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Here she is: my ultimate Sephora buying guide, Part II: Skincare! I have personally tried and loved every single thing on this list; they are tried and true! I’m sharing new loves and long time favorites.
In all transparency, I don’t shop for most of my skincare from Sephora. There are certain brands I use and really enjoy, but I tend to use a mix of “derm” brands, “science-y” brands, indie brands, and Sephora skincare brands.
A note on my skin type + preferences: I have combo skin with oily t-zone and pigmentation issues. I look for products that are hydrating, brightening, and soothing. I get occasional hormonal cystic acne and I scar very easily, so I'm always looking to prevent spots and treat leftover pigmentation. I'm also interested in anti-aging as I'm about to turn 30.
Lastly, I encourage you all to shop intentionally and responsibly. While I love to indulge in beauty, I never want the consumerism to take over on any of my pages. You do not need to go into debt for beauty products. Also, 10-20% off does not include added tax. This is a precarious time in the world, so take extra good care of yourselves and your finances.
Table of Contents:
First Cleanse
Second Cleanse
Toners and Essences
Treatments
Serums
Mists
Eye Products
Moisturizers
Masks
SPF
Lip Treatments
Self-Tanner
Devices
*press samples (many of which I've also purchased or repurchased myself)
Disclosures - This page does use affiliate links.
FIRST CLEANSE
Belif Aqua Bomb Cleansing Bomb* (shown right) — I have been using this cleansing balm for the last couple of months, and I have to say that I am loving it. I’m pretty picky with cleansing balms; I especially hate when they leave a film-like residue on the skin. This doesn’t do any of that. It’s a very lightweight balm, one of the lightest textures I’ve tried in a cleansing balm, actually. It holds its solid form, even when stored in a warm room. Yet, it melts on contact. It comes with its own little spatula. It is very easy to spread, and it doesn’t actually take too much product to break down SPF and a full face of makeup. It does contain fragrant plant extracts and essential oils, but no added synthetic fragrance. It smells super refreshing, almost citrusy. The best part: a clean rinse, with no filminess left behind. It’s hydrating without being heavy. Doesn’t strip the skin. It’s generously sized at 3.3 oz., and it comes with a cute spatula.
You can also find it the Moisture Festival Set or the Glowy Holidays Kit!
Sulwhasoo Gentling Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover — You’ll see in this list how much I love Sulwhasoo as a brand. Sulwhasoo is a Korean luxury beauty brand that has perfected its hanbang (Korean herbal) formulations over many decades. This is a lovely oil cleanser that breaks down makeup, emulsifies well, and rinses clean. It has the iconic hanbang scent.
Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover — This is an old school Lancome cult classic, for good reason. The dual-action eye makeup remover lifts eye makeup and even waterproof mascara. Because it’s dual action (oil + water), be sure to shake it before use. I take a facial cotton and soak it in liquid. I hold it over my closed eye and it sweeps away all eye makeup. I prefer having a dedicated eye makeup remover for heavy makeup days. It’s also sensitive eye friendly!
It's also available in the Cleanse & Hydrate Trio and the Lancome Favorites set!
Shiseido Facial Cotton — The softest facial cottons in the world. They are like small pillows for the face. Most importantly, they don’t eat up product. They distribute it evenly onto the skin; I like them best for using with micellar water for my eye makeup. In an effort to be more eco-friendly, I am trying to move away from using facial cottons in my skincare routine, but some products just require a facial cotton. That’s where these come in.
SECOND CLEANSE
Fresh Soy Cleanser* (shown left)— I have used and repurchased the Fresh Soy Cleanser for the last ten years; so I admit that I have a nostalgic connection to this cleanser. It was the first higher end cleanser I fell in love with as a young adult struggling with acne. It’s a gel texture that balances my combo/oily skin, but still leaves my skin hydrated. It smells of cucumbers, which I love and find super refreshing. While I do find it removes makeup if I’m in a pinch, I would never rely on this for that purpose and find that marketing claim to be a bit off. For me, this is second cleanse only.
I like stocking up on their jumbo size during the sale to get an even better value. It's also available in the Day & Night Cleansing Duo; the Rose Hydration Skincare Set; the Cleanse, Mask, and Moisturize Set; and the Skincare Best-sellers Mini Kit!
Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser* — This is a creamy cleanser that is texturally such a delight to use. It’s rich and creamy, and feels like a luxurious cleansing experience. It doesn't foam up until you add water. I was worried when I first got this that it would be a high pH cleanser, like many foaming options are. I'm happy to report that I've tested it and it is a low pH cleanser!
TONERS AND ESSENCES
Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner* — This is a watery toner that restores juicy hydration to the skin after cleansing. It includes sodium hyaluronate to hold moisture in the skin, as well as some soothing and calming ingredients. It does contain essential oils and the Belif fragrance.
It's also available in the Aqua Bomb Deep Hydration Set, the Moisture Festival Set, and the Aqua Hydration Rescue Set.
Laneige Cream Skin* (shown right) — What a dream. It’s a milky, hydrating, soothing toner. Laneige claims that one bottle of Cream Skin contains the equivalent of one jar of cream. It’s wonderful for calming any irritation in the skin or buffering retinoids or actives. It’s also fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skins. One of the best products in the Laneige line, in my opinion! There's also a mini bottle available if you'd like to try that before purchasing the full size.
You can read my full Cream Skin review here!
Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence* — This is a watery essence with a very high percentage of green tea, a skin-soothing ingredient full of antioxidants. This will hydrate, calm any redness, soothe irritated skin, and work as an anti-inflammatory. Amorepacific harvests and ferments the green tea from its own green tea fields in South Korea. This kind of attention to detail and ingredient integrity is what warrants the high price point. But, the proof is in the pudding: my skin loves this. My mom also loves this!
It's also available in the Green Tea Glow & Hydration Set, the Green Tea Travel Set, the Essential Icons Set, and as a mini bottle! Personally I'd get the Green Tea Glow & Hydration Set!
TREATMENTS
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel* — These are a two-step pad format soaked in an AHA/BHA blend. The formula is a potent blend of lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, mandolin acid, and magic acid. It’s a true multi-talker that will brighten, smooth texture, treat acne, reduce the appearance of pore size, and stimulate collagen. The first pad contains the active ingredients; the second contains a neutralizer. If you are new to acid products, the first pad may tingle or flush the skin; that will go away once you neutralize with the second pad. They are suitable for daily use, but personally I use them once or twice a week and alternate with my retinoids.
Because of the straightforward format, I think they’re a great first step for people who are just getting into acids, though you may want to look into the Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin. If you love strong acids, try the Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel. Also available in the Peel, Glow, Be Merry set.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Gel - I like to use this on active spots and cysts. While I regularly use 2% BHA to treat my skin, the combination of AHA/BHA really works to penetrate the skin and address pimples and cystic acne. The formula is also supported by licorice for brightening, which I love. It’s fragrance-free and oil-free.
SERUMS
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair — The Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum is iconic for a reason. I first tried it because my mom gifted me a bottle, and I’ve since repurchased it many times since. For me, it’s hydrating, soothing, and plumping. I wake up with bouncier skin. I also find it slightly brightening. It’s recently reformulated and better than ever. Truly a classic!
It’s available in a jumbo size, in the Holiday Duo, in the Radiant Skin Repair + Renew Set, in the Advanced Night Face and Eye Duo, and in the Repair+Renew Advanced Night Repair Set. All of the sets have great value!
Caudalie Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serum — A very hydrating, milky serum with a beautiful, light fresh scent. My skin drinks this up, especially in the PM. Personally, I rely on my active products with l-ascorbic acid, niacinamide, and retinoids for brightening; I wouldn’t look to this as an anti dark spot treatment necessarily. It’s not a must have, but it’s a luxurious treat that I do think gives the skin a plumpness and overall luminosity.
It's available in a jumbo size and in the Vinoperfect Serum Set!
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum* (shown right, in many sizes!) - The First Care Activating Serum has been a crown jewel in my skincare routine for a long time. #Sulwhasoogiftedme this particular bottle, but I’ve purchased several in the past. She’s pricey, but I can always tell when I don’t have this in my routine. Applied right after cleansing (or after actives in the PM), this boosts glow, evenness, and plumpness in the skin. It’s glass skin in a bottle. I press it in and my skin drinks up this gorgeous blend of Korean herbs to hydrate and brighten. The scent of this, like all hanbang scents, can be quite polarizing. Hanbang is traditional Korean medicine that utilizes traditional treatment of herbs to boost their potency and efficacy in formulas.
It's also available in the Cult Classics Holiday Set and the Bestsellers Trial Kit! And more thoughts on the serum here!
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides - This is one of The Ordinary’s more complex formulas, reflected in the higher price point relative to the brand. While I found this to be perfectly fine for the face, I actually enjoyed this for a specific reason: to hydrate and treat tech neck. Copper peptides and matrixyl support collagen synthesis and anti-aging, and I found that as I was using this, my neck lines did soften a bit. And I definitely noticed when I ran out. I haven’t repurchased since my first bottle, but I plan to because this really sticks out in my memory.
Summer Fridays CC Me Serum* — While I prefer pure l-ascorbic acid vitamin C serums (my favs are not at Sephora), I think the CC Me serum is a fantastic vitamin C derivative. For people who can’t tolerate a high l-ascorbic acid concentration or who are new to vitamin C products, this is a really lovely, balanced formula. The formula includes 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and niacinamide to aid in brightening. Also available in The Hydration Set!
Mist
Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Mist* — I love the Dr. Jart Cicapair line for calming and soothing my skin. This uses various forms of centella asiatica, or cica, to help soothe sensitive skin and help the skin barrier. I also love the mister on this; it’s one of the finest mist components I’ve ever tried. This will deliver a super fine, even mist. It will never leave wet droplets all over your face. It does contain essential oils, but no added fragrance. Also available in the Cica Rescue Kit!
Laneige Cream Skin Mist — The Laneige Cream Skin in mist-form! Same formula. I personally really love to use the Cream Skin as a fine mist. It helps me deliver a light, even layer over the face, rather than pat it in with my palms. It's also great for re-application throughout the day on dry or irritated skin days.
Personally I'm looking to try the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Mist!
EYE PRODUCTS
Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum* - I love retinoids, and I especially like having a dedicated retinol product that is formulated to be gentle enough for use around the eye area. This is a lightweight gel that contains a powerhouse co mbination of ferulic acid and retinol to fight signs of aging, firm skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and smooth texture. I use this in the PM. Because it’s a pretty light consistency, I like to top it with a thicker, moisturizing eye cream to last me through the night.
Youth to the People Dream Eye Cream* - This truly is a dream. It’s a thick, buttery texture, but not greasy. It spreads like a dream and seals in hydration. It contains their super berry blend and other plant oils. Very rich and perfect for winter and dry skins. Right now, it’s perfect in my PM skincare routine. Despite being thick, it does absorb into the skin and softens the eye area.
Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb* (shown right)— My current AM eye cream, it’s a lovely gel-cream texture. It is super hydrating and cooling on application. It keeps my fine lines at bay through the day and wears under makeup beautifully. It’s also very generously sized. Most eye creams are .5 oz, and this one is .84 oz!
It’s also available in the Aqua Bomb Deep Hydration Set, the Moisture Festival Set, and the Glowy Holidays Kit! I really enjoy all of the products in the Belif line, so you can’t go wrong with any of these cute sets. Very giftable!
MOISTURIZERS
Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb* — A fantastic gel moisturizer that delivers a burst of juicy hydration to the skin. This is particularly well-suited for combo to oily skins, or summer skincare routines, because of its lightweight gel consistency. It will hydrate and plump up the skin that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a film or emollience on the face. I imagine drier skins will want something a bit heavier. It does contain light fragrance, a fresh, citrus-y sort of scent. Also available in the Aqua Bomb Deep Hydration Set!
Belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb* — This is the more emollient sister to the Belif Aqua Bomb. This is a heavier cream consistency that normal to dry skins will love, perfectly suited for cold weather skincare routines. It contains oat extract to soothe the skin and panthenol for added moisture. It absorbs into the skin but also provides longer-lasting moisture throughout the day or overnight. I love it for winter skincare routines for my combo skin. Also available in a value size and in the Moisture Festival Set!
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream* — This is a Kiehl’s cult classic, and I can see why. It’s a lightweight cream that is ultra-hydrating and, best of all, fragrance-free. Because of its texture and fragrance-free formulation, it’s suitable for lots of skin types. Though it’s a lightweight cream, it is formulated with different oils to deliver moisture to the skin. Sensitive skin friendly.
Also available in a value size and in the Brighten Up & Glow Set, the Facial Favorite for All set, the Ultra Hydrators set, and the Midnight Miracles set! As you can see, Kiehl's does giftable holiday sets exceptionally well, with super cute packaging.
Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer* — This will be perfect for normal, combo, and oily skins, as long as you aren’t sensitive to fragrance. It’s a lightweight gel with fruit extracts. I wouldn’t count on fruit extracts to do much exfoliating personally, but I do think this gel moisturizer offers fantastic, juicy hydration to the skin. Oil free and silicone free. It does smell of citrus, which I find pretty pleasant. Also available in the Farmacy Farmer's Market Kit!
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer* (shown left) — A gorgeous winter moisturizer, or year-round moisturizer for drier skins. It’s thick but not greasy, even for my combo skin. It contains buckwheat honey, propolis, and ceramics — all ingredients my skin just drinks up. It feels like a pillow for the face. My fiancé refers to this one as “face butter” — and he’s not wrong! The texture is very thick and buttery. Also available in the House of Gold Kit!
Dr. Jart. Ceramidin Cream — A thicker cream that is rich in ceramics and lipids to support the skin barrier. The ceramidin line is super-loved in Korea, and I’m so happy that the love is catching on in the western market. This is a thicker moisturizer that I use on my face, but also as a balm sort of product on dry patches, on my hands, or neck. My skin loves ceramides and this is especially soothing in the winter, or if I’ve overdone it with acids. There’s no added fragrance, but this does contain plant extracts.
It's available in a value size and in the Ceramidin Moisture from Head to Toe set!
Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet — This is Caudalie’s lightweight gel moisturizer that I think is perfect for normal to oily skins. It’s a really pleasant, almost whipped texture that comes in a convenient squeeze tub. The formula includes Caudalie’s signature grape water and grape juice, which are antioxidant-rich. This is one of the more hydrating gel moisturizers I’ve tried, and it would work fine for me even in the winter if I topped it with a hydrating SPF. Also available in the Caudalie Favorites Set!
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide* — A lightweight moisturizer that’s more of a cream than the Moisturizing Sorbet. It’s a lightweight cream texture that will be suitable for many skin types, so long as you are not sensitive to fragrance. It does contain the signature lightweight Caudalie fragrance. This is also a multi-tasker product that will not only moisturize, but also brighten, thanks to the addition of niacinamide. It’s a low concentration of niacinamide, so I would continue using your other acids, but it’s a nice addition to the formula. Available in the Vinoperfect Serum Set!
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion* — This is a gel cream on the slightly thicker side. I think it is aptly named, as the cream does have a slightly cushiony, bouncy consistency. It’s a hyaluronic acid-based formula that that will hold moisture in the skin, without leaving tackiness or stickiness on the skin. It sinks in beautifully and wears well under makeup. It does contain some fruit extracts. For me, this is a great day cream year-round because it’s a slightly thicker gel cream.
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream* — Skinfix makes great skincare options for sensitive skins. They have products dedicated to a number of skin conditions, like eczema and redness, but all of their products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind. The Barrier+ line is rich with lipids to help support a healthy skin barrier. This is a nice, thick cream in an elegant airless pump. It also includes peptides. It’s pricey but very well-formulated. A great sensitive skin option. It's also available in the More the Barrier+ Set!
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream — I’m obviously a fan of Sulwhasoo, and this cream is the epitome of Sulwhasoo: luxurious, indulgent, ginseng-forward. This cream comes in a heavy glass jar with a spatula. The formula features Korean red ginseng, which is rich in antioxidants. It also contains rich oils and butters among a host of brightening ingredients. It also does contain the signature Sulwhasoo hanbang fragrance. This gives me plumper, smoother, creamier skin. It’s a piece of luxury in my nighttime routine. I wish I could say it’s not worth it, but it is (for me). Am I saying you need a $240 cream? No. Am I saying it’s very, very nice and luxurious? Yes. Yes, I am.
Also available in the Sulwhasoo Cult Classics set and the Bestsellers Trial Kit.
Masks
Innisfree Super Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Clay Mask — Super affordable and one of the best clay masks out there, in my opinion. Along with Jeju Volcanic clusters, the formula contains a small concentration of lactic acid. It won’t exfoliate the skin, per se, but it might offer some brightening. Only $15!
Dr. Jart Shake & Shot* (shown left)— A true skintertainment product! These are modeling masks that come in a cup with a couple of packets. You mix the packets together in the cup and apply to the face with a spatula. The mask will set to a jelly on the face. They’re so fun and I actually do find them very hydrating! There are several options: Hydro, Brightening, Firming, Soothing, Pore Minimizing, and Purifying. They’re a one-time splurge that’s super fun for a spa night, and very giftable!
Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Masks* — If you don’t feel like dealing with a mess, you can try the Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Masks. Also a very fun skintertainment moment! These are a rubberized sheet mask consisting of a jelly-like mask. You apply the provided ampoule first, then apply the rubber mask to ensure that the skin drinks in the product. Because of the rubber material, this is a sheet mask you can leave on a little longer, up to 40 minutes. There are four options: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, and Collagen. Also available in the So Cool Duo!
Fresh Rose Face Mask — If a wash-off mask is more your thing, the Fresh Rose Face Mask is a lovely option. It’s a lightweight gel consistency that cools and calms the skin and includes rose petals in the formula itself. Naturally, it smells of roses. It’s a hydration mask that will soften the skin.
Also available in the Rose Hydration Skincare Set; the Cleanse, Mask, and Moisturize Set; and the Fresh Mini Loves Set.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask* — This is a wash off mask that applies as a thick cream. The whole Korres Greek Yoghurt line is calming and cooling on the skin. The line also utilizes probiotics to help support the skin’s microbiome. I use this when my skin is looking dull or feeling dry; it’s a perfect winter mask for me!
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask* — If you’re on Instagram, you know how much hype there iss around Summer Fridays and around the Jet Lag mask specifically. I was actually really pleasantly surprised by this mask! I thought it would be a super thick cream, almost like a balm. It’s much lighter and dewier than I had imagined! Really pleasant. The formula includes a few different ceramides, which my skin loves. You can apply a thick layer then tissue it off, or apply a thinner layer as an overnight mask, which I prefer. It does contain essential oils. Also available in the Hydration Set!
Laneige Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask — I haven’t tried this yet, but it’s high on my list and I know I’ll love it. It’s an overnight, leave-on mask that will hydrate and moisturize, and calm the skin. It contains cica (green tea) which, as I mentioned earlier, will soothe redness and fortify the skin barrier. I’m also so happy that Laneige is bringing out more fragrance-free options, which are really lacking at Sephora, in my opinion.
SPF
Dr. Jart Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+ — My favorite SPF at Sephora. I personally loved the Korean formulation of this SPF, and I’m happy to see it’s been adapted for the western/American market. It’s a very liquidy, lightweight chemical SPF in a soft plastic bottle. The filters are homosalate and octocrylene. It’s a very lightweight natural finish, neither matte nor dewy. It doesn’t contain added fragrance, but it does contain lavender oil. At $38 for 3.38 oz., it’s also one of the more affordable SPFs at Sephora. I use this for face and body. Wears beautifully under makeup!
Dr. Jart also has an all mineral SPF: the Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+. Mineral sunscreens aren’t my favorite, but if you prefer mineral this is a great option! A zinc oxide and titanium dioxide blend.
Kiehl’s Super Fluid Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+* — This is a slightly more fluid texture than the Dr. Jart Every Day Sun Day, but similar in its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture. This is also a chemical SPF that contains avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and oxybenzone. It’s described as a matte finish, but I would call it a matte/natural finish. It wears beautifully under makeup. It comes in a value size as well!
There’s also a mineral version of this: the Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50* (shown below) — This is a good SPF option for dry skins. On my oily/combo skin, it’s a bit too dewy for daily use. But, it is a lovely elegant chemical formulation that I also use on my body. It’s also water and s
weat-resistant and broad spectrum, making it an excellent option for outdoor activities. It also comes in a giant 18 oz. size with a pump that's an incredible value!
Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50* (shown above) — This is a hydrating body oil that contains SPF 50. I wouldn't rely on this as my sole sun protection, but it's a really nice way to touch up body SPF if you're having a pool/beach day, or if you want to add a little shine to your legs. All chemical filters. There's also a cute mini!
Speaking of Supergoop, I’m really curious to try their newest release, the Cloud 9 100% Mineral Sun Balm SPF 40. It sounds lovely!
Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+ — I love a stick SPF for reapplying sunscreen, and it works over makeup as well with minimal disturbance. I wouldn’t rely on this as my sole SPF, but it’s a nice, mess-free way to touch up. It’s a chemical SPF formula that melts on contact, kind of like a deodorant stick.
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray — This is my favorite way to touch up SPF over my makeup. I admit it’s not the perfect formula, but it’s the best among many, many SPF mists I’ve tried. It’s an aerosol can with a chemical SPF mist. I wouldn’t rely on this as my primary SPF, but it’s an easy way to touch up. It does leave a slight film (to be expected with mist SPFs) and a slightly shiny finish, but it’s very easy to powder on top of and set down.
Lip Treatments
Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF30* — My favorite lip SPF — and you cannot forget your lips when it comes to sun protection! How many days have you spent out in the sun reapplying SPF only to come home with sunburnt lips? It’s the worst. Kiehl’s is the most elegant high SPF lip treatment I’ve tried. I love that it comes in so many different tint options too. These live in my purse year-round.
Fresh Sugar Lip Balms in Watermelon, Blood Orange, Peach, Caramel* - This is a potted lip balm that is just so satisfying and pleasant to use. It’s thinner than, say, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, but it’s still comforting and moisturizing on the lips. This doesn’t provide me long-lasting hydration, but I love the feeling of it on the lips so much that I find myself applying and reapplying all the time. I’m currently loving Blood Orange and Watermelon, and I also have Peach and Caramel unopened in my collection. Blood Orange and Watermelon also give me a juicy rosy tint. These are, quite simply, delicious.
Also available in the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Set and the Fresh Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm Gift Set.
Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm* — I like the twist-up format of these lip balms for when I’m on the go and I don’t want to dip my finger into a pot, especially with hygienic considerations these days. This formula os uber hydrating and soothes even the most chapped lips. It’s a stick balm but it’s on the softer side, so it’s easy to build up a thick layer if needed. I also find this formula seems to smooth out any lip lines I prefer the Translucent shade. I also love the slightly citrus-y fragrance.
It's available in the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Set, the Fresh Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm Gift Set, the Fresh Sugar Lip Kit, the Fresh Sugar Lip Moisturizing Trio, and the Fresh Sugar Lip Bestsellers Tin!
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask - I have used this lip sleeping mask every night for 5+ years. It just does everything I need. It’s a thick balm in a pot that contains .7 oz of product, meaning it will last forever. You only need a small amount. It coats the lips and feels super cushiony. I wake up every morning with smooth, hydrated lips. I’ve also gotten my fiancé hooked on this; he specifically asks for it every night before bed. It comes with a cute little spatula for hygienic application, which I appreciate but always lose. My favorite flavors are Vanilla and Original - Berry.
SELF-TANNER
Tan Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum* (shown left) — The easiest self-tanner for the face, and the only one I’ve ever loved. It’s a clear serum with a hyaluronic acid base. You can take 2-12 drops into your palm and apply them to the face and neck in circular motions. They somehow apply very evenly and give a very natural glow to the face. The tan is a nice golden shade and works perfectly with my undertones, no orange tones or artificial warmth. I use these right before my moisturizer, but after all of my other hydrating products or serums. I also make sure to use these on nights when I’m not using actives. Very minimal smell.
DEVICES
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite FaceWare Pro — I have used this mask almost every day for about a year and a half now. I have noticed that, overall, my skin health is more consistent and predictable. It really helps me address any redness or sensitivity in the skin, and it has reduced the frequency of cystic acne. I only get cystic spots a couple of times a year now, and they are always hormonal.
The science for LED therapy is there. Red light helps to boost skin healing and collagen, diminish wrinkles, and address inflammation. Blue light helps to kill bacteria that causes acne. The Spectralite mask utilizes both; you can use red and blue light separately or together. It is a pricey investment, but it's a way to get low-level LED treatments at home if you can't make it to a derm or esthetician office.
There are a few caveats. The strap for this mask is pretty flimsy; mine broke within the first year of purchase. I don't mind because I use my mask before bed so I'm not wearing my mask while doing other things, but I would like the option to have a strap, you know? Alsso, The mask is also a hard shell, so it doesn't move with your face. My cheekbones are a little tight in the mask, which is very curved, so if you have a wider or flatter face like me, you might feel like the mask is squeezing your face. I don't mind it, but just something to note.
If you're looking to invest and buy this during the Sephora sale, I'd go for the All is Bright Faceware Pro Set, which includes several products and the mask for the cost of the mask alone.
Personally, I've got my eye on the NuFace Mini and Sephora Facial Cooling Globes!
That's it for skincare! Let me know if you have any questions. Part III: Fragrance, Body, and Lifestyle will be up later this week!
@bekah_sun xx