Every time the Sephora VIB Sale rolls around, I find myself both excited and slightly overwhelmed. Sephora is one of those stores where you walk in with the intention of buying one thing and suddenly you’re standing in a sea of options, swatching 12 lipsticks you don’t actually need. That’s why I’ve made it a tradition to round up my recommendations during the sale—because let’s face it, if you’re going to splurge, this is the perfect time to do it.
Below are my tried-and-true favorites that I’ve purchased (and repurchased) over the years. Whether you’re refreshing your everyday staples or treating yourself to something special, these are the products I think are worth grabbing while the discount is on.
Face Favorites
Liquid Foundation
If you’ve ever wondered if Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is worth the hype—the answer is yes. It’s one of the most natural-looking foundations I’ve ever used. The texture is weightless, the finish is seamless, and it gives just enough radiance without crossing into “greasy” territory. I especially love how its slightly warm undertone helps balance out under-eye darkness and any blue veins. It’s definitely an investment foundation, but the sale makes it far easier to justify.
CC Cream
For everyday wear, my holy-grail pick is the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40. It’s like the overachiever of complexion products—it gives more coverage than your typical BB cream, yet still feels breathable. I’d describe the finish as demi-matte: smooth, polished, but not flat. I usually set it with powder to keep everything in place. Bonus: it has built-in sun protection, which makes it perfect for busy mornings when you want fewer steps.
Powder Foundation
The Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Powder Foundation doesn’t get enough love. It has incredible coverage for a powder—think airbrushed finish without the airbrush machine. If you like the idea of looking flawless in two seconds flat, this is a great product to keep in your bag.
Bronzer
The Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer has been a cult favorite forever, and for good reason. If you’re fair to medium skin-toned, this shade hits the sweet spot: it’s not too orange, not too muddy, and it blends like a dream. It’s basically foolproof bronzing.
Eye Staples
Brows
My brows have been through every pencil and powder you can imagine, but I always come back to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil in Taupe. While the Brow Wiz is a classic, I personally prefer the pencil version because it lasts longer, sharpens to a fine tip, and lets you create realistic, hairlike strokes. It’s been my ride-or-die for years.
Eyeliner
- Liquid Liner: If you’re someone who reaches for liquid liner occasionally (like me), you’ll love the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. The fine tip makes it easy to get a precise wing, and the formula doesn’t dry out in the tube as quickly as others.
- Waterline Liner: For my upper waterline, nothing beats the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner. It defines your lash line in a subtle yet impactful way and doesn’t smudge all over the place. My favorite shade is Damsel—a deep black-brown that looks softer than pure black.
- Multi-Use Pencil: The Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil is one of those multitasking products you didn’t know you needed. I use it on my lower waterline to brighten and make my eyes look more awake, but it doubles as a lid primer or even a quick way to disguise stray brow hairs between appointments.
Eyeshadow
Hero product alert: the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Bronzed Bell. This one is pure magic in a tube. It’s bold, it’s luminous, and it’s guaranteed to get compliments. I wore it recently and had multiple people stop me just to ask what was on my lids. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to try one of these liquid shadows, the VIB sale is your green light.
Final Thoughts
The Sephora VIB Sale is the perfect excuse to pick up those pricier staples you’ve been eyeing or restock the products you already love without the sting of full price. These recommendations aren’t just trendy buys—they’re the products I’ve reached for over and over, the ones that have earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.
So if you’re standing in the middle of Sephora wondering, “Okay, but what do I actually need?”—start here. Your future self (and your makeup drawer) will thank you.
