I worked at Sephora for 11 years. Here are my favorite products under $20 at the retailer.
Nora Candreva
- I worked at Sephora for 11 years, so I have a few favorite products that cost $20 or less.
- The Inkey List caffeine eye cream is great for reducing under-eye puffiness.
- The Dr. Jart and Sephora Collection sheet masks can help treat various skin concerns.
As someone who worked at Sephora for 11 years, I'm often asked which products are worth buying — but also won't break the bank. Luckily, Sephora carries plenty of high-quality items that cost $20 or less.
Online beauty sales are expected to grow by nearly 50% through 2027, but it can be hard to choose the right shade or type of item when buying products on your phone or laptop. When you can't test a product in person, the right recommendation from an expert can help.
I spent over a decade recommending the right products for Sephora customers, and I still love helping people choose items based on their skin and hair types.
As a freelance makeup artist and former Sephora employee, here are some of my favorite makeup, skincare, and hair-care products under $20.
Nora Candreva
Though a high-quality product can definitely be worth the splurge, I recommend trying mini versions of some beauty items to ensure they're the right fit for you. The minis and more section, usually located near the cash registers, houses several products around or under $20.
Almost everything in this area, including hair oils, lip products, and skincare items, is travel-sized. Some mini items are also located in the same section as the brand's full-sized products.
Nora Candreva
I now work as a brand ambassador for Ilia at some Sephora stores, but I've always loved the Limitless Lash lengthening clean mascara. This mascara contains organic shea butter and arginine, which helps to condition and strengthen lashes.
I like to apply multiple layers or top it off with the Ilia Fullest volumizing mascara for a dramatic look. Mini sizes of both mascaras cost $13.
Nora Candreva
The Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn lip glosses were a bestseller at my location when I worked at Sephora.
The gloss doesn't make my lips feel sticky, and it contains apricot-kernel oil to help hydrate and prevent dryness. I recommend the shade Pistachio, a semi-sheer nude pink that gives the lips a pop of color.
The ShineOn lip glosses cost $16 each.
Nora Candreva
For years, this iconic bronzer was a top-selling Benefit Cosmetics product at my location. It comes in three different sizes and four distinct shades to help achieve a perfect, sun-kissed glow.
I even apply this bronzer as a crease color when I'm doing a quick five-minute eye-shadow look. The mini Hoola bronzer is $19.
Nora Candreva
The Inkey List caffeine eye cream was a top-selling product at my location because it can improve under-eye puffiness while hydrating the skin. It's also the perfect product to prep the under-eyes for a smooth concealer application.
This eye cream is only $11.
Nora Candreva
This amazing face mist can be used at almost any step of your beauty routine, whether you're prepping bare skin for makeup or sealing everything in.
I apply it while traveling for a refreshing feel or after my skincare routine for an extra glow. The Caudalie Beauty Elixir is $20.
Nora Candreva
The Dr. Jart sheet masks treat a variety of concerns, from acne to dehydration.
I love the Cicapair option, a hydrating mask made with tiger grass to calm redness and irritation. These sheet masks usually cost $10, but sometimes go on sale for as low as $6.
Nora Candreva
I use a selection of Sephora Collection sheet masks, many of which are compostable and made with hyaluronic acid, to help hydrate my skin.
My favorite is the skin-perfecting and radiance sheet mask, made with blueberry extract to brighten and calm the skin.
The Sephora Collection sheet masks are $6 each.
Nora Candreva
When it comes to taking care of my makeup brushes, I use the Sephora daily brush cleaner. This product cleans and conditions both synthetic and natural-hair brushes.
I also love its quick-drying, alcohol-free formula. The standard-size Sephora daily brush cleaner is $16.
Nora Candreva
The JVN Complete hydrating air-dry cream is perfect for when I need to smooth out my curls or minimize any frizz after a blowout.
The formula is made with hemisqualane, which can gradually improve hair health and strength. Some people may also use the air-dry cream to slick back their hair in a bun or ponytail.
The product can be used on all hair types, from straight to curly locks. The mini air-dry cream costs $14.
Nora Candreva
The Touchland hand sanitizers, which won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022, hydrate and soften hands while killing germs.
Each mist is small enough to throw in your bag for on-the-go hand sanitation. I keep the Pure Lavender scent in my brush belt while I'm working.
The Touchland Power Mist hand sanitizers cost $10.
Nora Candreva
The last time I was in Sephora, I noticed a bunch of products from Mane, a brand founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. I love finding cute accessories at Sephora, so I had to add these to my basket.
Packs of 16 fabric hair ties and cute mini hair-clip collections were $12. Claw clips perfect for pulling hair back in the spring and summer were just $15.