Facebook PixelSephora Favorites: Pro Artists Picks Kit Review - February 2019 | MSA
My Subscription Addiction
My Subscription Addiction
Our reviewers research, test, and recommend the best subscriptions and products independently; click to learn more about our editorial guidelines. We may receive commissions on purchases made through links on our site.

Sephora Favorites: Pro Artists Picks Kit Review

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakMar 6, 2019 | 21 comments

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Box Closed Front Top

Sephora released some new Favorites Kits recently, including this Pro Artists Picks Kit!

FYI - this Sephora Kit is still available for purchase!

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Box Closed Back TopSephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Box Open With Products Top

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - All Products Group Shot Front

About Sephora

The Box: Sephora Favorites: Pro Artists Picks Kit

The Cost: $30 ($83 value)

Coupon: Pick your free gift COUPON from this page.

The Products: Skincare favorites from Sephora Pros!

Ships to: US for $5.95 (VIB Rouge get free shipping, and this may be available at your local Sephora, too!)

Sephora Favorites: Pro Artists Picks Kit Review

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Information Sheet top

This box didn’t come with a traditional info sheet, but there is some information on the products printed on the lid of the box.

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb FrontSephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb Uncapped Top

belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb, 0.33 oz – Estimated Value $8.64 (buy the 0.84 oz version for $22)

I consider belif to be a more mainstream K-Beauty brand, and their moisturizers are great. This moisturizer provides rich hydration, but it absorbed into my skin quickly and didn’t feel heavy on my oilier areas.

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil Front

boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil, 1.7 oz – Retail Value $10

I have used this cleansing oil before, and I really enjoyed it! It glides over your skin easily, and it really does break up your makeup to cleanse your face. I always follow this with a gentle cleanser in a double cleanse routine, but this is a perfect first cleanse that doesn’t clog your pores.

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Caudalie Beauty Elixir Front

Caudalie Beauty Elixir, 1 oz – Retail Value $18

I have been wanting to try this ever since the Net a Porter set that included this sold out before my very eyes, so I am happy to finally get my hands on this. Caudalie as a whole is one of my favorite brands, so I was a little bummed to see that alcohol was the second ingredient on this list. The mist was very fine and refreshing, and I will probably still use this-only sparingly. I tried this out once I finished working out, and I will probably use it that way in the future as a pick me up until I can wash my face.

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA Front

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++, 0.17 oz – Estimated Value $9.79 (buy the 0.33 oz version for $19)

I really enjoy this sunscreen. It has the silky feel typical of “blurring” skincare products (most likely from the silicone, which personally is a skincare ingredient I am fine with), and it is also made with mushroom peptides and cucumber extract for anti-aging and hydration.

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff Front

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff, 0.17 oz – Estimated Value $10.88 (buy the full-size version for $32)

I really like this eye cream, and I am happy to have more samples of it for travel (I am still using my full-size jar from my Influenster Beauty Awards Box). I use this every morning to help with my dark circles, and it absorbs well into my skin. A little bit goes a long way (the little tube lasts me a solid week, more if I only apply once a day), and it doesn’t interfere with any makeup I put on top

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Sephora Collection Rose Lip Balm Front

Sephora Collection Rose Lip Balm, Full-Size! Retail Value $6

I have really been on a rose kick lately, so this full-size lip balm is coming at the perfect time. Made with shea butter and castor seed oil, this was hydrating and soothing to my lips. It didn’t last as long as some of my preferred lip treatments, but this is a good option to keep in my purse for hydration whenever I need it.

Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit Review February 2019 - Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Top

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel, 3 treatments – Estimated Value $10.20 (buy 5 treatments for $17)

These are exfoliating wipes made with AHA’s and BHA’s and can be used daily, depending on your skin needs. I used these in the past and was satisfied with the results (I really do think they help to make your skin smoother), but once I saw Alcohol Denat as the second ingredient I swore these wipes off for good.

The Verdict: I thought this was a good set of high-quality products that Sephora offers. I can see why the pros would be picking these products, even if a few of them were personal misses for me. I thought the sizes on most of the products were generous, too. Value-wise, Sephora promised a value of $83, and they came a bit short with a total value of $73.51.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? As of publication, this kit is still in stock!

Coupon – Pick your free gift COUPON from this page.

Value Breakdown: At $30 + $5.95 shipping for this kit, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

  • belif: $4.23
  • Boscia: $4.89
  • Caudalie: $8.80
  • Murad: $4.79
  • Origins: $5.32
  • Sephora Collection: $2.93
  • Dr. Dennis Gross: $4.99

Check out all of our Sephora reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box List!

What do you think about the Sephora Favorites Pro Artists Picks Kit? Have you snagged one?

Jessica Hapak
Jessica Hapak
I am a staunch believer that pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza and when I’m not working as a family law attorney I enjoy hiking the Louisiana trails (alligator sightings are a favorite!) or relaxing with Duchess, my cat. I’m a sucker for anything labeled a mystery box and I’ve never met a bath bomb I didn’t like.

Join the Conversation

Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.

21 comments

Luna

This looked like a great box! For once, I’ve actually tried most of what’s in it (I am actually using the Caudalie mist and Murad primer right now). I love that Boscia cleansing oil. It seemed to last forever when I used it! That Origins eye cream is my most favorite daytime eye cream. I’m liking the refreshing feeling that the Caudalie mist provides. It’s definitely not a hydrating mist, most likely due to the alcohol, but it is quite refreshing (especially with how it smells). The only thing is that it feels like I’m going through it way too fast, and I only do 3 spritzes 2x/day when I use it. And I absolutely love the Murad primer, but I don’t think I could ever bring myself to buy it at full price. I’ll just snatch it when it’s half off during an Ulta Beauty Steal. 😉

Reply ButtonReply

Snowhitetwin

I love the caudalie spritzer too!!

Reply ButtonReply

Lilly

I’m definitely not a “Pro Artist” but this is the first deluxe Sephora Favorites kit that it s total miss for me in terms of ingredients and stellar function at the expense of tried and true name brands.
I don’t think Belif is all that, and the Origins GinZing line for face and eyes has some harsh side effects for many who try it. But, apparently, these are big sellers for Sephora. 😉

I’m sure we each have our own favorites in most of these general categories, but it seems the Pro Artists have overlooked some really great product lines which have had positive reviews and favorable customer experience lately.

Three product brands which I am hardly ever disappointed in are: Tatcha ( by far the leader of the pack), Drunk Elephant and Sunday Riley, to name 3 which immediately come to mind as products I use daily.

Interestingly, I do love some Caudalie products but agree with you that alcohol is a deal- breaker. My fave is the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ( this was in a BOS last year, and I received 2 boxes by mistake, so I’m loving the soft, smooth results with twice a day use).

Also, I think there’s a really great Murad product but not the one chosen here, because a daytime moisturizer should always include a sunscreen with SPF of 30+, IMO.

The Murad product I love is in their Treatment line as well, and it’s the Revitalixer Recovery Serum for both face and the under eye area.

Jessica, like you, I’d try the Sephora brand rose lip balm, but probably only that one sample.
( I love clean rose scented skin products too. A great line of skin care rose scented products I like is Mamode, which is an Amorepacific- line brand. ) 😉

Reply ButtonReply

Jessica Hapak

Lilly I just got the Mamonde Rose toner in a K-Beauty box and I am OBSESSED! Your recommendation is spot on!

Reply ButtonReply

Jenn

Great review! You inspired me to try oil cleansing after seeing how glowy your skin was in a past review and whoa. What a difference! I love the Caudalie serum too and found it on sale at Nordstrom Rack.

Reply ButtonReply

Jessica Hapak

Happy to be of service, Jenn! I love double cleansing!

Dorothy

I really like your skincare ingredient opinions. No drying alcohols, please!

Reply ButtonReply

Snowhitetwin

Is that the only reason to stay away from alcohol?? (In products I mean 😉)

Reply ButtonReply

Jessica Hapak

My understanding is that over time, drying alcohols (e.g Benzyl alcohol, alchohol denat, alcohol) can damage your skins moisture barrier, which is something you want to keep intact as it is your skins line of defense against skin ailments.

Dorothy

But all that said, I wish companies just wouldn’t put drying alcohols in skincare or cosmetics. There are better alternatives out there.

Dorothy

Keeping in mind that not all alcohols are drying, I think that yes, the drying factor is the only reason to stay away from it. Anecdotally, people do fine with drying alcohols in both cosmetics and skincare. If you ask the founder of Paula’s choice (whose name is, yes, Paula, but I don’t remember her last name) she will say that drying alcohols have bad long-term effects, but from what I have read the scientific evidence that drying alcohols have long-term harmful effects is pretty thin.

Sugar and vodka, on the other hand, does cause long-term harm to skin, which is why I need to be extra vigilant with the skincare because those two things aren’t going to be eliminated from my diet anytime soon. 🙂

Christina

Hi Jessica! I really enjoy your reviews, especially the Sephora kits because they always seem interesting but I’m not sure if I’ll like the items.

I was wondering if you (or anyone in the MSA community) can recommend a good chemical exfoliant without alcohol and kind of budget priced (<$25 preferably)? Thank you again!

Reply ButtonReply

Jessica Hapak

Hi Christina! I am a religious Sunday Riley Good Genes user for chemical exfoliation (so much better for your skin than physical!), and that definitely doesn’t fall under affordable. I think your best bet would be to try the Derma E Overnight Peel- it only has fatty alcohols (which are good for your skin), and the full-size is $18.75!

I also recommend applying your chemical exfoliants on clean skin before the rest of your routine so the actives dont have to penetrate your other skincare layers, and to add hydrating layers on top.

Reply ButtonReply

Snowhitetwin

Great advice!! Layering does make a difference.

Lee

Derma E Overnight Peel. I love it.

Reply ButtonReply

Lilly

I don’t know exactly whether you want a peel that you use 2-3 times a week, or a nightly fruit acid because the word ” chemical ” makes me think more of a peel, which IS a form of a chemical exfoliant, LOL.

As far as non-drying facial wash off chemical peels, ELEMIS has a great chemical peel- their Papaya Enzyme Peel. I test the pH of every product that goes on my skin, and theirs is balanced for normal skin pH of 5.5. Most are much more acidic, which strips the protective mantle of the epidermis. It’s more than $25 but I don’t know how much more.

IF you are talking about AHA/BHA or Glycolic acid preparations, I exclusively use an over the counter brand a friend of mine who is a dermatologist recommended called “Perfect Image.”
A bottle of pure 30% Glycolic Acid is $29.99 for 1 oz., which lasts a long time. I apply with a small brush or my hands peel.

Their website is divided into 3 Levels ( strengths) of fruit acids, glycolic acids, and possibly some lactic acids ( I don’t use lactic acids due to some past sourcing and purity issues).
A search with keywords ” Perfect Image” peel will get you there.

If you want topical acids to use every day or twice daily, First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Peel Pads ( quantity 60) for $32.00 at Sephora can be used either nightly or AM and PM and contain lactic acid and glycolic acid, but the amount and concentration is not readily available from the description I’m reading. Lactic acid is the 6th ingredient, and Glycolic acid ( not sure what percentage) is the 7th ingredient.
People seem to love them.

I use Perfect Image Glycolic Acid Peel Pads ( which do have a controversial ingredient- TCA, which is a derivative of acetic acid, aka vinegar, in them). The state of CA lists TCA as a carcinogenic but it applies to industrial strength TCA. It’s great in small amounts as a permanent scar smoother and is also enhances the peeling action. One of those things that everyone has to make up their own minds about but I have great results and the peels are only done once a week at most… Almost as good as a dermatologist- strength chemical peel. Price is in the $25 range but you get a jar of 30 peel pads, not 60. Mild vs. strong, a matter of choice and convenience IMO.

Hope that helps. If it’s skincare made in the past 40 years, I’ve probably tried it at least once. The joys of living to be old, LOL. If you want more ideas, or something else, maybe state which kind of peel or exfoliant you want. ( which fruit acid or acids, or the wash off mask type or something else entirely, )

Reply ButtonReply

Dorothy

The Ordinary has a lactic acid that is really good. A lot of people also like Pixi glow tonic. I use good genes because I have lots of trial sizes and samples I’m working through but when those run out I’m going back to The Ordinary.

Reply ButtonReply

AmyM

I LOVE Pixi Glow Tonic. Very gentle but effective. If I skip even a day, my skin does not look as good. Highly recommend.