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Reviewing My 9 Recent Sephora Purchases: What You Should & Shouldn’t Buy

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter.

It’s quite rare that I will walk through a Sephora store without buying anything, even when I came in just to “look around.” Something about that store just reels me in; with new products constantly coming out, it’s just hard to resist sometimes. Since I’ve tried a decent amount of both new and classic products from Sephora, this article will tell you all about what beauty and skincare products are worth the hype, and what can stay on the shelf. 

1) Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops 

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok in the past few months, you have most likely seen the viral Drunk Elephant bronzing drops that have taken the internet by storm. Most people found this product through TikTok influencers like Alix Earle and several others who have promoted this product. I had to see what the craze was all about, and it took me around two months to get my hands on these. It’s honestly crazy how so many people jump to get the next trend, and the stores were selling out of this product as soon as it came back in stock. 

In my personal opinion, this product was worth the hype. The bronzing drops are super lightweight and it gives a natural glow. I usually put it on with my moisturizer and it has been a new staple in my routine. The only thing I would say that’s negative about this product is that it’s a little hard to squeeze it out of the bottle. Other than that, I would definitely recommend it… that is if it ever comes back in stock!

Rate: 8/10 

2) Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

I got this product about two weeks ago and though I definitely have been using it nonstop, it’s not the best lip product I have. However, I have the vanilla flavor and it does smell amazing. I just think that it’s a little bit sticky to me when I put it on. I usually use this during the day, but this product can be used as an overnight lip mask, which I’ll have to try. The packaging is very aesthetically pleasing and it comes with a lot of product, but I don’t feel like it’s really hydrating my lips and I constantly have to reapply the product. For this reason, I would say I probably wouldn’t rush to buy this product again. 

Rate: 7/10 

3) Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Highlighter 

All I can say is wow. Though I only bought this product a month ago, I can say that it is the best highlighter I’ve owned. Yes, I may be a little biased because I love Rare Beauty and Selena Gomez, but this product is just too good. First of all, the packaging is so beautiful and it comes with a ton of product for $25. Because of its strong pigment, you only need a little drop, so this highlighter can easily last you a long time. It’s super easy to apply, and it definitely feels lightweight on your skin. This product is the perfect touch to any makeup look! I currently own the shade “Enlighten.” 

Rate: 10/10 

4) Glossier You Perfume 

I am obsessed with this perfume, and it has been a staple for me for a few years now. I absolutely love the scent, and I have gotten several compliments since using it. It’s not too overpowering, and it’s a perfect mix of a floral and woodsy smell. I bought the solid version of this product, but I definitely think if I had the normal spray or roll-on version I would wear it a lot more so I want to invest in that at my next Sephora trip. This product blends great with any lotion, and it leaves you feeling fresh and clean. This is a perfect everyday scent and I definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about purchasing it! 

Rate: 8/10 

5) Benefit Roller Lash Mascara 

The benefit roller lash mascara has been a staple in my routine for as long as I can remember. Every time I’m done with a bottle of this mascara, I go back to Sephora and buy the same one over again. I love this product because it isn’t clumpy at all, and it leaves your lashes naturally curled. I think it’s a little expensive for the amount of product you get (retails for $37) but I can honestly say it has been the best mascara for my lashes that I have tried. It applies super smoothly and the packaging is so cute. Definitely recommend this one! 

Rate: 9/10 

6) Fenty Gloss Bomb Lip Gloss

I was obsessed with this product for around a year. I used this lip gloss every single time I went out, and I probably repurchased the “$weetmouth” color about three times. I just loved the way it looked on my lips; they never felt sticky and honestly felt hydrated, which is especially good for a lip gloss. But, there are a few things that are annoying about this product. For one, the packaging. It’s super small but thick, so it’s pretty annoying to keep in your pocket or a small purse. I would definitely like it more if the packaging was not as small and was thinner. Another thing is that I feel like it doesn’t come with that much product, as I had to rebuy it more than once in the span of a year. I also noticed that some of the product would leak to the outside and leave the entire outer part of the bottle sticky, which obviously isn’t ideal. It’s hard because I love the way the product looks, but there are a lot of things that could be fixed. For that reason, I would say it’s not something I plan to buy again. 

Rate: 7.5/10

7) Sephora Collection Mini Eyeshadows

I bought one of these on a whim one time while walking in the store. Little did I know that it would become my absolute favorite eyeshadow ever. I use the shade “Glazed Donut,” and a couple of others, but this one is by far my favorite. As someone who owns eyeshadow palettes from Urban Decay, Tarte, and Too Faced, I honestly would say ditch the palettes and just get these. I literally don’t know why I spent the money on makeup palettes in the past, because the Sephora individual eyeshadows are simply the best. First of all, they are beautiful and incredibly pigmented, which makes the product stay on all night long. Second, they are a great price for a Sephora product, and there are almost always a few shades on sale. They come with a lot of product: I’ve literally been using the same mini eyeshadow for one to two years. I have recommended this to so many of my friends and they have started to use them too! Sometimes people brush past the Sephora collection items, but I honestly can’t say enough good things about these eyeshadows and would definitely recommend them! 

Rate: 10/10 

8) Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado 

I bought this product a few months ago, and while I use it a decent amount in my night routine, I’m not obsessed with it. It has definitely brightened up my eyes a little, and it is a very lightweight product, but it doesn’t really blend well on the skin. Since it retails for $47 at Sephora, and the packaging is around the size of a golf ball, I don’t think it was worth the money in my personal opinion. For these reasons, I probably wouldn’t buy it again. 

Rate: 6/10

9) Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner 

Last but certainly not least, we have the Make Up For Ever Eyeliner. I honestly am so grateful that I asked the woman in Sephora what her favorite eyeliner was, and she brought me to this one. This is hands down the best eyeliner I have ever worn. I only really do eyeliner on my waterline, but this product glides on so smoothly. It literally has never failed me, and it stays on the entirety of the day/night. It comes with so much product and you don’t have to worry about using a sharpener, as the applicator twists out more product when needed. If you’re looking for a good eyeliner for your waterline, run, do not walk! 

Rate: 10/10 

Rachel is a Junior at UConn majoring in Communications with a minor in Human Development. She is currently serving as Marketing and Merchandise Coordinator for UConn's Her Campus chapter! Rachel has a strong passion for writing about anything from music, food, fashion, sports, or just relatable content. In the future, Rachel hopes to have a career in Digital Marketing, Public Relations, and/or Advertising In her free time, Rachel loves to spend time with friends, try new restaurants, and attend UConn basketball games!