I'm normally a window-shopper when it comes to Sephora. Just wandering around the store browsing the plethora of makeup and beauty products is more than enough for me. With the UK beauty scene having exploded like it has in recent years – and Boots earning its place in the beauty industry–, the beauty supply store is no longer the haven it once was. That won't stop me from looking though.
When I was in Paris earlier this year, I stopped off at the Champs-Élysées store and picked up a couple of items. I was also fortunate enough to go on a work trip to Las Vegas so I snuck in some time at one of their stores for some US luxuries.
On both occasions, I went in with the idea of picking up some skincare and makeup goodies that were not available in the UK. Since my visits, Sephora announced it was launching in the UK with its first physical store hitting the streets next year. Needless to say, I've been entirely unsuccessful in my mission.
One item on my US Wishlist was the Topicals Faded Serum. Unfortunately, being on roaccutane has meant I'm restricted in using acids on my skin so I couldn't pick it up. I was tempted to buy the brands Like Butter cream but I have enough barrier repair creams to last me the next few years so I left that behind too.
Here are all the beauty and makeup products I bought in Sephora this year:
Sheer Skin Tint in Shade 2, £40, Summer Fridays |
I am all for minimal makeup looks and this Sheer Skin Tint from Summer Fridays fits perfectly into that category. I hadn't come across Summer Fridays before so I was keen to try it. I matched with shade 2 and the lightweight silky formula blended in effortlessly. I have a couple of angry breakouts on my face at the moment but once my skin clears, I'm looking forward to testing it out.
Green Clean, £32, Farmacy |
There is something really satisfying about removing makeup and watching it dissolve. Anyone else? I have never tried a makeup cleansing balm before so I'm excited to try this one out. The balm contains moringa extract which is said to help purify the skin by removing impurities and pollution residue. It comes with a small spatula making it easier to get the product out and to saves you adding dirty fingers into the pot when you need a little more product.
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, £20, Sol de Janiero |
Sol de Janiero's famous Brazilian Bum Bum cream has been on my beauty wishlist for the last few years. Now, I know I can buy it in SpaceNK, Boots and many other British retailers but when I was walking around the store in Paris, I caved. The body butter comes highly recommended and from what I can remember, it smells absolutely divine.
Ultra Repair Cream, £32, First Aid Beauty |
I have an unhealthy obsession with barrier repair creams. As an acne sufferer, who's now on month 2 into a roaccutane course, I am focused on keeping a healthy moisture barrier. Most creams that are similar help to reduce the redness in my complexion which is perfect when my skin is looking quite angry. This staple from First Aid Beauty contains ingredients like shea butter, oatmeal, eucalyptus and ceramides.
Papaya Vitamin mask and Caffeine eye mask, Sephora |
Is it just me or does Sephora have the best face masks? I've tried plenty of sheet masks in my time and nothing feels as relaxing or as good as Sephora's ones - aside from these K-beauty ones. My go-to is the pomegranate face mask which is meant to help with energising and toning. This time I decided to try the papaya vitamin C mask to help give my complexion a much-needed boost.
I also added the caffeine eye mask to my basket on the basis I felt a little tired that day. As you can see, I still have yet to use it. I've heard mixed reviews of the effectiveness of using eye masks but I'm all for a little pampering.
Rainwater power mist, touchland |
This purchase was 99.9% for the aesthetic and 0.01% because I actually needed a new hand sanitiser. I had seen quite a few influencers and TikTok babes with their neat touchland hand sanitisers that fit perfectly into their tiny bags and I wanted to be part of that lifestyle too. Disclaimer: I did spend a stupid amount of money on it.
Love, Aoife xo
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