X-RAY: SEPHORA FAVORITES SUN SAFETY KIT

Look inside our biggest, best, and brightest Sun Safety Kit yet.

THE HISTORY: Sephora has partnered again with the Skin Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness about the damaging effects of the sun ($20 from the sale of each kit benefits the organization). What began as a five-product collection sold in a sandwich-style bag seven years ago has morphed into a comprehensive sun-protecting kit of some of the best sun protection—from 18 different top beauty brands.

THE INSPIRATION: “We wanted to show that there are different and beautiful ways to protect skin from the harmful rays of the sun,” says Associate Skincare Merchant Cassie Cowman. “We sold out of the kit last year and helped to raise over $500,000 for the Skin Cancer Foundation. This year, we’re aiming to do the same and raise even more money.”

1. bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 25 and bareMinerals® Mini Flawless Application Brush
“The powder formulation and the brush applicator create a great, unique way to protect your skin from the sun. Plus, you can reapply it over your makeup without fear of looking greasy.”

2. Boscia Self-Defense Antioxidant Moisture SPF 30
“I love that this doesn’t leave you with the thick white streaks typically associated with sunscreens. It’s a great way to get natural protection from harmful rays.”

3. Clarins UV Plus HP Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40
“This is one of the top selling sunscreens in the country. You only need a small dot of this liquid-like formula for a high level of coverage. I use it because it’s super thin and sheer.” 

4. Dr. Brandt Signature Flexitone BB Cream SPF 30
“A little of this multitasker goes a long way! The Flexitone technology allows for this tinted cream to work with all skintones.”

5. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad
“This towelette is both an exfoliator and a subtle self-tanner, and it includes ingredients to give your skin the vitamin D that it craves.”

6. Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40
“It’s a bestselling cult favorite—and we’re obsessed with it. It’s lightweight and has a super hydrating, unprecedented, luxurious texture, especially considering how high the SPF is.”

7. Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Cream
“Think of this one as a multivitamin for your face. With tons of nourishing vitamins E and C (among others), it’s a rich—but not heavy!—formula that does more than a traditional sunscreen.” 

8. L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Hand Care SPF 20
“Oftentimes, we forget about taking care of our hands. This antiager diminishes the appearance of dark spots while specifically protecting hands from the sun.”

9. Miracle Skin Transformer Face SPF 20
“This silky all-in-one works as a great primer. Plus, it has the matte finish, so it’s perfect for summer!”

10. Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth SPF 50+
“It’s a lovely-scented, oil-free sunscreen that is pumped full of vitamin C. It leaves my skin with a dewy finish.”

11. Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea 
“All you need to protect your skin from the sun is in this zesty-scented antioxidant cocktail!”

12. Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skincare Max Sheer Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30
“Love that it has a high level of SPF, but still manages to be thin and quick-drying.”

13. SEPHORA COLLECTION Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen
“It’s an everyday sunscreen that includes the patented Hydrosenn+ for incredible hydration.”

14. Shiseido Ultimate Protection Cream+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
“Tried-and-true client favorite. In fact, it’s the bestselling sunscreen at Sephora. It’s water resistant, so you can wear it in the summer by the pool.”

15. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 20 with Dermaxyl Complex
“I wanted to make sure that we included a primer so I chose one of our favorite bestselling ones. It’s important to show that you can get SPF protection with a primer.”

16. St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion
“You can get your tan on and look like you’ve been sunbathing at the beach. It washes off so it’s not a high commitment, but it will definitely give you that sunkissed look when you want it.”

17. Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanner
“Just because you’re protecting yourself from the sun doesn’t mean that you can’t get a great bronzed look. This self-tanner gives me an immediately visible glow that also really hydrates.”

18. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa
“We couldn’t imagine making a kit without Too Faced. Co-owner Jarrod Blandino’s sister had skin cancer so this is a topic that’s close to their heart. It’s a great face bronzer that adds a safe and healthy glow.” LENA PARK

BEAUTY INSIDERS ONLY! GET THE KIT HERE ▸

Not a VIB? The Sun Safety kit will be available to everyone May 22 at Sephora.com.

SIGN UP TO BECOME A SEPHORA BEAUTY INSIDER HERE ▸

THE TIP-OFF: OLE HENRIKSEN PURE TRUTH YOUTH ACTIVATING OIL

The Pure Truth according to Ole Henriksen.

Beauty innovator Ole Henriksen wants to throw Truth in your face. After hearing the whimpering cries of dull, defenseless skin, the skincare whiz has developed a formula that offers a powerful solution. Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil is a lightweight, vitamin C–packed oil that leaves skin bright, resilient, and radiant. We put Henriksen’s skincare expertise to the test to find why Truth is stronger than fiction.

TRUE OR FALSE?
If you have a naturally oily complexion and apply the Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil, you’ll have to deploy a rescue rig to save your drowning skin.
ANSWER: FALSE!
Fight oil with oil—it works like a charm.  “It’s a myth that oils are bad for blemishes or oily skin,” Henriksen says. “This oil helps to balance skin by hydrating skin properly, and as a result sebum glands are not overproducing.” 

TRUE OR FALSE?
The Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil includes rose hip oil to engender the growth of florals on your person and help you achieve your goals of becoming a wood nymph.
ANSWER: FALSE!
While the Pure Truth oil does feature 100% pure rose hip oil, it’s the high concentrations of vitamin C within the ingredient that make it noteworthy. So much so that, according to Henriksen, it is the “pillar antiaging ingredient used across all Ole Henriksen Truth products.”   

TRUE OR FALSE?
This oil is a lover, not a fighter: it plays well with others, especially moisturizers and serums.
ANSWER: TRUE!
Oils fit into any skin routine. And whether combined with a daily moisturizer or serum for an extra dose of vitamin C or during extreme weather conditions for a soothing boost of radiance, it benefits all skin types. 

TRUE OR FALSE?
The buzz you’ll be getting from this all-natural cocktail of vitamins A, E, and C will be from friends—and strangers—commenting on how good your skin looks.
ANSWER: TRUE!
The mix of these three vitamins helps to stimulate collagen production, brighten the complexion, and soothe skin.

TRUE OR FALSE?
Beauty oils are the therapists of skincare: They can help you address the past, present, and future of your issues. 
ANSWER: TRUE!
“Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil leaves the skin feeling supple, radiant, and smooth instantly, but also has amazing long-term antiaging results—repairing damaged skin and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles,” says Henriksen. Don’t worry: They may have passed on your freckles and given you a few wrinkles, but there’s probably something left for you to blame on your parents.

SHOP OLE HENRIKSEN PURE TRUTH YOUTH ACTIVATING OIL HERE ▸

Our experts tell us how to look good after a late night—and start the year off right.

WAKE UP!
“Before I go out, I put a washcloth in the freezer. As soon as I get up the next morning, I drink a large glass of water with two Vitamin C packets mixed in. Next, I sit down with the ice-cold washcloth over my face, which wakes me up and gives my skin a healthy refreshed look.” – Anastasia Soare, Anastasia

DE-PUFF EYES
“If the eye area is looking particularly puffy or dark, use an eye serum that contains depuffing and decongesting ingredient to quickly drain the area and reduce undereye bags.” – Mathilde Thomas, Caudalie

PEEL
“My Lemon Strip Flash Peel revs up circulation, firms, smooths, and refines skin texture—it really removes the look of fatigue and zaps life back in the face.” – Ole Henriksen

PLUMP SKIN
“Dermal Quench Liquid Lift™ Advanced Wrinkle Treatment gives skin the hydration and smoothness it’s craving after a fabulous evening.” – Kate Somerville

CONCEAL
“Everyone should have my Double Feature Concealer/Highlighter for the next day! Use the stick concealer to conceal under-eye circles and the highlighter to lighten and brighten under the eyes to give your complexion a luminous glow.” – Carol Shaw, LORAC

WAKE UP MAKEUP
“Try using a shimmery white shadow on the inner corners of the eyes and along the brow bone to help open up tired eyes. And mix a few drops of Benefit High Beam luminizer into your foundation for an all-over glow.” – Gilbert Soliz, Sephora PRO

Kate Somerville / Dermal Quench Liquid Lift™ Wrinkle Treatment
$95.00

Caudelie / Vinexpert Anti-Aging Eye & Lip Serum
$75.00

Ole Henriksen / Lemon Strip Flash Peel
$48.00

Lorac / Double Feature
$25.00

Benefit / High Beam
$26.00

HOLIDAY INSIDER: HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OLE HENRIKSEN

Ole Henriksen treats some of Hollywood’s most famous complexions at his Los Angeles spa. Plus, his product line is the ultimate at-home luxury skincare. For 2013 he wants to get extra flexible.

HAVE YOU BEEN NAUGHTY OR NICE THIS HOLIDAY?
I love to be naughty and nice leading up to the holidays. Nice because I love to shop, shop, shop for all the people I love. But I also like to be a little naughty at all those holiday parties, toasting delicious champagne and getting a little wild and crazy!

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO BEAUTY GIFT AND WHY?
The Ole Henriksen Celebrate The Truth Kit is full of my favorite things: my favorite moisturizer, Truth Crème Advanced Hydration, which is loaded with state-of-the-art antiaging ingredients and adds that luminosity to skin; Truth Is In The Eyes Eye Peel Concentrate, which addresses both dark circles and fine and deep wrinkles; Truth Serum, which is wonderful for firming, brightening, and hydrating the skin; and the Truth To Go Wipes, which are perfect for holiday traveling.

DO YOU HAVE A BEAUTY RESOLUTION FOR 2013?
One of my beauty resolutions is to continuously challenge myself with my fitness routine, in particular doing my gymnastics on the rings. It gives me a strong, flexible body while revving up circulation, which is so good for the skin.

SHOP OLE HENRIKSEN HERE ▸

The brightest light. The eternal optimist. The person whose luminescence is seldom bottled. Lover of all things flawless. Gift The Etherealist with perfect skin and a mysterious scent.

  1. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores, $23
    Activated charcoal mask draws out dirt.
  2. Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++, $39
    One step to immaculate skin.
  3. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster, 1 oz., $48; 1.7 oz., $72
    Potent vitamin C complex brightens and lessens signs of aging.
  4. Givenchy Dahlia Noir EDT, 1.7 oz., $68
    An elegant, luxurious, feminine scent—inspired by a flower that does not exist.
  5. Clarisonic Aria, $199
    Powerful deep cleansing device.

Dr. Jart+ / Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++
$39.00

Ole Henriksen / Truth Serum® Collagen Booster
$48.00

Givenchy / Dahlia Noir
$68.00

Clarisonic / Aria™ Sonic Skin Cleansing System
$199.00

Origins / Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask
$23.00

The party starter. The nocturnal wonder. The person you know will be there with bells on. Lover of mysterious scents and magical elixirs. These beauty favorites are right on target for your favorite Night Owl.

  1. Tokyomilk Fate & Fortune – Destiny, .33 oz., $24
    An alluring scent in a rollerball—perfect for reapplying all night.
  2. Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel PM, $38
    Reduces puffiness and signs of aging.
  3. Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Sinner, $36
    Eight shades of purples and grays, plus an eyeliner pencil.
  4. Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum, $95
    Minimizes wrinkles, boosts radiance, and firms skin in 10 days.
  5. Living Proof Prime Style Extender, $20
    Protects and extends the life of any hairstyle.

TokyoMilk / Fate & Fortune Collection - Destiny No. 79
$24.00

Ole Henriksen / Ultimate Lift Eye Gel PM
$38.00

Kat Von D / True Romance Eyeshadow Palette - Sinner
$36.00

Algenist / Concentrated Reconstructing Serum
$95.00

Living Proof / Prime Style Extender™
$20.00

It’s Halloween, which means thick makeup and sugar overload, both of which can do scary things to your skin. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of our favorite products to keep you from wanting to wear your disguise again tomorrow.

  1. REMOVE
    Sephora Collection Eye Makeup Remover
    Even waterproof makeup is no match for this gentle, lash-strengthening formula.
  2. CLEANSE
    Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser
    This charcoal-based foaming gel cleanser heats up to melt away impurities without drying out skin.
  3. POLISH
    Clarisonic Aria
    To really get deep-down dirt, there’s no substitute for a serious sonic cleansing.
  4. SCRUB
    Ole Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub
    This exfoliator sloughs off dead skin cells while depositing brightening ingredients.
  5. REFINE
    GlamGlow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment
    De-gunk your pores with this mask, especially good for the breakout-prone.

Sephora Collection / Eye Makeup Remover
$8.50

Clarisonic / Aria™ Sonic Skin Cleansing System
$199.00

Ole Henriksen / Walnut Complexion Scrub
$24.00

GlamGlow / Super-Mud™ Clearing Treatment
$69.00

Boscia / Detoxifying Black Cleanser
$28.00

COUNTDOWN TO BEACH DAY- DAY 2

DRENCH. Lavish skin in deep hydration.

“Blend a pinch of your loose bronzing powder with the Truth Crème Advanced Hydration to add a beautiful, natural luminosity to your skin.” –Ole Henriksen, Brand Founder

Featured Products: Ole Henriksen Truth Crème Advanced Hydration // Philosophy Take A Deep Breath Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer // Philosophy Mangos and Cream Collection // Fresh Hesperides Body Lotion 

Shop all moisturizers▸