Every Product Worth Knowing in the Sephora Beauty Insider Spring Sale 2022
It's that time again!
Why is the Sephora sale such a big deal? For beauty fanatics like us, we get 10-20% off the entire site, which only happens twice a year. This is the time to stock up on your favorites, try those new products you weren't sure you wanted to spend the money on, and even get some gifts (birthday, shower, etc.)
4/1-4/11 Rouge 20% off
4/5-4/11 VIB 15%
Insider 4/7-4/11 10%
*signifies the item is clean at Sephora (does not mean it's also vegan)
*V signifies the item is vegan (does not mean it's also clean)
Skincare
This list of skincare is a bit unique to the normal recommendations I would make (like Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads for example) because I've been testing out some new items and expanding my skincare outside of Sephora.
Cleanser
Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel with TFC8® Gentle Cleanser If you're looking for items to splurge on, now's the time because you're getting a discount on brands like Augustinus when you normally can't get the deal on them otherwise. This gently, but effectively, removes makeup and all the dirt from your day.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser Another splurge worthy brand (and item.) This is great for combo or oily skin because it will really clear everything up, reduce that sebum production and clear out the blackheads.
Masks
Summer Fridays R + R Mask* An exfoliating, yet hydrating mask (with lots of oils) that helps polish the skin and give you that fresh skin underneath.
Topicals Like Butter Mask for Dry, Sensitive & Eczema-Prone Skin *V With winter sucking the life out of my skin, I've looked far and wide for hydrating mask options and this one hit it out of the park for me. It's lightweight but works well to restore hydration quickly.
Wishful Yo Detox Charcoal Face & Body Enzyme Scrub* I don't use this on my body, since it'd be gone in a day if I did. All over the skin, it is nice and gentle and helps to renew the skin underneath.
Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask* Truly feels like you're applying honey to the skin directly, but this is the most hydrating option when it comes to the masks because it makes an immediate difference. I can feel that hydration soaking in and giving my skin new life.
Essence
Augustinus Bader The Essence *V I prefer essence over toner, since I found essences to be more nurturing and hydrating on the skin. This is incredible for giving the skin a little more suppleness.
Serums
Algenist GENIUS Liquid Collagen *V An oldie but a goodie, and a classic you guys know me for because I adore this in my routine. It adds plumpness, elasticity and collagen into the top layer of skin which makes it more bouncy. Visibly makes the skin brighter, and it's a must add to your cart.
Moisturizers
Wishful Honey Balm Niacinamide Moisturizer* One of my favorite moisturizers. It gives a beautiful glow to the skin, it's easy to blend and it's very hydrating. If you picked one of the two from Wishful, this would be it.
Wishful Honey Whip Peptide and Collagen Moisturizer*
Another beautifully whipped up formula that hydrates the skin, and allows for a nice massage and finessing into the skin to really plump and get that blood moving. The suppleness of the skin after application is next level.
Overnight masks
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask with Squalane This is a more watery consistency, but it blends nicely into the skin and really gives it a night quench overnight. I wake up with softer skin that doesn't feel as tight as it was the night before, so this is a win for me.
Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask* Niacinamide helps with skin's moisture barrier, so this is a perfect overnight solution for dry and dehydrated skin. With this comes a bit of pore refining too.
fresh Floral Recovery Redness Reducing Overnight Mask* A tranformative night mask that helps the skin wake up rehydrated, glowy and a little extra plumpness. I'm heading to apply this to my skin tonight!
Sunscreen
For those of you who know me, know that I prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical sunscreens. This means the formulations would have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main ingredients. There's a slew of reasons for this, but if you want to read into it more I did a post here and here about this.
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++* Keep in mind that Supergoop does have both chemical and mineral sunscreens so choose wisely. This one is easy to blend, but can leave a bit of white cast if not blended in really well.
CAY SKIN Universal Mineral Face Moisturizer with SPF 55 and Squalane* This is a brand new addition into my mix, as it launches about 2 minutes ago but the formula is so lightweight and has a slight tint to it so it doesn't leave the skin with any white cast. Plus it has squalane so it's a bit more hydrating than most sunscreens.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30* Dr D. always bringing his A game. This is the top notch option as it has Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. Fancy schmancy term, which you can read more about in this post. Basically it's a mineral filter that protects against UVA and UVB rays while mitigating the effects of blue light at the same time, and this is only done effectively through non-nano zinc oxide.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 It does leave some white case, so make sure to really rub this in or mix with a tinted moisturizer or foundation. That will help mitigate the white, but it does really protect the skin on a whole new level.
To solve that white cast problem, you might opt for the Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30. Lightweight, 20% Zinc Oxide giving you insane protection + it has that sheer tint so it's not going to leave you ghostly.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50* This is a staple in my sunscreen drawer because again it's Dr. D but it works really well and has a nice matte formulation so it's not greasy and slipping and sliding off your face.
Foundation, Skin Tint, Tinted SPF
My greatest passion when it comes to makeup. Since I have a lot of these, I am going to keep it short and sweet for your sake, as well as mine.
Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation Lightweight, incredible wear time (basically waterproof) and blends so beautifully into the skin. Looks like skin.
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation* We love a mix of SPF and tint. Efficiency at its finest, but also Tower 28 is clean.
Make Up For Ever Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation This is heavier coverage, but beautiful finish and stays in tact throughout the day.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid A hydrating and lightweight formulation which gives beautiful medium coverage.
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 Another higher coverage option (as it is a foundation) but it truly makes the skin look flawless. This formula just melts into the skin.
LAWLESS Conseal The Deal Long-Wear Full-Coverage Foundation* This is a lighter, more liquid based foundation that gives medium coverage. It's clean, no talc, etc and looks just like skin.
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen Another combo (we love SPF as an additional protector; please still wear real sunscreen under your foundation or tinted skin product.)
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation Another high coverage option, and if you wanted it to wear it for a full day this foundation is going nowhere.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint This is extremely lightweight, and truly does blur the skin.
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick* This is high coverage, as most stick foundations tend to be. Clean brand, which is always a plus but this blends incredibly well into the skin even for the thicker consistency.
Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder* I've never been a fan of some of the cult favorites when it comes to translucent powders (I'm too picky) but I absolutely adore this setting powder as a finishing touch. Makes the entire look so fresh and not overly matte or dry.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation* The perfect light to medium coverage, and it's nice for normal or dry skin. If you tend to have oily or combo skin, this may be too hydrating to the point where you look like a disco ball so you've been warned.
caliray Freedreaming Clean Blurring Skin Tint* Clean and truly a beautiful formulation. It's perfect for all skin types because it's not overly drying or overly hydrating (no disco ball situation with this one.) Highly recommend for a lightweight clean option.
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF25 with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide* This is a must, and my top pick for this sale. Recently launched, and it's incredibly hydrating while also staying intact. Another bonus is the SPF!
ILIA True Skin Medium Coverage Serum Foundation with Niacinamide* Similar to the Kosas, it is hydrating but this one doesn't give me quite as much coverage. It tends to be more light to medium coverage.
Bite Beauty Changemaker Supercharged Micellar Foundation* Medium coverage, but lightweight and blends incredibly well into the skin.
Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Crème Foundation Medium to full coverage, but feels light to skin. Applies beautifully with a brush.
Concealers
When it comes to under eye coverage, I'm looking for medium to full coverage consistencies because I have some major blue veins on the inside of my eyes. I like to cover those up, but also try to even out the redness that inevitably makes its appearance throughout the day.
Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream
ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer with Vitamin C
Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Concealer Pen
Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Liquid Concealer
Eyeshadow
Warm shimmery neutrals are my favorite shades, and this is the majority of what you'll see in my makeup collection.
Kaja Beauty Bento Bouncy Eyeshadow Trio An excellent bang for your buck because you get 3 colors for $26, and they are a mix of matte and shimmers for the perfect looks.
Natasha Denona Mini Nude Eyeshadow Palette + Natasha Denona Mini Love Eyeshadow Palette As you can see, filled with shimmery shades. Long lasting and high color payoff.
TOM FORD Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette The epitome of luxury. I mean Tom Ford makeup is next level, but this quad's colors are the most gorgeous combination I've seen. Shimmery, pigmented, light, blendable, and creamy. This is the shade Suspicion.
Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow Liquid shadows are easy to apply, and blend out with the fingers. Not as long lasting but the color options are gorgeous and will stay on longer if you prime or use a setting spray.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette Charlotte makes such beautiful formulations that just take your look to the next level. This is a gorgeous example, and a beautiful palette. Lots of quad color options available!
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick When it comes to easy application (and reapplication on the go) sticks are nice. These are creamy, easy to blend and have great color payoff. Make sure to prime the lids before, and also set afterwards for those with more oily lids.
Jouer Cosmetics Crème Eyeshadow Crayon Another easy staple in the makeup bag that works quickly and easily.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette Shimmery, pigmented with excellent color payoff. Say less.
Brows & Eyeliner
I'm finding out that NARS does sell their infamous Brow Perfector at Sephora so you're going to have it snag it on their site. It's the OG of brow pencils. That's all I'll say.
MERIT Brow 1980 Volumizing Eyebrow Pomade Gel* Brow pomades have really had a moment. Tints, basically something that can add a little color to the brows without going overboard. This is a clean option that really makes a nice difference and makes my brows even more bold.
TOM FORD Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo This might just be the GOAT of eyeliners. It gives you 2 options depending on the line you're going for, thicker or thinner. It's precision is beyond. Treat yo'self!
ILIA Clean Line Gel Eyeliner* A little messy, but can be smoked out and fixed quite easily since it is a creamy formula.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte & Metallic Double Ended Eyeliner - Eye Color Magic Collection Charlotte creates a lot of beautiful products but this double ended liner gives you more options, but also efficiency. Why doesn't every liner come with 2 sides? We love efficiency!
Lancôme Idôle Ultra-Precise Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner The intensity of the liner, but also the ease of use makes this a true star. You can go thin or thick with it.
caliray Surfproof Easy Glider Eye Definer Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil* Very creamy, blendable and can be smoked out. Since it's an old school pencil, it will require sharpening but the creaminess of this makes it worth the hassle.
Mascara
I used to be a lash extensions girlie, but those days are behind me. While I was lucky to get them done comped, I found a lot of people close to me told me I looked so much older with them (after I got them off) but more than that it was a time commitment. Going for 1.5-2 hours every 2-3 weeks was a lot, and for someone who is on a device working all day the appointments started to give me more anxiety than it was worth. Enough of my boring ass life story, to the mascara!
ITEM Beauty By Addison Rae Lash Snack Clean Lengthening Mascara* Hear me out before you know the brand for being created by a TikToker. Let's be honest. A full team created the brand, not a 20 year old so let's move on from that. This is a really nice mascara for lengthening and separating the lashes. It gives a more natural clean look.
ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara* You can tell I love all things Ilia, no? This mascara gives beautiful length which is helpful for someone like me with short stubby naturally lashes.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara *V There is no shame in my game. This has been my favorite mascara for basically a decade? It still hits the spot with length, VOLUME and gives that wow factor. It comes in a waterproof version too in case you're a sweaty betch like me. Or you plan on jumping into some pools this summer.
Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Waterproof Lengthening Mascara This is a mid tier mascara meaning it's not super intense, but it's not as clean as ITEM so a nice in betweenie.
Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara Intense and really works well. The drama and the length is a total win for me and truthfully blew me away.
Saie Mascara 101 Lengthening and Lifting* This gives a nice clean look, separating each lash individually.
caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara* This gives a more natural lash look, but is really nice for everyday. It's easy to just sqipe a few coats, gives enough of an impact to go to your doctors appointments and get your groceries but not over the top.
Blush
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush *V This cream blush gives the most beautiful finish, and look so natural.
Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush* This blush will last forever because a little goes a really long way. Color pigment is out of this world.
Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love Lip & Cheek Stain - Look of Love Collection We love a multi-use product so lip and cheeks can be covered with one and your look is pulled together with the same rosy hues.
ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment* Another multi-use product which gives you all the options to really play with pigment.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush The color options are so gorgeous and up my alley, in comparison to a lot of other brands. You can also really play with the coverage when it comes to this formulation.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick Quite possibly my favorite color, Yacht Lyfe is so perfect for spring and summer. Creamy, with just a little shimmer (nothing too glittery).
Hair
Clean is the name of the game here, so most of these recommendations will be clean with a few exceptions.
I used to be the dry shampoo girl. Who was following me years ago when I reviewed and used all the dry shampoo? Well I've taken a big long hair step back from them because it's like putting lipstick on a pig. You can't fix the issue by adding a bunch of dry shampoo into the mix. However in dire situations, I love a good one and this is a reliable one from GRO* + it's clean!
Add the value size of this incredible shampoo* to your cart. Trust me it's worth it.
Hair treatments have become really popular the last two years. Come to find out getting Covid does make your hair fall out, so this could be another reason so many more are experiencing this. I've tested all of the following and they are high quality, clean products that with proper use are going to help stimulate the hair follicles and nourish them enough to get them to grow.
Vegamour GRO Hair Serum for Thinning Hair*
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask* If you had to pick one, this is it.
JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil*
Fable & Mane HoliRoots™ Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil*
A super fun styling product comes from a long-time favorite brand, Playa. Their Endless Summer Spray* is the one, and gives you these gorgeous salty waves without too much effort. Almost like you just got out of the ocean but it smells incredible, and soothes your hair. The Playa Shampoo* (also needed in a value size ok, thank me later) is incredible and a staple in our house. The matching Conditioner* is my favorite out of all the brands, so add that too. Now if you're looking for a little bit more of a scrub style shampoo*, Playa does that too with some sea salt which is quite an experience.
For my final trick, I present to you a lazy girl hack in the form of a hair drying turban. It comes in this cute purple pink color*, as well as white*.
I made it easy for you as all the items above are clean, and I was shocked to find out Amika wasn't but it is vegan. I love so many products including:
Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray *V
Normcore Sulfate Free Shampoo *V
Reset Charcoal Detoxifying Scalp Cleansing Oil *V
Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask *V
Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo *V
Body
It's been a dry winter. Hopefully not just for me, but my skin has been needing some serious TLC. As we get into the warmer months, soft and supple skin is always a win.
Augustinus Bader The Body Cream with TFC8® Moisturizer This is the most luxurious body cream of all, and truly hydrates the skin. Everything about Augustinus Bader screams luxury and quality, so now would be the time to stock up since these products never go on any sort of discount or sale.
Caudalie Moisturizing Vegan Body Butter* A clean and conscious brand that's done so much elevating over the years. Their beauty mist still remains one of my favorites but this body butter is such a treat for the skin. Must add to cart!
Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion* This is a gorgeous formula that blends beautifully into the skin, and it is clean. Everything from Summer Fridays is so gentle and lightweight, and this body lotion is no exception. This is our second bottle almost gone!
Summer Fridays Pool Time Glowing Body Oil *V It was limited on the Sephora site, and I'm not finding in there so apologies but it's worth snagging. I imagine they'll bring it back (or another version of it) as we get closer to summer.
Augustinus Bader The Body Oil For some reason, Sephora doesn't carry this product, so you'll have to grab it here. It's epic, trust me on this one.
Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream* An absolute necessity in your handbag, your nightstand and in your living room. This way your hands and cuticles never get dry.
Fragrance
When it comes to fragrance, I'm attracted to clean formulations. I find they're less overpowering, don't bring on headaches and just aren't nauseating. With that also means I do reapply throughout the day, which is no big deal when I have the rollerball or smaller sizes to take with me.
One of the best ways to find a new scent is to do a discovery set, like this one*.
Vanilla Woods* is a fan favorite, and so gloriously delicious. This is a wonderful addition to every collection and not sickly vanilla sweet. It's a beautiful balance. It also comes in this fun rollerball version*, which is easy to throw in our bag and reapply throughout the day.
My favorite perfume of all time, is from Maison Louis Marie. The extremely popular No.4* seems incredible on everyone and it also smells so different person to person. I've smelled it on men and women, and it's fantastic because it mixes with your pheromones. This is a must add to your cart, and trust me you won't regret it.
And finally Heretic does incredible scents with their "Dirty" connotation. Dirty Coconut and Dirty Vanilla are incredible but my favorite is Dirty Coconut*. It comes in a smaller size* again perfect for on the go, and reapplication throughout the day.
Now for some not as clean options (but still better than the vast majority) I love the Summer Fridays Perfume Trio.
The other favorite of mine is from Jo Malone, which is a classic in every perfume collection. I've switched around with scents over the years, but my favorite these days is Wood Sage and Sea Salt. Another really nice unisex scent that can be worn by both men and women!
Deodorant
As disappointing as it is to say this, skip all the deodorants from Sephora. The options are shit. Either you have clean ones that don't work (trust me I tried them all) or you have the toxic fragrance ones that are not good for you, have aluminum, etc. Best to avoid those altogether from Sephora, and reach for any of the following from other sites:
Agent Nateur (my top pick)
Each & Every
Schmidt's
Brands I (Generally) Trust Wholeheartedly
Aka brands you can shop freely they're either extremely effective and worth the $$$, or are clean and highly effective in their own right.
This post has taken days to compile, as I wanted to make a detailed beauty bible for you so you know what to shop. Not to mention I feel like I typically show only 20 products during the sales because it's all I have time for, but I use and love so many more so this is finally a much more realistic (and accurate) depiction.