As an editor who breathes, sleeps, and eats beauty—gummies and powders are life—I consider myself an unofficial-official beauty shopper. And yes, a certain degree of hoarding comes with the territory. (If clutter makes you nervous, please avoid my product-ridden desk, car, bathroom, and bedroom at all costs.)
Even though my collection of beauty products has reached epic (and borderline terrifying) proportions, amazing beauty sales are still my bank account's version of glowing green kryptonite. It's like tempting a caffeine fiend with a perfectly foamy triple cappuccino.
One of my personal favorites? Sephora's epic Summer Bonus Shopping Event, where from August 20–27, Rouge members receive 20% off and VIB members receive 15% off using the code SUMMERSAVE. The offer is valid in the U.S. and Canada, and redeemable online or in-store. (For the latter, flash the barcode in your email at checkout.)
Because the deals are so good and Sephora's stock is so irresistible (plus a tad overwhelming), I'm sharing what I'd buy with $75 (before savings!), and what I'd add on depending on budget. Keep scrolling—your ultimate Sephora shopping guide awaits.
If you want to spend $75 or less…
Benefit Cosmetics has its fair share of cult beauty products, and I'll be the first to admit I'm a diehard fan of many of them. So I want—no, need—you to meet my newest obsession—Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer. The O.G. Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer ($22) launched back in 1995, comes in a cute little pot, and is known for its spackle-like, steel-strength coverage. This new launch, however, is a feather-light liquid boasting a matte, full-coverage finish. It's the perfect transitional makeup to help your skin adjust from summer woes like oil-induced pimples, sun spots, etc., to more winter-centric concerns like redness, dullness, or dark circles.
Up until meeting this brand-new liquid liner from Anastasia Beverly Hills, I'd stayed loyal to my old ride-or-die formula from Stila—you know the one. But I've recently found myself unfaithful thanks to this fun purple debut. I love the razor-sharp felt tip, which never fails to create a perfectly executed cat-eye. It's also waterproof, matte, and jet-black—everything a liquid liner–obsessed beauty hoarder could want. Plus it's less expensive.
There's nothing I love more than a subtle pop of color on my lips, and owning at least one of Fresh's iconic Sugar Lip Treatments is essential for any beauty lover. I recommend snapping up this brand-new limited-edition blackberry hue before everyone else beats you to the punch.
I have just three things to say about Hum's vegan Hair Sweet Sweet Hair gummies: a) they taste amazing, b) they've significantly impacted the growth rate and bulk of my strands, and c) I simply can't live without them. And now you can get the mini size for just $10. Tip: Make sure to eat them with food—since they contain zinc, they can make you a tad nauseous if taken on an empty stomach.
If you want to spend $125 or less, add:
If you happen to have an extra $50 to spend, I highly recommend the newest formula innovation from Laura Mercier—the brand's cult-favorite tinted moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30. The shade range is great, the coverage is light, the finish is natural, and now you can carry on outside as you please 365 days a year without worrying about sun damage. A true win-win-win-win scenario.
If you want to spend $175 or less, add:
This is truly the skincare deal of all skincare deals. Earlier this summer, Dr. Jart+ expanded its best-selling Cicapair collection (ideal for redness, dryness, and sensitive skin) with this four-piece kit, including two revamped formulas—the Tiger Grass Calming Mist and the Tiger Grass Cream. If your post-summer skin is in a borderline traumatized state right now (you're not alone), consider this kit your new BFF.
If you want to spend $225 or less ADD:
Ever since the mega-hit success of the brand's Hair Perfector No.3 ($28), Olaplex has been rolling out a consistent stream of at-home hair improvers. The No.7 Boding Oil is the latest new kid on the block, chock-full of an impressive roster of ingredients like fermented green tea oil, grape seed oil, and unique bonding agents to repair, nourish, and transform damaged hair. It's great for all hair types—from coiled to thin—but it's golden in color, so tread carefully if you have light or platinum blonde strands.
I've tried every dry shampoo under the sun, and I consider "Oh, btw, what's your favorite dry shampoo?" a perfectly normal conversation starter. The findings? This oldie-but-goodie spritz from Amika simply can't be beaten for zapping oil, grease, and odor, and delivering weightless volume, freshness, and body. I'm never without the $10 mini version.
If you want to spend $250 or less, add:
I don't know what else to say about this primer other than that it's THE primer that converted me into a primer person to begin with, is the only primer I've truly consistently used since then, and (excuse my boast!) tricks people into thinking I have perfectly poreless skin. (Their words, not mine.) The mini is a steal and great for travel when your skin might be more mischievous than usual.
If you've seen HBO's runaway hit Euphoria, you'll add this mega-watt eye shadow palette to your shopping cart in half a heartbeat. (And if you haven't watched, get on that; either way, this eye shadow palette is so damn pretty you'll want to add it anyway.) So far, 2019 has been all about a showstopping eye moment (even day-to-day), and this cute pick from Huda Beauty is one of my most-used palettes thus far. I'm partial to the neon pink, but you can also choose from orange and green.
If you want to spend $300 or less, add:
FYI, regular exfoliation is key for a healthy, balanced, and glowing complexion. Especially post-summer when we've allowed sun, sand, sweat, and all the other seasonal ickies to have their way with our complexions. I keep these handy pads from First Aid Beauty on my desk for easy emergency access since they're gentle enough to use daily but strong enough (thanks to lactic and glycolic acids) to help erase any sad summer skin symptoms. Oh, and as a bonus, they do fantastic work on ingrown hairs.
What kind of beauty editor would I be without telling you to buy a Beautyblender? They're the only thing I use and swear by for an A+ foundation and concealer application, and at $20 a pop, Sephora's Summer Bonus Event is the perfect time to go ham.
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