Everyone knows Sephora is a beauty store where you can find almost anything and everything related to makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, and self-care, but they also released curated sets under their Sephora Favorites brand. A few times a year you can count on them to release a new makeup set that includes a few full-size makeup products and other goodies for a discounted price, and one of the newer sets they released is this Makeup Must Haves Set.
FYI – this set is still available, while supplies last.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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This set comes with everything securely packaged inside a pink box edged with a snowflake border, with the products safely nestled inside and additional information printed on the back. Every Sephora purchase lets you use choose two free samples when you check out. When you make a purchase over $25, you're also eligible to add on a gift with purchase- or, you can use a discount code to save up to 20% during their holiday savings event!
The Breakdown – What’s Inside This Limited Edition Box From Sephora
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze® Extreme Hold Laminated-Look Sculpting Wax, 0.28 oz - Retail Value $23
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This styling wax impressed me- for its ability to hold hairs in place I was definitely also expecting a crunchy, hair spray-like finish, but I didn't experience that. If you're looking to just shape your brows into a specific style (especially if you like the upswept look of laminated brows), this is a really nice brow wax.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fenty Glow, 5.5 mL - Estimated Value $12.22 (buy the 9 mL version for $20)
This lip gloss from Fenty Beauty is seriously just so pretty. The rose nude shade adds just the perfect hint of color, and the touch of shimmer in the formula makes the finish really pretty. This is a thicker gloss that some may find sticky but I don't mind it, and this is one of my go-to nude lip colors.
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH - MD Lash Enhancing Serum, 0.7 mL - Estimated Value $25.20 (buy the 1 mL version for $36)
If you're a fan of this pricy Grande Cosmetics lash serum (or even have just been wanting to try it out), getting it in this set is a nice deal considering the overall value of the set. I personally don't use lash serums like these because they contain ingredients potent enough to potentially change the color of your iris, but I know both my mom and sister use and love it so I will be passing this along to them.
ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara in After Midnight, 0.27 oz - Retail Value $28
A MSA reader recently asked me what my favorite mascara was, and while I couldn't narrow it down to just one, I could narrow it down to four- and this was one of them. I was really happy to see the full-size in this box, even though that meant that I wouldn't be trying out a new mascara. The product I know and love is better than the product I don't know and won't like (or something). Each side of this mascara wand has different bristles which allows you to coat your lashes in different ways, and I really get great definition, curl, and volume when I wear this mascara. No issues with clumping, flaking, or smearing, either. I've been using this mascara for almost three years, and I don't plan on stopping.
KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Trooper Black, 0.019 oz - Retail Value $23
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I actually love when I receive full-size liquid black eyeliners in subscription boxes. Plenty of boxes will send pencil liners which I don't have a use for, but I don't seem to have enough liquid black liners for the various makeup bags I need to keep stocked with them. This one by KVD is a classic, and it's great- it really gets close to my lashline, and it doesn't budge once it's applied. You can use it just for a little extra definition, or go for a dramatic cat eye depending the look you're going for. I really like it, and between this and the mascara I'm really pleased to have two full-sized staples secured through this set.
Natasha Denona Baby Retro Palette, 2.4 g - Estimated Value $19 (linked to same product in different color story)
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This three-pan Natasha Denona palette is just darling- and it's quite beautiful. The mattes have good pigment and blend out well, and the shimmer is buttery smooth and packs a punch. The three mauve colors come from the larger $65 ND Retro palette, and I love the convenience and portability of this palette.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, 30 mL - Retail Value $13
The Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting BHA is a super popular and cult classic product from Paula's Choice- and I am just not crazy about it. It's made with salicylic acid and green tea to keep pores clear and smooth, and I just don't think I have the skin type that is suited for this type of liquid exfoliant. It's lightweight and doesn't burn or sting, but it just isn't a good match for my dry, sensitive skin that isn't prone to congestion.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Joy, 3.2 mL - Estimated Value $8.53 (buy the 7.5 mL version for $20)
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Ohhhh boy. I am blush-averse in general, and this blush in particular was a special sort of not a good fit for me. The shade Joy is a "muted" peach (their words, definitely not mine), and since I had heard this blush was super pigmented I figured I would be safe with just two tiny dots on each cheek.
Once I started to blend it out, though, friends, I can tell you that I was not safe. This blush is a special sort of pigmented that makes my blush-averse self want to run for the hills.
I know blush looks great on some people, but it just wasn't working for me. I ended up going back in with my foundation to cover up 99% of the blush before continuing my makeup application.
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, 0.5 oz - Estimated Value $7.50 (buy the 1 oz version for $15)
I've been using this setting spray for years and it's pretty great- it definitely has the power to hold up to hot and humid Louisiana summers or events when I need my makeup to last long into the night without budging while I get up to shenanigans. I just do a few quick spritzes a few inches away from my face as the last step in my makeup routine, and my makeup has reinforcements to last.
Here are the eyeliner, blush, lip gloss, and eyeshadows swatched.
And here I am wearing the eyeliner, blush, eyeshadow, lip gloss, brow freeze, setting spray, and mascara.
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $54
Cost Breakdown:
- ABH: $23 → $8.17
- Fenty Beauty: $12.22 → $4.34
- Grande Cosmetics: $25.20 → $8.95
- Ilia: $28 → $9.95
- KVD: $23 → $8.17
- Natasha Denona: $19 → $6.75
- Paula's Choice: $13 → $4.62
- Rare Beauty: $8.53 → $3.03
- Urban Decay: $7.50 → $2.54
This set promises a $150 value, and my math adds up to $159.45.
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Key Takeaways
I don't think anyone can deny that Sephora knows how to curate a good set- I thought this one was quite great. You really get just about everything other than foundation that you need for a full face of makeup, and even though the blush and I didn't get along I can acknowledge that most people do in fact like to add a bit of color to their cheeks. It's hard for a set to not feel like a winner when it comes with three full-size items, too- four, if you count the three-pan Natasha Denona palette as a full-size item. If you love to do eye makeup especially, I think this set will feel like a great deal because that's the the category the full-size items are in. Overall, this would be a great gift for someone who loves makeup, even if it's just a gift to yourself.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you order today? Yes, this is still available.
What do you think of the Sephora Favorites: Makeup Must Haves Set? Which product would you be most excited to try?
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