Whenever the Fall Sephora Sale hits, I’m usually at a point in the year where the bulk of my work is starting to lighten up as the seasons change & New England starts prepping for Winter.
Though I’ll still be seeing clients & doing shoots - in person work slows down for me, and I’m not mad about it. I like to hibernate from public life during Dec/Jan and get things done.
I work on my marketing, update my website & take time to reflect & strategize. I try to keep my family alive in the face of all the filthy germs a 6th grader brings home from school, and in February I re-emerge with new goals, aspirations and a vision of what the New Year may hold!
It’s a beautiful time, even with the cold days & early dusks.
It also means I don’t need a ton of new makeup right now - I’d rather wait for the Spring Sephora Sale to stock up, that way everything’s fresh for when things start popping here in April/May. I vowed this year not to schedule any bridal trials until after it passes so my brides get all the fresh finds!
But not everyone is on this same schedule & I figured I’d give you the scoop on a few things I love from my kit, what I bought to add to it, and a some treats I got for me.
These links all run through my ShopMy where you can see even more lists of things I love - and where I earn a small commission for anything purchased through the posted links. If you’d like to join ShopMy yourself, use this link to apply!
Straight From My Kit: The tried-and-true. These have earned their spot!
Prada Light Glowing Highlighter Powder, $90
This is outrageously priced, I know. It’s almost offensive that I’m recommending it but I love it so much that I not only included it, but started this list with it. It’s finely milled, silky & applies like a dream with a brush. I love it on the eyelid, inner eye, high points of the cheek as a finisher. It’s chic & looks expensive both on & in its packaging.
I have all the shades but I reach for 01 the most.
Armani Beauty Dolci Blush Smoothing Cream-to-Powder Soft-Matte Balm, $39
You may or may not have seen the great “does it weigh what it says it does” controversy over this product on social media - it seemed to come up a touch short of what’s advertised. That detail doesn’t keep it off my list because the pigmentation of this blush is so good that I doubt I’ll even finish one before it expires. It’s dense, has great color payoff and works well when you warm it between your fingers first, or work it into a brush for a lighter application.
I have all the shades but reach for 5, Mauve Blush, the most.
Saie Lip Liner 101: Creamy & Nourishing Lip Pencil, $20
Every makeup artist should have the shade Wink in their kit.
I’ve used it on so many brides - it’s the perfect rose nude shade, pink but not too pink, and blends like a dream. My “I don’t wear makeup & hate the feeling of lipstick” girlies LOVE this pencil - we’ll put it over the whole lip, buff it in, and just use a balm over it for moisture. My 100%, never-failed-me, go-to lip pencil.
Sarah Creal Face Flex Color Corrector Instant Undereye Brightener, $58
I used to swear by cream correctors for the undereye until I found this one! I typically prep my clients with eye cream & eye patches until I’m ready to do the under-eye, & I think having that area properly moisturized is key to why this applies so nicely for me. I also use a tapered synthetic concealer brush to apply it with a stippling technique. I use a small amount to color correct, let it set and then go over with concealer if needed, though sometimes foundation alone over it does the trick! I don’t pack powder under the eye, but I do often set it with a light sweep of brightening powder.
Westman Atelier Sun Tone Matte Bronzing Drops, $58
I’m still on a mission for a bronzing gel to replace my beloved Stila Sun Gel that was perfection & sadly discontinued. This liquid bronzer from WA has found its place in my kit because it’s a gorgeous natural looking bronzer with no added sheen or glitter, can be mixed with foundation or used on its own for a believable, natural looking tan.
Patrick Ta Major Beauty Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo, $40
I have so many of these blushes but Out of Office (possibly a newer shade??) has been my go-to since I picked it up. It’s a “cool pink” that actually feels relatively neutral to me as far as pinks go, which isn’t always easy to find in this era of bright & baby pinks or mauvey tones.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette, $58
I don’t care how many new things come out in this space, the Golden Goddess eyeshadow quad is my “I know I can make this work on almost everyone” palette. I have to stop myself from reaching for it sometimes & challenge myself more because it’s just too easy to fall back on!!
My New Kit Recruits: But will they make the Final Cut?!
DIOR Backstage Glow Maximizer Face Palette, $55
Everyone knows the OG version of this quad but this time I bought the limited edition Icy Rose Glow. It’s so pretty, very pinky - I really didn’t need it at all but oh did I want it. And now I have it.
YSL Brewed Reflections Couture Face Palette, $85
I don’t know if I’ll regret buying this or if I’ll instead regret not getting both shade versions. I love this blush formula & carry a few single shades - 6 blushes for $68ish (after sale price) seemed like a deal though now I have to figure out how to fit it into my kit since the packaging is a little bulky & I don’t depot.
m.ph by Mary Phillips The Perfect Blending Touch Up Brush, $49
So many artists go crazy for these brushes - my go-tos are typically from a Korean brand I reach for first - but I figured this was a moment to give them a go. I like the shape & style of the bristles on this one, and I look forward to trying it!
m.ph by Mary Phillips The Foundation Brush, $48
This is another I know many artists carry for applying foundation so I’m excited to give it a go & see if it’s worth the hype!
Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush, $30
I got this for a specific client that feels a bit awkward & nervous about makeup. Merit has some great products for those of us in the 45+ category - I have a few shades in my personal makeup bag & I have a feeling that’s where this will end up as well! Let’s be honest, that’s actually my secret plan…
MAC Cosmetics Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Hydrating Longwear Lipstick, $25
Another rec from a trusted artist friend - I can’t wait to see what this formula is all about! I’m hoping it will fill in a gap in my lip offerings for my girlies who prefer a tinted balm style product, but gives a bit more payoff for longevity needs!
Danessa Myricks Beauty Mini Yummy Skin Liquid Blurring Balm Mattifying Setting Spray, $23
I worked with a gorgeous celeb last week - she handed this to me to use on her & said I needed it for my kit. That’s enough of a reason for me to finally get one!!
Just for Me: Because I deserve a little treat too.
KJH.Brand Soft Smudge Lip & Cheek Cream Blush Multistick, $24
I had experienced the first run of this product & it was a bit different than its current iteration. I wanted to give it another go because I love Katie Jane Hughes & always want to support fellow artists when I can!! I can’t wait to start using it.
Innisfree Daily UV Mineral Korean Sunscreen SPF 45, $22
Literally the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out. The zinc in it also helps calm my flared rosacea skin & never ever makes my eyes burn. I’ve tried so many other sunscreens this year & I am always back to this one.
Kosas Air Brow Tinted Clean Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, $26
A client once said “I have light brows but not as light as Amy’s” as a reference point, and I found it to be hilarious & true. Until I get inspired to dye them, this does the trick! I also use the clear version after the tinted to set them in place but I didn’t need one, so I didn’t order one!
That’s the list! The sale ends Monday, 11/9, so if something here caught your eye, now’s the time. And if you pick anything up, I’d love to hear what you went for (or what you talked yourself out of).
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