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If the first thing in your Sephora cart isn't Drunk Elephant, you're doing it wrong.
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Until recently, Drunk Elephant was know as the go-to to whip your skin into shape. Now, you can get drunk head-to-toe with their new Hair + Body Collection.
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You can find a full breakdown of their products on my Drunk Elephant post HERE. ​
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If there's one thing you buy during the Sephora sale, it's the Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser.
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This is by far my favorite cleanser of all time. I've struggled with sensitive skin since high school and this is the first cleanser that, somehow, balances out my dry & oily spots. The most surprising part is how gentle the formula is...it seems TOO soft to be effective, but this baby makes its way into my life at least twice a day.
Shop Drunk Elephant Skin
** NOTE it is not recommended to stock up on C-Firma! She contains pure L-ascorbic acid which is most effective when used fresh!
Shop Drunk Elephant Body
Shop Drunk Elephant Hair
Another staple brand in my beauty closet is Coola. It doesn't matter if you live in Antartica or Cali, you should be wearing some sort of SPF on your face & neck DAILY. If there's one universally accepted beauty tip, this is it.
On makeup-less days/walks outside I use the Classic Face Sport Sunscreen (SPF 50). If I'm going to apply makeup or want something more "beauty" and less "sport" I opt for the Mineral BB Cream (SPF 30 with a matte tint).
I highly recommend keeping both of these in your beauty drawer. The high price point is offset by how long they last (I've had the same ones for ages and use daily!).
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Not pictured here (because i just used the last drop of it!) is the Classic Body Sunscreen (SPF 50) in the MOST amazing scent you will ever find in a sunscreen.
Despite the size difference I don't find that the body sunscreen lasts as long as their face-specific formulas (doesn't spread AS amazingly). I also always opt for the lotion over the spray.
Shop Coola Sunscreen
Now let's talk self tanner. Coola's Sunless Tan Firming Lotion is hands down the best at-home tanner I've tried.
While their Luminizing Body Serum & Dry Oil Mist are solid choices, they don't beat the easy application and long-lasting, streak-less color of the firming lotion.
I've also tested their application brush, but I find applying the Firming Lotion with your hands (as if it were normal lotion) works best. The brush was mostly useful for wrists/feet but I don't think it's a necessity.
I've yet to try the Sculpting Moose, so that will be in my Sephora cart!
Shop Coola Self Tanners
One of my current favorite makeup brands is Kosas. The Tinted Face Oil is SUPER hydrating, light & airy with a medium level coverage. I recommend identifying whatever tone you are and going up 0.5 of a level. Ex: I identified myself as a level 3.5 tone, but the level 4.0 ended up being my match.
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The 10 Second Eyeshadow is PERFECT for faking a put together look. Any time I'm in a rush or on the go, I apply this bad boy with my finger and it does WONDERS.
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Equally as on-the-go is their cream blush & highlighter combo. I've used the blush for cheeks, lips and eyeshadow.
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Last Kosas item I want to call out is their Weightless Lip Color. I've never been a fan of lipstick (I hate the sticky, weighted feeling) but this silky-smooth formula glides on like a milky chapstick. The Rosewater color is KILLER.
Shop Kosas
Murad Skincare used to be one of those brands I'd eye and wonder if it was reallllyyy worth the price point. After receiving a few of these to test out, I GET IT.
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Murad is a clinical skincare company and has been around since 1989. In other words, they know their stuff.
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My all-time favorite is their Night Fix Enzyme Treatment. I use this at least once/twice a week to keep my skin fully hydrated and youthful. You apply like an overnight mask (after your normal moisturizer).
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Their Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel is another favorite. The formula is designed to remove dead surface cells & then defend and strengthen the underlying skin. While this is intended for daily use over an extended period of time, I tend to get a bit freaked out by the "acid peel" and slight burning sensation I feel after application, so I typically only use once a week.
Shop Murad Skincare
I've used Becca Cosmetics ​Be A Light Palette religiously for the past year or two (hence why the pic to the right doesn't show the inside). While this palette isn't available at Sephora, she is on sale for 50% off on Becca's website. If you want to shop the goods via Sephora, though, I'll link the separates below (blush, bronzer, highlighter - the blur powder isn't available as a separate).
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The Backlight Priming Filter Face Primer is something I recommend to models/bloggers/anyone taking photos. I wouldn't typically utilize this primer in the day-to-day as it creates more of a sheen/wet look than I'd typically go for. If you are taking pics, though, she's GREAT for adding an extra glow.
Shop Becca Cosmetics
Another note-worthy & underrated skincare brand is Lancer. I've only ever tried the combo of three to the left, but based off of these three I'm willing to bet the rest of their products are solid purchases.
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This particular three step set is referred to as "The Method." You can purchase each individually or as a trio.
The first step, Polish, is a light exfoliator intended for daily use. The rough texture feels SO good on your skin and when you rinse away the exfoliator you can literally feel a fresh layer of skin on your face.
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The second step, Cleanse, is a gentle cleanser with little lathering. It's super hydrating and lasts a while.
The third and final step, Nourish, is a rich anti-aging moisturizer. It's the PERFECT consistency and does the trick when you're in need of hydration.
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Overall, I highly recommend this trio. I've linked the individuals and set below. Heads up, the moisturizer, Nourish, always seems to be small in size when purchasing this set as a trio.
Shop The Method by Lancer
Ok. For all of you still using beauty blenders, LISTEN UP. Have you ever cut open one of your sponges? They can literally grow MOLD.
MOLD.
I suggest you go run to bathroom and check yours out. If it's moldy, keep reading. Artis brushes are expensive. At $60 each, there's no way around it. BUT, if you take care of them, they're an investment.
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I've personally only used their larger brushes, intended for skincare & face makeup, so I'll be adding some smaller options for eyes & lips to my cart.
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A few reasons I love Artis.
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1. They use synthetic fibers (no cruelty!) which are actually BETTER for application purposes.
2. The brush heads have extremely densely packed fibers, so you use a significantly less amount of product.
3. They're SUPER versatile. You can purchase their No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 AND their mini palm brush and interchange them however you want.
If you do make the investment, I highly suggest purchasing their cleansing pad & foam or wipes. You want to take REALLY good care of these!
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*TIP do not apply liquid product directly onto your brush. It's best to apply product directly onto your face and then blend out with the brush to prevent wasted product from seeping into the fibers.
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I'll link some of the Sephora options below, but if you're looking for a better deal, you can get 25% off with the code TAYLOR25 on Artis' website.
Shop Artis Brushes
Other Random Things You Need
Shiseido. If you're looking for a luxe buy at an affordable price point, I suggest Shiseido's Waso Purifying Peel Off Mask. This Japanese brand is built on a foundation of Japanese ingredients and culture.
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This mask is SO rich - the consistency is one of the thickest I've ever felt, and I mean, look at the color. It's like you're putting liquid pink gold on your face. Peeling her off is SO satisfying.
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Another REALLY thick product ​is Saturday Skin's Waterfall Glacier Water Cream. Do NOT apply this in the morning. I repeat, this is a before-bed product! The product lays atop your skin for quite some time before seeping in, but you'll wake up with extreme hydration & a youthful glow.
Shiseido
Saturday Skin
T3 Micro
Innisfree
Nars
On sale for $250!
Olaplex Shampoo
Olaplex Conditioner
Fresh
Innisfree
Bumble and Bumble
Urban Decay
Innisfree
On sale for $24!
T3 Micro
Fresh
Ren Skincare
On sale for $275!
Ren Skincare
Charlotte Tulbury
Summer Friday's
Laura Mercier
