Editors’ Picks: What We’re Buying at Sephora’s Spring Savings Event

After watching dozens of makeup reviews that swore this was the best concealer on the planet, I picked it up. I am a devoted member of the Luminous Silk fan club (which I might actually start one day—I mean, what else do I have to do), so I had a strong feeling I’d love this too. It’s a natural finish that completely sets down without any powder, and the coverage is fantastic. It won’t hide your deepest, darkest secrets, but it’s sure to make you look like you went to bed at 9pm and absolutely did not have a glass of wine before bed.

A thing to note: I find that the Power Fabric shades are cooler and a little lighter than the Luminous Silk shades. Check swatches and read the shade reviews, and you should be good to go! With concealer, I generally prefer to match the tone and go lighter if I’m unsure.

I’ve raved about multiple Hourglass products in my time at TEG, so you’ll know I freaked out a little when I saw that they were releasing a setting spray a few weeks ago. It boasts an ultra-fine mist (which from the videos I’ve watched on the product, it seems comparable to an aerosol spray without the environmental danger) that hydrates while setting your makeup for 24 hours with a “visibly radiant, blurred finish.” Excuse me, what? How dare Hourglass make my dream setting spray and launch it during the Sephora Spring Event. You know I added it to my cart ASAP.

Y’all, I waited an entire month from the time Rihanna dropped the pics on Instagram to when these launched at Sephora. I am not joking when I say I ordered mine at exactly 12:36am when they became available and paid extra to get it to me immediately (ya know, so I could know if I should pick up more shades in my inevitable second Beauty Event order). These are the perfect summer blush, with tones ranging from bright summery corals, pinks, and reds to neutral peachy, brown shades as well. Whether I’ll be hitting the beach this summer or Zoom-ing my BFFs from my parents backyard, I’m about to look bomb doing it with these blushes in tow.

I’ve never been a huge fan of facial oils since I already have pretty oily skin (why pay for something I already make in abundance?), but I’ve recently found a few I would absolutely bathe in, including this one. I use it in the mornings (just a few drops, it goes a looong way), and it adds the perfect amount of glowy health to my skin without making me feel over-oiled by the middle of the day. The full size jar lasts me forever and feels so luxe going on that I’ve become absolutely dependent. I’ve rebought twice, and it’s now a permanent staple in my routine.

I adore everything about the Replica line of scents (Sailing Day and Jazz Club are my current go-tos), and I’ve never tried one I haven’t loved. Lately, I’ve been looking for a floral scent that doesn’t veer into granny territory. Something fresh without too much papery rose or bubblegum sweet notes. I love that this one has pear and lilies with a little bit of musk. Feels fresh and springy without slapping you in the face with florals.

A few months ago, our beauty guru Beth recommended this foundation to me on account of the fact that it looked more like skin than anything she’d ever tried before. I picked it up one day spontaneously, and it’s been my holy grail ever since. It truly does just look like your skin—it doesn’t sit on top of it or look cakey or dry or artificial in any way. I have super dry, sensitive skin, and it hasn’t irritated it at all (win) and never enhances any dryness I have (double win). I can’t think of one bad thing to say about this foundation.

I go through Olaplex No. 3 like water. It is my hair care holy grail, and the only reason that my blonde hair that is constantly being bleached is healthy whatsoever. It’s hyped for a reason: it actually repairs damage to your hair, rather than just masking it. I leave this on my hair for a few hours twice a week, and my hair has never been healthier in my life—even though it’s also never been lighter. I usually order a couple of bottles at a time, but recently realized that Sephora has a double-sized bottle of this, and I couldn’t add-to-cart quick enough. If you’ve been debating picking up Olaplex, this is your sign.

I’m taking advantage of this time at home to indulge in all the beauty treatments that normally cause a period of downtime. I’ve been putting off starting retinol for the last year because the first few weeks can lead to your skin purging (hello pimples) and peeling. If you also feel like there’s never a “right time” to disrupt your routine, let me remind you that NOW IS THE TIME.

I just started Shani Darden’s Retinol Reform after hearing countless rave reviews of this celebrity esthetician’s treatments. And while I sadly can’t jump in her client chair like Shay Mitchell, I’m happy to have a little piece of her genius at home with me.

My beauty recommendations have basically turned into a love letter for Summer Fridays. Do I need a new cleanser? No. Do I need to try it immediately because I have an obsession for this brand? Yes, absolutely.

I’ve never been great at remembering to use eye cream. Skincare confession: mine actually ran out a few months ago, and I just never replaced it. OOPS.

But turning 30 and all those damn memes about “if you had Mudd jeans, you should be using an eye cream” have shamed me into getting back on track. This is a cult-favorite eye cream that I am excited to have in my arsenal.

I’ve never been a “haircare person.” I’ve always just done the bare minimum to make my hair look socially acceptable (like the usual washing and conditioning and throwing it in a ponytail most days). For generations, the women in my family have had thin, lackluster hair, so I always just figured inevitable bad hair days were genetic, and I had accepted that (don’t worry, there’s a happy ending to this sad story!). But I’ve been using the ACV Rinse in place of shampoo for a few months, and I swear my hair has traded places with Gisele Bundchen’s (OK, so it’s not that good, but my hair has never looked better). The genius formula uses natural ingredients like lavender extract to cleanse, aloe to soothe, and apple cider vinegar to seal the cuticle. I wasn’t doomed for genetic bad hair days; I was simply using the wrong shampoo. While the Sephora event is going on, I’m stocking up on this item (and buying one for every woman in my family).

I’m not exaggerating when I say that for years, the Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads have been my most pined after skincare item. I’ve heard about the insane results so often that I’m quite convinced these peel pads will change my life (well, maybe just my skin, but you get the point). They’re a splurge, which is why I’ve been waiting until a major discount like this to take the plunge (this product also appeared on my Christmas Wishlist for the past three years, but Santa was probably waiting for the Sephora Event too). Once I try them, I know I’m going to be hooked, so I’m planning on buying a few during the event (the more you spend, the more you save, right!?).

A few months ago, I started a new medication that tends to majorly dry out skin, so I set out to create a gentle yet highly moisturizing routine to combat the dryness. After over three months of consistently using this 1-2 times every single day, I can honestly say that it’s my favorite toner I’ve ever used—it’s light and breathable, but still HIGHLY moisturizing. It cools my redness and irritation and gives a nice light glow, under makeup or alone. I absolutely love this toner, and you will too if you suffer from any sort of dryness.

Like I said, I’m currently taking a highly-dehydrating medication—so my current routine is chock-full of moisturizing products. I picked up this mask, assuming I’d use it once every week or so, but once I tried it once, I knew I’d be using it as much as humanly possible. You layer it on right before bed as a treatment, then sleep with it on overnight. I kid you not, I wake up with the most plump, dewy skin I’ve ever had—it not only restores my skin to a normal level of hydration, but actually improves its texture all day long. I love it SO much.