If you’ve ventured into Sephora’s brick-and-mortar store during the holiday season — or, shop online — you know its early Black Friday deals are extensive, beautifully packaged and sell out quickkk.
To springboard the early savings on fragrances, hair products, makeup and skincare, Sephora is slated to launch its mega Holiday Savings Event on November 5, which remains up and running until November 15.
But, until then, there are so many value kits worth shopping for today.
We have heart eyes all over its festive catalog, especially the Sephora Collection Holy Sheet! Mask Bundle, the Kiehl’s Since 1851 Rockin’ Hits Vault and Alterna Haircare Holiday Moisture Duo.
Clients can access the event in-store and online using code YAYHOLIDAY. Discounts will include 10% off for Insider members, 15% off for VIB members and 20% off for Rouge members.
What’s more, all of Sephora Collection’s products are on sale for 30% off for all shoppers, along with code FREESHIP to access free shipping.
So, the sale isn’t limited to holiday kits. You can score incredible discounts on Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Luminous Foundation, Alpyn Beauty’s Creamy Bubbling Cleanser and GHD’s Helios Hair Dryer — three of my holy grails.
Though we routinely cover the best beauty products you can buy — including our mega testing reviews of the best full-coverage foundations and best vitamin C serums — we corralled Sephora’s beauty directors to share their most sought-after products to steal during the sale.
Beauty directors David Razzano, Melinda Solares, Myiesha Sewell and Sephora Collection National Artist Helen Phillips are the Kate Middletons to Sephora’s Royal Family — and we couldn’t be more excited to share the best of the best products to shop now, whether for yourself or to gift shop ahead of time.
Below, find the 24 best Sephora products recommended by well-seasoned experts who know what to use to feel and look your best. And hurry, some of these offerings are limited-time items.
David Razzano’s Expert Picks
54 Thrones African Beauty Butter Deluxe Gift Tin, $80 ($120 value)
“Body butters are so wonderful at helping maintain good hydration and moisture throughout the colder months,” Razzano said. “This collection from 54 Thrones combines ancient African shea butter traditions with an incredible array of beautiful scents, all packaged in a chic holiday tin.”
Plus, it’s great for anyone on your list — including yourself.
Dr. Jart Bestseller Kit, $60 ($93 value)
“This holiday kit from Dr. Jart features four bestselling products that perfect, hydrate and strengthen the skin,” he said. “I know so many people who are obsessed with the Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30, and this kit includes a full-size version — which is great for reducing redness on the skin and helping to fortify your skin’s protective barrier.”
And, with the other products in the set, you’ll have a brilliant routine cemented before the new year.
Tarte Merry Mascara Must Haves, $35 ($69 value)
“If you know me, you know Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte is one of my all-time favorite mascaras,” Razzano said. “So, a holiday set with two more amazing mascara formulas by Tarte is a no-brainer gift for many on my shopping list.”
Natasha Denona Retro Palette, $65
“This year, the Retro Palette is serving us a romantic dose of vintage rose and mauve tones,” Razzano said. “This curation of colors is both beautifully wearable on all skin tones while also being uniquely new and fresh feeling.”
Not to mention, he projects the new year will be big for dusty rose tones.
Forevr Mood Exclusive Candle Duo, $72
“I love gifting scented candles to party hosts during the holidays!” he said. “This duo from Forevr Mood features Floral Play and Sip Happens scents, two unique and chic scents to capture everyone’s attention.”
Interestingly, these selects are fragrant without being overpowering — while fusing prosecco and pomegranate and bergamot and rosebuds combos.
Sephora Favorites Swipe of Lip Kit, $36 ($95 value)
“You literally cannot go wrong with a Sephora Favorites Kit, which is why they sell out at light speed!” Razzano said. “I always grab the annual lip kit because we all know someone who is lipstick obsessed.”
So, it’s a surefire way to check off someone on your wishlist.
Melinda Solares’ Expert Picks
Olaplex Healthy Hair Essentials, $60
“Raise your hand if overuse of heat tools without protection or botched hair color has happened to you — my hand is up high and Olaplex saved my hair!” Solares said.
“This kit contains bond-building technology, which reconnects broken bonds caused by chemical, thermal and mechanical damage to the hair,” she adds. And, it’s great for anyone who is looking to give their hair a detox.
ILIA Small Wonders Set, $29 ($52 value)
“During the holiday season, I find that a lip or dramatic lash is all you need to take your makeup look from office to party,” she said. “My favorite way to use this set is to apply the Limitless Lash Mascara in the AM and layer the Fullest Volumizing Mascara to pump up the drama in the evening.”
Solares recommends using the Lip Wrap Hydrating Mask for a bit of a hydrating glow during your Zoom meetings, then topping it off with the Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil on your way out the door.
First Aid Beauty Your Future Looks FAB, $49 ($112 value)
“You know what? My future does look fab and honestly, so does my skin and bank account because of this set!” Solares said. “As someone with sensitive skin, it took a bit more digging to find skincare that wasn’t only effective but also conducive to keeping my skin calm since I love using actives like AHAs and BHAs.”
You can’t go wrong with this set, especially since it’s half the value.
Keratase Dry Hair Essentials: Day & Night Treatments Duo, $56 ($80 value)
“In skincare, serums [as found in this kit] are the power-packed muscle that often treats a concern — and the same can be true for hair care,” she said. “I’m a big fan of applying the Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum to my mid-lengths to ends and popping my hair into a bun or braid before I go to sleep.”
Not to mention, Solares wakes up with “shiny, soft waves with little to no effort.”
Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler, $68 ($118 value)
“Let me start with this — $68 price and $118 value, need I say more?” Solares said.
“This sampler features 13 fan-favorite scents that range from fruity florals to sweet gourmands and you also get to use the included certificate to redeem a full size of whichever fragrance you loved most,” she adds.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Selena’s Faves 4-Piece Mini Set, $30
Solares thinks this is a “go-to gift” for multiple reasons:
First: Aside from a little foundation and brow gel, this set creates an entire look in a flash.
Second: I love to encourage others to be confident in a red lip — this is a perfect way to push those who may be hesitant and out of their comfort zone.
Third: The holidays are about giving and so is Rare Beauty. The brand’s Rare Impact Fund has a goal of raising $100M over the next 10 years to help give people access to mental health services, and each purchase made contributes to this cause.
Myiesha Sewell’s Expert Picks
Adwoa Beauty Mini Baomint Deluxe Travel Kit, $56
“Adwoa is one of the hair care brands I recommend the most because it’s great for anyone seeking major hair hydration,” Sewell said. “The glycerin in the Baomint Leave-In Conditioning Styler gives your hair amazing definition and tons of hydration, and the Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment‘s shea butter-infused formula is something everyone needs to experience.”
Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil Everyday Gloss, $14
“Bread’s award-winning Hair Oil is ‘like a lip gloss for your hair,'” she said. Plus, the brand recently debuted its 100% Macadamia Oil that you can use on your hair or body.
“Macadamia oil has naturally occurring squalene and leaves a radiant finish on the skin, which makes it the perfect finishing touch for a dewy makeup look.”
Farmacy Honey Harvest Hydration Kit, $60 ($89 value)
“I often turn to Farmacy and its honey-infused moisturizers when I need deep hydration that still feels lightweight on my oily skin, and its Honey Glow AHA Resurfacing Serum is great to use when your skin is looking a little dull,” Sewell said.
Plus, each Farmacy Honey Harvest Kit provides five meals to families in need.
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Gift Set, $92 ($110 value)
“The scent of gardenia will forever remind me of childhood memories of my grandmother’s flower garden, so it’s definitely what I’m getting her for the holidays,” she said. “Whenever I gift fragrance, I like to write the receiver a note and tell them why I chose it, what memory it evoked, why it reminds me of them and why I think they’ll love it.”
As a sentimental and sweet-scented option, it makes them fall in love before they even smell it.
Sephora Favorites Healthy Hair Must-Haves Kit, $38 ($105 value)
“Our Sephora Favorites boxes are always legendary, and the Healthy Hair Must-Haves Kit is no different,” Sewell said. “I feel like so many of us have become DIY hairdressers during quarantine and this is going to be amazing for someone who loves to experiment with at-home hair care.”
Sephora Favorites LashStash To Go, $29 ($57 value)
“We all have that picky friend who is obsessed with perfecting their lashes. In my case, I’m that friend,” she said.
“The Sephora Favorites LashStash is the best way to take five different mascara formulas out for a spin,” she adds. “Once you find one you love, redeem the certificate for a full-sized mascara!”
Helen Phillips’ Expert Picks
Sephora Collection Holiday Vibes Outrageous Lip Plump Set, $20 ($36 value)
“I love the Sephora Collection Outrageous Plump Lip Gloss and this color selection has a great variety for any of the gloss lovers in your life,” Phillips said. “It has peppermint oil which feels festive for this time of year, while also giving a nice plump to your lips.”
And, she especially loves that it’s “hydrating” while also being “nice and cooling for chapped lips.”
Sephora Collection Warm Wishes Eyeshadow Palette, $15 ($88 value)
“This palette is impossibly cute!” she said. “Inside is a great mix of neutrals with different finishes, which makes it great for everyday use that’ll last beyond the holiday season.”
Notably, Phillips loves the few purple shades to give you “an extra pop when you need it,” especially in the inner corner.
Sephora Collection Holiday Vibes Cream Lip Stain Set, $30 ($90 value)
“This set is a classic Sephora Collection gift set because this lip stain formula is one of our client favorites,” Phillips said. “This kit includes all the bestselling shades and my personal favorite, The Red.”
What’s more, this formula is infused with coconut oil, “which adds a bit of hydration to make it wear comfortably,” she adds.
Sephora Collection Holy Sheet! Mask Bundle, $48 ($87 value)
“Any play on words makes a gift extra fun to give, and this is truly a wild value for the skincare lover in your life,” Phillips said. “It allows you to try everything and figure out what works best for you.”
And, her personal favorite is the Bubble Mask, which “gives your skin an amazing glow before makeup and also feels lovely on,” she adds.
Sephora Collection Mini Mania, $25
“I don’t know about you, but I’m obsessed with minis!” she said. “This gift is perfect for the traveler in your life or for the person who needs skincare on the go.”
Phillips loves to refresh her skin mid-day with some eye cream on top of her concealer to plump the skin and give you an I-just-took-a-nap effect, which you can create with this less-than-$30 kit.
Sephora Collection Coffee Break Sponge Set, $12
“The Total Coverage Sponge Set is great for the makeup gal who has it all,” she said. “Everyone needs to refresh sponges and, with maskne still going strong, keeping your sponge fresh is more important than ever.”
Plus, she said these sponges “blend flawlessly wet or dry,” especially if you soak up ice-cold water to apply your foundation (her trick for tightening up pores).
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