Apr 22

Apr 22 Sephora Spring 2020 Sale Picks

Deals + Sales, Haircare, Makeup, Products, Skincare

Disclaimer: I do use affiliate links here (and on this website in general), so if you click through some of the product links and ultimately make a purchase on the Sephora site (unfortunately it doesn’t extend to the app), I might make a small commission that helps

Skincare

Cleansers

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - this is a classic, and for good reason

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser - hands down the best cream cleanser sold at Sephora, this is incredibly nourishing (it contains honey) and soothing! I don’t use it (or any cream cleanser) to remove my makeup (always Bioderma Sensibio for my eyes, and then a balm or oil cleanser if I have face makeup on), but it’s amazing on its own, both in the morning and evening (if you didn’t wear makeup that day), or as a second cleanse. It’s semi-expensive at $38, but you only need a small amount per use, so it’ll last a good while, and given how well it works on my skin (especially in the winter), it’s worth every penny to me

Belif Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser - I’m very picky when it comes to jelly cleansers, but this gives my beloved Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser a run for its money! It actually works at removing makeup, so you can use it alone or as a second cleanse, and it lathers just a tiny bit, which is perfect since I’m not a fan of foaming cleansers. I also like it in the morning if I’m washing off a heavy night cream or sleeping mask. You only need a nickel-sized amount per use, so it’ll last you a long time, and at $28, it’s on the more affordable side of cleansers sold at Sephora

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser - when this first came out, I was skeptical about its claims of being able to both remove makeup and cleanse the skin (meaning a second cleanse wasn’t necessary) in just one step, as the entire concept of double cleansing is based on the fact that you need to use a foam or gel cleanser to rinse away the oils from the first one, but sure enough, this really does work on its own! It melts into dry skin immediately upon application, and then emulsifies into a milk once water is added, leaving skin nourished but clean after rinsing. I still prefer to do a second cleanse, but if you’re in a rush (or just prefer to keep a minimal routine) you can skip it. Compared to many other balm cleansers at Sephora, its $34 price tag is very reasonable

Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser - I actually prefer this to the original because it’s so much more simple to use- you can apply it on either dry or wet skin, and it rinses off far more easily while being equally effective at breaking down and removing makeup. I still do a second cleanse, but it’s a lot less work than the original.

Toners

Laneige Fresh Calming Toner - this is the toner I most often recommend, as it works for nearly all skin types and is very gentle. [I have an entire post on toners here if you want to learn more] It soothes and hydrates skin, while also priming it for the following products (essences, serums, etc) and at $28, it’s pretty affordable

Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner - I’ve made my love for the belif aqua bomb line many times over, but this toner may very well be my favorite it feels amazing when applied, super hydrating, preps skin so it doubles as an essense/lotion

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner - one of the most well-known and popular toners, this is a hydration powerhouse that also boasts soothing properties by using not only rosewater, but also rose fruit extract and damascus rose oil. The only downside is that when almost empty, the rose petals can get in the way, but removing the plastic stopper fixes that It’s on the pricey side at $45, but there’s a mini version for $25 if you want to try it without spending the full $45 (perfect for travel too)

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner - I know a lot of people are wary of essential oils in skincare products, but for me, this one works really well during the summer to keep my skin clear and prevent excess oil $28

Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer could be a toner/essence/moisturizer

Belif Problem Solution Toner before the aforementioned Caudalie toner came out, this was my go-to for treating breakouts and/or reducing irritation as it contains tea tree oil non-drying

Essences + Mists

Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence - an all-time favorite, I've been obsessed with this essence ever since it came out (so much so that I included it in my 2018 Top 10) - before it, I wasn't particularly keen on facial essences, but after a just month of using this, I became a convert; I didn't even have specific expectations- it just made my skin feel healthier if that makes any sense. The hero ingredient, kombucha, is packed with antioxidants that protect the skin against pollution, as well as hydrate, smooth, and firm. I love the lightly herbal (natural) scent, so maybe some of that "healthy" feeling is just a placebo effect, but either way my skin loves it. The full size isn’t cheap at $68, but you only need a little bit per use, so it'll last a good while, even if you apply multiple layers (I normally do 2-3 unless I'm pressed for time). I find the additional layers really help to add moisture without being heavy, as it's a fairly watery consistency, so you don't have to wait long in between or after to apply your serums (which absorb better on wet/damp skin anyway). There’s also a $32 mini size (1.6 oz / 50 ml) is also a good way to try the product for a while, but not have to shell out $68 for the full size

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Mist - as you’ll come to see further on in this post, I’m a huge fan of the Cicapair line [there’s an entire post on it here] and this mist is fantastic, both as a soothing agent and just in general for hydration. The spray is super fine, so it goes on very easily and evenly, which actually makes it last longer since you won’t need to use as much to cover the area. I use it both as a step in my skincare routine (either as a toner or a mist, the latter being an extra layer of hydration) and throughout the day. It’s not cheap at $23, but I get so much use out of it that it’s been worth it for me to repurchase (I initially received it as PR)

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence - this $49

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater - ultimate classic

Belif Aqua Bomb Mist double set

Saturday Skin Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist multi-purpose

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid toner/serum

Caudalie Grape Water spray

Youth to the People Mist Adaptogen Sooth + Hydrate Activated Mist pricey but great