Sephora Restocks

Lately I've been going skincare crazy at Sephora (full disclosure: I hit VIB Rouge status for the year by mid-March) and not only has my usually temperamental skin been extremely well-behaved as a result but I've also found some major favorites along the way! These products have become so key to my skin care regime that I now reorder before I run out to avoid the horror of getting down to the last drop without a backup. I've also yet to find any similar products that compare! What are the must-haves you tend to restock over and over again?

smooths like sandpaper...

minus the sandpaper + pain

DRUNK ELEPHANT NIGHTBRIGHT™ SET

This power duo is on high rotation in my current skin regime and it's yielding fantastic results so I'm tending to throw one in my cart whenever I visit Sephora online or in person. I also have a feeling it will be out of stock soon, if its sold-out sister below is any indication! I use these products back-to-back after my regular p.m. cleanse + tone whenever I want to slough the dead skin and wake up radiant - which is pretty much ALWAYS! Not only is the name fun to say ("Frambooooos") but the glycolic night serum uses a potent 12 percent AHA/BHA blend to reveal smoother, more even-toned skin that will have you doing a happy dance when you look in the mirror the next morning. The Marula Luxury facial oil sinks deep into skin's layers to nourish, nourish, nourish and prevent any flakiness from the glycolic exfoliation. My tip is to gently tap it over spots that tend to get the driest and smooth what's remaining over the backs of your hands. While this set makes the perfect travel pair, it's also great for those wanting to dip their toe in the DE waters without initially committing to a hefty price tag. A pump or two goes a long way so you'll be surprised how far these little tubes last!

superfood for your face

DRUNK ELEPHANT RISE + GLOW™ SET

Now this amazing set IS sold out online and at my local store so, if you happen to see it, grab one for yourself - and for me, pretty please!! Similar to the kit above, except used with your a.m. routine instead of p.m., it provides the perfect base to your daily face, whether you rock SPF and lip gloss or foundation and the works. Personally my skin texture has improved tenfold thanks to the super potent C-Firma™ day serum that uses Vitamin C to brighten, firm, and bid acne adieu. This crazy voodoo serum also has magical powers in the form of a "reservoir effect", which allows it to sink deep into the skin and remain effective for at least 72 hours, regardless of exposure to water. Plus the B-Hydra™ intensive hydration gel is specially formulated to bond with the Vitamin C to deliver maximum nourishment and long-lasting hydration -- aka skin like velvet. Follow up with moisturizer + SPF and you're ready to glow.

EDIT: Since writing this I attended my local Fall VIP event at Sephora and splurged on the full size of both products. #NOTSORRY

spa in a jar

EVE LOM CLEANSER

I'm so glad I have a new forum to rave about my new favorite cleanser because I'm sure my friends are sick of hearing about it by now! But I adore this cleanser whose texture I can only compare to softened medicated ChapStick and can't believe it took me so long in my quest for perfect skin to start using it. It's a cult classic in the beauty world for many well-deserved reasons. First, if you have a full face of makeup on, a tiny scoop of this cleanser mushed over your dry face will turn into a milky lather without the need for water, melting every last trace of makeup instantly - including the blackest of black mascaras. Second, if decongestion is a worry for you, this works so deep into the skin to pull out impurities while leaving moisture intact thanks to the unique blend of essential oils that basically comprise the entire ingredient list. Yup, that's right - essential oils! So your skin will love it and so will your senses. Perfect way to end the day.

what the essence?

Game changer alert: I went from "What the heck is an essence??" to "How did I ever live without an essence?!" overnight. Initially I avoided essences like the plague because I thought, What could be more useless or money-wasting than this product? But I did not yet get it, and would not get it until early this year when Sephora started stocking SK-II. I treated myself to the Pitera Essence set to sample the clarifying lotion, treatment essence, and the highly-praised sheet mask, which was promptly torn into and applied upon delivery -- and then hastily torn off and discarded before the full processing time when yet another delivery man showed up at my door. SIGH. Anyway, I digress - back to the essence! First I had to Google the product to find out which order in my skin care regime I was to apply this magical liquid. Turns out it fits in right after cleansing and toning, before serums or moisturizers, as its main purpose is to restore moisture to the skin. The debate is still open as to whether it should be applied with a cotton pad or your fingertips but I've tried both and definitely prefer a cotton pad to prevent loss of product. With daily use this essence really does deliver hard-hitting results in the form of clarity, hydration, and improved texture. 

NOTE: I have now run out of this product (a 2.5 oz bottle lasted me roughly 4 months!) and, not only did I reorder it, but I also ordered two other popular essences as well to compare performance at a lower price point. Have you tried an essence you love?