7 Sephora beauty buys I'll always repurchase — and they're all on sale
As you've likely already heard, the Sephora Holiday Savings Event is now in full swing. With advent calendars, viral beauty products— and an abundance of brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming — or incredibly exciting — to sift through the pages of products.
For me, a beauty enthusiast and skincare devotee, the Sephora sales are like my own personal fantasy football. I start making my beauty essentials list weeks ahead of opening day and take time to peruse my favourite bloggers' recommendations ahead of shopping.
While this undoubtedly leads to some less-than-impressive items arriving at my door, for the most part, it's a great plan of attack and a fun way to try new products without splurging on the full price items.
Sephora Beauty Insider: Holiday Savings Event
As of Thursday Nov. 3, all Sephora Beauty Insider members can save 30% on all Sephora Collection beauty products and up to 20% on everything else.
The holiday sale runs until Nov. 7, but we recommend shopping quickly because products tend to sell out.
Curious how much you can save?
Rouge members: save 20%
VIB members: save 15%
Insiders: save 10%
If you're not currently Sephora Beauty Insider, it's free to sign up — you jut need to register with your email address.
Not sure where to start? Below I've outlined my tried-and-true beauty essentials list. These products are worth every penny at full price but I always stock up during the savings event to save a little cash — especially at this time of year.
Shop the 7 Sephora buys I always stock up on when they're on sale below.
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
The details: This primer is a leave in formula that de-frizzes, de-tangles and conditions your hair while protecting it from harmful heat styling and UV rays.
My thoughts: As someone who gets their hair highlighted twice a year and goes to every effort to keep it as healthy as possible, this primer is a true saviour. I've noticed my hair is significantly less frizzy since using it and I love the soft, bouncy texture after I've finished heat styling. This product will be one I continue to repurchase for years to come.
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
The details: A lightweight, barely-there oil that repairs hair and protects from heat and frizz. Highly-concentrated, this oil uses patented bond-building technology to restore hair health.
My thoughts: Admittedly I have extremely fine hair, so when I initially heard of this restorative oil, I immediately ruled it out, deciding it would make my hair too greasy. After having it recommended to me by my hairstylist for the third time, I decided to finally try it for myself and I was shocked: frizz disappeared, my hair looked healthier and it felt more pliable overall. Pro tip: use a light hand at first to learn the perfect amount of product according to your hair type.
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 PA+++
The details: A makeup-gripping primer that protects from the sun and hydrates skin. This sunscreen has a pearlescent finish to leave your skin glowing.
My thoughts: Is it skincare? Sunscreen? Makeup? I'm not really sure, but I do know that this is one of my holy grail products. Perfect regardless if this the only product on your face or you're wearing makeup — this Glowscreen is part of my morning skincare routine all year round. Providing additional sun and blue light protection with a blurred-skin effect, the silky texture of this product makes it feel like a lightweight serum. If you're not sure you need extra 'glow,' Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is also a favourite.
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Treatment Face Oil
The details: This medical-grade treatment oil is quick absorbing and clears congested pores to prevent acne. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
My thoughts: I know what you're probably thinking: another oil? But trust me on this one. As someone who grew up in the time of skin-burning acne toners that smelled like they could melt rubber, using an oil to combat breakouts seemed counterintuitive. But I'm so happy I tried it for myself. I swear this is the one product I apply at night and wake up to a "my-face-but-better" result — my skin appears more even with reduced texture and fewer fine lines.
StriVectin Intensive Eye Cream Concentrate for Wrinkles PLUS
The details: A concentrated eye cream that reduces crow's feet, fine lines and "elevens" — lines resulting from a furrowed brow.
My thoughts: As someone who has never really had to deal with dark circles, my search for an eye cream has always been based around reducing fine lines and addressing my "elevens." The result of a few too many furrowed brows, my whole family has quite deep set lines in this area — and while I'm 100 per cent comfortable with aging, I do like to show this part of my face a little extra love when possible. While I'm not sure how well this cream works for dark circles, I feel like there's a noticeable difference to my eye area after I apply this cream in the morning.
Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
The details: With a potent dose of 10% lactic acid, this night serum combines squalane and lactic acid for dramatically smoother, softer and brighter skin.
My thoughts: I have used this night serum since it first launched. I'm a fan of Biossance's commitment to the environment and plant-based squalane, so I was excited to get my hands on their products. This serum was the first I tried and I was immediately converted. I followed my usual nighttime routine, using this night serum to replace my retinol four nights of the week. I woke up with visibly smoother skin — so much so, it almost had a filter effect. While I don't use this every single night, I think it's a quick fix for improved skin with longterm effects.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ AHA + BHA Mask
The details: This mask uses professional-quality ingredients for a facial-like result. Combining AHA and BHA ingredients, you'll notice an immediate improvement in skin texture and tone for facial-fresh skin.
My thoughts: For being such a skincare enthusiast, I'm not a huge fan of masks. I prefer to use cleansers, creams and serums to achieve an every-day, healthy skin look — but this Drunk Elephant mask has converted me. I like to use it before a big event or night out and find it gives me a smooth, healthy glow — similar to that of a professional facial. One thing to consider is you'll definitely want to remove the mask after the suggested amount of time. While a bit of tingling is totally safe for your skin, I once left the mask on for too long and my skin turned quite red so use with caution (and set a timer to avoid this silly mistake!). It's recommended to follow up with a facial oil to get the full facial effect.
