SKINCARE - THE EXTRAS: 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 extras and fun additions to your routine (exfoliants, face masks, acids, etc.). You do not NEED everything. If you want to see my favorite ‘Basics’, 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, even beyond Sephora, cruise HERE.
TONERS, BOOSTERS AND ESSENCE
TOWER 28
DAILY RESCUE FACIAL SPRAY
It's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help defend your skin from harmful bacteria, reduce redness, and soothe irritation. The perfect toning option for sensitive skin.
GLOW RECIPE
WATERMELON GLOW TONER
I’m kind of a turd about toners. I feel like so many do absolutely nothing. I really only like a couple. This being one of them. This is a best seller and you will quickly see why. Suitable for all skin types, this bouncy, alcohol-free toner is made with PHA and willow bark (a natural form of BHA) to unclog pores and hydrate skin. Watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and cactus water combine to smooth and intensely hydrate for a visibly glowing, pore-tight complexion. Cactus water and cucumber add a herbal scent with a fruity finish.It is perfect for all skin types and won’t leave you feeling dry. Also comes in a mini for travel.
SHISEIDO
EUDERMINE ACTIVATING ESSENCE
A legendary essence that quickly boosts skin's clarity, delivers intense hydration and targets the look of dark spots. I’m not a big essence person, but this one I really like!
PAULA’S CHOICE
BHA EXFOLIANT
If you are combo to oily or acne prone, this is the holy grail. Perfectly gentle to use daily to keep that skin balanced and those pores squeaky clean.
EXFOLIANTS
TATCHA
THE RICE POLISH
A gentle, physical exfoliant that will help to minimize texture and dullness, but without any grittiness. You rub the powder with water and massage it into your face and it leaves you with a gorgeous glow. It's not harsh and a little goes a long way. Good for all skin types and daily use!
SUNDAY RILEY
GOOD GENES
My holy grail. When something has been on my list for this long, it has to be good! A lactic-acid, AHA serum that targets the look of pores, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots and is clinically shown to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrates and exfoliates the surface layers of skin, smoothing its texture, and visibly clarifying blemishes. It is the most effective yet gentle exfoliating serum I have tried.
DR. DENNIS GROSS
PEEL PADS
You really dont’t need these AND Good Genes. They are a much stronger exfoliant, and if you are oily or have acne will be your Captain Save a Hoe. The pads are a two-step anti-aging AHA/BHA peel pad pre-dosed with seven acids to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, pores, and shine. I have found them to be really effective with acne as well. I went through an acne flare and used these everyday. It really cleared up. Now I use 2 x a week. They make in a variety of strengths including sensitive.
ALPYN BEAUTY
WILD HUCKLEBERRY RADIANCE RECOVERY PEEL
An exfoliating, sensitive skin-friendly peel that visibly boosts radiance, softens, smooths, and brightens while colloidal oatmeal calms and soothes. Great to minimize pores, uneven texture and tone down blemishes. Great for all skin types, but this one especially is good for sensitive skin.
DR. IDRISS - NEW
MAJOR FADE FLASH MASK
A glycolic based mask, suitable for 2-3 times per week. Not good for sensitive as I feel it’s a little aggressive.
HYALURONIC ACID
BIOSSANCE
SQUALENE PEPTIDE RAPID PLUMPING SERUM
I love this hyaluronic. A powerful hydrating serum that instantly and visibly plumps skin with a complex of hydration and collagen-boosting copper peptide. It draws in moisture and floods skin with continuous hydration, while copper peptide encourages collagen production so skin is left bouncy and plump. So good. Make sure to use it on damp skin!
ESTEE LAUDER
ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR
OBSESSED. This super hydrating serum is iconic. It’s HA based with some top secret blend of other actives that leaves your skin silky and hydrated.
SERUMS
DR. IDRISS - NEW
HYPER-SERUM
Obsessed. This is THE over the counter serum I’d recommend for melasma, hyperpigmentation etc. Use first and follow with her Active Seal Moisturizer.
ALPYN BEAUTY
WILD NETTLE & NIACINAMIDE FIRMING SERUM
I love how soft this makes my skin. So silky smooth. I would pick this up for hydration and firming . Nettle Extract: Nourishes, hydrates, addresses excess oil. Niacinamide: Minimizes the look of pores and dark spots for smoother-looking texture and tone.Rambutan: Visibly firms and plumps skin.
MASKS
EYE MASK
PETER THOMAS ROTH
WATER DRENCH EYE MASK
This product made the idea of eye masking daily, affordable! Eye contour gel patches that hydrate with multiple sizes of Hyaluronic Acid and instantly help improve the look of fine lines and under-eye darkness. I use about 3x a week!
WANDER
BAGGAGE CLAIM ROSE GOLD EYE MASK
Clean beauty eye masks, that are gentle , hydrating and beautiful! Love these.
MURAD
RETINOL YOUTH RENEWAL EYE MASK
For eye masks, these are a splurge. Murad’s intention is that these masks are your retinol eye treatment and to be used 2-3x per week. That sounds lovely and they do really get the retinol into the skin, however, personally I would go broke if I used them that way. They make a lovely difference in how your eyes look once you remove the mask and let the skin dry. I love them for special events. They are always a part of my routine when I want to look my best.
SHANI DARDEN - NEW
SIGNATURE PEEL
At home facial that you use every 2-3 weeks 1x. SO noticeably good! I am sensitive and could tolerate it!
FACE MASK
CLARINS
V-FACIAL INSTANT DEPUFFING MASK
A celeb fave. If you get puffy or want to start with a snatched base, pick this up. I don’t know how it works, but it does! This depuffing mask visibly contours and brightens skin in as little as 10 minutes.
INNISFREE - NEW
CLAY MASK
Fab to control oil and keep those pores squeaky clean. You can use on whole face or in sections. I love for nose and chin.
SUMMER FRIDAYS
JET LAG MASK
Love this for some TLC. An enhanced, fragrance-free formula that nourishes, hydrates and calms your skin with niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. It targets the appearance of fine lines and pores, visibly brightens, and promotes even-looking tone and texture.
Provides hydration for soft- and supple-feeling skin and the HA draws hydration into the skin for a firm, plump, healthy, glowing appearance. Soothing magic!
DR. JART
SHEET MASK
A cellulose sheet mask that deeply hydrates and replenishes skin's moisture levels. One of my faves for a self care moment.
SK-11
FACIAL TREATMENT MASK
These are pricey but incredible. I only buy them on sale, and hoard them for special occasions. Packed with an exceptional concentration of pitera, this mask takes your skin to the next level of crystal clear. The award-winning Japanese sheet mask is drenched in as much pitera as a 30 mL of Facial Treatment Essence (1/3 of a small bottle). Pitera is a bio-ingredient rich in vitamins, organic acids, minerals, and amino acids that work together to enhance skin cell renewal. The deepest, most incredible hydration.
LIP MASK
LANEIGE
LIP SLEEPING MASK
This is for night and it gently exfoliated and provides 8 hour hydration. Don’t forget to pair with their Lip Glowy Mask for the day.
SUMMER FRIDAYS
LIP BUTTER BALM
Cult fave. This is a hydrating balm, that is lightly flavored and a sheer tint.
TATCHA
THE KISSU LIP MASK
So nourishing and lovely! The little golden spoon makes it feel extra in the best way.
CAY SKIN
ISLE LIP BALM SPF 30
Fave lip SPF. Protect those beauties in the winter too, without tasting like gross sunblock!
ALPYN BEAUTY
LIP PLUMPING MASK
I can’t think of a mask that lasts longer on the lips. This is a bit like a paste coming out of the jar, but it glides onto the lips and stays put for clean beauty nourishment! LOVE.
HIGH TECH TOOLS
DR. DENNIS GROSS
SPECTRALITE FACEWARE PRO
LED Light therapy at home! An FDA-cleared LED device for the face that targets wrinkles and blemishes for visibly smoother, clearer skin in just three minutes. Both red and blue light options.
NUFACE
TRINITY+ FACIAL TONING ROUTINE
This little beauty will lift and snatch your face immediately and over time. Follow along with the app so you don't have to read the directions. 5x a week for 60 days and you will see the effects on your facial muscle tone! Highly recommend.
If you want a lower pricepoint but similar results, check out the mini version. You can get the eye/lip snatcher attachment for the Trinity+ version here!