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The 20 Best Things to Buy at Sephora If You Only Have $30

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Scoring your favorite PureWow finds just got even easier, thanks to our new Instant Shop feature. Just click on the item you want to buy, and we'll (securely!) handle the whole checkout process without ever leaving the site. Because we all have too many tabs open as it is.

When confronted with aisles (and aisles) of shiny products and a limited budget, how does one even begin to shop? Here, 20 of the best things to buy at Sephora under $30 (top-rated and vetted, of course.)

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1. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Every woman needs a good dry shampoo in her arsenal—and it does not get any better than this one. Beyond reviving greasy roots (which it does exceedingly well), it actually neutralizes any unwanted smells in your hair and replaces them with a fresh, just-washed scent. Tip: Use it to add texture to limp strands before braiding or styling for extra hold.

2. Igk Bad & Bougie Amla Oil Deep Repair Shampoo

Color-treated or curly-haired ladies can use this shampoo regularly, while fine-haired ladies can rotate it in every other wash. Either way, the amla oil will cleanse away any impurities, while strengthening and nourishing your tresses.

3. Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush

If you have only one brush, let it be this one. It has super-soft, densely packed bristles to buff and blend any type of cream or liquid makeup. Streaks be gone.

4. The Original Beautyblender

But if you prefer a sponge, this egg-shaped one is your best bet. Easily one of the most celebrated beauty tools out there, it has a unique shape that makes it possible to quickly cover large surface areas (using the rounded bottom) and reach those tiny nooks and crannies around your eyes and nose (with the pointed tip).

5. Bare Minerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum Spf 20

It’s no secret that we love a good multitasking product, and this overachiever delivers on all fronts: It brightens skin and it evens out ruddy or sallow complexions. Plus, it protects with an SPF of 20.

6. Tarte Clay Stick Foundation

But if you need a little more coverage, this this foundation stick. Just draw a few even strokes onto your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose and blend with that aforementioned brush or sponge.

7. Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek

This creamy stick gives even the sallowest skin the most flattering flush of color. Dab it onto your lips and the apples of your cheeks for an instant pop. Mango butter and avocado oil in the formula make it easy to layer on without risking any telltale streaks.

8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

There’s a reason why this super-slim pencil has over ten thousand reviews. Use one end to etch on hairlike strokes and use the other end to brush your brows to lush perfection.

9. Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy

Leave it to Fresh to create something that defies everything you’ve ever known about lip balm. The balm goes on like butter and has anti-aging ingredients to smooth fine lines in your pout. The chic, minimalist packaging doesn’t hurt, either.

10. Skylar Coral Eau De Toilette Rollerball

A handy rollerball of your favorite scent is a godsend come 5 p.m. when you need a quick refresher. (It’s the secret of women who always smell good.) We’re partial to this subtle floral scent with notes of sandalwood for summer.

11. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

This award-winning primer creates a smooth base so your foundation applies flawlessly. The serum-like formula melts into the skin, blending seamlessly into your pores without feeling heavy.

12. Drunk Elephant Day Dream Duo

Decided you want to commit to a skin-care regimen beyond just washing your face? This two-step kit is a great place to start. Use the orange-capped Vitamin C serum right after cleansing to brighten up dark spots. Follow with the blue-capped hydration serum to add back moisture.

13. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder

Lock in your look all day long with this bestselling setting powder. The finely-milled formula will keep your foundation from creasing and can easily be stowed in your purse for touch ups throughout the day.

14. Rare Beauty Discovery Eyeshadow Palette

Aka every shade you need to go from day to night in one compact palette.

15. Ilia Beauty Limitless Mascara

It curls, lifts, lengthens and lasts all day without flaking or smudging. Tip: Grab the travel-size tube for better reach of those tiny lashes in the inner corners of your eyes—and to guarantee that the formula never passes its prime.

16. Huda Beauty Life Liner Double Ended Eyeliner Liquid & Pencil

You no longer need to choose between liquid and pencil. This genius stick has one on each end and both are waterproof. Boom.

17. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Keep your face fresh all day with a setting spray that will prevent any creasing and separating. This UK import is a go-to for long days spent outdoors and muggy summer nights.

18. Grande Cosmetics Mini Magic Lash And Brow Set

It's your favorite lash serum paired with a corresponding brow serum and a mascara for the ultimate glow up. This kit is ideal for travel (or for testing out a new regimen before committing to the full-sized products).

19. Dr. Jart Focus Spot Dark Circle Micro Tip Patches

It's your favorite lash serum paired with a corresponding brow serum and a mascara for the ultimate glow up. This kit is ideal for travel (or for testing out a new regimen before committing to the full-sized products).

20. Supergoop! Glow Stick Spf 50

Swipe this solid sunscreen on wherever you need protection without having to deal with any sticky residue on your hands. The formula applies clear and is quickly absorbed into the skin.



Jenny Jin Headshot Vertical 2023

Beauty Director

  • Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
  • Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
  • Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond

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Commerce Editor

  • Covers commerce content, including personal and collaborative reviews and product roundups across beauty, home, fashion and family verticals
  • More than 5 years of professional experience in journalism
  • Studied journalism at Duquesne University