Too Many Open Tabs (07): The Sephora Sale

For all the beauty lovers out there

Hello, hello.

I mentioned this in my last edition of Too Many Open Tabs - but if you haven’t noticed, it’s sale season.

This can be a great time to acquire things you want, need, or are gifting to others. It can also be a time where you get overwhelmed and are easily influenced into buying things you don’t want, don’t need, won’t use, (or worse), can’t afford.

I like to give myself this little pep talk before I shop:

This is just a sale. There will be many more. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you need it. Just because you bought something on sale, doesn’t mean you are “saving money.” While I love clothes and getting dressed, and beauty products, and accessories, it is all just stuff and I already have lots of it. Adding something that I love and want and makes sense for me is amazing. Buying just to buy, or buying outside my budget will make me feel bad later.

Going into this time of year, I like to take a look at my wishlist and give it a little update. This way, I am shopping from that — it’s a helpful way to prioritize and avoid impulse purchases that I will go on to regret.

I hope to share things to inspire you & provide a curated list of products that you might be interested in - whether for yourself, a friend, a loved one, to save for later, add to your wishlist, etc. I will not tell you that you need anything, nor do I believe we need any of these things (if I use the term, it’s not because I actually mean it, it’s because I love hyperbole.)

Phew. Okay.

I love Sephora. Have for a long time. I love to go into Sephora and come out looking like a different person (eg: SAMPLE EVERYTHING).

Over the past few months I’ve really slimmed down my skin care routine and tried to focus on spending less in that department (and trying fewer products), and really just focusing on a few things that do their job + that I will actually use. This has meant I have given up one of my favorite hobbies which is overspending on skincare. But, my skin looks better than it has in awhile, so I guess it’s paying off! That said, I love makeup - especially things that are easy and great for everyday! So, that’s the majority of what you will see here!

Things I have and LOVE

Skincare: My skincare routine is basically Vit C + Moisturizer + Sunscreen in the daytime, and then Retinol + Moisturizer at night (and just moisturizer when I think my skin needs a break). I have a couple Vit C and exfoliation recommendations below.

Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel Pads: I like these a lot and tend use them weekly-ish! My semi-sensitive skin has no issues with it!

Sunday Riley Good Genes: I use this at night as an exfoliator/treatment, and also sometimes before an event if I need a little oomph in my skin. I love it and have used it for years.

For Vitamin C, I don’t really have a fave, I am always dabbling. I have used and liked the Sunday Riley CEO Vit C Serum in the past, as well as the Kiehl’s Vit C.

The Merit Skin Instant Glow Serum is fun to have - I feel like makeup goes well over it, so I wear it when I am really getting dressed up.

Body

I am usually not a fancy body lotion person, but I have to tell you that I have never smelled anything better than the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Creme. I used it in the hospital postpartum (after my first post-delivery shower, IYKYK), and my nurse was like - girl, you smell amazing, what is happening here. My whole hospital room smelled incredible. It’s ridiculously expensive, I only buy the mini version and use sparingly.

Haircare

I am devoted to Oribe Texturizing Spray - it gives my volume-less hair the oomph it needs and I love the smell. I also use the thickening spray when I blow my hair out.

I discovered Crown Affair products earlier this year and I’m obsessed. I’m using the Conditioner, and excited to try some other products (detailed in the next section!) As a note, I haven’t seen Crown Affair have a sale really, so this is a good time to take advantage of a discount!

Makeup: Day-to-day, I don’t wear a lot of makeup. Brows, mascara, a simple lip, and maybe a little coverup/foundation under the eyes if I really need it. I do love lip products and have many, and a few things that I wear for fun nights out!

I don’t like to feel like I am wearing a lot of makeup on my skin, so I rarely use something that goes all over my skin. HOWEVER. I am obsessed with the Makeup by Mario Transforming Skin Enhancer (I use Light Medium - it’s very buildable). It basically just warms up your skin color, hides any imperfections, gives a little sun-kissed effect, and is less complicated to apply than bronzer. I put it all over my face, and use this brush. I am re-purchasing.

I am a big fan of Merit’s products. I love their mascara, foundation stick & lip gloss.

For slightly more coverage, I use the Westman Atelier Stick, which I love. I also like their bronzer in Biscuit.

This is my favorite mascara for a “night out.” I always have it on hand. Pairs very well with this liquid eyeliner.

My favorite brow product for everyday is the Kosas Airbrow. I also like the Merit brow wand. I swear by this Anastasia product when I’m doing a full look, or really want my brows to look great.

I just got this fun eyeshadow in Space Cowboy- a subtle glow, gave me flashbacks of high school (is is possible I owned a version of this when I was 17?) IDK, I’m into it!

A great everyday mascara. Also like this one, especially if you like tubing mascara. (I really like options when it comes to Mascara, sue me.)

Foolproof eyeshadow stick! This is a go-to.

For lips (also, I love a lip. I like how at the beginning of this I said I don’t wear that much makeup, ha!)- I always have a tube of the Dior in Rosewood. I love the Ilia Lipstick. This pencil in Cruella my perfect red, Dolce Vita is my go-to for a long-lasting color that is my lips, but better.

Things on my Wishlist

Haircare: As I mentioned above, I’m really into Crown Affair; I want to try their dry shampoo and hair scrunchies (to avoid creases and preserve blowouts!)

Makeup:

My wishlist here is never ending, but I am really interested in the Westman Atelier Blush Stick. Might try the mini, because I don’t use enough to go through this in any normal timeline.

I’m intrigued by the Merit highlighter. Honestly, Merit marketing team is doing A+ work.

I want to try the Merit eyeshadows, and I really want the Makeup by Mario Ethereal palette (I am told this will sell out!). Eyeing this palette too. Real eyeshadow moment for a gal who was using a 7+ year old eyeshadow palette just a few weeks ago. I might regret it!

Scared to ask how often you should replace your eyelash curler…so I’m considering a new one!

I want to try the Dior Lip Glow Oil.

Thank you for reading!

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