Sephora Collection Is Full of Affordable IYKYK Favorites—12 Top-Rated Items I'm Adding to My Cart
An editor-approved shopping list.
Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock wears a full face of Sephora Collection makeup.
I'll be honest. Up until recently, I couldn't call myself a big fan of Sephora Collection. It's not because I didn't like the products; it was because I'd only ever tested a few and was unaware of its vast selection. Here's the thing, though. I don't think this is uncommon. Sephora's line of in-house items is often overlooked in favor of other, big-name brands and shiny new launches that dot the shelves.
That's a shame, though. IMO, Sephora Collection is vastly underrated and full of affordable, IYKYK favorites, like a highly pigmented lip stain that performs as well as, if not better than, luxury options (I'm wearing it in the above picture). Or, eye shadow singles that are silky, easy to blend, and have high pan-hitting potential. Ahead, see the 13 top-rated items I suggest adding to your cart ASAP.
This is one of my all-time favorite Sephora Collection products, and apparently, it's everyone else's too because it's a best-selling, top-rated item. The texture is lightweight and creamy, and the formula is incredibly hydrating and comfortable. In one swipe, it coats my lips in full-pigment color. Soon enough, it transforms into a full-coverage, long-lasting lip stain. There are a whopping 50 shades to choose from, but I love this classic red shade the most.
Lately, I've been on a big blush kick, and this is one of the formulas I've been reaching for over and over again. It starts as a cream and transforms into a powder as it's applied, so it has a cool, self-setting effect. The vibrant colors blend out with a brush, a sponge, or just your fingers. There are six shades (all stunning!), but I love this deep berry color.
ICYMI, "disco blush" is the Studio-54-inspired trend that's still going strong in 2026. It's all about embracing a radiant, shimmery finish, and the focus is on formulas that combine blush and highlighter in one. This Sephora Collection product is the perfect example. The silky powder is punctuated with soft-focus shimmer for a light-reflecting, glazed effect. It has "summer" written all over it.
Don't sleep on Sephora Collection brushes. They're sturdy, long-lasting, and blend my makeup products with ease. The best part? They don't cost an arm and a leg.
Per the name, this is the perfect starter set for anyone who wants to upgrade their beauty tools. It includes six versatile face and eye brushes. They're all tucked away in a hygienic carrying case.
I plan on looking like a golden beach goddess this summer (or at least I hope I will), and this compact bronzing palette is my ticket. It contains two bronzers—one cream and one powder—and a matching highlighter. Wear them alone or layer them together for warm, illuminated, sun-kissed skin. There are five shades to suit every skin tone.
It can be difficult to find a matte lip liner that's highly pigmented and non-drying, but this is it. The creamy texture never tugs or pulls, and the shade selection is stunning—there are 16 to choose from. Personally, though, I love how long-lasting these lip liners are. They promise up to eight hours of transfer-proof color.
This is another top-five Sephora Collection product for me. I love these eye shadow singles so much. They're silky, easy to blend, and feel weightless on my skin. Plus, they're available in three finishes (matte, shimmer, and glitter) and a massive number of shades.
I only have one complaint. The packaging isn't my favorite. It can be difficult to open the plastic lid, especially if you have long nails. However, once you get the hang of it, you'll see just how good these are for only $8 a pop.
This limited-edition Pillow Dream Makeup Sponge Set is so cute. It includes four makeup applicators (three powder puffs and one sponge) in a matching, puffed-up pouch. It has "cute gift" written all over it.
Reviewers say this lip liner/stain is a good dupe for other, luxury options, and I have to agree. It combines the precision of a ballpoint tip with the staying power of a lip stain. This, plus a lip gloss, is the ideal summer lip combo.
This loose powder set and mattifies the skin, while blurring pores and brightening the complexion (think soft, velvety "cloud skin"). It comes in four shades. Lilac suits light to medium skin tones with neutral/warm undertones; pink suits light to medium skin tones with cool undertones; yellow suits light to medium skin tones with warm undertones, and peach suits medium to deep skin tones with warm undertones.
It can be tough to find a contour product that doesn't veer too warm or bronzy (these tend to look muddy on the skin.) In order to sculpt the skin and mimic the look of shadow, makeup artists recommend reaching for a cool-toned contour that has gray undertones. This is a good one. All five shades have a stony undertone for the most natural-looking, skin-sculpting effect.
Let me clue you in on an editor secret: travel containers are the key to saving money and avoiding the need to buy travel-sized versions of all your favorite skincare products before your next flight.
This handy set includes six empty, reusable containers. There are two expandable silicone bottles (for lotions or liquids), a fine-mist spray bottle (for toners and essences), and three stackable jars (for creams, gels, and other solid skincare products). Each one is easy to clean and reuse. You'll never have to stress about packing, disrupting your skincare routine, or tossing anything in the TSA line ever again.
