What to *Add to Cart* in the Sephora Holiday Savings Event
In a year where online shopping has seemed to be one of our only reprieves from everything going on, let's just shop some more, shall we?? It's hard to believe, but we are officially in the Holiday Season. Shoutout to Halloween for kicking off the season with all its spooky glory and now the question on everyone's minds seems to be, "is it too early to start decorating for Christmas?"
The answer? Absolutely not.
Christmas decorations bring out an incomparable sense of joy, reverence and overall peace so I say if bringing out the tree brings you all those things and then some - bring out the tree my friends! This year has taught us the importance of indulging in things that make us HAPPY so if it's Christmas decorations in November, I say indulge.
In other news, the Holiday Season means Holiday Shopping is also upon us. That is something I think can never be done too early. Not only can you avoid the panic of a last minute shopping trip but you can also avoid the crowded disaster that is the mall during the month of December. Although I am quite curious if the majority of people will be doing their Holiday Shopping online this year?
A lot of brands are kicking off Black Friday Shopping and Holiday Deals even EARLIER this year - because Thanksgiving Thursday wasn't early enough to start Black Friday Deals - but nevertheless one such company I'm grateful to be doing that is Sephora.
Sephora has officially kicked off their Holiday Shopping Event! And this is a GOOD one! As a reminder, the massive makeup entity only has two sales events of this magnitude during the year with the first being in Spring and the second taking place right now, during the Holiday season.
Using code HOLIDAYFUN Rouge Members can receive 20% off valid from 10/30/20 - 11/9/20; VIB Members can receive 15% off valid from 11/3/20 - 11/9/20 and Insider Members can receive 10% off valid from 11/5/20 - 11/9/20. VIB Members get free shipping on orders of $35 or more and Beauty Insiders get free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
If you're like me and love trying out new products when it comes to makeup, skincare and the like - this is the shopping event for you! Take an early crack at your Holiday shopping and throw a little something something in there for yourself.
That being said, I am listing some of my Sephora Ride or Dies below - the products that I have come to love and absolutely can't live without in my makeup kit. In addition, I've thrown in some items from the Sale Section on the site. Items that I've both tried and loved as well as items I've always wanted to try.
Let's get to shopping!!
AlmostFabMe's Sephora Makeup Bag MUST-HAVES
Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15, $24
I cannot rave enough about Fresh Lip Balms. I was originally introduced to the brand with the shade Rosé and of course fell immediately in love with it's smooth, luxurious texture and easy application. From there I wanted to spice things up and add a bit of color so I've since upgraded to Bloom. You truly cannot go wrong with any of these shades - this lip balm is a MUST-HAVE!
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask , $22
This has been a recent discovery of mine but one that I can no longer live without. Applying the LANEIGE lip sleeping mask before bed has become part of my daily routine. It leaves lips feeling hydrated and supple and really soaks into your skin during the evening so you wake up feeling refreshed and definitely not chapped.
Too Faced, Better than Sex Volumizing Mascara, $26
I'll be the first to admit I've been out of the mascara game for quite some time since I've been wearing lash extensions for the last few years however, that doesn't mean I forgot my favorite mascara. I have recently started wearing mascara again in light of COVID and there's no doubt this one still reigns supreme.
Urban Decay, All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, $33
First of all, if you don't use a setting spray - what, what WHAT are you doing?! Setting sprays seriously change the game of makeup and thanks to this one I feel confident that all of my hard work prepping my face for a day out will LAST well into the evening.
Anastasia Beverly Hills, Brow Wiz, $23
Thanks to years of practice, and THIS product, I truly feel like I have perfected the brow game. For those of you who may struggle with brow application, I highly recommend Anastasia Beverly Hills products. They are so user friendly! The Brow Wiz in particular I love because the applicator is small, like a pen, which I find easier to naturally fill in my brows with. I wear the shade Medium Brown for reference.
Nars Blush - Orgasm - Peachy Pink with Shimmer, $30
I have to be honest and say I haven't ventured too far in the realm of blushes but why fix what ain't broke, right? I'm sure this isn't the first time you've heard of this blush and with good reason. This blush is the perfect shade of soft pink with just the right amount of shimmer. I always mix it with bronzer and the combination together is absolute perfection. This is definitely NOT your grandmother's blush.
Benefit Cosmetics, Hoola Matte Bronzer, $30
Truth be told, I'm fairly positive I found this bronzer by accident. I believe it was a freebie from some event I attended but I haven't turned back ever since. This natural bronze shade is perfect for my complexion and since it's a matte finish it doesn't compete with the blush either. While this is the perfect shade for me, definitely check out the others offered to decide what's best for you and your skin tone!
Laura Mercier, Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $39
I'm sure this also isn't the first time you've heard of Laura Mercier's beloved Translucent Loose Setting Powder but let me tell you, it's worth the hype. Also, if you're not using setting powder - what, what WHAT are you doing my friends?! And yes, I use setting powder AND setting spray, shocking, I know. But you better believe this face is not moving. This setting powder is not only as good as they say it is but the powder itself lasts a long time too which is even better!
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes, $28
In light of my great success with the translucent loose setting powder from Laura Mercier, I figured I would check out her brightening powder for under eyes. This product has been a recent addition to my makeup bag as well but let me tell you it's not going anywhere soon! It goes on smoothly and gives my under eyes the right amount of brightness without looking like I have, well, I think you know the look...
Benefit Cosmetics, 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Eyebrow Gel, $24
The day I discovered eyebrow gel was the day my life would be forever changed. Truthfully. As mentioned earlier, I've perfected my eyebrow filling in technique over the years but I was always greeted with infinite frustration whenever a hair dared to move out of place throughout the course of the day. Enter, clear brow gel. Personally, I prefer the clear gel since I already have plenty of color in my brows thanks to Brow Wiz, but Benefit Cosmetics does offer alternative options with color as well if that's more your jam. If they're anything like this brow gel - then they're a winner baby!
MILK MAKEUP Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M. - Neutral Pink Peach, $24
Truth be told, I'm not a big lipstick gal. Per my recommendation above, I'm definitely more of a tinted chapstick kinda girl. I vehemently HATE having to stress about reapplying my lipstick or how it looks as it fades throughout the evening so more often than not I just choose not to wear it. However, I do like the look of lipstick and the little added color it provides to an otherwise colorless part of my face. That being said, I do like this MILK MAKEUP matte lipstick in the shade C.R.E.A.M. It goes on smoothly, almost like a chapstick, and it still looks good even as it begins to fade. There's lots of colors to choose from but as far as application goes, this one's a winner!
Sephora Sale Finds
Ole Henriksen, 3 Little Wonders, Originally $74 on sale for $52 ($110 value)
AlmostFabMe Review: I have not personally tried Ole Henriksen products but have heard nothing but amazing feedback. Adding to cart!
AlmostFabMe Review: If you're a candle guy/girl like me, then you know and love the brand Voluspa. These are some of my favorite scents from Voluspa - you definitely don't want to sleep on this deal!
Milk Makeup Holographic Stick Originally $28 on sale for $18
AlmostFabMe Review: Never have I EVER received so many compliments on a highlighter as I have when wearing this Milk Makeup Holographic Stick in the shade Supernova. It's unlike any highlighter color I've seen before and I promise you it's guaranteed to turn heads (in the best way possible of course).
Amika Bust Your Brass Purple Leave-In Conditioner Foam Originally $25 on sale for $18.75
AlmostFabMe Review: Another brand I haven't personally tried but have heard rave reviews about. I've always admired Amika's branding and during my most recent trip to the salon, my hairstylist recommended their products for blondes so I just may have to give it a shot!
Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Body Oil Originally $35 on sale for $26
AlmostFabMe Review: True story, I stumbled on this product in a panic. Years ago, I was headed to Las Vegas with absolutely no time to get a spray tan and wanted something to give me a little color and shimmer by the pool. Enter Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Body Oil. It's been with me ever since!
AlmostFabMe: I have not tried this specific GLAMGLOW product however every GLAMGLOW product I've tried I've absolutely l-o-v-e-d! Their GRAVITYMUD firming treatment mask is one of my faves!
AlmostFabMe Review: My T3 flat iron was by FAR one of the best purchases (investments really) I've ever made. I love that this one is compact, perfect for traveling or the woman on the go!
AlmostFabMe Review: (see above). But really, there's a reason they call this the "SinglePass" flat iron. Take it from a woman with EXTREMELY curly hair who's struggled her whole life to find a proper straightener.
AlmostFabMe Review: Again, not a product I own but I just swear by T3. These products are WORTH the investment. If you're more of a curly girl versus straight and sleek, this styling wand looks incredible for a natural looking curl/wave.
T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage Originally $150 on sale for $99
AlmostFabMe Review: Okay, this is the last one I promise! There's just too many good deals on T3 products in the sale section! Knowing my love and trust of the brand, I thought this was a worthy product to mention as it's a compact hair dryer, again, perfect for travel. I know I can speak for all of us when I say how AWFUL hotel blow dryers tend to be. This would be a life saver!
Those are just some of the noteworthy products and amazing deals I spotted on Sephora. Be sure to take advantage of their second of two sales this year and shop the Holiday Shopping Event while you can. Mark some gifts off your Christmas Shopping List and buy yourself something while you're at it. You deserve it.