With over 250 brands and more than 14,000 products, Sephora can be an overwhelming experience for anyone! Luckily, there is a method to navigating the cosmetic madness.
The secret is to think of Sephora like a department store. You have a juniors section, a career section and a couture section, and in each of those sections is a bunch a different brands. And, while all the products look pretty, they may not be for you. A good way to begin narrowing down your choices is to figure out which brands cater to your lifestyle.
For a younger, trendsetting shopper: Start with brands like Stila, Tarte, Urban Decay, Kat Von D and Benefit. They have sheerer formulas which work best with younger skin. In general, they also reflect the trends of the moment, like brighter palettes and shimmery shades. Most importantly, these brands are budget friendly. If you are looking for a few edgy pieces to add to your collection, like some wild eye shadows, these are great brands to look at.PRO TIP: One of my fun favorites is Benefit’s High Beam. Add a few drops of this to your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over shimmery look.
For clean, minimalist makeup: Clinique, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier are great go-to brands. They're perfect for someone who wants a streamlined routine with easy-to-use products. Remember, a neutral palette is mistake-proof and virtually no-fuss.PRO TIP: The natural look is back in, and a GREAT nude lip combo is Clinique's Neutrally lip liner and Air Kiss gloss.
For a more glamorous look: I love brands like Illamsqua, Lorac, and NARS for va-va-voom glamour. These brands tend to have a dynamic range of colors, and easily put the glitz and glamour of the red carpet into your hands. They also have richly pigmented and long-lasting formulas which are perfect for creating evening looks that will stay put throughout the night. If you’re going to be photographed for work or an event, Make Up For Ever and CoverFx are the go-to brands in the industry. Their formulas contain specialized pigments that look stunning in high-def situations.FAVORITE: I love Make Up For Ever's HD Microperfecting Primer which provides the perfect base for your makeup. Try the green-tinted primer to reduce redness.
For luxury makeup:If you want ultra-luxurious makeup, think of couture brands like Dior, Chanel, and YSL. They may cost more, but because of their intense pigments and high quality ingredients, these products will really last longer. A foundation that I use everyday is the YSL Teint Resist. It has a long-lasting matte effect, so you only need to apply it once a day without touch-ups.
Remember, the great thing about Sephora is that (like a department store) you can try on the products before you buy them. Don’t be afraid to test them in the store or ask for samples to take home. And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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