The Sephora Savings Event for Holiday kicks off today with exclusive access for Rouge Members! Use code EVERYTHING to enjoy discounts while shopping online; here are the details for each tier:
- All Sephora Collection 30% off: 10/31 – 11/10
- Rouge members 20% off: 10/31 – 11/10
- VIBs 15% off: 11/4 – 11/10
- Insiders 10% off: 11/4 – 11/10
I’m gathering my essentials and favorites categorized accordingly. I aimed to reduce each category to my Top 3, although some sections contain more than three favorites.
Top Primers
These are my go-to primers. I seek out those that serve multiple purposes (i.e., provide SPF, enhance hydration or luminosity).
Top Foundation Formulas
I have classified the foundation and skin tint formulations into several categories based on their formula types.
Best Skin Tints/Sheer
Best Medium Coverage
Best Stick Foundations
Top Concealers
Top Setting Powders
I’ve categorized my favorites into pressed and loose options. To this day, I still favor a pressed format for 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 formula garners me the most compliments. Whenever I use Translucent or Rose, people always remark that my skin appears flawless. It really isn’t these days, but this powder effectively blurs the skin exquisitely. I pair this with the Makeup by Mario Powder Puff.
- YSL All Hours Hyper Blur Loose Setting Powder – I purchased 02 Fair Medium back in April and truly like it. It blurs, sets, and doesn’t darken. I may try the Translucent option since my skin tone is a bit lighter at the moment.
Pressed Setting Powders
Setting Spray Favorites
I don’t find myself using a setting spray frequently nowadays, but the ones I have tried and appreciated are from Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup by Mario, and NARS. All these options are lightweight and feature an ultra-fine mist.
Top Bronzers
My bronzer favorites remain unchanged from what they have been for years. I keep hoping for another new formula to fall in love with, but I keep returning to these for their tones and formulation.
Contouring
I tend to utilize bronzer as a contour instead of a traditional contour product, but three I really favor because of the tones.
Top Blushes
I’ve also divided my suggestions between powder and cream/liquid. I generally favor a powder format for longevity.
Favorite Powder Formulations
Favorite Cream or Liquid Formats
- Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint – This remains the best liquid blush formula. It’s flawless and long-lasting. The shine shades are lovely as well, but the matte formula offers better staying power. Review + swatches here.
- Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush wins for the best tones and formulation. These are on the dewy side, but my skin has been exceptionally dry this year, so I’ve been adoring them. Review + swatches here.
- Rhode Pocket Blush – I truly love these. Freckle is the finest everyday neutral. Swatches + review here.
Highlighter Favorites
Eyeshadow Palettes
Best Cream Eyeshadow
My Favorite Brow Products
My top four brow products include:
I recently got the ABH MicroStroke Detailing Brow Pen and am loving it. I’m still honing my application skills, but after trying several pens and disliking them all (some colors appeared straight-up green on me), a friend recommended the ABH one, and she was absolutely right about the tones and formulation.
Mascara Favorites
I feel like I should diversify my mascara lineup this year. I’ve been sticking to three reliable formulas that I still adore, but I believe I need to switch things up a bit.
Top Lipsticks
I have numerous lipstick favorites. It’s challenging to narrow down my top picks, but if I had to choose my top 5:
Best Liquid Lipstick
I’m still not particularly fond of liquid lipsticks since most are matte and I lean towards some form of shine or gloss, but I do believe Dior produces beautiful options!
Top Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
This is yet another favorite category of mine. I’ll link the swatches I’ve provided for each formula.
Lip Liner
Top Lip Gloss Formulas
The finest gloss formulas ranked by how often I wear them:
Favorite Makeup Tools
Quick note on some tools that I genuinely love that are accessible at Sephora.
- Hourglass Travel Brush Set – I purchased this several years ago during the Sephora Sale and it was 100% worth the investment. This set includes full-size versions.
- Ilia Brushes – These are SO underrated; I genuinely hope they expand their brush line. I believe every one I’ve tried is 10/10 amazing.
- Glossier Lip Pencil Sharpener – Not the most thrilling tool, but this is the best sharpener I’ve encountered. The way they designed the container makes it perfect for carrying in your makeup bag or while traveling.
- Makeup By Mario Powder Puff – Not all puffs are equal. Many of my favorites seem to have altered texture, but the Makeup By Mario one is ultra-soft, and I adore the 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 expense, I recommend using the Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray first with a brush pad. For stubborn creams, I then apply the Sephora Brush Cleaner, and it does wonders at eliminating cream products.
- Sephora Collection Cotton – Another essential I swear by. I do enjoy the plush cotton from other brands, but this is my most-repeated purchase.
This concludes my comprehensive makeup favorites roundup! Stay tuned for the recap for other categories very soon! Use code EVERYTHING to enjoy savings while shopping online; here are the details for each tier:
- All Sephora Collection 30% off: 10/31 – 11/10
- Rouge members 20% off: 10/31 – 11/10
- VIBs 15% off: 11/4 – 11/10
- Insiders 10% off: 11/4 – 11/10
**Essential Makeup Products to Buy at the 2025 Sephora Sale**
The 2025 Sephora Sale is imminent, and beauty lovers are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to obtain their favorite products at reduced prices. With an extensive selection available, it can be daunting to determine which products merit the investment. To assist you in navigating this year’s sale, we’ve curated a list of top makeup products that every beauty enthusiast should own.
**1. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation**
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty continues to excel in the beauty realm with its inclusive shade ranges and high-performing formulations. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is a must-have for its buildable coverage and matte finish that endures throughout the day. Ideal for all skin types, this foundation is essential for achieving a flawless complexion.
**2. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit**
Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk collection has reached iconic status, and the Pillow Talk Lip Kit is a must-have for those wanting to elevate their lip game. The kit contains a lip liner, lipstick, and gloss, all in a universally flattering nude-pink tint that complements a variety of skin tones.
**3. Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette**
Urban Decay’s Naked palettes are renowned, and the Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette is no exception. Boasting a range of warm, fiery colors, this palette is perfect for crafting sultry, smoky eye designs. The highly pigmented shades blend effortlessly, making it a versatile addition to any makeup collection.
**4. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush**
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty has swiftly become a favorite among makeup enthusiasts for its innovative and user-friendly offerings. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush stands out, providing a natural, dewy flush that is simple to apply and blend. Available in various shades, this blush is perfect for achieving a fresh, luminous look.
**5. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder**
For those aiming for a flawless, lasting finish, Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder is essential. This finely milled powder sets makeup magnificently, controls shine, and blurs imperfections. Its lightweight formula guarantees a smooth, airbrushed finish that endures all day.
**6. Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VIII: Divine Rose II Palette**
Pat McGrath is celebrated for her luxurious, top-notch products, and the Mothership VIII: Divine Rose II Palette exemplifies her artistry. With a breathtaking array of rose-inspired shades, this palette provides endless options for creating both subtle and striking eye designs. The creamy, blendable formula ensures seamless application each time.
**7. Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara**
Benefit Cosmetics has been a staple for mascara, and the They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara is revolutionary. This inventive formula utilizes magnetic technology to lift and lengthen lashes for a dramatic, eye-opening effect. It’s a necessity for anyone wanting to amplify their lashes without resorting to falsies.
**8. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer**
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a staple in numerous makeup bags for its ability to mask imperfections while delivering a natural, luminous finish. Its creamy, blendable formula is perfect for brightening the under-eye area and concealing blemishes, making it an adaptable addition to any makeup routine.
**9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz**
Attaining perfectly sculpted brows is effortless with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. This ultra-slim, retractable pencil enables precise application, mimicking the appearance of natural brow hairs. Available in an array of shades, it’s the ideal tool for defining and enhancing your brows.
**10. Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer**
For those desiring full coverage with a natural finish, the Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer is a top choice. This adaptable product can serve to conceal, contour, and highlight, making it a beneficial addition to any makeup lineup.
As you gear up for the 2025 Sephora Sale, keep these top makeup products in mind. Whether you’re looking to replenish your favorites or explore something new, these products are sure to elevate your beauty routine and assist you in achieving your desired look. Happy shopping!
