From byrdie

There’s a new addition to the long list of brands that adorn the hallowed halls of Sephora. As of today, a new Korean skincare brand, called Primera, is launching online. This is a unique K-beauty brand, because it’s based on something called germination energy (let’s go back to biology class for a second). Germination energy is the speed with which seeds germinate, or grow into full-fledged plants. According to the brand, germination energy culminates when a seed sprouts.

The reason why we should care about germination energy is because the seeds and sprouts that have the highest percentage of it are also, apparently, the most nutrient-dense. And as with any other skincare formula, the more nutrient-dense it is, the better for our skin. It’s also better for the planet, at least in Primera’s case, because the brand houses its plant-based formulas in eco-friendly packaging made with forest-certified paper boxes, soy ink, and recyclable plastic and glass containers.

We’re calling Primera the Kiehl’s of Korea, because just like Kiehl’s, it’s based on botanical ingredients and scientific skincare formulas. It’s also similarly priced—its products range from $30-$75 a piece. Keep scrolling to see 9 of the most interesting Primera products you can shop at Sephora right now.

Korean brands have some of the best cleansing oils on the market. This one uses the oils of seven different seeds, including safflower seed, grape seed, meadow foam seed, rapeseed, plum seed, passion flower seed, and raspberry seed oil, to dissolve dirt, oil, makeup, and sunscreen (even the waterproof kind).

After a cleansing oil comes a cleansing foam (at least according to double-cleanse method). Primera’s lathering face wash uses salicylic acid to slough away dead skin and pore-clogging impurities from the skin, while broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sunflower, and strawberry leaf extract give the skin a hit of vitamins and minerals. Aside from the ingredients, what makes this cleanser unique is the dense foam it creates. It has a rich, fluffy texture that clings the skin. It’s all very luxurious.

If you’re a fan of a good toner, rejoice (I myself have recently rediscovered the power or toner, so I’m very excited about this product in particular). Primera’s Alpine Berry Water Toner combines hyaluronic acid with botanical extracts like wild strawberry sprouts, which have natural moisturizing abilities and are known to survive the harsh Alpine region. It’s like a drink of water for your skin.

Primera’s essence was inspired by the discovery and regeneration of 700-year-old lotus seeds from the Goryeo dynasty that are harvested without the use of heat or chemical solvents to preserve germination energy (the lotus seeds boost hydration and defend against environmental pollutants). Its purpose is to increase the absorption of whatever skincare products you apply afterward, as well as smooth the skin’s texture, even out its tone, and increase its radiance.

Brightening serums are our go-to product in the summer months, because we want to maintain glowy, radiant skin all summer long. This one uses plant extracts (like watercress sprout), niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to brighten the skin, tackle any unevenness in tone, and hydrate, all at once.

Aside from the brightening serum, Sephora is also stocking Primera’s Firming Serum, which was formulated after six years of research on over 140 kinds of wild soybeans (soybeans strengthen skin and they’re rich in amino acids). It has a bouncy, almost gel-like texture, that firms the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

If you have sensitive skin that’s prone to redness like I do, this moisturizer is sure to peak your interest. It’s formulated with silver birch bud, which calms and conditions the skin, and lots and lots of ceramides, which restore moisture and prevent subsequent irritation.

Remember the Alpine Berry Water Toner we talked about? This sleeping mask is a companion of that. It uses those same Alpine strawberry sprouts to boost moisture, as well as papaya fruit to exfoliate and brighten, and something called lava water, which hydrates the skin. It cools on contact, too, which makes it great for using after a day at the beach or the pool, when your skin has been exposed to the sun all day.

Primera even has a lip mask. Use this whenever your lips feel dry, chapped, or generally in need of moisture. It’s formulated with seaberry, which moisturizes the delicate skin on and around the lips, rice bran wax, which does the same, and murumuru butter, which protects the skin’s barrier from moisture loss. As you wear it, it will transform from a balm to a gloss.

Next up, These 50% Off Sephora Sale Products Work Like Real-Life Instagram Filters

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Now that we’re getting closer to the holidays, each Sephora Weekly Wow Sale is even more important—and more appreciated. After all, we have a long list of friends, family, and co-workers to buy beauty gifts for, and every little discount helps, right?

This week’s sale features a lot of eye shadow palettes, which are amazing gifts if you ask us (hint hint). From nude tones for the more paired-back people on your list to vivid bright shades for the color-obsessed, there’s actually a palette for any preference. Also on sale are two classic lip-plumping products, a luxurious oil cleanser, and a liquid moisturizer (we know—it’s intriguing).

The best part is, like always, these products are all discounted up to 50%. With prices like that, you might as well throw in a gift or two for yourself. Keep scrolling to see all of this week’s Sephora Weekly Wow Sale.

This palette is just one of the three other Make Up For Ever palettes on sale this week. This one called “Nudes You Need” features nine neutrals ranging from super-subtle to dark and smoky (it’s our personal favorite). The other palettes are more colorful; there’s a palette that houses vivid brights, another that contains pretty floral shades, and the last which features “shadow” shades like soft orange, pink, black, and brown. All four are half off of their normal price and apply super smoothly thanks to gel-to-powder pigments.

This cult classic plumping lip polish provides a wash of color along with a super-shiny finish. Vitamins E and A moisturize your lips while hyaluronic acid, peptides, and collagen help to fake a fuller pout. Plus, you can choose from a ton of different shades and three finishes: high-shine, shimmer, and glitter.

This plumping lip cream is similar to the lip polish, but there’s absolutely no shimmer or glitter, just super creamy shine and sheer color. It has hydrating hyaluronic acid spheres that trap moisture in your lips—keeping them feeling comfortable and looking full all day.

Then there’s this Sephora eye palette that makes your lids look Instagram-ready. This one is the “Sun-bleached Filter,” so it’s full of warm tones like peach and pink. The “Overcast Filter” on the other hand, has cool-toned shades like brown, purple, and black; it’s a little moodier.

It’s not a Weekly Wow Sale without a little skincare, too. This product from Lancôme is unique since it’s a liquid moisturizer (kind of like a hydrating serum). Antioxidants and vitamin E refresh the skin to do away with signs of dullness or fatigue. Simply apply after cleansing like you normally would.

This cleansing oil is the perfect product to use before the liquid moisturizer. It’s a gentle blend of oils that dissolve dirt, impurities, and makeup (even the waterproof kind). The formula promises to give a radiant glow back to your complexion.

Next up, There’s a New Kind of Moisturizer, and Sephora Can’t Keep It in Stock

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

If I have little patience for marketing gimmicks, it’s because as an editor, I’m plagued by so many on a regular basis. (Sorry, but I’m still not impressed by unicorn highlighter.) That being said, there are usually a couple factors that indicate that a product is worth the hype. For starters, if it’s an undeniable best seller—beauty fans don’t just buy it; they buy it again (and again and again). The second marker of a legit winner is if it boasts an expert seal of approval.

So upon hearing that a certain new kind of moisturizer called “cloud cream” was flying off the shelves at Sephora, there was plenty of cause for intrigue. What is cloud cream? Would it give my perpetually dry complexion the consistency of a soft, water-packed cloud, or did the moniker have more to do with the fluffy white texture of the moisturizer? Upon further investigation (including deferral to a dermatologist), I would learn that it’s a bit of both—and that not only is cloud cream a new and effective category to watch, but the niche term is also far more nuanced than anticipated.

Keep reading to learn how cloud cream can transform your skin, and which product is a number one best seller at Sephora.

What is cloud cream?
To be clear, “cloud cream” is a clever way of marketing powerful moisturizers—for some, the name is more indicative of the way the product can brighten skin, but for most, it’s to signify the way it helps the complexion retain water like a cloud holds vapor.

The latter is true for Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream ($52), which happens to be a huge best seller at Sephora—it reportedly sells out just as fast every time it’s restocked.

The proof is in the ultra-hydrating formula, which contains high levels of hyaluronic acid. “It’s a pretty powerful little molecule,” says Julie Russak, MD, an NYC-based dermatologist. “It’s very light and thin, but it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.” Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from surrounding areas, hence the allusions to vapor-retaining clouds.

After taking a closer look at this particular specimen of cloud cream, Russak says that it’s worth the hype. “A concentrated hyaluronic acid cream is a great way to deliver this powerful molecule to the skin and lock in moisture,” she says. “This cloud cream’s main actives, Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, are proven to be effective in strengthening the barrier of the skin and intensely hydrating the skin.”

Factoring hyaluronic acid into our skincare routines is crucial to maintaining a dewy complexion, especially as we age. “It’s important in skin appearance, seeing as 50% of the body’s supply is located in skin tissues, where the tacky, jelly-like substance helps keep it plump and smooth,” explains Russak. “Our ability to produce hyaluronic acid declines as we age, leading to increased dryness, wrinkles, and breakdown of facial volume.”

This is what makes HA-packed cloud creams so effective—they’re essentially replenishing any diluted natural moisture in the skin, and then some.

But here’s where savvy marketing mixes things up: Upon sleuthing some of the top moisturizers on the market under the “cloud cream” moniker, I learned that there are some other reasons brands use that particular label. Consider Red Flower Cloud Milk Cream ($54), for example: It contains a natural ingredient called Arctic cloudberry. Native to Scandinavian regions, it’s a popular compound in skincare, thanks to a high concentration of hydrating fatty acids and brightening vitamins.

On the other hand, the consensus in the Korean skincare market seems to be that “cloud cream” indicates a brightening formula—this whitening cream is a popular specimen. Dior gives its Diorsnow moisturizer the same categorization for its own brightening capabilities. (In this case, edelweiss extract is the active ingredient: It’s said to correct and even out discolorations and pores.)

But no matter what it is about “cloud cream” you’re curious to investigate, it’s certainly worth noting that this corner of the moisturizer market is expanding quickly.

Next up,Palettes From Urban Decay, Anastasia, and More Are 50% Off at Sephora Right Now

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Until the holidays have officially arrived, we’ll keep checking in on Sephora’s Weekly Wow Sale every Thursday morning on the dot. Okay, we do that every week anyway, regardless of the season, but the holidays make it even more exciting. Whether it’s for extra stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts, the sale—which discounts buzzy beauty products up to 50% off—is definitely appreciated.

This week there are some really great offerings, including a shimmery, glowy, and kaleidoscopic Becca highlighter, a crystal-inspired gloss, a fan favorite mascara, and a metallic eye shadow palette from Urban Decay. The best part is that true to Sephora sale fashion, almost everything is half off of its regular retail price. So keep scrolling to see this week’s pre-holiday Sephora Weekly Wow Sale offerings.

This Urban Decay palette features eight different super sparkly shades of eye shadow. There’s no chunky glitter; instead, each pressed shadow has 3D metallic pigments and super-fine iridescent sparkle. Basically, it’s a palette that’s right on board with the holographic trend. (Also, that purple shade is perfectly ultra violet, which also happens to be this year’s chosen color of the year).

These highlighters are so good. They’re finely milled and silky-soft but apply with a gorgeous light-refracting sheen. Each shade is inspired by a different gemstone, and they’re equally as colorful and glowy. Apply with a fan brush for a sheer highlight or pat it into your skin with your fingers for a bolder look. You can choose from warm tones like this golden shade or cool and medium ones like pink and pearl.

This professional lip palette would be the perfect gift for pretty much every lipstick devotee out there. The 18 shades that range from primary colors to neutrals are meant to be mixed and matched. In other words, use this palette with complete artistic license to create customized lip colors.

This professional lip palette would be the perfect gift for pretty much every lipstick devotee out there. The 18 shades that range from primary colors to neutrals are meant to be mixed and matched. In other words, use this palette with complete artistic license to create customized lip colors.

Lancôme’s fan-favorite mascara is also on sale. The curved brush was created to give more volume, lift, and separation to the lashes. Plus, its rose extract nourishes lashes. Two other iterations are also on-sale, the Extreme Volume Grandiôse Mascara ($19) and the Waterproof Grandiôse Mascara ($19).

Next up, 9 Skincare Products with over 50k Loves on Sephora

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Earlier this year, we clued you in on a helpful icon located on the product pages of Sephora’s website—the “loves”. It’s a small, red heart located next to the product reviews (like a Facebook or Instagram “like”) where customers can show their appreciation for a product through a single click. It’s a great barometer to gauge whether something is worth trying, especially considering some products have exceeded tens of thousands of loves.

Since we trust the feedback of Sephora shoppers, some of the most beauty-obsessed, product-savvy women and men out there, we decided to investigate the most loved skincare products on the store’s site. And of course, their picks didn’t disappoint—many of them are staples in Byrdie editors’ vanities. Want to find out which products top the skincare category at Sephora?

Not only is this mask effective at obliterating blackheads, but it’s also fun to use. Once you apply a generous layer to your skin, let it dry, and peel away the product like a sticker. If you really want to be amazed, take a look at the inside of the mask when you’re done, and you’ll see tons of little pus “spikes” sticking up. Gross, but so satisfying.

Loves: 150K

This BB cream/CC cream/tinted moisturizer hybrid deeply hydrates skin while providing even coverage. It’s a gel-cream that has water-encapsulations to instantly fortify skin with moisture.

Loves: 130K

This cult-loved cleanser deserves all the hype. It’s super gentle, yet removes all your makeup—even the most stubborn mascara—in one fell swoop. Amino acid-rich soy proteins help support skin’s natural elasticity so you don’t have that tight skin feeling after you wash.

Loves: 160K

Made especially with problem skin in mind, this intensely moisturizing cream can be used head to toe to treat everything from dry skin to eczema. Its chief ingredient is colloidal oatmeal to soothe chapped, distressed skin on contact.

Loves: 150K

Is your skin in need of a major overhaul? This widely popular mask works like a vacuum to siphon impurities, leaving a clear, radiant complexion behind. You can even see it working while it’s on—particularly oily problem areas will turn a darker gray hue than the rest of the mask, proving that unwanted gunk is being suctioned out.

Loves: 250K

This antioxidant-rich oil can be used to heal virtually every beauty ailment—dry skin, lackluster hair, peeling cuticles, you name it. And contrary to popular belief, it can be used on oily, acne-prone skin because it forms a protective layer to maintain an even moisture level so that your skin’s internal hydration doesn’t evaporate out. When your skin is too dry, it goes into oil production overload, which causes more breakouts, so maintaining an even-keeled level of hydration is key.

Loves: 120K

Prepare to be amazed: This plush towel can remove all of your makeup like a magnet, er, an eraser with only water—no cleanser required! The reason it works is that when you rub the polyester-blend towel on your face, it creates a hydromechanical process that breaks the surface tension of the oils that bond makeup to the skin. Just give the towel a wash when you’re done and you’re good to go.

Loves: 70K

Dab a few drops of this vitamin C–rich serum onto your skin morning and night to reap its brightening, collagen-boosting benefits. In only a few uses, you’ll notice a visibly more even complexion.

Loves: 200K

While these masks are a bit pricey at $6 a pop, their results are something to behold. Each unique formula targets a certain skin problem, whether it’s dehydration, dullness, redness, etc., so you can pick your poison depending on your needs du jour.

Loves: 60K

Next up, 9 Under-the-Radar Sephora Skincare Brands You Need to Know About

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

January has brought with it many pleasures: permission to live in cozy sweaters, daily hot chocolates, snowball fights, and the chance to finally put my Sephora holiday gift cards to good use. (Note: I’ve discovered that saving gift cards for a rainy day in mid-January is a surefire way to banish any sign of winter blues.) With $200 at my fingertips, (thanks, Mom), I scoured Sephora for products that would help me adopt the beauty goals I have set for myself this year. From weekly nourishing hair masks and long Sunday evening baths to sleeping more and finally using eye cream, these are the six products I have added to my beauty arsenal for the New Year ahead.

Face Mask

This year I’m adamantly giving my skin some extra TLC with a twice-weekly face mask. I had been extra keen to try Tatcha’s radiance mask since it’s been highly touted among the editors here at Byrdie HQ. It didn’t disappoint. Packed with two types of Vitamin C–one that instantly brightens the skin and promotes natural collagen and one that continually brightens skin over time while protecting it from UV rays. Admittedly, my skin looked instantly brighter after the first use and garnered glowing compliments for the rest of the day. Moreover, the mask contains Tatcha’s signature trio of Japanese antiaging superfoods—green tea, rice, and algae—which helps restore a more youthful appearance. One more bonus: It has a pleasant, iridescent pale purple hue, which makes it subtle enough to help you avoid any awkward delivery encounters.

Dry Brush

I have finally acknowledged how beneficial regular dry brushing can be. Not only does it sweep away dead skin cells–making skin look brighter and smoother–but it also supports digestion and helps stimulate the body’s circulation and lymphatic systems. Oh, and you feel ridiculously revitalized after doing it. Which is why this year, I’m going to stick to this exfoliation method at least three times a week before my morning shower. Sephora’s Dry Revive Body Brush ($14) is firm but flexible enough to contour the body and is made with natural boar hair bristles, which are a much better option than synthetic bristles (they can be too harsh on the skin). Using it feels invigorating, and I already see a much smoother appearance of my skin, especially on the back thigh area where I have struggled with cellulite.

Deep Conditioner

No more lackluster split ends this year. I vouch to give my hair as much attention as I do my face, which means a deep conditioning hair mask is a must. I’m absolutely head over heels with Brigeo’s repair mask. Once a week, I massage the mask into my hair after shampooing and leave for five to 10 minutes. (For deeper hydration, cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and apply direct heat with your dryer for 20 minutes then rinse.) My hair undeniably looks and feels healthier, shinier, and more hydrated.
Packed with natural ingredients, including B vitamins, rosehip oil, argan oil, collagen, and silk, I say this is a must-try for anyone looking to restore moisture and shine.

Bath Oil

On Sunday nights, one hour of my time is now reserved for a long and luxurious bath. Not only does it inspire a deep level of relaxation, but soaking also allows ample time for me to indulge my skin with soothing body scrubs and hydrating bath oils such as Ren Skincare bath oil. The sweet rose scent of this oil is exquisite and transports me to a calming place. After using just a small amount in the tub, my skin feels soft, supple, and hydrated, proving that bath oils are perfect for remedying dry skin while you bathe.

Eye Cream

You have 100% permission to call me lazy because up until now, I have used an eye cream so infrequently that it’s embarrassing. (Especially for someone who has recently hit her 30s and knows a thing or two about vexing dark circles.) Welcome to my beauty cabinet, eye cream. I seriously don’t know how I ever lived without this. The lightweight formula is brightening, hydrating, and makes me look more awake in as little as five seconds. However, in terms of visibly improving my dark circles and targeting lines and wrinkles, it didn’t quite hit the mark. Incorporating a more concentrated eye cream into my daily routine would be a much wiser investment for my panda eyes. (I tried La Mer Eye Concentrate, $225, over the holidays and it’s pretty incredible. Okay, its price tag is a little hard to stomach, but in the long run, it will serve as a more valuable daily treatment.) I’ll keep Clinique’s more affordable option in my back pocket when I need an instant pick-me-up.

Beauty Sleep

On certain weeks where I can’t seem to get in enough z’s, I take this melatonin supplement, which helps promote a more restful night’s sleep. Because we all know how beneficial seven to nine hours can be to our body and minds. It must be said that on nights when my mind is in overdrive I’m still unable to drift off straight away even after taking the supplement, but my sleep is definitely longer and more restful on calmer nights.

Next up, “A Bold Attitude but Still Chic”: Take a Look at Moschino x Sephora

From byrdie

What do you get when you combine one of Italy’s most irreverent fashion houses with Sephora and put the creative direction in the hands of a designer named “fashion’s last rebel” by The New York Times? An impossibly covetable beauty collection that toes the line between makeup and luxe accessories and has some of the most Instagrammable products to grace your vanity.

The Moschino x Sephora Collection, hitting stores in August, channels the fashion label’s signature playfulness with its lineup of gilded beauty products. “When Sephora reached out to do this, we thought of course it needs to be around our successful fragrance and icon mascot, Toy,” Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott explained when we caught up with him at the line’s preview in L.A. “Not only is he such a cute little bear, he worked perfectly to translate into these compacts, the packaging.

Moschino’s first foray into makeup only seemed logical going into our first foray into fragrance under my tutelage.”

I wanted to have a little something for all my friends and all the gamut of skin colors and ranges and everything, so I love that that was really achieved.

While the new line certainly evokes the boldness of the Moschino brand, Scott emphasizes that it offers something for everyone. “There’s stuff for all my kinds of friends and all different kinds of skin tones and also expressions—some people who are a little softer and don’t have a bold color and are like, I want some of these highlighters and nudes, or then there’s people who are like I want a bold orange,” he said. “I wanted to have a little something for all my friends and all the gamut of skin colors and ranges and everything.”

But however impactful one wants their makeup to be, the collection definitely serves the Moschino woman. “She’s always someone who has humor, she’s bold, she’s someone who sometimes drinks a little too much, laughs a little too loud, maybe is up on a table dancing, but she’s always chic,” described Scott. “And I think that that is what we tried to capture in all of that. So there is a bold attitude but still chic.”

Though it’s difficult to pick a favorite from the collection, Scott admits that one of the pieces he’s most proud of is the Bear Lipgloss Chain ($26). “I always want to make things that I’m designing—in any capacity—things that aren’t disposable,” he explained. “And we live in a world that already has so much refuse, frankly, so I want to make things people want to keep forever. So from the packaging to the product itself. And I love that the bear necklace can continue on—you wear it and keep having fun, and you have a little place for your lipgloss.”

Head below to see the collection.

• Moschino x Sephora Collection Bear Eyeshadow Palette $45
• Moschino x Sephora Collection Shopping Bag Eyeshadow Palette $20
• Moschino x Sephora Collection Bear Highlighter $22
• Moschino x Sephora Collection Bear Lip Gloss Chain $26
• Moschino x Sephora Collection Bear Eye Mask $14
• Moschino x Sephora Collection Bear Brush Set $58

Stay tuned for when I try out the new collection.

Next up, 9 Under-the-Radar Sephora Skincare Brands You Need to Know About

From byrdie

We generally enter the doors of Sephora with an agenda: Stay focused, go directly to the products you came there for, cash out, and leave. Otherwise, we’d probably end up with a $1200 bill à la Kylie Jenner. But then again, as beauty editors, it’s technically our job to carefully scan every shelf, even every last inch of the checkout aisle to make sure we’re kept abreast of the latest and greatest that the black and white striped walls have to offer.

It’s an educational experience, really. Often times, we come across gadgets, ingredients, and sometimes even brands we’re not familiar with. As much as we’d like to call ourselves Sephora aficionados, no pilgrimage to the beauty mecca is without its new and exciting discoveries.

Today we’re focusing on the lesser-known skincare brands within Sephora. From amazing K-beauty products to skin-clearing remedies, get to know these under-the-radar brands.

Caolion

Standout Product: Blackhead Steam Pore Pack
Get a steam facial without the actual steam. This mask from Caolion “steams” your pores open while it’s on to vacuum blackheads out in a flash.

Clearogen

Standout Product: Foaming Cleanser
While most acne cleansers can be harsh and abrasive, this gentle cleanser has soothing botanicals to heal the skin while it treats.

It’s Skin

Standout Product: Cookie & Body Ice Cream
Caution: this product smells so good, you’ll definitely want to eat it. It’s an exfoliating body scrub that comes packed with little “cookie chips” that melt as you rub them in. Do we have your mouth watering yet?

Dermarché

Standout Product: FullFill Hyaluronic Acid Topical Wrinkle Filler
Who needs fillers when you can actually diminish the look of crows feet after just two weeks with this topical wrinkle filler? Needles? No thanks.

LXMI

Standout Product: Crème du Nil Pore-Refining Moisture Veil
How luxe does this face cream sound? It’s made with ingredients from the Nile River, specifically, Nilotica Reserve, which delivers up to 25 percent more essential fatty acids than traditional shea butter. It’s perfect as an under-makeup base or a hydrating night cream.

Radical Skincare

Standout Product: Multi Brightening Serum
Diminish the look of age spots, sun spots, and acne scars with this powerful brightening serum.

Kaplan MD

Standout Product: Intensive Eye Concentrate
Say goodbye to undereye circles with this brightening serum that lifts and firms in the process.

Riiviva

Standout Product: Microdermabrasion Device
This microdermabrasion device is so effective, it’s currently sold out. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sunspots, mild acne and scarring, stretch marks, and keratosis pilaris using seven different interchangeable stainless steel diamond tips for the face and body with three levels of suction.

Yu-Be

Standout Product: Moisturizing Skin Cream
This cream is among the best-selling skincare products in Japan. Slather it on callused feet, rough patches, dry elbows, knees, and cuticles to instantly soften the skin and replenish moisture.

Next up, This Buzzy Concealer Palette is More Than 50% Off During Sephora’s Weekly Wow

From byrdie

We know that each week Sephora’s Weekly Wow Sale offers a select collection of buzzy products for up to 50% off. But that doesn’t mean every single product is half-off (the key word here is “up” to 50% off). Some might be 25% off or 30% off—you get it. It’s still a great deal, but there’s a certain rush we get when we score a product for precisely half-off. Maybe it’s the satisfying symmetry of the whole thing, or maybe it’s the fact that we know we’re getting double what we paid for, but 50% off is simply the best.Don’t you agree?

Well get ready because this week, every single product that’s included in Sephora’s sale is exactly half off. Yes, every single one. There are amazing highlighting and contouring picks from Tarte and CoverFX, as well as a concealer and corrector palette that holds 15 (yes, 15) different shades. That’s not even mentioning the Smashbox palette that’s aptly titled the Master Class. Keep scrolling to see all five Weekly Wow products.

You know a palette is worth it when it opens from the middle, like a curtain parting on a stage. This one in particular has six pigmented cream and powder highlight and contour shades for perfect, structured skin. Plus, the dramatic range of shades means it suits light and dark skin tones.

They’re not kidding when they call this a master class. The kit includes four different palettes in various lip, face, and eye shades. Each one includes a wide range of hues that you can mix, layer, and customize, meaning it’s perfect for the creative and colorful makeup devotees out there.

Clearly, this week is big on face and cheek palettes. This one comes in two different versions—light medium and medium deep, in order to accommodate a diverse range of skin tones. Each one has four highlighter shades, two of which are cream, and two of which are powders. Use this to strobe, highlight, and illuminate your skin for any occasion.

Sephora’s pro team paired up with Pantone’s color experts to create a palette of 15 different cream concealers and color correctors. Whether it’s hyperpigmentation, dark circles, redness, or dullness that you’re dealing with, this will correct and conceal it perfectly. And honestly, it looks like something out of an expert makeup artist’s kit, so we want it.

This kit for dry or combination skin contains three of Clinique’s best products—the liquid face soap, clarifying lotion, and moisturizing lotion. The first two are deluxe travel sizes, whereas the latter is full-size. Each one is dermatologist-developed and fragrance-free, too, so no worries for sensitive skin types.

Next up, 25 Clever Hacks We Learned From Sephora Reviews.

From byrdie

Allow us to unveil what we at Byrdie HQ describe as a “Sephora black hole.” You’re going about your business, catching up on your daily beauty reading, and you find a product that catches your attention. You click the product to shop it, and you land on Sephora.com. You check out the ingredients list, the description, and scroll down to read the reviews section.

Fast-forward half an hour, and you’re suddenly on page 20, ravenously consuming every word of every review and taking it as gospel—after all, these are real women (your very own peers) who have no reason to cushion their feedback. Hours later, you’ve finally made up your mind, and you excitedly either add the product to your cart or click out of the screen, relieved your fellow beauty aficionados warned you the buzzy pick was just subpar. Resume this cycle every few days; repeat as needed.

If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone. As beauty editors, we get to try so many products firsthand—yet we constantly find ourselves reading reviews online to see if other people’s reactions match our own, or if the product only worked for our specific skin type or hair texture.

Along the way, we started noticing something: There are some smart beauty tips within Sephora reviews. And we’re talking truly ingenious and clever—these aren’t your average run-of-the-mill, universally known hacks. Some of them have changed our lives—our wallets are forever grateful for the self-tanner wipe tip—which is why we’ve compiled some of our favorites in one place for you, dear reader. From primer-mixing to a clumpy mascara cure, keep scrolling for 18 of the best beauty hacks from Sephora’s reviews section.

The user: becksies

The hack: Sephora shoppers are completely in love with Urban Decay’s makeup setting spray. Reviewer becksies says she sprays it on her face as a primer, on her base layer of foundation, and a third time to set all of her powder products. One spray per layer keeps your skin oil-free all day and sets your makeup in perfectly.

The user: deadlyrosie

The hack: Sometimes your skin is in need of a serious hydration pick-me-up, which is why Sephora reviewer deadlyrosie loves this treatment by Glamglow. She recommends using it as an overnight mask every other night and a spot treatment for areas that could use a little TLC. The extra boost of hydration leaves your skin glowing all day every day.

The user: ccmmaa

The hack: For Sephora reviewer ccmmaa, “Finding a foundation is like finding a needle in a haystack,” but when she came across the Nars foundation stick, it was love at first use! She recommends blending this in with your fingers to avoid highlighting any textural issues. Using your fingers is a great technique when you’re trying to create the best coverage for your skin type, too.

The user: shellycov, asianinla

The hack: Bubble masks have become the staple of Instagrammable beauty products lately. They start off as a gel that bubbles as it interacts with oxygen and drags out any impurities in your skin. User shellycov recommends using one pump of the product over your whole face because the gel spreads and the bubbles expand a lot.

Asianinla, another Sephora reviewer, recommends you don’t move around too much when you’re wearing the mask. The bubbles could fade sooner than they should, and you won’t get the best results.

The user: emmy064

The hack: It’s no secret that Fenty Beauty is one of the most sought-after beauty brands right now, which is why Sephora reviewer emmy064 gave her recommendation on how to use the shimmer stick perfectly. “It is best applied with a brush, I would not recommend applying the stick directly to your face,” because they’re really pigmented. So if you’re looking for a healthy glow, try out her advice.

The user: anne215

The hack: Hair oils can be tricky to use when it comes to knowing how much product to put in your hair, so Sephora reviewer anne215 gave some insight on how she uses the product to get her best result. She recommends using only one pump on the product on the bottom of your hair, then brushing through the rest of your hair to disperse the oil. If you apply it straight to the top your hair will look oily, plus a little goes a long way.

The user: mish121

The hack: Sephora user mish121 does not use this palette as just a highlight palette, she gets a full face out of it! She uses dim light to bronze, incandescent light to highlight, and radiant light all over her face to set her makeup with an all-day glow. According to her, it’s the best way to achieve the perfect “no makeup makeup look.”

The user: harmony1977

The hack: If self-tanning towelettes are your jam, you’ll be glad you know this tip: Harmony1977 says she cuts these luxe towelettes into four to six smaller squares and stores them in a Ziploc bag. That way, you can use each small piece one at a time for your body and face, and store what you don’t use. This tip is also perfect if you prefer your faux tan a deeper color—use half, store the rest, and follow up with another application the following day.

The user: katedoggg

The hack: People swear by spray foundations for their dewy, even coverage—and the fact that you can spray them directly on your face without blending. However, it can get a little messy, which is why user katedoggg suggests using a damp Beauty Blender ($20) to apply Dior’s version instead. The effect is sheerer and more natural—perfect for days when you don’t need a full-coverage finish.

The users: jem1 and melissa929

The hack: Any thick-browed girl is lost without her brow gel, and people rave about Make Up for Ever’s version. But there are secret ways to use this brow gel in your beauty routine. User jem1 says she applies it over her brow pencil to lock it in all day, and then over her mascara to prevent raccoon eyes. Meanwhile, melissa929 says she uses it to tame flyaways and baby hairs along her forehead, especially when pulling her hair into a ponytail. Genius.

The user: nicnacbeauty

The hack: Smashbox says you can use this magical spray three ways—to prime your face, to set your makeup, and to refresh your makeup throughout the day—but user nicnacbeauty says she uses it a fourth way, too. “I also use it by spraying a little on my brush before putting on my foundation, and it works like a charm,” she says in her review. She swears this helps the product lock in her makeup all day—and we’ll be trying it out immediately.

The user: MacBeth7

The hack: It’s no secret we’re obsessed with Urban Decay’s various Eyeshadow Primers ($24)—and so is the majority of the beauty world. Only thing is, the toothpaste-like packaging means there’s often a lot left over that we can’t squeeze out. Luckily, Sephora user MacBeth7 has a genius solution: Once you near the end of your supply, take scissors and cut off the bottom of the tube, scoop out everything inside, and store it in an old eye cream jar.

The user: JuneViolet

The hack: Whether or not you’re a fan of cleansing oils, you should probably add one to your beauty routine. Why? Because you can use it for facial massage, obviously. JuneViolet says she uses Josie Maran’s version not to wash her face, but to massage her face for 20 minutes each night. “I recommend you do this at least three times a week,” she says. “It’s the secret to never-aging skin.” For a visual guide, we’ve got you covered with four anti-aging exercises to do instead of facelifts.

The user: Wombatsma

The hack: Nothing is more satisfying than painting your final layer of high-shine topcoat after a painstaking self-manicure. That glory can be short-lived, however, when your nail polish starts cracking a few days later. Wombatsma has an easy solution: Just wait until the following day to apply your top coat. This will ensure your nails are completely dry and prevent any shrinking and peeling after applying the topcoat.

The user: jackie1894620

The hack: Clumpy mascara? Try user jackie1894620’s trick and add in a few drops of contact solution—it’ll smooth out the formula in a pinch.

The user: courtneyolsen

The hack: People rave about Kat Von D’s cult foundation for its full-coverage, last-all-day finish, but—as with all full-coverage foundations—you run the risk of a slightly cakey finish. User courtneyolsen says she remedies this by mixing the brand’s water-based Lock-It Featherweight Primer ($32) with the foundation. “It helps thin out the thick foundation and gives a beautiful finish,” she says. “It also lasts me about 14 hours without oxidation, separation, or oiliness.”

The user: girloncanvas

The hack: Ever find that your hair perfume either makes your ends greasy or gets overpowering, smell-wise? Try this trick girloncanvas shared: spray it underneath your hair, near the nap of your neck. That way, your body heat will allow the scent to lightly disperse without leaving a super-strong perfume trail (a good tip if you’re planning on wearing hair perfume at the office or during the day).

The user: SherryLovesMkup

The hack: If your setting powder has a tendency to sit in the creases underneath your eyes, try this trick from SherryLovesMkup: “Apply the powder very lightly to your finger and pat the powder into the under eye area with the pad of your finger!” This will help provide a smooth application with no concerns of settling.

The user: review1219

The hack: Say goodbye to the days of your eyeliner drying out. Review1219 suggests storing it upside down to coax every last bit of product out. And, as an added bonus, this method will help you avoid “the dry out from one eye to the next that some complain about.”

The user: missasweetheart

The hack: In order to avoid mess and excess powder when perfecting your highlight, missasweetheart recommends using a synthetic brush sprayed with some setting spray. This will help create a more accurate application, so you don’t end up looking a little too shimmery.

The user: princeofcats

The hack: This luminizer is quite versatile, especially due to its moisturizing effect. User princeofcats likes to use it on lips for a balmy and shimmery effect. “I sometimes tap it on as a gloss if I’m wearing a stain and not a lipstick. It’s not glossy exactly, but adds a touch of depth. I really have no regrets about buying this.”

The user: anisamk

The hack: These highly pigmented drops are meant to be added to your products for a completely customizable effect. Anisamk likes to use them with a primer but also suggests trying them under foundation “for a subtle, lit-from-within glow.” And for more color, “Tap on areas you want to highlight before applying foundation for a little more intensity.” The possibilities are endless.

The user: Stylist430

The hack: This cult-favorite can be upgraded in a simple way: Forgo applying with a cotton pad. This will help stop any product from being absorbed by the pad before it gets to your face. “Place a few drops (3-4) on the palms of your hands and press the product into the skin of your face and neck,” suggests Stylist430.

The user: cfbeauty

The hack: This ultra-gentle and super-calming mask is loved by many Sephora customers, but user cfbeauty has a way to make it even better: “Add a warm/hot damp towel over a layer of it for deeper penetration.”

The user: thefox

The hack: A unique, cooling texture makes this mask a sensorial experience not only for dull skin, but to revitalize eye areas as well. “I don’t only use it as a mask, but also under my eyes when I have puffiness,” explains user thefox. And, for an even more cooling sensation, try sticking it in the fridge before using.

This story was originally published on August 28, 2015 and has since been updated

Next up, Whoa: Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Contour Palette Is Only $20 at Sephora

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Everybody take a breath because this week’s Sephora sale is here, and like always, you can’t miss it. This time around, there are a total of six super-buzzy and classic beauty products discounted at 50% off. (Oh, Sephora, how we could wax poetic about the ways we love you.) The star products of this latest Weekly Wow, at least in our humble opinion, are the well-loved contour kit, the chic makeup brush set, and the exfoliating skincare peel that are all currently up for grabs.

It’s almost like Sephora curated this week’s sale with Halloween in mind. You can use the contour palette and the brushes to perfect your costume, finish it off with a little well-placed highlighter, and head out. The day after Halloween, reach for the exfoliating peel to renew your makeup-clogged skin. Perfect, right? Keep scrolling to see all six sale products.

First up is one of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ most beloved products: the cream contour kit. It features six different neutral shades so you can mix and match depending on your preferred coverage level and skin tone.

As if the cream contour palette wasn’t enough, Sephora threw this traditional powder contour palette into the mix. It also features six shades of neutral tones, so you can sculpt your cheekbones, jawline, nose, and more. Plus, the palette is refillable, so you can replace the shades you use the most often.

If there’s one thing Becca Cosmetics is known for, it’s the highlighters. This one is a classic. The silky cream highlighter is easy to layer and blend, so it always look natural no matter what. (Oh, and lest we forget, its cult classic Champagne Pop shade is included in this half-off sale).

This Stila color-correcting palette has five cream shades to apply under concealer. Apply the peach tone under the eyes if dark circles are your issue, or reach for the green color to neutralize any redness or irritation on your skin. Whichever color corrector you use, finish it up by patting one of the two finishing powders over the top, which will make the color long-lasting and budgeproof.

These four brushes are made with synthetic fibers so they won’t soak up liquid or cream makeup. This kit includes two foundation brushes (one ridged and one pointed), a concealer brush, and a blemish concealer brush. Store them all in the chic carrying case they come with.

Like we said before, this product is perfect for post-Halloween skincare, especially if your costume involves a lot of heavy makeup and glitter. This two-step process works together to exfoliate, resurface, and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.

Next up, These Are the 9 Most Exciting Gifts From Sephora’s Holiday Collection

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

The holidays are on the horizon, and we’ve got gifts on the brain—beauty gifts, to be specific. Like any self-respecting beauty hoarder, I scan the Sephora holiday gift collection each year when it first drops to get my wish list in order. You can split it up by budget (under $10, under $25, and so on) and by type (makeup, skincare, etc)—so it’s the most convenient one-stop-shop for all things giftable.

Whether you’re more into glittery eye shadow, all-natural cleansing balms, or hairstyling essentials, we’ve got everything you could ever want and more. Below, find a collection of Sephora-exclusive offerings (because we’re sure you’ll want them).

“Call me a hype woman if you want, but I, along with the rest of the internet, will forever be rooting for Fenty Beauty. Not only because Rihanna is my bestie in my head, but because her products are actually the truth. I love that these match stix legit do it all: conceal, contour, and highlight. I use the medium shade because I like to go lighter on my concealer for a true, sculpted look. My favorite member of the trio squad is the highlighter Trippin. The amber shade is infused with golden specks that add warmth to my deep skin tone. If I’m being honest, I use it all over my face and even as eye shadow. It’s just perfect.” —Maya Allen, assistant editor

I simply can’t live without Eve Lom’s Cleansing Balm—it’s a balmy, buttery formula that includes a combination of essential oils: clove oil (to target blemishes), eucalyptus oil (to combat toxins), hops oil (to tone the skin), Egyptian chamomile oil (to soften and sooth), and cocoa butter (to condition and nourish). The blend allows for a powerful, active combination that still remains gentle and aromatic. It’s my holy-grail product and I’ll never, ever give it up. That being said, the brand’s Ultimate Cleanser Vault leaves me breathless with excitement.

It includes four different sizes of the cleanser, from travel-size to oversize, so you’ll never be left without it again.

I get excited each year when the holidays roll around—for presents and family time, sure, but also because Sephora curates a few sets based on its best-sellers and most exciting products. It’s always a thrill to find out which products will end up in the sets (and to see how discounted the prices are). This time, the skincare favorites feature a top-shelf bunch including Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum ($48), Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. C + E Antioxidant Protect + Repair Moisturizer ($65), and Dr Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel ($88).

“I’ve been a faithful devotee to my Naked Original Palette for ages, dabbling in other shadows here and there, but never finding the right mix of shades. That is, until I was given the Huda Desert Dusk palette by my lovely desk mate, Hallie. It’s an insanely pigmented collection of oranges, coppers, tans—even purples and cosmic shimmery wildcards that I love whipping out for special events or just regular workdays when I’m feeling extra fancy. I love dipping into three or four different shades and blending them for a high-definition colorful smoky eye. My go-to look is Cashmere on the lids, Musk and Oud blended on the bone, then Amber and Oud dusted on the lower lash line. It almost always earns me compliments.” —Lindsey Metrus, managing editor

“My mom actually specifically requested this straightening brush after seeing my New & Now tutorial on Byrdie, so I’m stoked that I convinced at least one person that they need it, even if that person gave birth to me. The mini version is a perfect stocking stuffer in price and stature, and SO handy for traveling.” — Victoria Hoff, wellness editor

“I’m not sure why (and I know it’s something I have to work on), but for some reason, my nightly sleep log is painfully pathetic. I try to get a full seven hours but most nights it’s usually between five and six—yikes! So until I can get myself into a better sleep schedule, I’ll continue to lean on products specifically designed to make me look like I got a full eight hours. Sephora’s Beauty Sleep Set is packed with everything you want—products that promote healthier hair, glowier skin, and a prettier vanity. Since you can’t wish for more hours in the day (or night!) this holiday season, most definitely cross your fingers for this sleep-curated collection, instead.” — Erin Jahns, assistant editor

“The Dyson dryer by itself is the same price as this gift set, so there’s really no question about this being a real steal. You get four Ouai products—a shampoo, conditioner, mousse, and oil—and the infamous dryer that really is the best out there. If you were scared to spend that much on a hair tool ($400 is a big ask), this set cushions the blow by giving you products from a really awesome haircare brand. It’s the ultimate gift for the girl who loves hair.” — Audrey Noble

“If you have yet to get your hands on the Cosmic Gloss Lip Glitter, trust the rave reviews from everyone who has tried it. All four colors look super dreamy, but for the holidays, visions of Spacesuit and Gal on the Moon will dance through your head for days. They’re so pretty, and I’m convinced they’ll convert you to the glossy side.” — Erin Jahns

“Peel off masks kind of freak me out, but this one is bright pink, which lessens the blow of literally peeling off the top layer of my skin. I only applied this onto my nose to target blackheads, and after slowly (and I mean very slowly) peeling it off once it dried down, I could see the blackheads on the bubblegum-pink strip standing up like a Bioré commercial. I was instantly sold.” — Lindsey Metrus

Next up, This Exclusive Stila Product Has Already Sold Out at Sephora

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

Stila’s Glitter & Glow Eye Shadow ($24) is a brand favorite, probably because it applies like a buttery smooth paint across the eyelids. The formula, which at first is a lightweight liquid, dries down to a budge-free cream. Its opaque, slightly metallic color is chock-full of finely milled sparkle that brings light and dimension to the eyes. Clearly, the whole collection is worth the buzz.

But according to Allure, the newest shade of Glitter & Glow is making an even bigger splash than usual. The shade, called In a Firenze, has already sold clean out on Sephora’s website. Plus, it’s slowly becoming Insta-famous, popping up on beauty feeds all over the social media platform. Don’t worry, though: There’s still time to get your hands on a tube of your own. We just can’t guarantee it will be available for long. Keep scrolling to take a peek at this super popular shade!

Stila refers to this shade as a “shimmering warm dusty rose with copper and silver sparkle.” Combining metallic rose gold and copper makes for a painfully trendy product, which is probably why it sold out so fast during its Sephora preview sale debut. The product still isn’t back in stock on the retail giant’s website… at least not to everyone. Currently, the shade is exclusive to Sephora VIB Rouge members.

But don’t fear—for those of us who aren’t a part of Sephora’s rewards program, the shade is ready for purchase on Stila’s website. Just don’t wait around—we can’t guarantee stock will last for long. It’s just that good. As Allure describes it, the shadow “glides on like any other liquid eye shade but has the twinkle of a loose glitter. Then, once it dries down on your lids, it stays put all day (or night) long.”

Peep a swatch of the shade below. We think it makes for an ultra-pretty addition to our summer makeup collection.

Next up, The Internet’s Favorite Budget Skincare Brand Available at Sephora

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

You may remember having heard about an effective and affordable skincare line that was pretty much disrupting the whole beauty market since it sold traditionally expensive skincare products for a fraction of the normal price. (We’re talking about pricing retinol at only $7.) It was called The Ordinary, and at the time it only offered a couple of products. Nonetheless, we tried it, we loved it, and we offered it a permanent home in our skincare regimen.

It offers a number of different serums, oils, and retinoids, having expanded quite dramatically. The company has even branched out into makeup, launching a number of foundation formulas. And Sephora has taken notice. The retail giant announced that it was welcoming The Ordinary into its retail space as of December 20, 2017. Keep scrolling to see a few of our favorite products from the brand.

“We are thrilled to bring The Ordinary’s vision of functional affordable beauty to our Sephora clients,” said Priya Venkatesh, vice president of merchandising for Sephora, in a press release. “Similar to Sephora, The Ordinary is passionate about educating consumers on the benefits of skincare, in new and approachable ways. This passion, combined with product and ingredient innovation creates a simplistic approach to problem-solution skincare for all.”

“We are very humbled and privileged that Sephora have chosen to add The Ordinary into their incredible curation of beauty brands in North America,” said Nicola Kilner, co-CEO of DECIEM in the same release. “We look forward to making The Ordinary even more accessible in 2018 with one of the best Beauty platforms in the world.”

Aside from the totally accessible price point and product formulations, we can’t get enough of the brand’s chic aesthetic (packaging matters, people!), and we love keeping the products out on display on our vanities.

Check out a few of our favorite brand picks. Also be on the lookout for the brand’s NYC and Miami brick-and-mortar stores. (If you don’t live in NYC or Miami, keep on the lookout for the San Francisco and Los Angeles stores.)

Next up, Heads-Up: You’ll (Finally) Be Able to Shop IT Cosmetics at Sephora

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

There’s nothing better than waking up on a beautiful morning, swiping on a face mask (today it’s Fig + Yarrow French Green Clay Mask, $24), pouring yourself a cup of coffee, and learning that Sephora is welcoming yet another beauty brand into its iconic retail space. According to Sephora’s Instagram story, IT Cosmetics will be available at Sephora locations nationwide sometime around mid-September.

The brand is the brainchild of Jamie Kern Lima, a former news anchor who couldn’t find effective makeup that could stand up to HD television cameras. “You have to have really great makeup or it doesn’t look so good [on camera],” she told Allure. “I have heredity rosacea and sparse eyebrows, so I used to spend most of my paycheck on beauty products, testing everything out there, and trying to find products that didn’t look like makeup [on screen]. But I could never find products that really worked for me.”

So she took matters into her own hands, developing new formulas that were high-coverage and long-lasting yet natural enough for daytime wear. And people love it; in 2016 the brand was acquired by L’Oréal for a cool $1.2 billion. Along with almost every makeup product you can think of, IT Cosmetics also makes luxe skincare essentials like cleanser, anti-aging moisturizer, and spot treatment. Check out our favorite products, below.

This concealer is probably the most ubiquitous product from IT Cosmetics. The heavy-duty formula conceals even the darkest of under-eye veins and shadows. It’s also formulated with collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to visibly improve the area over time.

This moisturizer is great for those who have chronically red, irritated skin (hi, rosacea!). Ingredients include chamomile, oatmeal, aloe, cucumber, turmeric, and avocado to soothe and hydrate both immediately and over time. In fact, 97% of people saw improvement in their redness after repeated use.

First things first: This brush is completely cruelty-free. Its soft bristles are perfectly tapered to apply powder flawlessly over your face, neck, and décolletage. (Take it from us, all of their brushes are worth the price tag.)

This radiance powder is infused with vitamin C for a natural brightening effect (are you sensing a makeup-as-skincare theme, here?). Sweep it all over your skin for extra warmth and glow. As a bonus, it smells amazing, kind of like the scent of a fresh fruit stand at the farmer’s market.

Next up,The 12 Things You Have to Buy From Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon Right Now

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

From byrdie

There’s something about the season change (and, of course, the holidays) that makes us want to overhaul everything—our closets, our love lives (it’s the start of cuffing season after all), and our beauty products. It’s the time when headlines pop up everywhere shouting “out with the old, in with the new,” and it causes this restless feeling, this need for change, and a life revamp. We scroll through our favorite websites, mainly Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon, and bookmark every product that makes us feel something.

To help anyone else looking to revamp, we did just that. Every editor here at Byrdie HQ went through and chose their most covetable products from each of the three beauty meccas. There are makeup, skincare, and hair products, each one meant to aid in your end-of-the-year shift. So start cleaning out your cabinets, dresser drawers, and makeup bags now. You’re in for a ton of inspiration and, yes, temptation below. Keep scrolling if you’re game.

Hallie Gould, Senior Editor

Sephora

I’m not usually a fan of palettes. I think they look beautiful and want to love them, but I so rarely wear eye shadow that they barely get any use. That and I don’t exactly know how to expertly apply it. So when I saw this gorgeous collection of 18 highly pigmented shades, including soft berry, dusty copper, rosy pink, and golden taupe, I had our managing editor, Lindsey, brush a combination of three shades across my lids. The texture is unmatched—velvety, easily blendable, and formulated aloe vera and coconut oil for a butter-like application.

Then there are the shades. My favorites are drenched in shimmer, but there are so many warm and cool-tone options for about a million combinations.

On me, we used Lace as a base (a soft lilac) and added Daydream on top for some dreamy dimension and shine. Then, along my outer crease, Lindsey added a touch of Tease (a slightly darker purple) for definition. I’m in love, and I resign to re-create this look in different shades until I use them all up.

Ulta

It goes without saying that you should feel empowered to look however you’d like, whether that means using a full-coverage foundation, none at all, or somewhere in between. For me, I found my groove in that gray area—with a sheer, whipped, gel-like confection that offers up dewiness and coverage, but in a more natural way. Enter BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream ($33).

It’s whipped (read: feels pillowy) but also cooling and gel-like at the same time. It’s a hybrid, really, a mix of all the best parts of liquid, cream, and serum foundation. Plus, it’s multitasking. Complexion Rescue combines all those hydrating skincare benefits with the sheer (but buildable, if you so choose) coverage I’d been dreaming of. And it incorporates a mineral-based sunscreen for safe and effective, non-chemical sun protection. The formula is a blend of plant-derived squalane and energizing mineral electrolytes to give a really radiant finish but also continually hydrate your skin throughout the day. It feels so light, refreshing, and looks just like your skin would on its best day (only you can replicate that every single day). I like to warm it between my fingers and pat it on (a suggestion from Hailey Baldwin), melting it in my skin so it looks especially natural and glowy.

Amazon

The Tangle Teezer is Team Byrdie’s tried-and-true brush (seriously, we all own it). It’s the best possible option for my thin, textured hair, as it detangles really, really gently and won’t cause my ends to break post-shower. I think of it as the top reason my hair has been able to grow longer and stronger this year (along with my beloved Olaplex formulas and the care colorist Matt Rez takes when highlighting every strand). It’s not fancy or expensive, but it’s a holy-grail, hair-saving product, and I can’t live without it. Plus, every so often, the brand launches a new color (especially around the holidays) so you can easily replace it with something shiny and exciting as often as you’d like.

Lindsey Metrus, Managing Editor

Sephora

“Byrdie HQ collectively freaked out when we first pressed our fingertips to Heaven’s Dew, a putty-like highlighter that offers the prettiest wet-looking glimmer, so I was equally as excited for this trio of highlight, blush, and bronzer. Now my entire face can have a pretty sheen, and I only need my fingertips to apply it.”

Ulta

“I absolutely hate applying lotion after I get out of the shower. It’s always a mission, from slathering on the greasy blend to grabbing the tube with now-greasy hands to then waiting for it to settle into my skin before I can put my clothes on. However, this blend from Neutrogena leaves my skin intensely moisturized with no greasy aftermath, and it has a big pump bottle so I can dispense it easily and get on with the rest of my routine.”

Amazon

“My hair may be on the short(ish) side, but I have a lot of it, so blow-drying is always a mission. This curling iron, on the other hand, is able to wave my entire head of hair in about 10 minutes tops. I don’t section anything off and just do the whole head starting from the right side and moving around to the left in one go to save time. Then, I spritz the roots with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for lift and rub a bit of V76 Molding Paste between my fingers and rake through the ends for sultry, rock-‘n’-roll texture.

“While this wand doesn’t have a clamp, it’s super easy to wrap your hair around—just remember to start at the root and wrap down toward the tip, pointing the tip down toward the floor. If you’re worried about burning your hand, it comes with a glove for security.”

Faith Xue, Editorial Director

Sephora

“This purple-tinted hair mask instantly toned my newly bleached hair and made it soft, shiny, and super bright. I already know it’s going to be a staple in my platinum haircare routine.”

Ulta

“Every time I wear Stila’s liquid eye shadows, someone compliments me. I’m obsessed with all of the shades in this mini trio, which will easily take you through every holiday party, New Year’s Eve, and beyond.”

Amazon

“This thick, hydrating body lotion is the only one that’s kept my super-dry, eczema-prone skin soft and hydrated now that the temps have dipped in NYC. Snatch it up if you struggle with dry, scaly skin during the winter. You won’t regret it.”

amanda_montell,amanda_montell

Sephora

“Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation is sort of a sleeper hit in the U.S., used by nearly every makeup artist but not as much by everyday consumers. By contrast, in Japan, it’s a household name and the go-to product for movie stars and on-camera talent whose skin has to look perfect but also like it’s not caked in makeup, in super HD. In April of this year, the brand relaunched the product with an updated formula, intended to be lighter in weight but with better coverage. The formula is complete with soft-focus pigments that make the skin look airbrushed, in addition to nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, olive squalene, and shea butter for a hydrating effect. Whenever I want my skin to look naturally flawless in the Japanese style, I spend 10 minutes with my lotion pack, make myself a matcha tea, and apply this foundation. It’s a routine that blends old traditions with modern technology, and I feel honored to have gotten to witness it firsthand.”

Ulta

“I am low-key so impressed with Garnier’s skincare lately, which is gentle, vegan, nontoxic, and effective. Its new micellar water is a recent favorite. I use this to take off any leftover makeup after cleansing, and it does the job without irritating my skin or eyes for a delightfully low price.”

Amazon

“Rael’s all-natural, organic, non-toxic period products are conveniently available on Amazon and super high-rated by almost everyone who’s tried them. Literally never buy overpriced, unregulated tampons from the drugstore again—just buy these.”

Next up, 9 Best-Selling Concealers at Sephora

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

FROM byrdie

If you didn’t buy your first concealer at the drugstore, you probably bought it at Sephora. And whether you started playing with makeup in middle school or as a full-blown adult, it probably felt game-changing. For middle schoolers, a bit of concealer to cover some acne can be the difference between total self-confidence and wanting to stay home. For adults, concealer to cover under-eye bags can be the difference between a productive meeting and nosy or concerned colleagues. It shows how versatile concealer is: a multi-duty product that hides blemishes, can be used as a stand-in foundation or eye shadow primer, and can practically transform your whole face.And Sephora is just… well, Sephora. ‘Nuff said.

Thus, we figured what better way to quench our never-ending thirst for both things than to investigate the most beloved concealers Sephora has to offer. Based off of top sales and customer reviews, the following concealers are flying off the shelves of one of our favorite beauty destinations.

Each of these concealer pots has either a peach or pink undertone to perfectly neutralize dark under-eye circles. For even better coverage, layer your usual yellow-toned concealer on top.

This concealer has over 4k reviews on Sephora.com averaging at about a 4.3, and 130k people have put it in their “loves” list. While it’s a thick and camouflaging concealer, it’s also super hydrating and won’t crease.

Nothing’s going to make this concealer budge, except for a good scrub with your favorite face wash. This formula hides blemishes while remaining matte and waterproof, making it perfect for warm days and humid weather. It’s beloved for its coverage—nothing gets through.

A personal favorite of almost every beauty editor, this concealer hydrates, firms, and nourishes the skin while providing the perfect amount of coverage. It’s also one of the top-selling products in Sephora’s history.

Fans were a little annoyed when Too Faced’s Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer went away, and may it rest in peace. But from its ashes has risen Too Faced’s powerhouse of a multi-use concealer, and we’re into it. Under-eye circles? Gone. Redness? Hidden. Contour? On point.

YSL will always maintain that Touche Éclat isn’t a concealer but a brightener, but we’ll always maintain that it’s both. For most users, it doubles as a concealer and a highlighter to brighten and conceal in one shot. It’s great on a little bit of adult acne or hyperpigmentation too, but where it really shines is the under-eyes, where it can conceal even the longest of nights (although it can’t cure your hangover).

This non-toxic concealer isn’t necessarily the one with the widest shade range, but that doesn’t matter so much given that its four skin color range-spanning shades can blend out to look good on almost anyone. But its real trick isn’t how well it goes on under the eyes, it’s that it also works as a more-than-great lid primer—and it has one of the larger shade ranges as one, too.

Urban Decay’s Naked Skin concealer was a fan-favorite, but given that they brought Stay Naked in as a replacement it’s hard to complain about its discontinuation. The best thing about this concealer is that it pretty much always looks like skin; even when it’s not being applied over foundation or a BB cream, it just looks like skin. Given that concealers are meant to look like they’re not there but magically show up later in the day, that’s a pretty exciting proposition.

Admirers of Armani’s Power Fabric Foundation ($64) will be pleased to know they can find their exact shade match with this concealer, which is a similarly light-and-human-looking formula. Its main selling point, however, is how long-lasting it is: it’s crease-resistant and formulated for all-day, not touch-ups.

Next up, Negin Mirsalehi’s Honey-Infused Haircare Line Will Now Be Sold at Sephora

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated

All Full Sephora locations offer Makeup Consultations, this service costs $50 (it comes in the form of a giftcard). You should call your closest location and make an appointment. It’s best to call prior to going to the location in order to confirm an appointment, that way you’ll rest assured knowing that they’re expecting you and you’ll have their undivided attention during the consultation. During this consultation, they will ask you questions about your daily routine, makeup/skin concerns and what your interests are (in terms of looks/style). Through this questioning, they will help you choose your ideal makeup and skincare needs. They’ll try out different looks on you and gladly teach you to do them yourself. Then at the end of the consultation, you can pick and choose what you’d like to purchase (this is what the $50 fee is for, if you purchase over $50 worth of the makeup then you’d pay the additional cost). This is a great service because they do a complete makeover, and you can learn techniques from them and have questions answered without being rushed.

Also, All Sephoras have free services available, but they are only for either a lip, eye or foundation match. These services are free and they aren’t as in depth as the $50 Makeup Consultation is because they are only for the specific things I mentioned.

Also, if you don’t have access to a Sephora location, then you can always go to a Department store or MAC store and have a makeup consultation done as well, they don’t technically charge you for a makeup consultation, but you’re expected to purchase some form of makeup that they used on you.

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts

Yes, Call Sephora customer service. They will have you ship back the item and send a replacement (or go to your local store to return for replacement).

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts

Yes, The same Sephora customer wrote that the e-mail included a warning from the company: “Please be advised that if we see your current return behavior continue, we may decline any future return with or without a receipt at any Sephora location, including purchases made on Sephora.com or Sephora inside JCPenney.”

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts