What's In My Cart: Sephora Sale Edition
After countless hours in Sephora stores talking to Beauty Advisors, customers, and founders—this is what I’m actually buying.
Little-known fact about me: I secretly love a mall, and I really love exploring in a Sephora. One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to visit stores all around the country and connecting with the teams at each location. It’s become my personal mission to get beauty advisors (and you!) as excited about haircare as everyone seems to be about makeup and skincare (and fragrance now!). Trust me: when you start caring for and elevating your hair the way it deserves, it’s a total game-changer—and so much fun.
Along the way, I’ve collected endless beauty tips, discovered what customers are actually adding to their carts, and watched fresh, innovative brands shake things up, challenging those legacy favorites.
With that, I present to you: my Sephora cart for the Spring Savings Event.
Let me know what's in your cart or catching your eye this season. Not to sound overly dramatic, but this could be the last sale before the tariffs era hits, so I highly recommend taking advantage while the going’s good.
Category I: Makeup
Makeup is really where Sephora outshines everyone in the game. Almost my entire makeup kit is from Sephora — they always have the newest drops and top brands. It was hard to narrow it down, and why I have the most items in my cart for this category.
VIOLETTE FR Bisou Blush — I’m thrilled to see Violette’s line now at Sephora. I've admired her work since my 2012 Into The Gloss days—especially how she approaches blush, with formulations and shades inspired by paintings. She's always brought a true artist’s touch to beauty and her displays in-store are really fun.
Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette — If you’re opting for a palette, this one truly has it all. It’s a constant customer favorite in-store—people come into the store specifically asking for it.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick: As a now-Miami girl who sometimes needs to fake a little sun-kissed glow, I reach for Gucci’s formulas—they’re effortless, buildable, and perfect for everyday wear.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finishing Setting Powder: A foolproof powder that sets beautifully without ever looking cakey. Spotted in so many baskets.
Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation: Last year, I did my own version of a Final Four bracket—but for foundation. I tested 12 formulas, and this one came out on top. A true classic for a reason—stock up while it’s on sale.
Merit Brow 1980: I’m super low-maintenance when it comes to brows, and this one delivers just the right amount of color with zero fuss.
Isamaya Microbial Gel Face Prep Primer: I haven’t tried this one yet, but that’s exactly what the Sephora sale is for—discovering something new. I’m such a fan of what Isamaya is building and can’t wait to finally test a few pieces from her line. The Beauty Advisors have been really excited about this brand in general.
Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara: Wende, the Founder, is a legend—she also started Urban Decay. I spent time with her a few weeks ago and got to hear firsthand about the soul and intention behind this formulation. I can’t wait to try this clean mascara—it’s been on my list ever since and a product that’s often recommended in store.
One/Size Patrick Starr On ‘til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray: Let’s just say I’ve Doordashed this more than once while traveling for work—so yes, I’ll be restocking during the sale. Both the mini and the full size are coming home with me.
Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer and Complexion Enhancer: Sarah is a true icon—she co-founded Victoria Beckham Beauty and helped shape some of the most legendary beauty brands like Tom Ford and the original Prada Beauty. Now she’s launched her own line, and honestly, it might be the brand I’m most excited to see new at Sephora right now.
Patrick Ta Major Beauty Headlines Double Take Creme + Powder Blush: This product has officially reached holy grail status. If you grew up loving Benefit Dandelion (a classic!), the shade Not Too Much feels like her cooler, more elevated older sister—effortless, soft, and just right.
Ciele Tint & Protect SPF 50+ Tinted Serum — When I say every single makeup artist I’ve worked with has organically recommended this to me, I mean it. The formula is next-level—lightweight, luminous, and truly special. The founder Nikki is a brilliant makeup artist, and everything formula she creates is rooted in intention. It’s finally time I bought it for myself to use daily.
Category II: Lip
It’s wild how lip products have become a category of their own in my mind—but honestly, rightfully so. They live somewhere between skincare and makeup, and sometimes do both. I keep one in every bag, with different picks for different moods, moments, and occasions.
Iris & Romeo Lip Cocoon Hydrating Barrier Repair Lip Balm: I’ve been using this for months, and it’s officially become my hero lip. I keep one in every bag—it cocoons your lips in hydration and leaves the perfect, subtle glow. Beauty Advisors who have tried it say it’s a favorite, too.
Fara Homidi Smudge Pencil: I’m usually a Lip Cheat Pillow Talk loyalist, but when I have a little more time to define and shape, I’m excited to try this pencil—it pairs perfectly with a few other favorites I already love and use from the brand.
Fara Homidi Essential Lip Compact: I’m obsessed with this shade—and the component feels so luxe in hand. It’s the kind of lipstick that actually makes you want to reapply.
Saie GlossyBounce: My hero gloss. The clear winner, I’ll be ordering three during the sale.
Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm: The sweet mint flavor is my go-to—I rotate this gloss with the one from Iris & Romeo, but this one always finds its way back into my bag. I see these in almost every single basket in the store. It’s a favorite for a reason.
Mara Sea Silk Lip Balm: I’ve been loving this formula lately—and according to one of the Beauty Advisors, it’s the lip balm men ask for. No color, no flavor, and just the right amount of subtle sheen (aka exactly what I look for in a daily balm).
Category III: Skincare + Suncare
Merging sun and skincare into one category here—because at the end of the day, it’s all about protecting the barrier. While I still use plenty of clinical staples from my derm, the new wave of formulas in this space has brought a real sense of innovation (and excitement) to the Sephora shelves.
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Extreme Cream: This one’s in every cart and on every beauty advisor’s list right now. A few friends swear by it—and I’m finally giving it a try. I’m excited.
ILIA The Base Face Milk Essence: I’ve heard amazing things about this one—it’s constantly selling out, so I’m excited to finally try it myself. Will report back!
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: I know, I’m addicted to this product—this formula is unbelievably lightweight, never breaks me out, and somehow always delivers. I’m probably on my 30th jar by now and I always restock during the sale.
Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum: Sofie is truly an acne whisperer—and with my skin acting up lately, I’m excited to finally add this to my routine. It keeps selling out for a reason, and a few trusted friends swear by it.
Dr Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum: I’ve heard incredible things about this for scarring—especially for the kind I have around my jaw from hormonal breakouts. The formula is promising, and the component feels refreshingly straightforward and effective.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: I once was chatting with the Founder, Amy, about how this product this is the Windex of beauty—you know that scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding where Windex is the cure-all? That’s how I feel about SOS. A few sprays, and whatever’s happening with your skin instantly feels calmer. Spotted in so many baskets IRL.
Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser: This is my husband's go-to cleanser, so I’ll definitely be restocking during the sale. It's one of the few products he consistently uses—and actually asks me to rebuy. I love it too.
Dieux Deliverance Serum: It’s done wonders for the redness in my skin — as someone who swears by $200+ serums (that really work — I see you Lennox & Sixteenth and Plated) this Dieux serum truly holds its own for just $70. Absolutely the best under $100 serum on the market, IMO. Charlotte and Joyce behind the brand put so much passion into their formulations — there’s a reason it can’t stay on the shelves.
Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen: When it comes to sunscreen, I’m a creature of habit—but Ultra Violette has officially reignited my excitement for suncare. This formula is truly divine. The founders are brilliant, and I’m so inspired by what they’re bringing to the US (by way of Australia) in this category. I’ve been wearing Future Screen (and their Supreme Screen) daily in Miami and packed them for my last sunny getaway, too.
Category IV: Haircare
I’m definitely biased when it comes to this category—because I know just how much intention, care, and soul goes into every Crown Affair formula and tool. I’ve been trying hair products since I was a kid, and at this point, my hair just knows what it loves to feel its best.
I’m fully stocked on my go-to’s (The Towel, The Leave-In Conditioner, The Dry Shampoo), but we have new sets just for the sale—perfect for gifting or trying something new.
Crown Affair The Slick Back Ritual Set —The mini brush (handmade in Italy, a tiny version of our Brush No. 001) is pure perfection, and the baby gel? It’s the one. When I’m not air drying my hair, I’m living in a slick back that I can brush away that evening.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray —We’ve tried a few times over the last few years to formulate something as effective —but the truth is, it’s nearly impossible to recreate with a clean aerosol component. TL;DR: it’s the old-school aerosol mechanics that transform the formula chemically into a next-level texture, so at this moment, nothing performs the same as this legend. Cue the restock.
Slip Silk Pillow Case: Until we make our own, a silk pillow is non-negotiable and this one from Slip is great. I refresh mine every few years.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler: The best time to buy Dyson? During the sale. I like having the attachments on hand when I need to “Air Dry, Plus” aka dial my air dry a bit.
Crown Affair Mini Air Dry Set: Perfect for mastering your twist-and-clip heatless waves—or if you’ve been curious to try the formulas, this is the perfect place to start.
Also, this is a great moment to try—or stock up on—our newest Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner and Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner now that they’re back in stock. I personally reach for the Volumizing set the most, but if you’re unsure which one’s right for you, I’ve included some guidance below to help you choose!
Category IV: Fragrance + Body
Merging body and fragrance here because these are the products that make my skin feel its best and smell even better. Like everything else I reach for, they’re effective, beautifully simple, and quietly luxurious—nothing fussy, just really good.
Necessaire The Body Wash: A straightforward, no-fuss body wash my husband and I both genuinely enjoy—clean, subtle, and gets the job done.
Soft Services Theraplush: I’ve loved incorporating this into my evening ritual—it's become a small but meaningful moment to wind down. My hands have never felt more soft or hydrated.
Maison Louis Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt — My daily scent—light, fresh, and just the right amount of ease.
NETTE Mini Discovery Set: I’ve had the candles all around my home for years, so I’m excited to finally try the fragrances to smell which one feels most me.
Soft Services Carea Cream: My holy grail body lotion. I use it after every shower—super hydrating, lightweight, and it dries down quickly (essential so I can keep it moving).
Kate McLeod Daily Stone: I love reaching for this after an evening bath—right before slipping into pajamas and climbing into bed. It makes the whole wind-down feel extra special.
Salt & Stone Deodorant: I made the switch to natural deodorant last year, and this one's been a favorite ever since. The Santal scent is subtle, fresh, and actually works.
Let me know what you have your eye on this sale or if you have any questions about what I’m shopping for above! Also, last sale’s recommendations from my makeup artists is a great place to get inspired, too.
Take care, and take your time, always,
i love this...
This was amazing! So helpful.