Cheryl Shops

 If you're thinking, "Wow, Cheryl, you're posting early this week," you are correct. And that's because the Sephora Beauty Insider sale has come early this year. Early access for Rouge started Friday, today is the lucky day for VIBs like me (yay!), and the remaining Beauty Insiders get to shop starting Thursday. Sephora Collection is 30% off for everyone, and the entire thing goes through Monday, 11/7. And while I'm no longer working for Sephora, I still have a bunch of new favorite products to tell you about, plus a few more that I'm planning to buy. Read on for my recommendations!

Current favorites, left to right

Biossance Squalane + rose lip balm $16

A good lip balm is hard to find, especially one that doesn't make your lipstick slide off moments after you apply it. This one is super-hydrating yet sinks in quickly, and has zero scent or taste (thank god). 

Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost vitamin C eye cream $39

It feels like they came out of nowhere, but all of a sudden, I have THICC dark circles under my eyes that make me look like the Crypt Keeper. This eye cream is so far working quite well in brightening them up a bit, as well as delivering a nice amount of hydration, and at this point, I'll take all the help I can get.

Supergoop! Glowscreen $20-$46

I am way late to this party, but Glowscreen is like a radiant primer and sunscreen in one. It evens out my complexion a bit and makes me look like I didn't have two glasses of wine last night with dinner and wake up sweating at 4 a.m. Not that that happened. 

The Inkey List Oat cleansing balm $10.99

Yes, I have been actually washing my face in an effort to deal with my pores. This is the rare cleanser that manages to thoroughly clean my face and remove my makeup without irritating my eyes or sucking every last drop of moisture out of my skin. I apply it straight to my skin, then remove with a wet reusable cotton pad and it is *chef's kiss.*

Youth to the People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream $64

This is a "barrier repair" cream, or as we used to call it, an anti-aging cream. It's meant to plump skin up, targeting fine lines and wrinkles with a nice dose of hydration. I've found it to be a little thick for daytime, but it's perfect for sealing in whatever serum you're using at night. Which in my case is...

Paula's Choice CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% treatment $52

I did not fully understand the results you can achieve with niacinamide until I tried this serum. I have pores deep enough to swim in, and in the month I've been using this stuff, they've become noticeably less filled with gunk. As an added bonus, my cheeks are way less red too. I've had no reactions to this whatsoever, although I only use it at night. Highly recommend! 

Kaja Cat Nap under-eye brightener $21

As I mentioned earlier, I suddenly suffer from dark circles that rival Dracula's, and while these don't totally disguise them, they definitely help tone down the dark purple tones. If I'm going out, I'll layer this under my regular concealer, but most days, I wear this alone (just make sure you blend well). Bonus points for not caking in my fine lines. 

Fable & Mane Holi-Roots pre-wash hair treatment oil $16-$52

This is a deluxe sample I received, but I'm so excited about this product, I had to share it. It was recommended by the head haircare merchant at Sephora as a treatment for dry scalp, and not only does it help with that, it makes my hair so soft and shiny, it actually bounces (this has never happened before in my life). I will be purchasing a full-size bottle of this for sure! 

Not pictured: Phlur Missing Person eau de parfum $26

I forgot to include this in my photograph, but I can attest it smells just as good as everyone says it does, however its staying power is not the greatest, TBH. Still, I have blitzed through the travel-size bottle (I am admittedly heavy-handed with my perfume) and am strongly contemplating the full size.

What's in my basket 

Westman Atelier Vital pressed skincare blurring setting powder $75

I have not loved everything from Westman Atelier, but they do some things incredibly well, and according to someone who knows her stuff, this powder is a winner. 

Gisou mini honey-infused hair perfume $44

Not a product you'd think you need until you eat lunch at a seafood restaurant, then walk outside and absorb wildfire smoke and realize your hair has absorbed all of it. I popped into a Sephora for help, and this made my hair smell like I had just taken a shower, plus gave it a nice bit of non-greasy shine too. 

Tower 28 Beauty SOS daily rescue facial spray $28

This came highly recommended by a former coworker with gorgeous skin—it helps balance redness and soothe sensitivity—and if it makes mine look anything close to hers, I will be overjoyed. 

Olaplex No. 4C bond maintenance clarifying shampoo $30

The aforementioned hair merchant also recommended adding a clarifying shampoo to your weekly routine, especially if you use styling products (which god knows I do). 

Ilia Fullest volumizing mascara $28

I have had a recent string of mascaras that flake, smear, and get in my eyes, so time to go back to one of my tried and true favorites: this one. 

For more Sephora recommendations, check out these posts!