Not to brag, but I spend a f*ck ton of money at Sephora. So when twice a year they have their seasonal bonus discount, I’m happier than a Game of Thrones fan on a Sunday night. Like, let’s face it—it’s expensive to be beautiful. Even if you’re not into makeup, keeping up with a five hundred step Korean skin care routine costs enough to make you want to quit your day job and just become a stripper. Sorry mom and dad, but I have to afford this flawless face somehow… Anyway, we all should take advantage of this rare discount on beauty (which will also help keep me off the pole for another month or two until I run out again.) Sephora’s spring bonus offer started on April 26th for Rouge members (yes, of course this is me) and starts May 2nd for VIB and Insiders, ending on May 6th for all parties. So that being said, here are the must-buy items from Sephora that you should be adding to your cart like, rn.

1. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask ($20)

This product is my holy grail. No joke, I haven’t had chapped lips even ONCE since I started using this a few months ago. I have tried sooo many lip products in an attempt to relieve my chapped lips, and this is the ONLY one that has actually worked. I use this on my lips every night and wake up with luscious soft lips in the morning. Even though it’s a sleeping mask, it also works great as a hydrating gloss for the day. It makes your lips look instantly moisturized and gives them a perfect subtle pink glow.

2. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops ($49)

This product has been my secret weapon for over a year now, and I can’t say enough good things about it. In fact, I’ve turned several friends and family members into religious purchasers of the product. First off, Tan-Luxe’s mission is to bring a skin care approach to self-tanning, so you can trust with full certainty that it’s both safe and beneficial for your skin. Additionally, their products are organic, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. And, probs most importantly of all, their products give you that subtle just-got-back-from-vacation glow that we all constantly strive to achieve. These drops are intended to be added to your regular moisturizer, serum, or oil. However, I find the best results when, instead of mixing with my moisturizer, I apply my moisturizer, then wait a few minutes and apply the drops directly on top. It’s an oil, so it goes on super smooth and consistent, and the result is a tanned and flawless face, with imperfections blurred and all. No need to Facetune this selfie, baby!

3. Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel ($24)

If this makeup product were a book, it’d be “How To Do Your Eyebrows For Dummies.” It’s the simplest product to use with maximum results. Yes, like I’m sure many of you are, I too am a devotee of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ brow pencils. However, I’m rarely sitting around with enough time in the morning to spend filling in my mismatched eyebrows hair by hair. By using tiny microfibers to give your brows instant fullness and definition, Benefit’s brow gel takes 30 seconds to apply and looks super natural. This is my day-to-day necessity because like, eyebrows can make or break a person. And, for anyone who’s ever experienced the misfortune of over-tweezing their brows, you know how truthful of a statement that really is.

4. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter ($38)

This highlighter is a cult-favorite among makeup enthusiasts everywhere, and let me just tell you, it’s for good reason. Like, you know when you see all those makeup artists on Instagram whose clients have the most radiant, dewy glow??? Well, that’s actually achievable sans a glam squad for even us mere peasants with this product. Especially if you get the iconic Champagne Pop shade, which is their best-selling shade of soft gold with a peachy-pink pearl glow.

5. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel ($88)

Okay, so these peel pads are obvi a bit pricey, which is why I always wait for the twice a year bonus offer to purchase them (or at least, I try to). Because honestly, even without the bonus, these peel pads are still worth it. Dr. Dennis Gross knows his sh*t, and these daily anti-aging peel pads are a true testament to that. Of course, given their price, I definitely do not use them on a daily basis as suggested. Rather, I use them 2-3 times per week and, let’s just say, they have become an ESSENTIAL part of my skin care routine. Like, I can see a noticeable difference in the brightness of my skin when I’ve procrastinated buying a new box and don’t use them for a few weeks. So trust me, take advantage of the spring bonus offer to get a discount on this incredible product while you can.

6. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($32)

I’m pretty sure every girl knows the eighth wonder of the world that is this setting spray, although I had to still put it on this list because it would be a sin not to. This amazing weightless setting spray keeps your makeup intact and fresh for up to 16 hours. And, let’s just say, I’ve had a few benders in my college days that would serve as testament to the effectiveness of the product. Oh, and also, for anyone who’s ever accidentally taken an extra long nap post-day drinking, just to wake up at 10pm as all your friends are about to leave for the bar, this product is a true FOMO preventer because you’ll be pretty much ready to go right after waking up. But that’s just for anyone out there who’s ever experienced that—not myself of course.

7. FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($18)

I get it, some of you may consider lip gloss to be juvenile. You’re all about a matte ~lewk~. Well, to each their own, but I’m here for a dewy look. Like, before highlighter was a thing, I was putting baby oil on my cheekbones for a subtle glow, something I learned from the Olsen twins in one of those $10 special edition magazines all about them. (I was a true fan girl, to say the least.) So anyway, back to what I was getting at: I love a subtle nude glossy lip, and this lipgloss is the epitome of that. It’s a universally flattering rosey nude shade that looks great either alone or applied over your lipstick. Not to mention, it’s not sticky and glides on smooth for a perfect flawless finish.

8. Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Refreshing & Refining Moisturizer ($39)

I am a slut when it comes to moisturizers. As someone whose skin is often way more dry than anything else, I’m always on the hunt for a good new moisturizer. And let’s just say, I have about ten different ones in my bathroom currently. However, I put this one on the list because it is one of the few options that is lightweight enough to wear during the day, while still being hydrating and powerful enough to use at night. For example, I’m madly in love with La Mer’s classic Crème de la Mer. However, it’s just way too thick for wear during the day. On the flip side, this Philosophy moisturizer is suitable for both day and night, not to mention also for all skin types. It gives a soft dewy hydrated feel that isn’t too thick or slimy, so you can easily still apply your makeup over it.

9. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($39)

This is another beauty product with a devoted following, so I’m going to assume this is not the first time you’re hearing about it. But, what I can do is be here to vouch for it. This powder is the perfect final step in your beauty routine to not only make sure your makeup stays on your face, but actually stays in place on your face. It’s lightweight, and blends seamlessly over your makeup for that final no-filter-filtered makeup look. Like, attention Insta thots everywhere, you’ll no longer have to hide behind the dog filter because this product gives your skin that perfect flawless finish.

10. Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen ($36)

This BB tinted moisturizer is my daily replacement for foundation when I don’t want a fully snatched face. Like, on a casual Tuesday I’m not trying to have a beat face, ya know? So instead, I use this and it provides just the right amount of coverage to blur all my imperfections without making me look caked. Not to mention, it also has vitamins and sh*t in it, like Amazonian clay (hence the name) and chamomile, to bring your skin amazing benefits while you wear it.

So disclaimer, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for me may not work for you. However, as a human guinea pig for all things beauty, these are the products that have proved to be stand out stars, at least in my book. And, as someone who has wasted enough money on this sh*t to have just paid off her student loans by now, I’m experienced and somewhat credible in this department. Somewhat.

Images: @BoxedWaterIsBetter / Unsplash; Sephora (10)
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Sponsored by Tarte cosmetics

Guys, I don’t want to alarm you. But Tarte’s Friends and Family Sale has already begun, offering up to 25% off on must-have beauty products! It runs until August 3, so get your credit cards ready. The sale is good for both U.S. and international shoppers and I already did some research into what you have to buy before it sells out. Set an alarm on your phone immediately and get ready to shop the Tarte Friends and Family sale.

Shape Tape Matte Foundation

This foundation is so light but offers full coverage. Plus, it’s mattifying, which we all really need during the summer. This foundation conceals everything from dark circles to acne, doesn’t have any oil, and doesn’t dry out your skin. You really can have it all!

Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

Okay, so Tarte gives this baby a pretty strong claim—4-in-1. And it does just that. It lengthened, curled, and volumized my lashes AND it’s packed with ingredients that treat yo’ self lashes while you wear it. It doesn’t flake or clump, and it’s one of the only mascaras that doesn’t irritate my eyes. Praise be.

Busy Gal Brow Tinted Brow Gel

Someone on Tumblr said the eyebrows are the windows to the soul. I think. And fortunately—or unfortunately, depending on who you are as a person—the eyebrow trend is showing no sign of stopping. Thankfully, Tarte makes an awesome tinted brow gel that will help you get your eyebrows on fleek (even though “on fleek” died three years ago). The Busy Gal tinted brow gel holds your brows in their proper shape, and it’s tinted so it hides sparse patches. It’s also waterproof and can hold for up to 12 hours so you don’t have to reapply.

H2O Gloss

With lipgloss being back in style, I get terrible flashbacks to those Juicy Tubes we all wore in middle school that were so, so sticky and your hair was constantly getting stuck in it. Like, God help you if it was a windy day because every bit of dust and debris would attach to your lips forever. Thankfully lipglosses are so different now, and this water-based one from Tarte is super moisturizing, smoothing, and not at all sticky or smelly. Plus it comes in 14 colors and the tube is so pretty.

Rainforest Of The Sea Sizzle Eyeshadow Palette

All I want is to look like a beachy sun goddess this summer. Is that too much to ask? Unfortunately, I stay inside all day and look like a vampire, so the best I can hope for is a gorgeous eyeshadow palette that makes me kind of look like a sun goddess. The colors in this palette are so pretty and they look great on any skin tone—even my ghostly one. They’re also really creamy so they don’t crease or dry out your skin.

Shape Tape Setting Powder and Setting Superpower Powder Brush

Setting powder is my favorite thing in the entire world. It sets your makeup and covers oil without packing on additional makeup to your skin. This powder mattifies and diffuses light so you don’t look shiny in your Instagram selfies, yet somehow it is still not drying thanks to the clay-based formula. Also, look at the super cute brush to apply it with. It’s fluffy and applies the perfect amount of powder.

Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

Blush is a have-to-have item for me (vampire skin, so it makes me look alive again), and this one is so pretty and lasts for up to 12 hours! It goes on soft and smooth without caking on your skin or creasing, and it stays on literally all day so I don’t look like I died halfway through my lunch break. It also comes in 13 colors!

Images: Tarte cosmetics

Sponsored by Tarte Cosmetics

Move over, coconut oil—there is a new oil that promotes firmer, brighter, smoother skin that is taking over the beauty world. If you haven’t heard of it yet, maracuja oil is the perfect save-your-skin product. I like to be fairly cutting edge when it comes to my beauty arsenal, and this product is super trendy rn for good reason. It’s hydrating, great for repairing damage, and full of vitamins. Use it as an anti-aging product or to save your peeling skin from a summer sunburn. Or in my case, my skin is already oily, but I basically ruin it with Retin-A products. Maracuja oil saves me from the peeling, dry skin that comes with it and will keep me from looking like my English bulldog in 10 years. I mean, she’s super cute, but I’d prefer to not have my face melting and drooping as I age, k thanks.

Tarte has released a new line that has maracuja oil in every product. Here’s what you should try.

Limited-Edition Maracuja Gold Oil

There is nothing that makes me want to buy something more than calling it Limited-Edition. This maracuja gold oil is a limited-edition of Tarte’s iconic multitasking skin care powerhouse. This one is vegan, non-greasy, and has gold flakes, so it’s really a have-to-have. You only need a few drops to moisturize your skin without clogging pores or causing redness.

Cosmic Maracuja Concentrated Face Balm

The Cosmic Maracuja concentrated face balm actually combines 9 different super hydrating oils to make a new product that truly gets the job done. It’s an intense moisturizer to rescue even the driest summer skin that’s been used and abused in the sun, salt, chlorine. It also has vitamin C and fatty acids to smooth out lines and pores. The face balm provides intense hydration, so it’s great for using at night. Plus, it’s pretty. That’s my main concern when I buy beauty products. And don’t worry, the gold flakes will disappear into your skin after application, so you don’t walk around looking like Edward Cullen.

Creaseless Concealer

Is there anything worse than redness or dark circles and having your concealer dry up and peel or crease on you? Not really. Lucky for us, the geniuses at tarte have put maracuja oil into their concealer so it blends seamlessly into your complexion. Even better, it’s waterproof, so it won’t budge, melt, or ruin the rest of your look. In addition to maracuja, the concealers contain ingredients like Vitamin C to fight free radicals and premature signs of aging while brightening skin, Vitamin E to act as an emollient and antioxidant, and mineral pigments to soothe and soften skin. Also, tarte’s creaseless concealer comes in 30 different shades, which I just appreciate. I can never find concealer pale enough for my skin without turning it orange, but tarte has so many options for every undertone.

For a limited time, use promo code Betches for a full sized brush with any complexion purchase (foundation/concealers) while supplies last!

Images: Courtesy of Tarte cosmetics

There’s literally nothing I love more than sales and coupons because I’m a broke bitch I like to say I’m financially savvy. So when I hear Sephora just changed the game, and my life as I know it, with an insane never-been-done-before sale, you best believe I’m first in line for that shit. Before I go into the juicy details and break this down for you, take this as my fair warning: You will go broke and die.

Just last week, Sephora announced their brand-new weekly sale on their Instagram account called the “Weekly Wow Sale.” How original, I know. Every Thursday, the praised beauty brand will (hopefully) announce new freebies you can get your hands on and which bestselling products and worshipped brands are on sale for up to 50 percent off. No, I didn’t stutter, nor did I make a typo. 50. Percent. Off. I choked, too. I know what you’re thinking, there’s no fucking way all this makeup is going to fit on your already-cluttered vanity. Make it work, damn it.

But, WAIT, there’s a slight catch (as fucking usual). These deals are only good for 7 anxiety-ridden days until a new sale is announced, or until supplies last. Sooo start setting multiple alarms on your iPhone now, because this shit will def sell out ASAP. With last week being their first of the sale, the theme was palettes. If this is anything like a preview for future Weekly Wow’s to come, we’re in for a fucking ride. I’m talking huuuge brands including Anastasia, Tarte, and Stila that had select palettes for like, $20-$25. I’d tell you to buy them like, yesterday but, guess what. They’re all sold out already.

Bitches.

If you couldn’t get your hands on any this week, it’s fine. You still have time for other ridiculous deals because the Weekly Wow Sale will be happening every Thursday until November 1. Woosah, betches. As if we needed another reason to love Thursdays—Thirsty Thursdays, happy hour, and now this. Def the new Saturday, am I right? Be sure to have your AmEx ready and check Sephora’s Insta and beauty offers page every Thursday to see which fave products are on sale. They stole our heart, they have all of our paycheck, and now this?! Ugh, Sephora just take our soul while you’re at it.

Any betch who’s into makeup will tell you that finding a good lipstick can be a fucking ordeal. Like, first you have to find the right color. Then you have to find a liner that matches, lest you end up looking like Gwen Stefani during her No Doubt days. Then you have to worry about it drying out your lips and will it actually stay on this weekend while you down vodka shots/make out with the first guy in your line of vision/drunk eat a whole pizza? Okay so maybe if you’re doing pizza to the face at 3am your last concern is your lipstick,  but the point still stands. You need your shit to stick to you like that creepy bro at the bar who bought you a drink. These are the best long-lasting lipsticks—and before you ask, you will not see a certain Jenner’s products on this because while they last forever, that shit makes your lips dryer than the Sahara desert.

1. MAC Liptensity

This lipstick is enhanced with extra pigment for a more intense color that’s designed to last for up to eight hours. Honestly, when food and alcohol is involved, you really only need about half that time before you’re going to be falling asleep or too drunk to care, so this lipstick is perfect.

2. Tarte Cosmetics Drench Lip Splash Lipstick

It’s usually a pain in the peach emoji when a vegan person constantly reminds you that they’re vegan, but Tarte Cosmetics is like, the one exception. This satin matte lipstick is created with a hydrating vegan formula that keeps your lips moisturized. Plus, the tip is narrower than a typical lipstick, so when you’re trying to reapply after a few glasses of vodka wine, there’s less room for error.

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3. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick

This cream lipstick dries into a matte finish, but it’s waterproof, which is basically another way to say it can hold its own through a night of eating and drinking better than a betch who just turned 21.

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4. NYX Wonder Pencil

If you have a favorite lip product that you’re not willing to give up on, try lining your lips with the NYX Wonder Pencil. It helps to prevent lip colors from bleeding all over your face so that even if you happen to drink too much and embarrass yourself, you’ll look a little less messy in the Instas.

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5. MAC Prep + Prime Lip

This colorless lip base moisturizes your lips and helps prevent lipstick from feathering and cracking if your heart is really set on rocking Koko K (which claims to be long-wearing and promises not to dry your lips out, but is lying).

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