sephora sale 2021
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It’s one of the best sales of the year if you’re a beauty junkie like me. The Sephora Beauty Insider Sale is here and you can get 10% - 20% off your purchase depending on your “status” (i.e. how much money you spend there throughout the year). I, personally, am a VIB member so for me the sale gets me 15% off my purchase AND what I spend adds to my point status for the year. I typically try to buy most of my beauty products form Sephora because it gets me early access and a better discount for the sale. See the graphic above for dates on when the sale is available to you.
This year, I’m rounding up my go-tos by category and then sharing some new items in my cart I’m trying, personally. I hope you find this as a resource to help make the sale worth your while. (And don’t forget to check out my previous Sephora Sale posts here and here). All prices listed below are BEFORE discount is applied, so put on your mental math hats.
MASKS
Peter Thomas Roth Masking Minis - I say this all the time on my instatories, but if you’re new to masking and want to “mask more”, this is your Masks 101 Syllabus. They key to masking is understanding what your skin needs and having the right mask to treat it. This has it all (this phrase makes me think of that Bill Hader SNL skit btw)., Green (hydrate & soothe), Black (purify), Gold (brighten and lift), Pumpkin (exfoliate), Blue (hydrate and tone). $19
Watermelon Glow Sleep Mask - If you can’t quite find the time to mask frequently (I, for one, do it most mornings while I feed my daughter breakfast and unload the dishwasher), enter the sleep mask. This is one you put on before bed and leave it on and rinse it off in the morning. It’s not goopy and it dries so don’t fret about your pillow case. It’s basically like a really thick moisturizer. It has AHA (that’s alpha hydroxy acid to you novices) that will smooth skin and tons of hylauraonic acid to plump and moisturize. If you’re new to overnight masks/peels or new to AHAs, this is a great starter. And I feel like it should go without saying since the word ACID is an ingredient, but keep it away from your eye sockets. $45
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Mask - If you have dry skin, this is your new must-have. The cucumber and gel like consistency treat dry irritated skin and it feels so soothing on (pro tip: keep in the fridge). This is also great after a sunburn! This 5 oz tub is giant and will last a very long time. $55
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask - Hands down, my favorite mask ever. If your skin looks dull and has a rough texture, this will turn it bright and glassy. It has a natural BHA that clears pores and tighens skin. I use this once a week to keep my skin smooth and always use before an event when I want my skin to glow and my makeup to glide on easily. A tougher price to swallow, but a little goes a long way. $65
Cold Plunge Pore Mask - This is a fairly new mask for me that has quickly climbed it’s way up my favorite chart. First of all it has a cooling sensation when on (great for headaches *cough* hangovers). It tightens pores and detoxes skin without overdrawing. A very good price point for all that it does. $38
KORA Turmeric Mask - This is another fairly new one for me and while I don’t use it as regularly, it definitely works well. It exfoliates SO well and leaves my skin so soft. It’s a good one to use after a lot of makeup wear or before you apply any kind of face tanner. If you have lifeless, dry skin this would be wonderful for you. $48
TANNING
St. Tropez Self Tanning Foam + Mit - This is my go-to sunless tanner when I need a drastic difference. I’ve still never gotten a spray tan before, but when there are events or times when I probably should get a spray tan, I just use this. This foam (or whipped mousse as they call it), in particular, is great because it has hyaluronic acid in it so it hydrates while it tans. The mitt is a must-have and one that I waited far too long to use. It ensures you get a nice even tan without streaks and zero orange hands. I bought both of min individually, but this kit has them together at a pretty reasonable price. $55
Tan Luxe The Butter- Say you need some color, but nothing too drastic. Say you are terrified of a tanning foam and mitt situation. Say you don’t have time for a gradual tanning lotion. Enter The Butter. I use this before a date night when I don’t need to go through the full rigmarole of a self-tan, but need my pasty legs to look less pasty. It has a subtle shimmer (don’t worry - not glitter) and provides just the right amount of boost of color. (Unfortunately it is sold out right now, but including it here because I can’t talk about my fav self-tanners without including it). $36
Tan Luxe The Gradual - Remember that jergens lotion we used to use all the time in high school (I actually still own a bottle under my sink somewhere), well this is that but BETTER. If you’re not in to self tanner, but want to look a little sun kissed consistently, this is your ticket. It also doesn’t smell weird and actually hydrates my skin, two things I can’t say about old Jergens. $33
St. Tropez Facial Water Spray - I was heavily influenced by TIBAL and a few other beauty influences to get this and I am so glad I did. I often don’t put sunless tanner on my face for fear of Oompa Loompa face, and I also heavily SPF my face which means my head is three shades lighter than the rest of my body when I’ve got a good rhythm with self tanning my body. I spray some on my face after moisturizing each morning and evening. Don’t have to rub in or anything! Just spray and go for a natural glow (wow I should write jingles). $55
Part & Scalp SPF Powder - I just ordered this a few weeks ago for Emilia. Her little part got so burnt at the beach and it felt super gross to rub/spray sunscreen in her fine hair. This is a powder that you just dust onto scalp and parts in hair and it protects with SPF 45. (Again, sold out currently, but felt like it needs be included in the round up.) $34
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops - If you only by one tanning item, let it be this. I wrote about this last year too, but it is so good. You mix in however many droplets of this self tanning oil into your serum or body lotion and it subtly tans your face and/or body. Want less of a tan? Use fewer drops. Need a big boost? Use the whole dropperful. This doesn’t break me out, doesn’t smell, and on bottle lasts a long time. I have the color dark and honestly I’d get either medium or dark because you can adjust the amount of color with the amount of drops you use. $29
MAKEUP
Liquid Silk Canvas Primer - If you’re not using a primer, you’re not getting the most out of your foundation. This truly makes your skin feel like silk and your makeup will glide on and over any wrinkles. I love this primer especially because it feels weightless, not like another thick layer on your face. It doesn’t have silicone or sodium laurel sulfates in it which can cause me to break out. A tiny little pea size pump is all you need - this bottle will last you a long time. $52
Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 35 - I love and prefer a medium to full coverage foundation. I just feel my best with more coverage from that, than say a tinted moisturizer. (Hack - if occasionally you do want a lighter look, just mix in a little foundation with your moisturizer and primer on the back of your hand and then apply to your face for a nice BB cream). This foundation doesn’t feel like anything on. A huge win. AND IT HAS SPF! It’s a buildable coverage that hides discoloration and events skin tone with a matte but not drying finish. I wear shade 3W, but may need to go one shade darker for summer. $52
Better Than Sex Mascara - I currently have about ten mascaras in my makeup drawer on rotation. But this one is always in there. It gives soft fluffy lashes with great volume and separation. I also like that I can add a layer later on in the day if needed and it won’t be crunchy. Its a classic for a reason. It’s really that good. (PS all mascara works better with a lash primer. This is my current favorite). $26
Artis Ten Brush Set - Ok this is a very expensive set of makeup brushes, but hear me out - I am obsessed. I got a three brush set for Christmas and use them every single day. And now I want them all! These have dense packed bristles that make applying your foundation or concealer or really any makeup product so easy. I really think these are a must-have if you’re new to makeup or don’t think you’re good at makeup. They make application so simple. Just dot some product on your hand/face/the brush and gently swirl it on your face. It glides the product on and I use, no joke, half as much product as I would without the brushes. So they’re saving you product and making you look like you own an airbrushing machine. This would be a great Mother’s Day gift if you have a beauty junkie in your life. $259 (normally $370) for all ten brushes!
Plumping Lip Balm - I was influenced every which way to Sunday on this product and I now understand it was for good reason. This lip balm adjust to your pH giving you your perfect custom shade while it has just a little of that menthol-feeling that plumps lips. It’s not a full tingle sensation like some lip plumper, just a subtle mint feeling. I love how chunky the sticks are. So easy to grab and apply without a mirror. I currently have color “Dolly”, but repurchasing in “nude” since Emilia smashed half of mine. $18
Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder - A lot of people have shied away from setting powders or any kind of powder over your foundation lately, but I just can’t swing it. I need that setting feeling and a little extra sweep under my eyes keeps my canceler from settling in lines. I love the subtle color of this setting powder and have been using it for years. I use it to set my foundation or on bearskin with just canceler on my no-makeup makeup days. It’s not chalky, it’s not a loose powder that will get everywhere, and I swear one compact lasts me over a year. Always repurchasing. I wear shade Medium. $45
HAIR
GHD Soft Curl Curling Iron - This is the curling iron I use when I want tighter, more beachy waves/curls. When my hair is in a bob length, this is pretty much all I use. I love that it has multiple heat settings and the end doesn’t get hot so you can use your other hand to help guide the iron. I have had this for three years and it has the same consistent heat every single time. (unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my large T3 curling iron which I recently returned). This is a splurge price for sure, but to me, cheap curling irons = burned hair. $199
Amika Blow Dry Brush - This is very similar to my revlon brush, but at the urging of my wonderful hair stylist, she told me to spring for a little bit nicer blow dry brush that has multiple heat and fan settings to better protect my hair. She was right. The bristles on this are also much better than the drug-store version; there are actually two different length so it really smooths and softens. If you have never mastered the round brush + blow dry technique, this is your little cheater appliance. It will give you bounce and lift and bend and all the good things for that effortless blow-out look. $100
Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo - I’ve talked a lot about this on instastories before, but this is what I use when it’s been so many days between hair washes that I can’t remember the last time I washed my hair. Its a jelly consistency with little scrubby things (technical term) in it that you massage onto your scalp ( I go back from my temples and then part my hair and do down my part line). Use it before shampooing to get all the oil and hair product build up off your head. Not only does it make your shampoo work better for super clean hair, but getting that junk off your scalp will help your hair grow faster and healthier. $25
IGK Charcoal Dry Shampoo - This is my go-to when my hair is reallll dirty and oily. It is thick and intense so if you don’t need to soak up a bunch of dirt, maybe don’t use this. BUT if you have say two to three days of grease on your hair, this will absorb it ALL. It’s so amazing. I spray it a lot on my hair at night so it soaks in over night and wake up with clean fresh hair. (A little goes a long way - and you’ll def need that scalp shampoo above to get it off your head when you wash). $27 (this kit gets you a free travel size for the price of one regular bottle!)
Restore Smooth Blowout Concentrate - I have some damaged parts of my hair from a curling iron that went rogue (i’ll tell the story some other time) and since then I have gone back to using this on my hair each and every time I’m going to put heat on it. It protects up to 450 degrees and helps tame frizz and locks in shine even on humid days. I’ve yet to find a serum that works as well and has heat protection. I think i’ve had my bottle for a year and a half now so it will definitely last quite some time. $29
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector- This is hands-down the one thing that has changed my hair. You put this cream on your hair before shampoo and it helps cure all the little broken ends that stick out and end up breaking. Imagine it smoothing the hair and making the bond stronger so that each individual piece of hair is stronger. If you have damaged hair this will especially help you. I use one a week or so - or put on any time I take a bath. Leave it on for at least ten minutes but I usually try for 30 minutes. I’ll just wet my hair, put it in, and go about my house until it’s time to shower. It’s an extra step, but makes such a difference. $28
Amika Nourishing Hair Mask - Y’all this brand does not get enough air time. Everything they make WORKS. Probably ever-other time I wash my hair, I scoop a healthy amount of this hair mask on my ends and clip my hair up and leave it on while I shave and wash my face. I comb through it and then rinse and my hair feels new. I will never not use it. Its a great price for a huge tub too. $28
IN MY CART
My friends always want to know what is in my cart this year, so here it is. Trying a few new masks and makeup, and stocking up on more reparative haircare.
Dr. Jart Rubber Masks - Kathleen Jennings Beauty always raves bout this so I thought it’d be a fun one to try. They have several rubber ones available - glow, moisture, sooth, and firm. I’m going fo the pink Firming one because apparently now that I’m 35 gravity seems to be doing double duty on my face and body.
Shiseido Wrinkle Resist Eye Masks - The under eye wrinkle game is no joke. Especially when I wear a full-face of makeup, I notice my eye wrinkles seem to appear more noticeable. Getting these to try before big events to brighten and reduce the appearance of fine lines. $17 for 3 packs
Ilia Lengthening Mascara - Tons of people rave about this mascara and I’ve been wanting to try for awhile. It’s also one of the best clean mascaras on the market. Never not trying a new mascara it seems. $28 reg size / $13 mini size
Sephora Eyeliner - I’ve been struggling to find a dark brown eyeliner that doesn’t smudge. I love my Beautycounter one, but I need one a little bit darker (I very rarely wear black eyeliner - feels too severe for me). Trying this after reading some reviews and everything in the Sephora Collection is 30% off in the sale. I got it in color Tiramisu. $11
Westman Atelier Bronzing Stick - TIBAL convinced me of this one (as she does with most things) so giving it a go. It apparently gives a nice subtle sheen and tint to your cheeks. Thinking it’ll be great to throw on this summer when I don’t want to wear a lot of make up but want to “glow”. $48
Olaplex Bond Smoother - This new Olaplex product had my name all over it as soon as I read about it. It repairs hair and protects it from frizz and dryness. My ends are looking pretty dry and ragged so hoping putting this on prior to blowdrying will give them life again. $28
Kerastase Resistance Shampoo & Conditioner - These are targeted for severely damaged hair which is me. My new hair that is growing in after my postpartum hairless is so new and fragile and it just keeps getting fried no matter what I do. This keratin and ceramides infused shampoo and conditioner will hopefully help things get back to a healthy state. $31 & $36
