When it comes to beauty in general, Sephora is the place to shop for many. I love that their model is convenient (lots of brands in one place) and accessible (lots of price ranges). Most importantly, I’m super impressed by their growing commitment to introducing their customers to clean beauty.
Earlier this year Beautycounter partnered with Sephora to share better beauty (aka our top sellers) with more customers. It was a freaking amazing opportunity for Sephora, the leader in beauty, and Beautycounter, the leader in clean, to lift each other up. And, even though that partnership is over (for now), it definitely cemented a reality: clean is here to stay.
You know what else I’m impressed by? Their sales. Twice a year, Sephora does a savings event where members can get 10-20% off, depending on their Beauty Insider level. If you’re not a Beauty Insider yet, you can sign up for free here and get 10% off your purchase starting tomorrow! And if you are, you def already know what I’m talking about! The sale ends on Monday so you have plenty of time to register and *add to cart* 🙂
I don’t benefit at all if you sign up! I’m simply committed to helping you find cleaner, safer products wherever you choose to shop! And if you can get products at a discount IMMA TELL YA! So let’s get to it: in this post I’ll break down how to shop clean at Sephora, what I use and love, what’s in my cart and some great ways to gift clean this season.
How to Shop Clean at Sephora
Hopefully y’all are familiar with this already, but Sephora makes it super easy for you to shop clean through their “Clean at Sephora” seal. This designation means the product is formulated without parabens, sulfates, SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oils, formaldehydes, formaldehyde releasing agents, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarbon and more. Under every single product category, you can find a tab that says “clean” – always make sure you start there! I also love that you can sort by and support Black-owned brands, something I’m making a continued effort to do.
While not as comprehensive as other clean beauty destinations like Credo and Follain, Sephora’s never list is thorough – and it’s growing! I’m a big believer in progress over perfection, especially when it comes to reducing your toxic burden. So, if you’re already a Sephora fan and don’t love shopping at multiple places, rest assured you can find some excellent clean options there!
What I use and love
Sephora carries some of my all time favorite clean brands: Ilia, Kosas, Biossance, Herbivore, Supergoop, Phlur, Indie Lee and Goop to name a few! Here are some of my current favorites that I’ve used and loved:
Ilia Superserum Skin Tint – This is a super lightweight oil based foundation with SPF 40 that was nice in the summer and will be great for winter because of the skincare level ingredients – squalane balances skin, niacinamide smooths texture and and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid boost and seal in hydration! It doesn’t provide a ton of coverage, but is great on light makeup days and under Skin Twin Foundation. This sells out like hot cakes all the time and I love that Sephora has so many shades in stock!
Illia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara – One of my all time favorite clean mascaras! I love a good lengthening option and the applicator on this one is such a dream.
Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil – I mentioned this in my Credo round up, but lip oils and glosses are the new lipstick for me right now! I’ve been rotating this one in Linger (a lovely berry mauve) with my Kosas Lip Oil in Jellyfish and Beautycounter Beyond Gloss in Clove.
Kosas Wet Oil Lip Gloss – The BEST gloss for under masks! Love the boost of hyaluronic acid for hydration, peptides and evening primrose oil. I prefer the shade Jellyfish because it’s clear(ish). You can also snag a set of three, which is already in my cart! I plan to split it up and use the individuals for gifting…if I don’t use ’em first 😉
Kosas Weightless Lip Color Lipstick – I freaking adore this lipstick and raved about it in this post. The Rosewater shade is the loveliest multi-seasonal neutral.
Kosas Deodorant Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant – A sneak peek into my deo round up! This serum based deodorant is a sensitive safe option that is aluminum and baking soda free. It’s also packed with skincare ingredients: AHA acids, aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid. There’s a fragrance free option, too! More on this to come.
Supergoop Matte Screen – This is a fantastic mineral sunscreen option that can also be used as a makeup primer! The mattifying effect is awesome for oily skin.
Biossance Squalane Oil – Ahhh the holy grail of hydration! I love this product so much – I use it nightly on my face, hands and body. Typically, I get mine directly from Biossance but will likely grab it here going forward so I can get other things too. You can find more on squalane here – I’ll likely put together a dedicated post soon!
Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Mask – If you are in need of a good exfoliating treatment, this mask is for you. It is jammed packed with AHAs (acids that I chat about here) which help with dullness, uneven texture, pores and oiliness. This baby will most definitely be in my mask round up!
The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc – A dynamite acne treatment that is super effective and super affordable! I use it in the mornings, mainly during the summer because the gel like consistency is so cooling (but you can use it year round!). This is a go-to of mine when my skin is breaking out and I have to pare down my routine.
Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner – One of my top used products! This helps with dryness and balances skin, prepping it for the rest of your routine. I use this prior to the Countertime Essence or solo after showering / at the gym (lol, remember the gym?).
Herbivore Jasmine Tea Tree Toner – This is a super refreshing and easy to use spray toner. This one has green tea, willow bark and witch hazel to balance, clarify and control oil. It’s a great “primer” prior to makeup application!
SHOP MY CABINET
What’s in my cart
I also love that Sephora carries brands I’d like to try like Summer Fridays, Farmacy, Rahua, Brigeo and Necessaire. They also have some newer to me brands like Youth to the People, Tatcha and Lawless. Here’s what’s currently in my cart or on my radar:
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask – This is a cult classic when it comes to hydration. It can also be used as an overnight treatment. My skin is getting drier and I’d love to incorporate this into my routine!
Youth to the People Mini Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask – What a NAME! This is a new-to-me brand that I’m excited to try. The mask has hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and squalane – three of my favorite skincare ingredients. The mini size is perfection for a test run.
Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil – I plan to add a face oil in the morning as the seasons change and this one may be it! I love that it’s lightweight, noncomedogenic, gluten free and has my favorite anti-oxidant: honey!
Brigeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Shampoo – I have yet to try Brigeo, a clean, female and black-owned company, but have heard amazing things! I’m thinking this formula may help my wavy hair get some life back. I may also go this route because of my highlights.
Brigeo Don’t Despair Repair Hair Mask – Confession: I am horrible with hair care. I just recently started using a scalp scrub once a week (Brigeo actually makes one too and so does Christophe Robin). Next on my list? A hair mask. Since I have highlights I think it would really keep my hair balanced and strong.
Necessaire The Body Wash – They now carry Necessaire at Sephora! I actually I ordered a set before we moved and ended up PACKING IT. Blegh. So I re-ordered a new set last week and it’s on the way to me! I’m trying Eucalyptus but I love that there is a fragrance free option. This is a super trendy brand and I can’t wait to see if it’s worth the hype! I really dig the aesthetic.
Necessaire The Body Serum – I love serums on my face so why not use one on my body? Hyaluronic acid and ceramides YES PLEASE. This is en route to me but I wish I waited and snagged it on sale.
Lawless Seal the Deal Loose Setting Powder Mini – I’m on the hunt for a new tinted powder to replace my beloved Bobbi Brown compact and my friend Meg recommended this. It’s “translucent” but has a bit of a tint which I’ll take. Loose powders are better than pressed because they require less ingredients and caking agents. Hopefully this one is a win!
Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask – My friend Emily RAVES about this product and, since my lips are already chapping like crazy, I cannot wait to give them some extra love! This plus the Beautycounter Polish and Protect Duo = healthy winter lips!
Heretic Dirty Vanilla Travel Perfume – Hi my name is Nora and I am addicted to clean fragrance. Heretic is on my list to try and this scent reminds me of the orginal Burberry I used to wear. I love when brands offer travel sizes! Sephora also carries my signature Phlur scent and my favorite Ellis Brooklyn scent. Working on a fragrance post as we speak!
Otherland Rattan Sandlewood Vegan Candle – I am DEEP in my clean candle research and have heard wonderful things about Otherland. They are super conscious of their ingredients and their fragrance is phthalate, sulfate and paraben free.
SHOP MY CART
Some favorite seasonal sets
One of my favorite ways to try new products and brands is through discounted mini sets. Thankfully, the holidays are the best time to snag ’em! Beautycounter launched a bunch earlier this season (you can find a detailed breakdown here) and other brands are doing the same! Sets are also fun gifts (that you can either keep together or split apart).
Sephora has a zillion of these, so I spent some time sorting through them to identify my faves!
Phlur Discovery Set – Snag my favorite clean perfume in trial sizes! Phlur is one of the most transparent companies around and a brand I’ve used, loved and supported. I have two of their full sized bottles and did a trial set to see what I liked.
Rahua Jet Setter Set – Four mini hair care products in one! Have you ever bought a shampoo, hated it but feel like you’re stuck with the bottle? Same. This is a great way to test without commiting. If you’re ever traveling, you can refill these with your full size bottles.
Brigeo Detox Restore and Protect Mini Set – I may snag this one instead of the full size Brigeo shampoo. It’s only $18 – such a steal.
Kosas Mini Wet Set Clean Lip Oil Trio – I mean, see above. This is a bomb.com gift for yourself or to use as stocking stuffers or gift toppers!
BITE Beauty Mini Nude Lip Crayon Duo Set – I’m all about a neutral lip and Bite came highly recommended.
Summer Fridays The Hydration Set – Aghhh look at all of this goodness in one place! What a fun way to try the jet lag mask and experiment with other products in the line.
Kosas Keep It Clean Set – My favorite lip oil, a chapstick AND my favorite mascara all in one. This is a must and a great intro to clean products for anyone who wants to swap out some basics.
Olaplex Bond Repair Trial Kit – This shampoo was recommended by my stylist but it’s SUPER expensive. I think I may try this mini set before investing in the real deal!
Biossance Uplift and Bright Set – One of my go-to brands has a set with three products I haven’t tried yet. Come winter I’m alllll about the brightening and boosting! This Illuminate Overnight Set would be great too!
Ellis Brooklyn Discovery Set – Holy heck, 8 trial perfumes for $27! These scents can be tested and layered, and I love the sweet packaging.
Ilia Eye Heart Clean Holiday Set – This has a cream shadow, liner and one of my favorite mascaras. Kinda fun for a holiday LEWK ya know?
SHOP SETS
Are you shopping the Sephora sale? What’s in your cart? If you need help navigating the selection or finding products that would work well with your skin and budget, just ping me! I’m here to help.
Photo by Kelly F Peterson Photography
Love this list! So many great recommendations. For loose powder, I also highly recommend Jane Iredale- amazing base loose powder or amazing base pressed powder- another clean brand that I have loved for years. Both can be worn solo for light makeup days, or layered on top of foundation/tinted moisturizer, and they both have pure mineral SPF which is a big plus!