Sephora is a beauty lover’s dream, offering everything from the latest fragrance to the best body lotion.
However, it can be difficult to peruse the aisles and know what to buy, especially if you do not want to try out items in the store while surrounded by Sephora teens.
Some products are wildly overpriced, while others could potentially break out sensitive skin.
Now, Dr Chelsea Hoffman has told the Daily Mail the best buys for the whole body and for everybody.
Dr Hoffman, who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, has broken down the best buys just in time for the Sephora Spring Savings Event, including sunscreen, moisturizer and a spray that gets rid of stubborn pimples.
Prices will be slashed from April 10 to April 20, with shoppers receiving 10 to 20 percent off.
She has also explained the worst products to buy that are overpriced and simply do not transform the skin.
From products with a cult following on TikTok to brands you might not have heard of, here are the best bets.
Dr Chelsea Hoffman has told the Daily Mail the best skincare buys for every type of skin and what’s not worth your time
Supergoop is consistently voted the best tinted sunscreen, praised for its ability to create an effortless sun-kissed effect
Dr Hoffman suggested Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen ($50) for a ‘light tinted mineral option that feels weightless and will not irritate sensitive skin’
Sunscreen
The board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery in New York City explained that acne-prone people should look for fluid and gel formulations, zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreens or lightweight modern chemical filters.
She explained that some people break out more with heavy chemical filter formulas, often because of the base they are in, which can be too occlusive and trap oil and dead skin.
Dr Hoffman suggested Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen ($50) for a ‘light tinted mineral option that feels weightless and will not irritate sensitive skin,’ adding that ‘the tint works with a range of skin types.’
Customers agree, commenting on Sephora that it is lightweight, absorbs well and blends perfectly under makeup without leaving a white cast.
For a less expensive mineral option, try Innisfree ($22), which users say does not pill and leaves a glow.
The K-beauty product has been praised as ‘hands down the best sunscreen’ and ‘a must have for people with acne-prone skin’ on Sephora’s site.
Dr. Hoffman also suggested the cult favorite Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen ($38) as ‘a great chemical option that is really cosmetically elegant and works great in my acne and rosacea prone patients.’
Supergoop is consistently voted the best tinted sunscreen, praised for its ability to create an effortless sun-kissed effect.
Dr Hoffman suggested the Skinfix Barrier+ Gel Cream ($54) as a ‘great lightweight option for oily or acne-prone skin’
Dieux instant angel contains lipids, ceramides and humectants to draw water into the skin and keep it there
The inexpensive serum contains hyaluronic acid, which improves skin hydration and is especially beneficial for mature skin as it smooths wrinkles
Moisturizer
Finding the perfect moisturizer is difficult, much like a Goldilocks scenario. Some are too heavy, some are too oily and some are simply not hydrating enough.
Dr Hoffman suggested the Skinfix Barrier+ Gel Cream ($54) as a ‘great lightweight option for oily or acne-prone skin.’
She is also a huge fan of the trendy Dieux Instant Angel ($45), which has been a hit on social media, describing it as ‘a really elegant mix of lipids, ceramides and humectants to draw water into the skin and keep it there.’
Dr Hoffman does not recommend tinted moisturizers because while they contain SPF, most patients ‘rarely apply enough to get the labeled protection.’
For a lighter product, she suggested the $10 Inkey List HA serum to layer under moisturizer on days when you need a little extra hydration.
The inexpensive serum contains hyaluronic acid, which improves skin hydration and is especially beneficial for mature skin as it smooths wrinkles.
Dr. Hoffman is a fan of the mini Tower 28 SOS hypochlorous acid spray ($10) which is a must for her work and gym bag
Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Antimicrobial spray has been praised as the cure to acne on TikTok, where beauty lovers say it helps the most stubborn breakouts by destroying the bacteria that gets trapped in pores.
Dermatologists agree, including Dr. Hoffman, who is a fan of the mini Tower 28 SOS hypochlorous acid spray ($10), which is a must for her work and gym bag.
‘It is such a great product to use after a workout to help prevent breakouts or a mid-day refresh if your skin is feeling dry and irritated,’ Dr. Hoffman explained.
Hypochlorous acid can also help calm eczema that flares up in colder months.
Reviewers praised the product for relieving redness and making skin feel clean.
Do not expect patches to completely transform exhausted under eyes although they will make a big difference before events (stock image)
Dr Hoffman supports the rhode under-eye patches because they have caffeine, peptides and moisturizers that lead to noticeable improvements in dry, tired under eyes
Under Eye Patches
While Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand rhode has received mixed reviews from experts, some of its products do the trick.
Dr Hoffman supports its peptide eye prep depuffing eye patches ($25) because they have caffeine, peptides, and moisturizers that lead to noticeable improvements in dry, tired under eyes.
However, do not expect patches to completely transform exhausted under eyes.
Instead, they are a must before big events or after traveling for a temporary boost of hydration.
One Sephora reviewer said, ‘You can tell a visible difference after one use.’
Skincare lovers call these peel pads their ‘holy grail’ and say they brighten skin, reduce wrinkles and prevent acne
Peel Pads
Peel pads can be too harsh and can irritate sensitive skin if they are misused. They effectively exfoliate and brighten but need to be used only a few times a week instead of daily.
Dr Hoffman has her patients chemically exfoliate no more than three or four times weekly.
Skincare lovers must also use them quite gently, because over-exfoliating can strip the skin.
However, they also have a multitude of benefits, like removing dead skin, improving texture, lessening dark spots and making the skin ready to absorb all of the other products.
They can be used in place of a toner, which can also be quite harsh, since peel pads allow the person to control exactly how much product they are using.
‘The Dr Dennis Gross Skincare mini universal daily peel pads ($20) are very popular and for good reason,’ Dr. Hoffman said, explaining ‘they have a combo of AHA and BHA and come in gentle, universal, and extra strength for different skin types and needs.’
Skincare lovers call these peel pads their ‘holy grail’ and say they brighten skin, reduce wrinkles and prevent acne.
Face masks can be a fun addition to a skincare routine, but don’t expect any major changes (stock image)
Avoid
While shopping, there are a few brands that Dr Hoffman said it is best to avoid, including Glow Recipe and Tatcha, because they have higher price points, are heavily fragranced and have botanical extracts, ‘which may not be the best choices for all skin types.’
When it comes to buying pricey face masks, the dermatologist said they are a ‘fun add-on that can hydrate and soothe the skin, but they’re not essential and won’t replace a good daily skincare routine.’
Instead, they create a temporary occlusive layer that helps push hydrating ingredients into the skin.
So while they might be the best way to prep for a big event, do not expect any major changes.
