If you love keeping up with the latest beauty releases and are a regular at your local Sephora, then you might be thrilled to know that the retailer hosts an annual convention known as Sephoria — an event where all the brands carried in the store can show off all their newest, trendy products. As someone who lives and breathes all things beauty, I flew to Los Angeles for Sephoria 2026 to discover what’s actually worth adding to your beauty routine.
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Amber Usher / BuzzFeed
At Sephoria, makeup, skincare, hair, and fragrance brands like Fenty Beauty, Kerastase, Jo Malone, and Tower 28 were front and center, showcasing their newest innovations. It’s very interactive and hands on — for example, I was able to get shade-matched for the Haus Labs foundation and smell the latest Kayali scents without the risk of blind-buying and being disappointed. It’s also nice to finally be able to test out bestsellers that always seem to be sold out in store, like Saie’s Glowy Super Gel.
Overall, it felt like getting the inside tea on all things beauty — and I’m here to share just a few of the coolest things that should be on your radar.
1. A Cyklar Vanilla Verve gel deodorant (in BEAUTIFUL packaging, btw) designed to keep those pits fresh while also brightening and evening out your skin tone. Infused with mandelic and azelaic acids, it stops odor-causing bacteria, reduces discoloration, and gently exfoliates. It also smells *divine* — this isn’t your typical sweet vanilla; it has a sophisticated, musky twist that even those less into gourmand scents will appreciate.
Promising review: “You really did your big one with this ingredient. This really does lighten your underarms. As a dark-skin girl, I have done everything to lighten my underarms and this roll-on is what I needed!” —sksjsjs
Get it from Sephora for $20.
2. Touchland’s body and hair mist — you may know them by their skincare-forward hand sanitizer, but they’re here with another banger. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this skincare-infused fragrance hydrates your skin and hair instead of drying them out. Plus, it doesn’t just cover up odors; it actually neutralizes them. No one wants to walk around in warm weather smelling like mangoes with a side of funk!
www.instagram.com, Amazon
I knew Touchland had hand sanitizers, but I didn’t know they had fragrance too. I have locs and only wash my hair once a month when I go to my stylist, because I hate when my roots get super frizzy. As you can imagine, after a while with the sweat, oil, and smell, a lot is going on at the roots. I can spray this on my hair, and any lingering odor is *actually* neutralized inside of just being masked by heavy fragrance.
Promising review: “Smells amazing! I get so many compliments when I wear this! I also love that it can be layered with their other scents. I don’t get ‘nose blind’ with this product, when I wear this I can smell it all day long. I love the smaller size of the bottle, it can fits easily in a purse, back pack, car console etc. and doesn’t take up much space. The sprays are distributed evenly and never clogs or dissipates. Will definitely continue buying this scent and looking forward to trying others!” —KRod
Get it from Amazon for $17 (available in eight scents).
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3. A new Kiehl’s SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen that’s also a breathable, skin-soothing SERUM — it visibly corrects redness, primes for makeup, and improves the skin’s moisture barrier while protecting you from harmful UV rays. The formula packs in 40 mg (that’s a lot, btw!) of cica extract, a star ingredient known for its soothing properties. And! It’s made with a special nano zinc oxide that absorbs smoothly, reducing that white cast regular zinc oxide is known to have.
www.instagram.com, Sephora
I’ve always heard that mineral sunscreens are subjectively “better” because they provide a physical barrier on the skin, but the ones I’ve used in the past always left me looking ashy (a very gray cast). This one truly absorbs into the skin and even left me with a beautiful glow.
Promising review: “LOVE this!! I’ve always been obsessed with Kiehl’s sunscreen, and this new mineral version is perfect. It blends so easily on my skin, has a lightweight serum feel, and wears so well under my makeup.” —Beautylover336
Get it from Sephora for $22+ (available in two sizes).
4. Or a lightweight Beauty of Joseon Day Dew SPF 50 Sunscreen — a K-beauty essential adored for its ability to vanish into any skin tone without leaving a trace of white cast. It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes *and* also enhances your makeup game — many reviewers swear by it as their everyday primer.
www.instagram.com, Sephora
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Promising review: “I have used a full tube of this and it is my favorite sunscreen. It is beautiful on the skin. It is fabulous under makeup. It is glowy and moist, but I don’t find it oily or greasy. I have used many Korean sunscreens and they have all been great. This one is just the best.” —Jazzkoen
Get it from Sephora for $18.
5. Summer Fridays’ brand-new (and first-ever!) perfume called ☀️ Sunlit Vanilla🍦 — I can see the future and I’m 99.9% sure it will be the scent of the season. It has notes of bergamot, creamy caramel, and melted vanilla ice cream, creating an olfactory experience that’s both gourmand and fresh.
Sephora
Promising review: “Sunlit Vanilla is such a great fragrance! It’s perfectly gourmand without being overly sweet, and the bergamot/coconut round it out to make it so warm and summery. The longevity and stay power really impressed me, I still smelled it on a shirt I wore days ago! I will be wearing this allllll summer. :-)” —giulianna99
Get it from Sephora for $30+ (available in two sizes).
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6. Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads with a texture that resembles a jelly under-eye patch rather than the typical gauze-type pads. They contain low-molecular-weight collagen and a unique type of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin barrier more effectively, refines pores, and nourishes your skin on a deeper level compared to others on the market.
Biodance, www.amazon.com
These toner pads are JUICY. They applied a sample on the back of my hand, and its texture is unlike any other pad I’ve used before. I know it’s aesthetic to put two toner pads on your cheeks and maybe one on your forehead, but I think with these, that would be overkill. There’s so much product soaked in that one pad is enough to wipe your entire face and feel so hydrated.
Promising review: “One of the easiest, and most cost-effective ways that I tuned up my skincare routine. My skin loves this product, it gives me hydration and glow. Give me a bit of hydration before my actives. So I use it in the morning before my vitamin C serum, and I use it in the evening before my retinol. I’m 45, and I’m always looking for products that give me bang for the buck. And this one is a winner.” —Heather B
Get 60 pads from Amazon for $26.
7. A lightweight Laneige JuicePop Box lip tint — which, in case you haven’t heard, is the latest Internet It Girl. It glides on with a refreshing watery texture, then magically transforms into a nourishing oil. You can leave it glossy or wipe it off for a gorgeous tint. Plus, it’s designed to clip onto your keychain, bag, or belt loop, so you’ll never be without your new favorite lippie!
www.instagram.com, www.instagram.com
The texture of this lippie is wild. It’s so so so lightweight, quite literally like water. It also makes your lips so shiny and juicy looking its just *chef’s kiss*. Bonus points for the fact that it leaves behind a tint.
Promising review: “I just got this and I can’t even tell you how much I love this product! It has an awesome tint to it and is just amazing. It basically goes on like water and transforms into a lip oil. 10 out of 10, I definitely recommend.” —aliceuny
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $23 (available in eight shades).
8. Makeup by Mario’s Ethereal Eyes palette, a limited-edition release from 2023 that had everyone and their mama begging for its return — and here it is! We love a brand that gives the people what they want. This palette features 12 dreamy shades in glossy shimmer, sueded matte, and natural metallic finishes. I’m not sure how long it’ll be around this time, but I’m not waiting around to find out. (*adds to cart*)
www.instagram.com, Amber Usher / BuzzFeed
I liiiiive for the glitter, and anyone who does knows the pain and struggle of finding a sparkling eyeshadow that isn’t chunky, splotchy, or has a tint to it. The champagne shimmer shade alone had me sold.
Promising review: “This is a holy grail eyeshadow palette. I was so excited to see this palette return. This is one of my favorite formulas and color stories. It’s perfect for day or evening looks and complements any eye color. I totally recommend this palette, 10/10.” —FabFanFly72
Get it from Sephora or Kohl’s for $69.
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9. Topicals dark spot patches — they basically took all the magic from their viral under-eye patches and made it into a spot treatment you can use on other areas on your face! These brightening “stickers” are designed to fade the appearance of dark marks in as little as six hours. They can also prevent post-breakout marks *and* act as a protective barrier during the healing process.
www.instagram.com, Sephora
While these aren’t marketed as pimple patches, I used one for a pimple on my cheek, as a barrier to prevent myself from messing with it. Not even a full eight hours later, when I decided to change it because I wanted to wash my face, it had sucked out the pus and seed. I applied another to aid the healing process and to prevent a scar from forming, and it did just that. No dark mark!
Promising review: “I’ve used this for one night and immediately my breakouts were noticeable smaller and there was no scarring or dark spots(usually there would be) at all. I was actually so impressed and I will be buying more when I run out.” —bakshame
Get 20 patches from Sephora for $22.
10. The new-and-improved Olaplex No. 3 Plus — a three-minute pre-shampoo treatment ready to give your dry, damaged hair a long overdue comeback. The blonde highlights, k-tip extensions, and heat styling every other day were cute, but if you’re ready to embrace your natural era and let your hair reset, this can help make it softer, stronger, and more manageable.
Amazon
Promising review: “Fantastic! Works better than the original in only three minutes! It’s providing a good amount of slip. In only two uses, my breakage is practically gone. Cannot recommend enough.” —Ben
Get it from Amazon for $34+ (available in two sizes).
11. An Aestura barrier cream packed with — wait for it — one MILLION ceramide capsules that deliver a whopping 18 hours of hydration. It has a thicker consistency, which gives it that luxurious feel, but it’s not heavy or greasy at all. Reviewers with sensitive skin are also singing its praises. Honestly, I’m about to make it my ultimate go-to body moisturizer.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “Such a great moisturizer. Thick but not greasy, moisturizing but not heavy. Absorbs so well. I am oily and acne prone and this moisturizer works so well for me especially while using several actives. In fact, I believe it makes me tolerate tretinoin better, calming my skin after harsh actives. Will repurchase again and again!” —Keirita
Get it from Amazon for $32.
12. Eadem’s Le Chouchou lip softening balm in their new sparkling baby pink shade Chateau Rose and the sheer, milky Sakura Shaved Ice. Le Chouchou is *the* best all-in-one lippie, because it’s a tinted gloss, moisturizing mask, *and* exfoliant. It gives you soft, silky lips with just a swipe, and thanks to the gorgeous pigment, you can skip the lipstick altogether (RIP your old lip combo). The cooling metal applicator adds a touch of luxury, and the delicious scents (lemon meringue pie and vanilla latte!) are just a delightful bonus.
Rachelle Yang / BuzzFeed, Sephora
Check out a TikTok of it in action!
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachelle Yang says: “I recently received this lip balm [in shade Butter Mochi] and I refuse to be without it, I’m not even exaggerating. Whenever I realize I’ve left my apartment without it, I go back and get it — it’s that good. My favorite thing about this lip balm is the metal applicator. I’ve never seen anything like it! It’s cooling to the touch and goes on so smooth without leaving any residue behind. As a lip product connoisseur, this is by far my favorite because not only does it leave my lips hydrated as heck, but it also adds a tint of color so I don’t need to go over it with lipstick or a colored gloss!”
Promising review (for Chateau Rose): “OH MYYYY the pearl finish is everythingggggg. It’s so subtle but you can also see the glistening from a mile away. So fun and amazing!” —yani000
Promising review (for Sakura Shaved Ice): “Beautiful formula! Hydrating and silky on in the lips. Not sticky at all! Sakura Shaved Ice is a natural pink shade that’s versatile and great for everyday wear!” —StephanieNickol
Get it from Sephora for $24 (available in eight shades). The six original shades are also available at Amazon for $24.
13. A Dolce Glow dusting powder to help resolve that post-self-tan stickiness while leaving a subtle shimmer. If you don’t tan, you can still use it as a daily refresh to absorb oiliness, and it may even help you prevent sweating in certain areas (cough cough, under boob). It also smells like vanilla with a hint of caramel.
Sephora, Dolce Glow
Promising review: “I use this post tan but also between my thighs, around my chest and sometimes my armpits! The powder absorbs all the moisture and keeps me fresh and moving. Did I mention the smell!! It’s an amazing, soft sweet scent. Oh, and it shimmers!” —MarlaJo21
Get it from Sephora for $35.
Related: 27 Things From Amazon With Such Great Reviews, You May Want To Own Them Yourself
14. Shark Beauty’s rechargeable CryoGlow Led Mask that’s like an at-home spa treatment you can do in less than 15 minutes. It’s designed to help reduce acne, but reviewers have also noticed reduced redness, improved skin firmness, and enhanced radiance. It also has a super neat adjustable cooling treatment designed to help to tighten skin under the eyes, which is just the cherry on top.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Read more about visible LED devices and acne at the American Academy of Dermatology.
Promising review: “Absolutely love this mask! I use it every day and have noticed an immense improvement to my skin texture, glow and the overall look of my skin. As a mom to a two-year-old and a two-month-old, I love popping it on for a few minutes of self pampering while picking up toys and what not before going to bed myself. The cooling eye patches are to die for; they feel so good on my tired eyes. I look forward to mask time every night.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $349.99 (available in two colors).
15. A Mary Phillips cream blush brush — to put it simply, this is the Bentley of makeup brushes and you need it in your makeup bag. It’s got these dense, cloud-like bristles that feel sooo good on against your skin. Plus, the handle is shaped so perfectly (like it was made for your hand), making it ridiculously easy to apply blush like a pro.
Sephora
I received this makeup brush in the VIP tote bag that you get at the end of Sephoria. I thought all brushes were the same and spending a couple of extra coins wouldn’t mean much, but I was so wrong. This is the nicest brush I’ve ever owned, and dare I say it made my blush application 10/10. I will be buying more from the line during the Sephora sale.
Promising review: “I rarely write reviews but this brush is AMAZING!!! I have never had a favorite blush brush. I use different ones but this one applies beautifully cream and powder! I want to try ALL of this brand’s brushes. Love this brush.” —Lizz7835
Get it from Sephora for $36.
Still searching for the perfect addition to your beauty routine? Try these:
* *Psst* — These 37 Beauty Products Are All The Rage Right Now, In Case You Weren’t Aware
* Helpful Products For People Who Think They Suck At Makeup
* Beauty Products So Good, Reviewers Say They “Can’t Live Without” Them
* Sensitive Skin–Friendly Beauty Products You’ll Be So Glad You Own
* Korean Beauty Products You Probably Haven’t Heard Of Yet But Should Totally Try This Spring
* Problem-Solving Beauty Products For Those Issues You Didn’t Even Know Had Legit Solutions
* Beauty Products That’ll Help With Upkeep Without Costing A Fortune
* Beauty Products That Work So Well, Reviewers Called Them “Wizardry,” “Sorcery” Or Just Plain “Magic”
Plus, cosmetic bags, concealers, waterproof mascaras, and finds from Amazon, Sephora, Soko Glam, Ulta, and Walmart.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping?
BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.
Amber Usher is a BuzzFeed Shopping writer who covers everything from home and organization to travel and gifting, and she’s passionate about staying on top of the latest beauty trends (especially K-beauty) as well as tracking down affordable products for a luxe lifestyle.
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