What a week for sales! I chatted about and shared a wishlist for the one happening at Shopbop earlier this week on the blog, and today we're talking beauty buys and the Sephora Sale. I have to start this post by being fully honest: I'm not the biggest Sephora shopper! In the last year especially, I've been trying to switch to as many drugstore beauty products as possible. I would say right now about 80% of my hair and makeup products are from drugstore brands. So I tend to buy a lot of beauty stuff mostly from Ulta, Walmart and CVS! But with that said- there are a few things that I do shop at Sephora for, and since they don't often do sales, now is the time that I stock up on these things.
The Sephora Sale began last week, but since I don't spend enough there annually to qualify for the higher tiers of their Beauty Insider rewards program, I wanted to wait to share this post until now (when the sale is open to everyone). The online code for all three tiers of shoppers is OMGSPRING. The sale is happening online and in stores!
- Rouge Members - save 20% from 4/9-4/19 (you have to spend $1000 at Sephora in a calendar year to be considered Rouge level)
- VIB members - save 15% from 4/13-4/19 (you have to spend $350 at Sephora in a calendar year to be considered VIB level)
- Insider members - save 10% from 4/15-4/19 (this is my tier- I don't spend enough at Sephora annually for the other two)
3 Things Worth Getting in the Sephora Sale:
- Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops (I use Medium) - Since last year, this has been the number one product that I've purchased repeatedly at Sephora! I was always intimidated by self tanners before I tried out Isle of Paradise for the first time last spring. It was love at first tan! I could go on and on about this product here, but instead I'll direct you to this blog post where I did a dedicated and detailed review of it! These drops are a little pricey, but I think they're worth it. So to me it's worth it to stock up on a couple bottles in the Sephora Sale and keep them on hand, since I know I'll use them.
- It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte (I use Fair-Light) - I have been on a quest over the past year to switch my everyday foundation to something drugstore and more affordable, but my favorite higher end everyday foundation is definitely this! I discovered IT Cosmetics in 2016 and have been a loyal customer ever since. They now make a few different versions of their CC+ cream, and the matte version is my personal favorite for my skin! (Although the original isn't bad either.) I have this older blog post from a few years ago where I shared several IT Cosmetics favorites- I still would recommend all of these besides for just the CC+ cream if you'd like to try more from the brand.
- Hair volumizing products: Living Proof Dry Volume Blast + Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Volume Texture Spray - I absolutely love both of these volume products! I'd seen my favorite bloggers share about both of these for years, and in last spring's Sephora Sale I decided to buy mini sizes of both. I really like both honestly- which is why I'm listing both here to recommend! If I had to pick one favorite... I'd probably go with the Living Proof because I like the scent better than the Bumble and Bumble one- ha! But as far as volumizing hair goes, both work wonderfully. It's been a full year since I purchased these and since I only curl my hair one or two days a week, both bottles have still lasted me this long! So I say save yourself even more money and buy the mini sizes. (Plus they're travel safe for flying and that's starting to resume now!) I have yet to find a drugstore volume product that works as well and long-lasting as both of these.
2 Things Sold at Sephora... But Buy Them Elsewhere!
- Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation - As I mentioned above, I have been trying to use drugstore beauty products as much as possible... but there are a few select items that I am unable to find a quality dupe for. The Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation being one of them. This is the BEST full-coverage foundation I have ever used. Nothing else compares. It provides incredible coverage, yet never looks caked on or heavy. It photographs beautifully. It lasts all day long easily. I don't wear this as my everyday foundation because it is pricey... but it is my go-to for blog photos and any type of special event. Here's my tip for getting the most bang for your buck with Doublewear or any Estee Lauder product: I don't ever buy this foundation at Sephora or Ulta, even though both sell it. I exclusively buy this at department stores! Brands like Estee Lauder, Lancome, Clinique (and other department store makeup counter brands) frequently offer amazing free gifts with purchase at department stores! I'm not sure why Sephora and Ulta don't normally offer these, but department stores definitely do. Before making an Estee Lauder purchase, I always check Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's and Belk's websites to see which of those stores is currently offering free gift with purchase. If one store isn't- there's a high chance another is! This week I bought a new bottle of Doublewear, which costs $43. $43 is a lot for one foundation, but I got it this week because Belk was doing a free gift with purchase. Along with the foundation, I was able to get the cutest makeup bag and luggage tag, a full-size lipstick and lip liner, and a few skincare products (some full-sized and some travel sized)! And I paid the same for the foundation that I would've at Ulta or Sephora. If you also like Estee Lauder products or other makeup lines sold at department stores, I highly recommend getting them there!
- T3 Hair Tools - I've had a T3 curling wand set for over four years, and it still works incredibly well despite how often I've used it for that length of time! T3 hair tools are not cheap, but since they work well and last well I do find the price to be worth it since you will get your money's worth (and more). T3 items are included in the Sephora Sale right now, but I've found that they often get marked down significantly more at other retailers at other times of the year, especially near the holidays. 10% off isn't a lot for an expensive item that might be 20-25% off (or more!) later on in the year!
Have you tried any of the products that I like? Are you a bigger Sephora or Ulta fan?
God Bless,
xoxo Annaliese
I don't buy a ton at Sephora either. To be honest, I don't wear a lot of makeup or use a lot of beauty products. It's only when I run out of eyeliner or concealer that I would visit. Since last year was spent a lot at home, I still have a lot left of both these items! I hope you are having a great weekend so far!
ReplyDeleteMaureen | www.littlemisscasual.com