From byrdie

Shopping at Sephora just got easier if you care about clean ingredients in your products. Last month, Sephora launched its Clean at Sephora Campaign after hearing back from consumers who wanted it to be more apparent which products were natural or not when shopping. The true question is: What does “natural” even mean? The term is used so loosely nowadays, so Sephora decided to coin their own definition. Products that qualify to be in their clean program are free of harsh chemicals like surfactants, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, musks, or mineral oil.

We’ve already rounded up the best Black Friday deals from our favorite beauty brands. Now, we have a second Black Friday sale to shop, and it’s a big one. We’re talking about the one and only Sephora.

Yes, the time has come. The time of year when Sephora offers huge discounts on giftable hair, makeup, and skincare products. We’re confident that there will be something for everyone—whether you’re looking for a little gift for yourself (why not?), a friend, family member, or significant other. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take advantage of all the major beauty sales.

Keep scrolling for the best Sephora Black Friday deals to shop now.

Save 50% on Urban Decay Naked3 Palette

This palette features 12 rose-hued neutrals with matte, pearl, and metallic finishes. Each is formulated with Urban Decay’s Pigment Infusion System which ensures long-lasting, blendable, highly pigmented color.

Save 35% on Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron 1″

Straighten your hair in 10 minutes flat with Bio Ionic’s 1-inch styling iron. The professional-level tool hydrates and conditions hair as you go thanks to natural volcanic rock minerals which emit tiny water molecules.

Save 30% on Sunday Riley Acid Appeal Vol.1

Let this Sunday Riley kit help you find your healthiest looking skin yet. Bestsellers Good Genes and C.E.O Glow are sure to make your skin shine (in a good way).

Save 30% on Algenist Genius Sleeping Collagen Cream

You’ll want to use this night cream to its very last drop—that’s how good it is. Not only does it intensely hydrate the skin so it looks dewy and plump by morning (thank the collagen-infused formula), but it also helps reduce the look of pesky lines and wrinkles.

Save 17% on Benefit Cosmetics Brow Superstars! Holiday Set

This kit has everything you need to level up in the brow department. The limited-edition collection includes six of Benefit’s bestselling products including the Goof Proof Brow Pencil, Precisely, My Brow Pencil, 24-Hour Brow Setter, Gimme Brow+, Ka-Brow!, and 3D Browtones.

Save 40% on Anastasia Sun Dipped Glow Kit

One sweep of these metallic powder highlighters is all it takes for an intense glow. Layer them for a dramatic effect or wear them separately to draw attention to the high points of the face.

Save 36% on Make Up For Ever Let’s Gold Eye Palette

This limited-edition eyeshadow palette is all you need for shimmering holiday looks.

Save 50% on Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

Rinse away oil, dirt, makeup, and other impurities with this Kiehl’s foaming cleanser. The gel formula combines avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, and squalene to moisturize and soften skin.

Save 20% on Amika Polished Perfection Straightening Brush 2.0 Set

Save big on this set featuring Amika’s hair straightening brush, mini hair dryer and pint-sized essentials including dry shampoo, dry conditioner, and anti-humidity spray.

Save 58% on Givenchy Le Rouge Sculpt Two-Tone Lipstick

This lipstick features two colors to add dimension to your lips. One shade highlights the center of the lips, while the darker outer shade contours the edges.

Save 19% on Glow Recipe Let It Glow

Consider this skincare trio your ticket to glass skin. Inside are Glow Recipe’s essentials to cleanse, resurface, and hydrate.

Save 41% on Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

This palette features nine highly pigmented mattes and shimmers for every day-to-night eye look you could ever want.

Save 75% on Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks

Stock up on soft, creamy lipsticks in a wide range of bold colors. Bite’s formula is packed with 12 edible oils, vitamins, and omega oils to moisturize your lips.

Save 51% on Fenty Moroccan Spice Eyeshadow Set

Spice up your eye look with this rainbow of 16 high-pigment shades and finishes for all skin tones.

Save 32% on Velour Lashes Luminous Lash Collection

Infused with subtle glitter, these falsies add just the right amount of drama while still looking natural.

Save 40% on Too Faced Melted Gingerbread Man Matte Lipstick

Too Faced’s long-lasting matte lipstick formula ensures that this rich lip color will stay put for hours. This limited-edition version smells like gingerbread and comes in a specially designed tube.

Save 15% on GlamGlow Super Clear Pore Clarifying Skin Set

In this neatly-packaged skincare set you’ll find GlamGlow’s skin-clearing essentials, a perfect gift for yourself or a fellow skincare lover.

Save 50% on Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Palette

Inspired by fire and ice, this palette combines seven unique and intense highlighter shades, all of which are suitable for all skin tones.

Save 30% on Skin Inc Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light++

This device combines the power of NASA-inspired (cool, right?) LED chromotherapy and low-frequency stimulation to help address a wide range of skin concerns, including dullness, blemishes, and signs of aging.

Save 50% on Sephora Collection Bright Delights! Lip Gloss & Pouch Set

Grab a lip gloss for every day, mood, or purse. Experiment with a sparkly teal or layer your favorite pinks and nudes for a perfect finishing touch to your look.

Save 50% on Smashbox Cosmic Celebration Photo Finish Primer Set

Stock up on Smashbox’s best-selling primers and say goodbye to midday touchups and streaky foundation.

Save 40% on BKR Spiked Lala Glass Water Bottle

We all know that for great, healthy skin comes to those who hydrate, but who says that has to be boring? Grab this glass BKR water bottle encased in a spiked opaque lavender silicone sleeve and carry it with you wherever you go.

Next up, Sephora’s Natural Beauty Selection Is High-Key Amazing—These Are Our Favorites

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

From byrdie

Shopping at Sephora just got easier if you care about clean ingredients in your products. Last month, Sephora launched its Clean at Sephora Campaign after hearing back from consumers who wanted it to be more apparent which products were natural or not when shopping. The true question is: What does “natural” even mean? The term is used so loosely nowadays, so Sephora decided to coin their own definition. Products that qualify to be in their clean program are free of harsh chemicals like surfactants, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, musks, or mineral oil.

“We know over 60% of women that buy beauty read the label before they do, and over 54% want to know if it’s natural or clean and what ingredients are in there,” Artemis Patrick, Sephora’s chief merchandising officer, told WWD. “It’s not about whether it’s good or it’s bad, it’s about being transparent.” Simply look for Clean Beauty seals at Sephora where these products will be grouped together. And keep an eye out for our favorite natural beauty brands below.

Lawless creates high-performance makeup with rich pigments free of harmful ingredients that could be detrimental to your skin, the environment, or animals. This creamy foundation offers lightweight coverage that’s full of antioxidants and healthy oils that’ll give your skin a radiant glow.

Herbivore Botanicals is a brand that was born out of a kitchen in Seattle, Washington. Created by Julia Wills and Alex Kummerow, these products take a more minimal approach to beauty using simple, concentrated, botanical-based ingredients. This cooling gel face mask is full of fruit enzymes, which are exfoliating and smoothing to the skin.

Ellis Brooklyn takes the earth into major consideration when crafting its fragrances with ingredients down to the packaging. This fresh rose scent is light and airy, which is perfect for a bright summer day.

If anyone knows how to breathe life back into your hair, it’s Briogeo’s founder Nancy Twine. Whether your hair is naturally soft and straight or coarse and curly, these ultra-hydrating products will transform your texture. This conditioning cap is an absolute favorite of mine because it gives my hair an at-home salon treatment—locking in moisture and restoring my strands with hardworking ingredients.

Staying strong to its California roots, By Rosie Jane is a brand that believes in easy living. These fragrances are made of clean ingredients and in 100% recyclable packaging. This signature floral scent is described as a “long lunch with friends, lazy mornings in bed, and the perfect white tee and jeans.” Does it get any better than that?

Are you keenly awåre of what you put into your body? Youth to the People is a brand built on preaching the gospel of putting the same healthy nutrients onto your skin. Using superfoods and science, these modern formulations are as clean as you can get. This superfood- and antioxidant-rich cleanser is made of kale, spinach, and green tea because your skin needs that, too.

Ren Clean Skincare wanted to create natural products gentle and effective enough for those with sensitive skin. Using bioactive extracts like willow bark and lactic acid, this toner will exfoliate and brighten your complexion.

Drunk Elephant is a skincare line that most natural beauty lovers know very well. I fell deeply in love with the marula facial oil and haven’t looked back since. This powerful night serum infuses AHA and BHAs to deep-clean your skin from dirt and debris and transform its texture to an ultimate smoothness.

For all hardworking people who don’t necessarily have all the time in the world to put into their skin, this line is here for you. Created by Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Gores, this jet leg mask will wake up tired and dull skin using its blend of ceramides, vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

This popular line of sun protection products lives up to its name. These products offer a strong and effective shield from harmful UV rays with conscious ingredients. Like how cool does a setting powder made of SPF sound? Keep your shine in check and your skin glowing with this dusty powder that comes in multiple shades.

If you can’t tell by its gorgeous packaging, this makeup line is perfect for summer and beyond. This champagne-colored highlighter will give your skin a glow. Plus, you won’t have to worry about breaking out because its ingredients passed the clean test.

Tata Harper made a mark in the natural beauty world because it’s hard not to love the way the products make your skin feel. Loved by dermatologists and celebrities alike, this regenerating cleanser buffs and polishes your skin with botanical ingredients.

Farmacy Beauty products come straight from where they sound like they’re born: the farm and plantsman. Using raw, healthy ingredients to provide skincare to soothe and restore all skin types, this honey-blended mask has a jelly-like texture that’ll seep right into your pores. Whenever I need extra hydration, I reach for this for baby-soft skin.

This thoughtful line of beauty products doesn’t believe you have to sacrifice ingredients for a nice color payoff. These creamy lipsticks are full of healing, organic ingredients and come in an array of gorgeous shades.

A Byrdie editor favorite, RMS Beauty just gets it. This line is full of smart, easy-to-use products that do the work for you. Like this little glow pot that feels buttery-smooth and gives your skin the most iridescent, beautiful glow. Not to mention this illuminator is cruelty-free and noncomedogenic.

Now that Sephora has launched this Clean campaign, can it get any better? We’re psyched at this glorious selection of beauty products that are conscious and cool.

Next up,Sephora Collection Debuts New Clean Makeup and Skincare Products—All For Under $20

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

From byrdie

As we become more aware of the dangers of toxic ingredients in cosmetics, beauty retailer Sephora has made significant strides to make clean beauty more understandable and accessible. In 2018, they rolled out their Clean at Sephora seal—an emblem that lets customers know that a product is formulated without 50+ potentially harmful ingredients. In 2019, Sephora took things a step further when they debuted their namesake clean skincare line. And this summer, the brand has amped up their clean beauty efforts with the launch of their first makeup line and the revamp of their beloved colorful skincare collection.

“Sephora is committed to bringing clients the very best in beauty, including products formulated without a long blacklist of harmful ingredients,” says Sephora Collections’ National Makeup Artist, Helen Phillips. “As the retailer’s in-house brand, we are well-versed in this realm and continue to evolve our own offerings to stay ahead of client needs.”

Sephora Collections’ new makeup offerings span foundation to eyeshadow. The brand’s Glowing Skin Foundation is available in 20 shades and is infused with hydrating, brightening ingredients like Matcha Tea Powder and Vitamin C Powder. “It has a radiant finish that doesn’t use any sparkly particles, which is really challenging to do, and lasts up to 10 hours,” Phillips says. “It is medium coverage but depending on the amount you use, it will sheer out or build really nicely to fit all skin tones and types.”

This launch also introduced two new lip products: a Liquid Lip Mousse and a Glossy Lip Oil. Available in nine shades, the Liquid Lip Mousse boasts a whipped, velvety texture with a satin-matte finish. “It has a really unique cushion feel which helps to blur out lip lines, making it perfect for anyone who has dry lips,” Phillips says.

Apply the Liquid Lip Mousse as a cheek tint, too. “It blends so flawlessly and there are so many great shades that sheer out perfectly on the skin,” says the MUA.

The Glossy Lip Oil—which comes in eight shades—delivers high-intensity shine without any stickiness. Phillips says her favorite shade is Juicy, a clear version of the lip oil. “I love to have a clean shiny lip on hand to enhance my natural lips or transform a matte shade,” she says.

The Bouncy Eyeshadow Palette rounds out the Sephora Collection makeup release. The six-shadow palette houses a variety of fun colors ranging from pink to copper. “It is formulated just with pearl and no pigment so it never appears cakey, which is common with traditional shimmer or satin shadows,” Phillips tells us. For best application, Phillips suggests using your fingers.

In addition to the exciting makeup debut, all of the Sephora Collection masks, wipes, and lip balms have undergone a reformulation to adhere to the Clean at Sephora standards. Per usual, all of the products will retail for under $20. “It is a huge deal that we really do have something for everyone here and can offer highly effective formulas while maintaining an affordable price point,” Phillips says. Starting today, you can shop all of the new clean Sephora Collection products online and in-store.

Next up,These Are the Most Popular Lipsticks at Sephora Right Now

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

From byrdie

Allow us to be the bearer of good beauty news: Charlotte Tilbury is now available at Sephora. Done jumping up and down yet? We’re not. As beauty-obsessed makeup hoarders, we bow down to Charlotte Tilbury like the rest of the world. The British-born makeup artist is a legend, to say the least, and creates some of the most groundbreaking products in the game, like her universally loved Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillowtalk ($34) or her glow-inducing Hollywood Flawless Filter that our team tried out.

The list goes on. Lucky for all of us, it just became even easier to get your hands on these gems, because they’ll be front and center in 40 Sephora stores across the country, in Canada, and online.

Just when you thought Sephora couldn’t get any better, this major launch obviously took things to the next level. And there’s more. With the launch come exciting deals. In selected Sephora locations that have beauty studios, Charlotte Tilbury makeup looks will be available as complimentary services. Also, the makeup wiz is coming out with a new Bar of Gold palette and giving Sephora shoppers early access to purchase before it hits mainstream retailers on October 11. Essentially, you should take advantage of this VIP treatment before it’s too late.

The party doesn’t stop there. The brand is introducing a Tilbury Tour (what a perfect name) and traveling to the below locations. On the tour, customers will get treated to mini makeovers, exclusive deals, and more. You might want to write this down:

1. 9/15 Sephora Eaton Centre (Toronto)

2. 9/15 Sephora Valley Fair (San Jose)

3. 9/15 Sephora Michigan Avenue (Chicago)

4. 9/15 Sephora Prudential (Boston)

5. 9/16 Sephora Powell Street (San Francisco)

Unsure of what to purchase? You’re at the right place. Try out her latest foundation or the new Magic Away Liquid Concealer that Byrdie’s editorial director, Faith Xue, loved.

Shop more of our favorites below. Happy Charlotte Tilbury day!

This article was published on 9/13/2018, meaning the special offers are no longer available.

Next up,These Are the Most Popular Lipsticks at Sephora Right Now

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

From byrdie

If you’re reading this story (which you clearly are), then it’s likely that you maybe, possibly, have a Sephora spending problem. (We mean that in a good way; where are my VIB Rouge members?) That said, how each of us chooses to exercise our Sephora dependence is a bit more of a mystery—until now.

If you’ve ever caught yourself stealing glances into other people’s shopping carts in line at Sephora (and honestly, who doesn’t do that?), the following information will be of interest. We took a good look at Sephora’s best-selling lipsticks on its website to get some insight into how makeup superfans are spending their cash. Many of the products on the list are surprisingly luxe—as it turns out, Sephora shoppers have high budgets when it comes to lip products. Curious to see which ones topped the list?

Keep reading to check out three of the best-selling lipsticks at Sephora. (The results might surprise you.)

Honorable Mention

It’s no surprise that the billion-dollar brand has a loyal fanbase and a best-selling lipstick. Legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath created the creamy pigments so everyone can get the luxe model treatment. The color lasts all day long and sits comfortably on the lips in comparison to many matte formulas.

2nd Runner-Up

This matte lip stain is perfect for anyone who loves a just-kissed look. The long-wearing, smudge-proof, highly-saturated color has a whopping 130K loves on the Sephora website. Many of the shades are already sold out at Sephora, so check it out ASAP.

1st Place

Lip toppers are having quite the moment. Whether you love adding a glossy finish to your go-to lipstick or prefer wearing gloss on your bare pout, this one’s for you. With a comfortable, high-shine formula, this product’s best-selling status further proves that glossy lips are having an unmistakable moment.

Next up, 14 Bestselling Sephora Picks You Need to Know About

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

From byrdie

As far as we’re concerned, all the products residing in Sephora’s hallowed halls can be separated into two categories: The first is composed of the classics, those tried-and-true products that we use on the daily. From Urban Decay’s Naked Palette ($54) to Josie Maran’s Argan Oil ($48), they’re the familiar staples that we know to deliver.

That’s all well and good, but we also can’t ignore the second category: the under-the-radar gems. Make no mistake—just because they’re not as omnipresent as other Sephora picks don’t mean they’re not amazing, innovative, and effective in their own right. In fact, there are a handful of little-known favorites that are so good that they’ve actually earned their own feverish cult followings—and in turn, continue to fly off the store’s shelves.

Here are 14 of Sephora’s least-known, top-selling products.

Viseart makes its Theory palettes in five different color combinations. This one, a collection of soft caramels and shimmery nudes, is aptly called Cashmere. Other MVPs are the Minx and Nuance palettes, which house coppery bronze and light sunset-pink shades, respectively.

Plus, the packaging is brilliant. The individual pans are removable, meaning that if you feel so inclined, you can mix and match, creating your own unique color combination. As if that’s not enough, the case folds into an easel, bringing art back to makeup. It’s like if Edgar Degas and Charlotte Tilbury had a baby.

This vegan eye treatment utilizes squalane, a vegetable-derived, antioxidant-rich lipid that is naturally occurring in our bodies. This “mega-moisturizing molecule” locks hydration into the fragile skin around the eyes. Customers are so obsessed that Sephora can’t keep it in stock—it’s been known to sell out again and again.

In our humble opinion, Sephora’s namesake beauty products are vastly underrated (shout out to its Long-Lasting 12-Hour-Wear Liquid Eyeliner, $12; it’s one of the most opaque inky-black formulas out there). This body jelly deserves all the credit too: It’s lightweight and transparent, so you won’t even know it’s on your skin—save for the smooth and hydrated result.

Regardless of your gripe (UV damage, acne scarring, age spots, the like), this radiance-enhancing cleanser from the Origins and Dr. Andrew Weil collaboration is game-changing. The secret: a strategic Rosa roxburghii complex, which addresses various issues of discoloration while keeping the complexion calm, cool, collected, clear, and glowing.

Christophe Robin is no stranger to cult-favorite hair products, which continually garner lots of praise and attention. That being said, this purifying hair lotion isn’t one you typically hear about, which is honestly, pretty confusing when you think about how many times it’s added to Sephora customers’ shopping carts. With sage vinegar as a starring hero ingredient, this handy spray helps rid strands of residue (think leftover minerals from hard water, oil, and dandruff) while lightly scenting the hair, detangling knots, soothing the scalp, and protecting precious color. Aka it does everything and your hair arsenal needs it.

Sure, other skin-cleansing devices might be more well-known, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Foreo’s Luna Mini 2 is a current best-seller at Sephora and just might be the future of cleansing devices. Waterproof and safe for all skin types, it boasts 8000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute, which cleanse and purify the skin with a nonabrasive silicone brush. Plus, it also happens to be impossibly cute and travel-friendly.

Facial scrubs have kind of fallen out of favor within the beauty industry, as they’ve been blamed for their overly harsh formulas—eek! However, this walnut powder–enriched alternative from Ole Henriksen is the exception and is always one of the best-selling skincare products at Sephora. The unique two-in-one formula lightly foams, so it’s less irritating to the skin, cleansing and purifying the pores as you work it into your complexion. Plus, soothing agents like ginseng and chamomile keep even more sensitive skin types happy.

Even though other brand favorites like the Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer ($30) and Born This Way Foundation ($39) have established themselves as true cult favorites, this coconut water– and probiotic-infused spray is still under-discussed despite the fact that it’s a consistent best seller. We love its multitasking knack for refreshing our complexion with a boost of hydration or priming and/or setting our makeup.

If you consider yourself a self-tan aficionado and haven’t yet heard of or tried offerings from Tan-Luxe, you are seriously missing out. And while each and every one of their products is impressive and industry-changing in its own right, these illuminating body oil drops are the lesser-known tanning formula flying off Sephora shelves. Addictively customizable, you simply mix however many drops you want (depending on how deep you want your tan to be) with your go-to body moisturizer and massage into the skin. Plus, the concentrated drops feature naturally derived raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, and Cellutone Complex, which firms the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite.

I am consistently underwhelmed by fragrances. In fact, it seems like the more beloved a cult fragrance is, the more I turn my nose up at it. (Quite literally.) However, when Commodity was kind enough to send a selection of its newest launches to me, I was happily taken by surprise. (Translated: I actually fell in love with all three scents, which never happens.) However, Velvet, which simultaneously feels sultry, mysterious, and cozy, thanks to keynotes like roasted almond, rose petals, and black amber was the true bombshell of the bunch. I can’t get enough, and considering that it’s already become a best seller on Sephora’s site, others must concur.

In a world where extensions, serums, and falsies are seemingly taking over the lash world, we would like to point out that simpler products (like this O.G. lip-plumping primer from Dior) yield similarly alluring results without the price tag or hassle. I’ve been using this one since high school, and I still haven’t met a formula that fattens, stretches, and nourishes my lashes with comparable prowess. I use it pre–mascara application and as an overnight treatment, which has hindered my issue with fallout over time.

For whatever reason, certain hair dryers seem to develop an “untouchable” reputation with an established group of elite picks boasting a protective shell hard to shatter. And while T3’s iconic Featherweight iteration is definitely a member of the aforementioned club, the brand’s Cura Luxe ($285) and Cura ($235), are just as good—and probably better—but still playing D.H. (To which we say, no more!) Not only does this high-tech hair dryer turn off when you set it down mid blowout (game-changing, people), but it also boasts two heat settings to complement the five speed settings, a volume booster switch, a lock-in cooling button, and the brand’s trademark featherlight weight.

Somehow this wonderfully nourishing lip balm from French favorite Caudalíe continuously flies under the radar in comparison to other “cult” favorites, which truth be told, underperform in comparison. (Hey, someone had to say it.) Chock-full of active ingredients fortified to hydrate—and the brand’s signature grape polyphenols—lips feel soft, smooth, and vibrant post swipe. (If lip balm addiction is real, consider this your undiscovered vice.)

We understand any beauty product entitled “Unicorn Essence” might garner some trepidation, especially given the evergrowing festival scene. However, considering its borderline mythical ingredient makeup (think skin-glowing superfruit extracts from açaí berry, goji berry, elderberry, and blueberry—hello, antioxidants), the skin is instantly hit with a radiance-boosting punch of vitamin C for maximum hydration and a glisten that feels unicorn-esque in inspiration.

Next up, This Just In: Sephora Is Dedicating 15% Of Its Shelf Space to Black-Owned Beauty Brands

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

from byrdie

we (and by we I mean Byrdie, as well as the beauty industry at large) have been doing a lot talking over the last few weeks. The attention has been on the recent acts of hate against the Black community—from George Floyd to Breonna Taylor to the many, many other Black people who have been persecuted and killed for the color of their skin. But the issue goes so much deeper than the police brutality of recent months. The beauty space (and most other spaces, by the way) is set up in such a way that companies owned and run by BIPOC can’t gain the same access to publicity and promotion as their white counterparts.

With that in mind, designer Aurora James of Brother Vellies came up with the 15% Pledge—a call to all major retailers to pledge at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. And Sephora was the first to step up.

“We were inspired to make the 15% Pledge because we believe it’s the right thing to do, for our clients, our industry, and for our community,” says Artemis Patrick, EVP and Chief

Merchandising Officer of Sephora. Patrick adds, “It starts with a long-term plan diversifying our supply chain and building a system that creates a better platform for Black-owned brands to grow, while ensuring Black voices help shape our industry. We recognize we can do better and this pledge builds on our ongoing work to use our resources to drive meaningful and long-term change for Sephora and our industry.”

There is no quick fix for the systemic racism that flows through our industry, but Sephora has wide-spread influence and certainly has money to spend. Now, its putting that money and influence to better use. Today, Sephora has committed to all three stages of the Pledge, including:

• Taking stock of the current percentage of shelf space and contracts dedicated to Black-owned businesses
• Taking ownership of all findings, understanding blind spots and disparities, and identifying concrete next steps
• Taking action to publish and execute a plan for growing the share of Black businesses Sephora helps empower to at least 15%

While we wait for that concrete plan to be put into place, Sephora says its looking at all areas of the business to determine how best to provide broad support to Black-owned companies. The company pledges to do the following:

• Bring all of its knowledge to the table freely, so aspiring founders have access
• Provide connections to and support from funders and the venture capitalist community
• Help launch and develop Black-owned businesses with support for long-term success
• Use Accelerate, the brand’s internal incubation program dedicated to cultivating female founders, to now focus on women of color.

This is the very first step, but a good one. We will continue to monitor announcements from Sephora and update you with its progress. Talking is good, but action is better. Hopefully there will be more. Here’s to the beauty industry moving forward in a more inclusive, actively diverse way.

Next up,What Makeup Artists Buy at Sephora

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

The Sephora Gift Card may be redeemed in U.S., Canadian Sephora, and Sephora inside JCPenney stores with the purchase of merchandise. Please note that Sephora Gift Cards are not considered a merchandise purchase. Gift Cards may only be used online at Sephora.com on U.S. orders only.

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts

The Sephora Visa Credit Card can be used to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted. Once approved, you will earn 4% back on every $1 spent in Sephora U.S. stores (excluding Puerto Rico, Canada, and Sephora inside JCPenney retail stores) or at www.sephora.com, AND 1% on spend everywhere else Visa is accepted.

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts

Yes! You can definitely use a Sephora gift card purchased in Canada at a Sephora store in the US. The exchange rate is the actual current exchange rate and it is calculated automatically at the time the purchase is made.

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts

from byrdie

Avisit to Sephora is never just a visit. We like to think of it as more of a journey to beauty Candy Land, a place filled with wonder, discovery, and joy (and a sudden decrease in our bank accounts).

But a dwindling balance is worth every penny if it’s money well spent (though we recently found out from a number of covert beauty insiders that there are secret ways to save at Sephora.) And as we discovered, makeup artists feel the same way. The difference is that the professionals have far more experience in actually applying makeup and testing out products, which informs their purchasing decisions.

Curious to see how their shopping carts differ from ours, we got in touch with five celebrity makeup artists, who spilled on what they always stock up on when they visit the beauty superstore. Warning: You should probably ready your wallet now.

Keep scrolling to see what top makeup artists buy at Sephora!

Kate Somerville Clinic-to-Go Resurfacing Peel ($52)

Makeup Artist: Min Min Ma

Clients: Suki Waterhouse, Zosia Mamet, Mia Wasikowska

1. Kate Somerville Clinic-to-Go Resurfacing Peel: “I love these quick, on-the-go exfoliating pads! They are gentle yet so effective, leaving your skin looking fresh and radiant like you just stepped out of a good facial treatment.”

2. Dolce & Gabbana The Pressed Powder: “Aside from its beautiful packaging, the powder goes on like a second skin; it doesn’t feel or look like makeup. I use it for [everything from] red carpets to on-camera [beauty] to editorial shoots.”

3. Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro: “There are lots of long-lasting, matte-finish lip stains on the market, but these ones are superior in my opinion. They don’t dry out the lips, and the color selection is just stunning; #400 and #501 are my favorite shades.”

Makeup Artist: Daniel Martin

Clients: Jessica Alba and Olivia Palermo

1. Kat Von D Lock It Concealer Crème: “The coverage is incredible and learning how clean the ingredients are makes it even more of a staple in my kit.”

Makeup Artist: Aidan Keogh

Clients: Kendall Jenner and Jasmine Sanders

1. Wander Beauty Secret Weapon Multitasking Pencil: “I love, love this pencil for the waterline—it’s a miracle. It’s flesh-toned, so it works wonders for tired or irritated eyes. It’s waterproof (also great for allergy season), and it’s a secret weapon for the early mornings or nights.”

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel ($22)

2. Anastasia Clear Brow Gel: “This is the best on the market—it tames unruly brows (it’s like hair spray for the brows) and is long-wearing. Really, the hairs don’t budge when this product is used.”

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick in Fuchsia in Excess ($38)

3. YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick in Fuchsia in Excess: “Not only is this color line amazing, but the product’s hydration properties are so good. After wearing them for a couple of weeks, the lips feel and appear more hydrated and healthy. The super moisturizing formula has an excellent payoff, and it is so beautiful. The oils infused are so comfortable on the lips—it’s pure luxury.

“Note that the color pigment seems really bright when you swipe it on the back of your hand, so try swatching it on your index finger since it’s closer to the look of your lips and shows the true payoff. Once you start using these formulas, it will be hard to go back to regular balms.”

Makeup Artist: Toby Fleischman

Clients: Ruby Rose, Chrissy Teigen, Anna Kendrick

1. Surratt Beauty Diaphane Loose Powder in Matte: “Thank goodness this fantastic line is sold at Sephora so it’s easily accessible to all beauty lovers. This luxurious powder is one of my favorites because it’s translucent, so it works on most skin tones, and the fine powder instantly smoothes and sets the skin and creates a perfect matte look without being cakey. The packaging is also so innovative!”

[Ed. note, this product is no longer available].

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21)

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: “I would be lost without this product. Taupe and Medium Brown are always in my kit, and I have to stock up on multiples so I never run out. I simply couldn’t do makeup without these brow pencils.”

Sephora Collection PRO Liquid Foundation Brush #63 ($32)

3. Sephora Collection PRO Liquid Foundation Brush #63: “Sephora has an amazing line of brushes at really affordable prices, and this is one of my favorites for applying liquid foundation. I love how it buffs the product into the skin to leave a gorgeous finish.”

Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment ($22)

Makeup Artist: Kindra Mann

Clients: Kristen Stewart, Maisie Williams, Rosario Dawson

1. Murad Acne Spot Treatment: “This is my go-to product for blemish control. I’m always picking up an extra one to pass along to my clients because I love it so much. It really does the job and takes away the blemish overnight!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($18)

2. Caudalie Beauty Elixir: “I love this travel-size face mist because it’s perfect to toss in your handbag and use throughout the day to refresh the skin. I love using it to set makeup or before foundation for a little extra moisture on the skin.”

Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil ($23)

3. Lancóme Drama Liqui-Pencil: “These are actually a Sephora exclusive, and I’m obsessed with them. They come in a ton of really fun colors and stay on longer than any pencil I’ve used before. Sometimes, I can’t even get them off the back of my hand.”

AmazingCosmetics AmazingConcealer ($42)

Makeup Artist: Jenna Kristina

Clients: Hailee Steinfeld, Bella Thorne, Emily Ratajkowski

1. AmazingCosmetics AmazingConcealer: “It’s the perfect combination of creaminess in texture and coverage. The line has a wide variety of shades, which makes finding your perfect match a breeze.”

[Ed. note this product is no longer available at Sephora].

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation SPF 18 ($60)

2. YSL Fusion Ink Foundation: “This is hands-down my favorite foundation. It has a lightweight texture that feels as though you aren’t wearing makeup, but it gives you a flawless coverage. It has a matte finish, but not like a powder (which I stay away from because I feel like it accentuates imperfections). It also translates beautifully in photos—perfect for your red carpet moment.”

[Ed. note, this product is no longer available].

Sephora Collection Colorful Face Powder in Tranquil ($14)

3. Sephora Collection Colorful Face Powder in Tranquil: “I love this color specifically because it mimics the natural tone a shadow would create. Contouring was created to add definition by accentuating shadows on your face; when I lightly dust it in the areas of the face that need a little more definition, it feels more natural-looking than using a bronze tone to do it.”

[Ed. note, this shade of powder is no longer available].

Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator ($42)

Makeup Artist: Kirin Bhatty

Clients: Frieda Pinto, Kate Upton, Kiernan Schipka

1. Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator: “I love the Marc Jacobs beauty counter at Sephora and am really digging the brand’s new highlight stick as of late.”

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil ($42)

2. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil: “This primer oil is always in my basket. I drop it into foundations and even use it as a makeup remover. It’s gorgeous!”

What do you always stock up on at Sephora? Tell us below!

Next up, Sephora Is Relaunching 2 of Their Most Popular Products With Cleaner Formulas

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

from byrdie

Back in January, Sephora Collection’s clean skincare line debuted online (it later released in stores in March) and the beauty set haven’t stopped raving about it since. In fact, The Ultra Glow Serum has been a staple in my daily skincare routine for the past few months and I’m decidedly obsessed with the results. With better ingredients and every item ringing in at $20 or less, the products allow you to take care of your skin without worrying about what’s in the formulas AND without breaking the bank.

“Clean beauty is at the forefront of our clients’ minds, so we pushed ourselves to ensure we were bringing forth products with ingredients that we—and our clients —could feel really good about using on the skin,” Sephora Collection’s VP, Beth Hayes, says of the company’s clean beauty initiative. All of the products meet Sephora’s clean beauty standards, defined by formulas that are free of parabens, silicone, mineral oil, palm oil, methylisothiazolinone, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, allergens, and photosensitive ingredients. “Over 90% of our ingredients are natural in origin,” Hayes adds.

This week, the beauty megastore expanded their in-house clean skincare line. The new launch includes five products, with some being cleaner versions of shoppers’ favorite beauty buys. “We started our line with four staples: cleanser, hydrator, moisturizer, and eye cream, and have expanded even further to include a more robust selection. The Instagram-worthy packaging features an easy-to-read list of active ingredients front and center, making the confusion surrounding labels much less murky. “We wanted to ensure that everything was super intuitive, enabling clients to quickly understand product benefits and ingredients, and ultimately find what’s best for them and their skin care needs,” Hayes says.

Many of the products from this month’s launch—a moisturizer, night cream, and scrub—also offer up more sustainable packaging made from sugar cane. Keep scrolling to check out the products included in the latest Sephora Collection release, which is currently available online and in stores.

If you’ve previously picked up Sephora’s in-house brand waterproof eye makeup remover, this item is simply a more green version of the classic product. The remover is made with cornflower floral water to easily wipe away any traces of makeup. And don’t worry if you have sensitive or dry skin, this lightweight remover is gentle on all skin types. “This product is ophthalmologist tested and suits sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It is also not tested on animals,” Hayes says.

If you’re concerned about dullness and uneven texture, Sephora’s new exfoliating scrub will help you say hello to brighter skin. “I’m excited to give our clients a great exfoliator that won’t break the bank, that they can use all year round to brighten their skin. I think our Bright Skin Exfoliating Scrub is going to be a big staple in our client’s skincare routine,” Hayes says. Volcanic sand and marula oil work together to get rid of your dead skin and reveal a smoother complexion. Use it twice a week and you’re sure to notice a difference.

“With the hot weather going nowhere fast, this product is sure to be popular these upcoming months,” Hayes says. Formulated with natural hyaluronic acid and mattifying powder, this hydrating product will keep excess sebum at bay and keep your skin looking matte. The lightweight lotion, which is perfect for combination to oily skin, also doubles as a makeup primer. Who doesn’t love a two-for-one product?

Made with fruit acids and natural peptides, this rich night cream is designed to improve firmness and elasticity in your skin. Applying the cream every night will leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.

Whether you need to apply toner or wipe away a day’s worth of makeup, cotton pads are a must-have in every makeup kit. “Made with 100 percent organic cotton fibers and GOTS certified by Ecocert, these makeup remover pads help remove makeup without irritating the skin,” Hayes says. She also let us know that they are “extra-soft, lint-free, and feature a dense texture and square shape.”

Next up, We Asked Sephora’s 3 New Beauty Directors What They’d Buy for $200

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

from byrdie

Earlier this month, Sephora announced that its Pro Team was evolving and three of its former Pro Team members were now beauty directors. I got to meet David Razzano, Jeffrey English, and Myiesha Sewell—all seasoned makeup artists who create the looks for Sephora’s campaigns, consult on trends, and more—and we spent a lovely afternoon doing my favorite thing: discussing our favorite beauty products in great detail. In our short time together, it soon became clear that I had hit the beauty-expert gold mine.

All of them introduced me to under-the-radar gems I hadn’t tried yet at Sephora—almost like it’s their job or something. Considering they have all spent years getting to test, swatch, and recommend every single product that launches at Sephora, it’s safe to take their recs as your next shopping list. With that in mind, I asked them what products would make the cut if they had $200 to spend in utopia, er, Sephora. Their answers didn’t disappoint. Apologies in advance to your wallet, but these picks just might be worth going broke for.

“Giving me $200 to spend at Sephora is like giving me a passport to a beauty wonderland. I have must-have products that I’m always thrilled to pick up, but I also love to wander the aisles and discover new treasures.” — David Razzano, Sephora Beauty Director

“This palette has caught my eye and my attention. It is a perfectly curated palette for creating day-to-night eye looks, all packaged in a convenient, portable style. The cool-toned eye shadows in taupe, gray, and rosy shades have a fresh, chic feel.”

“These have become a mainstay in my personal skincare regimen. They are individually packaged, with the jumbo applicator pre-soaked in the glycolic solution, so there is no guesswork when applying. You only need to use this once a week to see incredibly smoother, brighter, and glowing skin. After my first use of this peel, I was instantly impressed.”

“This is a secret treasure. One shade is a stunning mega-watt champagne, while the other is a hypnotic iridescent mint. Together, they create a dreamy face highlight that can also be used as an eye shadow. The micro-fine texture allows for the most seamless blending in just one sweep.”

“This is such a fun, fresh way to apply color to eyes, that doesn’t require any complicated steps or tutorials. By adding this volumizing, jeweled, turquoise-toned mascara to your lashes, it will create a soft halo of color around your eyes that will captivate everyone’s attention.”

“I have been really into trying to live a total holistic, beauty lifestyle. So I guess you could say, I’ve caught the wellness bug! To start, I am learning that what you put in your body often affects the outside. I’m obsessed with the ‘ingestible’ category at Sephora.” — Jeffrey English, Sephora Beauty Director

“First, I would definitely pick up a refill of Moon Juice Full Moon Dust Box. The amazing de-stressing quality of the reishi mushroom is in all of the different dusts, and it really facilitates a zen state of mind. I am obsessed with mixing it into my morning coffee; it tastes delicious, and it helps me maintain a clear head when life throws me curveballs.”

“This spray is a sensorial dream for me. It offers mega hydration and a smell that instantly transports me to a vacation somewhere far away. It’s packed with mega ingredients, like cucumber extract, that are perfect for a refresh any time of day.”

“I never venture too far from a lip balm, so I’ve tried many, and this one has withstood the test of time. It leaves my lips so hydrated and supple, and the agave is all natural and tastes great!”
“I’m obsessed with this palette for any Hollywood red carpet event. It’s the perfect balance of beautiful universal matte neutrals, and soft shimmer and lid highlighting shades. My go-to shades in this palette are Dusty Rose, Burnt Orange, and Sultry, which is the perfect lid color for a naturally glam smoky eye! I need another ASAP. It’s a must-have to carry with me for any event makeup!”

“This is my newest obsession. The packaging is so luxurious and would make anyone stop and stare as you applied. Fun fact: Normal lipstick bullets also have a counter-swivel as the stick is twisted out of the tube. However, with the Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Lip Balm, the lipstick comes straight out so that when you apply it, the Gold Lips on the tube of the lipstick is always facing the other person. How fancy! It just goes to show that the drama is in the details. That puts me close to $200, so does that mean I can get a complimentary PERK Facial now? So namaslay! Basically, I’m just over here living my best West Coast life.”

Myiesha Sewell, Sephora Beauty Director

“I’m extremely oily and have acne scars to cover so when I try a new foundation there’s always this hope that it’s going to change my life. When I read that Stellar Limitless Foundation had a radiant finish, I assumed it would be sheer, like a tinted moisturizer and maybe become my new weekend foundation. But I was shocked when it covered with minimal effort and product, gave me the most amazing glow, and was probably my best color match ever. It feels so good to know that this oily girl can live the glowy skin life and still have it last all day. I’m in love!”

“Sephora Collection Colorful Shadow & Liner in Beige, Taupe, and Black have been favorites of mine for years. Cream shadow is definitely the secret to a long-lasting photo-ready eye makeup. You can wear them alone or layered underneath your favorite powder eye shadow. They glide on perfectly and an be blended with either a Sephora Collection Pro Precision Concealer Brush ($21) or your fingers. Beige, Taupe, and Black are three of the easiest colors to work with to build a smoky eye or just a simple day look.”

“Natasha Denona makes some of the most luxurious eye shadows on the planet, and I definitely am first in line to purchase any palettes she releases. The Natasha Denona Mini Lila Eyeshadow Palette is a great way to try out a trend and not break the bank. The shimmery purples and violets in this palette are just begging to be paired with a nude glossy lip!”

“I have really coarse, dry hair that’s prone to breakage, and cotton pillowcases suck all the moisture out of my hair. I can literally hear my hair breaking! I also toss and turn too much at night so silk pillowcases work amazingly well for me. Slip Silk Pillowcase is gentle on the skin and prevents any excess tugging and premature wrinkles.”

Next up,How to Get Sephora Free Samples, Makeovers, and Gifts

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

from byrdie

It’s official: CBD and skincare are the beauty industry’s Nick and Priyanka. According to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., the global CBD skincare market size is expected to reach 1.7 billion by 2025, and each day, it seems like there’s a new CBD skincare product promising to deliver the ingredient’s miracle anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits. There’s a problem, though: the CBD skincare world is still very much uncharted waters, with little regulation around these claims and even less proof to back them up (at least for the time being).The result? Lots of misinformation, over-the-top marketing claims, and, as a result, distrust from customers. As of today, Sephora wants to change that.

The beauty retailer gave Byrdie the exclusive details. “We’re excited to introduce Sephora’s new ‘CBD Standards’ to help provide transparency and assurance to clients as they look to navigate this growing beauty category,” says Cindy Deily, Vice President of Merchandising, Skincare at Sephora. “Our new standards are the first for a national prestige retailer and set baseline parameters around CBD sourcing and testing, reinforcing Sephora’s commitment of being a trusted resource for our clients.” See the four new CBD Standards below, straight from Sephora:

• Inclusion of only full- or broad-spectrum CBD from U.S. grown hemp
• CBD must be tested at least three times for quality and purity
• A Certificate of Analysis (COA) that verifies the CBD content matches any label claims must be available upon request
• All products must meet Sephora’s Clean at Sephora standards

One of the biggest areas of distrust with CBD skincare is when brands tout CBD in their marketing or even product names when they don’t actually contain CBD; instead, they’ll be made with hemp seed oil, a common ingredient that doesn’t contain any cannabanoids. (You can read more about how to dissect a CBD skincare product label here.) Plus, there can be murkiness around how the CBD is extracted, where it’s grown, and if it’s been tested for safety and efficacy. Sephora hopes to build trust and transparency with its customers by addressing all of these issues in its new standards.

These CBD Standards were launched in direct correlation with customer interest around the topic; according to Deily, search volume for beauty products that contain CBD is up “over 1,000 times.” “We’ve seen clients’ demand for transparency continue to grow, and it’s important to Sephora that we are a trusted resource,” she tells us. “With the amount of products flooding the market, there can be confusion and mistrust. As part of our research and client listening, our clients told us they weren’t fully confident in shopping the category. Therefore, we saw an opportunity to have a point of view for the benefit of all—much like we did with our Clean at Sephora standards that launched in 2017.” But how exactly were these CBD Standards developed and why were these four specific tenants chosen above others—for example, requiring that a product contain a certain percentage of CBD in order to qualify? “We developed the new guidelines in partnership with a panel of industry insiders and utilized extensive industry research,” Deily explains. “We wanted to develop a tool that would aid clients in their product discovery and instil a level of trust that they’re getting a quality product.”

One of those industry insiders is Lord Jones co-founder Cindy Capobianco. “Our team helped educate Sephora on the complexities of the category and the importance of transparency in CBD sourcing, manufacturing and testing practices as well as the need for whole plant formulas; this work helped shape the Sephora CBD guidelines,” she shares with Byrdie. The brand, which boasts cult-favorite CBD products like its High CBD Royal Oil and High CBD Body Lotion, was Sephora’s first-ever CBD brand, launching online in 2018 and in-stores in 2019; it was the first time in history that hemp-derived CBD products became available at a national beauty retailer.

We are still at the beginning of the CBD revolution.

With the new standards in place, Sephora will expand its assortment to include Prima, a hemp and botanical-based line of skincare and body care. Prima will be Sephora’s fourth brand of products dedicated to CBD, joining Lord Jones, Saint Jane and Flora + Bast. The retailer will also continue carrying CBD products from its skincare brands, like Hebivore and Josie Maran, that adhere to the brand’s new standards. Similar to the brand’s “Clean at Sephora” badge, the new CBD Standards will be clearly visible on each product description when customers are browsing Sephora.com.

These new standards are a big step in the right direction for creating trust around the hazy world of CBD and skincare, but it’s only the start. As the CBD industry grows faster than you can say “Trust me, I’m chill,” there’s still much to be done, from education to research (so far, studies around the specific amount of CBD required to effects on the skin have been far and few in between, but we’re hopeful this will change in the near future). “We are still at the beginning of the CBD revolution,” says Capobianco. “CBD, unlike other beauty or wellness categories, abides by unique manufacturing, testing and sourcing processes that are still new to the majority of consumers. There is a need for more education and more regulation. As the category grows, it’s imperative that retailers do their diligence and put support behind brands that go the extra mile to produce safe, high-quality products.” Sephora, it appears, is doing just that. Now, who’s down to CBD face mask and chill?

Next up, How to Get Sephora Free Samples, Makeovers, and Gifts

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

From byrdie

Sephora is a great place to stop in for freebies and free samples. Most of them are available without any purchase required and you just need to ask to get them.

It’s really pretty easy to get free stuff from Sephora, the secret is knowing what they have available that’s free for the taking. Look below to find out how you can get free makeup, free samples, free makeovers, free beauty services, free classes, and more.

Sephora Birthday Gift 2019

Every year during your birthday month you can visit your local Sephora to get a free birthday gift, no purchase required. I have to say that this is hands down my favorite birthday freebie I get each year.

These birthday gifts are different each year. For the 2020 Sephora free birthday gift, there are more choices than ever. Here’s what you get to choose from:

• MILK Makeup Mascara and Lip + Cheek Set
• Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream and Coco Cabana Cream Set
• Briogeo Mini Charcoal + Coconut Oil Shampoo and Mini Deep Conditioning Mask
• Jo Malone Mini Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne (VIB and Rogue only, Online exclusive)

To get the Sephora birthday gift, you’ll need to join their free loyalty program, Beauty Insider. You can get your birthday week starting two weeks before your birthday and ending two weeks after your birthday. It’s also available during your whole birthday month.

You’ll simply need to provide your Beauty Insider card, phone number, or address to the cashier when checking out. The free birthday gifts are usually kept behind the counter, so you’ll need to ask for yours. They’re available at Sephora and Sephora inside JCPenney, while supplies last. You can also get your free birthday gift online but you’ll need to make a purchase along with it. You can’t redeem it from the JCPenney website.

Sephora’s Free Samples In-Store and Online

Believe it or not, you can walk out of Sephora with a bag full of free samples without making any kind of purchase. Here are some tips on getting those free samples:

Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample. Explain that you want to try a certain product at home to see if you like it before you make a purchase.
The Sephora associates are much more likely to take the time to help you if they think you’ll make a purchase today or sometime in the future. Pick up a few products and put them in your basket and you’re much likely to get offered help.

There are often free samples behind the counter. Don’t be afraid to ask for one, and you may be offered one if you make a purchase.
You can get a sample of just about any product that Sephora carries. This includes makeup, skincare, and fragrances.
Sephora also has free events that you can attend to get free samples. In the past, they’ve given away free samples of eyeliner, lipstick, mascara, and eyeshadow during these events.

Each time you order online at Sephora, you’ll also get free beauty samples. You can pick 2 free samples each time you order that includes fragrance, skincare, and makeup samples. Sometimes during certain promotions, you can get even more free samples.

Sephora’s Free Makeovers

A Sephora beauty expert will give you a free 15 to 20-minute makeover, no purchase required and no appoiree express makeovers that you can choose from:

• Mini Facials
• Flawless Foundation
• Smoky Eye
• Counter
• Polished Brows
• Everyday Eye
• Essential Eyeliner
• Flawless Foundation
• Treat & Conceal
• Blush & Bronze
• Perfect Lips
• False Lash Application

There are longer full-face makeovers available but they require a minimum purchase unless you are a Rogue member, and then they’re free.

Free Color IQ Foundation Matching

You can stop by Sephora and use their Color IQ service to get matched with more than 1,500 shades of foundation.

A small camera is used to find out the shade of your skin and match it to 110 skin tones within the Color IQ library. You’ll get a free printout of your skin tone match and list of foundation shades that will work for you.

Free Skincare Advice

Sephora also has a Skincare IQ service where a beauty expert will take into account your skin concerns and needs and give you custom recommendations on products that are a good fit for your skin.

Free Beauty Classes at Sephora

If you’re a Beauty Insider at Sephora, you can attend free beauty classes so you can learn how to apply makeup and take care of your skin. Here’s a list of classes that they regularly offer:

• Contouring & Highlighting
• Color Eye Makeup
• Day-to-Night Smoky Eye
• Flawless Foundation
• Skincare Basics
• Party-Ready Smoky Eye
• False Lashes
• Teen Makeup
• No-Makeup Makeup
• Brow Shaping
• perfect Lips
• Correct and Conceal
• Age-Defying Skincare
• Winged Eyeliner

Next up,12 Weird (But True) Facts About Sephora

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

Fome byrdie

We love Sephora. Every beauty lover does. (Excuse us while we state the obvious.) Wall-to-wall lipstick, lotion, luminizers—what’s not to love? It’s like Disney World, only with copious amounts of cosmetics to play with. And don’t even get us started on the feeling when you walk up to your doorstep and see a little (or not-so-little) box with the Sephora logo on it. Despite our longstanding love affair with the beauty emporium, there’s actually a lot we didn’t know about our favorite shopping destination.

From programs, to return policies, to freebies, apparently there are some things even years of VIB status won’t teach you. We did some sleuthing and spoke with a Sephora pro artist to uncover some little-known facts about the brand.

Fact #1: It’s not a store

Let’s start with some basic vocabulary. At Sephora, the sales floor is called the “stage,” and everywhere else is “backstage.” Sales associates are “cast members,” and managers are the “directors.” And the red-trimmed black dress the cast members wear is a “costume” (not a uniform).

Fact #2: It’s an empire

Dominique Mandonnaud founded Sephora in France in 1970. In 1997, it was acquired by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, and one year later, it opened its first North American store. Today, Sephora employs over 20,000 people in more than 2500 stores in over 32 countries. Those stores, which carry over 250 beauty brands, generate over $4 billion in revenue a year.

Fact #3: Sephora is a real word (kind of)

The name is a combination of the Greek word sephos, meaning beauty, and the name Zipporah, the exceptionally beautiful wife of Moses in the book of Exodus.

Fact #4: The samples are free

“The rumors are true—you can get up to three samples of any product in store made for you each time you visit,” Sephora Beauty Director David Razzano confirms.

Fact #5: Online orders come with free samples too

Checking out online? Right now, all orders also come with three free samples, which are updated weekly. And there are plenty of other codes on the Beauty Offers page that’ll score you free goodies.

Fact #6: The return policy is generous

If for some reason you’re not completely satisfied, Sephora will accept any new or gently used item for a full refund within 60 days of the purchase date both in-store and via mail. If you’re returning an item by mail after the 60-day period, or if your item was paid for with a Sephora gift card, online store credit, or your PayPal account, you have up to 90 days for the warehouse to receive your item from the date of purchase, and you’ll receive a full refund in the form of an online store credit. Click here for the full return policy.

Fact #7: Sephora is made up of “worlds.”

Every Sephora has three worlds: fragrance, skincare, and color cosmetics. “At Sephora, we want every client to have the best experience possible, so our cast members are hired, trained, and certified to be experts in a specific world, like fragrance, color, or skincare,” Razzano says. “For the most part, cast members are stationed in their world. If you’re looking for a fragrance, it’s best to ask someone standing in the fragrance section for advice.”

Fact #8: Sephora has its own version of Amazon Prime

A few years back, Sephora launched its Flash program. Flash shoppers in the continental U.S. get unlimited free two-day shipping with no minimum purchase requirements for the low price of $15 per year. Members can also choose overnight shipping for $6. If you’re a VIB Rouge member (meaning you spend over $1000 at Sephora a year), the subscription service is free for you.

Fact #11: Color IQ applies to more than foundation

“Color IQ is Sephora and Pantone Universe’s exclusive foundation-matching technology that allows each client to find the scientifically precise foundation match for their skin tone and narrow it down to find the best one to fit their lifestyle and skin type,” Razzano says. “And now that device does more than just scan your skin for foundation matches. It’ll also help you find the right concealer and lip color.” And the technology doesn’t stop there: There’s also both Skincare IQ and Fragrance IQ.

Fact #12: French shoppers love Sephora

The Sephora at Champs-Élysées in Paris attracts over six million people each year.

Fact #13: Sephora has its own subscription box

Play! By Sephora is a monthly subscription beauty-box service that coms in different tiers: $10 for six samples, or occasionally $20 for luxury samples. However, unlike the boxes you’re probably used to, this program is more exclusive. Spots are awarded on a first come, first-served basis. The monthly boxes are curated around a theme, like the recent Beauty Staycation box.

Next up, check out these useful shopping tips from former Sephora employees.

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

from byrdie

ah, Sephora—the hallowed halls of beauty heaven. Girls become women when they acquire their first Beauty Insider card. There are a few pieces of Sephora trivia that most beauty junkies already know. For example, you’ve likely heard that in Sephora terms, each store is called a stage and the employees are called cast members who wear not uniforms but costumes.

But even the most Sephora-obsessed consumers don’t get an inside look at the company like the people who’ve worked there do. We have a certain fascination with Sephora cast members: Do they receive as many free products as we think they do? Are there any genius shopping tips sitting right under our noses? And how many samples are really too many?

We decided to do some in-depth investigating to find exclusive Sephora knowledge that only an insider would possess. To keep things objective, we spoke with five former employees of the company: Ariel Orellana, Kylie Dennison, Rebecca McDonald, Tiffany Colon, and Nathalie Nieves. Here are 15 of their genius insider secrets.

1. You Can Get a Free Mini Facial in Any Store

Orellana says Sephora’s skincare section is often the quietest place in the store, so its attendees are always happy and available to demonstrate products on you.

“Skincare consultants are required to learn how to give skincare expresses, which are basically express facials on the floor, with cleanser, toner, treatment, and moisturizer,” says Nieves. Simply pick whichever products you’d like to try, and ask for a skincare express. “It’s a great way to try different products and give yourself (and your skin!) a quick pick-me-up,” Nieves adds. Plus, it’s free.

2. or a Free Hairstyling Sesh

The same thing goes for hairstyling. “Cast members are actually trained on different dry-styling hair trends every couple of months from brands like Living Proof and Drybar,” says Orellana. “So you can stop in for a touch-up on your hair, as well as your skin and makeup.”

3. Employees Won’t Judge You for Doing Your Nails Without Buying Anything

In college, I used to sneak into Sephora just to do my nails and leave; but apparently, I didn’t have to act so suspiciously. “The nail studio is a fun way to kill some time and try out new colors if you’re bored,” Orellana says.

Formula X works with beauty bloggers to release a new collection at the beginning of every month, so stop by around that time to play with the new shades.

4. But They Will Judge You for Double-Dipping in Tester Products

It’s so tempting but so gross. “For the love of God, if you want to try on any product, either give it to a cast member first to sanitize or look around for the nearest hygiene station,” Orellana pleads. “When trying on lipgloss or mascara, always use a tester wand and do not double-dip it.”

Double-dipping in potted products is even worse. “Do not, I repeat, do not sample any makeup or skincare that is in a pot—ever,” says Nieves. “Only sample or try things in the store that come in a pump container.” The reason? “Things get really gross and unsanitary with sampling, and I’ve seen many clients dip their fingers into multiple pots with no regard—it’s gross and a breeding ground for bacteria,” Nieves says. If you’re hell-bent on trying a product that comes in a jar or pot, Nieves says just to buy it and return it later, or ask an employee if they have any prepackaged samples. “Every brand provides us with some type of prepackaged sample, so just ask!” she says.

5. The Limit on Free Samples Varies by Store

Our insiders say the rules about samples fluctuate, depending on the store. According to Orellana, there is no limit to the number you’re allowed to take home. “If someone tries to tell you in-store that the limit is three, they are lying to you,” she says.

But Nieves attests that in her store, they were only allowed to give each client three samples per day. “No more, no less.” Colon agrees, adding that if you are “one of those people who comes in every day,” you’ll be limited to three a week.

Either way, you should never be afraid to ask for samples. Some stores might be more lenient about it than others, but you’ll never be turned down completely. “Fight for your right to sample!” Nieves says.

6. Sephora Collection Makes Dupes for Tons of Pricy Cult Products

Orellana and McDonald promise that Sephora’s in-house line is just as high-quality as brands twice its price, but most people don’t take advantage. “Sephora Collection has a dupe for almost every high-end favorite beauty product,” she says. “The price is always lower, and the quality is great!” Here’s proof: Any Sephora product that is not rated with four stars or higher is either “discontinued or reformulated,” says McDonald. “This ensures high-quality products for a decent price tag!”

Sephora Collection’s Long Lasting Eyeliner High Precision Brush ($12) and Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color ($11) are a couple of favorites whose prices rival the drugstore.

7. Sephora Favorites Are Way Underrated

“The value sets offered at Sephora are always worth way more than what you actually pay!” says Dennison. “A lot of the time you get an entire set of full-sized makeup for a third of the price. It’s a great way to try new products while stocking up on your old favorites!”

Colon recommends that perfume sampler in particular. “It’s usually $40 cheaper than buying one perfume bottle alone,” she says.

8. Most Stores Keep a Trustworthy List of Cruelty-Free Brands

Sadly, not every brand is cruelty-free. What’s even sadder is that some brands claim to be when their manufacturers actually aren’t. This can make trusting brands difficult.

If you want to triple-check to make sure a brand is bunny-friendly, Orellana and McDonald say to ask a cast member at the Beauty Studio (that’s the station in Sephora where they do mini makeovers). “There’s usually a list at the Beauty Studio in every store of which brands are truly cruelty-free,” Orellana says.

9. There Are Usually Free Gifts on Saturdays

Saturday is Sephora’s day to host brand events, so if you stop in on the way to brunch, odds are there will be something fun going on. “Brand events mean the employees are focusing on that brand for the day and there is often a free gift with purchase!” says Orellana.

10. You Can Get a Full-Face Makeover for Free… If You’re Clever

Sephora cast members are trained to give 15-minute “single-feature” makeovers for free (as in, just your eyes or just your lips). But Colon says if you’re nice to your consultant, “she will most like do your whole face.”

If you agree to spend at least $50 in the store, you can get a more involved “custom makeover.” But according to Colon, that $50 minimum isn’t actually mandatory. “When we’re done with the makeover, we put the stuff you want in the basket, but you could walk right out and we can’t say anything,” she says.

11. Fragrance and Color IQ Really Do Work

Our insiders agree Sephora’s Fragrance and Color IQ stations are not something to skip over. “That little computer can really come in handy when shopping for a new fragrance!” says Dennison. “Instead of assaulting your nostrils with 30 different perfumes, take the quiz on Fragrance IQ and it will pull up recommendations. I’ve found it to be very accurate, usually pulling up scents I’ve already used and loved.”

The Color IQ device is also surprisingly accurate at finding your correct foundation shade, and it’s now capable of determining which lipstick and concealer shades suit you best as well. “It can help you find the perfect red, nude, or even purple to suit your skin tone,” says Orellana. “It also can tell you your exact concealer shade in any brand, just ask a Sephora employee to help match you.”

12. You Can Return Almost Anything

“Sephora’s return policy is super lenient,” says Colon. “You can pretty much return or exchange anything that’s not more than half used.”

13. Don’t Let the Mini Products in the Checkout Aisle Tempt You

They may be cute, but our insiders say they’re not the best way to spend your money. “Avoid buying anything from beauty-to-go,” says Colon. “Buying the full size is a better deal.”

14. Employees Must Initial All the Sephora Products They Own

This is to prevent theft. “Employees are required to have their employee number etched into their makeup products by a manager and can only carry six products at a time,” Nieves says. “If you can’t prove it’s yours and it doesn’t have your employee ID number, it will get confiscated. Learned this the hard way: #ripjackblacklipbalm.”

15. Yes, Sephora Employees Get Tons of Free Product

Next up, How to Shop at Sephora (and Save Money) Like a Sephora VP

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

the tier celebration gifts that are allegedly no longer available for the year 2020.

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts

Sephora’s sales really cater to Beauty Insider, VIB, and Rouge members. Their Spring Sale is usually a week long in late April/early May, when Beauty Insiders get 10% off, VIB members get 15% off, and Rouge holders get early access, plus 20% off.

Sephora kicks off the holidays early with a fall sale in mid-November, when even the most popular items are discounted as much as 20% for Beauty Insiders.

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts
• @ 2020 Sephora Sale Calendar

To achieve Very Important Beauty Insider status, spend $350 in a calendar year on Sephora merchandise purchased online, at Sephora stores, at Sephora inside JCPenney stores or Sephora merchandise online at jcpenney.com.

Related Post：

• @ Sephora Coupon, Promo Code, Free Gifts