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19 Best Sephora Must-Haves That Are Seriously Underrated

It’s time to stop sleeping on these!

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a display of different lipsticks
Courtesy of Ying Chen

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PSA: You’ve probably been overlooking some real beauty gems at Sephora. I mean, I get it. There are a ton of products sold at the major beauty retailer, so it’s impossible to try out every single one. But! That’s where we come in. As professional shoppers, our job is to literally test and report on the best things worth your hard-earned money. (Dream job, I know NBD!)

Together, Cosmo editors have tried just about it all—from the best acne serums to the best hair brushes for fine hair—which is why you can trust us when it comes to putting you on to a curated list of Sephora must-haves. Here’s a sneak peek:

Our top picks for the best Sephora must-haves of 2024:

And there’s more below! (Spoiler alert: Sephora Collection is one line you need to stop sleeping on immediately. Affordable products that don’t sacrifice quality? Sold.) Scroll through for 19 of the best Sephora products. No gatekeeping here!

1
this game-changing styling brush

Mane It's Giving Body Medium Hot Thermal Round Brush

It's Giving Body Medium Hot Thermal Round Brush
$98 at Sephora
Credit: Mane

If you, like me, were recently influenced by Sabrina Carpenter’s signature Bardot-inspired hair, this hot round brush is for you. I love the waves and bounce this device gives me and it makes styling my curtain bangs a total breeze. It’s one of my most used hairstyling tools and helps me get the job done in less than 30 minutes—seriously!

2
this super hydrating moisturizer

Dieux Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Barrier Repair Cream

Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Barrier Repair Cream
Credit: Sephora

Take it from Hailey Bieber, this moisturizer is a dream. This rich cream is packed with squalane, meadowfoam seed oil, and ceramides that will leave your face feeling so freaking juicy. Consider this “It” girl- and Cosmo-approved.

3
this at-home peel

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

Triple Acid Signature Peel
Credit: Shani Darden

Listen, salon treatments are expensive, and an in-office peel will cost ya a pretty penny. This at-home triple acid peel makes it possible to achieve the same results at less than half of the price. To use, all you have to do is brush the peel onto your skin, leave it on for about two minutes, and then layer the included mask on. After about 10 minutes you can wash it off and you’ll notice smoother and softer skin instantly. It also helps address hyperpigmentation.

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4
this angled blush brush

SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Blush Brush #93

PRO Blush Brush #93
Credit: Sephora

Okay, can I just say Sephora Collection deserves so much more hype?! This is one of the first blush brushes I ever owned and it continues to be a favorite of mine despite the many I’ve tried over the years. This slanted, angled brush really helps sculpt the product on your face and is extremely beginner-friendly. Whether it’s liquid, cream, or powder blush, this bb can blend it all seamlessly.

5
this super pigmented blush

Saie Dew Blush

Dew Blush
Credit: saie

Blush can be intimidating for some people, and that’s totally understandable. This dew blush gives off that rosy vibe and is extremely easy to blend thanks to its liquid cream formula that melts into your skin. Go ahead, try it out, and get ready to fall in love.

6
this luxe body serum

Nécessaire The Body Retinol

The Body Retinol
Credit: Necessaire

Ever since I got my hands on this serum, I haven’t been able to stop using it. As someone who always ends up having a pesky blemish or two on my chest or back, I always feel a bit self-conscious about hyperpigmentation in these areas. But this body retinol has transformed my skin and addressed all my bumps and scars. It’s my favorite product to lather on at night before bed. And don’t worry, it’s not sticky at all. Instead, it just feels so damn luxurious.

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7
this heat protector

DAE Hair Agave Dry Heat & Hold Styling Mist

Hair Agave Dry Heat & Hold Styling Mist
Credit: dae

I probably use this heat protector every single day. Even when I don’t style my hair with hot tools, this product helps control any excess static and converts my hair into subtle waves. We love a 2-in-1 find!! It has an all-day flexible hold, so you can feel confident that your hair will look fab and shiny for as long as you want.

8
this long-lasting foundation

SEPHORA COLLECTION Best Skin Ever Liquid Foundation

Best Skin Ever Liquid Foundation
Credit: Sephora

Guys, I kid you not I wore this foundation a few years ago to Coachella and it Did. Not. Budge. It’s criminally underrated, comes in over 40 shades, and will last you allll day. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid for that extra hydration your skin loves. Don’t think, get it now, and thank me later.

9
this creamy concealer

SEPHORA COLLECTION Full Coverage Concealer

Full Coverage Concealer
Credit: Sephora

Creased concealer? Not here! Take it from beauty editor Beth Gilette: “This gel-texture concealer gives my under eyes the smoothest finish of all time—it's basically like an IRL beauty filter. It's still creamy and hydrating, though, so it doesn't make my skin look dry or cakey either. I just set it with a finely milled powder to avoid creasing (my under eyes crease with everythinggggg; it's a curse), and it lasts all day.”

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10
this volumizing mascara

REFY Lash Sculpt Lengthen and Lift Mascara

Lash Sculpt Lengthen and Lift Mascara
Credit: Refy

Over the years, I’ve heard so much about REFY’s brow products (which yes, they are amazing), but somehow no one ever talks about this mascara! It’s time that changes. The curved brush on this bad boi is everything because it lifts and curls your lashes as it lengthens them. Plus, the comb-like applicator helps separate lashes and prevent clumps.

11
this highly effective gel cleanser

SEPHORA COLLECTION Clean Skin Gel

Clean Skin Gel
Credit: Sephora

“One of my all-time favorite face washes is Sephora Collection's Clean Skin Gel Cleanser,” says assistant news editor Sam Olson. “As someone with textured, acne-prone skin, I've tested a ton of different cleansers over the years, and this is a constant that I find myself coming back to. Sensitive skin baddies, this one's for you—it's incredibly gentle on the skin and puts in the work to get the gunk out. The unscented formula is made with skin-loving prebiotics that thoroughly cleanse and hydrate the skin with 98% natural ingredients. Not only will your skin feel smooth as hell, but you'll seriously look like you're glowing from within at all times.”

12
this sculpting facial tool

FaceGym Multi-Sculpt High-Performance Gua Sha

Multi-Sculpt High-Performance Gua Sha
Credit: Face Gym

I’m sure you remember circa 2020 when everyone was getting their gua sha on. You may or may not have a few in your cabinet as you read this. However, I promise this gua sha from FaceGym is unlike others you’ve tried. Why is that? It has six different edges that help depuff, drain, and sculpt. Made of stainless steel, this tool will give you that instant cooling feeling as it glides over your skin. My favorite detail about this gua sha is the unique teeth it has on one edge, made to help smooth out fine lines.

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13
this bold eyeliner

SEPHORA COLLECTION Wink-It Felt Tip Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner

Wink-It Felt Tip Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner
Credit: Sephora

I’ll always be a fan of a winged eyeliner that looks (as T. Swift so eloquently sang) sharp enough to kill a man. If you want a bold, crisp look, this waterproof eyeliner pen with a felt tip makes it so easy to control. “This was the first liquid eyeliner I ever bought (hi, 2017 smokey eyes), and the formula has definitely stood the test of time,” assistant shopping editor Jasmine Hyman says. “For a decent price point, you get a precise brush and jet-black, waterproof formula. What more could you need in life?!

14
this staple eyeshadow palette

MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals

Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals
Credit: Makeup by Mario

If you’re going to have one eyeshadow palette in your drawer, it should be this one. It’s versatile, super pigmented, and has all the shades you need to create some major dimension. Play it up with a smoky eye or keep it minimal, you’ll look fab either way.

15
this creamy lipstick

SEPHORA COLLECTION Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick

Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
Credit: Sephora

You’ll never not catch me without a lip gloss or stain on my lips, so when I say I’ve tried hundreds of products, I mean it. Legit, this $15 lipstick is better than some of the most hyped lippies. “I heard TikTok rumors about Sephora’s liquid lipstick being a dupe for some of my fave lippies, so I had to test it for myself—and truth be told, it’s just as lightweight, comfortable, and long-wearing as products I have that are double the price,” commerce writer Sarah Maberry notes. “It’s become one of those products I recommend to friends (especially those who aren’t regular lipstick wearers) looking for an affordable way to try a new shade.”

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16
this vanilla perfume

PHLUR Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Credit: Phlur

I’m not usually a vanilla fragrance type of gal, but this mist alone made me a convert. It's that perfect combo of warm and spicy that feels like a cozy hug. While it opens with sugar and pink pepper notes, it turns into a woodsy blend of cashmere and vanilla. Pro tip: Spray it into your body and hair before bed for a relaxing aroma all night.

17
this gentle brush cleanser

SEPHORA COLLECTION Daily Brush Cleaner

Daily Brush Cleaner
Credit: Sephora

Let’s just say, this is one item you should add to your cart ASAP. “This is a friendly reminder that you need to be cleaning your makeup brushes regularly—and no, hand soap and water won't do,” Maberry explains. “Sephora's daily brush cleaner gets rid of the icky build-up that causes breakouts and makes your brushes smell nice and fresh.” Remember a cleansed base is the key to any makeup look!

18
this lip balm

Prada Beauty Moisturizing Lip Balm

Moisturizing Lip Balm
Credit: Prada Beauty

Sometimes I just want a slight dab of product on my lips before I walk out of the door to complete my errands. This Prada Beauty balm quickly became my go-to choice for those very moments. It is hydrating, soothing, and colorless, so you never have to worry about whether your lippie matches your OOTD. Unlike a typical lipgloss, this balm isn’t sticky and glides on so smoothly. And for the days where I do put on a matte lip, I use this balm as a primer to prep for the long night ahead.

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19
this hair repairing mask

K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask
Credit: K18

Let me just say that K18 as a whole deserves so much more hype. Their products are magic (or at least, pretty freaking close to being just that). This hair mask uses a peptide complex to rebuild the bonds in your hair and helps repair even the most damaged hair. All you have to do is leave it in for a few minutes after your shampoo and let this product do its thing.

Headshot of Daisy Maldonado
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram. 

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