on regarding tones and formula.
Mascaras I Love
I feel the need to diversify my mascara collection this year. I’ve been sticking to three reliable formulas that I genuinely adore, but I think it’s time to switch things up a bit.
Top Lipsticks
I have numerous lipstick loves. Narrowing down my favorites is tough, but if I had to choose my top 5:
Best Liquid Lipstick
I’m still not particularly into liquid lipsticks since most are matte and I prefer some shine or gloss, but I believe Dior creates beautiful options!
Favorite Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
This is another favorite category of mine. I’ll link the swatches I have shared of each formula.
Lip Liner
Top Lip Gloss Formulas
The best gloss formulas ranked by how often I wear them:
Favorite Makeup Tools
Quick shoutout to some tools I genuinely love that are available at Sephora.
- Hourglass Travel Brush Set – I bought this several years back during the Sephora Sale, and it was absolutely worth the investment. This set includes full-size options.
- Ilia Brushes – These are incredibly underrated, and I truly hope they expand their brush line. Every one I’ve tried rates 10/10 amazing.
- Glossier Lip Pencil Sharpener – While not the most thrilling tool, this is the best sharpener I’ve encountered. The design of the container makes it perfect for carrying in your makeup bag or for travel.
- Makeup By Mario Powder Puff – Not all puffs are created equal. Many of my favorites have altered texture, but the Makeup By Mario one is incredibly soft, and I love its size and shape.
- Sephora Collection Brush Cleaner – This is the finest cleaner for removing creams from your brushes (foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, blush, etc.). Given its priciness, I suggest using the Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray first with a brush pad. For stubborn creams, I then utilize the Sephora Brush Cleaner, and it effectively removes cream products.
- Sephora Collection Cotton – A staple I cannot live without. I do appreciate plush cotton from other brands, but this one is the one I repurchase most often.
This concludes my comprehensive makeup favorites roundup! Stay tuned for the roundup on additional categories very soon! Use code EVERYTHING to save while shopping online; here are the specifics for each tier:
- All Sephora Collection 30% discount: 10/31 – 11/10
- 20% discount for Rouge members: 10/31 – 11/10
- 15% discount for VIBs: 11/4 – 11/10
- 10% discount for Insiders: 11/4 – 11/10
**Best Makeup Selections to Purchase at the 2025 Sephora Sale**
The annual Sephora Sale is an eagerly awaited event for beauty lovers, presenting the opportunity to purchase premium products at reduced prices. As we anticipate the 2025 sale, here are some highly recommended makeup items to consider adding to your collection.
**1. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation**
Fenty Beauty remains a favorite among makeup enthusiasts for its inclusive shade range and high-performance formulas. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is celebrated for its buildable coverage and long-lasting wear, making it essential for anyone seeking a flawless complexion.
**2. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick**
Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk collection has garnered cult status, and the iconic Pillow Talk Lipstick is a must-have. Its universally flattering nude-pink shade suits a variety of skin tones, while its creamy texture ensures comfortable wear throughout the day.
**3. Natasha Denona Glam Palette**
For eyeshadow aficionados, the Natasha Denona Glam Palette presents a stunning selection of neutral shades ideal for crafting both everyday and dramatic looks. Renowned for its buttery texture and remarkable pigmentation, this palette is a worthwhile investment for any makeup collection.
**4. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush**
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez has quickly gained popularity thanks to its innovative and user-friendly products. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush imparts a natural flush of color with a lightweight formula that seamlessly blends into the skin. Available in various shades, it’s suitable for all skin tones.
**5. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer**
Pat McGrath Labs epitomizes luxury and quality, and the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer is no exception. This creamy, full-coverage concealer is perfect for brightening under the eyes and concealing imperfections without creasing.
**6. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder**
Setting your makeup is essential for longevity, and Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder stands out as a top choice. Its finely milled formula blurs pores and controls shine, ensuring a flawless finish that endures all day.
**7. Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara**
For those in search of dramatic lashes, the Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara delivers impressive results. Its groundbreaking formula and brush design collaborate to lift and elongate lashes, giving a false-lash effect without the fuss.
**8. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray**
A favorite for a good reason, the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is vital for securing your makeup look. Its lightweight mist guarantees that your makeup stays intact, even through heat and humidity, making it a dependable choice for any occasion.
**9. Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush**
The Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush is adored for its ability to adjust to your skin’s moisture level, creating a custom rosy flush. Its natural finish and buildable formula make it an adaptable addition to any makeup routine.
**10. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette**
For a luminous complexion, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is an excellent option. This palette showcases finely milled powders that replicate various lighting effects, producing a soft-focus finish that enhances your natural glow.
As you gear up for the 2025 Sephora Sale, these top makeup selections provide a mix of innovation, quality, and performance. Whether replenishing your favorites or exploring something new, these products are sure to enhance your beauty routine.
