My Sephora Shopping Master List: Here’s Exactly What to Buy

Trying out beauty and skincare products for a living is a treacherous job, but as they say… someone’s gotta do it. I volunteer as tribute.

Below, I have curated a list of my personally-vetted, all-time-favorite products to buy at Sephora. They are all things that I OWN, USE, and LOVE.

Without further ado, here are my must-haves from Sephora.

Skincare

EYE CREAMS

• This is Dark Circle correcting cream is one of the best and most effective in my opinion. I notice the difference almost instantaneously.

• I’m an OG fan of the Origins Ginzing eye cream. Great for the AM, and helps with brightening thanks to the Vitamin C.

SERUMS & TREATMENTS

• I exfoliate 2-3 times a week and many of you know that the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads are what I swear by. They will change your skin overnight. I’ve converted SO MANY #SilbSquaders into peel pad die-hards.

• A newer Dr. Dennis Gross favorite of mine is the Vitamin C serum. I’ve been using it religiously since it came out a few months ago and it has made a huge difference in my overall brightness + lightening dark spots.

• The Biossance Rapid Plumping Serum was my best new skincare find of the year last year. It does magical things to my face. Instant plumping and glow that lasts a LONG time.

• Watermelon Glow Dew Drops = an amazing hydrating, brightening serum—initially saw it on TikTok and I was skeptical, but now I use it daily.

• You know I preach about the importance of retinol, and if you have sensitive skin, I swear by this Kiehl’s Microdose Serum.

• If you’re pregnant or looking for a plant-derived retinol alternative, Caudalie’s Resveratrol is phenomenal (and has an ingredient patented by Harvard researchers.)

• This is technically an oil, not a serum, but Guerlain’s Youth Watery Oil is EVERYTHING. I use it on top of my night cream and sometimes mix a drop into my foundation for extra glow.

MOISTURIZERS

• The Augustinus Bader Rich Cream honestly deserves to be in a category of its own because it’s truly unlike anything else I’ve tried on the market. It’s basically an entire skincare routine in one bottle, and it really makes a huge difference in my skin—but yes, you will pay a premium for it. (I much prefer The Rich Cream over The Cream.)

• My go-to affordable-yet-effective moisturizer recommendation that is universally beloved: It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream. Great for both day and night.

• If you need SERIOUS hydration and struggle with super dry skin, you’re going to want FAB Ultra Repair or Dr Jart Ceramidin.

• For oily/acne-prone skin, I always recommend Caudalie Vinopure.

• For luxury moisturizers/creams you obviously can’t go wrong with La Mer. It’s the moisturizer I currently have in my daytime routine. I much prefer the Moisturizing Soft Cream over the original Creme de la Mer (which feels too thick for me.) If you’re nervous about investing in such a pricey product, here’s a pro tip: buy the mini size. Most people don’t know that it’s an option (and under $100.)

• Glow Screen is THE BEST sunscreen to wear under makeup if you want a glowy complexion.

CLEANSERS / ACNE TREATMENTS

• The Farmacy Beauty Makeup Meltaway is similar to Elemis Cleansing Balm. Will remove your makeup instantaneously without drying out your skin.

• The OG gentle cleanser that works for EVERYONE. So nourishing and creamy.

• If you like an exfoliating scrub, Exfolikate is the gold standard.

• I absolutely love these Acne Healing Dots when I have a pimple.

Makeup

FOUNDATION / TINTED MOISTURIZER / CONCEALER

• This color corrector from Dr. Jart+ went viral on TikTok last year and proceeded to sell out EVERYWHERE. No one could get their hands on it. It’s now regularly back in stock, and I’m obsessed with it. It counteracts redness and gives your skin the healthiest most natural glow. Great under makeup as a base, or you can wear it on it’s own!

• I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again—Flawless Filter will change your makeup game. Use it under makeup as a glowy primer, over makeup as a highlighter, or use it alone for a sheer, filtered complexion. I use shade 3 or 4.

• There’s a reason why every makeup artist is obsessed with Armani Luminous Silk foundation. It’s just that good. Truly the silkiest, most beautiful coverage that feels like you’re wearing nothing. (See below)

• For more coverage with SPF, the ItCosmetics CC+ Cream is a longtime favorite of mine. Just scroll up in this post and check out the before & after.
  

• If you’re oily or prefer a matte, full-coverage finish, go for either Fenty Pro Filt’r (incredible shade range; I wear 230) or YSL Luminous Matte (I’m shade MN7).

• The Caliray Skin Tint is awesome for anyone who prefers super sheer coverage (I’m shade 6).

• Among my favorite concealers: the new Charlotte Tilbury concealer (I wear 3.5 fair) has incredible coverage; Kosas Revealer Concealer is great for women with dry skin; I’m obsessed with the new applicator on the Bobbi Brown Concealer (and the way it covers my dark circles.) I wear shade Beige.

• My mom & I both love this Bobbi Brown undereye brightener. You apply it under concealer and it cancels out dark circles.

BRONZER / CONTOUR / BLUSH / HIGHLIGHTER

• The Gucci Soleil Luminous Bronzer I talk about constantly is magical. I always say that it makes me look like I just got back from vacation. I wear shade 2.

• My mom turned me onto this MILK Makeup cream contour stick. She calls it one of her “favorite makeup products for older women.”

• I truly can not rave about this liquid blush enough. (Get the shade “Happy.”) There’s a reason why all of TikTok is obsessed with it.

• After seeing every makeup artist do this, I now layer a powder blush on top of my liquid/cream blush for adding staying power. I alternate between the new blush from Gucci and the best-selling Dior Rosy Glow Blush in pink. Both blend in SO well and give you the most natural, gorgeous flush.

EYES

• Anastasia Brow Wiz is pretty much the gold standard for brows; I also love Benefit’s Gimme Brow tinted gel, and the Kosas Clear Air Brow.

• You’ve heard me extol the virtues of this eye shadow primer before. If you have crepey lids or your eye shadow just never seems to last, this primer is a must.

• If you’re in search of an eyeliner that won’t budge or smudge EVER, Urban Decay’s 24/7 is the one. I’ve literally worn it in the pool and it still looked perfect.

• Big fan of Caliray Come Hell or High Water tubing mascara. For regular (non-tubing) mascara, I recommend Lancome Lash Idole or YSL Lash Clash.

• Use this to get the most perfect winged eyeliner.

• The only two eyeshadow palettes you need: Naked Mini and Lawless The One.

BRUSHES / SETTING SPRAY / PRIMER / SETTING POWDER

• I absolutely love Sephora Collection brushes and I think they perform better than other pricier brushes I own. This brush set is 30% off (!) and has been out of stock forever. But it’s back, so grab one while you can.

• If you’re looking for one solid foundation brush, go with the Sephora Collection Pro Foundation Brush #70.

• The name “All Nighter” isn’t an exaggeration. I used to use this setting spray before going out until 4am and would come back with my makeup still looking perfect. I still use it to this day.

• If you want your face to look poreless, use this translucent powder or this pressed powder.

• This Hydrogrip Primer is another “TikTok made me buy it” product that lived up to the hype and then some.

LIPS

• I had heard incredible things about this Fenty Lip Luminizer (shade FU$$Y) and OMG did it exceed expectations. See photo above. It’s a must-have. I reach for mine constantly, and keep it in my “going out” bag because it makes my lips look gorgeous, plump, and sparkly in an instant.

• The Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask is like a hug for your lips. I keep it on my nightstand and apply before I go to sleep.

• The absolute best non-sticky lip gloss that gives you the most beautiful wash of color.

• My favorite nude lipliner and lipstick now come in a $20 “lip lift kit” and I’d be shocked if it’s not sold out by the time you’re reading this.

• I wear this lip balm in the RUSH when I need a little color but don’t want to look like I’m wearing lipstick. It’s super hydrating thanks to the Hyaluronic Acid.

HAIR / BODY / TOOLS

• I did a LOT of research before choosing a new blowdryer, and this one was universally recommended. I absolutely love it.

• Same with my curling wand. I change my mind about how thick of a barrel I like constantly, so getting the interchangeable set was the best move for me.

• Once you try Bum Bum, you probably won’t want to use another body lotion again. I buy the massive tub because I need to have it at all times. If you already love Bum Bum and want to try something new? Go for the Bom Dia Bright Body Cream. It’s SO GOOD. I can never decide which of the two I like more.

• The deodorant. If you know. You know.

• I can’t stress this enough—if you’re a (non-natural) blonde, you MUST use this shampoo/conditioner duo. Keeps my color looking fresh and not brassy!

• A perfume I’ve been wearing religiously for at least 10 years.

• You know how I always say “DON’T NEGLECT YOUR NECK!” This neck serum is my go-to.

• This anti-frizz spray makes my hair silky soft without weighing it down, and this hair mask cured me of frizz.

• If you have damaged or color-treated hair that you’re trying to get healthy again, Olaplex is genuinely the best way to do it.

• For anyone lacking in hair volume, this lightweight mousse does the trick.

• The Necessaire Body Exfoliator made me realize the importance of self-care. It truly transforms your shower into an indulgent, relaxing experience and is worth every penny.

• Now would be a good time to stock up on Beauty Blenders.

Anything else you’d like a recommendation for that you don’t see here? Have questions about a specific product? Drop them in the comments below and I’ll try to answer as soon as possible 🙂