One of the highlights of beauty retail – the Sephora Spring Sale – is upon us. Sure, the most dedicated shoppers can find sales at the plethora of retailers for beauty basics year-round, but it’s not easy to find significant discounts on the prestige and luxury brands for which beauty warriors flock to Sephora. As with any sale, we all have different shopping strategies. Some use their discount – predicated on the level of membership, i.e. Rouge, VIB, or Insider – to explore new palettes or splurge on Tom Ford’s latest perfumes as the icing on top of their regular beauty budget. As I grow more practical and more discerning in my curation of products, I use Sephora’s twice annual sale to stock on staples I know I’ll always need and get maximum bang for my buck. That means I prioritize the tried-and-true products.
This year, the necessary haul to keep sebum under control and breakouts at bay, while addressing any and every sign of aging is courtesy of Paula’s Choice’s effective, no nonsense formulations.
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner for Clear Skin
Paula’s Choice Salicylic Toner is not only a viral sensation, it’s a global best seller and award-winning hero product. Whether tackling black heads, congested pores, weird texture or whiteheads, the Beta Hydroxy acid at the base of this formulation does a lot of heavy lifting with a level of exfoliation all skin types can tolerate. A little swipe of this fast-drying toner post-cleanse all over, with extra attention around the T-zone and clogged areas, maximizes product absorption for the next step in any skin care regimen, whether a 3 or 10-step one. Now available in pre-soaked cotton pads and a travel size, it’s easier than ever to keep pores in check during summer vacay or post-gym.
6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant for Dark Spots, Textured Skin
For deeper and more targeted exfoliation, especially effective at dealing with hyperpigmentation, brightening and fine lines, this combo of two different hydroxy acids is still gentle enough to achieve that glow on all skin types. Lactic acid is loved for its softening and hydrating properties while respecting the skin barrier.
The addition of Mandelic acid and botanicals balances the formulation with soothing and antioxidant rich ingredients that prep the skin for actives like Vitamin C and Retinol. For oiler and less sensitive skin types, it can be used twice daily post-cleanse.
Pro Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster for Firmer, Smoother Skin
As central to any solid skin care routine customized for anti-aging concerns as a proper cleanse, exfoliation, and moisturizer is an actives-packed serum. The more peptides the better. As each peptide communicates with the skin differently, this packed treatment serum includes 6 different peptides to support the production of collagen and elastin from all angles. Hyaluronic acid and amino acids for hydration and amino acids for structural support round out this formulation for multi-layer firming support. Pro-tip: use it on lips too.
Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Gel-Cream Moisturizer
It’s rare that an anti-aging moisturizer is created for all skin types. This peptide-rich gel cream moisturizer is one of them. Formulated with squalene to bring moisture to the skin without residual oiliness, and additional peptides for firming and hydration, it’s an easy choice for bouncy skin as a canvas for makeup application. The fast-absorbing texture hydrates all skin-types with a youthful plumping finish.
Use code SPRINGSALE at Sephora.com until 4/20. Happy Shopping!
