If you’re anything like me, you could spend hours shopping for makeup. But, if you’re like me, you don’t even have those hours to shop for makeup. (I wish!) That’s why I was so thrilled to team up with our newest sponsor, Sephora inside JCPenney, and check out the latest Sephora Collection products — turns out, it’s so easy for a busy mom like me to run right in, grab what I need, and run right out again.
Even though they’re celebrating 10 years together, I think this might just be the best-kept beauty shopping secret out there.
Plus, the ambiance at the Sephora there is really relaxed, which is such a treat, especially if you’re shopping with kids.
As for the products, I admit I had absolutely no idea that the Sephora Collection is made with the same quality ingredients as the big brands, but since you’re not paying for a designer label, they’re way more affordable. Whoo!
Updated for 2023
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Related: 12 fabulous beauty gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Including you.
During my visit, I was treated to a one-on-one consultation with a Sephora Beauty Consultant, although everyone who visits Sephora will get the same VIP treatment so no, it’s not like I’m special. (Ha.) During my visit, I got to try out products I thought would be perfect for my busy lifestyle — and hopefully yours too.
So here, I’m sharing 6 Sephora Collection products I’m so excited to have added to my makeup bag this week, and hopefully they’ll work for you too!
1. Sephora Collection 10 Hr Wear Perfection Foundation
I haven’t worn classic foundation in years, but rather bow to the altar of BB creams for evening out my skin tone. Turns out, mixing foundation with your favorite face lotion (make sure it has SPF) creates your own DIY BB cream, only longer lasting. Make that 10 hours longer lasting, when you use this Sephora Collection 10 Hr Wear Perfection Foundation that I’m really loving. How cool is that?
I should add, I have extremely sensitive skin and I had absolutely no issues with this foundation. Just be sure to get the right shade for your face — which is a good reason to head into the store and let a Beauty Consultant give you some assistance.
Pro tip: The makeup egg applicators are a fantastic way to get even coverage, but be sure to wash them after every single use.
2. Sephora Collection Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer
If there’s anything I never leave home without, it’s concealer under my eyes. I found this Sephora Collection Bright Future Gel Serum Under Eye Concealer to be the perfect consistency — it’s not too liquid-y — and it does the job well. With just one application under each eye, I look so much better rested. And yeah, I can always use help with that.
Pro tip: Just apply 3 dots under your eye and tap (don’t spread) with your ring finger. Need more coverage? Repeat the process.
Related; Our favorite skincare products: Let’s talk about a self-care skin routine
3. Sephora Collection LashCraft Lengthening & Volume Mascara
I’m a huge fan of tube mascara — seriously, ask anyone I know because I don’t stop talking about it! I find it actually stays on your lashes and doesn’t fall on your face, even though it’s not a waterproof formulation. So I was so happy to discover Lashcraft Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara . It’s much more affordable than the tube mascara I currently use and truly it works just as well — if not better.
If you have not tried a tube mascara yet, trust me when I say that it is life-changing. Well, as far as mascaras can be life changing. And the best part: You can just wash it off with warm water. No makeup remover or major scrubbing required.
Pro tip: When you apply the mascara, push up at the tips and you can achieve a better curl.
Related: The best mascaras for short lashes.
4. Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil
It’s only been recently that I’ve started doing anything with my brows because I’m fortunate that they’re pretty thick already. I’ve often wondered which type of product would be best for me — powder or pencil or pen — and it turns out I really like how the Retractable Brow Pencil from Sephora Collection has a comb on one end, so you can prepare your brows and spread the color after it’s applied. And wow, what a difference filling in your brows can make, even if they’re naturally thick like mine. Bonus: This particular brow pencil happens to be waterproof.
Pro tip: Brush your brows upward first, which makes application more even and helps you avoid clumping.
5. Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Satin Lipstick
I’m usually a nude lip color kind of a gal, but the cool thing about Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain is that it’s an affordable way to try out a seasonal makeup trend, or take a small risk with some fun bright colors you might not usually wear. In my case, it’s this Always Red — which our Instagram followers voted on for me over a more mauve-y shade I tried. (Thanks, IG fans! I like the red better too!)
I love that their cream lip stains are long-lasting, which means you don’t have to worry about reapplying it all day long. Or, all night long. Should you actually get out.
Pro tip: Don’t rub your lips together when you’re wearing a lip stain of any kind. Just apply, and let it dry naturally for the best results.
Thanks so much to our partner JCPenney for hosting me at their beautiful Sephora Inside JCPenney store in Garden City, New York. And extra big thanks to Alexis for making me look fabulous!
