25 things you could buy with a $25 Sephora Gift Card

So what do you do when you're given a $25 Sephora Gift Card? I've seen the memes where people wonder why there are even $25 Sephora gift cards because one item tends to be about that much. There's also this one that makes me chuckle:




via me.me

But it's true: when you're a makeup/skincare junkie such as myself, it's hard to stay within a $25 budget when you shop at Sephora. Fortunately there are options -- some of which I compiled into this list since your girl got a $25 gift card for graduation! (Thanks, Sarah and Whitney! 💕)


NOTE, I didn't stick within that $25 budget when I created the list and you'll see that. A majority of the items can be covered with a $25 gift card but you'll have to come up with the difference. At least 13 of the items fit on a $25 gift card and, possibly, toe the line a little bit. (I'm looking at those $24 items!)

Let's dive in, shall we? Starting with makeup!


Makeup
Lips
1. Sephora Rouge Lipstick in Reckless 69 ($7)

Of all the lip options, this is the only one that I chose a shade for. I don't know why that is, but it is what it is. This shade looks like it could be a MLBB (my lips but better) shade that's a bit darker and vampier than my lip colour. It is fall, so 'tis the season for dark and vampy looks!

2. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip ($24)

I've tried a mini sample of their lipstick thanks to the June birthday gift as well as their lip masks and love them! So, naturally, I have to try the liquid lip especially since I'm still on the hunt for a good formula for my dry lips. According to the reviews on Sephora's website, this product sounds promising since moisturizing monoi butter and coconut oil are included in the ingredients list.

3. YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain ($37)

Like Bite Beauty, I've also tried a product from YSL (albeit a full sized and not sample). Because of this exposure, I definitely want to try some of their other lines!

4. Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro ($38)

I don't know what to say about this since I haven't encountered it in store, but I would love to try it out!

5. Giorgio Armani Beauty Ecstasy Lacquer ($38)

The description says it's non-sticky and non-drying -- I'm in! Also, is anyone else over super drying matte lippies? 


Eyes
6. Kat von D Tattoo Liner ($20)

The ever popular eyeliner is on this list because, lo and behold, I have not added it to my eyeliner arsenal. Yet. I've played with it in store and like it, but I haven't bought it -- yet!

7. Kaja Beauty Bento Bouncy Shimmer Eyeshadow Trio ($21)

CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW CUTE THIS IS?! And compact? I love how the shadows are stacked so it's easy to grab and go. I'd like to try all of them, but if I were to pick one bento I'd go with either Orange Blossom or Toasted Caramel. (The one pictured is Rose Water.)

8. Stila All That Shimmers & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set ($25)

Another popular product I've heard about.I haven't gotten into glitter, but I can see myself using these as highlighters! What can I say? I love a good highlighter. 

9. Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette ($27)

I always see these in store and tell myself I'm going to get one. The colours are vibrant and eye catching, and the palette itself is the perfect size for travel! The Mauve palette looks right up my alley with the berry/wine shades that I gravitate towards.

10. Urban Decay Naked Palette ($27) NO LONGER BEING SOLD as of 02 November 2018

RIP -- even though it's still being sold? I get it. It's no longer apart of the all-star lineup but it will be in our hearts! I need to replace my beat up palette with a new one...and get it for nostalgia.



Skincare
11. Boscia Tsubaki Jelly Ball Cleanser ($20)

DOES. THIS. NOT. LOOK. LIKE. THE COOLEST. CLEANSER. EVER?! There's also a charcoal version of this soap for anyone who wants to tackle oily skin.

12. Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack ($20)

I love sleeping packs! They always leave my skin bouncy, hydrated, and glowy -- the picture of perfect health even though I might have some skin concerns like hyperpigmentation. This would be the perfect mask for fall since it is pumpkin season! 

13. Belif The True Cream Moisturising Bomb Deco ($22)

I'm a lover of Belif products! They always leave my skin moisturised -- especially the skin under my eye whenever I use their eye bomb! I definitely recommend checking out this K-beauty line.

14. Drunk Elephant Rise & Glow Duo ($23)

I love vitamin C products because I've noticed they help brighten my hyperpigmentation, so I'm sure this will be a hit with me! I'm curious about the B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum since it claims to quench and illuminate the skin. I like that you can use both together, too.

15. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Banish Acne Kit ($24)

I've been curious about First Aid Beauty for a while. The name makes me think that the products provide quick results, so I wonder if this acne kit would be the holy grail for my skin? (Side note, I'm wary of acne products nowadays...)

16. Tatcha Pore-Perfecting Moisturizer Cleanser Duo ($25)

Yes, yes, and yes! I love Tatcha. I've only used samples, but that rice enzyme wash is no joke with how gentle and purifying it is, so I'm sure the Deep Cleanse gel cleanser will be the same! I have yet to try their moisturizers, but I have no doubt that it will do what it promises.

17.  Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks ($25)

Have you SEEN my eye bags? They're so heavy that I have to check them in every time I fly (which isn't often). My dark circles are so dark that I'm passable for a panda. Honestly. I wish I was joking. So what better way to get rid of that heavy baggage than with a gold foil eye mask? Sounds so luxe and the perfect way to unwind at the end of the week or before an event -- or just to feel yourself?

18. Herbivore True Blue Skin Clarifying Duo ($29)

I LOVE THE BLUE TANSY FACE MASK, so I'm glad that there's a budget friendly size of it that comes with another product that complements it! I would love to try the oil since it's getting cooler out and using oils help keep prevent my face from drying out.

19. Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser ($34)

I don't think I've watched a K-skincare guru who hasn't raved about this product or brand. I love that it has one of my favourite ingredients, AHA, in it!

20. Herbivore Blue Tansy ($48)

I wasn't joking when I said I love this mask. Unfortunately I am out of it at the moment, so I can't wait to get my hands on another one! It's a wonderful mask that clears up my skin and makes it smoother.



Fragrance
21. Commodity Style Guide Fragrance Discovery Kit ($24)

If you're hunting for a new fragrance, I definitely recommend picking up one of these discovery kits. It doesn't necessarily have to be form Commodity (I listed it since I enjoy this line!!) 

22. Commodity Rollerball in Gold ($26)

"Stay gold, Ponyboy." With this scent you will stay gold! It's a sweet and heavy scent that's layerable. The more you put on, the more of a dominating presence you'll have in any room you walk in -- in a good way. It's the scent that draws people to you and you're beautiful personality.

23. Elizabeth & James Rollerball in Bourbon ($28)

THIS, THIS scent is my absolute favourite scent since I discovered it a few years ago when choosing a fall/winter scent at Sephora. It's a smoky, buttery vanilla that instantly makes you feel warm and cozy. I'm not great at describing fragrances so just know that this is the one I always grab when it's fall/winter!

UPDATE: GUYS, ONLY THE PERFUME IS BEING SOLD. It's $85. BRB I'm gonna go cry in a corner. (You could probably buy the rollerball elsewhere though!)

Hair

24. Living Proof Dry Shampoo ($23)

I'm on the hunt for a high end dry shampoo! I tested this out in store when my hair was uncontrollably oily (haha, yes, I walked into a Sephora with lard hair), and walked out with normal, defatted hair! It was a beautiful and sweet-smelling transformation that lasted me well into the morning of the next day. (I went in the evening.)

Tools

25. Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($20)

I have notoriously straight hair -- even my eyelashes are straight! I have been through a few eyelash curlers that don't seem to grab onto my lashes right or crimp my lashes into a 90 degree angle, so I'm on the hunt for a good one. After reading reviews, maybe this one will be THE ONE? Especially since it's by Shiseido, so it should be for Asian eyes.

Honourable Mention

26. Kaja Beauty ($14 - 24)

This is a Korean beauty brand that was launched by Sephora. It has adorable, on the go packaging that's reminiscent of cutesy packaging Korean beauty products usually have while having a minimalistic feel. Aside from the eyeshadow trio, I'd definitely love to try out the blush!

So, what do you guys think? I know a few of the items will require you pay out of pocket, but there are others on here that won't require you to do so along with many more options that I did not include in this list! 

That being said, what would you buy if you got got a $25 Sephora gift card? I know what I'm getting! Actually, I already bought it, so keep your eyes peeled for my next post!


Love ya much!
SJ




Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All images were taken from Sephora except for the Elizabeth and James Bourbon photo. I found that on LiveRove.com, to which I am not affiliated.