What Dermatologists Buy at Sephora: A Tell-All

When we asked makeup artists what their Sephora hauls look like, it was almost like getting to read their diaries. Okay, maybe not as intimate, but we got a peek at their exclusive shopping lists, and what they use on their elite Hollywood clientele, so we felt pretty charmed getting the inside scoop and sharing it with you, dear readers.

Since then, we were made privy to the Sephora shopping lists of another influential group: top dermatologists. As much as we want to test out the most popular serums and foundations, they're not always skin-friendly, so it was a real treat to discover which makeup and skincare products these dermatologists recommend.

We spoke to a handful of skincare experts, and they were kind enough to give us a peek inside their Sephora shopping carts. Keep reading to learn all about their secrets for healthy, glowing skin. 

Dr. Karen Hammerman, Schweiger Dermatology

Caudalie Resveratrol Night Infusion Cream

"This cream has anti-aging and hydrating properties thanks to resveratrol and hyaluronic acid," says Karen Hammerman, MD of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. "Resveratrol is an anti-aging ingredient that diminishes visible wrinkles and enhances skin firmness, with the same regenerating process that allows grape vines to live up to 100 years."

[Ed. note: This product is currently unavailable in the US—we recommend Caudalie's Resveratrol Lift Firming Night Cream ($69) instead].

Caudalie Resveratrol Eye Lifting Balm

"This natural eye balm is powered by a patent combining vine resveratrol with hyaluronic acid for an age-reversing effect," explains Hammerman. "Formulated with advanced peptides and an anti-puffiness plant complex, this eye balm helps lift the skin of the eyelids, reduces puffiness and dark circles, and smoothes the appearance of wrinkles. The texture is silky and melts into [the] skin without the use of synthetic emulsifiers, and it works especially well under makeup."

[Ed. note: This product is currently unavailable in the US—we recommend Caudalie's Resveratrol Lift Firming Eye Gel-Cream ($59) instead].

Dr. Michele Farber, Schweiger Dermatology

Peter Thomas Roth, Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream

"Peter Thomas Roth's Hyaluronic Cloud Cream has a high percentage of hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture," says Michele Farber, MD also of Schweiger Dermatology Group. 

Clinique, Superbalanced Silk Makeup

"Sephora sells excellent brands of makeup," says Dr. Farber, listing brands like Clinique, Yves Saint Laurent, and Bobbi Brown. "General advice is to use a noncomedogenic foundation, especially if you are acne-prone and use paraben-free and fragrance-free products if your skin is more sensitive."

Drunk Elephant, T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum

"For nighttime skincare, this serum is great to even out skin tone," says Dr. Farber.

Dr. Mara Weinstein, University of Rochester Medical Center

Bare Minerals, Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation

"My favorite thing at Sephora is the BareMinerals makeup line—mineral-based makeup is great for acne-prone skin," says Mara Weinstein, MD. "It's lightweight and doesn't clog pores. It also gives great coverage without worrying about causing breakouts."

Dr. Kristina Goldenberg, Goldenberg Dermatology

La Mer, The Lifting Eye Serum

"This product moisturizes and hydrates skin around the eyes to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and crow's-feet," says NYC dermatologist Kristina Goldenberg, MD of Goldenberg Dermatology. "I like using it in combination with Botox."

SK-II, R.N.A. Power Anti-Aging Face Cream

"This product contains collagen, which has been shown to decrease the appearance of fine wrinkles and lines. It also has moisturizing properties," says Goldenberg.

[Ed. note: This product is currently unavailable—we recommend SK-II Skin Power Cream ($235) instead].

Dr. Shari Sperling, Sperling Dermatology

Ilia, Super Serum Skin Tint SPF Foundation 

Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint SPF Foundation is a tinted SPF serum that provides light coverage. "I love this because it has SPF protection and zinc while coming in a bunch of different shades to match skin tone," says Shari Sperling, MD of Sperling Dermatology. "It’s skincare and makeup!"

Tarte, Sea Breezy Cream Bronzer

"I love that this bronzer is a cream," Dr. Sperling says. "It has zinc and hyaluronic acid too which is great!"

Glow Recipe, Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Glow Recipe's serum hydrates and reduces hyperpigmentation. "This is incredibly hydrating and a great staple to any skincare routine," raves Dr. Sperling.

Dr. Kenneth Howe, UnionDerm

Murad Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer 

"I love Murad Advanced Acne and Wrinkle Reducer because it contains retinol, salicylic, and glycolic acids," explains Kenneth Howe, MD of UnionDerm "The retinol modulates skin maturation and shedding, which prevents the formation of the plugs that cause acne. This is a medication-like effect. The addition of the glycolic and salicylic acid furthers shedding via loosening of the bonds between clumped dead skin cells, which is a chemical effect."

[Ed. note: This product is currently unavailable—we recommend Murad's Retinol Youth Renewal Serum ($92) instead].

Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Zeichner Dermatology

First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum

"This retinol-based formula is so gentle, it won't harm even the most sensitive skin," says NYC-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, of Zeichner Dermatology.

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Capital Laser & Skincare

Clinique, Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, founder of Capital Laser & Skin Care, says this is an excellent staple formula for camouflaging dark circles. While one of its primary functions is to conceal, it's a hybrid treatment that's clinically proven to visibly lighten dark circles by 30% in 12 weeks.

Dr. Joseph Cruise, Cruise Plastic Surgery

Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask

"Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask can be used as a deep cleanser or to minimize small imperfections," explains board-certified plastic surgeon Joseph Cruise, MD. "It is ideal for normal and oily skin types. The Umbrian clay has a high mineral content that helps purify and balance the complexion. It has sandalwood oil, chamomile flower, and lavender water [to calm and soothe the skin]. It reduces the appearance of pores and mattifies the skin without drying out the complexion. It leaves the skin feeling clean and soft."

[Ed. note: This product is currently unavailable—we recommend Fresh's Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Exfoliator ($58) instead].

Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay

"Made with Mediterranean rose clay, Canadian willow herb, and exfoliating jojoba bead, this mask gently gives a deep clean while boosting the skin's overall quality," says Cruise. "It leaves the skin smooth, refines pores, and gives skin a radiant glow."