Despite the countless samples and PR packages that come with being a beauty writer, I still find myself scouring Sephora’s website every single day.
I’m not necessarily proud to admit this, but my passion for beauty runs deep, and I really do believe that the only way I can give honest, fair reviews is to try as much as I can.
I pride myself on my stellar (sometimes unsolicited) product recommendations.
So, when Lindsay asked if I wanted to help curate a list of picks for the upcoming Sephora Holiday Savings Sale, I jumped on the opportunity. First, let’s break down what you need to know.
When is the Sephora Holiday Savings Sale for 2020?
Great question! As is always the case, the sale is exclusive to Sephora’s three tiers of Beauty Insider Rewards Program—Rouge, VIB, and Insider. Here’s the breakdown:
- ROUGE: Friday, 10/30 – Monday, 11/9
- VIB: Tuesday, 11/3 – Monday, 11/9
- INSIDER: Thursday, 11/5 – Monday, 11/9
What discounts should I expect during the Sephora Holiday Savings Sale?
That depends on your level of “status.” Below is a breakdown of the exact percentages for each tier:
- ROUGE: 20%
- VIB: 15%
- INSIDER: 10%
If you’re planning to shop the sale, I hope you find this list helpful—and if you’re not in a financial position to spend right now—I completely hear you. (Please do not feel pressured to buy just because there’s a sale! There will always be more sales!)
One more thing to note! Many of you know this already, but using these links when you shop is a great way to support Lindsay/me (since she earns a small percentage of affiliate income based on anything you purchase after clicking something in this post and then that’ll make me look good.)
So, without further ado, here are my top recommendations for the Sephora Holiday Savings Sale.
Best Gift Sets
Holiday Hair Fix Kit, Olaplex
As a rule of thumb, I try not to recommend products I haven’t tried myself, but Olaplex is that good.
I have very finicky hair, so while I stick to my prescription shampoos (gross, I know,) I whole-heartedly believe in the power of Olaplex. This set is perfect for anyone trying to up their hair game.
Tartelette Give, Gift & Get Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow, Tarte
I think Tarte’s eyeshadows are wildly under-appreciated. They’re pigmented, easy to blend, and somehow smell amazing. This set is a whopping $49—for perspective, I’ve spent more than that on four-shadow palettes—and I promise you’ll wear the the 27 neutral shades time and time again.
Holiday Perfume Sampler Set, Sephora Favorites
I usually find perfume samplers like this to be kind of stupid given you can usually get sample sizes for free, but the included voucher for a full-sized perfume makes this an absolute steal. Plus, it’s a great, low-cost way to try fragrances you might have otherwise looked over.
Mini Pillow Talk Lip Set, Charlotte Tilbury
I’m not a huge lipstick girl, so believe me when I say Pillow Talk is IT. The shade is iconic for a reason, and since lip glosses and sticks take a while to use up, these minis are definitely the way to go.
‘Replica’ Deluxe Mini Coffret Set, Maison Margiela
I know I just said I’m usually not into perfume samplers, but these sizes are huge. Rather than spending $100+ on a single Replica fragrance, this set gives you five iconic scents in sizes that will last for months on end.
Mini Juicy All The Way Lip Jelly Set, Tower28
I’m big on lip glosses, and Tower28 makes some of the least sticky, über-hydrating glosses I’ve tried (and I’ve tried a lot). These colors look a little intimidating in the tube, but trust me, they end up giving the perfect hint of color when applied.
Give Me More Lip Lipstick Set, Sephora Favorites
If you’re looking for new lipsticks, this is an absolute bang for your buck. At $45, the set is well worth the money, with three full-size and five deluxe-sample-size lip products from some of the best brands in the business.
Skincare
Cleanser, Eve Lom
A beauty editor favorite, this Eve Lom cleanser is the height of face washing luxury. Yes, it’s very expensive, but a little goes a long way and there’s no better time to treat yourself than during a holiday sale!
CC Me Vitamin C Serum, Summer Fridays
Unlike most vitamin C serums, this one is slippery and scentless—a huge win in my book. The vegan and cruelty-free formula is incredibly gentle yet effective, and it’s packed with squalene for added hydration and glow.
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops, Drunk Elephant
I’ve been using this serum every single morning for the past two years, and I cannot say enough good things about it. I mix a squirt in with my sunscreen, and it gives me this perfect, bronzy glow that looks amazing on its own as well as under makeup. The protection from free radicals and other environmental stressors is truly just the cherry on top of an already-great product.
Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, Sunday Riley
Good Genes is another long-time staple of mine. I use it around three times a week, and it has made a huge difference in my skin texture and acne. It’s definitely pricey and rarely goes on sale, so I think this is the perfect time to grab one.
Mini Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado, Kiehl’s
This eye cream is thick, and I mean that in the most wonderful, hydrating, luxurious way. I see an immediate difference upon application, and the creamy texture sinks into the skin in a way that keeps the area hydrated all day long. I constantly find myself gravitating towards this eye cream.
The Dewy Skin Cream, Tatcha
This deeply hydrating cream is a true pleasure to use. Perfect for the colder months, this cream helps lock in moisture and sinks into the skin in the most luxurious way. I especially appreciate the conveniently placed little spatula.
Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin, Origins
I’m not a huge mask girl, but this one is an A+ in my book. It’s well-priced, easy to use, and actually works. I apply once a week when my skin is feeling problematic, and it immediately calms the skin, while simultaneously sloughing off dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover.
Acne Healing Dots, Peace Out
Simply put, these are some of the best pimple patches out there. They’re incredibly sticky and suck up impurities in a gross (but very satisfying) way. This sale is a great opportunity to stock up on these (and their equally powerful microneedling dark spot dots).
Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, Mount Lai
While I’m still a bit hesitant about jade rollers, I am a huge fan of gua sha. I keep mine in a mini fridge next to my vanity and use it every morning to help depuff and tone my otherwise shapeless face.
Mini Facial Toning Device, NuFACE
I just picked this mini Facial Toning Device during Prime Day, and I’ve been loving the results. That being said, I don’t think this tool is for everyone. You need to use it for about five minutes every day for real results, and you definitely see more drastic differences with aging or generally puffy skin. I actually love the daily routine, and I have a very round face, so I’m a fan, but unless you can commit, it might be a waste of money.
Makeup
Sublime Perfection Hydrating Primer, Pat McGrath Labs
I will never forget the first time I wore this primer, because I caught a glimpse of myself around 4 pm and was absolutely shocked by how good I still looked. Pat McGrath knows what she’s doing. And, the price was recently significantly dropped, making it a more affordable (albeit still expensive) option.
Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation, Armani Beauty
Ridiculously expensive? Yes. Ridiculously stunning? Also yes. Meet the best foundation on the market. I live and die for my Armani Luminous Silk and truly believe it is worth the hefty price tag. I already have a bottle of this, but I’m seriously considering pulling the trigger on the newly released Luminous Silk concealer.
Soft Matte Long-Lasting Foundation, NARS
This foundation is cheaper than Luminous Silk but still fairly expensive. That being said, the transfer-proof formula makes this the best foundation to wear underneath a mask. It’s definitely mattifying, but in a smooth, non-drying sort of way, and you can definitely add glow with some highlighter work.
Radiant Creamy Concealer, NARS
This creamy, dewy concealer is a cult-favorite for a reason. The medium coverage results in the perfect your-skin-but-better look that’s gotten me countless compliments. I’ve gone through several tubes of this concealer over the years and remain loyal thanks to its fool-proof formula.
Hollywood Contour Wand, Charlotte Tilbury
I love any sort of cream, liquid contour situation, and this wand makes it incredibly easy to nail the naturally chiseled look. The cushion applicator makes for precise sculpting, and the soft-focus, semi-matte formula is a dream to blend out.
Beach Please Tinted Lip + Cheek Balm, Tower28
I’ve been on a cream blush kick, largely thanks to this product from Tower28. The formula melts right into your skin for a natural flush of color, and the balm is pretty much fool-proof—you can even apply it with your fingers. I love sweeping this across my cheeks, the tip of my nose, and on my eyelids for a put-together, sun-kissed look.
Hollywood Flawless Filter, Charlotte Tilbury
I’m not totally sure what this product actually is (they call it a “complexion booster”), but wow, is it good. I’ve applied it under foundation for an all-over glow, as a highlighter, and as an under-eye brightener and have found that it works seamlessly every time. It’s huge, so you’ll rarely run out, and it’s a great multi-use product for on-the-go beauty.
Lip Glow Oil, Dior
If you’re looking to treat yourself, this $34 Dior lip oil is an amazing option. It’s deeply hydrating, not at all sticky, and creates the perfect dewy, glossy lip. I try not to go anywhere without one of these in my purse—they’re that good.
All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, Urban Decay
This setting spray is a tried-and-true classic. I spritz it on, and my makeup is truly locked into place. It’s perfect for busy days, sweaty bars (lol TBT), and lots of mask wearing.
Body/Hair
Wave Spray, Ouai
I have naturally wavy hair, and I’ve tried just about every wave spray on the market. This one creates full-bodied waves that are never crunchy or uncomfortable. I’ve even found that this works well on dry hair—it helps me take my bedhead from messy to sexy in seconds.
Super Dry Shampoo, Ouai
There’s two things I really love about this product. One, this is Ouai’s second dry shampoo, after they pulled their first one when fans complained it was ineffective.
I have a lot of respect for a company that can own up to their mistakes and actively address them. Second, this formula is absolutely supreme.
I have an incredibly oily scalp, so I’ve been a life-long user of dry shampoo, and this one might just be the cream of the crop. If you have very dry hair, I’d stay away from this, but otherwise it’s an absolute 10 out of 10.
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, Sol de Janeiro
Lindsay and I are obsessed with this thick cream. I truly want to bathe in it. It smells amazing, hydrates deeply, and sinks into the skin almost immediately. Trust me, trust Lindsay, buy this.
The Body Wash, Nécessaire
Lindsay and I are also huge fans of Nécessaire’s eucalyptus-scented body wash. The scent is strong without being overpowering and transforms your shower into a luxurious spa. The gentle formula is packed with good-for-you ingredients that leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
The Sex Gel, Nécessaire
I’ll say it: normalize lube 2020! I think there’s a weird stigma around it that needs to change, because it seriously makes everything better. This one’s gorgeous packaging makes the conversation around lube feel chic and sexy instead of dirty and shameful. Seriously, I proudly keep this out in the open on my bedside table. Plus, it works.
Danielle Cohen is assistant editor of all things Lindsay Silberman. She also runs her own beauty blog, Yellow Sweats Status, as a side hustle. When she’s not binging true crime podcasts, she can be found researching, testing, and raving about beauty products to people who didn’t ask. You can learn more about Dani and her favorite products on her Instagram and her blog.
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