The Sephora Savings Event Sale has returned with exclusive early access for Rouge members! Discounts can be utilized during the following dates using the code SPRINGSALE:
- Rouge Members enjoy 20% off from 4/10 to 4/20
- VIB Members receive 15% off from 4/14 to 4/20
- Insiders benefit from 10% off from 4/14 to 4/20
- All items from Sephora Collection discounted by 30%
Here are my top recommendations for makeup organized by category.
Primers/Complexion Boosters
I generally don’t use primers as I lean towards moisturizers that offer multiple benefits. Here are some multi-functional products that you can also use as primers or complexion enhancers.
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Stick – This glowy foundation stick initially appeared to be a glittery disaster on the skin. It is creamy without being sticky. Several readers reached out to share that they employed it as an all-over primer base, layering concealer and powder on top for a perfect natural radiance. I followed their suggestions and adored the outcome.
One/Size by Patrick Starrr Base Thinner – After trying the Bronze base thinner from a press sample, I was instantly smitten. It’s versatile and can be used in many ways, but I prefer mixing it with my preferred foundations to achieve a more natural glowy look. I purchased Pearlescent Pink to experiment with, but Bronze is noticeably darker than my complexion, providing a bronzed effect, whereas Pearlescent Pink appears more natural.
Saie Glowy Super Gel – Another favorite for dry skin or when my foundations seem dry or patchy. I like to add a pump of this to my liquid foundation for an added glow.
Refy Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer – One of the few primers I appreciate due to its lightweight texture; it doesn’t feel heavy.
Top Foundations
These are my four go-to foundations from Sephora.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick – My most-used foundation since 2024. I occasionally mix shades, but currently, 3N is my ideal match. I adore the coverage and blending ease, along with its convenience of application. (P.S. I tried the new Forever Skin Glow Foundation formula, which sadly felt drying on my skin, despite its “glowy” claim.) Demonstration available here.
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation SPF 40 – This remains my favorite CC+ cream with SPF as it’s less thick compared to most CC+ options.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – The new formula performs similarly to the original on my skin. I still cherish this for a naturally radiant finish that isn’t overly shiny. Experience it in action here.
m.ph Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation – I’m fond of this newer formula. While I wouldn’t classify it as truly “weightless,” I definitely feel it on my skin once it sets. Still love it for its medium, natural-looking coverage. I’m between shades 150 and 170 (requires mixing). Demo here.
Top Concealers
I don’t frequently use concealer nowadays, as I find my foundations often provide sufficient coverage. Here are my top picks from Sephora.
Prada Beauty Micro-Correcting Concealer – A lightweight medium coverage blurring concealer that I particularly enjoy using under the eyes! Demonstration and swatches available here.
YSL Touche Eclat Concealer Pen – My go-to for under-eye brightening. It features a thinner formula, yet remains luminous and emollient. While it won’t completely conceal dark circles, I appreciate its brightening effect.
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer – The ultimate multi-functional creamy concealer. It doesn’t crease or cake, and its longevity is impressive.
Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer – A new formula offering decent coverage beneath the eyes. It’s neither too thick nor sheer, providing a blurring and self-setting effect. I love using both Ilia and Hourglass concealer brushes.
Setting Powder
Currently, I’m exclusively using the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. I appreciate both the Original and Talc-Free versions. It’s one of the few loose powders that doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin.
Favorite Blushes
I have an extensive collection of favorite blushes, loving the chance to explore new shades and formulas, but if I must choose only five, here are my selections.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème + Powder Duo – I adore the color selections and the option to layer the cream over the powder or wear them individually. I always bring at least one shade when I travel. Selected shades are available in mini sizes too.
Prada Touch Cream-To-Powder Soft Blur Blushes are newly launched, and I absolutely adore them. These cream blushes dry down to a beautiful satin finish. I apply them with my fingers. So far, I’ve tried Peach and Tulip, and I love the tones; I’ll 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 my current powder blush of choice. The shimmery and matte options are stunning. They possess a silky smooth texture that is truly delightful. If I had to select one shade, it would be 44B Nude Lavalliere! Review + swatches here.
Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint is the finest long-lasting formula for a liquid blush. Many other formulas fall short on longevity, but these provide a pleasant dry down and remain in place without appearing or feeling heavy.
rhode Pocket Blush – Currently my top choice for a cream blush formula. They are incredibly easy to apply and blend. I typically take Freckle and Piggy on trips with me.
Bronzer
Dior Forever Skin Bronze Bronzing Balm Stick – If there’s one cream bronzer to buy, make it this one from Dior. Swatches of three shades can be found here; it’s the best satin finish cream bronzer I’ve experienced, and I really enjoy the color options. They’re perfectly balanced, not overly orange or too cool-toned! Swatches here.
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer – A natural cream bronzer similar to the Merit stick one. I cherish this product for its realistic appearance on the skin.
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer – I’ve also been reaching for this, despite initially thinking it was too sheer for my preferences. I’m aiming to use less bronzer, and a lighter application seems more flattering for my skin tone.
Top Highlighters
Sarah Creal Today’s Highlights Peptide Balm – The best dewy highlight I’ve encountered, as it feels neither sticky nor tacky. This smooth balm provides a sheer, natural-looking finish that makes the skin radiate.
Hourglass Unreal Radiant Glow Liquid Highlighter – I recently swatched these, but a detailed review will be coming soon! This new formula from Hourglass includes a new Highlighter Brush. For a liquid highlight, it gets a 10/10. It applies smoothly and is easy to manage, without being too frosty or glittery, and it offers a lovely dry down. Check the swatches here.
Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Liquid – This will always be among my favorites. If choosing just one, I’d select either Peachy or Nude.
Prada Light Glowing Highlighter Powder – A wonderful choice for a powder highlight, the glow is absolutely stunning! See swatches here.
Eyeshadow Favorites
Anything from Natasha Denona is phenomenal; I still adore I Need a Warm and I Need a Nude (swatches here and here).
Prada Dimensions Multi-Effect Refillable Eyeshadow in 8 Pansy is my favorite palette of the year so far (swatches here).
Merit Solo Shadow – Fantastic for achieving a one-and-done shadow look. My top three recommendations are Vachetta, Glace, and Surrealism.
For an all-matte palette, the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Original ties with the Patrick Ta Matte Palettes (I appreciate all the shades, but Medium is my personal favorite).
Eyeliner/Mascara/Brows
Anastasia Brow Definer – A classic staple, but I’ve just ordered the ArchiBrow Microblade Detailing Pencil and I’m in love; the packaging is innovative, and the application is extremely detailed and fine.
Glossier Boy Brow Arch Pencil – A formula favorite, but the pencil runs out too quickly! I stopped repurchasing as I found it used up SO fast.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing XL – Still the best non-smudging mascara I’ve encountered.
Diorshow Overvolume Extreme Volume Waterproof – I love this new formula more than other Dior mascara options.
Lip Gloss
<pAs a lip gloss enthusiast, it’s challenging for me to narrow down my favorites, but I always return to these five.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer – Forever a Dior lip gloss fan!!!!!
REFY Lip Gloss – They feature the best neutral tones available.
Lawless Forget the Filler Gloss – Some shades may be too light for me, but I highly recommend Cherry Vanilla for that perfect glossy pout.
Sarah Creal – This formula and its colors are incredible. They are fresh and provide just the right touch of color. These are the ones I took on all my trips last year.
Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
I spare no effort to explore the latest and greatest in balms or oils.
Patrick Ta Major Moisture Tinted Lip Balm – A delightful surprise! I appreciate the good pigment in these balms. Pink Salted Caramel on the lips showcased here.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter – A classic that always resides in my purse; I love the limited-edition duo they recently launched.
YSL everything – This is the moment to save! I adore these products, but they are pricey. I can’t help but notice how expensive lip products have become. I still recall when Tom Ford released a $50 lipstick and everyone was in an uproar. Now it seems like nearly everything carries a similar price tag.
Dior Lip Glow Oil – I adore the new formula for its cushy, glassy finish. Swatches available in this post here.
My Favorite Lipsticks
YSL Candy Glaze, but honestly YSL in general! They consistently release top-notch formulas and colors, especially loving the Candy Glaze in Shade 13.
Prada Monochrome Soft Matte Blur Lipstick – Still the finest matte lipstick I’ve ever tried.
Dior Rouge Dior On Stage Lipstick – Iconic Rose is the ultimate nude pink.
Gucci Glow and Care Shine Lipstick – A classic I can’t do without, particularly in Sally Soft Honey or Julie Blush.
NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick – I adore this for its glossy finish.
Lip Liner
I am currently testing several new lip liner formulas, so I can’t definitively state which is the best. However, I still genuinely love Tom Ford Beauty and Dior. I will keep you updated on the new ones I try shortly!
This concludes my makeup recommendations! I realize it’s quite an extensive list, but I wanted to cover every category!
**Top Makeup Selections to Purchase During the Sephora Sale**
The Sephora Sale is a much-awaited occasion for beauty lovers, providing an ideal chance to replenish favorite items and experiment with new ones at a reduced price. With so many alternatives, it can feel daunting to make a decision. Here’s a selected list of top makeup recommendations to consider during the Sephora Sale.
**1. Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation**
Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Foundation is a favorite among many due to its vast shade range and long-lasting matte finish. It offers buildable coverage that feels light on the skin, making it perfect for daily wear and special events.
**2. Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer**
This beloved concealer is renowned for its creamy consistency and exceptional coverage. It effectively hides dark circles and imperfections while delivering a radiant finish that doesn’t crease throughout the day.
**3. Eyeshadow Palette: Natasha Denona Glam Palette**
The Natasha Denona Glam Palette is perfect for crafting various eye looks, from subtle to bold. With a mix of matte, shimmer, and metallic shades, this palette provides versatility and high pigmentation.
**4. Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara**
Known for its volumizing and lengthening capabilities, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is essential for anyone desiring captivating lashes. Its hourglass-shaped brush ensures even application and separation.
**5. Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner**
Praised for its precision and durability, this eyeliner stays intact all day without smudging or fading, making it excellent for extended wear.
**6. Blush: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush**
Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush offers a natural hint of color that melds seamlessly into the skin. Its lightweight formula is easy to apply and buildable, allowing for personalized intensity.
**7. Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter**
Although Becca has been discontinued, Sephora occasionally has remaining stock during sales. This highlighter is cherished for its silky texture and radiant finish that enhances the skin’s natural glow.
**8. Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick**
Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick is beloved for its comfortable matte formula and flattering hues. The iconic Pillow Talk shade is a versatile nude-pink that suits a wide array of skin tones.
**9. Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray**
This setting spray is well-loved for its ability to keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours. It’s ideal for ensuring your makeup looks fresh and impeccable all day and night.
**10. Brow Product: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz**
The Brow Wiz is a precise pencil designed for detailed brow shaping and filling. Its fine tip replicates natural brow hairs, and the spoolie brush assists in blending the product for a seamless finish.
These top makeup picks available during the Sephora Sale provide a fantastic mix of essentials and indulgent items that can elevate any beauty routine. Whether you’re restocking tried-and-true favorites or discovering new options, these selections promise to offer quality and performance.
