My Must-Have Beauty Products After 11 Years at Sephora

During my time working at Sephora, I witnessed numerous shifts in beauty trends. However, a common query from clients endured: Which products are worth recommending?

Even amidst economic uncertainties, consumers prioritize beauty purchases, seeking the highest value for their money. Here, I share my essential makeup and skincare favorites from my experience as a makeup artist and former Sephora employee.

Flawless Finish with Lady Gaga's Haus Labs Foundation

The Triclone Skin Tech foundation by Haus Labs, a brand by Lady Gaga, delivers a seamless medium coverage. Its remarkable formula includes skin-loving ingredients such as fermented arnica, known for minimizing redness. Their concealers are excellent too and can double as foundation.

Key Ingredient-Driven Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

As an Ilia brand ambassador, I've tried their Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 and genuinely love it. Featuring niacinamide for acne treatment and squalane for moisturization, this serum provides a radiant, dewy coverage.

Luscious Lashes with Dior's Mascara

For clients desiring voluminous lashes, I recommend Dior's Diorshow 24-hour buildable-volume mascara. Personally, I prefer the waterproof version for optimal volume.

Lips Plumped with OleHenriksen's Treatments

OleHenriksen's Pout Preserve peptide lip treatments always leave my lips feeling plump and hydrated. The Strawberry Sorbet shade is a favorite, imparting a pleasing pink hue.

Long-Lasting Color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick

I was delighted upon trying Urban Decay's Vice Bond glossy long-wear lipstick for the first time. Its vibrant pigmentation outlasts my other makeup. Simply shake, apply, and let dry with parted lips.

Reliable Sephora Collection Setting Products

Having tested various Sephora Collection products, their setting products consistently stood out for their affordability and effectiveness. Their translucent loose setting powder rivals luxury brands, as does their all-day setting spray.

Top Sunscreens Available at Sephora

Sunscreen is essential facial protection. I recommend Ilia's C Beyond triple serum SPF 40, which comes in three tinted shades to cover redness, seamlessly layering under foundation. Tula's Protect and Glow SPF 30 gel provides a radiant glow while safeguarding against UV damage.

Efficient Makeup Removal with Cleansers

To effectively remove makeup and sunscreen, start with a cleansing balm or oil. Farmacy's Green Clean balm and Dermalogica's Precleanse oil are top choices. Massage gently, especially around the eyes.

Select Cleansers That Match Your Skin Type

Chosen based on skin type, a cleanser is crucial. My combination skin benefits from Shani Darden's gel cleanser, notable for its luxurious lather and impurity removal. For dry or sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty's gentle cream cleanser is ideal and doubles as a makeup remover.

Exfoliants to Smooth Textured Skin

For those with texture issues, I suggest enzyme exfoliants for dry skin and chemical ones, like glycolic acids, for others. Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant, an enzyme powder, is activated by water and gently exfoliates to even skin tones and reduce pore appearance.

Nourishing Chemical Exfoliants

Dr. Dennis Gross's Alpha Beta pads rejuvenate my skin with chemical exfoliation. At Sephora’s Beauty Studio, First Aid's facial radiance pads were a staple, excellent for sensitive skin to prepare for makeup application.

Preferred Moisturizers: Skinfix's Offering

For those with dry skin, I recommend cream-based moisturizers to lock in hydration. Skinfix's Barrier+ cream not only nourishes but also strengthens the skin barrier effectively.

Eyelift with Biossance Eye Cream

Biossance's squalane-and-marine-algae eye cream is my top pick, instantly firming and brightening. For added refreshment, try storing it in the fridge before use.