No need to wait until Black Friday to score a deal on your favourite beauty products. Sephora is kicking off sale season early this year, with its annual holiday shopping event!
It all starts November 1st, when nearly everything in the store will be marked down for 11 magical days.
And how much can you save? Depending on your status in Sephora's rewards program, you can access a discount of up to 20 percent off!
Read on for all the details—and most importantly, the best products worth buying.
How to Shop the Sephora Holiday VIB Sale
Sephora VIB sale picks from Dr Roebuck's, REN, Caudalie, Herbivore, Omorovicza, Volition, Indie Lee, Ole Henriksen and Glow Recipe.
As usual, Sephora is offering a tiered discount, giving the biggest savings plus early access to its best customers. Here are the discounts, key dates, promo codes and exclusions:
20% off for Rouge Members
- Shop between November 1st-11th
- Use the code HOLIDAYSAVE
- Offer is for unlimited use
15% off for VIB Members
- Shop between November 7th-11th
- Use the code HOLIDAYSAVE
- Offer is for unlimited use
10% off for Beauty Insiders
- Shop between November 7th-11th
- Use the code HOLIDAYSAVE
- Offer is for unlimited use
- Not a member? Sign up here to become a Beauty Insider (it's free!)
Restrictions and Exclusions
Now, on top my top picks!
Editor’s Picks: Makeup Removers, Cleansers and Toners
- Makeup removers: For a clean alternative to drugstore micellar water, I love BIOeffect and Caudalie. They're both super gentle, but still highly effective. Tarte also has a new clean formula that's on my list!
- Gel cleansers: The gel cleanser from Indie Lee is my favourite, suitable for all but the driest skin. You also can't go wrong with Youth to the People or Drunk Elephant. If you're oily, check out the new one from Caudalie.
- Foaming cleansers: If you splurge on one cleanser, make it Omorovicza's. Even though it foams, it's non-drying and oh so luxurious. I also recommend the foaming cleansers from Caudalie, Dr Roebuck's, Consonant and Go-To.
- Cream cleansers: For a creamy, nourishing cleanse, Dr Roebuck's, Naturally Serious, Omorovicza and Kora Organics are your best bets.
- Face wipes: Both Kopari and RMS Beauty make coconut oil-based wipes that are great for taking off makeup. For on-the-go, Consonant's wipes are super refreshing and feel great on the skin.
- Toners: Indie Lee and First Aid Beauty are good hydrating toners, while Herbivore and Caudalie are more astringent.
Editor’s Picks: Exfoliators
- AHA exfoliators: Lactic acid is my AHA of choice, so I'd go for one of the options from Go-To, Sephora Collection, Peter Thomas Roth or The Inkey List. For a slightly stronger exfoliation, I also like the combo lactic and glycolic acid formulas from Youth to the People and First Aid Beauty.
- BHA exfoliators: That said, I will always prefer BHAs because they not only exfoliate the skin surface, but also clean your pores. Try First Aid Beauty, The Inkey List, Caudalie, Dermalogica or Juice Beauty.
- AHA-BHA exfoliators: Can't decide? There are also AHA-BHA blends from Herbivore (which was recently reformulated), Sephora Collection, Tarte, Omorovicza, Moon Juice, Tata Harper and Dr. Dennis Gross.
- Best powder exfoliators: If you can't tolerate acids, consider the exfoliators from Tatcha and Dermalogica, which use enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin.
Editor’s Picks: Mists, Essences and Serums
- Mists: Some new mists that should be on your radar are Tower 28, Skinfix and Youth to the People, which are all hydrating and calming for sensitive skin. I've also been loving the Tatcha and BIOeffect mists, which absorb oil and mattify the skin. Plus, I always recommend Caudalie, Dr Roebuck's, Tata Harper and Herbivore (which was just reformulated).
- Essences: When it comes to essences, SK-II was the original and in my opinion, it's still the best. However, it's pricey, so try Tatcha's instead if you are on a budget.
- Serums: Everyone needs a hydrating serum (or two) in their skincare wardrobe, whether to wear alone under sunscreen or layered under creams and oils. My top picks include Indie Lee, Caudalie, StackedSkincare, Drunk Elephant, Dr Roebuck's, Moon Juice and Consonant. Or, if you have a big serum budget, Dr. Barbara Sturm!
Editor’s Picks: Moisturizers, Eye Creams and Face Oils
- Moisturizers: If you like a lightweight cream or gel-cream, give the formulas from Dr Roebuck's, Tata Harper or Volition a go. If you want something more nourishing, I'm a huge fan of LXMI and the other two creams from Dr Roebuck's (No Worries and Nuddy).
- Eye creams: As someone with a very sensitive eye area, I've had success with the eye treatments from Indie Lee, Caudalie, Dr Roebuck's and Drunk Elephant. Also check out the new eye creams from Tatcha and Biossance.
- Face oils: It's no secret that I'm a fan of squalane oil, so Indie Lee, Biossance and The Inkey List are all great investments. But lately, I've been using the Kopari coconut oil instead and loving it. (And no, it doesn't break me out, even though I'm acne-prone!) For an oil blend, Herbivore (both Lapis and Orchid) are lovely. If your skin is dry and non-acne-prone, you might like Drunk Elephant's marula oil.
Editor’s Picks: Sunscreens
- Face sunscreens: As you know, I'm all about high-protection mineral sunscreen, and I have a new love: REN! If you find most SPFs too greasy and heavy, I'd highly recommend giving it a try. My other picks in the store are from Drunk Elephant (both Umbra Sheer and Umbra Tinte) and Juice Beauty. The new Naturally Serious tinted sunscreen is also worth a look.
- Body sunscreens: For body, I love Juice Beauty because it's silicone-free, but you can also get good protection from Supergoop! and Shiseido.
- Powder sunscreens: I wouldn't use powder sunscreen as your only sunscreen—rather, I suggest keeping it in your handbag as a top-up. It goes on right over your makeup, and you'll never be without SPF! The best ones are from Supergoop!, ILIA, Peter Thomas Roth and Tarte.
Editor’s Picks: Skincare Treatments
- Vitamin C: The most potent form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, which you can find in Drunk Elephant's cult favourite serum. Personally, I prefer vitamin C derivatives, which have a longer shelf life. You can find them from Omorovicza, Summer Fridays, Kora Organics, Youth to the People, Skin Inc Supplement Bar, Tatcha and Farmacy.
- Retinol: The strongest retinoid in the store is from Drunk Elephant, which has a full one percent retinol. There's also Alpha-H and Glow Recipe (although they don't disclose the concentration). If you're super sensitive, The Inkey List is the mildest option.
- Niacinamide: There's one active ingredient that treats a wide range of skincare concerns and is well tolerated by everyone: niacinamide. Find it in the serums from The Inkey List, Alpha-H and Skin Inc Supplement Bar.
- Copper peptides: Believe it or not, copper peptides are on par with retinoids for treating the signs of aging. You can find them in the new serum from Dr Roebuck's.
- Bakuchiol: Another exciting retinoid alternative is bakuchiol, available in serums from Herbivore and The Inkey List. One study found that bakuchiol was comparable to a mild retinol for treating wrinkling and pigmentation.
Editor’s Picks: Face Masks and Sheet Masks
- Clay masks: The best clay mask is from Indie Lee—it's a lifesaver whenever your skin is broken out, irritated or just in need of a pick-me-up. I've also got my eye on the one from Omorovicza.
- Exfoliating masks: My top pick for brightening is the BHA-based Tata Harper mask. However, Herbivore (both Blue Tansy and Brighten) and Omorovicza also get the job done well. Or, try the new Ole Henriksen mask with PHAs, which are like AHAs but milder.
- Hydrating masks: I love the jelly-like Dr Roebuck's mask for non-greasy hydration. If you prefer a creamier texture, go for Naturally Serious or Lano.
- Sheet masks: Of all the sheet masks I've tried over the years, I still love SK-II's the best. However, I'd also try Go-To, which has better ingredients than most.
Editor’s Picks: High Tech Tools
- Cleansing brushes: I swear by the Foreo cleansing brush for getting your skin super soft and clean without irritation. (And it won't harbour nasty bacteria.) PMD makes a device that sounds very similar, although I haven't tried it yet.
- Microneedling: It's safe to do microneedling at home, as long as you choose a device with shallow needles (less than 0.3 mm) and follow the instructions to keep it clean. I have the BeautyBio gadget myself, but there's also StackedSkincare and Nurse Jamie.
- Microcurrent: Another tool that really works is microcurrent. It's totally painless and if you do it consistently, it can actually tighten and firm your skin. I own the NuFace and the ReFa, and now I've got my eye on the NuFace body version to target cellulite!
- Light therapy: I'm always talking about the benefits of red light therapy, and while I generally recommend more powerful devices, I think the LightStim is handy for travel. I'm also intrigued by the Dr. Dennis Gross face mask, since it's hands-free. For occasional breakouts, the Foreo blue light tool zaps bacteria in 30 seconds.
- Ice roller: How good does this sound? Pop the StackedSkincare ice roller in your freezer, and once it's cold, roll it across your face for an instant calming effect.
- Pore extractor: Dermaflash uses sonic vibrations to deep-clean pores and then infuse them with your favourite serum.
- Lip plumper: If you're like me and would rather avoid lip fillers, the PMD plumping gadget is great for a temporarily fuller effect.
- Face rollers: Jillian Dempsey has the most luxe face massager, but you can also find versions from Mount Lai, Herbivore and Nurse Jamie.
Editor’s Picks: Skin Makeup
- Primers: Silicone-free primers used to be impossible to find, but not anymore. REN and ILIA both make primer-serum hybrids that help makeup last longer while hydrating your skin.
- Tinted moisturizers: For lightweight and silicone-free coverage, I like the tinted moisturizers from Omorovicza, bareMinerals and Juice Beauty.
- Foundations: My everyday makeup is the cult classic RMS Beauty concealer and foundation in one, just sheered out with my fingers or a brush. But now there's a new RMS Beauty foundation formula for those who prefer fuller coverage and a more traditional cream texture. Another option is the Guerlain silicone-free foundation (although it is fragranced). The Kosas foundation broke me out badly, but if you are not sensitive to oils, it may be worth a shot!
- Concealers: For a clean concealer, I always use RMS Beauty, but I'm going to invest in ILIA this time and see how that goes! (It's also silicone-free.) If I need to cover a pimple, Make Up For Ever has been my go-to product for years and years.
- Powders: I swear by translucent powders because they tame shine without leaving any texture on your skin. ILIA is my number one pick, but I also like RMS Beauty.
- Highlighters: No product is as magical as highlighter for making your skin look healthy and natural. Try RMS Beauty, ILIA or Kora Organics.
Editor’s Picks: Bath & Body
- Shower gels: For a sulfate-free cleanse, I recommend the shower gels from Dr Roebuck's, REN and Consonant.
- Body scrubs: There are so many great scrubs out right now with natural ingredients. Try the ones from Herbivore (both Coco Rose and Crushed Amethyst), REN and Kopari.
- Bath soak: Herbivore's coconut milk soak is addictive (and makes a great gift).
- Body moisturizers: I'm extra particular about the ingredients in body moisturizers, since they go on a larger surface area and you're absorbing more product. Dr Roebuck's, Kopari, REN and Lavanila tick off my boxes.
Editor’s Picks: Beauty Supplements
- Collagen: I take Vital Proteins every morning, and they honestly do make a difference with your skin, nails and hair. They also have a Marine Collagen version that is equally beneficial.
- Vitamin D: I always look for as few ingredients as possible in my supplements, so I'm impressed that HUM Nutrition has only four (D3, olive oil, gelatin, glycerin and water).
- Digestive enzymes: In an unexpected move, RMS Beauty sells an enzyme supplement that eases digestion and increases energy and nutrient absorption.
- Magnesium: The Moon Juice magnesium powder should help with relaxation and restful sleep (since most of us are deficient).
- Milk thistle: Dark circles are notoriously hard to treat, but the HUM Nutrition supplement is worth trying. It has milk thistle, dandelion root and artichoke leaf to support liver health, and the reviews are super positive.
Editor’s Picks: Gift Sets
- Skincare gift sets: A gift set is the best way to try out a luxury skincare line, without having to buy full sizes of all the products. That's why I think the sets from Dr. Barbara Sturm and Omorovicza are the most worthy investments this year. Also check out the kits from Drunk Elephant, Caudalie and The Inkey List.
- High tech tools gift sets: If you're thinking about investing in a microneedling or microcurrent tool, you'll get great value with the sets from BeautyBio and NuFace.
- Makeup gift sets: If you love clean makeup, the best sets are from RMS Beauty for luminizers, Kosas for eyeshadows and Bite Beauty for lipsticks.
- Body gift sets: Herbivore and Kopari have you covered with pampering sets for the body.
Are you shopping the Sephora holiday sale?
Which products are on your list?
Sephora’s Holiday VIB Sale Is Back: Here Are the Best Clean Beauty Products, Tools and Gift Sets to Buy Now syndicated from The Skincare Edit
November 1, 2019 at 03:49AM
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