The 7-Minute Mom Edit: What to Actually Buy from the Sephora Sale
My realistic Sephora sale edit: fast, flattering, and actually worth buying.
We’re already deep into the Sephora sale - and what perfect timing, since all of my tried-and-trues are finishing up. It’s a real winning moment for the practical type: that perfect overlap when you can restock your favorites exactly as they run out — and at a discount.
Here’s a quick roundup for today:
The daily makeup staples (aka the “I need to put my face on in under 7 minutes” lineup)
Some brushes I’ve heard so much about that I finally decided to purchase and test for myself
A few sets - because it’s not a Sephora sale without them
→ Skincare besties - this mini-guide focuses on makeup, but my 7-minute skincare routine (which I’m still happy with) is here.
This mini guide is for the one who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup for whatever reason (no time, no skill, no will) but still wants reliable products that actually work in her warrior kit - mm, I mean makeup kit. You won’t find multiple options that send you into instant decision fatigue — just my ride-or-dies, if you will.
You also won’t find products that are overly sensitive, fussy, or require real know-how (hands can serve as brushes too!).
The daily makeup staples
(Links are not affiliated.)
Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40 - Niacinamide-infused BB cream that hydrates, conceals, and protects with SPF 40. It gives a very natural-looking finish, and I love that it has that built-in SPF 40 — perfect for the days I skip sunscreen and the weather decides to change drastically. I’ve repurchased it time and again, and it’s so much less intimidating than blending foundation in the morning chaos. I just apply it with my fingers. I’m pretty fair and use shade Fair – Light.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Face and Under-Eye Concealer - Medium coverage, lightweight, easy to blend, and it doesn’t crease (win!). It feels light under the eyes and covers small blemishes too. Allure 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner. I use shade 4.75 – light with pink undertone.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick — What I love about this one is that it’s truly fail-proof. You cannot mess it up. It blends so seamlessly, and the shade is so natural and cool-toned that you’ll never look muddy. It’s creamy, adds just the right amount of definition, and leaves a soft, natural finish. Love. I use Biscuit – cool beige coffee.
Optional (when I have a few extra minutes, or it’s summer and bronzer just looks good):
Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer - Like contour, bronzer has to be foolproof for me. I don’t have time to reapply my skin tint if a muddy disaster hits! This cream-balm bronzer blends beautifully, feels lightweight, and gives a natural, all-over sun-kissed look. I use Light Bronze.
Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow - Truly the easiest eyeshadow ever. I swipe it on my lids, blend the edges with my fingers, and look instantly more awake. My go-to is 18M Beige for a quick neutral look.
Speaking of looking awak, if you’re using an eyelash curler (or ready to start), it has to be Shiseido. You can’t convince me otherwise.
Brows: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil + Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Gel . Honestly, I can skip almost everything else, but leaving the house without brows makes me feel naked. A few quick strokes and I’m ready for the day. Good brows define the whole face IMO.
Blushes: My two favorites — I alternate depending on mood:
PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo in She’s That Girl (a little morning affirmation).
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in Petal (dusty nude rose). Comes in mini size too! I use it for both cheeks and lips; it blends easily and gives that healthy flush of color.
Lips: you cannot have too many lippies. A few favorites: OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve, Tower 28 Beauty lip oil, DIOR Plumping Gloss, and Armani Beauty Lip Gloss with Squalane
On freezing New York days when my lips just need hydration, I line lightly (this or this — both classics), blur with a finger, and top with balm.
Brushes
One of the strengths of this routine is that if you don’t like brushes, you don’t actually need to use them! The only exception is contour or bronzer, and this is my go-to for that step:
Saie The Big Buffing Brush — I reach for it every time I need to buff out contour or bronzer. It’s dense yet soft and gives a beautifully seamless finish.
In my cart:
MAKEUP BY MARIO F4 Dual-Ended Foundation & Face Brush – rave reviews and ideal for travel.
Still hunting for the perfect concealer brush. My finalists: Hourglass and HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA — I decided to try the Lady Gaga one.
With the holidays just around the corner, here are a few sets to consider:
Just purchased the Tatcha Dewy Skin & Plump Lips Set — An excellent deal (not even on a “girl math” level, like for real). You basically pay for one product and get the other two for free. I love the Tatcha moisturizer — it’s rich, feels luxurious, and absorbs quickly.
Merit The Flush Balm Trio - This is such a cute gift set. Merit is known for its easy-to-apply blushes, and I love the limited-edition shade they’ve included here, which looks like a beautiful terracotta.
Ole Henrikson Pout Preserve Mini Set - You can’t go wrong with a mini trio of the bestselling Pout Preserve. I might grab it for myself and stash one in every bag.
Necessaire Body Wash Discovery Collection - My favorite body wash, hands down. Their scents are just so good! This mini set is great for travel or sampling them all.
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Iconic Pink Make Me Blush & Loveshine Lip Oil Stick Set - Chic, gift-ready, and perfect for the makeup lover in your life.
That’s it for today, hope this was helpful!