The Holiday Sephora Savings Event kicks off today with exclusive access for Rouge Members! Utilize code EVERYTHING to enjoy discounts while shopping online; here are the specifics for each 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
I’m gathering my essential items and favorites by category. I aimed to limit each category to my Top 3, though there are some sections where I have more than three favorites.
Top Primers
These are my go-to primers. I look for ones that serve multiple purposes (e.g., contain SPF, add hydration or glow).
Top Foundation Formulations
I’ve categorized the foundation and skin tint bases into several different groups based on their formulas.
Best Skin Tints/Sheer
Best Medium Coverage
Best Stick Foundations
Top Concealers
Top Setting Powders
I’ve divided my favorites into pressed and loose types. I still lean towards the pressed format for ease of use, 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 receives the most compliments from me. Whenever I use the Translucent or Rose shades, people always comment on how flawless my skin looks. It may not be true these days, but this powder does an excellent job 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 in April and really enjoy it. It blurs, sets, and doesn’t darken. I might try the Translucent formula since my skin tone is currently a bit lighter.
Pressed Setting Powders
Setting Spray Favorites
I don’t often use a setting spray these days, but the ones I like are from Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup by Mario, and NARS. All of these are lightweight and feature a super fine mist.
Top Bronzers
My bronzer favorites have remained consistent over the years. I keep hoping for a new formulation to fall in love with, but I keep returning to these for their tones and formulas.
Contour
I usually use bronzer as a contour rather than a traditional product, but there are three I really like for their tones.
Top Blushes
I’ve also categorized my recommendations into powder and cream/liquid. I generally prefer a powder format for longevity.
Preferred Powder Formulations
Preferred Cream or Liquid Formulations
- Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint – This remains the best liquid blush formula for me. It’s flawless and long-lasting. The shiny shades are nice, but the matte formula is better for durability. Review + swatches here.
- Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush is outstanding for the best tones and formula. These are quite dewy, but this year my skin has been exceptionally dry, so I’ve been adoring them. Review + swatches here.
- Rhode Pocket Blush – I still have a great affection for these. Freckle is the ideal everyday neutral. Swatches + review here.
Highlighting Favorites
Eyeshadow Palettes
Top Cream Eyeshadow
Go-To Brow Products
My top four brow products include:
I recently acquired the ABH MicroStroke Detailing Brow Pen and am loving it. I’m still perfecting the application, but after experimenting with several pens and disliking them all (some colors looked distinctly green on me), a friend recommended the ABH one, and she was absolutely correct about its tones and formula.
Favorite Mascaras
I feel the need to diversify my mascara collection this year. I’ve been sticking to three tried-and-true formulas that I still appreciate, but I think it’s time to switch things up a bit.
Top Lipsticks
I have numerous lipstick favorites. Narrowing them down is a challenge, but if I had to choose my top 5:
Top Liquid Lipstick
I’m still not particularly fond of liquid lipsticks since most are matte, and I prefer a bit of shine or gloss. However, I do think Dior produces beautiful ones!
Top Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
This is another beloved category of mine. I’ll link the swatches I’ve posted for each formula.
Lip Liner
Top Lip Gloss Formulations
The best gloss formulas ranked by wear frequency:
Favorite Makeup Tools
Quick note on some tools I genuinely love 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 so under-appreciated; I truly hope they expand their brush line. Every one I’ve tried is a perfect 10.
- Glossier Lip Pencil Sharpener – Not the most thrilling tool, but this is the best sharpener I’ve found. The design makes it ideal for carrying in a makeup bag or while traveling.
- Makeup By Mario Powder Puff – Not all puffs are alike. Many of my favorites seem to have shifted in texture, but the Makeup By Mario puff is ultra-soft, and I adore its size and shape.
- Sephora Collection Brush Cleaner – This is the ultimate cleaner for removing creams from your brushes (foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, blush, etc.). As it is pricey, I recommend using the Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray first with a brush pad. For stubborn creams, I then use the Sephora Brush Cleaner, which effectively removes cream products.
- Sephora Collection Cotton – Another essential I rely on. I do love the plush cotton from other brands, but this one is my most repurchased item.
This concludes my comprehensive makeup favorites roundup! Stay tuned for updates on other categories soon! Use code EVERYTHING to enjoy savings while shopping online; here are the details for each 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 Choices for the Sephora Sale 2025**
The Sephora Sale is a much-anticipated occasion for beauty lovers, presenting the ideal chance to stock up on favorite items and explore new ones at discounted rates. As we look ahead to the 2025 sale, here are some of the top makeup selections you won’t want to overlook:
1. **Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation**
Fenty Beauty continues to shine with its wide range of shades and enduring formula. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation provides a flawless, shine-free finish, making it perfect for all-day use. It’s essential for anyone aiming for a smooth, even tone.
2. **Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit**
The legendary Pillow Talk shade is a must-have in many makeup collections. This lip kit features a lipstick, lip liner, and gloss, allowing you to craft the ideal nude-pink lip. It’s a versatile option that flatters a broad spectrum of skin tones.
3. **Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz**
Renowned for its precision and user-friendliness, the Brow Wiz is a fan-favorite for achieving perfectly groomed brows. The ultra-slim retractable pencil allows for easy replication of natural brow hairs, ensuring a refined appearance.
4. **Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush**
Rare Beauty’s liquid blushes have swiftly gained popularity due to their blendable, buildable nature. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush grants a natural hint of color that endures all day, making it a fantastic addition to any makeup routine.
5. **Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Eyeshadow Palette**
Pat McGrath’s eyeshadow palettes are celebrated for their opulent textures and vibrant pigments. The Mothership Palette offers a breathtaking assortment of shades, from bold metallics to soft mattes, enabling limitless eye looks.
6. **Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder**
This setting powder is ideal for achieving a flawless, airbrushed look. It helps secure makeup, diminish shine, and blur flaws, making it a necessary item for anyone seeking to keep a polished appearance throughout the day.
7. **Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil**
Merging the perks of a lip balm and a gloss, the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil provides hydration and a touch of color. It’s perfect for maintaining nourished and glossy lips, especially during colder seasons.
8. **NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer**
A beloved choice among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts, the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer delivers excellent coverage with a natural finish. It’s perfect for brightening under the eyes and concealing imperfections.
9. **Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray**
Keep your makeup intact with the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. This well-loved product secures your look for up to 16 hours, making it indispensable for long days or special occasions.
10. **Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara**
Famous for its volumizing and lengthening properties, the Better Than Sex Mascara is essential for creating dramatic lashes. Its hourglass-shaped brush coats every lash for a full, fluttery appearance.
These top selections are bound to elevate your makeup stash and help you create a variety of stunning looks. Make sure to take advantage of the Sephora Sale 2025 to score these beauty must-haves at a fantastic price.
