It’s the most wonderful time of the year — again! The Sephora Spring sale kicked off this morning, with savings of up to 20% off. Since their sales happen just once in a blue moon, it’s the perfect time to stock up on everything you need for the coming months.

Here’s how it works: from April 9-19, if you’re a VIB Rouge you’ll get 20% off everything with code “OMGSPRING“. This is technically early access — get in there and snag what you need ASAP!

VIB members will have access from April 13-19, and Insider members from April 15-19. Same code: “OMGSPRING”.

Not a beauty insider? Not a problem! Click here to sign up today. It’s free and comes with many perks!

I personally use this sale in two ways: (1) to re-stock up on my favorite things so that when I run out I’ll have another on hand and ready, and (2) to test out some new products I’ve been dying to try!

Below I go over my latest recommendations, which I tried to keep to new(er) obsessions of mine to avoid being repetitive from past posts. If you’ve missed those, they’re definitely still applicable today! Click here for a previous Sephora sale post, here for another, and here for another.

You can also visit @skincarethatilike for more detailed info on my favorite items.

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale - What You Need

HAIRCARE RECOMMENDATIONS

ghd Platinum+ Professional Performance 1" Styler — My mom bought me this "styler" (I guess we call it that now since it does more than just straighten?) for my birthday last year and it is amazing. It features "ground breaking technology", has won a bunch of awards (Glamour, Allure, etc.), and is the best option on the market currently.⁠

It heats up completely in just 20 seconds, has "infinity sensors" to monitor the heat 250 times per second, and auto-recognizes the thickness of your hair + the speed in order to adjust the heat as you go for "perfect results in just one stroke". My hair does not love humidity but even in this crazy Texas weather I now live in it takes almost no time with this. When they say perfect results in just one stroke, they mean it. With my old straightener I'd have to turn it up to the highest heat and go over each strand 100 times, yikes!⁠

This styler has no temperature setting, it's always at 365ºF, which made me nervous because sometimes I feel like I need to crank the heat up to compensate for the atmosphere. But it is perfect as is in the humid AF Texas weather so it'll be perfect everywhere else, too! It makes your hair super shiny, super straight, and even protects your color. The barrel is rounded so you can also create curls or waves too.⁠

If you're in the market for a new straightener/styler, I would definitely recommend this one. It's a bit of a splurge but with up to 20% off right now, it's well worth it. It'll save you so much time in the long run and even money because it won't damage your hair like the cheaper options will! Click here to check availability and get yours.⁠

amika Reset Charcoal Detoxifying Scalp Cleansing Oil — This is one of those products I use constantly, love with my whole heart, and *should* be yelling about from the roof tops regularly but for one reason or another just haven't gotten around to it. It is, like the name says, a scalp cleansing oil! It's a treatment that you use before shampoo to deeply clean your scalp while absorbing toxins, dirt, and buildup.

I'm in a lot of beauty Facebook groups and I constantly see people complaining about their scalp being sore/itchy/etc., and this is the perfect solution to that. Your scalp is skin, just covered in hair, and therefore needs proper care of its own too! I've recommended this to so many people - from my mom to real life friends - and every single person so far has raved and raved about it, buying it time and time again. Definitely give it a try if you feel like your scalp needs a deep cleaning! Click here to get it.

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask — If you're interested in coloring your hair without causing a bunch of damage, I love this Morrocanoil Color Depositing Hair Mask. It’s a hydrating mask that also deposits temporary color. There are seven different color options, everything from natural everyday shades to “fashion colors” like aquamarine, rose gold, and hibiscus. I’ve tried a few different colors and had great results. ⁠

It’s not only incredibly hydrating but it also adds shine and fights frizz. You can even buy mini sizes if you want to get a few colors to test out before buying full size.⁠ The Moroccanoil team originally sent me this for free to try out but I've since purchased it in the color Cocoa on my own numerous times because I love it so much! Click here to see availability.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector — I've not talked about Olaplex much because I feel like everyone and their mom already does that, but I too use Olaplex (ha). I use the shampoo and conditioner (as you can see in my shower here) as well as this hair perfector.

Long story short, it's a hair treatment that strengthens your hair, reduces breakage, and improves its look and feel. I use it anytime my hair feels damaged or run down, and always have it on hand. The great thing about Olaplex products, shampoo and conditioner included, is that a little goes a long way so once you buy them they last forever. If your hair needs some extra TLC right now, this is the product to buy! Click here to buy yours.

Sephora Collection Scalp Massager — As mentioned above, your scalp needs love too! This scalp massager is to use in-shower to help properly disperse your shampoo. Scalp massagers also stimulate blood flow to your scalp and oil glands to deep clean and exfoliate + relax your muscles and reduce stress! The only problem is that this is almost always out of stock, so click here to add it to your cart ASAP.

Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban — Another product I use every single time I wash my hair, would literally be lost without, yet don't shout about from the rooftops enough! This hair turban is proven to cut drying time by 50% and is much healthier for your hair than having it up in a towel or naked in the air. It works to reduce frizz and breakage while helping hair to look smoother, shinier, and softer.

I personally leave it on until I am ready to blow dry, at least 30 minutes sometimes much longer, and then I use my blow dry brush to dry it fully. I love it because I hate to blow dry my hair when it is soaking wet but I hate even more to let it air dry (air drying is very damaging - FYI). This is a purchase you will absolutely not regret, I promise! Click here to get yours.

dyson Airwrap™ Styler — After letting my hair dry as much as possible in the Aquis Hair Turban, I always always always use my Dyson Airwrap. My parents bought me it for Christmas and I remember thinking it was totally crazy of them (because of the price) until I tested it out and immediately fell in love. If you can afford it, I think it's 100% worth it. I know this sounds crazy because before I had one I heard people saying the same thing and thought they were nuts but IT IS WORTH IT!⁠

There are a lot of selling points but basically:⁠

It dries and styles at the same time⁠
It doesn't damage your hair⁠
It's like 6 tools in one. It comes with a pre-styling dryer, two different size curling barrels, two different smoothing brushes, and a round volumizing brush⁠

My hair takes FOREVER to dry because it is very thick and retains water like crazy. It's also not pretty at ALL without styling (i.e. I can't just blow dry it and be done). It used to take me around 45 minutes to do every time I washed it. With this + my Aquis Hair Turban I'm done drying and styling in 10-15 minutes which is unheard of for me. AND it's much healthier now and also looks much better! It's literally the only hair tool you'll ever need.⁠ If it's in stock, you've gotta get it. Click here to check availability.

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo — This is something I *do* feel I talk about often, yet don't often see people purchase (at least not via my links). If your hair ever feels dirty even after washing it, you need to invest in a good *clarifying* shampoo. Clarifying shampoos provide a much deeper clean than normal shampoos to remove product buildup, oil, and other impurities like chlorine from swimming.

But, as with most things, you need to be smart about which one you use (i.e. don’t just purchase something random because it’s cheap). The idea here is to purify your hair without stripping it of moisture, which is what this Moroccanoil oil one does! I have been using this for years (I even have a ginormous salon-size version of it) and do not go anywhere without it. If there is one shampoo I cannot live without, it's this! Click here to get yours!!

Slip Large Slipsilk™ Scrunchies — Y'all know I am ride or DIE for the Slip Silk Pillowcase, and same goes for your scrunchies! Many hair ties are incredibly damaging (do not get me going on how much I hate hair coils), but these are the exact opposite. Silk is great for your hair because it's hydrating, it won't strip out product, it won't cause breakage, and more.

The one and only downside to these is, I will admit, they do stretch out. You'll see a lot of reviews mention this. But don't all elastics stretch out eventually?! I have them in my cart to re-buy this sale, so I personally think they're worth it, but it's of course up to you!

FRAGRANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

TOM FORD Noir Pour Femme — This is the fragrance I currently wear, and I simply cannot recommend it enough!

Yves Saint Laurent LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense — I got this fragrance recently as a sample and have fallen absolutely in love with it. Every time I put it on I cannot stop sniffing my wrists because it is so amazing to me. They describe it as sensual floral lavender, with notes of "lavender essence from France and Moroccan orange blossom combined with glowing orchid and warm vanilla to push this perfume to the extreme". So, so magical!

Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' Discovery Set — If you're on the hunt for a new fragrance but want to test around a bit before making a commitment, this new 10 mini-size fragrances set from Maison Margiela’s 'REPLICA' Collection looks perfect. All of their scents are very highly rated and this is a fantastic way to try them out at a very reasonable price!

SKINCARE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution — While I am generally not a fan of The Ordinary, this peeling solution is my one exception. It is a ten minute (maximum) treatment that exfoliates using AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid). The end result is radiant, smooth skin and improved texture! It also helps fight visible blemishes. It went viral on TikTok at the beginning of the pandemic, and while I'm not one to blindly trust what's making the rounds on that app, this product is for real. And only $7.20!

My favorite added bonus of it is that you absolutely crazy while wearing it - almost as if you've smeared blood all over your face. Great for freaking out significant others, parents, etc. while you wait for it to work its magic. Click here to add it to your cart.

St. Tropez x Ashley Graham Ultimate Glow Mousse Kit — This is the only thing on my list I haven't actually tried, but as a St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse (both Classic and Express) connoisseur, I feel pretty confident including it. Why? Because from everything I have read and seen, it's like their Bronzing Mousses but better.

My one and only complaint about the Bronzing Mousses is that they're not hydrating. Despite the product description claiming it's "ultra-hydrating" (rofl), as someone with dry skin I need a bit more. Enter: St. Tropez x Ashley Graham Ultimate Glow Mousse Kit.

This version is a whipped creme containing hyaluronic acid complex and rosehip oil to hydrate. They had me at “enriched with triple-action skincare actives“, really. It also comes with an applicator mitt which is helpful if you don't already have one. The coloring of it looks fantastic (much more bronze than orange) and the reviews really speak for themselves IMO (almost five full stars after 616 reviews). Plus spring is here and therefore so is bikini season. I don’t know about you but I’m not getting in a bikini post-quarantine without ten layers of this on first ;)

Sold? I am - it's in my cart to buy the second the sale hits!

Lightstim® for Wrinkles and Acne — This is my LED light therapy device of choice, LightStim. LED lights can be used for a variety of things like treating acne, reducing inflammation, anti-aging, wound healing, increasing blood circulation, and more. I have both the LightStim for Wrinkles and LightStim for Acne.

Each device uses different wavelengths (colors) of light, and each color provides its own unique therapeutic benefits. Blue LED light, used in LightStim for Acne, can kill acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin and make oil glands less active, helping to clear up breakouts. LightStim for Acne also uses red LED lights. Red LED light can stimulate collagen, resulting in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and smoother, more plump skin. It also reduces inflammation and improves circulation. LightStim for Wrinkles doesn’t just use red LED lights, but they actually took NASA’s LED technology up a notch to simultaneously emit 72 LEDs of Amber, Light Red, Dark Red, and Infrared. Cause they’re fancier than NASA… no big deal.

Not all LED lights are created equal and LightStim is the only device I recommend. It’s professional strength (if you’ve been in a med spa, skincare clinic, cosmetic derm, etc. and had an LED light used on you there’s a high chance it was LightStim), FDA cleared, and clinically proven. As their FAQ page says: it’s not a matter of *if* it’s going to work but how long it’s going to take. And you know I love things backed by proven science!!

LEDs are painless and good for all skin types. LightStim devices use high-end LEDs that never need to be replaced. There’s no maintenance, battery replacement (it plugs into an outlet) — nothing.

The one and only reason not to invest in a LightStim is if you can’t commit to using it consistently. You’re supposed to ideally use them 5-7 days per week, for 3 minutes on each area. I use mine at night while watching tv on my couch which seems to be the perfect time.

Click here to get Lightstim® for Wrinkles and here for Lightstim® for Acne.

Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform® — If you aren't familiar with Shani Darden, she's a celebrity esthetician and the secret behind Hollywood's most flawless faces like Jessica Alba, Lea Michele, Chrissy Teigen, Marianna Hewitt, and more. At some point last year, after going down a cyber stalking rabbit hole, I decided to buy a bottle of her Retinol Reform to find out if the hype was true. And it is! I loved it more than I even expected.

Retinol is an essential part of any skincare routine (read: The 3 Most Important Skincare Products and Why), but according to the DMs I get, many people are scared of it. If you fall into that category, this is the perfect product for you. She actually has two options: Texture Reform and Retinol Reform. Texture Reform is specifically designed for those with sensitive skin and has a gentle formula. Retinol Reform is the one I use and is good for everyone else (dry, normal, oily, combo skin types).⁠

Both of the products are retinol and lactic acid serums. Retinol is anti-aging, improves uneven skin tone, promotes cell turnover, and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and blemishes. Lactic acid exfoliates for smoother, brighter skin. I absolutely noticed the benefits of it - but without the harsh side effects that come with more intense retinol options!⁠

If you're in the market for trying a new retinol, don't currently use one, or have been too scared to try, I highly recommend buying one of these when the Sephora sale starts for you!⁠ I really think you'll love.⁠

Click here for the retinol reform and here for the texture reform if you are more on the sensitive side.

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask — My cannot live without lip product. If you’re not already familiar, it is a *lip* sleeping mask. That basically just means it’s a thick lip balm you’re supposed to apply before bed and leave on overnight. Then you magically wake up with refreshed, moisturized, smoother, softer, more supple lips! It has some trademarked fanciness they call Berry Mix Complex which is enriched with Vitamin C and antioxidants plus Moisture Wrap technology with hyaluronic acid. All of that is great but could also easily just be marketing BS. Luckily it is not, this product is actually amazing. Like most moisturizing lip product of all time amazing… Really.

And, call me crazy, but you can even apply it *not* at bedtime! I use it at all hours of the day like I would any gloss. If you’ve read my skincare routine blog posts then you’ve already heard all of this because I actually consider it part of my skincare routine - both AM and PM. Click here to grab yours!

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment — My friend Rachael recommended this color correcting treatment to me and, after some very convincing product demonstrations from her, I decided to bite the bullet! It is a green cream that turns beige to color-correct redness and add vibrancy. The formula also includes "Tiger Grass" (Centella Asiatica) to help heal inflammation, irritation or discomfort.

Since my skin can definitely be on the red side, especially while out running errands in the cold or the heat, I love this product for no makeup days. I put it on after the last step of my skincare (SPF) and it helps me look good (decent?) on days I don't want to apply makeup.

PS. Make sure you watch the video on how to use it because, as the video states, if you use it wrong you will hate it!

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream — Nothing screams warm weather and sunshine to me quite like Brazilian Bum Bum Cream does! I first bought this before The Yacht Week years ago based solely off the smell. It smells like tropical heaven. To my surprise, the product itself is absolutely amazing, too!

It's a body cream that is thick but still fast absorbing. Supposedly it helps tighten the skin with a secret Brazilian ingredient called guaraná. It's one of the most potent forms of caffeine on the planet! Aside from that it is incredibly nourishing, smoothing, and glowing.⁠ Your skin feels hydrated and fantastic after using it.

The heavenly scent lasts a long time, too. In the beauty Facebook groups I'm in I will see people post "dupes" for this somewhat regularly, and every time my first question is "how long does the scent last?". No surprise, every time they say not long. Just like with cheap perfumes, you get what you pay for.

I realize it's not the most inexpensive body cream on the planet, but I find it to worth it, especially at up to 20% off! Click here to check it out.⁠

NuFACE FIX Line Smoothing Device — I had wanted to try this NuFACE Line Smoothing Device for years when my mom so kindly surprised me with one! It's a device that uses microcurrents to target fine lines and wrinkles. You use it each morning to energize and invigorate your skin. It provides instant results and so far my mom and I both love it! You can even use it to plump your lips which, trust me, really works. I was kind of amazed.

Keep in mind the results are instant but temporary, i.e. it's not going to permanently plump your lips (unfortunately).

MAKEUP RECOMMENDATIONS

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation — My friend Diana from @inbetweenpics recommended Ilia's Skin Tint to me early last year so I decided to give it a try since her and I tend to love all the same things. When I got it and tried it I definitely liked it, but I found the coverage to be a little too light for me (I have a million tinted moisturizers already).

Because I love their whole skin-that-actually-looks-like-skin vibe, I decided to then give their True Skin Serum Foundation a shot, and fell in love. It's similar but with a medium coverage instead of light. You can apply it with your hands which makes it as easy as can be, and it contains great ingredients like aloe, squalane, and rosehip, jojoba, and marula oils. It color corrects, illuminates, soothes irritation, evens tone, and blurs the appearance of imperfections!

Long story short: it's no makeup makeup at its finest. Click here to add it to your cart.

Side note: if you haven't tried their mascara yet, that is equally fantastic. Click here to check it out!

Lancome Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara — I love so many mascaras and have at least six different ones in constant rotation, the latest of which is this! I got a sample of it at some point which I recently started using and I've been so impressed! I have it in my cart to buy once the sale starts.

Shiseido Eyelash Curler — Using a lash curler will instantly make your lashes look up to twice as long. It makes mine so long that they hit my brows - no joke. It also opens your eyes more and brightens them. I frequently leave my house with zero makeup on, including no mascara, but not without curling my lashes. That’s how big of a deal I think this is.

The specific lash curler you use makes a huge difference too. So many people tell me they don’t use one because they had a bad experience when they were younger and had all of their lashes ripped off (YIKES). Do not use a cheap curler! Invest in a good one like my favorite Shiseido Eyelash Curler. Using a proper curler like this will not only ensure that you aren’t damaging your lashes, but it will keep your lashes curled for longer (i.e. through the entire day). A cheap curler will definitely not do that.

Once you invest in this specific lash curler, it lasts forever. It comes with one replacement rubber pad for when the first wears out, and after that you can simply buy more replacement pads instead of replacing the entire curler. Brilliant! I've had mine what feels like my entire life, use it every single day, and simply love it.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter — Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter... where to even begin? I've been in love with this product since 2019. It is, dare I say, my number one makeup product. It wasn't until super recently that I started seeing other people finally mention this magic.

Possibly due to the fact that Charlotte Tilbury's marketing is often confusing and even sometimes a bit ridiculous? This one in particular doesn’t even have a product category or state on the label what it is, so the odds of anyone buying this off the shelf randomly while shopping are pretty slim. They say on their site that it is an entirely *new* category of makeup, actually.

Weird and confusing, but luckily you have me! The actual description is “a customizable complexion booster for superstar-lit skin in seconds”. Basically, in my opinion, it’s a tinted illuminator that leaves your skin looking dewy AF. You can use it anyway you want — as a primer, a highlighter, mixed in with your foundation, etc. I use it many different ways but most often it’s as a primer before foundation. On days I’m rushing and forget to use it I notice my skin looks wayyyy more dull, dry, and boring.

Charlotte Tilbury says it is inspired by all of those perfecting social media filters with ingredients to soften focus, illuminate skin, and make lines and pores appear smoother. It’s something you’ve gotta try for yourself in order to really understand! Trust me on this one. Click here to get yours.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick — Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk lipstick is one of my favorite lipsticks of all time, if not *the* favorite. It's the brand's iconic, best selling product, so great that one sells every two minutes!⁠

The shade is a matte nude pink that enhances your natural hue, making it unique to you based on your skin tone and lip color. For me it's very much a "my lips but better" type of shade. Most people (well, men) probably don't even realize I have anything on.⁠

The really fun thing about it is that it's matte yet still hydrating. It's the only lipstick I have ever tried that I can honestly say that about (and I try a LOT of lipsticks)... most of them are sooo drying. But this softens, protects, and hydrates lips to make them younger and healthier looking, plus has light-reflecting pigments to make them appear wider and fuller. And it's great for anyone at any age!⁠

I also have and love the shades Pillow Talk Medium (a darker, more warm berry pink shade) and Red Carpet Red (the perfect ruby red!).

Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil — I'm a bit Charlotte Tilbury fan, if you haven't yet noticed! As someone who cannot do a liquid cat eye to save her life, I love this kohl eyeliner pencil. It has a smoky, sultry, smudgy texture and is quite long lasting. I have it in the shades Bedroom Black, Barbella Brown, and Eye Cheat For Bigger, Brighter Eyes which is a nude, great for placing on your lower waterline to make you look more awake!

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer — After hearing a million different people rave about this Gloss Bomb (no joke, it has 650K 'loves' on Sephora and 11K almost 5-star reviews), I gave in last Sephora sale to give it a try. The verdict? It's great. I don't know that it's as life changing as some people think it is, but it's great!

Last sale I got it in the shade FU$$Y which is a shimmering pink, and this sale I'm going to try it in the shade Fenty Glow, a shimmering rose nude. The product is super shiny without being glittery, conditioning, great smelling, and long lasting. Click here to browse color options.