27 Things From Sephora You Shouldn't Wait Until Your Birthday To Treat Yourself To

Buzz Feed

13-02-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
"Happy birthday to me" I say three months after my birthday has passed.
1. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray locks in your look to ensure that humidity, sweat, and tears become irrelevant to the status of your foundation. This prevents makeup from turning into a runny mess and somehow landing on the collar of your shirt.
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BuzzFeed editor Jenae Sitzes says:"I first put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking several trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night — all thanks to this Urban Decay setting spray that I knew after one use, I'd be repurchasing. I'm new to setting sprays, so it felt weird at first to spray something *on top* of my carefully crafted makeup look, but it dried in no time without messing anything up. It also didn't feel heavy or sticky on my face — it didn't feel like anything at all, actually — and my makeup looked better than it ever has after hours of wear. (For reference, I have dry, sensitive skin, and it caused me no issues.)
Soon after that event, I put it to an even bigger task: surviving sweat, tears, and 12 hours of wear for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. My makeup look was done by 2 p.m., and thanks to my now highly trusted Urban Decay spray, it stayed completely intact (minus the lipstick I purposefully wiped off while scarfing down post-concert pizza) until the time I got home just after 2 a.m. Here's what it endured during that timespan: multi-leg public transportation to and from the venue, waiting in lines under the blaring sun to get in, several meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying several times during the show. My liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow, non -waterproof mascara, foundation, blush, and even glitter (for the most part) were unfazed, and I owe it all to this setting spray."
Promising review:"When I started using this almost a year ago, I never knew how good setting sprays could be. This legit keeps my full face on for over 10 hours, and I love using it!" — ekramo
2. Patrick Ta Crème & Powder Blush Duo means you won't have to choose between purchasing two blush formulas: simply wear both. This is a derivative of makeup artist (and brand founder) Patrick's cream-over-powder blush technique that leaves a pigmented, luminous, long-lasting finish that won't fade by lunchtime.
Sephora
Promising review:"When I tell you Patrick Ta blushes are the only blushes you will EVER need to buy. They are super pigmented and will last forever." — Carolina625
3. Replica From the Garden Perfume captures the earthy, woody atmosphere of springtime in a bottle, transporting you to the idyllic countryside cottages (complete with ducks, ponds, the works) that you salivate over on Instagram. All it takes is a spritz of this tomato leaf, green mandarin, and patchouli trifecta.
Sephora
Promising review:"I LOVE this fragrance. It's enthralling and complex; it has an almost musky scent of dirt and tomato leaves in the best way, with a spicy yet floral undertone. It ages like a fine wine on my skin and layers so well with my perfume oils. It's as if the sound of cicadas on a warm summer evening were turned into a smell, and I couldn't love it more." — ventoaureo444
4. Dyson's Airwrap Multi-Styler uses air (yes, you read that right) to dry and style tresses with minimal heat damage and frizz. It comes with six attachments to nail the salon-worthy look of your dreams: a pre- and post-styling dryer, two smoothing brushes, *and* two sizes of curling barrels.
Dyson
Promising reviews:" WORTH EVERY PENNY. I LOVE MY DYSON. This hairstyling tool is beyond perfect! I can straighten, curl, and tame flyaways with just this product alone! Gives me the perfect blowout every time I use it." — alysonnicolee
5. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is a forever TikTok darling for its ability to smooth, blur, and prime, with a barely there feel that rivals your most lightweight moisturizer. It provides a complexion boost when worn on its own but can also be layered under full-coverage foundation (and no, it won't pill).
Sephora
Promising review:"This is my favorite makeup product. It is lightweight and gives a bright glow. Never cakey. It easily blends in and gives me the exact coverage I'm looking for." — AshleyLauren18
6. Olaplex No. 3 Perfector Pre-Shampoo Hair Repair Treatment works like a time machine to repair strands back to their glory days in as little as 10 minutes by working beneath the cuticle to smooth and strengthen the feel and appearance of your hair. The split-up with split ends and flyaways? Officially done.
Sephora, Sephora
Promising review:"My hair was damaged from use of heat tools and became unmanageable, but after watching a 'Sephora Must-Haves' Video on TikTok, something told me to try it! So I did! Oh man, how I've seen a major difference after using this product! This is just my second time using it (same bottle). Yes, it's only 100 ml, but it's so worth the money. I use it as an overnight mask and wash it in the morning! I have never been so happy with results." — michelleelee
Price: $30
7. Dior Lip Glow Oil can be filed in your makeup bag as a balm-gloss hybrid, with cherry oil to nurture and add a lustrous, pigmented shine available in clear, corals, poppy, and more. The minty-vanilla scent is refreshing and the oversized applicator is a dose of luxury with each application.
Promising reviews: "What really drew me in was the huge doe foot applicator, which feels like a soft cushion on my lips. I do agree that it's overpriced, but for me, this is a luxury product that I'm happy to pay for." — Sephora Customer
"This is by far my favorite lip oil I own! The brush feels so nice on the lips. It doesn't feel sticky at all! And the colors look gorgeous on the lips!" — Sephora Customer
8. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil blends nourishing honey, coconut oil, and almond oil for a multitude of reasons: taming frizz and flyaways, adding shine to pre- and post-styled hair, *and* infusing strands with quick-absorbing hydration — the kind that won't weight down your tresses or make them look oily.
www.instagram.com, Sephora
Promising reviews:"Perfect for curls! I was a bit skeptical about this hair oil because I have never found an oil that works for my fine 3a curls, but this is the best hair oil on the market! It hydrates the hair and leaves it shiny but not weighed down or greasy. Plus, the smell is to die for. I wish I had tried this oil sooner!" — Louiebylizzie
" Thumbs up for fine, thin hair. I really like this oil. I don't use much, one drop is plenty for me... This is the first and only oil I've used that gives my hair beautiful SHINE without weighing it down, just soft bouncy shiny healthy hair...I've tried tons of hair oils over the years, and this one is my favorite." — Lernzy
"Not so oily, which helps a lot, especially with my 4c hair. Smells really good…and improves shine for long hours." — oasare
9. Crown Affair Refillable Dry Shampoo convinces the world that your hair is, in fact, freshly washed (even when a questionable amount of days have passed since your last proper shampoo). Simply apply this talc-free powder directly to your roots via the included kabuki brush.
Sephora
Promising review:"Travel-friendly dry shampoo with a nice scent. Bought this on vacation after forgetting to pack dry shampoo. Normally, I cannot stand the overpowering smell of most dry shampoos, but this one is clean and more subtle. I like the brush, as it allows me to target my roots without wasting product. Works great on my thick hair without weighing it down or making it feel powdery." — gaga23
10. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner calms irritated complexions with soothing watermelon extract and cactus water, using glycerin to lock in moisture. The cherry on top of this skincare sundae is 3% PHA and 2% BHA, a combination that tightens pores and promotes cell turnover.
Sephora
Promising review:"As someone with super acne-prone skin, this is perfect for sensitive skin. It's one of the only toners I've found that hasn't irritated my skin or broken me out. It makes my skin so hydrated." — LuLuCRose
11. Dior Forever Skin Perfect Multi-Use Foundation Stick is reviewer-beloved for its second skin–like finish, touting a buildable coverage that remains intact through heat and humidity (and sweat). It's hydrating, too, i.e. won't crease after the hours of wear.
Sephora
Promising review:"This product is amazing. It's creamy, lightweight, and blends beautifully without settling into fine lines. I paired it with a silicone-based primer (Bare Minerals) and a touch of Bobbi Brown vitamin-enriched base for a smooth, flawless finish." — byebyejenny
12. Glossier You smells slightly different on every wearer — and that's why reviewers adore it. This woody scent is infused with pink pepper, amber, and iris, a sultry trio that's distinct but never overwhelming.
Sephora
Promising review:"I have been in a committed relationship with Glossier You since the day it came out. No other scent has felt more like me ever before! It's clean, cozy, slightly sweet, and almost slightly tart. It's not a huge projector but I've worn this to work in the medical fields for seven or so years and never had anyone complain about it. If you like your skin but better scents, you will love this!!" — Jogirl
14. Tatcha Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, red algae, and a pH-neutral amino acid base to ensure your complexion is clean but not overly dry. Rice powder for gentle, baby-smooth exfoliation is the cherry on top of a blissfully good formula.
Sephora
Promising review:"Every time my friends or family come over, they use this. And every time, they are like?? OK, wow, that's amazing. It's just the best. I didn't know a cleanser that's on your face for like max 60 seconds could make such a difference, but it does." — KaityLauz
15. Saie Glowy Multipurpose Illuminator is a perfect alternative for drank-a-ton-of-water, slept-eight-hours, didn't-doomscroll-last-night dew. It adds glow without sparkle and can be worn on its own for a ~smoother~ complexion or layered under full-coverage foundation.
Sephora
Promising review:"This is one of my favorite products I've ever purchased. Been buying it since early 2023. Works great with my fair skin. I use it under my foundation, as highlighter over my foundation, and just by itself to make my skin look dewy. I don't like when I can see glitter on my skin from highlighter, but luckily, it's not the case with this product." — lauraliisall
16. Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick adds warmth and definition with just a few tactical swipes at the hollow of your cheekbones and crease of your eyelids. And the packaging? Simply begging to be displayed on your bathroom vanity.
Sephora
Promising review:"This is my contour/bronzer on light-medium neutral undertone skin and a staple in my makeup bag. Blends beautifully. I wear this with or without other makeup. Will repurchase when it runs out." — tadpole0225
17. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Collection looks like a piece of artwork, and while you may be tempted not to use it as a result — we've been there — rest assured, you should. This melts into your skin for an illuminating finish that stays put for hours on end.
Sephora
Promising review:"I was unsure of this product because of the hype, but it ended up being my fav blush I've ever tried. It's very natural and able to be built up, which I love!!" — mullinsem
18. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment contains tiger grass (Centella asiatica), the superstar behind this green-to-beige product capable of remedying redness, soothing sensitive skin, and covering up pimples — no heavy, crease-y concealer necessary.
Sephora
Promising reviews: " TikTok don't lie! Wow, the reviews are no joke. My skin in relatively clear, but with rosey undertones that I like to cancel out. With this cream, I was able to go without concealer and just add blush?! Will continue to rebuy!" — creneed
"This is my holy grail product!! I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on skincare/makeup that I end up throwing out or simply don't use. But this product I have been using this for about two weeks now as I was influenced by someone on Instagram who swore by this. On a whim, I decided to pick it up. It is the product I have been searching for my whole life. It does what it says and makes my skin flawless. Hides all my imperfections and has even improved my skin a ton. As a 36-year-old still having acne, I find that this is something that bothers me, but this has actually made my skin clear up. I also have oily skin and this doesn't make me any more oily. Truly is amazing! I will use this for the rest of my life." — MamaBear2425
19. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Mask takes split ends and says "boo." This leave-in formula is beloved by reviewers with brittle and color-treated hair, who note that while it's super moisturizing and helps visibly replace damage, it doesn't feel greasy and gets absorbed by every strand.
Promising review:"I've used this product twice now, and I already see improvement with my hair. My hair is usually frizzy even when I blow-dry it and use a smoothing serum, but after using this product twice, my hair is always smooth and silky afterward. I wanted to see if it was this product that made a difference so I just used this and let my hair air dry afterwards, and it still felt smooth and silky. Definitely recommend!" — AraM123
20. Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette contains two blending brushes and four coordinated shadows that pair with one another seamlessly for casual daytime looks or smokier dramatics for nighttime. Whether your preference is mattes or metallics, rest assured: You can't go wrong with any of the pigmented, easy-to-blend quartets.
Sephora
Promising review:"Unreal. The quality of a Tom Ford Quad is out of this world. Applies like a dream, and you can remove it without tugging at your eyelids. The texture is so soft, and the colors are beautiful and bright." — kaviblueblue
21. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara lengthens and defines each individual lash, with a smooth one-stroke-required formula that doesn't clump or smudge as the day wears on. Reviewers note that it's great for bottom lashes, too.
Sephora
Promising review:"Best mascara EVER. I love the wand and how easy it applies to lashes, especially if you struggle to put on bottoms! I usually get irritated wearing mascara as it tends to smudge, but this formula does NOT smudge and is very easy to remove! Worth the money. It's my go-to mascara for now on, and it makes my average lashes look so beautiful and full :)" — Vance27
22. One Size 24-Hour Liquid Eyeliner bids adieu to runny formulas of eyeliners past with a waterproof finish that *stays* waterproof all. day. long. No smudging. Seriously.
Sephora
This is vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review:"I used KVD for years and have tried many others. This is my new favorite eyeliner. It goes on super smooth and mine stays all day." — JSGeyeliner71
23. Tom Ford Lost Cherry Fragrance is sophisticated and sweet — but not overly so. It's a subtle gourmand fragrance that harnesses black cherry, tonka bean, and almond, vying for the title of your signature scent thanks to its unique notes.
Sephora
Promising review:"The scent is quite amazing, I must say. It's unbelievable, and I have never smelled anything like it. It stays on all day, and you will not believe how many compliments I get when wearing this perfume. It is quite expensive, but you really can't get anything similar to this." — queengirl198
24. Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser packs superfood greens into one cold-pressed product. Harnessing the power of kale, spinach, and green tea, this oil-based gel fights acne and stubborn foundation in one rinse.
Promising review:"This cleanser is absolutely a life-saving product. Seriously, I can't use any other cleanser since I have very sensitive skin. This makes my skin feel extremely soft and prevents acne and redness. Normally, any other cleansers make my skin burn when I wash my face, but this one doesn't! Plus, you only need a tiny amount." — Patilo
25. Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum scoffs in the face of oily T-zones via mastic, a deliciously mattifying ingredient that keeps complexions shine-free — and layers beautifully under makeup, too.
26. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator targets several skincare concerns — fine lines, acne, enlarged pores, dullness — while remaining gentle enough to use nightly. Papain, salicylic acid, and rice actives are released when combined with water; green tea and colloidal oatmeal calm down redness in a jiffy.
Sephora
Promising review:"My crops are flourishing, my grades are high, and, most importantly, my skin has NEVER been so clear! I have tried everything Sephora has to fix my acne and nothing worked until now! I've been using this for about a month, and the difference is incredible! My skin is zit-free, my pores have shrunk, my skin is brighter, and my face hasn't been this soft since I was a CHILD. The price was a bit of a turnoff for me at first, but now I know it's a really good deal for what you're getting!" — Jurban
Price: $19+ (available in three sizes)
27. Make Up For Ever Artist Longwear Lip Liner boasts a smooth and blendable formula that glides on with crayon-like ease. And while all of the available hues are lovely, the particular hype around "Wherever Walnut" as the perfect pinky brown is well-deserved.
Sephora
Promising review:"My favourite! The formula is smooth, creamy, and easy to blend out with my fingers. It's super versatile and can be used on the eyes, lips, and even for faux freckles." — ReneeRia
Price: $24 (available in 10 colors)
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.