We’ve all done it: walk into a Sephora for something specific, promising ourselves we’ll stay focused. Then, before you know it, you’re walking out of those hallowed doors with a full bag of new goodies, a handful of free samples, and a euphoric feeling that rivals your morning coffee rush. But unfortunately, I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to make a return run to Sephora, brandishing my once-used products, and apologetically telling the salesperson that yet another viral product was not worth the money—or the hype. But through it all, I’ve narrowed down the best-selling affordable Sephora products.

If like me, you’re very online, you’ve probably heard of “de-influencing.” It’s a phenomenon—born, like all good things, on TikTok—where people are giving honest reviews of viral products. Especially the expensive ones. Because sometimes, no matter how many people love a product, it might not work for you.

Featured image by Belathée Photography.

In this article

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Iskra Lawrence, affordable sephora products
Image by Michelle Nash

The Best Affordable Sephora Products Under $25

The de-influencing trend combined with “dupe” culture is a sign that, when it comes to beauty and skincare, shoppers are shifting from name-brand buys to prioritizing results. As long as your products are made with good ingredients, what matters is how well they work. And thankfully, there are plenty of affordable Sephora products that fit the bill.

With virality dictating what gets priority on Sephora’s shelves, it can be difficult to sort through the noise. That’s why trends like de-influencing feel so refreshing. I much prefer scrolling through videos of honest reviews over aestheticized “Get Ready With Me” montages. It feels like getting advice from your big sister. Or your super cool friend who knows how to find the best deals on all the best products.

What Sephora products are worth the money?

Of course, not all higher ticket items can be replicated. Some really do have unique formulas that produce transformative results. In that case, I have no problem investing in skincare products that actually makes a difference. (I’m looking at you, carefully-rationed bottle of Vintner’s Daughter.) When a product is good, it’s really good. And, as a beauty lover, I trust the process. But I draw the line at paying for pedigree or packaging. I want results—and if they come with an affordable price tag, I’m all for it.

As a beauty editor, I know the Sephora aisles well. (The rewards program, too.) So, in the spirit of not gatekeeping, here are some of the best affordable Sephora products to add to your top shelves now.

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serum, affordable sephora products
Image by Belathée Photography

The Best Skincare Products From Sephora

Paula’s Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser

This soap-free foaming cleanser is the ideal start to your skincare routine. With hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and a triple-ceramide blend, it thoroughly rinses away excess oil, makeup, and sunscreen without disturbing your skin’s protective barrier.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum

For so many of us, The Ordinary was our intro to hyaluronic acid. And given its smooth, non-tacky consistency—and the fact that other serums can run you hundreds of dollars—I’m staying loyal to this tried and true hydrating serum.

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Resurfacing Acid Toner

This AHA and BHA-clearing solution is liquid gold. The six-acid blend combined with niacinamide and bilberry extract unclogs pores, blurs texture, and brightens skin with no irritation. Run, don’t walk.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Calming Serum Mask

This magical sheet mask locks in moisture and infused your skin with calming ingredients like tiger grass, allantoin, and niacinamide.

Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots

These acne stickers are a must-have for your vanity, your bags, your back pocket, your car… anywhere you might be when a blossoming blemish appears. Salicylic acid goes deep into the skin to quickly cure even hormonal and stress-related spots.

innisfree Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask

Treat yourself to an at-home spa night with this powerfully purifying face mask. Banish pores and blackheads with its mix of detoxifying clays and AHAs that sweep away impurities like a professional facial at a way more affordable price.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Skip the viral, waxy lip masks for this all-day butter. The creamy, cruelty-free formula doesn’t stick but slides on with a silky texture and nourishes your lips with shea and murumuru seed butter. (Psst… if you want even more of a deep dive into our team’s favorite Summer Fridays picks, read our honest review.)

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The Best Affordable Makeup from Sephora
Image by Belathée Photography

The Best Affordable Makeup From Sephora

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

It still blows my mind how Fenty Beauty changed the makeup game. Finally! Shade range for every skin tone! Plus, the silkiest, most luxe formulas at an affordable price? Unbeatable. This shea butter lip gloss adds the perfect amount of drama and shimmer to any look.

Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil

Lip oils are a buzzy new treatment, but which ones are worth their salt? This one. Its oil-to-gloss formula delivers a comfortable shine while hydrating and nourishing your lips.

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

Rare Beauty is now essential in any makeup lover’s arsenal. This lightweight, hydrating concealer provides lasting, cake-free coverage while brightening skin with a radiant finish.

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer

This volumizing eyebrow pencil can’t be beaten. It transforms and shapes your brows for natural looking definition. Pair with the Gimme Brow volumizer for extra fluffy brows.

Tower 28 Lip + Cheek Cream Blush

This buildable wash of color is a must-have lip and cheeks duo from the cult-favorite brand, Tower 28. While all the products are affordable and amazing, this versatile blush with a green tea extract and aloe vera formula is at the top of my list

Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush

Saie Beauty has mastered the Clean Look. Think light hues that highlight your natural beauty. This liquid blush bestows you with a romantic, sun-kissed flush with its hydrating gel texture and blendable, seamless color.

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation

This serum foundation contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, turmeric, and ashwagandha to nourish your skin while providing silky, flawless coverage. Combined with an impressive shade range and affordable price point, it checks all the boxes.

Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick

Glossier is finally at Sephora. Do I need to say anything more? If you try nothing else from this social media-friendly brand, this Matte Lipstick is a favorite for every season.

SEPHORA COLLECTION All Day Makeup Setting Spray

Don’t skip out on the Sephora Collection, which is full of dupes for more expensive products. The standout is clearly this long-lasting setting spray that keeps your makeup from budging all day long.

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The Best Affordable Hair Products from Sephora
Image by Emma Bassill

The Best Affordable Hair Products From Sephora

Ceremonia Açaí Curl Refresher Hair Style Revitalizing Mist

I’ve never met a Ceremonia product I didn’t like (re: love). This revitalizing mist helps extend your style. Defining and invigorating, this lightweight mist reshapes your hair and infuses it with Ceremonia’s signature scent.

The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

Unclog your scalp with this unique, BHA-based hair formula. Clear your scalp, boost hair health, and refresh your strands with this exfoliating scalp serum that visibly balances oil and addresses irritation.

adwoa beauty Melonberry Hair Milk Leave-In Conditioner

Believe in hair magic? This bouncy hair cream doubles as a leave-in conditioner to define curls, soften and smooth your strands, and boost hydration.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo

This aerosol-free dry shampoo revives and volumizes any hair type without caking or clogging your scalp. The charcoal-infused formula detoxifies, refreshes, and balances for optimal scalp and hair health—plus it comes in nature-friendly, aerosol-free packaging.

Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil

Do you know the viral products that give you an instantly salon-sleek look? Consider this my favorite. This weightless, restorative oil hydrates, strengthens, and smooths strands for shiny, frizz-free hair.

Every product is curated with care by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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