The Sephora Savings Event for the Holidays kicks off today, giving Rouge Members first access! Utilize code EVERYTHING to enjoy savings while shopping online. Here are the specifics by 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 organized by category. I aimed to limit each category to my Top 3, but there are some sections where I have more than three favorites.
Top Primers
Here are my go-to primers. I seek out those that serve multiple purposes (such as offering SPF, hydration, or a luminous finish).
Top Foundation Formulas
I’ve categorized foundation and skin tint bases into several types based on their formula.
Top Skin Tints/Sheer
Top Medium Coverage
Top Stick Foundations
Top Concealers
Top Setting Powders
I’ve divided my favorites into pressed and loose variations. I still find pressed powders more convenient, but I believe that loose powders applied with a puff last longer.
Loose Powder Favorites
- Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc Free Translucent Loose Setting Powder – This setting powder formula garners the most compliments. Whenever I use Translucent or Rose, people always remark that my skin appears flawless. It’s not quite true these days, but this powder genuinely blurs the skin 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 in April and truly like it. It blurs, sets, and doesn’t darken. I might try the Translucent formulation since my skin tone is a bit lighter currently.
Pressed Setting Powders
Setting Spray Favorites
I don’t often use setting spray these days, but those I have tried and liked are from Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup by Mario, and NARS. All of these options are lightweight with a super fine mist.
Top Bronzers
My favorite bronzers remain unchanged from past years. I continually hope for a new formulation to fall in love with, but I tend to stick with these due to their tones and formula.
Contour
I generally use bronzer as a contour rather than a traditional contour product, but I particularly enjoy three because of their tones.
Top Blushes
I’ve divided my recommendations into powder and cream/liquid formats. I usually prefer powder for its longevity.
Top Powder Formulations
Top Cream or Liquid Formats
- Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint – This remains the best liquid blush formulation. It’s flawless and long-lasting. The shine shades are lovely too, but the matte formula offers better durability. Review + swatches here.
- Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush is the winner for the best tones and formulation. These tend to be on the dewy side, but this year my skin has been particularly dry, so I’ve been loving them. Review + swatches here.
- Rhode Pocket Blush – I’m still very fond of these. Freckle is the ideal everyday neutral. Swatches + review here.
Highlighter Favorites
Eyeshadow Palettes
Top Cream Eyeshadow
<h2Favorite Brow Products
My top four brow products are:
I recently acquired the ABH MicroStroke Detailing Brow Pen and adore it. I’m still perfecting my application, but after trying numerous pens and disliking them (some shades appeared straight-up green on me), a friend recommended the ABH version, and she was spot on with the tones and formulation.
Mascara Favorites
I feel like I should diversify my mascara options this year. I’ve been loyal to three reliable formulas which I still love, but I think I might need to switch things up a bit.
Top Lipsticks
There are so many lipsticks I adore. Narrowing down my favorites is challenging, but if I had to choose my top 5:
Top Liquid Lipstick
I’m still not too keen on liquid lipsticks since most are matte and I prefer some shine or gloss; however, I do think Dior creates beautiful ones!
Top Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
This is yet another favorite category of mine. I’ll link the swatches I’ve shared of each formulation.
Lip Liner
Top Lip Gloss Formulas
The best gloss formulas ranked by how frequently I wear them:
Favorite Makeup Tools
A quick mention of some tools that I genuinely appreciate, available at Sephora.
- Hourglass Travel Brush Set – I purchased this a few years back during the Sephora Sale, and it was definitely worth the splurge. This set includes full-size options.
- Ilia Brushes – These are greatly underrated, and I sincerely hope they expand their line of brushes. Every brush I’ve tried has been incredible.
- Glossier Lip Pencil Sharpener – Not the most thrilling tool, but this is the best sharpener I’ve come across. Its container design makes it ideal for travel or for keeping in your makeup bag.
- Makeup By Mario Powder Puff – Not all puffs are created equal. Many of my favorites have changed textures, but the Makeup By Mario puff is incredibly soft, and I love its size and shape.
- Sephora Collection Brush Cleaner – This is the best cleaner for removing creams from your brushes (foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, blush, etc.). Given its cost, I recommend using Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray first with a brush pad. For any stubborn creams, I follow up with the Sephora Brush Cleaner, which effectively removes cream products.
- Sephora Collection Cotton – Another essential I swear by. I appreciate the plush cotton from other brands, but this one is my top-repurchase item.
This concludes my extensive roundup of makeup favorites! Stay tuned for more category roundups coming soon! Use code EVERYTHING for savings while shopping online. Here are the specifics by 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
**Top Makeup Recommendations for the Sephora Sale 2025**
The Sephora Sale is a highly awaited event for beauty lovers, presenting an opportunity to acquire premium products at a reduced cost. As we eagerly anticipate the 2025 sale, here are some key makeup recommendations that are essential.
**1. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation**
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty remains at the forefront of the industry with its diverse shade range and high-performance formulations. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is a must-have for anyone seeking a flawless, long-lasting finish. Featuring buildable coverage and a shine-free formula, this foundation is perfect for all-day wear.
**2. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit**
The Pillow Talk collection from Charlotte Tilbury has gained iconic status, and the Lip Kit is essential for any makeup enthusiast. Encompassing the universally flattering Pillow Talk shade, this kit includes a lip liner and matte lipstick that create the perfect pout every time.
**3. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush**
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty has rapidly become a favorite for its groundbreaking products and empowering message. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is a highlight, offering a natural, dewy flush that integrates seamlessly into the skin. With various shades suitable for all skin tones, it’s an adaptable addition to any makeup bag.
**4. Natasha Denona Glam Palette**
For eyeshadow lovers, the Natasha Denona Glam Palette is a dream come true. Renowned for her exceptional formulas and stunning color stories, Natasha Denona delivers a palette that allows for countless possibilities in creating both everyday and dramatic looks.
**5. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer**
Celebrated makeup artist Pat McGrath infuses her expertise into this luxurious concealer, delivering full coverage with a natural finish. The Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer is ideal for brightening the under-eye area and masking imperfections without creasing or settling.
**6. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder**
Huda Kattan’s Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder has become a cult favorite for its flawless setting capabilities. With a smooth, lightweight formula, this powder blurs pores and fine lines, ensuring a lasting, matte finish.
**7. Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette**
The Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette is a versatile item that can be used for highlighting, blushing, and bronzing. Its finely milled powders and radiant finish make this palette perfect for achieving a lit-from-within glow.
**8. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray**
To guarantee your makeup stays intact all day and night, the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is indispensable. This cult classic secures your look with a weightless, temperature-resistant formula that prevents fading and smudging.
**9. Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara**
For lashes that defy gravity, look no further than Benefit’s They’re Real! Magnet Mascara. This innovative formula employs magnetic technology to lift and lengthen lashes dramatically, creating a wide-eyed look.
**10. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz**
No makeup look is complete without impeccably groomed brows, and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is the ultimate tool for achieving them. With its ultra-fine tip and smudge-proof formula, this pencil allows for precise, natural-looking strokes.
As the Sephora Sale 2025 approaches, these top recommendations present a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your makeup collection with some of the finest products available in the beauty world. Whether you aim to restock your favorites or try something new, these selections are bound to elevate your beauty routine.
