The Sephora Sale: What I Wouldn’t Buy + What I’d Choose Instead

It will probably take you all of 1 minute on tik tok to get a reminder that the Sephora Sale starts tomorrow. While I absolutely consider this a holiday (and I will likely make multiple purchases during the event), I also recognize how exhausting it can be to hear “buy this and this and this” over and over. Due to this, I wanted to kick the sale off with a roundup of items that are not worth your money, and what I would get instead. 

Let’s get into it!

Wouldn’t Buy: Laneige Milky Toner

I really wanted to love this one—but it broke me out, and I find that this is the case for a lot of other individuals. While it’s marketed as a hydrating toner, the formula can be a little too rich and occlusive for acne-prone or combination skin types. It’s a good reminder that “milky” textures can sometimes trap oils or clog pores if your skin barrier is already on the sensitive side.

Buy Instead: Rhode Glazing Milk

Are you even surprised? Rhode absolutely nailed this formula. It gives that same silky, hydrated finish—but with barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides and beta-glucan that calm and strengthen the skin (instead of congesting it). It layers beautifully under moisturizer and makeup, too.

Wouldn’t Buy: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream

Why do I feel like I will have a target on my back with this opinion… I know this cream (and brand) has a cult following, but in my opinion, it’s way overpriced for what it delivers. The ingredient list doesn’t justify the luxury price tag—especially when there are so many clinical-grade formulas out there with better data.

Buy Instead: Skinfix Peptide Cream

Skinthusiast select for a reason! This one is rich, deeply hydrating, and packed with barrier-repairing actives and multiple peptides that actually support collagen and elasticity. I go back to this one pretty much every fall/winter, without fail.

Wouldn’t Buy: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

I love Supergoop’s Play SPF for the body, but the Unseen formula has never worked for me personally—it’s just too greasy. I know some people who love it, but it’s just not my favorite texture.

Buy Instead: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops

As a girl who swears by tinted spf, the fact that I regularly repurchase this one says A LOT. ShadeDrops gives the most perfect, weightless finish—but with a mineral base, antioxidants, and a more skin-friendly texture. To no exaggeration, I use it on my neck and chest almost daily. 

Wouldn’t Buy: Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask

Another cult classic that just doesn't do it for me. While it smells amazing, I find that this one tends to be too heavy for most hair and scalp types. The formula leans toward rich oils that can easily weigh hair down or lead to buildup over time.

Buy Instead: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Hair Mask

This one strikes the perfect balance—it hydrates, repairs, and smooths without feeling greasy or coating the hair. It’s packed with B-vitamins, rosehip oil, and algae extract. I have probably gone through at least 2-3 containers every year for the last 3 years (so you better believe I am stocking up during the sale)!

Wouldn’t Buy: La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream

I’ve tried it. It’s nice. But for the price point, there are so many other moisturizers that deliver the same (or better) results with more modern formulations. La Mer relies heavily on occlusives and marketing—but doesn’t offer the active ingredient profile you’d expect for the cost.

Buy Instead: Alpyn Beauty Moisturizer

This one is not only hydrating but also full of antioxidants, natural brighteners, and skin-barrier supporters. It gives that same luxurious feel while actually doing more for your skin long-term. It’s in my top 5 moisturizers of all time (trust me, a hard title to get)!

Wouldn’t Buy: The Ordinary Vitamin C

The Ordinary has made skincare more accessible, which I appreciate—but this specific Vitamin C isn’t my favorite. It uses a high concentration of L-ascorbic acid without balancing agents or soothing buffers, which can make it harsh, unstable, and irritating.

Buy Instead: Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic

This is the gold standard of stabilized Vitamin C—formulated with supporting antioxidants, lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, and proven brightening results. It’s clinical-grade skincare that delivers visible results without compromising your barrier.

Wouldn’t Buy: Youth To The People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser

I feel like this is one of those products that everyone became obsessed with when it first came out. & I want to emphasize, I don't want to yuck your yum. So if you love it, I love that for you. I, personally, find it to be super drying. If you are an oily skin type, then it might be for you. But I would say dry skin (or even normal skin types) will dry out.

Buy Instead: Skinfix barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser

I mean..how many times do I even need to tell you about this one before you realize it's THAT GOOD! This cleanser, on the other hand, helps regulate oil production while protecting against environmental stressors. It removes excess sebum without disrupting the skin barrier — maintaining hydration while preventing over-drying.

Wouldn’t Buy: Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream

I'm sorry, but with the amount of incredible body moisturizers on the market, there is no reason to get one of this price (especially with this standard of a formula). 

Buy Instead: Kate McLeod The Body Stone

As someone who has been guilty of not giving her body skin enough attention during colder months, this one has changed everything. It's basically a lotion bar with a super intense body conditioning formula.

Wouldn’t Buy: MILK MAKEUP Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip

This one is so cute and the concept is great, but it's a no for me. It can be a nightmare to blend, which is pretty much a deal breaker for me when it comes to blush. I also just didn't love the pigment. With how many UNREAL blushes there are, this one is pretty much an immediate no.

Buy Instead: Rare Beauty Blush

I mean, this isn't exactly an unknown product. But she is loved for a reason! I recently picked up Rare's Hope for the first time in a while, and guys, I forget how good they are. Super pigmented, blends like a dream, &&& skin friendly ingredients!

Wouldn’t Buy: HAUS LABS Lip Oil 

I feel like everyone I've spoken to about this shares the same 2 complaints: the applicator is awful/breaks off and it just doesn't last on your lips at all. I love Haus Labs, but this one is just not IT for me.

Buy Instead: Clarins Lip Oil

This is everything I want in a lip oil (& more). It's super hydrating and lives such a pretty, sheer finish to the lips. You will rarely catch me without it in my bag.

I hope this acts as a good reminder that while there are so many products worth trying during the sale, there are so many that are just an absolute skip for me! Make sure to take a peek at this blog throughout the sale, I am going to be keeping it up to date with any products I am suggesting not to buy!

xx Amy

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and may contain products gifted in PR. This means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase via these links at no additional cost to you (thank you! It helps me keep things up and running)… As always I ONLY recommend products, goods and services that I stand behind and personally love and use