Ten can't-miss beauty buys from Sephora's sale

Sephora, mecca of all things beauty, is taking up to 70 percent off sale items, and all orders receive three samples for free.

A general view shows the facade of the Sephora store on the Champs Elysees Avenue in Paris.

Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters/File

September 3, 2016

It's super frustrating to sort through the overwhelming choices available in cosmetics, which is probably why beauty blogging has exploded in the past few years. But the challenge is even more worthwhile as Sephora, mecca of all things beauty, is taking up to 70% off sale items, and all orders receive three samples for free.

You'll get the chance to choose from 12 sample options at checkout. Beauty Insider members receive an additional sample for free with orders of $25 or more via coupon codes listed on this page. Not a member? It's free to sign up; you can only apply one coupon per order. Shipping adds $5.95, but orders of $50 or more qualify for free 3-day shipping.

We've rounded up 10 items that have gained the seal of approval from reviewers, bloggers, and other experts to help you shop confidently.

10 Popular Picks From Sephora's Sale

Contour With Expert Help

Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Book: The Art of Sculpting + Defining for $40 (low by $4)

For those who still haven't gotten the hang of contouring, this palette includes instructions from Kevyn Aucoin, who has years of experience transforming faces.

Everyone Loves These Colors

Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette for $24 (a low by $19)

This universally well-reviewed set of bright eyeshadows is suitable for whatever bold, colorful looks you dream up.

Neutral Notes

Tarte Empower Flower Amazonian Clay Collector's Palette for $26 ($16 off) EXPIRED

Can Syria heal? For many, Step 1 is learning the difficult truth.

Beauty bloggers appreciate the versatility of this exclusive collection, which includes neutral shadows, blush, and bronzer.

Hot Commodity

Kat Von D x Formula X Studded X Mini Lip + Nail Polish Duo from $7.50 (a low by $6)

These sets — which feature nail polish and lipstick formulated to match exactly — were so hotly anticipated that beauty addicts reported seeing them sold out as soon as they hit Sephora's site.

10K Fans

Sephora Collection Ombré Obsession Eyeshadow Palette for $21 (a low by $3)

This limited edition palette has more than 10,000 Loves, and you can never have too much ombre in your life.

Tan Plus

Sephora Collection Escape to Rio Getaway Essentials Kit for $21 via coupon code "TK" (a low by $21)

Reviewers recommend this kit for the spray tanner alone, and the summery eyeliner and nail shades are a nice bonus.

Dermatologist Approved

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm Kit for $49 ($16 off)

Dermatologists say this eye balm contains everything you need to combat dark circles, and this exact combination of products isn't sold together elsewhere.

Award-Winning Formula

Tarte Power Pigment Lip Pencil from $12 (a low by $6)

Tarte's LipSurgence tint has won awards for being awesome, and this lip pencil is the newer, slimmer version of it.

Pinterest Faves

Sephora Collection Lipstick Jungle Brush Set for $15 ($19 off)

Many of Sephora's most popular pins on Pinterest feature makeup brushes, so picking up a set for your whole face with a cute matching pouch seems like a no-brainer.

Little Luxury

Marchesa Rollerball-À-Porter for $15 ($10 off)

Marchesa is the epitome of whimsical, elegant femininity. It's also a rather high-end brand, so picking up this fragrance at such a low price is basically like a dream come true.

This article first appeared in DealNews.