We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›
FYI
Check out our Deals page for more discounts on our favorite Wirecutter picks.
They don’t call it the dead of winter for nothing: The weather outside is frightful, the dry air wreaks havoc on your skin, and the pressure to look cool, calm, and collected as you navigate the stress of the season takes its toll. But when it comes to self-care, the better sales can help make it the most wonderful time of the year again. So whether you’re treating yourself or saving on gifts for others, our deals team has scoured the web for the best self-care deals out there, including discounts from Sephora’s 2022 Holiday Sale, which offers substantial savings and free shipping for members of its free Beauty Insider rewards program when members use code GETGIFTING.
Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 (18 ounces) — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $47 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $58
What we like: A chemical sunscreen for the face and body. Rubs in easily and appears nearly transparent once applied. Light, pleasant scent. SPF 50 rating is higher than that of any of our other picks.
Other things to know: Some testers noted that it left them feeling greasy. 18-ounce jug is the most affordable size on a per-ounce basis. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read our review of the best sunscreens for your face.
Shiseido Eyelash Curler — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $19 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $23
What we like: Offers lasting results. Curls lashes without crimping. Less likely to pinch skin or tear out eyelashes than any of the other models we tested. Works for different eye shapes.
Other things to know: Includes a replacement curling pad. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read our review of the best eyelash curler.
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $29 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $36
What we like: A warm, woodsy scent that doesn’t smell like a campfire. Top note of cypress smoke with a hint of warm amber, sweet vanilla, florals, and fresh moss. Fragrant but not overpowering.
Other things to know: Doesn’t come with a lid. Total burn of 20 hours. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read our review of the best scented candles.
Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50 — Staff Favorite
Sephora deal price: $20 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $25
What we like: Made by our favorite face-sunscreen maker, Supergoop. Rolls on easily and doesn’t leave slimy residue behind.
Other things to know: Small, but a good size for travel or as a stocking stuffer. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read about our Wirecutter-approved stocking stuffers for adults.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $26 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $32
What we like: Our pick for the best gel eyeliner. Firm formula is easy to apply and manage. Sets to a matte finish that doesn’t budge. Removes easily.
Other things to know: Requires a separate brush. Takes a little finesse when applying. Available in four colors. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read our review of the best eyeliner.
Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush — Pick Accessory
Sephora deal price: $25 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $31
What we like: An accessory for our gel eyeliner pick, the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (which is also on sale). Small, stiff-bristle, tapered brush. Can stand up to firm formulas and still give you a very fine line.
Other things to know: Applying gel eyeliner takes practice, even with a specialized brush. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read our review of the best eyeliner.
Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Mask with Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $12 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $14
What we like: A luxurious favorite mask and serum set. Formulated with glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration. Stays put even while you sip coffee.
Other things to know: First deal we’ve seen in two years. A couple bucks higher than previous lows, but the street price has risen over the past year. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read our review of the best sheet masks.
Buxom Lash Waterproof Mascara — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $19 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $23
What we like: Hourglass-shape elastomer brush is easy to use. Separates and lengthens lashes better than all the mascaras we tested. Waterproof formula doesn’t flake or smudge. Easy to take off with makeup remover.
Other things to know: Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read our review of the best mascara.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (1.7 ounces) — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $55 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $69
What we like: Thick and neutral-smelling. Tinted a peachy-orange color that blends well once rubbed in. Smooth texture and moisturizing feel.
Other things to know: Expensive for the small amount. Can stain certain fabrics. Harder to rub in. Use code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership to get the deal price.
Read our review of the best sunscreens for your face.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Untinted SPF 15 — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $19 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $24
What we like: A sophisticated tube of untinted SPF balm. Velvety texture. Lasts about five hours. Light, pleasant scent.
Other things to know: Felt three times as luxurious and expensive as the other lip balms we tried … because it is. First deal we’ve seen. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership. Also available in sheer tinted formulas.
Read our review of the best lip balm.
Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips Kit — Staff Favorite
Amazon deal price: $30; street price: $46
What we like: Affordable, effective, and low-tech at-home teeth-whitening solution that doesn’t require going to the dentist.
Other things to know: Slower than professional treatments. Results take several sessions over the course of a few weeks. Comes with 20 Professional Effects Treatments and two 1-Hour Express Treatments.
Read our review of the best at-home teeth whitening kits and strips.
Otherland Daybed Candle — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $29 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $36
What we like: Potent knock-your-socks-off floral fragrance. Sturdy and colorful vessel. Well-centered wick.
Other things to know: A bit pricey. Use code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership to get the deal price.
Read our review of the best scented candles.
Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $16 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $20
What we like: A gentle alternative to cuticle trimming. Helps to loose and soften the cuticle area, making it easier to push back.
Other things to know: New York City–based pro nail artist Gina Edwards recommends using a wooden or plastic cuticle pusher. Use code GETGIFTING and sign up for a free Beauty Insider membership to get the deal price.
Read about everything you need to do your nails at home.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish — Our Pick
Sephora deal price: $11 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $20
What we like: An expert-recommended gel nail polish from our guide to doing your nails at home. Offers more control than pricier options. Easy-to-use brush.
Other things to know: First deal we’ve seen. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership. Available in select colors, other colors available for $16 in the gel formula.
Read about everything you need to do your nails at home.
Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Hand Cream — Staff Favorite
Sephora deal price: $23 with code GETGIFTING and free Beauty Insider membership; street price: $28
What we like: Great moisturizer for after a manicure. Broad spectrum SPF 25.
Other things to know: You can use any oil (coconut or olive oil, or shea butter) or cream that can penetrate your skin. First deal we’ve seen. Use code GETGIFTING. Free shipping with free Beauty Insider membership.
Read about everything you need to do your nails at home.
Paddywax Tobacco Flower Form Candle — Our Pick
Amazon deal price: $27; street price: $36
What we like: A smoky, sweet, and nostalgic scented-candle pick. Blend of cinnamon, clove, orange, patchouli, and sandalwood. Tasteful earthenware pot can be reused as a planter.
Other things to know: Slightly sloppy pour. Melt the wax all the way to the edges on the first burn.
Read our review of the best scented candles.
This article was edited by Ignacia Fulcher and Nathan Burrow.
Inflation has made nearly everything more expensive. Here’s how it’s affected how Wirecutter thinks about deal pricing.
The Wirecutter Deals team breaks down a few simple ways to save money all year long.
Here’s what the Wirecutter Deals team is looking for when they hunt for the best prices on Wirecutter picks every day of the week.
Kaitlin Mahar
Kaitlin Mahar is a staff writer for Wirecutter’s Deals team. Her byline has appeared in Delish, Esquire, and Town & Country. When she’s not hunting for deals and fiercely defending the Oxford comma, she’s a proud cat parent, an avid yogi, and a co-producer and co-host of the podcast Crime Culture. Please tell your pets and grandparents she says hi.
Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time).
© 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company
