40 beauty products our editors always shop at Sephora — starting at $12

I’ve recently gotten on the Tower 28 train, and there are no signs of getting off. Its ShineOn Lip Jelly glosses are a staple in my beauty routine, as is the AAPI-owned brand’s MakeWaves mascara. This summer, I’ve been hooked on the hypochlorous acid facial spray, which not only feels super refreshing during a heat wave, but it also does wonders for my skin. It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free and soothes red, stressed-out skin. Hypochlorous acid is having a moment lately — it’s anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties — I even sprayed this on an open wound on my arm (a pretty hefty scratch thanks to my cat) to keep it moist and calm down irritation. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor 

This gel-cream moisturizer is great for oily or combination skin types like mine, since it's lightweight and doesn't clog pores. It has hydrating ingredients like glycerin, as well as a barrier repair complex and moisture complex (if you didn't know, a complex is a blend of ingredients that are clinically studied) that help the skin stay happy and healthy. It's my go-to daytime moisturizer, especially in the warmer seasons, since it sinks in fast and feels nice layered under SPF. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

I know, spending $80 on less than 2-ounces of product seems wild, but this Drunk Elephant mask lasts me all year. The exfoliation of this mask’s AHA and BHA components is pretty intense, but now going on year two of use, it’s done wonders to improve my overall skin texture. My skin can be pretty reactive, so I only reach for this mask every week or week and a half and only apply it when my skin is free from open wounds (aka popped pimples or cuts), sunburns, eczema or other flareups to help reduce irritation. A little goes a long way with this product and if you dial it into your routine right, you won't need to drop extra money on another facial anytime soon. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor 

I look forward to applying this mineral sunscreen every morning. It is lightweight and makes my skin glow, without any tacky texture that a traditional SPF can leave behind. If I’m planning on wearing foundation, it makes a great base for makeup application. However, after wearing this consistently for three months, I use the DreamBeam on its own. My skin feels protected and has a dewy finish. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer

This new cleanser has been my go-to since it came out. I had been looking for the perfect cruelty-free cleanser to add to my collection and couldn’t find anything worth my time. This one makes my oily skin feel nice and refreshed after every use and has seriously helped me feel more confident with my skin care routine. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator 

As someone prone to breakouts, I was wary of face oils for a long time, but this one from Biossance made me a convert. My skin drinks this one in — it never feels heavy or greasy. I love using it as the very last step in my nighttime skin care routine to lock in moisture and have gone through many bottles over the years. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director 

I developed a reputation among my friends and family as somewhat of a sunscreen fiend, so I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting formulas. This Paula’s Choice sunscreen truly lives up to its fluid name; its texture is more like a serum than a traditional sunscreen and while that caught me off guard at first, I’ve come to love its light, moisturizing formula. It is a bit runny though, so you need to rub it in immediately before it drips onto your clothes, but it settles into the skin quickly, looks great under makeup and doesn’t have that sunscreen scent that can overwhelm your nostrils. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor 

After searching for a moisturizer that wouldn’t irritate my sensitive skin (and is budget friendly), I found the Omega Water Cream and have never looked back. This moisturizer makes your skin feel airy yet hydrated. Its almost silky texture melts into your skin with ease. While I’ve heard it compares to the Tatcha Water Cream, the Omega Water cream is only $12. That’s affordable hydration, if you ask me. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer

This SPF has become one of my all-time favorites and is about to be yours, too. It leaves absolutely no white cast and makes me feel so protected. It's incredibly lightweight and doesn't make my oily skin even oilier, which I appreciate. Some sunscreens also tend to break me out, but this one has made my skin smooth and clear. This brand is also cruelty-free and reef-safe, making it perfect for your next beach vacation. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator 

This body cream is my all-time favorite product from Sephora. It smells like coconuts, hydrates my skin and is a staple in my after-shower routine. It’s buttery without feeling heavy and I love how fast it absorbs into skin to instantly make it softer. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer 

My brows are the focal point of my everyday look, so I’m always on the hunt for the next best eyebrow gel to fluff them up. I recently saw some buzz around Kosas’ Air Brow Gel, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s vegan and gives brows an airy, natural look. Plus, the formula is made with castor oil to nourish hair. I also love that the packaging is transparent, so you can see exactly how much product is left. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor 

My favorite mascara for every day, this tubing one from Merit is the first I’ve tried that truly stays put all day long and doesn’t inevitably leave me with “raccoon eyes”. It’s great for those who prefer a more natural look (there’s no over-the-top length or volume, which I like to reserve for nights out or special occasions) with nary a clump or flake in sight. Bonus: It comes off really easily with makeup remover, micellar water or an oil cleanser at the end of the day. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director 

Danessa Myricks is an "in-the-know" brand that is big in the beauty community, but deserves more widespread recognition. The formulas are truly innovative and I have loved pretty much every product I've tested from the line. I like to introduce people to this one first, since it's so unique. It has a smooth, almost emollient balm texture straight from the pot, which I find easiest to apply and blend in with my fingers. Once the product sets on the skin, it has a soft-matte finish that stays that way all day. It's magical to experience in action.

I’m horrible at knowing what makeup will look good with my skin tone — and generally am just not good at applying makeup — so I always go to my BFF who is amazing at it and knows I need products that are easy to apply and long-lasting. I generally stick with neutrals and lean toward a little sparkle, so she steered me toward this 12-shade palette from Tarte. I adore it. The colors are lovely and varied on a neutral spectrum; the shadow goes on smoothly without being heavy, allowing for buildable color when you want it; and the entire palette smells faintly of chocolate. What’s not to love? — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor 

I’ve tried so, so many concealers, but this one from Benefit was my first love and remains my absolute favorite after years and years. It never creases or cakes, and it’s highly adept at covering even the angriest blemish. I usually just use my fingers to blend it in, and like magic, any imperfection has vanished. I actually own a few of these (it’s a great price) and keep them in various bags and purses, so I always have it on hand. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director 

Ever since I picked this up during Covid, I’ve been hooked. I’m all about a bronzy, natural glow and this product offers just that. It’s not too heavy and blends into my skin beautifully. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor 

I am, unfortunately, the queen of dark under-eye circles, and I’ve struggled to find a concealer that actually covers them successfully. But when I got married a few years ago, my makeup artist used Bye Bye Under-Eye to hide them, and for once, I looked like I wasn’t about to fall asleep standing up. I’ve used it ever since. In addition to concealing those circles, the formula includes loads of skin care ingredients, like collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin E, so it helps to improve the appearance of that sensitive under-eye skin going forward. — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor 

There are very few powders that impress me as much as this new release from Tower 28. I have pretty sensitive skin, and this talc-free blurring powder has been so gentle on my skin while working its magic. A little bit goes a long way, and I found this is one of the only powders that keeps oil at bay and blurs pores effectively. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor 

These Milk Makeup Cream Sticks are a small but mighty part of my daily makeup routine. I love how the creamy formulas blend out easily with a brush or beauty blender, which also makes them really forgiving when you apply a little too much. They’re also incredible for travel due to their tiny size, but don’t be fooled, Milk promises that every stick will deliver over 1,000 swipes. I’ve also got their Lip + Cheek stick, which with the contour, makes the perfect tiny pair for adding some much-needed life and color back to my face. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor 

I’m convinced that Pillow Talk, Charlotte Tilbury’s famous nude pink shade, looks good on everyone, and for me, this lipstick has become a go-to for everyday. The matte formulation isn’t drying like others I’ve tried, and I appreciate that it’s buildable, so I can opt for more or less pigmentation depending on my mood. —Chelsea Stone, editorial director  

I’m not a big makeup person, but on my laziest days when I still want to look radiant and dewy, I grab my bottle of Saie illuminator and apply a pump on my face. Instant glow! It’s great to have under whatever foundation or concealer you use as well. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing writer 

Merit's brow pomade has long been an editor-favorite, and now it just relaunched with nearly double the amount of product in the tube for the same original price. It has the perfect texture for adding shape and hold to your brows, and it doesn't dry down stiff or crunchy. Although it only comes in four shades, they are pretty universal — I've used both Dark Brown and Brown Black and either can work for me. It's a great one-and-done option for doing your brows in a pinch, but if I have more time, I'll also fill in with Merit's Brow 1990 pencil that has a super fine tip for precise, hair-like strokes. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

I’m a big fan of Kosas, and this setting powder is just the perfect finishing touch if you don’t use any foundation. I use the Kosas Revealer Brightening Concealer, apply my go-to blush and highlighter, and round it out with this for a natural “no makeup” look that’s super light on my skin. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing writer 

I have mixed feelings about celebrities launching their own makeup lines, but I’ve got to hand it to Miss Gaga on this one. This Haus Labs foundation is by no means the most full-coverage foundation I’ve tried, but it has a stunning finish. As someone whose skin tends to run a little dry, this foundation makes my skin look really hydrated and glowy without being too shiny. It feels super lightweight and can give you that “your skin, but better look”. Granted, it’s not amazing at covering areas of heavy redness or deeply pigmented dark spots, which is why I reach for the matching Haus Labs Triclone Concealer on days when I need extra coverage but still want that seamless, dewy look. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor 

K18 has risen to fame for its near-miraculous ability to restore and repair color-treated hair, and Sephora is a great place to stock up. While not cheap, just a little product goes a long way here, and I saw a difference in my own strands after just one use. Sephora also stocks the K18 hair oil, which I’ll use on damp hair as a styler and on dry, second day hair to refresh and de-frizz. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director 

These drops are the absolute GOAT for shiny hair. This product works so well at reducing frizz and takes my hair from dry to moisturized — especially when I'm in between cuts. Despite being an oil, it isn't greasy (as long as you only use a little) and doesn't weigh my hair down. Oh, and it smells great. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor

Because I am constantly trying to tame my super curly mane with high heat, I am very careful about trying to protect it. There are few names I trust more for deep conditioning and heat protection than Kérastase. If I know I’m going to be blowing my hair out or adding a curling iron, I will always coat it with this Nectar Thermique first. Yup, it’s pricey, but after years of use, I am well aware that it’s also worth every penny. —Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

Considering the damage my hair has experienced after years of highlights, heat and six weddings this year alone, I need a hair oil that provides hydration, shine and a soft-to-the-touch feel. Gisou's oil can work as an overnight mask to help soften split ends or as a daily finishing touch to styling, which is what I use it for most. It's unscented and a little goes a long way. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer

Ouai's Leave-in Conditioner usually gets all of the love, but lately I've been reaching for this frizz-fighting cream even more. It's a multipurpose product that can be used as an air-dry cream or a heat protectant if you are blow-drying your hair. Either way, I've found that is keeps my hair smooth in humid conditions. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

On the days when I decide to let my curls run free, I love adding this super strong gel to keep it from frizzing out. I keep this tube in the shower and add to soaking wet hair after conditioning. And though it feels crunchy when first applied, all I have to do is wait for it to dry, scrunch it out and I’m left with soft, bouncy curls that even beat the late summer humidity. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor 

This styling cream is the first thing I reach for when I start the arm workout that is a slick-back bun. It has incredible hold, with fly-aways staying tame even after a sweaty subway commute and day at the office. I've repurchased it a handful of times since it leaves my hair looking soft and shiny without feeling sticky. The light, fruity scent is an added bonus that always gets me compliments. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer

After receiving a sample of this with an online purchase, I have been obsessed with the scent, so I grabbed this travel-friendly version. With fall just weeks away, this is the absolute perfect perfume that will make you feel warm and cozy on a crisp autumn day. I’ve tried a lot of fall-inspired scents over the years, and I promise, nothing compares to this. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor 

Honestly, I was tempted to gatekeep this brand, but the more successful it gets, the more perfumes it can make and hopefully the better the world will smell. Ellis Brooklyn makes some of my absolute favorite scents, and as a fickle and mood-focused perfume wearer, I appreciate the number of discovery sets it offers. The Diary set currently has some of my favorites, but you can't go wrong with any of them. — Rena Behar, copy editor

Unless it's a scent I'm obsessed with, I typically don't splurge on perfume. Phlur's body and hair mist is an affordable under-$40 option that lasts all day, and you really only need one spritz. I love a warm, nutty scent for fall and this one is soft and sweet. Plus, even though it wasn't a splurge, the bottle still looks sleek and minimalist on my dresser. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer

Nest New York makes some of my all-time favorite fragrances. After relying on vanilla and floral scents for while, I decided to branch out to citrus and tried its Seville Orange Perfume Oil. The mini size now travels with me in my work bag. The scent is light, bright and refreshing. It's the perfect zesty fragrance. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer

I don’t usually go for floral scents, but I love this Brooklyn-based company’s perfume because its light strawberry rhubarb scent is mixed beautifully with a musky tuberose and cedarwood. It’s a perfect storm of pretty and powerful and I can wear it day and night. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I adore this warm and spicy travel perfume from Commodity, which has notes of milk, wood and tonka bean. This combination sounds chaotic but it reminds me of walking into a bakery brimming with fresh pastries and steaming cups of espresso. I think I bought five of these, and I always have one in my bag. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer