Sephora Haul - Kasey's Picks for a Healthy, Natural Glow!

I would not consider myself a skincare expert by any stretch of the imagination. However, I LOVE buying skincare. All those pretty packages, perfectly lined up like an anti-aging candy shop, promising greatness. I can literally taste their magic before even checking out, $400 later. Its a thrill for me. An expensive one, but you know, YOLO.

That coupled with the fact that I have embraced my starting to age self with a love and adoration I never thought possible. I really like my face. My NATURAL, makeup free (or 5 minute makeup at the most) face. I think its great, and I urge you all to discover this kindness for oneself before age 35, if humanely possible. A freedom I am thoroughly enjoying. But my goals have changed along this journey. I used to care about eyelash extensions, self tanners and the best HD makeup for a glam night out. Now my goals revolve around making my skin glow from the inside out, so that I can do as little as possible to my natural self, while still feeling beautiful. 

And THAT is what this post is about. Feel free to opt out if that's not your jam. 

As you may or may not know, I've been traveling back and forth between Austin, Texas and Los Angeles this entire year. I've been juggling travel, work, mom life and humidity with a poor yet delicate balance that has left my skincare regimen in the back seat, to say the least. Its in the trunk in fact. And my hair has seen far better days as well, but I'm not about to battle Texas humidity. I prefer games I know I can win. 

So, I recently SPLURGED on a Sephora skincare haul (totally online, per the detailed reviews which I am eternally grateful for) and had SO. MUCH. LUCK. I loved everything I bought and have seen such great results in a very short time, I needed to shout it from the rooftop. Or the blog at least. So here goes....my newest haul and all the deets, plus, the order in which I apply it!!! Cheers to my natural face and yours, even if its expensive AF.

1. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser

I've used this cleanser in the past and no matter what I try, I always come back to her. I have VERY dry skin (due to excessive coffee intake and a strict water diet of Pellegrino only) and need all the natural oils I can get, so I love that this is a great cleanser without harsh exfoliating beads or chemicals that tend to strip my skin of all the good stuff. This cleanser is loaded with papaya, pumpkin and pineapple enzymes that promise a glowing complexion between uses. I would have to agree and say this is my personal fav cleanser (tied with Arcona which is also heavenly) and only $40. Little goes a long way!!

2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

I purchased this only because of stellar reviews and it was like $5. So I threw it in my figurative cart knowing nothing about it, and LOVE it. Its like guzzling a giant coconut water when you're hungover. That's my terrible but accurate metaphor of what this does to dry skin. Just a gush of hydration. And its $5. Sold. 

3. Koza Beauty Vitamin C Serum + Soothing Serum

We sell this insane combo at the shop and if I had to pick a product that I couldn't live without, this would be it!!! Kim Benton, the owner and creator of the line, gifted Kell and I these serums about a year ago and I honestly thought it would be fine. Nothing crazy. Like most serums I've used. But THIS combo is truly magic. And we both became addicted and knew we wanted to share it with our customers. It smells delicious and leaves my skin so nourished and hydrated. Its a great product to apply before makeup too because it provides that glow underneath that really shines through your products, and helps to smooth out all my imperfections. Its a must. I use a smidge 2x daily and each bottle lasts me about one month. Its a bit pricier but beyond worth it. 

4. Ole Henrikson Banana Bright Eye Cream

I was sort of in the camp that eye creams are kind of a farce. Just an add on item to get us to spend more money on products we don't need. But this had stellar reviews and a tired, traveling, sun kissed mama needs help with dark circles, bags and crows feet, so I gave it a whirl!!! What I love most about this creamy lotion is how SMOOTHING and BRIGHTENING it is! A real refresher around the entire eye area, this lotion works wonders. I also love the smoothing effect before makeup application. Packed with collagen and vitamin C, this yummy eye essential will belong in my bag forever eva. 

5.  Youth to the People Superfood Air Whip Moisture Cream

I've wanted to try this line of skincare for a long time. Mainly because I'm a sucker for great branding and a cute name. Needless to say, I am very impressed with how lightweight and nourishing this daily moisturizer is. Packed with Kale, Spinach and Hyaluronic Acid, this ultra whipped lotion feels fresh and clean going on, with a light easy to wear finish. I apply it only during the daytime and love the airiness of it!

6. Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask 

This was a true winner for me if you have dry skin, love the benefits of a mask, but kind of hate having to wash it off at night. This thick, rich mask has Maqui Berry (a berry found predominantly in South America known for its rich anti oxidant properties and anti aging benefits), Vitamin C Squalane, and Hyaluronic Acid.  You apply it as a lotion at night, sleep in it, and wake up to truly glowy, illuminated, healthy looking skin. I'm not sure if this would be a great buy for oily skin as it is pretty heavy. But, if your skin is looking for a serious thirst quench, I can't recommend this product enough!!!!

7.  BB Curl Primer

I threw this in because everyone always asks for my go-to curl products! I'm pretty sure I've used it all but recently have loved the Kristin ess Curl Shampoo and Conditioner (while on the go and traveling its nice to have an easy Target option). And its really helped to battle my frizz amidst the humidity!!! And then the Bumble and Bumble BB Curl Primer has been a god send for frizz!!! I hop out of the shower, throw in some leave in conditioner and a few pumps of this Primer and let it air dry!!! A great easy, lightweight option to control frizz and keep my curls full and bouncy.  Hope that helps my fellow gals in the curly hair game. Its taken me every bit of 35 years to master this mop.

Sephora Skincare Product WRAP UP!

I've been using these products now for about 3 weeks and noticed the biggest difference. If you are really looking to brighten, tone, balance, and hydrate your skin for a natural looking glow, this combo has been great for me!!!

It also reminds me of the importance of Vitamin C for skincare!!! Almost every product is loaded with Vitamin C. Simple ingredients that can go such a long way!!! Check out my video of how I apply each product listed above...

Would you guys like to see more posts like these? If so, let us know in the comments section!!! As a boutique owner of Salt and Freckles in Los Angeles California, I love clothing and fashion, but have so many other passions in health, wellness, writing, reading and travel!! We love making this a blog where all women can come to and take something back with them. Even if its just a giggle. So PLEASE share some ideas below for some future posts!!! And as always, we look forward to seeing you at the shop!!!