I tried $1,687 worth of products from Sephora — here's what I would re-buy (and skip) from the Sephora sale

If there's one product on this list that has transformed my skin more than anything else, it is Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner. 

I have oily skin and other than prescription retinol, I don't think a product has made a bigger — or better — impact than this toner. It's designed to hydrate, gently exfoliate and minimize the appearance of pores, and I promise you, it does all of those things and then some. Even when I think my skin is clean, I use this toner and am always shocked by the results. I love it, I swear by it, I recommend it. 

VERDICT: It's worth it.

I have tried my fair share of vitamin C serums over the years and would rank Dermalogica's BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum among the best. It's concentrated with vitamin C, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, firm, and reduce the look of fine lines. I use it daily and can actually see a difference in my skin on the days when I don't use it. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? I think so.

VERDICT: It's worth it.

As someone with historically oily, acne-prone skin, I was surprised by how much I liked (really, truly liked) the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil. Not only does the oil not break me out, but it leaves me with glowy, nourished skin. If (like me) you've played it a bit fast and loose with actives and have a stressed-out skin barrier, this face oil works wonders to calm your skin while simultaneously leaving it feeling and looking supple.

VERDICT: It's worth it.

I have so much love for Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant. Unlike other exfoliators, it's a dry rice-based powder that you mix with water, so you can really customize your experience. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin yet minimizes the appearance of blackheads, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation.

The Microfoliant is designed for daily use; however, I usually use it 3-4 times a week. If you love a physical exfoliator that sloughs off dead skin, this may not be for you, but if you're looking for something gentle to smooth and brighten your skin, this is a winner. 

VERDICT: It's worth it.

If you're looking for a do-it-all night cream, this is it. Loaded with magnesium, peptides, ectoin and squalane, Biossance's powerhouse night cream reduces inflammation and helps replenish the skin's moisture barrier.

As someone who has been known to overdo it with her retinol, I often turn to the Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue when my red, scaly skin needs a bit of TLC. It calms my stressed-out skin and is super moisturizing to boot. 

VERDICT: It's worth it.

While I know many people who are obsessed with First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to pass on this one. The daily treatment pads are formulated with lactic and glycolic acids and are designed to exfoliate, tone, and brighten your skin.

If you have normal or acne-prone skin, you might love them, but for my semi-sensitive face, they were a no-go. We're more of a gentle parenting household, you know? 

VERDICT: For me, it's not worth it.

Rare Beauty blush turned me into a blush girl. I love two in particular: the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and the Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush (keep scrolling for my thoughts on the latter).

The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, for starters, is incredibly pigmented, yet, super blendable, so even if you apply it with a heavy hand, it blends and builds beautifully. It lasts for up to 12 hours and comes in a range of shades that will suit every skin type.

VERDICT: It's worth it.

Out of my two Rare Beauty blushes, it's my Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush that I turn to more. I don't tend to wear a lot of makeup in my day-to-day life and this cream blush is perfect for that no-makeup-makeup look. It melts on your cheeks like a second skin and is natural-looking with a soft, pretty finish. I use it daily and I would recommend it to anyone. 

VERDICT: It's worth it.

In full transparency: I had never used a setting spray prior to Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Waterproof Setting Spray, so this is not a comparison review. However, after using the setting spray during several weddings, nights out and sweaty dates, I can confidently say it's worth its weight in gold. 

The lightweight and waterproof setting spray primes and sets your makeup for up to 16 hours — and boy, does it ever work. I have oily skin and normally expect my makeup to start slipping and sliding after a few hours. Thanks to this gem from Charlotte Tilbury, it will stay perfect for so long that you're almost sad to take your makeup off. 

VERDICT: It's worth it. 

Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk has got to be one of the brand's most sought-after products, so of course, I had to try it! I love lipstick, I love lip liner, and while the products themselves were great quality, the Pillow Talk shade did nothing for me. As they're minis, they're also tiny. If you use them often, the size won't last you for long.

VERDICT: They're not for me.

If mile-long lashes are on your 2024 bucket list, I suggest you get your hands on Lancôme's Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Primer. I wear this mascara primer every time I want a little more za-za-zoo in my daily makeup, and nine times out of 10, someone comments the following: "Are you wearing fake lashes?" or "Are those your real lashes?" followed by, "Your lashes are so long!" 

The mascara primer is not cheap by any means, but if you're looking to captivate an audience or make intense eye contact with a handsome stranger, it's worth the investment. 

VERDICT: It's worth it.

Benefit's Fan Fest mascara was my favourite mascara of 2023 — read my full review here.

What I like about Fan Fest is its ability to define and build. I am a two-to-three-layer mascara kind of gal, so I always look for formulas that can build without clumping.

If you want the look of fake lashes without the hassle, I suggest you try this product. It doesn't flake and leaves lashes full, sans mess or residue.

VERDICT: It's worth it.

I could list a handful of Benefit Cosmetics products that I would happily re-buy, but the brand's BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara does not make the cut. First off, I don't like the applicator brush. I find it clumps your lashes and is messy to put on. It's also quite smudgy, so if you're an oily eyelid kind of person, you can expect it to transfer to your lids and under-eye area. 

VERDICT: It's not worth it.

This mascara is a strong pass for me. It's super clumpy, and the wand was awful. I even tried using another wand to see if that was the root of the issue, but alas, both the mascara and the wand are below par, especially for $18. It's only (small) saving grace is it's really pigmented, so at least there's that. 

VERDICT: It's not worth it.

As someone who prefers to wear as little makeup as possible, I feel like the Origins tinted moisturizer was made for me. The formula evened out my complexion and, true to its claims, gave me an instant glow. It's the embodiment of the no-makeup-makeup look. Because it's a tinted moisturizer and not a foundation, it doesn't provide full coverage but gives a nice and natural finish. Most importantly, it offers SPF 40 — a must-have for the summer months.

VERDICT: It's worth it.

This stuff is magic. Magic, I'm telling you! If I were a more prepared shopping editor, I would have before and after photos available but, unfortunately, I do not, so you'll just have to take my word for it. 

Oribe's hydrating and illuminating glass-hair treatment leaves your strands silky, soft, and ultra-glossy. Imagine the best salon treatment you've ever had but in the comfort of your home. It's great — no notes!

VERDICT: It's worth it.

This Moroccanoil's Perfect Defense Heat Protectant may very well be the best — and easiest — heat protectant I have ever used. It's a weightless, dry spray that protects against all forms of heat up to 450°F/230°C. 

First off, I love that it's a spray. You can apply it directly to your hair without the product going on your hands. It's incredibly easy to use, and it smells amazing — a win, win, win in my books. 

VERDICT: It's worth it.

If we're talking about products worth the hype, I would be remiss not to mention the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector. I truly love this product. If you're lazy like me, it's mildly annoying to use because you need to apply it for at least 10 minutes to damp hair before shampooing/conditioning, but if you're willing to stick your neck under the tub child-style before you jump in the shower, it's worth the hassle. 

The bond-building formula tackles damage, split ends and breakage and waves adios to frizz and dryness. It's a forever-buy, in my opinion. 

VERDICT: It's worth it.

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