Sephora, my second home, is constantly raising the bar with their high-quality releases, clever marketing tactics, and irreplicable atmosphere. The corporation has expanded its influence throughout 2,700 locations in over 30 countries (Sephora)! Customers are welcome to browse through the categorized aisles and test the products firsthand before purchasing. The shelves are lined with makeup, skincare, hair, and body products from a total of 340 brands. As a frequent shopper, I have encountered some incredible items that are absolutely worth spending on. I consider multiple aspects such as ingredients, packaging, and price when determining the best picks. The following five products possess exceptional qualities, which have earned them a high ranking in my collection.
As a current junior at Yorba Linda High School, a good night’s sleep is difficult to obtain with such demanding courses. My eye bags eventually became so prominent that they were practically begging me to hide them. This required a full coverage, hydrating, and seamless concealer – The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer. Priced at $36, the product has secured its spot in the daily routines of Sephora customers around the world (Sephora). Needless to say, I was not disappointed in the slightest with the expansive range of 22 shades and its unique formula. After a scorching, six-hour school day, the concealer did not appear to smudge, fade, or crease under my eyes. The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer contains a soothing and hydrating Centella Asiatica Extract, a well-known anti-inflammatory agent for eczema traditionally used to treat small scars and scratches (Health). Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is also a key ingredient in the product that brightens the skin while targeting those dark under-eyes and troublesome acne scars (Inci Decoder).
Once the sun retreats for the colder seasons, we will soon be subject to dry and flaky lips. My lengthy search for the perfect lip balm has come to an end since I discovered the best one yet – the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. Although my mom and I were both equally shocked at the sight of its price, $24, our curiosity and temptation ultimately took over. The balms are currently offered in eight shades that are here to stay: Vanilla, Poppy, Vanilla Beige, Brown Sugar, Pink Sugar, Cherry, Sweet Mint, and Iced Coffee. They consist of Shea butter, vegan waxes, and Murumuru Seed butter. The Shea and Murumuru Seed butters work as natural moisturizers that condition and relieve dry lips (Healthline). The vegan waxes are responsible for achieving that smooth texture without leaving a greasy residue (Sephora). Summer Najib (11) can attest to the positive attributes of this product, including the moisturization and scent. She says, “My Summer Fridays lip balm is always my first choice for a lip product.”
This next product gives the perfect pop of color for a soft, glowy makeup look. Saie’s Dew Blush Blendable Liquid Blush contains skincare ingredients which allows it to brighten the skin’s overall appearance. Its pigment can be intensified by adding a small amount with the doe foot applicator inside the bottle. The inclusive shade range consists of eight different colors: Baby (cool baby pink), Cutie (warm dusty rose), Poppy (bright coral), Spicy (warm terracotta), Dreamy (bright berry), Chilly (mauve), Sweetie (neutral pink), and Rosy (soft rose). Plant-Derived Glycerin, a humectant, is an essential ingredient for enhancing the skin’s natural moisture (Medical News Today). Humectants are commonly used to retain or absorb water in lotions, shampoos, and even food products. The Elderberry Fruit Extract that is infused into this blush prevents damage to your skin’s exterior, which can occur due to harsh environmental conditions (Saie). The product markets for $24, sitting right on the average priceline for blush cosmetics.
The Merit Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm is another Sephora item that will enrich your skin’s natural tone. It is offered in four shades: Solstice (neutral bronze), Cava (champagne), Citrine (soft gold), and Bounce (rose gold). The balm is packaged in a stick that is typically swiped lightly along the cheekbones and brow bones (Sephora). The $32 Merit Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm is not nearly comparable to its other contenders. It adds a light and luminous effect whereas similar products tend to leave patches and streaks of glitter. The balm includes a Plant-Based Squalane which supports the skin’s elasticity and promotes hydration (Healthline). Olive Fruit Oil nourishes the skin with vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids (Weleda).
My final favorite Sephora product is the $22 Kosas Brow Pop Nano Ultra-Fine Detailing + Feathering Eyebrow Pencil. The fine tip allows for the creation of precise lines, naturally enhancing your brows’ shape and thickness. It is currently being sold in six shades: Taupe, Soft Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Brown Black, and Black (Sephora). The pencil contains just the right amount of waxiness and pigment to keep your brow hairs in place throughout a long day. The brand Kosas is praised for their clean, vegan, and hypoallergenic product formulas. Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides are incorporated in the pencil’s formula to ensure that it glides smoothly during the application process (Special Chem). Tocopherol, also known as vitamin E, is an ingredient that balances oil production and combats sweat (Healthline). The Kosas brow pencil is clearly suitable for long wear and natural brow details.
These five products have impressed me with their longevity, quality, and skin benefits. Each item is free from harmful chemicals and extremely versatile. As someone who has taken multiple trips to Sephora with the mission of determining the best picks, I hope I can convince at least one of you to give these specially crafted items a try!
