SKINCARE - THE BASICS: TOP PICKS AT SEPHORA 2024
I have an insane amount of skincare sent to me which is such a blessing. Admittedly, I take a slow, cautious approach when reviewing these items. Some things I know right away if I like them, such as cleansers, toners, lip products etc. Things like retinol, acids, and most treatment products, I really like to test out for sometimes months before I sign off on them.
There are incredible options on this list, and this list is full of the basics and must-haves in your routine (cleansers, vitamin c, eye cream, SPF, etc). You do not NEED everything. If you want to see my favorite ‘Skincare Extras’, click here. Pay attention to comments about skin type/concern and make sure it aligns with your skin and goals. If you see “NEW” that means its a new product that I’m loving!
For the FULL list of every single skincare item I love, beyond Sephora, cruise HERE.
MAKEUP REMOVER
TATCHA
MAKEUP REMOVER AND CLEANSER
This formula cleanses the skin without stripping natural moisture, leaving it balanced and nourished. It does not contain mineral oil, so the liquid emulsifies completely and leaves no residue. This is my fave oil remover, and I use most often in the shower. Lovely! Fave clean beauty oil cleanser.
DRUNK ELEPHANT - NEW
JELLY CLEANSER
An easy product to remove your makeup with at the end of the day. Follow up with your fave cleanser.
TATCHA
CLEANSING BALM
For a balm - this is in first place for me! It is gentle, effective, and doesn't leave your eyes foggy, but removes makeup and a little goes a long way. It comes with a cute gold spatula to pick up the product and rinses away nicely. Feels very luxe and it's Clean at Sephora.
CLEANSER
FIRST AID BEAUTY
PURE SKIN FACIAL CLEANSER
Perf basic cleanser that works for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
CAUDALIE
VINOPURE PORE PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER
A clean formulated, non-drying gel cleanser with exfoliating, natural salicylic acid and hydrating grape water to purify skin and absorb excess oil. I love this because I have combo skin and it doesn’t strip the areas of my face that are not oily. It’s fab for normal, combo + oily and I love it for acne-prone skin.
VITAMIN C
INNBEAUTY PROJECT
GREEN MACHINE VITAMIN C SERUM
If you have sensitive skin, want affordable and effective this is another fave of mine. No irritation and actually soothing. Works really well on all skin types.
ALPYN BEAUTY
VITAMIN C GLOW SERUM
This won Best of Allure this year, and I agree - it is incredible. A vitamin C and bearberry-infused serum that quickly delivers a visible glow while fading the look of dark spots for a brighter, more even look. Clean beauty and very nourishing. Could also work for sensitive skin!
CAUDALIE
VINOPERFECT SERUM
A sun safe alternative to vitamin C. A brightening serum that combats the look of dark spots caused by sun, acne, or pregnancy, visibly even skin tone, and helps improve skin’s glow. Fab for combo to oily skin.
DR. DENNIS GROSS
VITAMIN C LACTIC 15%
The holy grail vitamin C is very expensive (Skinceuticals) and not found at Sephora. It is also some serious coin. Dr. Dennis Gross is the closest in quality (IMO) at Sephora and a mid-price point. It is an antioxidant-rich serum with powerful 15 percent L-ascorbic acid plus lactic acid to visibly improve signs of aging. If your skin is really sensitive, I would not start out with every day.
EYE CREAM
LANCOME
REVITALIZING EYE CREAM
A little goes a long way here. If you have dry under eyes this is my fave hydrating eye cream. It is a little pricey, but it is so nourishing and you will immediately love it. I don’t use it every day, I use it when I need a hydration boost.
LANCOME - NEW
GENIFIQUE EYE CREAM
A gel cream texture, that gently hydrates without giving heavy. Normal to oily would love the most.
DR. IDRISS - NEW
THE DEPUFFER
Great to roll on your eyes both under on the lids in the am to depuff. Takes about 10 min after to notice the difference and let the arnica do its thing!
ALPYN BEAUTY - NEW
INSTANT EYE BRIGHT
This is a great prep for concealer. Softly blurs, helps to firm the skin (contains Snap-8 which is like nature’s botox) and provide a smooth, hydrated canvas for concealer.
DR. DENNIS GROSS
RETINOL + FERULIC TRIPPLE CORRECTION SERUM
Just like you would use a serum on your face, you could use this eye serum, let it absorb, and add a little eye cream on top to lock it in. I would do that if you are dry, or use solo if you are oily. It is def suitable to use alone. Targets fine lines and wrinkles gently and designed specifically for the eye area.
KIEHL’S
SUPER MULTI-CORRECTIVE EYE CREAM
A clean, anti-aging eye cream with niacinamide and collagen peptide that targets all four eye zones: the browbone area, eyelid, crow's feet, and under-eye. This is so good for all skin types. It’s a gel, so if you are oily or live in humidity it won’t feel heavy. This targets fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity, and dark circles. One of my faves. I use this at night, but you could use it day and night.
PEACE OUT
RETINOL EYE STICK
If you have those tiny bumps around your eyes called milia this could be a game changer for you. A gentle retinol eye stick that many have claimed REALLY helps to minimize the appearance of those pesky bumps.
RETINOL
SHANI DARDEN - NEW
RETINOL REFORM
A fab retinol that works well for normal to dry. Stronger than Retinol Remix or Ole, but not as strong as an RX.
DR. DENNIS GROSS - NEW
RETINOL PADS
DDG can do no wrong. Mid strength retinol that is packaged for on the go or to get your perfect dose every time.
OLE HENRICKSEN - NEW
DOUBLE REWIND
Great hydrating retinol that is very beginner friendly. Best for combo to dry.
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE
RETINAL + NIACINAMIDE YOUTH SERUM
Retinal is the closest to prescription strength Retin a without the irritation. This is lovely!!! Clean beauty fave! BTW it’s yellow, because that is the true color of retinal!
MOISTURIZERS
DR. IDRISS - NEW
MAJOR FADE ACTIVE SEAL
Vitamin C moistuizer that is a fab second step to Major Fade Serum. This is enough for combo to oily for a daily moisturizer, but dry peeps may need to add an additional layer of hydration on top.
DR. DENNIS GROSS
DEWY CREAM
Perf for combo, normal and dry skin. Dr. Dennis Gross took two ingredients Vitamin C and Lactic and found a way to make them play nice together. It’s an ultra-rich, replenishing cream powered by vitamin C to intensely hydrate and visibly transform dry, dull skin. Absolutely lovely. I like for normal to combo. May not be hydrating enough if you are sahara dry.
TATCHA
THE WATER CREAM
A lightweight option for combo to oily.
FIRST AID BEAUTY
ULTRA REPAIR CREAM
You can use this on your face on body. Perfect if you are acne prone or have oily skin. Best value for the price. I always come back to this one!
INNBEAUTY - NEW
EXTREME CREAM
Fab! I love this for glassy, gorge skin. Hydrating cream that isn’t as heavy as magic cream. Great for all skin types.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY
MAGIC CREAM
If you like a rich, hydrating cream I LOVE this. It is so nourishing. They sell in a variety of sizes, so if you are on the fence, get a small size. I’d say it’s closest dupe to Augustinus Bader.
LANCOME - NEW
GENIFIQUE
Love this gel cream texture for night. Doesn’t contain retinol but a cocktail of ingredients that leave your skin feeling hydrated and firm in the am.
ALPYN BEAUTY
GHOSTBERRY PEPTIDE REPAIR CREAM
The perf moisturizer for those with sensitive skin, needing barrier repair or just want a lovely clean beauty moisturizer. This is lightweight but effective and has the eczema seal. You can’t go wrong.
OLEHENRIKSEN - NEW
STRENGTH TRAINER PEPTIDE BOOST MOISTURIZER
Thicker than Ghostberry and the perf product if you want something that “feels” occlusive.
SPF
SHISEIDO - NEW
ULTIMATE SUN PROTECTOR CREAM
For those that like a non mineral option this is great!
SUPERGOOP!
GLOW SCREEN
This is gorgeous. If Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter got mixed with sunscreen this would be it. Glowy skin, perfect for no makeup, makeup. A fave of mine in the winter. Looks great under foundation. If you are oily, live in humidity you may not love this as you could look a bit sweaty, and I recommend Mattescreen. They also make in a variety of shades so it with works with different skin tones.
SHISEIDO
CLEAR SUNSCREEN STICK
My fave for convenience. This is SPF 50, easy to apply and touch up. You can wear under makeup, though I don’t enjoy that. I keep it in my purse for sunscreen needs on the go.