Sephora Summer Product Picks 2019
I'm a Beauty Reporter, and Here's How I'd Spend $100 at Sephora This Summer
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I've been reporting on beauty products and treatments for over seven years at POPSUGAR. This might make me the granny of the bunch — if not by seniority, then by the fact that getting in bed at 8 p.m. on a Friday sounds like a dream scenario — but it also means I've learned what to save on and what to splurge on.
One of the perks of my job is getting to test my fair share of products without having to dig deep into my bank account. While this is definitely something I love, it's work. I log all the products I receive to help identify trends, make schedules based on what skincare products I'm using (in order to see clear results), and have virtually no drawer in my home that isn't filled with some type of cosmetic. (My boyfriend is patient and kind, and has his own bathroom, if you're wondering.)
This begs the question: what good am I if I don't share the knowledge I've accumulated over the years, especially when it comes to shopping? I visited the grand opening of the new Sephora in Palm Springs recently — the retailer is rolling out 35 new stores this year — to shop at my leisure before it opened to the public. There was nary a foundation touched or lipstick swatched. It was beautiful.
When it comes to spending, mama always ends up being attracted to the most expensive thing in the room. Some may say it's a gift. (My bank account says otherwise.) And as someone who does get sent products to test out, I'm actually pretty frugal, only buying things I truly need and know will work. Keep reading to see my top picks from Sephora for the Summer. To keep things under the budget, pick one of the products from each grouping, and you'll end up staying within $100, give or take a few bucks.
$25-$30 Range: Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother or Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon
Unlike the original Olaplex #3, you can leave this in your hair after the shower. I'm a big believer in Olaplex, as nearly every colorist I've been to in Los Angeles uses this product to lessen the blow when lightening my stubborn hair. I always have to sit with my highlights longer than most. I would say I don't have perfect hair, but my ACTUAL, nonweaved hair has been healthier since using Olaplex both in the salon and at home. The Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother ($28) helps to keep your hair cuticle looking fresh, and it's also a great protective mask for when you're in the sun.
My new mainstays in the eyeliner department are Marc Jacobs Highliner ($25) and Milk Makeup Longwear Gel Liner ($22). They glide on the eye beautifully and set nicely, too. I just ran out of (Iron)y and (Earth)quake, which are brown shades that I find create a gorgeous bronze smoky eye.
$30-$50 Range: Viseart Petit 2 Pro Palette, Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops, or Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Do you guys know the difference between pro palettes and everything else? Pro palettes are designed for professional use, meaning they will perform on camera or on a red carpet and are meant to look the same across all mediums. They're meant to blend well with minimal fallout and typically are long wear. If you use a truly professional palette vs. others, you will notice a difference. Viseart is one of those brands that was aimed toward professionals. I'm glad Sephora brought the brand into its stores, because it does make truly incredible products. The Viseart Petit Pro Palette ($30) might be more than what you want to spend on a "petite" product, but I know I will travel with it religiously. It's one of the higher priced items in the mix, but it's cheaper than a lot of the palettes that are currently offered at Sephora, which is why I think it provides great bang for your buck.
As for the Cicapair Tiger Grass line from Dr. Jart, I have heard nothing but amazing things about it. If you have reactive skin or naturally red or ruddy skin, I recommend it. I tried the Tiger Grass Camo Drops ($46) on my face, and within seconds, my skin looked so even-toned that I was a believer. This would also be a great product if you plan on being in the sun and accidentally get a little too much exposure.
And lastly, we have Fresh. The brand launched a 200 ml version of its iconic Soy Face Cleanser ($42), my absolute favourite cleanser of all time. It's only $6 more than the 150 ml version, so really, it's a no-brainer. This cleanser washes your face without stripping it of its moisture, so it never feels too dry or tight, and it removes every speck of makeup. I'm not kidding, it's the holy grail. I would invest in this product if I could.
$5-$15 Range: The Inkey List Retinol Serum or Dr. Jart Dermask Intra Jet Wrinkless Solution
The Inkey List is a new addition to Sephora; it's a brand I had never heard of until it came to the retailer. The price range is what will grab you — everything is between $5-$20. It's also the most affordable skincare brand outside of Sephora Collection. I picked up the Retinol Serum ($10), which is one percent, and the Polyglutamic Acid ($15). I have not heard of polyglutamic acid before, which is saying something, but apparently it holds four times more moisture than hyaluronic acid — and hyaluronic acid holds 1,000 times its weight in water. Wild. The products are so affordable, they're worth a shot.
Dr. Jart makes another appearance, and that's because the brand really kills it in the mask category. Whether you are travelling, were out in the sun too long, or just need a skin boost, these masks stay on the skin perfectly because they're not sheet masks — they're cellulose masks, which makes them a touch thicker and allows them to fit to the face more securely. I am loving the ">Dermask Intra Jet Wrinkless Solution ($9).
$10-$20 Range: Sephora Collection Luxe False Lash or Sephora Colour Switch by Vera Mona
Sephora Collection Faux Lashes ($18) are gorgeous and reusable. I picked Quill, a natural-looking lash that looks just as great going out as it would if worn to the office. There are plenty of styles, and they're currently on sale, too.
The Colour Switch by Vera Mona ($18) is so genius. I have a professional cleanser for my bigger brushes, but for smaller tools, I don't like using liquid on them when I don't have to since the barrels are so small — I don't want to risk loosening it up. This easily gets rid of residue from your shadow so you can use the same brush with a different shade.
