I’m not typically a big spender, and I’m very selective about where my money goes. But, this year, I decided to splurge. After all, it was my birthday—a perfect excuse to treat myself!

For weeks, I had been adding and removing items from my Sephora cart. When the big day arrived, I finally took the plunge. I stocked up on essentials and indulged in a few new items I had been eyeing. Now that a few weeks have passed, I’ve tried most of the products and have a lot to share.

Haircare Restocks: Trusty Favorites

DevaCurl Super Curly Line

I’ve fully embraced DevaCurl products again, particularly the Super Curly line. In the past, I used the Decadence line, but it didn’t work well for my hair. This new buy reminded me of why I loved the original formula. My curls are vibrant and healthy once more.

What’s even better? The set included a bonus bottle of the Supercream Coconut Curl Styler. I know this restock will last until next year, just like my earlier purchases from 2012.

DevaCurl B’Leave-In Miracle Plumper

This product is another favorite that I had to restock. I ran out of my first bottle after falling in love with its results. Unfortunately, Sephora doesn’t sell the larger size, but I made do with the standard bottle.

This time, I started mixing it with the Light Defining Gel. It helps my hair hold better. It also feels less dry. DevaCurl products can be pricey, but when you stick to one line, they’re worth it. I’ve noticed they last longer than mixing and matching products that go unused.

New Products to Try

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Hair Mask

Deep conditioning is a monthly ritual for me. While I typically use treatments for damaged hair, I wanted something focused on hydration. The Briogeo hair mask stood out because of its thick, dense texture.

After one use, my hair felt moisturized for three to four days—longer than usual. Despite its richness, I barely made a dent in the container. For the price, it’s a great value, especially since a little goes a long way.

Perricone MD No Makeup Essentials Kit

I rarely wear makeup anymore, but visible pores still annoy me. This three-step kit caught my eye because it promises minimal coverage while evening out skin tone. So far, I like the light, natural look it provides.

My main concern was that it leave my skin oily, but the formula has been manageable. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a no-makeup makeup look.

.

The Freebies: Perfect Birthday Treats

I didn’t use many of my Sephora points, but I still managed to grab some exciting samples.

Fragrance Minis

I’ve been experimenting with sample-size perfumes from Juicy Couture, trying to find the right scent. This time, I picked the WildFox Eau de Parfum and Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Eau de Parfum. Both are lovely, and I’m excited to explore more options before committing to a full-size bottle.

Skincare and Makeup

• Bare Minerals Veil Setting Powder: I’ve heard great things about this product and am eager to test it out.
• Glamglow Clearing Treatment: This was my birthday gift, perfect for addressing any breakouts from wearing makeup again.
• Kate Sommerville Daily Cleanser: I haven’t tried this yet, but I hope it lives up to its acne-clearing claims.

Have You Tried These?

This birthday haul was a mix of trusted staples and exciting new finds. I’m thrilled with my choices and can’t wait to keep experimenting with the products.

Have you tried any of these items? Are there other Sephora must-haves I should check out? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love your suggestions!