The annual Sephora holiday sales are upon us, marking one of the most exciting times of the year for beauty lovers. With major discounts on beloved brands, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of retail therapy. However, as fun as it is to stock up on makeup staples, the ingredients in many mainstream beauty products can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. Not all makeup marketed as “clean” or skincare-based is actually formulated with the unique needs of each skin type in mind. This holiday season, resist the urge to impulse buy just because it’s on sale. Instead, booking a skincare consultation with a professional can help you learn which products will complement your complexion rather than compromise it. Here are some skincare-friendly finds Sapien Skin & Beauty loves that you can shop with confidence this holiday sale season.
When purchasing skincare and makeup, it’s essential to know that products marketed as “clean” or “natural” are not always formulated for sensitive skin. Blanket terms on packaging are not regulated, so they rarely indicate that a formula avoids problematic ingredients. Skin is too individual for one-size-fits-all products. Additionally, Sephora’s pricey skincare lines lack the medical-grade active ingredients and science-backed delivery systems found in professional products. For true transformation, medical skincare distributed through experts, not retailers, is required. Professional products recommended by dermatologists and estheticians contain therapeutic doses of actives for optimal results. Don’t expect Sephora skincare to solve persistent skin issues. But tailored professional treatments and products can.
That being said, it’s understandable that the excitement of taking advantage of Sephora’s famous holiday sales and discount events like Black Friday is part of the fun! Retail therapy just feels different when you know you’re getting a good deal. Buying beauty products for holiday gifts and friend swaps is the best with markdowns. Skincare experts don’t want to discourage clients from enjoying the thrill of beauty bargains – that would take the joy out of the shopping experience! Just be wary of getting sucked into hype around products that make big claims but won’t actually benefit your skin. Setting a guideline for discounted makeup splurges, then trusting your esthetician for the skin-transforming treatments and products only available through those professionals allows clients to have the best of both worlds! Sephora’s holiday deals understandably incite retail therapy excitement. But balance sale splurges with expert skincare to nourish your skin year-round. Let a professional guide you toward transformative ingredients and treatments not carried by Sephora. With the right regimen, you can enjoy holiday beauty deals without sacrificing your complexion.
If you want to indulge in the Sephora sales without wreaking havoc on your skin, focus on makeup products that use non-comedogenic ingredients. Here are some top sale picks our Sapien skincare experts recommend:
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- Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss – Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates lips. Also contains shea butter to condition and smooth.
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- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer – Jojoba oil and vitamin E hydrate and soothe undereye area. Creamy, blendable formula.
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- NEST New York Madagascar Vanilla Perfume Oil – Alcohol-free fragrance oil won’t irritate skin. Provides warm, sweet vanilla scent.
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- Hourglass Veil™ Translucent Setting Powder – Talc Free – Botanical ingredients like ginseng and cucumber soothe skin. Sets makeup without drying.
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- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper – Ginger root extract plumps lips with tingling sensation. Free of formaldehyde and parabens.
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- Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss – Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and green tea extract hydrate and condition lips. Comfortable, non-sticky shine.
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- SEPHORA COLLECTION Sephora Colorful® Shadow and Liner Pencil – Talc-free, highly pigmented cream formula allows smooth application.
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- NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation – Marine extracts like plankton hydrate skin. Buildable medium coverage.
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- MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush – Nourishing oils like apricot kernel, meadowfoam seed, and grapeseed condition skin. Natural flush of color.
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- Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel – Baobab oil conditions brows while gel volumizes. Holds brows in place.
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- MAKEUP BY MARIO MoistureGlow™ Plumping Lip Serum – Moisturizing meadowfoam, olive, and avocado oils. Peptides plump lips.
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- Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil – Alcohol-free fragrance oil with notes of amber, orchid, and musk.
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- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder – Talc-free powder sets makeup without drying out skin. Blurs imperfections.
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- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner – Creamy, water-resistant eyeliner glides on smoothly for precise application.
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- NARS Afterglow Lip Balm – Laguna Collection – Hydrating formula visibly smooths and plumps lips with moisture.
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- SEPHORA COLLECTION Retractable Rouge Gel Lip Liner – Gel formula glides on easily to line and define lips.
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- Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm – Plumps lips with peptide complex while nourishing with botanical oils like jojoba and olive fruit oil.
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- Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid – Brightening concealer powered by caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and smoothing peptides.
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- MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush – A foolproof, flexible balm that deposits a creamy, transparent veil of color to let your skin show through.
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- MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Seal – Liquid sealant transforms any powder makeup into waterproof, transfer-proof finish.
With guidance from a skincare expert, it’s possible to shop Sephora’s epic holiday sales while still choosing products that benefit your skin. Learn your ideal ingredients and formulations through a customized consultation. Then you can enjoy discounted makeup treats without sacrificing your skin health. This holiday season, take a balanced approach to retail therapy. Book an appointment with a professional to discover your perfect skincare regimen while indulging in mindful beauty buys from Sephora’s holiday sales events.
