The Sephora Savings Event for the Holidays kicks off today, granting first access to Rouge Members! Utilize code EVERYTHING to enjoy savings while shopping online; here are the details by tier:
- Sephora Collection 30% discount: 10/31 – 11/10
- Rouge members 20% discount: 10/31 – 11/10
- VIBs 15% discount: 11/4 – 11/10
- Insiders 10% discount: 11/4 – 11/10
I’m compiling my essentials and favorites by category. I aimed to limit each category to my Top 3, though in a few areas, I have more than three favorites.
Top Primers
These are my top primers. I always seek those that serve multiple purposes (i.e., contain SPF, add hydration, or impart a glow).
Best Foundation Formulas
I’ve categorized foundation and skin tint bases into several different types based on their formulas.
Top Skin Tints/Sheer
Top Medium Coverage
Top Stick Foundations
Top Concealers
Top Setting Powders
I’ve organized my favorites into pressed and loose variations. Personally, I still favor a pressed option for convenience, but I find that loose powder applied with a puff tends to last longer.
Loose Powder Favorites
- Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc Free Translucent Loose Setting Powder – This setting powder formula garners me the most compliments. Whenever I use Translucent or Rose, people often comment that my skin appears flawless. It’s really not these days, but this powder truly helps to blur the complexion beautifully. I use the Makeup by Mario Powder Puff with this product.
- YSL All Hours Hyper Blur Loose Setting Powder – I purchased 02 Fair Medium back in April and really enjoy it. It blurs, sets, and doesn’t darken. I might explore the Translucent version since my skin tone is slightly lighter at the moment.
Pressed Setting Powders
Favorite Setting Sprays
I don’t often reach for a setting spray these days, but the ones I have used and liked include Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup by Mario, and NARS. All of these are lightweight with an ultra-fine mist.
Top Bronzers
My bronzer favorites remain unchanged from previous years. I continually hope for a new formulation to fall for, yet I consistently return to these for their tones and formulas.
Contour
I usually utilize bronzer as a contour instead of relying on traditional contour products, but there are three I particularly like for their tones.
Top Blushes
I’ve also separated my suggestions into powder and cream/liquid formats. I generally prefer a powder version 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 flawless and long-lasting. The shine shades are lovely too, but the matte formula excels in lasting power. Review + swatches here.
- Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush claims the title for best tones and formula. These lean dewy, but this year my skin has been especially dry, so I’ve been adoring them. Review + swatches here.
- Rhode Pocket Blush – I still have a strong affection for these. Freckle is my top everyday neutral. Swatches + review here.
Highlighter Favorites
Eyeshadow Palettes
Best Cream Eyeshadow
<h2Go-To Brow Products
My leading four brow products include:
I recently acquired the ABH MicroStroke Detailing Brow Pen and I adore it. I’m still perfecting the application, but after experimenting with several pens and disliking all of them (some shades appeared straight-up green on me), a friend suggested the ABH one, and she was spot-on regarding the tones and formula.
Mascara Favorites
I feel the need to broaden my mascara repertoire this year. I’ve been sticking to three tried-and-true formulas that I still love dearly, but it’s time for some variation.
Top Lipsticks
I have numerous lipstick favorites. It’s challenging to narrow down, but if I had to choose my top 5:
Best Liquid Lipstick
I’m still not fully invested in liquid lipsticks since most tend to be matte, and I prefer some shine or gloss, but I do believe Dior makes magnificent ones!
Favorite Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
This is another favorite category of mine. I’ll link the swatches I’ve shared for each formula.
Lip Liner
Top Lip Gloss Formulas
The best gloss formulas ranked by how frequently I wear them:
Favorite Makeup Tools
A quick shoutout to some tools I truly cherish that are available at Sephora.
- Hourglass Travel Brush Set – I purchased this several years ago during the Sephora Sale, and it was absolutely worth the investment. This set includes full-size options.
- Ilia Brushes – These are incredibly underrated; I genuinely hope they expand their brush line. Every one I’ve tried is a perfect 10.
- Glossier Lip Pencil Sharpener – While not the most thrilling tool, this is the best sharpener I’ve encountered. Its container design makes it perfect for carrying in your makeup bag or on the go.
- Makeup By Mario Powder Puff – Not all puffs are equal. Many of my favorites seem to have altered textures, but the Makeup By Mario one is super soft, and I adore its size and shape.
- Sephora Collection Brush Cleaner – This is the top cleaner for removing creams from your brushes (foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, blush, etc.). Since it is pricey, I recommend first using Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray along with a brush pad. For stubborn creams, I then utilize the Sephora Brush Cleaner, which works wonders for erasing cream products.
- Sephora Collection Cotton – Another essential I swear by. I enjoy plush cotton from other brands, but this one is my most-repurchased item.
That concludes my extensive makeup favorites roundup! Stay tuned for the breakdown of additional categories coming soon! Use code EVERYTHING to save when shopping online; here are the details by tier:
- All Sephora Collection 30% discount: 10/31 – 11/10
- Rouge members 20% discount: 10/31 – 11/10
- VIBs 15% discount: 11/4 – 11/10
- Insiders 10% discount: 11/4 – 11/10
**Top Makeup Selections for the 2025 Sephora Sale**
The highly-anticipated 2025 Sephora Sale has arrived, and beauty aficionados are primed to stock up on their favorite items. With an abundance of brands and new launches, selecting what to buy can be daunting. Here’s a curated collection of essential makeup picks that are must-haves this year.
**1. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation**
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty maintains its impressive reputation with its inclusive shade range and high-quality formulas. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation provides a flawless finish with buildable coverage, ideal for those desiring a matte appearance without heaviness.
**2. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray**
Recognized for her opulent products, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is revolutionary. It secures makeup for up to 16 hours, ensuring your look remains fresh throughout the day. Its hydrating formula caters to all skin types.
**3. Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX: Huetopian Dream Palette**
Pat McGrath’s eyeshadow palettes have attained legendary status, and Mothership IX is no different. Showcasing a blend of vibrant and neutral shades, this palette allows for countless stunning eye looks. The buttery texture and rich pigmentation make it a worthy purchase.
**4. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush**
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty has rapidly gained favor for its innovative and user-friendly offerings. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush provides a natural, dewy flush that seamlessly blends into the skin. With an array of shades, there’s a perfect option for every skin tone.
**5. Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Double-Ended Mascara**
For those in search of dramatic lashes, Huda Beauty’s Legit Lashes Mascara is essential. This double-ended mascara features volumizing and lengthening sides, enabling you to personalize your lash appearance. Its long-wearing formula prevents smudging or flaking.
**6. Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil**
Dior’s Lip Glow Oil has garnered a cult following for its nourishing, glossy finish. Enriched with cherry oil, it delivers deep hydration while enhancing your natural lip hue. It’s ideal for achieving that effortless, no-makeup look.
**7. Natasha Denona Bronze Cheek Face Glow Palette**
This multi-functional palette from Natasha Denona features cream and powder formulas to sculpt and highlight the face. The warm, bronzy tones are perfect for creating a sun-kissed glow, making it indispensable for both everyday use and special events.
**8. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil**
Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil remains a top pick for its creamy texture and durability. Available in a vast array of colors, these pencils are perfect for adding vibrant touches or precisely defining the eyes.
**9. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer**
An essential in numerous makeup bags, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer offers superb coverage while preserving a natural look. Its creamy texture is ideal for illuminating the under-eye area and concealing imperfections without creasing.
**10. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette**
Hourglass is renowned for its ambient lighting powders, and this palette combines three of their top-selling shades. It blurs imperfections and creates a soft-focus effect, making it a go-to for achieving a luminous complexion.
These top selections from the 2025 Sephora Sale offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to refresh your makeup stash or explore something new. Happy shopping!
