The Sephora Savings Event Sale has returned, and Rouge members get to enjoy early access! These dates allow for great deals using the code SPRINGSALE:
- Rouge Members enjoy 20% off from 4/10 – 4/20
- VIB Members receive 15% off from 4/14 – 4/20
- Insiders obtain 10% off from 4/14 – 4/20
- All Sephora Collection items are 30% off
Below are my favorite makeup suggestions categorized by type.
Primers/Complexion Boosters
I generally don’t reach for primers since I prefer moisturizers with multiple functions. Here are the multi-functional products I use that can double as a primer or complexion booster.
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Stick – This is a luminous foundation stick I initially feared would turn out glittery on the skin. It’s emollient yet not sticky. Several readers reached out to share how they utilized it as an all-over primer base, layering concealer and powder on top to achieve their ideal natural glow. I tried their suggestions and adored the result.
One/Size by Patrick Starrr Base Thinner – After testing the Bronze base thinner with a press sample, I fell instantly in love. It’s a versatile product that can be used in numerous ways, but I prefer mixing it with my favorite foundations to create a lighter, more natural glow. I purchased Pearlescent Pink to experiment with. Bronze is definitely darker than my skin tone, creating a bronzed effect, while Pearlescent Pink offers a more natural vibe.
Saie Glowy Super Gel – I highly recommend this for dry skin or when your foundations start to appear dry or uneven. I enjoy mixing a pump of this with liquid foundation for extra luminosity.
Refy Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer – This is one of the few primers I appreciate due to its light texture and non-heavy feel.
Top Foundations
Here are my top 4 favorites from Sephora.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick – This is my go-to foundation since 2024. Sometimes I need to mix shades, but currently, 3N is my ideal match. I love the coverage and how easily it blends along with its convenient application. (P.S. I tested the new Forever Skin Glow Foundation formula, and it felt quite drying on my skin, despite being marketed as “glowy.”) In action here.
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation SPF 40 – This remains the top CC+ cream with SPF, as it’s lighter than most CC+ formulations.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – The new version performs just like the original for me. I still adore this for a naturally luminous finish without excessive glow. See it in action here.
m.ph Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation – I enjoy this newer formula. I wouldn’t classify it as truly “weightless” since I can feel it on my skin once set. However, I love it for its medium, natural-looking coverage. I oscillate between shades 150 and 170 (I need to mix). Demo here.
Best Concealers
I don’t often use concealer these days because the foundations I prefer typically provide enough coverage. Here are my top choices from Sephora.
Prada Beauty Micro-Correcting Concealer – This is a lovely lightweight medium coverage concealer that blurs well. I particularly like using it under my eyes! Demo and swatches here.
YSL Touche Eclat Concealer Pen – This remains my top choice for brightening under-eyes. Its thinner consistency is glowy and emollient. While it won’t cover dark circles, I love it for brightening effects.
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer – This is the ultimate multitasking creamy concealer. I appreciate that it doesn’t crease or cake up and is highly long-lasting.
Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer – This new formula offers decent coverage for under the eyes. It’s not too thick, yet not sheer either. It’s blurring and self-setting. Love using the Ilia and Hourglass concealer brushes.
Setting Powder
I’ve been sticking to one setting powder brand lately, which is the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. I enjoy both the Original and Talc-Free versions. This is one of the few loose powders that doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin.
Favorite Blushes
I have countless blush favorites. I enjoy exploring new shades and formulas, but if I had to narrow it down to 5, these would be my selections.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème + Powder Duo – I adore the available colors and the option to layer cream over powder or use them independently. I always take at least one shade on trips with me. Select shades also come in mini sizes.
Prada Touch Cream-To-Powder Soft Blur Blushes are new, and I adore them. These cream blushes dry down to a lovely satin finish. I prefer to apply them with my fingers. I have only tried Peach and Tulip thus far, but the tones are beautiful, and I plan to review and swatch all shades I’ve picked up before the sale ends. (Peach on the face here, both shades applied here.)
YSL Make Me Blush (powder) is my current favorite powder blush. The shimmer and matte finishes are AMAZING. They possess a silky smooth texture that is stunning. If I had to choose a single color, 44B Nude Lavalliere is it! Review + swatches here.
Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint is my top long-wear formula for liquid blush. Most alternatives don’t last, but this one dries nicely and stays put without feeling heavy.
rhode Pocket Blush – I believe these are my favorite cream blush formulas. They are effortless to apply and blend. I typically bring Freckle and Piggy with me on travels.
Bronzer
Dior Forever Skin Bronze Bronzing Balm Stick – If you’re investing in one cream bronzer, make it this Dior one. Swatches of three shades here, as it’s the best satin finish cream bronzer I’ve tried, with fantastic colors that aren’t overly orange or too cool-toned; they’re just right! Swatches here.
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer – This natural cream bronzer is quite similar in concept to the Merit stick. I love it because it appears SUPER natural on the skin.
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer – I’ve reached for this more lately, even though I initially thought it was too sheer. I’ve been aiming for a lighter bronzer application, which I find to be more flattering for my skin tone.
Top Highlighters
Sarah Creal Today’s Highlights Peptide Balm – This is my favorite glowy, dewy highlight because it’s neither sticky nor tacky. It’s a balm but has a smooth consistency. The finish is sheer and natural-looking, giving the skin a beautiful GLOW.
Hourglass Unreal Radiant Glow Liquid Highlighter – I’ve swatched these here, with a more extensive review coming soon! This new formula from Hourglass comes along with a new Highlighter Brush. For a liquid highlight, it’s 10/10. The finish is smooth and easy to manage—not overly frosty or glittery on the skin, with a nice dry down. Swatches here.
Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Liquid – This will always be a favorite. If I had to choose one, it would be either Peachy or Nude.
Prada Light Glowing Highlighter Powder – I love this for a powder highlight—the glow is stunning! Swatches here.
Eyeshadow Favorites
Natasha Denona releases are always fantastic; I really love I Need a Warm and I Need a Nude (swatches here and here).
Prada Dimensions Multi-Effect Refillable Eyeshadow in 8 Pansy is my top palette this year so far (swatches here).
Merit Solo Shadow – I enjoy these for a simple, one-shade application. My top 3 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 like all the colors, but Medium is my favorite).
Eyeliner/Mascara/Brow
Anastasia Brow Definer – This is a staple, but I just ordered the ArchiBrow Microblade Detailing Pencil, which I love; the packaging is innovative, and the application is super detailed and fine.
Glossier Boy Brow Arch Pencil – Another favorite for its formula, but it runs out of product too quickly! I stopped repurchasing because it gets used up so fast.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing XL – This is still the best non-smudging mascara I’ve ever tried.
Diorshow Overvolume Extreme Volume Waterproof – I adore this new formula even more than other Dior mascara versions.
Lip Gloss
<pAs a lip gloss enthusiast, it's difficult to narrow down my favorites. However, I keep returning to these five.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer – A lifelong fan of Dior lip gloss!!!!!
REFY Lip Gloss – They offer THE best neutral shades.
Lawless Forget the Filler Gloss – While some shades are too light for me, I absolutely recommend Cherry Vanilla for that glossy pout.
Sarah Creal – I truly love this formula and the colors. They’re vibrant and provide just the right touch of color. These are the ones I took with me on all my trips last year.
Tinted Lip Balms/Oils
I will go to great lengths to try the latest and finest in balms or oils.
Patrick Ta Major Moisture Tinted Lip Balm – This has pleasantly surprised me! I appreciate the good pigmentation for a balm. Pink Salted Caramel on the lips here.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter – A classic I always carry in my purse. I adore the limited-edition duo they launched recently.
YSL anything – This is the time to save! I enjoy these but find them pricey. I can’t help but think about how expensive lip products are nowadays. I still recall when Tom Ford introduced a $50 lipstick and everyone was FURIOUS. Now, it seems nearly everything is priced similarly.
Dior Lip Glow Oil – I love the new formula for its cushiony, glossy finish. Swatches found in this post here.
My Favorite Lipsticks
YSL Candy Glaze, but really YSL in general! They consistently release top-notch formulas and shades. I especially love the Candy Glaze in Shade 13.
Prada Monochrome Soft Matte Blur Lipstick – Still my top choice for matte lipstick.
Dior Rouge Dior On Stage Lipstick – Iconic Rose is the ultimate nude pink.
Gucci Glow and Care Shine Lipstick – A classic I can’t go without, especially Sally Soft Honey or Julie Blush.
NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick – I enjoy this for its glossy finish.
Lip Liner
I am currently trialing several new lip liner formulas, so I can’t definitively say which is THE best at this moment. Tom Ford Beauty and Dior remain strong favorites. I’ll keep you updated on new ones I test soon!
This concludes my makeup recommendations! I realize it’s quite the lengthy roundup, but I wanted to cover all categories!
**Top Makeup Selections to Purchase During the Sephora Sale**
The Sephora Sale is a much-anticipated affair for beauty aficionados, providing the perfect chance to grab luxe products at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re new to makeup or a seasoned expert, this sale presents an ideal opportunity to refill your essentials and explore new products. Here are some top makeup selections that you should think about adding to your cart during the Sephora Sale.
**1. Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation**
Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Foundation is celebrated for its vast shade assortment and enduring formula. It offers a soft matte finish that manages shine while providing buildable coverage, making it appropriate for every skin type.
**2. Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer**
A cult classic, Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer is famous for its full coverage and its ability to illuminate under-eye areas while hiding blemishes. Its creamy consistency blends effortlessly into the skin, allowing for a flawless finish.
**3. Eyeshadow Palette: Natasha Denona Glam Palette**
For those who enjoy neutral shades with a hint of glam, the Natasha Denona Glam Palette is essential. It features a variety of cool-toned shades in matte, shimmer, and metallic textures, ideal for achieving both everyday and striking looks.
**4. Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara**
This legendary mascara is a bestseller for a reason. It provides intense volume and length, thanks to its hourglass-shaped brush and collagen-rich formula. It’s perfect for creating bold, fluttery lashes.
**5. Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner**
Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner is great for crafting precise lines that last all day without smudging. Its fine tip offers effortless application, whether you’re opting for a subtle line or a bold wing.
**6. Blush: NARS Blush in Orgasm**
NARS Blush in Orgasm is a universally flattering hue with a peachy-pink tint and delicate shimmer. It provides a natural glow to the cheeks and elevates any makeup application with its radiant finish.
**7. Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter**
Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector is an outstanding highlighter that imparts a gorgeous glow. Its ultra-creamy texture melts seamlessly into the skin, providing a luminous effect without appearing glittery.
**8. Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick**
Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick is favored for its comfy, long-lasting formula. Available in a plethora of flattering shades, it gives a soft matte finish that accentuates the lips’ natural beauty.
**9. Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray**
To make sure your makeup stays intact all day, the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is a must-have. It seals your look, preventing fading and smudging, and is suitable for every skin type.
**10. Brow Product: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz**
For perfectly shaped brows, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is an excellent choice. Its fine tip allows for precise application, and the spoolie brush helps blend the product for a natural appearance.
During the Sephora Sale, these top makeup choices provide the optimal mix of quality and value. Whether you’re replenishing your staples or trying new items, these options are sure to enhance your beauty routine. Don’t miss the chance to upgrade your makeup collection with these essential products.
