The Holiday Sephora Savings Event kicks off today, giving Rouge Members the first access! Apply code EVERYTHING for savings when shopping online; here are the tier-specific details:
- 30% off all Sephora Collection: 10/31 – 11/10
- 20% off for Rouge members: 10/31 – 11/10
- 15% off for VIBs: 11/4 – 11/10
- 10% off for Insiders: 11/4 – 11/10
I’m compiling my essentials and favorites categorized for easy browsing. I attempted to limit each category to my Top 3, although some sections contain more than three picks.
Top Primers
Here are my preferred primers. I aim for multi-functional ones (like those with SPF or that provide hydration and glow).
Top Foundation Formulations
I’ve categorized foundation and skin tint bases into various groups based on their formulation.
Best Skin Tints/Sheer
Best Medium Coverage
Best Stick Foundations
Top Concealers
Best Setting Powders
I’ve divided my favorites into pressed and loose types. Personally, I still lean towards a pressed format for ease of use, even though I find that loose powder applied with a puff has a longer-lasting effect.
Loose Powder Favorites
- Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc Free Translucent Loose Setting Powder – This is the setting powder that earns me the most compliments. Whenever I wear Translucent or Rose, people remark that my skin appears flawless. It’s not really these days, but this powder truly excels at blurring the skin beautifully. I pair it 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 enjoy it. It blurs and sets without darkening. I might consider trying the Translucent formula since my skin tone is somewhat lighter at the moment.
Pressed Setting Powders
Setting Spray Favorites
Though I don’t utilize a setting spray frequently these days, the ones I have sampled and enjoyed come from Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup by Mario, and NARS. All are lightweight with a super fine mist.
Top Bronzers
My bronzer favorites remain unchanged after all these years. I keep hoping to discover a new formulation to love, but I continue to rely on these for their shades and formulas.
Contour
I often use bronzer as a contour rather than a traditional contour product, but I genuinely like three of them for their tones.
Top Blushes
I’ve categorized my recommendations into powder and cream/liquid versions, with a preference for powder for longevity.
Favorite Powder Formulations
Favorite 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 as well, but the matte formula has superior staying power. Review + swatches here.
- Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush wins for the best tones and formula. They lean towards dewy, but this year, my skin has been particularly dry, making me appreciate them even more. Review + swatches here.
- Rhode Pocket Blush – I still have a strong affection for these. Freckle is the ultimate everyday neutral. Swatches + review here.
Highlighter Loves
Eyeshadow Palettes
Best Cream Eyeshadow
Essential Brow Products
My top four brow products are:
I recently picked up the ABH MicroStroke Detailing Brow Pen and adore it. I’m still perfecting the application, but after trying multiple pens and disliking them (some shades appeared almost green on me), a friend suggested the ABH one, and she was spot on regarding its tones and formula.
Mascara Favorites
I feel it’s time to diversify my mascara selection this year. I’ve been sticking to three go-to formulas that I absolutely love, but I think I need to shake things up a bit.
Top Lipsticks
I’ve got an abundance of lipstick favorites. Narrowing them down is tough, but if I had to choose my top 5:
Best Liquid Lipstick
I’m still not particularly fond of liquid lipsticks because many are matte, and I prefer some sheen or gloss; however, I find Dior’s options quite beautiful!
Top Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
This is another category I adore. I’ll link the swatches I’ve shared of each formula.
Lip Liner
Best Lip Gloss Formulas
The top gloss formulas ranked by how frequently I wear them:
Favorite Makeup Tools
Quick note on some tools I truly love that are available at Sephora.
- Hourglass Travel Brush Set – I bought this several years ago during the Sephora Sale, and it was totally worth the investment. This set includes full-size options.
- Ilia Brushes – These are SO underrated; I really hope they develop a complete line. Every brush I’ve tried is 10/10 incredible.
- Glossier Lip Pencil Sharpener – Not the most thrilling tool, but it’s the best sharpener I’ve found. Its container design makes it perfect for traveling or carrying in your makeup bag.
- Makeup By Mario Powder Puff – Not all puffs are created equal. Many of my favorites seem to have changed in texture, but the Makeup By Mario version is exceptionally 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.). Since it’s a bit pricey, I recommend using Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray first with a brush pad. For stubborn creams, I then use the Sephora Brush Cleaner, which works wonders on cream products.
- Sephora Collection Cotton – Another must-have I swear by. I do appreciate plush cotton from other brands, but this one is my most frequently repurchased item.
That concludes my comprehensive makeup favorites roundup! Stay tuned for additional category roundups coming soon! Use code EVERYTHING for online savings; here are the tier specifics:
- 30% off all Sephora Collection: 10/31 – 11/10
- 20% off for Rouge members: 10/31 – 11/10
- 15% off for VIBs: 11/4 – 11/10
- 10% off for Insiders: 11/4 – 11/10
**Top Makeup Recommendations for the Sephora Sale 2025**
The Sephora Sale is a much-anticipated event among beauty aficionados, providing an ideal chance to stock up on loved items and test new products at a discounted rate. As we anticipate the sale in 2025, here are some standout makeup recommendations to keep in mind:
1. **Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation**
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty brand continues to wow with its diverse shade selection and enduring formula. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation is renowned for its buildable coverage and shine-free result, establishing it as a favorite for many.
2. **Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick**
A beloved classic, the Pillow Talk lipstick offers a universally flattering nude-pink hue that elevates your natural lip tone. Its creamy formula and long-lasting performance make it a must-have in any makeup arsenal.
3. **NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer**
This award-winning concealer delivers incredible coverage while retaining a natural, luminous finish. It’s perfect for brightening under-eye areas and concealing imperfections without looking cakey.
4. **Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette**
Huda Beauty’s Nude Obsessions Palette provides a versatile selection of shades suited for both daytime and evening looks. With its easily blendable formula and rich pigmentation, it makes a worthy addition to any eyeshadow collection.
5. **Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz**
Achieving perfectly sculpted brows is effortless with the Brow Wiz. Its fine tip allows for accurate application, while the spoolie brush ensures blending for a seamless look. Available in various shades, it’s essential for brow enthusiasts.
6. **Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara**
Famed for its volumizing and lengthening capabilities, the Better Than Sex Mascara is a fan-favorite for a reason. Its hourglass brush ensures every lash is coated for a bold, full-lash effect.
7. **Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush**
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty line has rapidly gained acclaim, with the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush as a standout product. Its lightweight formula blends effortlessly into the skin, giving a natural flush of color.
8. **Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray**
Keep your makeup intact throughout the day and night with the All Nighter Setting Spray. This product secures your look, maintaining its freshness and vibrancy without fading or smudging.
9. **Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Eyeshadow Palette**
For those looking to indulge, the Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Palette features luxurious, high-impact shades with unparalleled pigmentation and blendability. It’s a genuine investment piece for any makeup lover.
10. **Dior Addict Lip Glow**
This lip balm provides hydration while enhancing your natural lip color with a delicate tint. Its nourishing formula is perfect for everyday use, offering a touch of color along with outstanding comfort.
As you gear up for the Sephora Sale 2025, consider these top recommendations to enhance your makeup routine. Whether you’re replenishing your favorites or checking out new releases, these options promise quality and performance that won’t let you down.
