Everything I *won’t* be getting at the Sephora sale this year

Or everything I wish I did, but won’t indulge in, this time.

Every time this time of the year rolls around, I pull my Santa hat out of the closet, and my big $ out of my wallet to prep for the bi-annual Sephora sale. The November one is that much more exciting. The holiday sets are out, glittery and new. This year, the sale for insiders starts on Nov. 5th (Nov. 3rd for VIB). You can apply code HOLIDAYFUN if you’re shopping online.

This time however, and for the second time in a row, I’ve decided not to shop the sale. The reason is simple : TOO MUCH STUFF. Too many tubs of moisturizers, jars of creams, pipettes of serums, tubes of lipstick sitting unopened in my bathroom cabinet waiting to dry out or expire. The last thing I need is a sea of tiny new bottles coming to crowd my already full ~collection~ , creating unnecessary waste too.

That said, there ARE good and fun sets coming out, and  they usually hold great value, never mind the extra sale discount. 

It’s the time to try out new stuff while restocking on tried-and-true favorites. So in an effort to relieve my compulsive shopping impulses, here’s a roundup of everything I’ve put in my cart to never check out.

Exhibit A) Any of the KÉRASTASE Holiday trios - $107.25

One day, I’ll post a picture of my Kérastase stash. It truly is my pride and joy, like my child. Actually, it is the size of an actual infant.

Having worked in the team for 2+ years, I’ve had time to try quite a few of the collections and stock up on my faves, notably the discipline line, for which I’ve managed to actually snag a holiday set back in July (yes, the holiday planning is THAT early). 

If you’ve been meaning to try out the brand, now is the time to do it. I strongly recommend doing the test on the Kerastase.ca website to find out which collection is best for you and your hair, and trying out the full routine. Holiday sets are available for almost every collection, usually containing all full-size Shampoo (glamorously renamed "Bain" by the Kérastase team), conditionner ("Fondant"), and the best selling styling product from the line. For example, the Discipline set contains the Keratine Thermique Heat Protector. I’ve noticed that with Kérastase, I do see the best results when I’m using everything from the same line. At $107.25, it’s the best deal you’re ever gonna get, snagging the styling treatment practically for free. 

B) Benefit Cosmetics Together At Lash Mascara Trio Set - $51

I’ve only really had two mascara faves for years now. On days where I really want natural, minimal makeup, I like Glossier lash slick. For all other occasions, I’m a Benefit gal. 

When "They’re Real!" came out, I was instantly hooked, collecting every mini and sample I could find, and buying the full-size in bulk. Then, "Roller-Lash" rolled in (I’m sorry), and the obsession shifted. Because I don’t wear mascara so often these days, I still have about 3 mini tubes patiently waiting unopened in my collection. 

Let me put it that way : you can put it however you want, 33$ for mascara is not cheap, especially given the amount of affordable alternatives at the drugstore. However, I do think mascara is THE most personal product in your routine, and if you find one that works for you, drugstore or not, you don’t need to justify the price tag. However ringing in at 51$ for 3 full size tubes, this one is actually a pretty good steal!

C) Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit - Sculpture and mini - $105 / $75

Words that resume everything I think about these : Been there, done that. 

It’s not a secret that I love hourglass everything. Powder blushes, bronzers, etc. They have the best textures : super fine, creamy, blendable. However, these are the biggest "Déjà-Vu". I’m not sure who Hourglass is trying to target with these palettes, but I feel like the biggest part of the market for the powders has already purchased some kind of an equivalent for these. Although they’re not the exact same shades as previously released in limited edition palettes (Dim Light, Diffused Light and Mood Exposure are part of the permanent collection), I have to say that there’s not so much difference with what we’ve seen in the past. 

D) Laneige lip daydream set - 25$

Or any of the other Laneige sets. Just make the comparison with the full sizes, the prices aren’t that appealing. Most of the time, you’re paying a few bucks extra only for tiny trial sizes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the option of having *great* products bundled together, but I advise you to make the comparison for yourself before buying. 

E) Sephora Favourites Baby, Let's Glow Outside Bronze and Glow Set - 55$

There was a time where I would’ve JUMPED on this kit, perhaps even would’ve got a skincare one as well. They’re so fun ; there are a lot of products inside each kit, making it a great option to try and to discover new stuff.

However, these are almost to themselves the single reason why I’m not shopping the sale this time. I’m definitely not a model in terms of green living and sustainable shopping, but these are too much. Too many times I have gone through my makeup collection to "purge out" unwanted or expired products and have parted with products from these types of kits. Truth is, I’m always a bit blinded by the glitz and glam and the cuteness of these sets, but I rarely end up loving, let alone using ALL the products from a particular kit. 

That goes for pretty much every set in the list. When it comes to this sale, shop, but shop intelligently. Truly ask yourself if you’ll get use out of all products, not the majority of them. Your wallet will thank you, the planet too.