February is my birthday month, and if there’s one ritual I allow myself without apology, it’s a considered Sephora run. The real intent was to get my hands on some of the latest items to report back to you all. I love trying new complexion products and am especially thrilled to see more from the Mary Phillips brand. Her lip products were an instant hit for me and I have high hopes for this foundation. I also wanted to round out my Makeup By Mario Collection — since you know me when I get started with a brand I like to start exploring the whole line. The pen-like lip stains such as that of the Summer Fridays product are hugely trending right now so I figured to see what the hype as well about. Plus a few other assorted items.
This haul is also my spring beauty prep. With the Sephora Spring Savings Event expected April 4–14, now is the time to test, try on, and identify what actually earns a repurchase at a discount. Think of this as the vetting process — I’m doing the work now so my sale cart in April is precise.
Here’s everything I picked up and why.
The Scent
Jo Malone London Scent-Layering Starter Set
This came as a birthday gift, and I could not have curated it better myself. Jo Malone’s layering philosophy — combining their signature colognes to create something entirely your own — is how I think about fragrance: nothing off-the-shelf, everything considered. I’ve been wanting to experiment with layering more intentionally, and this set is the perfect entry point. More on the combinations once I’ve had time to explore.
The Skin
Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30 — Shade 10
Hourglass is just such a wonderful elevated brand that I always return to. The Illusion foundation has a reputation for looking like skin rather than coverage, which is the only finish I want right now — luminous, not dewy, polished without weight. With impressive SPF coverage I am sure this is going to be a Spring and Summer staple. First wear coming soon.
m.ph by Mary Phillips Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation — Medium 150 N
This one I was waiting for. Mary Phillips is one of the most referenced makeup artists working — known for her underpainting technique and clients including Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. Her brand m.ph launched at Sephora last August and immediately sold through. I tried her contour lip liner and lip ciggy duo and it was love at first application. I have been using both products non stop.
Le Skin is her just-released foundation: medium coverage, 2% niacinamide, designed to sit over underpainting without erasing the structure underneath. The brief from Mary herself: it should feel like nothing on your face. That’s the standard.
m.ph by Mary Phillips The Foundation Brush
Purchased alongside the foundation intentionally, I actually love brushes with this shape and density for foundation. The formula and the tool are a system — how a product is applied changes the entire result. Mary designed this brush specifically to diffuse Le Skin while blending underpainting out seamlessly. Non-negotiable pairing and it makes me want to pick up her underpainting products.
The Glow
Kosas Shiny Objects Wet Glisten Highlighter — Haloed
New for 2026 and already getting attention. A wet-look, transparent glow for face and eyes — the kind of highlight that reads as skin, not shimmer. Haloed is cool and iridescent. I’ll be wearing this on the inner corners of the eye through spring and summer.
The Lip Edit
Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil — Toasty
Mario Dedivanovic understands the nude lip. I am already a die hard fan of his satin lipsticks (I have the shade Midtown which is utter perfection). Personally I can also never have enough lip liners and natually I needed to complete my Makeup By Mario product collection. Toasty is warm, precise, and the kind of liner that makes your entire face look more intentional.
Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain 12HR — Almond
This lip stain pen style is having a huge moment in the makeup market and I have been meaning to give it a try. When I saw this new in product from Summer Fridays in a a soft neutral brown that stains and stays, it felt like the right moment. I wanted something low-maintenance for days when a finished lip requires zero effort. Almond works bare-faced or over liner equally well.
Makeup by Mario Jelly Jar Lip & Cheek Multi-Use Balm — Mauve Latte
Multi-use products earn their keep, and this color is exactly what I reach for anyway — a soft, lived-in rose.
The Eye
Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Stick Retractable Eyeliner — Fluid Fig
I have had great experience with Urban Decay liners in the past and am very excited to try this new formula. I am especially excited for this shade — Fluid Fig is a deep plum that reads as a sophisticated neutral and purples emphasize brown eyes beautifully. I think it will definitely be a nice pop of color for the Spring and Summer months.
YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara — PR
Received this in PR from YSL Beauty and it arrived at exactly the right moment. Volume mascara is having a proper comeback, and YSL’s formulas deliver. I received it in both the black and brown shades which I am especially excited to try. First wear report coming.
The Takeaway
As these are brand new to Sephora, which means I’m testing them fresh — and reporting back before the Spring Savings Event so you know exactly what’s worth adding to your cart in April.
First impressions incoming. Which product are you most curious about?
