Sephora Spring Savings Event: A Strategic Shopping Guide (Because Sephora Doesn't Need All Your Coins!)

First up: the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. If you know me, you know I'm obsessed. Elemis only landed at Sephora a couple of months ago, so if you've always wanted to try it but couldn't get your hands on it, now's the time. It's pricey, I'm not gonna lie. The one I'm showing you is a limited edition, not available at Sephora. They have the original and the rose one. The rose is nice, and so is the original, but this limited edition one? Chef's kiss. Elemis sent it to me, but trust me, I've bought this cleansing balm with my own money, honey! Sometimes during the Love Your Skin event, they do 50% off, but not this year. Bummer. Even with a smaller discount, though, this product is worth it. It's luxury in a bottle. It's a BBL in Dubai in a bottle! Y'all know that's my new thing, right? This makes me feel rich AF. And it doesn't just feel luxurious, it actually works. The texture is the richest, most decadent thing ever. It melts onto the skin, transforming from a balm to a silky oil that effortlessly dissolves makeup, even stubborn mascara. It emulsifies beautifully with water, rinsing away clean without leaving any residue. My skin feels so soft, smooth, and hydrated after using it. There ain't nothing like this, baby. There ain't nothing like Elemis. And she knows it, that's why she's so damn expensive. If you've got the coins, pick this up. She the one, not the two.

Next cleansing balm fave: the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. I've gone through minis, full sizes… this is my last one in my stash, and I'm gonna cherish her. Cleansing balms and toners are my favorite skincare steps, and this one is so good. When it says "Take The Day Off," it means it. It's a simple formula, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin, and at first, you might think, "This can't be worth it," but it is. It melts makeup, sunscreen, dirt, grime, pollution... all that crap off your face. It has a lightweight, sherbet-like texture that melts into an oil upon contact with the skin. It doesn't tug or pull, and it rinses away cleanly, leaving my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth. I've raved about this before, and I still love it. Get you some.

Last skincare pick: the Ilia Face Base Milk. I talked about this in a recent blog post. It's a toner, moisturizer, and hydrating serum all in one. Lazy morning? Cleanse, slap this on, and then your sunscreen (don't skip the sunscreen, sis!). It's so hydrating. This milky texture absorbs quickly into the skin, providing a boost of hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. It preps my skin perfectly for makeup, creating a smooth canvas. It also contains ingredients like aloe and hyaluronic acid, which soothe and plump the skin. The only downside is the price. It's pricey, so if you want it, now's the time. It's like $60! This one was sent to me in PR, but I've purchased it with my own money too. I have so many toners to try, but I always reach for this one. It's that good. Try it and let me know what you think. She's the truth.

The Living Proof Triple Bond Complex has seriously transformed my hair. I feel like I'm shoving this down y'all's throats, but I'm not! I didn't want to gatekeep (as the Gen Z kids say). I had to share. I've been super consistent with this, using it once a week, and at my last salon visit, I barely needed a trim! My ends were healthy and strong, thanks to this product. It's a leave-in treatment that strengthens and repairs damaged hair, reducing breakage and split ends. It's a bit pricey, but it was just 50% off at Ulta, and I stocked up. If you missed that sale, it's still worth it at full price. I've bought it full price twice! So snag it now while there's a discount at Sephora.

Also from Living Proof (and I just ran out, sadly) is the No Frizz Vanishing Oil. Now, when it comes to natural, curly, afro-kinky hair, "frizz-free" is a lie. No oil is gonna completely eliminate frizz, but this one does a great job sealing in moisture and keeping hair smooth. It's lightweight and doesn't weigh my hair down, which is a huge plus. It also adds a beautiful shine without looking greasy. It's one of my favorite bougie oils. I bought it full price, okay? And now you can get it on sale. Highly recommend.

Let's start with the Microsmooth Multi-Tasking Baked Face Powder Foundation. This might be discontinued by the time you read this (Sephora, why?!), but it's $10. I'm hoping it stays at $10 so you can get it for like $7 during the sale. That's nuts! It was originally $20. I hate reformulations. They're never better. But while it's still available, grab it. I'm wearing it today. It makes my face look airbrushed. You can use it over makeup or by itself. It provides buildable coverage, from sheer to medium, and it controls shine without looking cakey. It's a number one powder at Sephora, and it's so affordable. I also have the bronze shade, which I use under my eyes for a highlight. Love these powders!

Next up, another product Sephora is discontinuing (ugh!): the Matte Bronzer Powder. It's on sale for $9 right now (originally $18). I have the color Ibiza, the darkest shade. It's a great bronzer. It melts into the skin, the color is perfect… not too red, not too neutral. It blends seamlessly and adds a natural-looking warmth to my complexion. It's going to be gone soon, though. They're coming out with a new bronzer with almost the same name and different packaging. It's a little cheaper, which is nice, but I'm still sad to see the original go. Sephora, stop discontinuing things! I don't need any new bronzers. I wear makeup like twice a month! But if you've always wanted to try this one, get it now.

Another Sephora Collection gem: their blushes. Super affordable. I have the color Fascinated, and it's so pretty. I'm wearing it today. You can build it up or keep it neutral. It's a beautiful peachy-pink shade that will look good on everyone. I like blushes in this color family. No reds or purples for me. I feel like I look bruised or like my high school principal! The pigmentation is great, and it blends beautifully into the skin, giving a natural flush.

Sephora Collection lip glosses? Yes, please! Especially the Outrageous Plump Lip Gloss formula. It doesn't burn or anything, just gives you a nice little pout. I have the color 2 (I think it's called XXL or something). I'm wearing it today with a lip liner, and it's the perfect black girl nude. It's a beautiful glossy nude shade that adds a touch of shine and fullness to my lips.

The Best Skin Ever Full Coverage Multi-Use Hydrating Concealer. I have two colors: 38P and 33.5W. One's more correcting, the other's highlighting. As I'm getting older, my under eyes are getting crepey, so this isn't the best formula for that area anymore. It can look heavy if you layer it with other concealers. It's still a great concealer, though, especially if you just want to color correct without any other makeup. Just be cautious if you have aging or dry under eyes. It provides full coverage and is great for covering blemishes and imperfections.

Don't forget the Sephora Collection Universal Sharpener! It's only $6 (or $3 right now). I'm not sure if this one's getting discontinued too, but I'm stocking up. This sharpener is so sharp! It's quick, precise, and doesn't ruin my pencils. It's an underrated gem. It works with all my eyeliner and lip pencils, and it sharpens them to a perfect point without breaking or crumbling the product.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder. This one is a game-changer. I have 8.5. Do y'all see this base? Do y'all see this complexion?! This has earned a spot in the hall of fame. Danessa Myricks is a Black-owned brand, and if you're my complexion, get 8.5. You can use this as your base (like I am today) or as a primer. Oily girls love this. I also have the Universal shade, but I don't use it as much because I don't really use primer. If you can find your color match, get it. Even if you can't, the Universal shade will make you look like you're wearing a filter. My skin has never looked so good. Janessa, baby! The answer is yes to the Blurring Balm Powder. It blurs pores, controls shine, and creates a flawless, airbrushed finish.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Matte Bronzer. I'm wearing it today. It's huge and expensive, but it'll last forever. It's exceptional. Makes me look flawless. I haven't met a Charlotte Tilbury product I don't like (except the color corrector, which is kind of trash). This bronzer and the setting powder are amazing. If you're wondering which bronzer I like better (this one or the Sephora one), go with what you can afford. They're both amazing. This bronzer blends like a dream and adds a subtle, sculpted warmth to my face.

Finally, my favorite eyeshadow: Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy. I don't wear eyeshadow much because I'm lazy, but this makes it so easy. I just put it on my lid, and it looks amazing. It's glittery, beautiful goodness. It looks good on everyone. It's expensive for a single shadow, but it's worth it. The dupes aren't as good. This is the GOAT. It's a beautiful sparkly champagne shade that adds a touch of glamour to any look.