20-05-2025
27 Products From Sephora That Are Totally Worth It
A bottle of Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser rich in antioxidants that'll remove makeup in a jiff and make your skin ✨glow. ✨
Promising reviews: "I was scared to try this product at first because I have dry, sensitive skin. But I still decided to give it a go. This has been the best face wash I have used and has cleared my face so well! I will buy again and highly recommend!" —Ally"I started using this face wash a couple of months ago, and it's been amazing for my skin! It has cleared up my pores and dark spots so much. It's the only face wash that makes my skin feel clean as someone who is acne-prone." —evamarunowskiPrice: $19+ (available in two sizes)
Some of the internet-famous Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush for the kind of buildable color that is going to make you pink in the cheeks with
Promising review: "I love this blush. I usually go for powder blush, and I was scared to try liquid blush, but I'm amazed with the results. Easy to blend and has a good amount of pigment. Would highly recommend." —gursimran13Price: $15+ (available in 2 sizes, 2 finishes, and in 15 shades)
A Korres Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask if your skin could use a total reset, but you don't have more than 10 minutes. Never fear! This Korres face mask will get your skin back to a perfect balance (and therefore help fight future breakouts) with its signature blend of Greek yogurt, rice extract, and aloe.
Promising review: "This is the first and only face mask I've used an entire jar of, and then I bought more! I love this mask so much. I have combination/oily skin, and it didn't cause any breakouts or increased oil production. I have a lot of redness in my nose and cheeks, and this instantly makes the redness better. My skin feels incredible after this, so silky soft and moisturized. Even though this is expensive, I think it's worth it. I've never had a mask show immediate results before." —TinaOOOPrice: $56
A tube of Clinque's Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" so you can have that sheer, barely there, glossy look to your lips that is perfect for warmer weather. Plus, it's famously what Liv Tyler wore on the Lord of the Rings set when she played Arwen, so let those elvish vibes roll.
Promising review: "This is my go-to lipstick whenever I want a pretty sheer dark cherry lip. I can describe it as biting into a cherry and having residue on your lips. I love it; it's my third time buying it." —jacquelineb25Price: $25 (also available in "Pink Honey")
The Ordinary GF 15% Serum for skin support in the form of growth factors, i.e., powerful proteins that trigger the body's natural repair mechanisms, helping reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, supporting collagen production, and caring for damaged skin. Lots of reviewers say their skin feels deliciously tight after use!
Promising reviews: "Wow. This product has made a very noticeable difference in my skin. I see fewer wrinkles, and it feels tighter and firmer. I love that it's lightweight and doesn't conflict with any other products I'm using. It will be a daily staple in my routine." —Apples12"The first night I used GF 15%, the next morning I woke up without itching skin. My face was unusually not flaky around my nose, and my forehead wrinkles were less prominent (dryness exaggerates them). Now it's been just a few days, and *I'm skipping steps* in my routine because my skin is looking more moisturized with half the work. I don't know that I've ever been so blown away by a skincare product. It makes so many of my products feel pointless." —ElizabestDPrice: $15.50
Some Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray that has antibacterial properties to help shield your skin from harmful bacteria, cut back on redness, and soothe irritation. Throw it in your gym bag to use before your workout and thank yourself later!
Topicals Unscented Brightening Serum — sometimes you just need to tell hyperpigmentation to walk out the door because it's not welcome here anymore, and you can do that with this kojic acid serum, specifically designed to target discoloration and dark spots.
Promising review: "This serum has noticeably faded my hyperpigmentation and evened out my skin tone, giving me a brighter and more radiant complexion. I appreciate that it's unscented, making it perfect for my sensitive skin. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it easy to incorporate into my daily skincare routine. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with this product and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone!" —beautykait Price: $28
The Inkey List Under-Eye Cream for giving your under eyes a little caffeine boost without even having to touch your cup of coffee. Plus, it goes on ~smooth~, so if you want to layer some of that Kosas concealer all of TikTok is raving about on top of your eye cream, YOU TOTALLY CAN.
Promising review: "Great eye cream, great price! This eye cream is fantastic, really does help with dark circles. You definitely see a difference within 1–2 weeks of use." —Nena08HrdzPrice: $11
And a Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum you need to be thrown into your makeup routine and your "carry-on essentials" packing list, too. This is a super-hydrating overnight serum that uses a retinoid to smooth out wrinkles like you smooth out hotel sheets. Ahh. Satisfying.
Promising review: "Best eye cream!!! I just have to share how amazing this eye cream is! It's honestly the best I've ever used. If you're looking for something to keep your under-eye area hydrated and help with wrinkles, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed!" —OzidagPrice: $46
Everyone's favorite Ilia The Base Face Milk that is making the rounds on the internet for a reason: It is the most perfect base for makeup and gives your skin that dewy glow without, like, weighing it down. If you want to feel like you've been blessed by a milk fairy, this is 100% worth the splurge.
See why it's worth the hype in this TikTok!Promising review: "Improved my skin texture and dryness so much! What people don't realize is this is NOT a heavy moisturizer or face cream. It's a base. You put this on right before you use a heavier moisturizer or face cream. As someone with severe dry and flaky skin, this has stopped all of that texture and leaves my skin more glowy." —chrissyqnsPrice: $28
The Dr. Jart+ icapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment with SPF 30, which I am obsessed with as a person who constantly has little red splotches on my face despite excellent skincare, but I don't always want to wear heavy concealer and tinted whatcha-madoodles to cover it up. The centella in this is a miracle worker and will give you an even, natural skin tone in SECONDS.
A Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream because flyaways simply need to ~fly away~ and leave our fabulous hair twists alone, thanks. This comes with a built-in mascara-like wand to help style and slick your hair into absolute perfection.
Promising review: "I got this because I have so many little hairs, and it definitely helped tame them! Smell is amazing and leaves no residue after use! I loved it so much after my first try using it that I immediately bought another one for my mom, and she loves it!" —SageM23Price: $18
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — the holy grail of chemical exfoliants because it is easy to use and actually works to clear blemishes, reduce pore size, and clean out all that deep-seated gunk we don't want in our skin. This is basically taking a Hoover to your pores, and you can thank me later for adding it to your cart yesterday.
A Dieux Instant Angel moisturizer with over a thousand 5-star reviews and the kind of "JUST DO IT" attitude from its devotees that will have you wondering how you missed the boat. ("The boat" being peptide and lipids getting together to moisturize your face and mend your skin barrier, of course.)
This product is free of parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates (and other ingredients), and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. It is also gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging. Promising reviews: "I have really dry skin and am always trying new moisturizers, but keep coming back to this one. My skin absorbs it, leaving a perfect canvas for sunscreen and makeup, without an oil slick or sticky feeling that I get from other dry skin moisturizers." —lucysunshine7"I have oily, combination, acne-prone skin. I am using tretinoin, so I do get some dry patches from this treatment. I also live in Minnesota, where we have very dry and cold winters. This has SAVED my skin! My skin barrier is so much better. It no longer feels sensitive to the weather, and my dry patches are gone. It wears beautifully under makeup, and it does not make me any more oily during the day. I love the silkiness and the way it makes my skin feel. I understand the hype. I will always have this on my vanity!" —amklickPrice: $45 (also available in a value size)
Some Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops with Peptides if your sunscreen game is so good that you need a bit of help in the touch-of-sun, glowing department. Use on its own or mix in with your fave moisturizer for that post-beach-vacay sunny look.
Promising review: "Babes, honestly buy it. Love the bronze look, and it blends perfectly with a moisturizer. Also, if you're debating over the price, it's worth it. Mine has lasted over a year I still have product left. Like, it's shocking me!" —LadyLondon4Price: $39
The beloved Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer: One full jar of moisturizer and one full bottle of toner in one glorious package? Yes, please. Whether you're looking to elevate your routine or simplify it, Laneige has designed the ideal addition to your cart.
The perfect little treat, just because you've earned it. Promising review: "This is my desert island skincare product. I've refilled it close to 10 times now and genuinely never want to be without it. It's equally hydrating in Texas summer and the dead of winter and is perfect for my sensitive skin. I've been able to narrow down my routine into this, a serum, and a moisturizer, and my skin has never been happier!" —emborst Price: $16+ (available in four sizes and with a separate mist pump)
A little tub of Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask you're going to wanna keep on your bedside table so you can wake up every morning with Sleeping-Beauty-kissable lips. (Basically, this mask is Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather all in one and the leaning birthday cake.)
A tube of Tatcha Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser for the gentlest wash of your life. With a texture that screams luxury, you'll actually look forward to washing off all your makeup at the end of the day because your face will feel so soft when you're done!
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." —KaityLauzPrice: $18+ (available in two sizes)
The Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum to plump your skin and give your face that oh-I-got-eight-hours-of-sleep glow... even if you stayed up too late scrolling through beauty trends on TikTok.
Promising review: "I decided to try this based on the reviews, and I am so impressed. What a great find! I am so pleased with the results and the difference in how my skin looks. This serum leaves skin soft, smooth, and supple. It goes on easily and has no scent. I can use this with other products or alone. It truly does what it says. Love it!" —frangerinePrice: $18+ (available in two sizes)
The cult-fave Supergoop! SPF 40 Glowscreen because the #1 rule of skincare is that you MUST. USE. SUNSCREEN. Otherwise, all those serum and hydration are out the window because the sun will eat it all up. Use this no-cast formula to protect your skin and your looks.
Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Super Setter spray that will help keep all your hard-earned makeup application in place throughout the day, no matter where it takes you.
The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm because it is everywhere right now: celebrity GRWMs, "what's in my bag" interviews, and very likely your bestie's pocket, too. Super hydrating without being tacky, and with just a *smidge* of color that will have you looking like you just stepped off the set of a period drama, you're going to have a hard time picking just one.
I bought three shades "to rotate between" and now they ALL live in my purse always. review: "This is my holy grail for extremely dry lips. I love the feeling, and it stays on for a long time." —relax4lfePrice: $24 (available in nine shades)
A Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Soothing Face Mask if you are tired of feeling like sheet masks are just expensive pieces of wet paper. This beauty from Dr. Jart is actually a serum that you apply and lock in with the mask, ensuring you seal all that goodness in so it can work its plumping magic. Plus, it's formulated with allantoin and hydrators to really moisturize and pamper your skin.
Promising reviews: "Best mask I have used in a long time. I used it on my wedding day, and my skin looked flawless. It also stays in place and is more comfortable than any other mask I have ever used. Best results I've seen in a sheet/face mask next to SK-II mask." —MegBecker"I'm absolutely obsessed with these masks! I think they are the only masks I've used that have a very noticeable impact on my skin. I use the collagen mask once a week at night and wake up with visibly plump, silky skin. Can't recommend enough, and yes, it's absolutely worth the price!" —DGrigorievnaPrice: $16 (available in other masks, including a brightening and a firming formula)
A tub of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream so you can have rich moisture without the breakouts. Especially effective against redness and for folks with sensitive skin, Kiehl's has been around forever (1851, to be exact) and upping its game for YEARS.
Side note that my partner went on a ~skincare journey~ because his skin can be SUPER reactive to products, and now his whole regimen is Kiehl's, including this facial cream! I also SWEAR by (and frequently steal) the hand salve because it is like a mask for your hands, but minus that slimy, greasy feeling. Promising review: "Instantly made my skin feel hydrated and soft! I usually get super dry skin on my cheeks, and I also have sensitivity to fragrances in facial creams, but this moisturizer is honestly perfect. Just one use and I personally saw a difference!" —raspbearPrice: $26+ (available in three sizes and also in a refill)
Some K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask Treatment to revitalize your tired tresses and give them the nutrients and fluff they need, too. Simply shampoo like normal and skip the conditioning, because this tiny tube packs a BIG punch and can help you all on its own post-dry-off.
BuzzFeed editor Melanie Aman swears by this stuff:"I bleach my dark brown-black Asian hair blonde every six to eight weeks, so I was immediately intrigued when I first heard some stylists at my salon raving about K18. And it turns out the rest of the world loves it, too, because it was sold out at Sephora the first time I tried to buy it. I eventually snagged a bottle and was gobsmacked at how much softer my hair was. Seriously. I spent the whole day touching my hair, and even my boyfriend agreed that my mane was noticeably was my go-to before I tried K18, and I still stand by it as a product, but I really love that K18 is a leave-in treatment rather than an in-shower mask. Having to let the Olaplex sit for 10 minutes felt like forever, especially when I wasn't taking an everything shower (you know, the ones where you exfoliate and shave). With K18, you let it sit in your hair for four minutes post-shower to activate, and then you can style your hair (or just let it air dry like I do). I've found that my hair is softest the next day, so don't be discouraged if your hair looks or feels the same the day you use it. One last thing: It is pretty pricey, but a little goes a long way. The full-size 50-mL tube lasts me ~four months, and eventually, K18 can become a maintenance product, so you won't need to use it every time you wash your hair."Promising reviews: "This has fixed my hair! My new hairstylist used this on me once before and told me to get some to help fix prior damage from a previous hairstylist, and this has been a life-changer! I started off using it once a week, and now I use it every few weeks." —Mjbaby23"Wow. I have never used a product where I have seen a difference in just one use. It is pretty pricy, but it is so worth it. It left my curls healthy and hydrated. I have 3a curls, divided into three sections, and I used one pump on each section. I love that this brand has light/no fragrance. Curly hair product scents can be very overwhelming and make me nauseous. I would buy this product all over again!" —AnonymousPrice: $29+ (available in two sizes)
An Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening clean mascara that removes easily with warm water so you can rock Rapunzel-like lashes by day and not fear raccoon eyes by night. Plus, it's safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers, so no worries that you're fresh lifted look is going to cause annoying irritation.
Promising review: "Perfect for sensitive eyes or dry eyes…it does lengthen lash & plump! Love they this is a CLEAN option!" —SunnyHINVPrice: $16+ (available in two sizes and two colors)
And finally, the ultra-fine Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder to help keep your makeup in place without annoying caking. Made with rose wax and almond oil, it also helps hydrate the skin. One of these LIVES in my purse to combat unwanted shine, especially in the warmer months.
Promising review: "Blurs the skin beautifully and makes my skin look so smooth. Great for setting my eyes as well. Prevents creasing and stays in place all day. This is my go-to pressed powder!" —SunnyD418Price: $28+ (available in three sizes and four shades)
