Here’s What Our Beauty Editors Would Buy With $100 at Sephora

January 24, 2020

By: Samantha Holender | skincare.com by L'Oréal

Aimlessly roaming the aisles of Sephora is a skin-care lover’s favorite pastime; although, our wallets would likely disagree. With buzzy brands, indie newcomers and cult-favorites, our window shopping or one-product mission almost always turns into an inevitable skin-care splurge with a cart full of products. In the spirit of embracing our beauty-loving guilty pleasure, we tapped five beauty editors to see what’s on their must-have list at Sephora. Ahead, find what they would add to their skin-care shelf with $100 to spend.

Samantha, Assistant Editor

My Sephora shopping mission typically starts with refills on my all-time favorites. But mere minutes after entering the store, my list grows exponentially. That being said, my first stop would be to pick up the Biossance Squalane Gel Moisturizer ($52) and Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 ($10). They’re my two saviors during the winter season. I love how the moisturizer feels so lightweight but still packs in enough hydration to combat dry skin. Plus, I have a pretty red undertone and this product (which has ginger extract) helps even it out. I’ve also been using Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 for years and swear it’s the only thing to save my lips from becoming a chapped, dry mess. Once my refills were taken care of, my next stop would be to pick up the Lancôme Advanced Genéfique HydroGel Melting Mask ($15). I’ve been in a masking mood recently and love that this pick can give me a boost of hydration, radiance and plumpness all at once. As for the rest of my money? I’d spend it on the lilah b. Aglow Face Mist ($16). It sets my makeup perfectly and helps me maintain a good glow all day, even when my complexion is feeling a little bit on the drier side.

Alanna, Associate Editor

Whenever I’m headed to Sephora, I always make sure I’m picking up cult-favorites off the shelves. My spree right now would start with the new IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Leave-On Solution Pore-Refining Toner ($34) to test. This formula is perfect for getting rid of excess shine, addressing dullness and tightening pores — three things my oily skin craves. The next thing I would pick up is a refill of the Tower 28 SOS Save Our Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray, ($28). This soothing facial mist contains hypochlorous acid that works to calm and re-balance the skin, making it a perfect fit for my skin sensitivities. Lastly, I couldn’t do a Sephora stop without picking up a new scrub, which is why the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub ($38) is the last must-have on my list. This deep-cleansing scrub exfoliates and moisturizes the skin and scalp with ease and smells just as bomb as it works, too.

Jessica, Associate Editor

I wish it weren’t so easy for me to spend $100 at Sephora. Right out the gate, I would treat myself to the Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask ($45). It’s a bit of a splurge for a mask but a little goes a long way, and it’s a must if you have dry skin in need of some serious hydration, like me. Keeping with the green motif (although that totally wasn’t planned) I would get the Herbivore Emerald Hemp Seed Deep Moisture Glow Oil ($48) to test. I have a major soft spot for face oils, and it doesn't help that this one comes in the prettiest bottle. Despite what it may look like so far, I don’t just browse the big ticket items at Sephora — the budget-friendly steals are equally appealing. To round out my purchase, I would pick up a refill of the Sephora Collection Hydrating Lip Mask for just $3. I love to wear matte lipstick, so it’s important that I keep a hydrating lip mask on hand at all times for when my lips are in need of softening.

Genesis, Assistant Editor

When I’m shopping on a budget, I like to stock up on a few of my favorite products. In my opinion, you can never have too many cleansers, toners and moisturizers because often these are the products you use every single day, sometimes twice a day. I’m obsessed with the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser ($21) because it’s a gentle formula that helps to get rid of any impurities while leaving my skin soft and supple. Then, I like to follow up with the OleHenriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner ($28) because it helps to refine the look of my pesky large pores and freshen up my complexion without over-drying it. To round out my routine, I like to layer up on much-needed hydration by following up with the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream ($30). With the remaining money, I would to throw in the Kopari Coconut Lip Scrubby ($16) because a good lip scrub is key to a soft and hydrated pout all year long.

Jillian, Social Media Editor

With $100 to spend, I’m always going to try to stock up on both luxury and budget-friendly staples in my routine. If I were going to splurge, it would be on the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer ($64). It’s rich yet refreshing, and I love to use it day and night for around-the-clock moisture. Plus, it serves as a great base for your makeup if you’re in between primers. Next, I’d pick up the Lancôme Confort Re-Hydrating Comforting Toner with Acacia Honey ($30). The honey and almond oil combination is super hydrating for my dryness and totally essential in the winter — my skin drinks it right up. The Ordinary is one of my favorite low-budget, high-quality brands, so I couldn’t leave Sephora without picking something up. The High-Adherence Silicone Primer is a steal at $4.90 and gives extra hydration while blurring pores. It’s a must have for my makeup prep.