32 items in this article 32 items on sale!
Photo illustration: Strategist. Photo: Retailer
The change of seasons is the perfect time to take a look at your beauty salon drawer, throw away old or expired items, and prepare for the coming months. And if your vanity needs a refresh, Ulta’s fall sale is conveniently ready to “help.” Through October 4, retailers are offering up to 40% off a variety of beauty products from Strategist-approved brands. Naturium and La Roche Posay. I’ve done the hard work of sorting through thousands of discounts to find the best one. Below you’ll find everything I think is worth purchasing, broken down into makeup, skin care, hair care, and wellness. And if you want to make sure you never miss a sale, sign up for our new Strategist Sales Alert newsletter to receive the best deals we find every day straight to your inbox.
Strategist writer Rachel Griffiths declared that “the best blue mascara is $13,” but during the sale it’s down to just $9.
Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick, available in a variety of shades, works wonders “even if you don’t like red lipstick,” says makeup artist Emma Elizabeth.
Urban Decay’s discreet eyeliner is “soft and pigmented when applied, but hardens after a few seconds,” says makeup artist Lisa Pelayo.
This Juvia’s Place eyeshadow palette is even recognized by makeup artists, thanks to its warm chocolate hues and rich pigmentation.
Cream blushes are very much in the zeitgeist right now, but this one from Honest Beauty is blendable, buildable, and lasts all day.
Strategist beauty columnist Rio Vieira-Newton says this Wet ‘n’ Wild blush is a near-perfect duck to Charlotte Tilbury’s Pinkgasm.
Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor is a fan of CoverGirl’s concealer and its matte finish that smooths out the under-eye area.
This pigment-rich foundation stick from BLK/OPL provides complete coverage of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and has a range of shades perfect for those with dark or olive skin.
Lana Condor doesn’t like Ardell’s demi lashes and suggests applying them using tweezers and “the thinnest layer of adhesive.”
TonyMoly’s fruit-shaped lip balms are a joy.
Rio offers LA Girl’s creamy, water-resistant shockwave liner to create a graphic eye look with vibrant colors.
Our best budget makeup brush set is now even cheaper. Strategist contributor Deanna Pai has owned these brushes for years and says she never plans on getting rid of them.
Another highly recommended brush set from Real Technics also includes a sponge, which Rio prefers over the Beauty Blender.
Our pick for the best facial cleanser, Cetaphil’s skin-friendly cleanser is a simple, soap-free, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cleanser that does its job efficiently and effectively.
Strategist readers can’t get enough of CeraVe’s moisturizing cream. This has been a consistent bestseller for years.
This is another fan-favorite moisturizer, especially great for dry or sensitive skin.
Aveeno’s oat-infused moisturizer is especially suitable for teenagers as it soothes inflammation caused by acne.
Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen says Naturium’s body oil reduced dullness, improved skin texture, and left it feeling soft and radiant.
I use this cult-favorite K-Beauty Cleansing Balm to remove my makeup every night. It’s super smooth and hydrating and dissolves foundation and mascara instantly.
Vichy’s Mineral 89 Serum is described by dermatologist Corey Hartman as “a cool water drink for the skin.”
Lately, I’ve been using Origins’ peppermint-scented “Sensory Treatment” to refresh my mood during the day. It’s a lotion rather than an oil, so you don’t have to worry about it spilling out in your bag.
Skin pickers should stock up on Hero’s Rescue Balm. Formulated with a blend of vitamin E, panthenol, and beta-glucans, these ingredients work together to lock in moisture and soothe redness and inflammation.
Of course, it is better not to choose it from the beginning. Instead, try this Mario Badescu Dry Lotion to get rid of blemishes.
If you try this Japanese foot skin, be prepared to see “thin, leathery patches of dead skin flaking off” from your feet, warns Strategist contributor Molly Young .
Monday Haircare features in our roundup of the best shampoos and conditioners because its products boast “simply great value,” writes Griffiths. It has become one of her favorite hair care brands thanks to its affordable prices and noticeable results.
Rio “can’t even count” how many bottles of Not Your Mother dry shampoo she’s used up. “Yes, it helps remove excess oil from your hair, but it also enhances texture and gives that lovely ‘beachy wave’ effect that’s so elusive,” she writes.
No brush could tame Strategist contributor Alice Gregory’s long, thick, unkempt hair until she discovered a wet brush. “Their bristles are very curvy and very miraculous,” she says.
A beautician-recommended mask suitable for all hair types (from “bone straight” to “super coiled”).
Multiple celebrities including Matt Rogers and Alyson Stoner have praised these energy-boosting hydration packets.
I never leave the house without Touchland hand sanitizer mist in my bag.
Infused with Magnesium and L-Theanine, Moon Juice’s relaxation-boosting powder helps add calm and comfort to your bedtime routine.
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Strategist is designed to give you helpful expert recommendations on what to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. All products are independently selected by our team of editors, who you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
