Now is arguably the best time to shop for fall and winter beauty products. Whether you’re restocking your favourites or finally trying the products saved in your wishlist, Sephora’s fall and winter event is a great place to start. With tiered access for Rouge, VIB, and Insider members, it’s the perfect opportunity to save on everyday essentials, seasonal must-haves, or early holiday gifts.

This post breaks down everything you need to know, including sale dates, promo codes, access details, and a curated list of products I’ve loved, repurchased, or plan to grab this time around. 

In case you missed the memo, here are the 2025 access dates:

SEPHORA COLLECTION:

October 31 to November 10

ROUGE:

October 31 to November 10

VIB:

November 4 to November 10

INSIDER:

November 4 to November 10

I particularly love this sale as it helps me cross items off my Christmas shopping list. I try to get my Christmas shopping done before December, and the fact that this event wraps before Black Friday is a huge bonus. For some of my holiday beauty favourites, you may also want to check out my stocking stuffer roundup.

Below I have shared and gone into a little deep dive in terms of the fall and winter beauty items that live in my wish list and/or shopping basket. If you’re planning a haul or just browsing for ideas, I’ve got you covered.

You will find everything listed and categorized under:

1. FACE
2. LIPS
3. MAKEUP
4. BATH & BODY
5. HAIR
6. FRAGRANCE
7. TOOLS

REMEMBER TO ENTER THE SAVINGS CODE “EVERYTHING” AT CHECKOUT!!!

skincare – face

face wash

Honestly, I’m really particular about my face wash. Gel cleansers tend to feel stripping, and foam formulas are usually underwhelming. This almond milk one caught my eye. It’s very similar to the Celavive cleanser I keep going back to… except it has a pump, which in my books is a bonus. Especially for the shower.

On dry days, or when I wear heavier makeup, I turn to my cleansing oil. I apply it just before stepping into the shower, then follow with my cleanser after rinsing.

face exfoliator

I try to apply a mask once or twice a week. I’ve tested both pink clay and charcoal formulas, but if I’m being honest, the one from Blume is my favourite. It’s the most effective, and it doesn’t leave my bathroom looking like a construction site.

To complement my masking routine, I keep the Caudalie deep exfoliating cleaner in the shower and use it about once or twice a week. I also love their quick and refreshingly non-abrasive brightening micropeel. 

If you are wondering on which peel pads you should try, look no further than these ones. A note that I only use them in fall and winter, as I don’t like to mess with the intense sun exposure during the hotter months.

toner

For the fall and winter months, toner is absolutely a beauty essential in my vanity. I apply this salicylic acid toner immediately after washing my face in the morning, and this milky one at night to restore balance.

I also love keeping a hydrating rose toner on hand for that extra, weightless layer of hydration to counteract the cold and dry climate.

face mist

Caudalie knows an excellent face mist, or two. Their elixir spray is worth the hype, and the grape water is seriously underrated. Both can be applied before and after makeup, but I especially appreciate them at my desk to counteract the dry, space-heater season.

hydrating serum

This hyaluronic acid serum is great, should you ever need an extra boost of hydration. I’d also confirm that The Ordinary serum is an excellent option.

anti-aging serum

Over the last year, I have been alternating between Caudalie’s retinol alternative and their Premier Cru Anti-Aging serum. Would recommend either! I apply the serum in the morning, and they both layer really well under makeup.

eye treatment

I just purchased this anti-aging eye serum as a replacement for my Celavive go-to, which basically went through a tragic rebrand. Still mourning the original, but feel like Caudalie stepped up with a worthy stand-in.

In terms of these copper eye masks, I’ve been hooked since trying a sample that I was gratefully given.

acne & blemish treatment

I applied this salicylic acid serum at night, along with the toner and cleanser, when I was dealing with a hormone imbalance. It definitely helped me get my complexion back on track. The Ordinary serum is also excellent.

For an extra stubborn blemish, I’ll spot treat it with a little niacinamide serum or salicylic acid healing dots at night.

I have been using Blume’s scar-fading serum to treat annoying acne scars. It takes some time to work, but it definitely does.

day and night cream

A few years ago, I started applying Caudalie’s day cream before makeup and the night cream before bed. Both are lightweight and layer well after the retinol alternative serum. The night cream has a slightly richer weight but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.

Much like the serum, I also rotate in the Premier Cru moisturizer. While the Premier Cru is at a higher price point, it’s designed for both day and night use. My vanity shelves do appreciate this. I wear it during the day and then apply an overnight face mask at night… or sometimes layer both when my skin needs a little extra.

The fact that all three of these creams have refillable options is a huge perk.

extra hydrating mask

Because sometimes your face needs an extra boost of hydration. This, I find especially true throughout the fall and winter months.

My skin is generally dry and even more so when the temperature drops, so I also love layering on a hydrating mask before bed. About once or twice a week, after removing a clay mask, I’ll apply a more intensive hydrating formula and leave it on overnight. I rotate between this one from Caudalie and Fresh’s black tea mask.

I have also heard great feedback from Kiehl’s moisture barrier strengthening mask.

mineral sunscreen

Sun protection is non-negotiable, and the fall and winter are no exception. The Summer Fridays mineral milk sunscreen holds an evergreen spot in my beauty lineup. I apply it before my foundation or tinted moisturizer.

skincare – lips

lip exfoliator

Your lips need to be exfoliated too… trust me, they will thank you.

lip balm

During the fall and winter months, for me, lip balm is a crucial beauty essential. The Fresh lip balm is super nourishing and l use it all year long, but I also love the lighter Farmacy and Ilia ones too.

lip mask

If your lips tend to get dry this time of year, then I’d suggest adding the Fresh or Ilia hydrating lip mask to your bedtime routine. I also bring in the vanilla LANEIGE sleeping mask to change up my bedtime routine every now and then.

FALL & WINTER MAKEUP

concealer

I have learned over the years that my favourite concealer depends on the state of my face. As such, I have accumulated an assortment. 

In terms of liquid concealer, I have used the NARS (AFFOGATO) one for years! The Tower 28 (BU) is also a great light option for covering scars and blemishes. The Make Up For Ever (1.1(N) – LACE) one is fantastic for under the eyes. 

Most recently, I have tried the Merit (BONE) concealer stick. I have to say that it is living up to the hype. The Ilia (SPRUCE) foundation and concealer stick is also excellent. 

foundation

I have a few different foundations that I keep on hand, depending on the event and what my face is requiring in terms of coverage.

Lately, I have been applying the Saie (colour 4) tint foundation for a no-fuss everyday look. It can initially appear sheer, but I love how you can easily build a natural coverage with it.

For that extra sun protection, I reach for my SPF 40 Foundation (RENDEVOUS ST1) from Ilia. I love how it effortlessly layers.

When I occasionally need a medium to full coverage, I dig up my Make Up For Ever (colour 1R02) foundation.

Bronzer & Hilighter

This understated matte bronzer (S400 Precious Latte) from Make Up For Ever was recommended to me by a friend, and it’s no surprise. It’s that perfect, non-orange, soft-glow bronzer that blends beautifully and adds a natural warmth without looking obvious. The fairy-like glow highlighter (H130 WHEREVER PEARL) gives a lovely, faint shimmer for that everyday glow and layers easily when you want a little extra.

If you prefer a mirrored compact, I would repurchase the bronzer (Light Level 3) and gel-powder highlighter (PEACH QUARTZ) from The Haus Labs. The formulas are just as flattering, with fermented arnica that feels quietly elevated.

When it comes to traveling, I definitely prefer keeping my bronzer and highlighter all in one compact. In the past, I have purchased the Charlotte Tilbury set, but I’d also consider getting the Too Faced one again.

eye brows

The Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow pencil (EBONY) has been my eyebrow pencil for YEARS! My mom prefers the brow definer pencil, but honestly, they both are great.

eyeliner & mascara

I don’t wear eyeliner as much as I used to, but when I do, it must be waterproof (ZERO).

When it comes to mascara, depending on the occasion, it’s Dior’s buildable volume (090 BLACK) or their waterproof (CATWALK BLACK) for me.

eyeshadow palette

While I generally only wear eyeshadow on occasion, I do love an eyeshadow palette! I have been using this Urban Decay palette for years and have recently also been loving this one from Glossier.

setting powder & spray

If you’re looking to lock in makeup and help prevent it from settling into forehead lines, I find that the setting powders from Make Up For Ever and Too Faced work really well. Both give that blurred, soft-focus finish without feeling cakey or dry. I also like to finish with a setting spray to help everything stay in place. Most days, I’ll gravitate towards this one, but sometimes I switch to Urban Decay’s when I want a little extra hold or hydration.

lipstick & lip gloss

I generally prefer a lip balm girl and will reach for a tinted one (PINK MARHSMALLOW or BABY DOLL) if I want to casually add a little extra. 

On that note, I do usually keep a few glosses on hand. Right now, I’m loving the ones from Anastasia Beverly Hills (GLASS), Too Faced (ORIGINAL CLEAR), and Grande Cosmetics (CLEAR). They’re all easy to reapply and give that polished-but-effortless look.

This Givenchy hybrid (210 PINK NUDE) has already been added to my Christmas list. If I’m really being honest, I just want the sheer Gucci lipstick (No More Orchids) on hand for a holiday party. The packaging alone is reason enough.

BATH & BODY

lotion & cream

I have a Nécessaire fragrance-free body lotion at my office desk and bedside table. I love that it applies light.

L’Occitane’s shea butter body cream is like a decadent and hydrating hug. I’ve also kept it on my bedside table, along with this very rich hand cream that I would recommend applying before bed.

I may keep a mini cream in my car and multiple bags.

HAIR CARE

hair mask

Confirming that the OUAI and Living Proof hydrating hair masks are friendly for extensions and curly/wavy hair.

For days when I don’t have time to apply a full mask after washing, I really appreciate the Dry Bar quick rinse gloss and JVN rapid repair treatments. I currently have both on rotation.

damp hair styling & heat protector

Immediately after washing my hair, I apply this conditioning primer, blowout cream, and glossing serum while my hair is still damp.

Effortlessly protect your hair from styling tools while adding a little extra shine. I have been using this for years!!!

dry hair styling & hairspray

Confirming that this dry conditioning oil and shine mist are both finishing spray options that won’t weigh down your hair. They add softness and shine without disrupting texture or volume. Also, adding a touch of these shine drops to the ends goes a very long way.

For volume, I’ve been loving the texture and lift from Living Proof and Bumble & Bumble. They bring that airy, soft lift without stiffness.

I use this hairspray to lightly brush out curls, and this one when I really want to lock in that look for occasions.

FALL & WINTER FRAGRANCES

warm & sweet florals

This Yves Saint Laurent fragrance takes me back to fall time in Paris, while this Armani one evokes warm winter memories in Milan.

I keep this Jo Malone fragrance on my office desk (my colleague is obsessed), and this Marc Jacobs one is simply scrumptious. Lately, I’ve been slightly obsessed with this delightful one from Kayali.

BEAUTY TOOLS

basic makeup brushes

I use my everyday brush (#56) for buildable foundation coverage. I also keep a separate one for applying primer or sunscreen beforehand. When I want an airbrushed finish, I reach for this one (#64).

This is the brush I reach for when I apply concealer (#45) to blemishes and imperfections.

I also have the powdered bronzer (#96), highlighter (#98), and blush (#99) brushes.

I use this brush to apply my setting powder (#50).

makeup sponge

I love my Beautyblender! The sponge doesn’t absorb a terrible amount of makeup, and the tip makes it easier to blend concealer under my eyes. Sephora’s angled sponge is also a great option. I have both and rotate depending on the finish I’m going for.

hair tools

I LOVE my GHD hair curling wand and will probably get the straighter if I ever retire my CHI that I’ve had since university.

I think we can all agree that the Dyson hair dryer is pretty self-explanatory.

For other gift ideas, feel free to view my under $50 stocking stuffers, fall and winter fragrances and gift guide for her roundups.

JESSICA. xx

While this post contains affiliate links, it is not sponsored by Sephora. These opinions are truly my own.

This post has been updated for October 2023