October Favorites (Happy Sephora Sale)
Rounding up some of my favorite products from the month of October 2025, just in time for Sephora's Beauty Insider sale! These are items I used serval times a week and tend to reach for more than others. I have normal to dry skin, a light complexion and, medium thickness curly hair so take these favorites with that information in mind.
Many of these picks are available at Sephora. The retailer is having thier annual sale right now starting 10/31/25 to 11/10/25. You'll get 10%, 15%, or 20% off your entire purchase depending on your Beauty Insider loyalty tier. If a product is sold at Sephora the hyperlink will take you to Sephora website, if it's not sold there the hyper link will take you to the brand website.
Cleanser
NEOGEN Green Tea Real Fresh Foaming Cleanser ($22)
To be honest this is something I was just trying to "pan" after having it for a while I do enjoy the cleanser as a whole but the foam can feel a little gentle somedays. However, this is a fermented formula so it might be getting deeper to skin than I think. This isn't my first choice for heavy makeup days but, it does remove makeup. Extremely gentle and would be good for sensitive skin types.
Skin Treatment
Inkey List Succinic Acid Treatment ($14)
This does not make pimples disappear overnight but, I do genuinely feel this accelerates the healing process by at least a day or two. Previously I was using the classic Mario Badescu Drying Lotion treatment. Inky List Succinic Acid is much more convenient. Also included in this formula is sulfer powder which I believe to be the real MVP when it comes to healing deeply rooted blemishes. This also doesn't burn like some other spot treatments I've used in the past.
Moisturizer
Paula's Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Moisturizer ($49)
Typically I’m not one to fall for collagen gimmicks, and I’m still not. Also not saying that Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen formula is a sham. I guess what I’m trying to say is that, please be aware of the fact that collagen, when applied topically, is only a temporary plumpness. Peptides however, that’s where the magic happens. There are three peptides in this formula that help signal to your fibroblasts to essentially pick up the pace and, encourage your skin cells to increase hydration and collagen production. Does it really work? You’ll see great temporary results for sure and, over time I think you’ll be happier than using a Cera Ve moisturizer. Especially, if you wear makeup or have aging concerns.
Complexion
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Swan Palette ($94)
This was a splurge for me and I have no regrets. This was my first time trying any Hourglass powders after hearing so much about them in online forums. I chose the swan palette out of the four holiday releases because it had one finishing powder, one highlighter, one bronzer, three blushes. The bronzer leans more cool toned which was a new shade to me (making it double as a light contour.) When it comes to the highlighter it's one of the best I've used in years. I have an entire post on this palette and I was nervous I would end up returning this because, I did purchase it partially because of "hype." Happy to report it's become a regular staple in my routine and would be one of the first items to throw in my travel bag.
Eyes
Nomad Cosmetics PNW Palette ($59)
An unexpected surprise this was my first time trying a Nomad Cosmetics palette. Yes, there was a blog post about it. I found myself reaching for this on both days I was in a rush and, days I had more time to create art. The formulas are really easy and enjoyable to use making it an easy go-to. Overall the experience of using this was being transported at my vanity to the PNW. All of the small details that went into this piece make it a favorite.
Lips
The Outset Lip Oasis ($28)
I can't stop loving this. A couple years ago I was employed by this brand and during that time I fell in love with the line for the simplicity and effectiveness. If you've asked me for skincare recommendations I've likely suggested one of The Outset products. Lip Oasis in particular is still one of my all time favorite lip products. Providing a thick long lasting layer of hydration and buildable effects on the lips, it's giving glossy and actually useful. The formula includes a patented ingredient called "Maxi Lip" (also included in Lawless lip products) which is a peptide complex designed to build collagen in the lips. It works.
Mascara
Sephora Collection Size Up Mascara Brown ($15)
Even as someone who gets a lot of beauty products for free I'm still reaching for this mascara for some reason. At first I didn't like it because the brush is a bit soft but, overtime it grew on me. I like this better than the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara because, the Size Up brown mascara is a lighter brown and gives my hazel toned eyes quite a pop. Also in the world of $20+ makeup, this is a great deal!
Body
Salt & Stone Saffron & Cedar Body Cream ($42)
I am biased to this October pick, I work for them. HOWEVER, the scent of Saffron & Cedar is the only thing that was able to open up my fragrance horizons, after 6 years of being hooked on santal. The scent of Saffron & Cedar is sweet, amber, warm, without being sticky. There's also a really unique waxy note that gives this scent an addictive dimension. This was my summer scent but it's carrying over well into fall. Performance wise, I typically body cream in the evening before bed. Argon oil based formula sinks into skin quickly and I can still smell the scent after I get into work the next day.
Fragrance
Fugazzi Extrait de Parfum Passionfroud ($172)
If you don't like oud please don't buy this. My taste in fragrance is deep heavy wood notes and this one is that but, caramelized in leather. Perfect for fall. Longevity and projection on this fragrance is also what is known as "beast mode." A kind of "oh goodness I smelled her before I saw her," experience. There will be a full blog post on this in November.
Shampoo/ Conditioner
Amika Velveteen Dream Shampoo and Conditioner ($28 each)
This was not life changing nor the secret to solving the ever present problem of frizz but, it did make my hair feel generally nice. The bottles are small, especially if you wash your hair more than once a week. Frankly as an industry professional I get Amika products for half price through pro suppliers. I did buy a set full priced prior to discovering that discount though. Amkia is my go-to hair recommendation when working with Sephora clients. Do mind, this is a salon brand. Before being available in Sephora stores this was exclusively sold through hairdressers and salons. Amika is still widely used in professional settings today.
Hair Treatment
Moroccan Oil High Shine Gloss Mask ($30)
This was my first time using a hair mask. For a beauty enthusiast I often neglect my thick curly hair, it's a bit of a chore. I have never followed the actual directions for this product. Recommended use is to shampoo, towel dry, Gloss Mask, rinse, then condition. I will not be getting out of the shower to towel dry my hair and apply this, no thank you. Which says a lot for this product making the favorites list. I use this incorrectly and I still find myself ending up with shinier and stronger hair. I also use this as a leave in conditioner. For a high performance hair treatment the price on this is also decent.
That's all for this month, thanks for reading and being part of this project.
Love,
-Katt
