We pre-gamed the 2022 Sephora Holiday Event. Here’s what to give (and get) this year

Don’t look at us like that. We know we’re barely on the verge of Halloween, but like it or not, we’re also within two months of the year’s prime gift-gifting holiday. Since we know y’all love a deal as much as we do, we’re here to lend a helping hand—including pre-shopping the 2022 Sephora Holiday Savings Event, so you can accelerate your browsing and get to buying.

From now through Monday, November 7, Sephora’s always-anticipated Holiday Savings Event is an ideal time to stock up on limited-edition stocking stuffers, luxury buys, and beauty bundles and restock your favorites for up to 30% off. Though theGrio is typically all-Black-everything, we love a mainstream one-stop shop as much as anyone else. That includes Sephora, which was the first major retailer to sign up for the Fifteen Percent Pledge in 2020, commissioned and published a 2021 Racial Bias In Retail Study, and has devoted its Accelerate brand incubator exclusively to founders of color.

While there is always room for growth, as we were pre-gaming this year’s holiday sale, Sephora released its DE&I Annual Report, citing the following gains in 2022 (quoted from a press release to theGrio):

• Sephora has increased its diversity in hiring — including a +8% increase of Black and African American leaders and a +16% increase of Hispanic or Latinx leaders hired throughout the organization
• Sephora has also increased diversity within its existing workforce and leadership team:
  • 70% People of Color across the organization (vs. 64% in 2020) 
  • 45% People of Color in leadership positions (Managers & Above, vs. 39% in 2020) 
  • 75% women in leadership positions (Managers & Above, sustained from 2020) 
  • 9% LGBTQIA+ 
• Employees with disabilities now represent 9% of distribution center talent  
• 50% of 2021 Accelerate brands are now on Sephora shelves, with the remaining 50% to launch by end of year  

Several Accelerate brands, as well as many of our celebrity-founded favorites, are now on sale and offering limited-edition sets as part of the Holiday Savings Events. Accessible to all, special access dates and deals are available for Sephora Beauty Insiders, who can join for free and enjoy steals at every tier with the code SAVINGS — as well as free shipping with no minimum purchase.

• Rouge members can access the sale 10/28 through 11/7 (20% off)
• VIB members can access the sale 11/1 through 11/7 (15% off)
• Insider members can access the sale 11/3 through 11/7 (10% off)
• Sephora Collection is 30% off in-store and online to all Beauty Insider members from October 28^th through November 7^th

Deals are already selling out, so we’d advise shopping now. To help, we’ve compiled a list of goodies we’ve personally sampled, from wash-day necessities to high-end holiday releases.

Black-Owned Buys

With 24 Black-owned brands among its current offerings, there’s plenty of opportunity to give and receive Black beauty this holiday season—and to stock up for the seasons ahead. What do we recommend?

• 54 Thrones African Beauty Butter Collection Deluxe Tin $80 ($120 value)
• Briogeo Superfoods Leave-In Conditioner & Hair Mask Gift Set $44 ($64.00 value)
• Danessa Myricks Beauty – Lightwork Vol. IV Transcendence Palette $125
• Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Glossy Posse Volume 5.0 $39
• Fenty Skin Butta Drop Shimmering Whipped Oil Body Cream $44
• FORVR MOOD Apres Ski Mini Votive Set $50
• FORVR Mood Mini Candle Gift Set- Fir-Get-Me Not $40
• LYS Beauty Deluxe Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush Trio $20 ($30.00 value)
• PAT McGRATH LABS MTHRSHP MEGA: CELESTIAL NIRVANA $82
• PATTERN By Tracee Ellis Ross Wash Day Essentials Kit $25 (Value $34)
• Shani Darden Skin Care The Ultimate Glow Set $88 (Value $135)
• World of Chris Collins Anima Voyageur Travel Trio Set $130 ($150.00 value)

Skincare

If you’re skin-obsessed, don’t sleep on Sephora’s luxury value bundles to score skin-perfecting ingredients at bargain prices. There are plenty to choose from, but a few of our favorites are below.

• Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Brightening Solution Set $79 (Value $115)
• Farmacy Holiday Party Green Clean Trio $46 (Value $72)
• Glow Recipe Hey You, You’re Glowing Kit $49 (Value $68)
• Tatcha Dewy Skin Essentials $82 (Value $117)

Haircare

When it comes to our tresses, we’re understandably picky about our products — which is why we couldn’t miss some high-end offerings that hit for every hair type. Feeling curious about new brands? Check out Sephora’s curated Holiday Hydration set, which includes 10 products, including a full-size jar of Amika’s The Kure Intense Bond Repair.

• JVN Shine All The Time Set $32 (Value $46)
• Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Treatment + Mini Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Set $58 (Value $82)
• Moroccanoil A Window to Shine $49 (Value $70)
• Oribe Gold Lust Collection $115 (Value $140)
• Sephora Favorites Holiday Hydration $39 (Value $109)

Makeup

If it’s painting faces they (or you) love, now’s the time to scoop up some limited edition palettes and tools among Sephora’s holiday releases. One of this year’s standouts? The Tarte Gilded Glamour Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Wardrobe, which includes two high-pigment palettes, each in its own gorgeous gold case. Pro tip: consider splitting up the set and gifting each to a makeup lover in your life. At $54 for both, it’s a ridiculously good value!

• HUDA BEAUTY Empowered Eyeshadow Palette $67
• NARS Rising Star Cheek Palette $60
• Natasha Denona My Dream Eyeshadow Palette $69
• ONE/SIZE By Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray Duo Kit $20 (Value $32)
• Sephora Collection PRO 8-Piece Brush Set $89 (Value $202)
• Sephora Collection Ready to Roll Brush Set $72 (Value $195)
• Tarte Gilded Glamour Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Wardrobe $54 (Value $252)

For the Senses

While you may associate Sephora with beauty, don’t forget they offer more esoteric pleasures, as well. That includes candles, fragrances, and even some *ahem* sensual treats that are sure to keep this cuffing season bright.

• NEST New York Wall Diffuser Festive Set $38
• Voluspa Winter White Pedestal Candle Gift Set $48
• Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium 3 Pc Set $150
• Dame Aer Suction Toy $95
• maude Vibe + Shine $59

You still here? The deals are dwindling, so don’t wait too long, and don’t say we didn’t warn you. See you in those (virtual) Sephora aisles!

Maiysha Kai is theGrio’s lifestyle editor, covering all things Black and beautiful. Her work is informed by two decades’ experience in fashion and entertainment, great books and aesthetics, and the brilliance of Black culture. She is also the editor-author of Body (Words of Change series). 

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