The Sephora Holiday Savings Event is here, and if you’re like me, it’s the perfect excuse to do a little beauty refresh. This is the time I allow myself to experiment with a new formula or two—but for the most part, my cart is usually filled with products I already know, love, and rely on. Think of it as my seasonal restock, with a few fun extras sprinkled in.
Sale Details: Use code YAYHOLIDAY to save 10–20% depending on your Beauty Insider status.
Below, I’ve rounded up the skincare, makeup, and little luxuries that make my personal “don’t skip” list.
Skincare Staples
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
If budget wasn’t an issue, I’d exclusively live off Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. But since that dream would burn through my wallet fast, I reach for Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream almost as much. It’s indulgently hydrating, melts seamlessly into the skin, and leaves behind that healthy, lit-from-within glow. A total winter skin savior.
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Moisturizer
Retinol can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it or have sensitive skin. This moisturizer is one of the rare formulas that manages to be effective while still gentle. I recommend using it at night and pairing it with a strong SPF in the morning. It’s a beautiful “entry-level” retinol that doesn’t sacrifice results.
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
This mask is my go-to whenever my skin feels dull or lackluster. It brightens, tightens, and gives that post-facial radiance without needing an actual appointment. The price point is steep, which is exactly why I wait for this sale to restock—it feels like a little at-home luxury spa treatment.
Everyday Makeup Favorites
Saie Slip Tint (Shade 3)
This is hands down my everyday hero. On mornings when I can’t be bothered with makeup but still want to look pulled together, I smooth this on. It’s an SPF, moisturizer, and sheer tint all in one—lightweight, creamy, and never greasy. Think of it as “your skin, but better.”
Saie Sun Melt Bronzer
If you’re into a natural bronze without the muddy or powdery finish, this one is magic. It blends like a dream and leaves behind the perfect sun-kissed, slightly dewy look. I wear the lightest shade, and honestly, the brush Saie makes for it is worth the extra purchase—it takes the application to the next level.
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
If I could only own one mascara, this would be it. The tubing formula gives me long, fluttery lashes that last all day without smudging (no dreaded raccoon eyes). It’s the rare product that delivers both drama and reliability.
GrandeLASH Lash Enhancing Serum
Consistency is key here, but when you commit, the results are undeniable. My lashes grew noticeably longer and fuller when I used this regularly. I ran out a while back, so the sale is the perfect time to grab another tube.
SPF Favorites
Supergoop! Glowscreen
Some days I skip foundation altogether and rely on this SPF-meets-primer hybrid. It gives a luminous finish that perks up even the sleepiest complexion. Personally, I like to tone down the glow by mixing it with a more basic SPF (like Innisfree or Supergoop!’s own Play). It creates a balanced, radiant-but-not-shiny effect.
Side note: I used to reach for the Matte Screen, but it feels a little too flat in the colder months, so I’m switching things up this season.
Fragrance & Little Luxuries
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt
This fragrance has become one of my signatures, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received wearing it. I already own the full-size perfume oil, which lasts forever, but I’m adding the rollerball to my bag for on-the-go touch-ups.
And because I can’t resist, I’ll also be stocking up on the No.04 candle. Its warm, woody scent instantly makes a room feel like pure luxury. I always grab a few extras to gift during the holidays.
Restock Essentials I Never Skip
There are a few products I buy during every Sephora sale, without fail:
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer – The coverage is natural, buildable, and always reliable.
- Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil (#3) – A perfect brow shaper that never looks overdone.
- KVD Tattoo Liner – My holy grail liquid eyeliner for precise, smudge-proof definition.
- Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – Hydration insurance for chapped lips.
- Tan-Luxe Tanning Drops (Light/Medium) – Customizable color that mixes seamlessly with moisturizer.
- Necessaire Hand Cream – A little everyday luxury that makes a big difference in winter.
Final Thoughts
The Sephora sale is one of the few times a year I let myself indulge guilt-free, knowing I’m saving on products I would’ve purchased anyway. My advice? Use it to replenish your staples, then add one or two new-to-you items you’ve been eyeing. That way, your routine stays grounded in the products you trust while still feeling fresh and exciting.
So here’s to stocking up, treating ourselves, and maybe even checking a few gifts off the holiday list while we’re at it. Happy shopping!
