31 Products From Sephora That Must Have Been Designed By Geniuses

"Самопожертвование должно преследоваться по закону. Оно деморализует тех, ради кого идут на жертвы." Оскар Уайльд

Formulas so effective, they’re practically magic.

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

1.

A bottle of The Ordinary peeling solution packed with quality ingredients (think glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid) to remedy your biggest skincare concerns: acne and excess oil. The time to break up with breakouts has arrived, my friends. And for less than $8, to boot.


Jamé Jackson / BuzzFeed

2.

A Sephora Collection cream mask that is truly, in the words of the Great Gwen, B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Really! It contains a hefty dose of nourishing banana extract, aka your complexion will get an instant dose of moisture and glow after just one use.


instagram.com / Via @sephoracollection

Promising review: “I have to be honest, I bought this because I am obsessed with anything that smells like banana and I was on vacation looking for some quick hydration. Holy smokes! I used this on the plane ride home and I loved it so much. My new favorite mask.” —hksfinancial

Price: $8

3.

A Clinique BB cream with a buildable, lightweight formula that won’t worsen breakouts and feels like a second skin. Added bonus: This has SPF40, which means you’ll be getting protection *and* coverage all in one swipe.


Sarah Wainschel / BuzzFeed

Promising review: “This is, without question, my holy grail. Perfect work/office foundation that you don’t have to worry about and it doesn’t clog up your skin after a 12-hour work day. Leaves your skin looking like skin, but somehow still has the coverage of foundation.” —RHA21

Price: $38 (available in five shades)

To learn more, check out “10 Life-Changing Beauty Products You Need To Try ASAP.”

4.

A Sephora Collection palette you’ll surely *ahem* love a latte. Each pigmented hue is inspired by coffee, which means these six shades will provide all the warm neutral and smoky brown options your daily eyeshadow look could want.


Sephora

Promising review: “Really great neutral shades with some pink, and this palette is especially great for beginners as it includes helpful diagrams!” —Alex778

Price: $10

5.

A First Aid Beauty priming moisturizer that enlists the help of coconut water and quinoa protein for a dewy canvas that allows for foundation to glide on like butter. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging, so repeat after me: sorcery.


Sephora

Promising review: “I have to use this every time before makeup now. It leaves the most natural, dewy, plump glow. It does not look sparkly or shimmery in the slightest, and it also doesn’t look greasy at all. It’s got a slight pink tone which is flattering. It wears so lovely over skincare and under makeup, plus it doesn’t pill with any of my products.” —ChloeLJ

Price: $29

6.

An Amika straightening brush designed with impressive iRed technology so heat can rapidly penetrate your hair. In English? This thing reduces straightening time by up to half (#bless), ion projectors and a ceramic base promise smoothness and shine, plus it doesn’t give that “pin-straight” effect that basically ruins your chance at volume and body.


Hannah Loewentheil / BuzzFeed

Promising review: “The Amika brush leaves my hair smooth and silky, but it still had some volume, which I like compared to the pin-straight results I get from my straightening iron. Also, the Amika felt much more gentle on my hair than my straightening iron, which can sometimes feel like it’s burning my hair. All in all, I recommend it for people who want to straighten their hair while still maintaining volume, are searching for a new daily straightening appliance that holds up to its promises, and people who don’t mind the price tag.” — Hannah Loewentheil, BuzzFeed writer

Price: $120

To learn more, check out “This Straightening Brush Has Totally Changed My Beauty Routine.”

7.

The Inkey List apple cider vinegar peel, because you’ve heard about the benefits of ACV but detest the taste. No worries! Add it to your skincare routine with this bottle of 10% glycolic acid and fruit enzymes, which gently reduce redness and dark spots to reveal a glowing (and non-irritated) complexion.


Sephora

Promising review: “I have a very serious skincare regimen, and use a retinol daily which tends to cause some dryness. When I use this, it keeps the flakes at bay from my retinol. My skin looks bright and fresh without being overly tight or sensitive. This is a fabulous product for the price point on their line. It’s not a peel that you’re going to see a massive difference with — that takes an esthetician. For just keeping freshened up, this will do the trick at a way lower price than some high-end competition!” —Lacey84

Price: $14.99

8.

A Sephora Collection scrub to deep cleanse your scalp and get rid of the built-up gunk in your roots, because your hair shouldn’t feel greasy a mere three hours after shampooing. And FYI: It has a peppermint scent that will totally wake you up on mornings when even three cups of coffee aren’t doing the trick.


instagram.com / Via @sephoracollection

Use a pea-sized amount of this vegan and cruelty-free product starting from your scalp and working it in through the ends of your hair.

Promising review: “I have a SUPER dry scalp and only wash my hair once a week, so this is a game changer for my routine. I use this on my scalp first, and then shampoo and condition as normal. Huge reduction in flakes and I can go longer without my hair being as greasy. Also, great price point!!! I have also tried other (expensive) scalp scrubs and this one is the clear winner.” –rg29

Price: $7

9.

A Milk Makeup gel pencil that’s basically a dual-ended pencil: One side holds matte color and the other houses a built-in spoolie brush. This easy-to-use product is fab because it guarantees natural-looking brows that won’t transfer and actually stay put all 👏 day 👏 long 👏.


Rebecca O’Connell / BuzzFeed

Promising review: “I have very light eyebrows. So light that sometimes they don’t even show up in pictures and it looks like they’ve been shaved off. Tired of looking like the victim of a frat-party prank, I’ve turned to Milk’s Gel Brow for eyebrows that can be seen by both a camera and the human eye.

The oily pencil gives brows a prominent, matte look that appears natural but bold. It’s also super waterproof, so I can jump in the pool and come out without leaving my eyebrows in the water. The pencil comes in three colors: Pale Ale, Pilsner, and Dark Brew. I’m currently sipping on the lightest color, Pale Ale, but I might be brave and get the Pilsner shade next. I’m just so relieved to finally have natural-looking eyebrows that people can actually see. Applying takes only 30 seconds and it completely transforms my face. I really recommend this pencil for people who want to color in their brows once in the morning and then forget about them for the rest of day. It stays on so well!” —Rebecca O’Connell

Price: $18 (available in three colors)

10.

A Peter Thomas Roth treatment mask packed with sulfur, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay for a strong formula that follows through on its description of being “maximum strength.” Let me break it down for you: This mask will quickly dry out your acne and tell excess oil to hit the road.


Sephora

Promising review: “My hormonal acne has been nonstop for the past three months. I was trying to find to anything that would help me. This has helped me SOOOOOO much since I’ve been using this for a couple weeks. Literally I have seen so much improvement with my acne on my cheeks and jawline. It has even helped the appearance of my pores on my chin.” —StricklerEmma

Price: $52

11.

A Pat McGrath MatteTrance lipstick so lightweight, it’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing (as if your lips are just naturally a bright fuchsia). And while that is all fine and dandy and grand, let me present you with the pièce de résistance of this product: the packaging.


instagram.com / Via @patmcgrathreal, instagram.com / Via @patmcgrathreal

This lipstick tube is probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid my peepers on. Consider this the Gigi Hadid of your makeup vanity.

Promising review: “This is pretty amazing and I don’t even care how much it costs anymore, lol. Just one swipe on my lips and you can see how pigmented it is. Plus, IT LITERALLY FEELS LIKE I HAVE NOTHING ON. That’s my favorite part! I hate feeling like my lips are suffocating or dry, but this formula is so lightweight.” —Talia2011

Price: $25+ (available in 28 shades)

12.

The Ordinary toning solution to fade dark spots and zits, improve radiance, and provide gentle exfoliation with just a few swipes of a cotton round (you can thank a formula of glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry for that).


instagram.com / Via @deciem

Promising review: “I’ve used this a couple nights in a row now, and WOW. I have some pretty bad cystic acne that just won’t go away. Within one use, the toner sucked the life out of them and significantly shrunk them. I have pretty oily skin so it didn’t dry me out, but I’d be careful with dry skin and to follow up with a serum/moisturizer.” —Jhyb

Price: $8.70

13.

A hydrating Summer Fridays cream face mask created to give tired, dull, stressed skin some serious pampering. Serious moisture and serious glow? Pass that marriage certificate because I ~dew~.


instagram.com / Via @summerfridays, BiuzzFeed

This cult-favorite mask is packed with vitamins, ceramides, antioxidants, and gently exfoliating extracts to give you a dewy complexion that every ~no makeup makeup~ guru would envy.

Reviewers have used this as an eye mask, a moisturizer, an overnight mask, and as a primer for makeup in the a.m.!

Promising review: “This has been the most amazing face mask I have ever tried, and I suspect that it will replace all other masks in my collection. It is amazing for my sensitive skin! I love how it leaves my skin feeling so hydrated, and it even seems to gently exfoliate my skin when I wipe it off. I have been taking this everywhere with me and I’ve been using it on an almost daily basis. This is a holy grail product!” —rayla311

Price: $25+ (available in two sizes)

14.

A Hello! Beauty Icons Set that costs $10 (but has a $36 value), aka this is the epitome of ~bang for your buck~. It’s packed with sample-sized versions of the following: Nars lipstick, Nudestix blush and bronzer duo, Youth To The People antioxidant cleanser, Laneige moisture cream, a Living Proof hair mask, and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb perfume.


Sephora

Plus, this purchase gives you access to 15% off the full-size versions of the above products!

Price: $10

15.

A Sunday Riley clarifying oil bordering on Harry Potter-grade magic. This medicated dry oil prevent blackheads, stubborn pimples, and fine lines whilst you sleep, plus it absorbs super quickly — no more waking up to grease stains on your pillowcase that you’ll get around to washing…eventually.


Jennifer Tonti / BuzzFeed, Sephora

Ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and black cumin seed oil treat blackheads and blemishes, hexylresorcinol and licorice help brighten the skin, milk thistle and cucumber seed oil are here to treat fine lines and wrinkles, and Chamomile and neroli make sure your skin feels soothed and nourished.

Promising review: “I have been struggling with acne for years (in my mid-twenties now) and have tried so many products (both low and high end). I was skeptical about trying this because of the price tag, but it was worth it. I use this morning and night, and have found that it helps to prevent my hormonal acne around my chin, as well as speed up the process at which my hyper-pigmentation from acne goes away. I would recommend getting the smaller bottle to try it out. Love this one!” —nhartman

Price: $40+ (available in two sizes)

16.

A Farmacy lip balm for long-lasting hydration that *won’t* eventually dry out your lips even more. I know that you know what I’m talking about — and this 100% natural formula of beeswax, jojoba oil, honey, cupuaçu, and cocoa butters genuinely works.


instagram.com / Via @farmacybeauty

Promising review: “I am a major anxious lip picker and am constantly having issues. This lip balm has saved me and repaired my lips 100%. I honestly had no expectations and I am blown away. Truly amazing. I will never buy anything other than this again.” –zoep123

Price: $10

17.

A Sephora Collection mask stick that, in addition to nourishing (watermelon formula) and mattifying (bamboo formula) your complexion, is a summer breeze when it comes to application: Simply remove the cap, swipe on some goodness, and rinse off after 10 minutes. No product wasted or smeared all over your hands.


instagram.com / Via @sephoracollection, instagram.com

Promising review: “I’m in love with this face mask. From the first touch on your skin, you feel a refreshing and cooling feeling. The smell of the bamboo mask is so light and good. The product truly leaves my skin absolutely matte. This is a perfect mask to help with oily skin, and I typically let it sit 10-15 minutes on my face before washing off and applying makeup.” —ssaxo

Price: $4 (originally $8, available in two formulas)

18.

A Dr. Jart SPF30 color-correcting treatment with a major superstar ingredient: tiger grass (centella asiatica). This green-to-beige product remedies redness, helps heal sensitive skin, and covers up pimples — no heavy, crease-y concealer necessary.


Sephora

Promising review: “I try to stay away from concealer and foundation because of my acne and sensitive skin, so I was excited to try this after a friend recommended it. Long story short, it exceeded my expectations. Covers redness AND reduces the appearance of blemishes, plus it doesn’t clog my pores.” —ingridswim7

Price: $18+ (available in two sizes)

19.

A Belief lightweight moisturizer that will, please don’t pardon my French, become the pièce de résistance of your skincare routine. Not only is this gel-cream super hydrating, but it also has an instant cooling effect that makes it unbeatable for hot summer months.


Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed

Promising review: “This product is amazing for the summer! If you have dry skin, this cream will definitely bring your skin to life. I love the fact that you can put it in the fridge to make it have an even more cooling effect on the skin. Plus, it makes my makeup look fresh and smooth.” —shazeeuh

Price: $22+ (available in three sizes)

To learn more, check out “7 Game-Changing Beauty Products We’re Currently Obsessing Over” (#6).

20.

A Drybar blow-dryer brush, because getting a salon-quality ‘do should be as simple as one-two-dry. This easy-to-use tool will give you a perfect blowout every single time, and you’ll have to exert no extra effort.


Sephora

Promising review: “This blow-dryer brush did not disappoint. I have shoulder-length thick, wavy hair and I was able to get a smooth, straight blowout in about 20 minutes. It also totally eliminated the need for a straightener afterwards. It’s super lightweight and left my hair feeling and looking like I had paid for an expensive blowout. I’m beyond impressed! I went back and forth on whether or not to spend the money on it and I’m so glad I did.” —laladolce

Price: $150

21.

A splurge-worthy Tatcha sunscreen that will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays (SPF 35, baby) without leaving behind a film of sticky, greasy residue. This even blurs pores and doubles as a makeup primer to ensure that your foundation stays put all 👏 damn 👏 day 👏.


Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed

22.

A Korres probiotic mask here to tackle redness with a vengeance. Quality ingredients like Greek yogurt, lactic acid, and a microbiome re-balancing technology help nourish your skin’s natural protective layer (the kind ruined by stress and greasy food) and improve overall texture.


Sephora

Promising review: “This is by far one of the best face masks I’ve ever used. I struggle with minor rosacea, dry skin, acne, large pores, etc. THIS MASK…it cools my rosacea, soothes dry skin and acne, and blurs my pores. I only use it twice a week, but you can definitely tell a difference immediately after.” —suzymay

Price: $49

23.

A Sol De Janeiro body lotion with a rich, creamy consistency that won’t feel like you’re wearing 100 layers of grease upon application. Hooray for lightweight formulas that are actually effective (and don’t smell like grandma’s perfume, to boot).


Sephora

This fragrance-free lotion is packed with Brazilian passionflower, colloidal oatmeal, cupuaçu butter, açaí, and coconut oil to soothe, calm, and moisturize even the driest skin.

Promising review: “This lotion is wonderful. I love that the product has zero fragrance, so it does not interfere with my fragrance. The lotion is thick but not heavy or greasy — just provides great moisture. The packaging is convenient and easy to use. I love this brand of moisturizer and this is a super scentless option.” —chauny76

Price: $40

24.

A Sephora Collection glow serum to deliver some major “I drink a ton of water” vibes. A blend of vitamins c and e and marine algae offers visibly brighter skin, even giving your complexion a touch of illumination — it can also be applied over foundation as a subtle highlight.


instagram.com / Via @sephoracollection

Promising review: “Absolutely LOVE. I’ve used other very pricey serums in the past and honestly, this stuff is great and very cost effective. Good-sized bottle as well and leaves my skin glowy and soft.” —RV615

Price: $20

25.

A Laura Mercier foundation with blendable, medium-to-full coverage that creates a flawless complexion *without* making your face feel like it’s drowning in product. This matte formula has a staying power of 15 hours, contains fine powders to help you ditch your greasy T-zone, and is completely transfer-resistant. Pinch me.

26.

A Makeup Eraser that is straight eco-friendly magic. Simply add water to this specially knitted cloth before wiping your face like you would with a makeup removing towelette: Lipstick, eyeliner, foundation, and even waterproof mascara will be banished in a jiffy.


BuzzFeed

Once it’s filled with gunk, just throw it in with your laundry and bam. Ready to re-use. No more throwing away a ton of makeup wipes.

Promising review: “I was a little hesitant at first, but OMG. It works. I don’t know how, but it works WITH JUST WATER. No harsh scrubbing, no red skin after using it. I have super sensitive skin and this caused no irritation. I am impressed.” —ashhcooper

Price: $20

27.

A concentrated Dermalogica serum with an impressive ingredient list: we’re talking oat, glycerin, and evening primrose oil. This powerful trio hydrates and calms even the most irritated skin, so you can finally say “Let the door hit you on the way out” to redness and inflammation.


Sephora

Promising review: “Love this! I have fair, sensitive skin and this really calms it down. Soaks in nicely, has a soft finish, smells great, and even cleared up some of my breakouts!” —BexPlm

Price: $60

28.

KVD tattoo eyeliner worthy of the cult-like praise it gets: it dries quickly, won’t smudge or budge, lasts 25 hours a day, and the thin tip makes achieving the perfect cat eye *gulp* somewhat easy.


Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed

Promising review: “I walk a lot since I live in New York City and don’t own a car, and, as pictured, this held up on a humid spring day. With other liquid liners I’ve experienced smudges and flakiness by midday — so the fact that this made it to my bedtime (14 hours AFTER application) without smearing is amazing to me. And washing it off is a total breeze, which I don’t understand at all, but there’s no fuss when removing it with makeup wipes or other cleansers. It also survived a full workday and then a workout, so IDK, this must be some type of witchcraft because that never happens with my other liners.” —Kayla Suazo, BuzzFeed Editor

Price: $21 (available in two colors)

29.

A beautyblender liquid concealer that fully covers zits, redness, and dark circles with just a few lightweight swipes. It’s even infused with hyaluronic acid and peptides that make it *way* more hydrating than your average under-eye corrector.


Sephora

Promising review: “Amazing coverage! This is a thick and full coverage product that is perfect for contouring or for under eye concealer. I don’t normally like the feel of a thicker cream, but this blends out beautifully.” —Dianak229

Price: $26 (available in 40 shades)

30.

A vegan and cruelty-free Ghost shampoo capable of cutting down on grease *without* being too harsh on your mane. A mix of moringa oil, quinoa protein, and sunflower seed extract works together to repair damage and strengthen your hair…all while stopping dryness and brassiness in their tracks.


instagram.com / Via @verbproducts

Promising review: “This is the best shampoo I’ve ever used! I have long, fine, highlighted hair that I can’t wash my hair every day, so my shampoo has to cut through a somewhat greasy scalp and still be gentle since my hair is super fine. With this, my hair doesn’t look oily on the second day and it’s manageable until I wash it every other day. It’s by far the best shampoo I’ve ever used.” —lochall

Price: $16

31.

A Glow Recipe three-in-one cleanser for removing makeup, hydrating skin, and gradually combatting blemishes in just one blueberry extract-laden step. *begins to hum “Hallelujah” a la Shrek when realizing I won’t have to quadruple cleanse*


Glow Recipe

Promising review: “I cannot go back to any other cleaner! It’s super gentle and still effective. I have super oily skin on my nose and on my cheeks and this just cleans up all the oil and dirt without making my skin tight, which usually every cleanser does.” —missyaly

Price: $10+ (available in two sizes)

Me @ literally everything featured above:


Nickelodeon

The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

Need more for your skin? Check out Korean skincare products you need to know, cheap skincare products that are even better than luxury brands, products for an even skin tone or to deal with acne scars, or check out all of our beauty content for even more great stuff for your hair, skin, and more.

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