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Dermstore’s Anniversary Sale is live from now until August 17th, with discounts up to 25% with code CELEBRATE.
I’ve shopped at Dermstore for many years. They carry a large range of brands, many of which are not available at Sephora or Ulta. You’ll see some of my holy grail products included on this list.
Dermstore has a great points program that helps you save money off your future purchases (usually in $5 increments). I’ve had nothing but positive customer service experiences with them.
Dermstore also offers 15% off year-round if you sign up for their mailing list. It is worth signing up for as they mail out 15-20% off coupons throughout the year.
My sale recommendations are organized from highest to lowest discount in the sale. I also offer some comparisons to other retailers who offers sales throughout the year.
Enjoy! xx
25% OFF
This is the category you want to shop, in my opinion. This is about the highest discount you’ll find, even when you shop direct from brand websites. It’s a higher discount than you’ll get in the Sephora sale or with an Ulta coupon, plus you’ll get Dermstore points for future discounts.
Aquis is available at Sephora, so you may get up to a 20% discount on the brand at Sephora during their sales if you’re a VIB Rouge. But I’d shop at Dermstore now for a higher discount.
Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban in Desert Rose, Stormy Sky, Cloudy Berry, White, Chevron — A product I use every single time I wash my hair. It’s an extra soft, absorbent towel with a button and loop that is designed to hold your hair comfortable atop your hair as it dries to cut down on drying time overall. The soft fabric also helps to prevent breakage. I love it so much I even travel with it. They also hold up very well to regular machine washing. I hang dry mine.
Aquis Waffle Luxe Hair Turban — The only way to improve the Aquis Hair Turban is to make it in this soft waffle fabric. I find the waffle luxe hair turban to be slightly bigger and softer than the original version. When my hair is really long, I tend to reach for this one more.
Briogeo is available at Sephora, so you may get up to a 20% discount on the brand at Sephora during their sales if you’re a VIB Rouge. But I’d shop at Dermstore now for a higher discount and for points.
Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask — Smells like a sweet, delicious treat. Super moisturizing and an indulgent treat. It’s not as detangling as their Don’t Despair Repair Mask, but it is just as moisturizing and more fragrant, if that’s your thing. I just discussed this in my recent empties video, if you’d like a more in-depth review.
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask — More detangling overall than the Be Gentle Be Kind Mask, the Don’t Despair Repair Mask has a more subtle floral scent. If I had to pick one hair mask, I’d pick this one. If you’re a true lover of this hair mask, I’d spring for the 32 oz. bottle which is the best value per ounce.
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray — A truly lightweight leave-in conditioner. Detangles well and smells slightly floral-y with a touch of coconut, maybe? I love the smell of this. This will be great for people with fine hair as it doesn’t weight down the hair at all.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo — I have tried a lot of hair scrubs, but none like this one. It’s a creamy product with fine exfoliating bits throughout. It works best when you can take some time to really work this through your hair, as it is quite thick. It clarifies the hair without stripping it, the way some exfoliating products might. Smells like soft coconut peppermint. If you love this shampoo, there’s a 32 oz. bottle which is the best bang for your buck.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Tea Tree Scalp Treatment — If you struggle with dry or itchy scalp, you will love this. It’s a serum that you apply directly to the scalp. Just a few drops throughout the scalp will do. It has a cooling sensation from the peppermint and helps calm and soothe itchiness. Does not add any oiliness or texture to the scalp or hair. Just soothing!
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt — One of the more scrubby exfoliants out there — but so good at clarifying the scalp! This has larger sea salt bits suspended in the formula. As they dissolve, the formula actually builds a really nice lather, so it works well as a shampoo, too. I love to use this a couple of times a month to thoroughly remove product buildup in my hair. There’s also a mini size if you’d like to try it out before investing in a bigger jar. Christophe Robin is available at Sephora, so you may get up to a 20% discount on the brand at Sephora during their sales if you’re a VIB Rouge. But I’d shop at Dermstore now for a higher discount and for points.
Colorescience is available direct on their website but I rarely see it for 25% off. Definitely buy during the sale because Dermstore is one of the main retailers of the brand.
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 — A dedicated SPF + eye cream + color corrector hybrid. This is a pricey product that could be worth it if you’re concerned about sun protection around the eye area or if you’re a minimalist. It comes in a pump dispenser with a metal tip applicator. I really only need a few small dots and I prefer to tap out with fingers. The texture is elegant, but the shade range needs expanding. I use the shade Tan.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow SPF 50 — This is a physical filter SPF 50 with a glowy
beige tint. It is definitely reflective, so I can’t use this all over my face personally. I do, however, love it over the high points of my face on no makeup days. For that reason, I always pair it with another SPF. That said, the tint is beautiful and I know some people with dry skin do love it all over.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Lip Shine SPF 35 — This is a product I have my eye on, as I’ve become more interested in lip products with SPF. It’s actually quite rare to see lip products with SPF 30+, so I’d love to try this myself.
Kevyn Aucoin is carried by many major retailers, though no longer at Sephora. 25% off is a great discount for the brand.
Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Blush in Rose Cliff — A beautiful ombre blush-highlighter hybrid. The pan transitions from a golden pearl to a m
id-tone rose shade, so you can customize the depth and the shine of the blush each time you use it. A very elegant powder blush formula. I’m wearing it here!
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara — The most volume-building tubing mascara I have ever tried. Most tubing mascaras tend to build length more than volume. This one builds serious thickness and overall volume with a super black formula. Fantastic for a bolder lash look. It’s a tubing mascara, so it removes easily at the end of the day with a bit of warm water.
Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lip Definer — An underrated lip liner formula. This is a traditional sharpenable wooden pencil with a pointed lip brush on the end. It’s a creamy formula that sets down to a matte finish, very long-lasting. I especially like the shades Undressed for a lighter nude and Divine for a more brown-toned nude, worn above.
Oribe is carried at many retailers, but I don’t often see it for 25% off. Definitely worth a browse, especially because of the luxury price point.
Oribe Dry Texture Spray — I just tried this cult favorite spray for the first time this year. It is beautiful. It offers an uber fine mist compared to other texture sprays I have tried, which makes it almost impossible to over-apply.
Oribe Cote d’Azure Nourishing Hand Creme — A highly underrated Oribe product, in my opinion. This is the signature Oribe scent, a sunny and bright blend of bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood. The hand cream comes with a beautiful golden turnkey. I think it’s a perfect hostess gift.
20% OFF
Many brands offer 20% off on their websites during holidays and sale seasons. If you’re VIB Rouge at Sephora, you’ll get the same 20% discount during their sales. Ulta also offers 20% off coupons throughout the year. That said, you may opt to earn points at Dermstore.
Allies of Skin does occasionally have 20% off sales, but it’s definitely worth snapping up if you see something you’ve been wanting. The small brand has had some growing pains as they’ve grown in popularity, so their products are often out of stock. Great formulas.
Allies of Skin 1A Retinal Peptides Overnight Mask — A beautiful one and done PM formula. Contains peptides and retinal in a buttery, moisturizing base.
Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser — A hybrid gel/cream cleanser. Richer than a gel, lighter than a cream. It has a lovely bouncy texture to it that really stays on the skin, giving you time to work it into the skin. Very hydrating, per the name.
Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment — A beautiful AM moisturizer that offers antioxidant protection as well as peptides. AoS does complex formulas so well. Not too heavy for my combo skin, but still nourishing.
Bioderma is readily available and available at drugstores like Walgreens that often do buy one get one 50% off sales. It might be worth keeping an eye out for those sales, but worth a browse now if you need a top up. Some of my all-time favorite products are below.
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil — My all-time favorite shower product. An oil-based body wash that breaks down SPF beautifully while being gentle enough for my eczema prone skin. It also works beautifully as a shave product. It turns milky on contact with water and rinses away clean.
Bioderma Atoderm Cream — A beautiful medium weight body lotion. I use this interchangeably with my other favorite body lotions. It’s super moisturizing but absorbs quickly without leaving any tackiness behind. And it’s unscented, so great for sensitive skin.
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water — A must-have for me. My favorite micellar water, and so well-priced per ounce. I always use this before my oil cleanser to break down eye makeup.
Bioderma Sensibio Gel Eye Contour — A lovely lightweight eye cream, great especially for daytime. It’s a gel formula, primarily for hydration. Wears beautifully under makeup. I’d opt for something richer for PM.
Caudalie is available at Sephora and many other retailers. If you’re VIB Rouge, you could get a similar discount during the Sephora sale in November.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum — A beautiful hydrating serum designed to help fade dark spots. Personally I find this more hydrating than brightening, thanks to the inclusion of squalane. It has the beautiful light Caudalie scent, with a slightly milky serum texture. Absorbs quickly. My mom loves this too.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer — In the same Vinoperfect line, this moisturizer is a super hydrating, lightweight texture that makes it perfect for daytime and under makeup. Perfect for normal to oily skins, due to its light texture.
CoverFX is available at Ulta and other retailers, so you’ll be able to use Ulta’s 20% off coupons throughout the year for the same discount.
Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder — My favorite setting powder. It comes in two shades, light and deep. I use light. It’s a super finely milled powder that knocks back shine without being too mattifying. Very oily skins may want something more mattifying to lock makeup in. The shade light has a very slight golden undertone to it that I find very flattering for my undertones. One jar will last you forever.
Cover FX Monochromatic Blush Duo — A dual-pan blush with one matte formula and one glowy formula. Technically, you get two products in one. The matte blushes are very pigmented. The glowy side is more of a baked gelee formula, so not as pigmented, but silky smooth. My favorite shades are Soft Peach (shown on the right) and Warm Honey.
Dr. Dennis Gross is available at many retailers, including Sephora. You could get 20% off the brand during the Sephora sales if you are VIB Rouge.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel — Dr. Dennis Gross has exfoliation down to a science (actually). The peel pads are a 2-pad system. The first pad allows you to apply the AHA/BHA exfoliating solution to the skin evenly, and the second pad neutralizes the formula and adds hydration. There is a lot of packaging with these, so I tend to save them for when I’m traveling or on the go because of their convenience. If you’re new to exfoliating, there’s also an Ultra Gentle version of the pads.
Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum — An eye treatment that targets fine lines and aging. This is a true gel formula that is hydrating. I actually like to top this with something a bit richer in the PM. There’s also an eye cream in this line that I have yet to try, but I hear great things about!
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion — A wonderful hydrating moisturizer for normal to oily skins. Oily skins especially will appreciate this bouncy gel-like formula. It’s a wet touch moisturizer that turns almost liquid on contact with the skin and absorbs quickly.
Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro — I’ve spoken about this mask and how much I love it many times. This is a hard shell LED light mask that includes both red light and blue light settings. Red light targets inflammation and anti-aging, while blue light helps prevent breakouts. Compared to other LED masks out there, this works in much shorter bursts. I actually purchased mine in 2017 during a Dermstore sale and it still performs just as well today. This is available at Sephora and comes in holiday kits, but it always sells out very quickly during the VIB sale.
Glytone is a salon/professional-facing brand, but I was recently sent their products to try and I’ve really enjoyed their body products especially. I don’t think they’re carried by many mainstream retailers.
Glytone Acne Treatment Spray for Back and Chest — A spray containing 2% salicylic acid to help prevent and target body breakouts. I really love a body mist for back or chest breakouts, especially in the summer or when I’m working out a lot.
Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion — This body lotion seriously exfoliates, with a 17.5% concentration of glycolic acid. My face doesn’t tolerate glycolic acid very well, but I love it for the body on arms and legs, especially. I also use this on my back for breakouts and it works well for that, as well. That said, it is strong. I feel a bit of a tingle on my body when I use it, so be careful on more sensitive areas.
Kate Somerville is widely available at many retailers, including Sephora. You can get 20% off at Sephora during the VIB Sale if you’re VIB Rouge. But, you may want to earn Dermstore points during this sale.
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream — I recently tried a sample of this cream and could not believe how soothing and delicious it was. It was rich and cushiony, but not too heavy. I woke up with very even-toned skin. This might be an indulgence for what is, very simply, a moisturizer, but it definitely feels luxurious.
Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Lifting Eye Cream — I hate how much I love this. It’s a creamy lotion texture that absorbs quickly but actually gives me long-lasting moisture throughout the day or night. I plan to repurchase this myself.
Klorane is available at Ulta and a few other retailers, so you could use Ulta’s 20% off coupons on the brand at various times throughout the year.
Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter — I just spoke about the Klorane Mango Butter line in my #sundaysix. In short: it is delicious. It smells like mango hi-chews but fancier, a truly luscious mouth-watering fragrance. The shampoo creates a really rich lather and is moisturizing but thorough in cleansing.
Klorane Hair Mask with Mango Butter — The hair mask in this line is also lovely. It’s not the most detangling, but it does moisturize well and leaves my hair very shiny.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo — My all-time favorite dry shampoo. I always stock up on the jumbo size during sales. Living Proof does occasionally run promos on their website where you get a free dry shampoo with the purchase of a jumbo. That’s the best value I’ve seen, but you have to be paying attention for that sale. Otherwise, it’s also available at Sephora and many other retailers.
NuFACE is available at many retailers and department stores. During the holidays and at various times throughout the year, NuFACE does major kit sales. 20% is a good discount on the brand, though you may find it for 25% off if you wait.
NuFACE Mini 2-Piece — The NuFACE Mini is a good place to start if you’re a new user. This kit comes with a Mini as well as a conducting gel, which you need to use the tool. The one thing I will say about any micro-current device is that consistency is key! If you can’t commit to using it regularly, you won’t be getting your money’s worth.
NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Kit — This kit comes with the NuFACE Trinity and the gel primer, micro current attachment, and charging base. The Trinity is a good option if you’re interested in the other attachments that the brand offers. If you’re also interested in the Lip and Eye Attachment and the Wrinkle Reducer Attachment all at once, you may want to check out the Trinity Complete Facial Toning Kit.
Peter Thomas Roth AHA-BHA Acne Clearing Gel — My favorite spot treatment, introduced to me by Vanessa (@goalstogetglowing). It’s an AHA/BHA blend that I find more potent than just AHA or BHA alone. A clear gel formula. I like to use for all kinds of spots, even cystic spots. This bottle is huge to use as a spot treatment, so it will last you forever.
Rejuvi q Flavonoid Complex — I’ve used many bottles of this serum to target redness, blotchiness, and broken capillaries. While it won’t actually diminish broken capillaries, it does calm redness overall. Rejuvi is a salon/professional brand, and Dermstore is one of the few stockists for the general public. I first heard about this from Nerida Joy, and it’s available on her website as well, though I’m not sure that they run discounts.
Sachajuan is available at some major retailers, though not at Sephora. You won’t often see it for 20% off. I recently worked with the brand and tried a range of products from the line, and I’ve fallen in love.
Sachajuan Dark Hair Dry Powder Shampoo — The first Sachajuan product I tried, I love this dry shampoo to target oiliness and to add texture. I used this on my wedding day because I was super cautious about using a dry shampoo that might give off a white cast. It photographed beautifully and I’ve gone through two bottles since!
Sachajuan Intensive Hair Oil — A lovely lightweight but hydrating hair oil. It comes in a glass bottle with a pump. It adds shine and moisture to the hair but it absorbs well and doesn’t weight the hair down.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner — A beautiful cleansing duo for anyone who struggles with dandruff or dry scalp and still wants an elevated hair washing experience. It’s elegant, a big step up from your drugstore dandruff shampoos. I know Mili (@sharmtoaster) loves this shampoo, especially!
Sachajuan Shine Serum — Such a beautiful product! This is great for dull hair, or to add some shine back after heat styling. It’s more lightweight than the hair oil, and adds moisture to the hair without adding weight.
Slip Pure Silk 6-Pack Skinny Scrunchies (6-piece) — The price point of Slip products is quite high, and I’ve struggled to justify it before. I think this skinny scrunchie set is a great value, however. I personally prefer a skinny scrunchie to a classic scrunchie. You get all the benefits of the silk (no tangling, breakage, etc.) with a lower profile. Slip is carried at Sephora and other major retailers.
UNITE Hair is a salon brand that is not carried by many retailers. I first tried UNITE 10 years ago at a salon and I have repurchased a few key products ever since.
UNITE Hair Texturiza Spray — This is a more affordable alternative to the Oribe texture spray. It doesn’t have the signature Oribe scent and the mist isn’t as fine as the Oribe mister, but I find both sprays pretty comparable in practice. Personally, I’d repurchase my UNITE spray over the Oribe just because of the price point.
UNITE Hair 7 Seconds Detangler — The best detangler, hands down. I’ve used countless bottles of this on my hair and I especially love it when my hair has been recently bleached and has that slightly sticky feeling when wet. It makes brushing so easy. Also works as a heat protectant.
15% OFF
Many brands offer at least 15% off on their websites during holidays and sale seasons. If you’re VIB at Sephora, you’ll get the same 15% discount during their sales. That said, Dermstore has a better points system to save money down the line if you’re a regular shopper. Dermstore also offers 15% off year-round if you sign up for their mailing list. It is worth signing up for as they mail out 15-20% off coupons throughout the year.
Herbivore is widely available at many retailers, including Sephora. I’ve also found that Anthropologie does frequent sales on beauty products.
Herbivore Calm Bath Salts — The bath product category is where Herbivore really shines for me. The Calm Bath Salts are a blend of salt crystals with essential oils, a lovely treat and also make a nice gift.
Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak — A more hydrating formula that is a blend of bath salts and coconut powder. A delicious and indulgent bath experience. Also makes a great gift!
HoliFrog Grand Amino Cushion Cream — My favorite product from the HoliFrog line. It’s a beautiful moisturizer that contains peptides. It gives me long-term moisture that lasts for hours, whether in the AM or PM. But, it’s never greasy. I find this to be a great dupe of Drunk Elephant’s Protini. It comes in a weighty glass component with a pump. HoliFrog is available at a couple of other retailers, but not at Sephora. I don’t often see it on sale.
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation — This is a beautiful hydrating foundation with medium coverage. A truly skin-like finish. Koh Gen Do is a Japanese brand that excels in creating beautiful base products, originally designed with photography and film in mind. That said, because it is a Japanese brand, the shade range is quite limited. There are only 8 shades and only a couple of deep shades. I wear shade 143 in the winter. Unfortunately I don’t have a summer shade in this line. That said, if you do have a shade match, this is a beautiful foundation. KGD is carried at other retailers but it’s not often on sale.
Paula’s Choice is now carried at Sephora and also offers 15-20% discounts on their brand website regularly. The brand is also carried by many other retailers. That said, it’s worth shopping at Dermstore if you’d like the points. Full disclosure, I have a working relationship with Paula’s Choice; and I used them for many years before I started creating content. This is not an ad.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — My favorite BHA exfoliant and a product I cannot be without. If you have combo, oily, congested, or acne-prone skin, you need this. It’s a liquid that I like to use on a cotton pad around my cheeks, forehead, t-zone, and chin. The 2% salicylic acid clears breakouts and congestion and prevents oiliness. Somehow the formula is still hydrating and doesn’t dry out their skin. A best-seller with good reason.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster — My favorite l-ascorbic acid vitamin C. This helps fade pigmentation, offers antioxidant protection, and gives the skin a beautiful glow. I always use this in the AM right after cleansing, under SPF.
Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment — An excellent retinol, medium strength in the retinoids world. I find this formula to be pretty moisturizing, so this is an easy one-and-done PM step for me after cleansing.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 — One of my favorite western SPFs. Contains all chemical filters, so there is no white cast. It’s a very fluid formula that spreads and absorbs easily. It is hydrating, so in the summer I can skip moisturizer under this one.
Shiseido Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ — An excellent lightweight, high protection SPF. Very elegant formula. Shiseido is carried at Sephora and other retailers. That said, I find this SPF sells out pretty quickly during Sephora VIB sales.
10% OFF
You’re better off signing up for Dermstore’s email list and getting the 15% off discount. That said, I’ll share some reviews for a couple of brands in the 10% off category.
COSRX is widely available these days at both western and Asian retailers. I often shop for COSRX on YesStyle, though prices vary there.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch — One of the OG pimple patches, and with good reason! A classic hydrocolloid patch that helps suck out any gunk. I’ve gone through probably hundreds of sheets of these in my life. When applied to dry skin, they stick very well and do not move around. Each sheet comes with patches in 3 different sizes.
COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch — This is the thinner, less noticeable version of the pimple patch. It’s not as absorbent, but it is incredibly sticky. Because it’s thinner, it almost becomes one with the skin. I use these patches for daytime use. Because pimples need protecting during the day too! No shame.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence — An old school k beauty favorite! This is a viscous essence, slightly sticky even. While it’s not the most texturally elegant, it always makes my skin very healthy, plump, and bouncy. Creates a glass skin glow. I even find it aids in skin healing.
COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask — Of the two overnight masks, the honey mask is slightly richer and thicker. A beautiful night mask that includes honey, which aids in skin healing. I love all things honey in my skincare.
COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask — The thinner of the two overnight masks, I find this one to be especially brightening. I always wake up with more even-toned skin when I use this at night.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex, varying strengths: .25, .05 and 1.0 — SkinMedica is a salon/professional brand that is not available at many retailers. I love all strengths of this retinol. The formula is very elegant and doubly functions as a moisturizer. .25 is a great strength for retinol beginners. .05 is a mid-strength retinol, and was actually the very first retinol I ever tried! I never had a negative reaction while retinizing with this. 1.0 is a stronger retinol.
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist — I love this mist for how easy it is to use. It’s a very fine mister, so I never worry about getting water droplet-shaped tan marks on my face. It creates a nice neutral tan, very subtle and buildable. You won’t get a dramatic tan with this unless you use it many days in a row, but that’s not usually what I’m looking for anyways. St. Tropez is at many other retailers, including Sephora and Ulta.
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