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Photo:
Real Simple / Daisy Rodriguez
It’s the most beautiful time of year for beauty lovers, meaning that we’re talking about the Sephora Savings Event, of course. If you’ve perfected the art of the liquid liner cat eye or find yourself constantly testing out concealers for dark circles and blemishes, then whip out your wallet (or, better yet, your Sephora Credit Card), because we asked the professional makeup artists for a comprehensive list of what you should be buying while it’s on sale.
The sale kicked off for Rogue members on Friday, October 27 and will end November 6, with a 20 percent off their purchase using the code TIMETOSAVE at checkout. And now VIB and Beauty Insider members can shop the sale with the same code; 15 percent off for VIB members and 10 percent off for Beauty Insiders. The Sephora Collection is also 30 percent off for all members, so if you haven’t taken advantage of that discount yet, sign up to be a Beauty Insider for free—ASAP.
Shop Makeup Artist-Approved Sephora Savings Event Items
- Westman Atelier Clean Glow Trio Set, $60 (was $75)
- Makeup By Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette, $55 (was $68)
- Yves Saint Laurent Best of YSL Lipstick Set, $42 (was $52)
- La Mer The Replenishing Moisture Collection, $140 (was $175)
- Velour Lashes Too Easy Lash Starter Kit, $23 (was $28)
- Nuface Mini+ Smart Petite Facial Toning Routine, $200 (was $250)
- Sephora Collection Waterproof 12HR Retractable Eyeliner Pencil, $9 (was $13)
- BeautyBlender Enchanted Beauty Essentials Set, $40 (was $50)
- Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $56 (was $69)
- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick, $11 (was $15)
“The Sephora annual sale is a beauty lover’s dream come true,” hair and makeup specialist Andrea DiSabatino tells Real Simple. Most recently, DiSabatino has been working on the set of Real Housewives of New York as Erin Dana Lichey’s hair stylist. “With an abundance of discounted, top-notch makeup, skincare, and fragrances, it’s a once-a-year opportunity to indulge in luxury products without breaking the bank.”
We got the beauty scoop from industry experts and tapped professional makeup artists to come up with this comprehensive list of everything makeup-lovers should buy during the Sephora sale. Prices start at $11, so shop quickly to take advantage of these 15 beauty must-haves.
Westman Atelier Clean Glow Trio Set
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $75 $60
“Highlight, contour, and blush sticks from Westman Atelier have revolutionized the way we approach sculpting and defining the face,” J Guerra tells Real Simple. “Snagging these contour sticks on sale is a golden opportunity to invest in a top-notch product that delivers professional results every time.”
As a self-taught makeup artist, Guerra works the Mercedes-Benz New York and Paris Fashion Weeks each year and works with celebrity clients like Bethenny Frankle, La Toya Jackson, and more.“I personally use these sticks on my celebrity clients because I trust in their performance,” Guerra said.
The glow sticks have a creamy formula that glides on seamlessly, “making it incredibly user-friendly, even for those who may be new to contouring,” Guerra explains. “What sets this product apart is its ability to blend effortlessly, ensuring a hydrating, natural finish that still provides a softly defined look.”
The new, limited edition Clean Glow Trio includes the Face Trace Contour Stick, Lit Up Highlight Stick, and Baby Cheeks Blush Stick.
Makeup By Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $68 $55
The Makeup By Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette is something both Guerra and DiSabatino agree is a makeup bag essential.
“This palette is a game-changer for creating a variety of stunning holiday eye looks, from natural and soft to bold and dramatic,” Guerra says. “The finely-milled pigments ensure a smooth application and exceptional blendability.”
DiSabatino calls the palette “worth every penny,” and adds, “When I say ‘wow,’ I truly mean it.” This impressive palette features 12 shades with a mix of matte and shimmer finishes.
Now’s the perfect time to buy, according to Guerra. “While it’s certainly a luxury item, catching this palette on sale is an incredible opportunity to add a top-tier product to your makeup collection.”
Sephora Collection Waterproof 12-HR Retractable Eyeliner Pencil
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $13 $9
For makeup that’s easy to use and won’t irritate the skin, laser technician and oncology esthetician Rachel Lee Lozina recommends the Sephora Collection Waterproof 12-HR Retractable Eyeliner Pencil in the shade 26-Shimmer Taupe, which is currently 30 percent off for all Sephora Insiders.
“I buy six of these at a time for a reason,” Lozina says. As the owner of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, New York, you can trust that her picks are tried-and-true. “You never have to sharpen them, and the built-in smudger creates perfectly blended beauty on a budget. It packs a punch with its bold colors, and is waterproof for at least 12 hours.”
Yves Saint Laurent Best of YSL Lipstick Set
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $52 $42
Another luxury makeup product that’s worth snagging while it’s on sale is the Yves Saint Laurent Best of YSL Lipstick Set. This set of long-wearing lip colors includes a holiday red lipstick, a nude shade for pairing with bold, sparkly shadow, and the perfect everyday shade with a creamy, neutral shine. “The pigment pay-off is exceptional, delivering rich, vibrant color in just one swipe,” Guerra adds.
The three-piece set comes in a luxurious, white and gold makeup pouch, which makes it a great holiday gift.
La Mer The Replenishing Moisture Collection Set
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $175 $140
“La Mer is renowned in the skincare world, and for good reason,” Guerra says. “The formulations are enriched with the famous Miracle Broth, a blend of potent ingredients that works to soothe, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin.” They additionally help support the skin barrier and protect your skin from environmental stress and pollution. “I’ve witnessed the incredible long-term benefits of La Mer on my clients’ skin for years, solidifying its status as a worthwhile investment in anyone’s skincare regimen,” Guerra adds.
The Replenishing Moisture Collection is ideal for makeup- and skincare-lovers alike, and Guerra even calls it “a staple in my kit for prepping clients’ skin before makeup application.” Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates SLS and SLES, the limited-edition skincare set is a Sephora exclusive that, according to Guerra, ensures “a smooth, hydrated base for flawless results.” You’ll get The Treatment Lotion, The Eye Concentrate, The Hydrating Infused Emulsion, and Crème de la Mer minis for $140.
Velour Lashes Too Easy Lash Starter Kit
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $28 $23
Both glue-ons and lash extensions can get pricey, so for less than $25, the Velour Lashes Too Easy Lash Starter Kit is a steal. The limited edition set comes with four vegan and cruelty-free Classic Velour-Xtensions Lash Clusters, a Mini Too Easy Lash Applicator, and a Mini Glue and Go Pen—everything you need to DIY bold and voluminous lashes.
“Velour Lashes have undoubtedly made a significant impact in the world of false lashes, and I'm always excited to use their products on my clients,” Guerra explains, calling them “lightweight and comfortable” to wear. The Glue and Go Pen is latex-free and completely clear, which makes it easy for everyone to apply (even eyeliner beginners). The lashes themselves also sit on an invisible band, so you never have to worry about the lashes being obvious.
Nuface Mini+ Smart Petite Facial Toning Routine
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $250 $200
Because skincare is crucial to smoother, more even makeup application, Guerra also recommends the Nuface Mini+ Smart Petite Facial Toning Routine that he says “has made waves in the beauty industry.”
The limited edition smart microcurrent device tones, lifts, and contours fine lines and wrinkles, and also improves loss of firmness and elasticity. The kit includes an applicator brush and two Aqua Gel Activators that contain electrolytes, glacial water, and hyaluronic acid to plump, moisturize, and balance the skin. And if you weren’t aware, the device and the activators were cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the utmost safety.
“I normally recommend the NuFace device to my clients as a complementary treatment to their skincare routines, as it enhances the efficacy of the products they use,” Guerra says, adding that the device stands out “due to its ability to provide noticeable lifting and toning results with consistent use.” He also uses it personally and has even seen “a marked improvement” in his skin’s firmness and overall appearance.
Now that you can grab it for $50 off, Guerra says it’s “a smart investment” at “an affordable range, allowing more people to experience its transformative effects.”
BeautyBlender Enchanted Beauty Essentials Set
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $50 $40
As you shop through the big-ticket items, like the microcurrent devices and gift sets, DiSabatino says you shouldn’t underestimate the little guy.
“This is your chance to replenish your stock of beauty blenders,” DiSabatino says. “These are essential for makeup-lovers and professionals alike, and I personally use them on both myself and my clients. They’re the ultimate tool for achieving a flawless makeup application, especially when damp.”
With Rouge member status, you can knock off as much as $10 on the BeautyBlender Enchanted Beauty Essentials Set, which comes with a pack of six blenders and sponge cleaners.
Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $48 $39
The Sephora Savings event is also an incredible opportunity to snag luxury brands for less.
“I love making the most of this sale to indulge in my luxury brand purchases,” DiSabatino says. “My absolute favorite is the Dior Backstage Glow Palette. I use it almost every day, and it’s versatile for both highlighting and as eyeshadow.”
Available in Color 002: Glitz for as low as $39, the palette includes four highters in Gold, Pearly White with Maxi Glitter, Bronze with Holographic Accents, and Delicately Shimmering Peach. You can use just a touch of it for a natural glow or layer it for a more visible highlight.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $69 $56
DiSabatino calls the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation “a true wonder” for its ability to “flatter everyone.” The high-end foundation, available in 40 shades, is an oil-free liquid formula that provides medium coverage with a natural finish.
“Its formula effectively conceals discoloration while still letting your skin breathe,” DiSabatino explains. “I love its buildable coverage, and how it magically suits every skin type.”
Danessa Myricks Beauty Dewy Cheek and Lip Palette
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $32 $26
For the skincare enthusiast that prefers a dewy, barely-there, natural look, DiSabatino recommends the Danessa Myricks Beauty Dewy Cheek and Lip Palette that he’s “currently obsessed with.”
“This is hands-down the most incredible cheek palette I’ve ever tried,” DiSabatino says. “It’s creamy, moisturizing, and suitable for all skin tones. You can either mix and match the colors, or create a playful monochromatic look.”
Available in either Dewy Flirty or Dew It Undercover palette colors, each palette has four shades made with vegan and cruelty-free formulas that can be used on the cheeks, lips, and even eyelids if you’re daring.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $15 $11
“Amidst the sea of brands at Sephora, it’s easy to forget where it all began. Sephora has its own fantastic and budget-friendly brand filled with an array of tools and products,” DiSabatino says.
The Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick comes in over 70 shades, with Always Red being a favorite. It’s “a classic red” and “all you’ll ever need,” DiSabatino says. “It’s long-lasting, bold, and versatile for wearing solo or layered with clear gloss. A single application will keep you looking fabulous all night, and it’s a product I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone try.”
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $43 $35
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder is one of bridal and celebrity makeup artist Cara Lovello’s all-time favorites. “This has been a staple in my kit for at least a decade,” Lovello says of the matte finish loose setting powder. “It keeps your makeup set in place all day without ever looking too powdery.”
This loose setting powder is good for 16 hours of continuous wear and 24 hours of shine control. It’s formulated with vitamins C and E to help even out skin tone, natural amino acids that condition the skin, and plant-based powder that softens the appearance of pores and absorbs oil.
Lovello adds, “I’m running low so I will for sure be stocking up on this.”
Sephora Collection Pro 8-Piece Face and Eye Brush Set
Sephora
Buy on Sephora $95 $76
Use this savings event to replace any old makeup brushes that have gotten cakey or lost fibers over time. According to Lovello, “any of the Sephora Pro brushes” are worth the money, especially while on sale. “These are some of the most luxurious brushes in my professional and personal kit. They have a lux, expensive feel both to hold, and on the face, and can withhold the test of time and extensive use.”
This eight-pack of Pro brushes includes one for foundation, powder, blush, highlighter, concealer, shadow, crease, and brows, all of which come in a vegan leather pouch for easy storage and convenient travel. Each brush is made with vegan and cruelty-free bristles and designed to evenly distribute coverage, so you can build up your makeup accordingly.
