The Sephora Haul That Made Me Appreciate My Natural Beauty

Hello, Gorgeous!

This haul was not just about buying new products—it genuinely shifted how I see myself. Instead of trying to cover, I found myself enhancing. Instead of chasing perfection, I started appreciating what was already there.

Here is my full breakdown of every product—what I loved, what I didn’t, and what is actually worth it.

My skin type: I am a light neutral with normal skin.

FACE

Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Mist (Mini + Full Size x2)

What it does: A creamy toner-meets-moisturiser that deeply hydrates and strengthens your skin barrier.

Pros:

• Instantly makes skin look plump, dewy, and healthy
• Perfect for no-makeup days (this alone makes you glow)
• Layers beautifully under makeup without pilling
• Helps repair dry or compromised skin

Cons:

• Can feel slightly heavy for very oily skin
• Spray version runs out quickly if you’re obsessed (you will be)

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Mental shift: This made me realize hydrated skin > heavy foundation. My skin started looking alive again. It also cuts down the amount of products I purchase and use. Toner, serum, and moisturiser all in one product makes it easy yet highly effective. Gentle and impactful. 

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ (Light & Light Neutral x2)

What it does: Full-coverage foundation with skincare benefits and SPF.

Pros:

• Covers EVERYTHING (redness, acne, uneven tone)
• Glowy, skin-like finish—not flat or cakey
• SPF 50 is a huge bonus
• A little goes a long way

Cons:

• Can feel heavy if you overapply
• Shade matching can be tricky
• May crease on oily skin without proper prep

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Mental shift: I stopped using it as a mask and started using less—which made me appreciate my natural skin underneath. I love minimising my routine and keeping it simple. I can bring this anywhere with the easy application tube to touch up for lunch/dinner after the beach. 

EYES

Sephora Collection 12 Hour Contour Eye Pencil (Truffle Shimmer & Black Matte)

What it does: Long-wear eyeliner/shadow stick hybrid.

Pros:

• Extremely pigmented
• Doesn’t budge once set
• Perfect for soft, natural definition
• Truffle shimmer = effortless “your eyes but better”

Cons:

• Dries quickly (you have to blend fast)
• Can be hard to remove

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Mental shift: Defined eyes without heavy shadow made me feel polished without overdoing it. I love laying it on thick with the liner and smudging it. This is perfect for my everyday needs. I use a brush or fingers to blend it out. Either way, it’s beautiful, blendable, and easy to travel with for touch-ups. 

LIPS (The Category That Changed Everything)

I keep my eyes pretty smoky these days and nights for a very dramatically glamorous look. I like to keep my lips are close to my natural light colour with a gloss for hydration. It also looks so Pinterest-chic and a softer feminine look. Red lips age me and bright pinks make my teeth yellow. 

Lips are where I like to have fun, be sparkly and spontaneous. This is why I started investing heavily into lip products. Not to mention I have large lips as well, so I am constantly reaching for a combination of lip products in my bag almost every night when I go out. 

Gloss & Hydration

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick

Pros:

• Gloss + balm hybrid (comfortable, not sticky)
• Gives a juicy, full lip look
• Easy everyday product

Cons:

• Not super long-lasting
• Can melt in heat

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

My first gloss stick was a Tom Ford ultra gloss shining lipstick. This is much more hydrating and not simply a lipstick. It is a lip gloss in a stick which I am new to. I love this product and loved trying out all the shades at Sephora. 

Fenty Beauty Beauty Gloss Bomb Luminizer in Fenty Glow

Pros:

• Universally flattering shade
• Enhances your natural lip color
• Makes lips look healthier instantly

Cons:

• Slightly sheer if you want bold color — this is why I got the most pigmented shade Fenty Glow.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Fenty Beauty really nails the lip gloss situation. I cannot go back. Every shade is gorgeous, and I am gradually trying to own them all over time. I have to try almost each one, because they are all universally flattering and fun concomitantly. They are also small enough to fit in your clutch, small hands, and try them all.

Fenty Beauty Lip Oil in Fenty Glow and Fu$$y

Pros:

• Ultra-hydrating
• Gives a natural, glassy finish
• Perfect “no makeup” lip

Cons:

• Needs reapplication
• More skincare than pigment

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

I cannot get enough of Fenty Beauty lip glosses, because they have a ton of attitude with sparkle. Something I noticed across the board of all the brands and products lately is that nobody is willing to be daring with various colours that are out of the box without being too over the top clown looking. Fenty Beauty seems to do it while still have sparkly fun that makes it fun being a girl. 

Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil (Dip & Shake x2)

Pros:

• Thick, cushiony gloss (but still comfortable)
• Very hydrating
• Gives that “expensive lips” look

Cons:

• Slightly sticky compared to oils
• Hair can stick in wind (real life problem)
• Smells like cardboard 

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

This is the gloss that got me into lip glosses again. It is light enough to dip your toe, yet flattering enough to see pigment that makes you smile ear to ear. If you are wanting to try something new, but are not sure of expressing yourself in an obvious manner outside your comfort zone–this is where to take step 1 with lip glosses. 

REFY Lip Gloss in Taupe

Pros:

• Perfect neutral tone for sculpted lips
• Elevates natural lip color
• Chic, minimal makeup vibe

Cons:

• Shade may wash out deeper tones
• Less shine than others

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

This was actually quite boring for me, however I wanted to try the applicator. The pigment is hardly there and is sheer. I would avoid this in future. However, what put me onto the brand was their matte Lip Blush lipsticks that I have almost all the hues in. This is simply okay. 

Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump (Ready For It)

Pros:

• Visibly plumps lips
• Gives that full, pouty look
• Great for nights out

Cons:

• Intense tingling (not for sensitive lips)
• Temporary effect

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Ever try to kiss someone with this lip gloss? They will realise the discomfort women are willing to go through to look beautiful. Originally, I had my eye on Honeybear (too light for me), however Ready For It is much more intense and flattering if you wanted to highlight contrasting features as a Deep Winter. It is stunning. 

LIP LINERS (The Secret to “Naturally Perfect” Lips)

Sephora Collection Lip Liner To Go (Perfect Beige x2)

Pros:

• Affordable and creamy
• Perfect neutral contour shade
• Makes lips look naturally fuller

Cons:

• Wears off faster than high-end liners

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

I bought this same colour twice, because I love how naturally close it makes my lips look even with changing temperatures throughout days and evenings. It is subtle yet brilliant. I use it almost everyday multiple times an hour. I love it so much.

Sephora Collection is what all the Sephora makeup artists keep in their pockets as a go-to, because it is a hit every time when it comes to powerful pigment and user-friendly formulas.

Kosas Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Lip Liner (100 Neutral Pink Beige)

Pros:

• Creamy and hydrating
• Glides on effortlessly
• Very natural finish

Cons:

• Softer formula = less long wear

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

I had my eye on this for quite some time along with several shades. However, I went more towards the route of keeping my lip liner more toned down and having a louder gloss to hydrate my lips atop. This is fabulously neutral if you want to focus on a theatric eye as I do. I love highlighting how dark they are, so this helps them stand out with the ultimate amount of effect. 

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape (Bend, Twist, Lean)

Pros:

• Blurs and sculpts lips beautifully
• Enhances your natural lip shape
• Feels lightweight and modern

Cons:

• More subtle than traditional liners
• Not ultra long-wearing

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Mental shift (lips overall):
This is where everything changed. Instead of trying to “fix” my lips, I started enhancing their natural tone. That changed how I saw my entire face, because I have such an intense glamorous look at night (typically when I apply my makeup). I aim for drama, and these lip products keep you hydrated and flattered through every sip of Evian. 

PERFUME

Kayali Maldives in a Bottle Ylang Coco (Mini)

Pros:

• Tropical, creamy, vacation scent yet still rich with flavour and expensive smelling
• Makes you feel feminine and soft
• Perfect for summer

Cons:

• Not very long-lasting
• More of a daytime scent

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

I get constant compliments on this perfume from absolutely everyone around me. I will never put this down. It fades a bit quickly for my liking, so I am purchasing large quantities of it in future. A mini is perfect for refreshing in my bag on the go, because I love it so much! 

Chanel Chance Eau Splendide

Pros:

• Elegant, luxurious, feminine
• Long-lasting and memorable
• Feels like “that girl” energy

Cons:

• Expensive
• Strong if overapplied

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Mental shift: Smelling good made me feel put together—even with minimal makeup. I got this for my girlfriend for her birthday. This perfume is a memory of ours, and I will get a matching one as soon as my current stock of fragrances run short. 

The Chanel Chance collection is one of my favourites from the brand in a long time. It is young, fun, and reminds me of my dear friend’s bright smile. 

This haul didn’t transform my face—it transformed my perspective.

I stopped layering products to become someone else who looks like they are trying out new makeup or a new look. Instead, I started choosing products that made me feel like myself, but elevated and mastered. That’s where real beauty—and confidence—actually begins.

Ready to elevate your beauty, confidence, and entire lifestyle?

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