I'm a beauty snob: Here are my 8 'worth it' deals from Sephora's sales event

I love an old-school clay mask as much as the next gal, and this dermis-purifying, pore-minimizing throwback from Kiehl's remains among the best on the market. The TSA-compliant size is excellent to use in your hotel bathroom after a long day of travel. I've also given these as stocking stuffers to overstretched family members and friends who could use an at-home spa moment — it's truly self-care in a jar.   

Another product I'd stock up on now to give as gifts later: this ultra-rich hand cream from Selena Gomez's stellar line, Rare Beauty. The nongreasy formula is made with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that helps skin lock in moisture. The scent is warm and woodsy, it's an ideal size for throwing in a purse to combat dry winter hands and the chic, cinnamon-hued packaging can't be beat.

There are few things I enjoy more as a professional shopper than when I come across a killer deal on a beauty staple I love and use all the time. Such is the case with this Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Duo, which, at $34, is just $17 a tube for some of the inkiest, thickest and longest lashes money can buy.

This award-winning lip formula comes in an array of hues that will suit any skin tone. It looks perfectly matte but feels creamy and smooth going on and has racked up thousands of rave reviews like this one: "Gives so much coverage on so little product. The color is rich and pops instantly. Smooth application. Worth every penny." I have rarely seen it go on sale, but you can score it now for almost 50% off!

If you want to tighten up your morning routine, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better product than this 3-in-1 primer, skin brightener and self-tanner from trusted brand Ole Henriksen. It's packed with vitamin C to rejuvenate dull or sallow-looking skin, while a DHA and sugar-derived self-tanner leaves behind a subtle bronze glow. It's a just-right product for winter skin — and right now, you can get it for 50% off. 

Sure, it costs more than I paid for a week's groceries when I was 25, but listen: Sometimes you just want a little luxury in your life, to know that all this hard work you do means you can occasionally splash out on yourself. This gorgeous, glossy-but-not-too-glossy, nondrying Tom Ford lipstick is worth the splurge. 

While there are six shades included in the current sale, I'm partial to "Ile D'Amour" — a sexy, '80s-business-lady-out-on-the-town red. 

Save more than 60% on this high-quality eyeshadow palette from top cosmetics brand Too Faced. Inside is a suite of 18 ultra-creamy cocoa powder-infused shades, including an off-white highlighter, versatile peaches and browns, and a few bright, festive, glittery options for when your look is "party ready."

I know, $78 doesn't especially seem like a "steal," but it does when you consider this is a sale on a limited-edition, jumbo size of an iconic, award-winning cream. Sol de Janeiro's fast-absorbing lotion is made with caffeine to help tighten and smooth skin and smells like the spa at the most expensive tropical resort you can imagine. Best of all, however, is the whipped texture: It feels like you're applying a pillowy cloud to your legs, arms and — yes, should you so choose — your bum. 

Bum Bum cream is a current fave of TikTok teens, so if you're in the market for a gift for a beauty-obsessed high-schooler, scoop this one up.