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Valentino Beauty Haul From Nordstrom

August 23, 2021

Valentino Beauty Launch from Nordstrom

I have a look at the new Valentino Beauty launch from Nordstrom today! I hauled a little bit of everything from eyes, lips, cheeks and foundation to try out and found some new favorites. If you haven’t checked out the launch yet I hope you find this roundup helpful!

Valentino Beauty Launch from Nordstrom

FACE MAKEUP

Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation MN4 and V-Lighter Face Primer Highlighter Ambra

I’m very impressed with their base products so far. The Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation ($64) is a fluid foundation with impressive lasting power and buildable coverage. I love that even with the long wear formula it still feels natural enough to allow the skin to breathe. I picked the shade MN4 to try with the neutral undertone and it’s a perfect match.

It has medium buildable coverage with a demi-matte finish. I always set with powder and tried it with my favorite Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless in Medium which worked perfectly together. I wasn’t able to test it for a full 24 hours but it did last from morning until late evening with minimal touch ups required (just around the T zone and nose with a bit of powder).

Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation MN4

I also tried one of the V-Lighter Face Primer Highlighters ($58) in Ambra which is the peachy option. For me it works really well as a primer or mixed in with foundation. Ambra is a pearlescent peachy shade and it adds just the perfect amount of glow to the skin. It looks quite pigmented but blends out easily to a sheerer finish.

Valentino V-Lighter Face Primer Highlighters Ambra

For the eyes and cheeks they have a multi-purpose cream to powder product called the Eye2Cheek Blush and Eyeshadow ($58 each). These have a creamy texture with a powdery dry down. Pigment is medium and buildable. The cheek colors do require some blending on the skin but the color adheres well and stays put for an extended period of time!

I tried:

04 Sweet Rebel is a cool toned pink rose with a hint of pearl
06 Call Me Coral is a coral with a hint of shimmer
08 Roman Sky is a soft glowy light peach
12 Bright Dream is a beautiful gold shimmer (I love this as an eyeshadow)

Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush and Eyeshadow

Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush and Eyeshadow swatches

EYE MAKEUP

Valentino Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette review

For the eyes I hauled three things. So far there is one eyeshadow palette called the Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette ($98). It has eight shades to mix and match the colors for a few different looks. I tried this palette two ways, one look with just the top shades, and another with just the bottom. The textures are mixed from soft mattes, smooth shimmers, stronger shimmers and a couple more sparkly colors. Application was flawless with all of the colors and they blend really well on top of each other!

Valentino Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Below with the top shades in the eyeshadow palette, also wearing 1ooR lipstick, Magnificent Mascara and Sweet Rebel Eye2Cheek Blush

Valentino Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette review

Side by side of the top colors vs bottom bottom colors:

Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette makeup look

Two other things I tried include the Magnificent Mascara ($32) which I am really impressed with for a good volumizing, thickening mascara that holds the curl and does not smudge on me. I also tried their Twin Liner Gel & Liquid Eyeliner in Black ($40) which is convenient if you want a pencil and liquid liner in one. Application is smooth, lasting power great, pigment is rich.

Valentino Magnificent Mascara and Twin Liner Gel & Liquid Eyeliner in Black

LIPS

Valentino Rosso Valentino Lipstick 107A and 100R

Last I have a look at two lip products. They have full size lipsticks which are refillable and also some select colors in a mini format. I bought the Rosso Valentino Lipstick in 107A Matte which is a matte dark rose brown ($55 for the lipstick, $30 for the refills). I also tried the Rosso Valentino Lipstick Mini in 100R Satin ($30) which is a neutral cool rose pink. It pulls more neutral cool toned on my warm skin, if you have neutral or cooler tones I suspect it will look more neutral or warm on your lips/complexion. I really love the texture of the 100R which is a satin finish – smooth pigment with a slightly glossy sheen.

Valentino Rosso Valentino Lipstick 107A and 100R swatches

Valentino Rosso Valentino Lipstick 100R

Overall I’ve had a really good experience with the new items from the Valentino Beauty launch! My top 3 favorites I would recommend include the Foundation, V-Lighter Highlighter and Mascara.

You can find all of the new items available at Nordstrom. Have you tried anything from the line yet? What did you think?

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post.

Charlotte Tilbury Nordstrom

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Exclusives

July 30, 2021

Charlotte Tilbury x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives

Happy Friday! I have a look at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Exclusives and think there some great options this year. Nordstrom launched a new Instant Look Palette for the sale along with some good value sets to try out. I have a closer look with more swatches today.

Charlotte Tilbury x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives

Collagen Lip Bath Set

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Set

The Collagen Lip Bath formula is one of my all time favorites. The colors Refresh Rose and Pillow Talk have been staples in my routine for an effortless look. They give the lips a plump lush shine without the strong stinging or tingle sensation (huge plus for me). Pillow Talk is the one that gives me the most compliments and I’ve gifted it to pretty much every single friend and family member close to me. Formula is comfortable and hydrating. There is peppermint which gives it a slight cooling sensation but it’s a pleasant one.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Pillow Talk

This year’s Full Size Collagen Lip Bath Trio Set is on sale for $68 (full price is a $106 value). It includes:

Refresh Rose – sheer soft clear light pink

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Refresh Rose

Pillow Talk – perfect everyday rose

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Pillow Talk

Walk of No Shame – warm plum berry

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Walk of No Shame

Above wearing:

Sunset Dreamscape Instant Look in a Palette Set

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Instant Look in a Palette Set

The Face and Eye Palette Set includes one of her Instant Look Palettes called Sunset Dreamscape. It also includes a mini mascara. The palette has a good mix of everyday wearbale rose tones. On my medium skin tone it gives me a neutral rose bronze shade without being too pink or rosy.

Eyeshadows include a soft champagne, warm peachy copper shimmer, matte plum. For the face there is a nice soft light tan matte bronzer (neutral tones), two blushes in warm rose tones and a pale sheer highlighter.

Overall pigment level is medium but buildable. Lasting power is excellent for wear time and I love the colors!

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Face & Eye Palette Set swatches Nordstrom Sale

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Mascara

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Instant Look in a Palette Set

Skin Care

Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray and Magic Cream minis

A couple other mentions I wanted to include are some of her skincare items. There are two value sets including the Setting Spray and Magic Cream Set ($75 on sale, $113 value) and also the Magic Cream Set ($160 on sale, $240 value). I’m a huge fan of her Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Magic Cream so I think if you’re looking to try her skincare these are some nice sets available with some good price savings.

You can find these items available at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in store and online at Nordstrom. Sale runs through August 8th. Don’t forget to check out the Gift With Purchase section online as well. They have new ones that rotate every week!

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post.

NARS Nordstrom

NARS x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Palettes + Sets

July 28, 2021

NARS Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public today! In case you missed it you can see my Beauty Haul with swatches of my picks from Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury, NARS and more here. My Hair Care and Fragrance picks from Diptyque, Jo Malone, Oribe here.

Today I have a closer look at the three sets from NARS I hauled and after playing with them I think they are my favorites and definitely worth looking into!

PLEASURE TRIP CHEEK PALETTE

NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette Nordstrom Sale 2021

nail polish is Gucci Annabelle Rose

The NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette ($45 sale, $87 value) is a trio with one highlighter (Wanderlust), one shimmery brush (Lucky Star) and a soft matte bronzer (Wild at Heart). The palette shows up pretty well on my medium tan skin for a bronzed rose look. Colors are smooth and the shimmers aren’t too shimmery. Pigment is on the medium-high side but can be easily sheered out. The texture is that finely milled pressed texture similar to the older Banc de Sable or the more recent NARS Orgasm on the Beach – just not as glowy/shimmery on my skin.

NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette swatches + Afterglow Lip Shine Set

AFTERGLOW LIP SHINE SET

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Trio Broken Glass, Orgasm, Laguna

The NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Set ($45 sale, $78 value) is really nice, especially if you like smooth texture lip glosses. Pigment is sheer but still visible on the lips. I like them alone but they also layer beautifully with lipsticks or lip liners. Lasting power is pretty good for a gloss. The shimmery ones have no texture even with the sparkles.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Trio Broken Glass, Orgasm, Laguna

Wearing below:

Broken Glass is a clear base loaded with silver and pale gold shimmers.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Broken Glass

Orgasm is a medium pink shimmer.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Orgasm

Laguna is a warm coppery bronze with a subtle shimmer.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Laguna

AFTERGLOW MINI LIP BALM DUO

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane

Last but not least lip swatches of the NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane. The lip balms in this duo are super mini, but it makes for a nice sampler size to give you a sense of how they will perform on your lips. Also makes a super cute gift. I think the full-size Afterglow Lip Balms ($28 each) are 100% worth the splurge. Love these for the soft wash of color + shine.

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane

NARS Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021

Mirror Riki Loves Riki also on sale ($130), angled cheek brush from Laura Mercier

Available now at Nordstrom for the Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives. They’re currently having a Gift With Purchase too for NARS Nordstrom:

“Receive deluxe samples of Bronzing Powder in Laguna (0.04 oz.), Lipstick in Rosecliff (0.06 oz.), Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (0.09 oz.) and Climax Mascara (0.06 oz.) with your $100 NARS purchase. Online and in U.S. stores.*”

There is also another gift available online with any purchase in Beauty and Fragrance with $150 purchases (sample pack).

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Did you pick up anything from the Nordstrom sale?

Hauls Nordstrom Sales

Best Hair Care + Fragrance Sets From the Nordstrom Anniverary Sale 2021

July 16, 2021

Best Hair Care Fragrance Sets Nordstrom Sale Beauty Exclusives 2021

I have my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Haul Round 2 today with my picks in hair care and fragrance! If you have favorites in any of the lines there are some great bundles and savings available in sets. I’ve rounded up the Best Hair Care + Fragrance Sets I’ve found at Nordstrom Sale this year. Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives here. Don’t forget to check out the Gift With Purchase options too!

Anniversary Sale is available to shop for Icon, Ambassador and Influencer Card Members now! Public Sale starts July 28 and runs through August 8th.

HAIR CARE

Oribe Magic Duo Full Size Gold Lust Dry Shampoo & Dry Texturizing Spray Set ($64 sale price, $96 value) is usually available in a value set or travel sizes during this sale and this year they have the full size duo. I love the Dry Texturizing Spray to add soft texture and definition! The Gold Lust Dry Shampoo is one of my favorites.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner Set ($90 sale, $136 value) comes with full and travel sizes of the Gold Lust Shampoo + Conditioner! One set for home and another for travel. I usually buy the jumbo sizes when I order this but the set looked really good for travel.

Oribe Home & Away Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Olaplex Bond Maintenance Hair Care Set ($84 sale, $126 value) my most-used shampoo and conditioner formula for the past year! Has the No 3 Hair Perfector, No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. I relied heavily on this formula when I had color treated hair but it’s still good for those with natural hair.

Olaplex Bond Maintenance Hair Care Set

BODY CARE

Kopari Coconut Melt Duo Set Nordstrom Sale

Kopari Full Size Coconut Melt Set ($35 sale, $56 value) it’s been a while since I restocked on the Kopari Coconut Melt and I forgot how nice this is to have for dry skin days. It’s so versatile to use as a moisturizer or in the bath. I love the Tropical Coconut scent, it’s similar to the original just a little more sweet.

FRAGRANCE + CANDLES

I picked up some goodies from Diptyque, Tom Ford, Jo Malone and Boy Smells for the sale.

Diptyque Travel Size Scented Candle Set ($60) I always get these every year, mainly for gifting away. This year’s variation has Baies, Figuier, Roses, Feuille de Lavande and Feu de Bois. If you’ve never tried Diptyque and don’t want to commit to the full sizes before trying I think this is a great way to sample scents!

Diptyque Mini Candle Set Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021

Diptyque Do Son Eau de Toilette and Hair Mist Set ($90 sale, $125 value) has two mini sizes of the Do Son Eau de Toilette and Hair Mist. This one is such a unique scent and I would say is one of Diptyque’s signature scents. It has a mix of tuberose, orange blossom and jasmine. These both come in the 1 oz size. Full sizes are 1.7 oz – 3.4 for the perfume and 1 fl oz for the hair mist.

Diptyque Do Son Hair Mist Perfume Duo Set Nordstrom

Jo Malone Travel Size Wood Sage and Sea Salt Set ($40) this is another great gifting set, it has three minis in a pouch of the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne (0.3 oz), Peony and Blush Suede Body Cream (0.5 oz) and English Pear and Freesia Candle (1.2 oz). The sizes are super minis so they’re mainly trial size but the set makes a nice chic gift that won’t break the bank.

Jo Malone Wood Sage Mini Set Nordstrom

Tom Ford Travel Size Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil Set ($72) has two mini Shimmering Body Oils in the Soleil Blanc set. I already own the regular classic Gold color and have bought several of the mini sets in the past (love them!). This year’s has Rose Gold and Bronze – both don’t really show up color-wise, but your skin glows with tiny micro sparkles in the Soleil Blanc scent.

Tom Ford Travel Size Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil Duo Nordstrom

Tom Ford Travel Size Soleil Fragrance and Atomizer Set ($164 on sale, $205 value) comes with three Soleil scents in:

  • Soleil Blanc (coco de mer, ylang-ylang from the Comores islands and cardamom)
  • Soleil Neige (bergamot, jasmine and lemon)
  • Soleil Brulant (warm and spicy orange flower, amber, black honey)

Several of you have asked me to review/try the newest Soleil scent in Soleil Brulant. I had a feeling I would not like it as several other beauty bloggers tried it and said it smelled like a spicy herb. I would say that description is spot on. It’s not terrible but it’s not something I could ever envision myself wearing. I spritzed on Soleil Neige which I know a lot of you love – it smells fresh and floral with lemon notes, I’m still undecided. I think my heart still belongs to Soleil Blanc, Sole di Positano or Neroli Portofino.

Tom Ford Soleil Travel Atomizer Set

Boy Smells Late Bloomer Votive Candle Set ($56) has five small 3 oz candles in Prunus, Cameo, Petal, Les and Gardener. I’ve tried a few of the candles in the past and really liked them! I can’t recall if I tried any of the scents that are in this particular one but I think they smell really pretty. There’s another Moody Woods Variation you might want to check out if you like woody scents. My store did not have this available but it’s still available online.

Boy Smells Late Bloomer Votive Candle Set

Boy Smells Late Bloomer Votive Candle Set

OTHER SALE ITEMS TO PUT ON YOUR RADAR

A note on a few things on sale I already own and love that you might want to check out!

Simplehuman and Riki both have their mirrors on sale. I use both nearly everyday and think this is a great time to save on them. You can see my Favorite Mirrors roundup post if you want more details. Riki Love Riki Skinny is on sale for $130 ($200-$210 after the sale) in both the White and Rose color. The Simplehuman 8-Inch Sensor Mirror is on sale for $140 ($200 after the sale).

Riki Skinny Vanity Mirror review via The Beauty Look Book

Skincare Favorites from Sisley, Fresh, Charlotte Tilbury and Bobbi Brown:

Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base

For skincare I’m pretty stocked on my favorites right now so I didn’t buy anything. Moisturizer-wise I really love the Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream for a really nice lightweight water cream and they have a Black Rose Skin Infusion Set with a full size cream and minis of the Mask and Oil to try ($155 on sale, $268 value, the cream by itself is $210).

I love the Fresh lip treatments and the Rose Petal-Soft Lip Cream Set includes a full size Petal Soft Lip Cream and mini Advanced Treatment Lip Balm (my stick balm shown is the full size, but sale set comes with the mini) ($25 sale, $37 value).

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is available in two sets including the Magic Cream Set ($160 sale) and Setting Spray and Magic Cream Set ($75).

The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is one of the best priming moisturizers I’ve tried that doubles as a foundation primer + moisturizer in one. They have a Face Base Primer Set on sale for $62 ($139 value).

If you had the NuFace Trinity on your radar they have mega savings in the NuFACE White Trinity Facial Toning Kit – available for $199 sale, $339 value.

NuFace Trinity Toning Kit

Also one thing I wanted to mention is that Nordstrom started carrying the minis of Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrances. They put them out on display for the sale, BUT they’re not a sale exclusive or on sale. I just wanted to mention it since the mini sizes have been so hard to find in the US but I’m really happy they’re now available in select scents! Minis are in the 1.1 oz size and are either $135, $165 $180 depending on the scent. I already own the Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum in the small one and love it.

Mini Maison Francis Kurkdjian

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Did you haul anything yet from the Nordstrom Sale? I know many of you mentioned you were shopping starting today! Let me know if you found anything good 🙂

Hauls Nordstrom Sales

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Haul

July 14, 2021

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives Haul

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 is live for Icon and Ambassador Card Members! I hauled quite a few things and can’t wait to put everything to the test. I haven’t had a chance to thoroughly test anything yet – my priority was to get swatches up for you in case you’re shopping online or don’t want to swatch in stores (I didn’t swatch anything in store).

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives Haul

There are lots of good sets and palettes this year! My NUMBER 1 tip to shop the sale is to take a few minutes to look online at the GIFT WITH PURCHASE page. This is my recommendation every year and in the chaos and wonder of seeing everything in store, I did not follow my own advice. Once I got home I checked online and realized I missed out on TONS of gifts I qualified for. Many are available both online and in store, but some are online only. The associate who helped me was really helpful but when they pull things from the sale section the gifts aren’t really that visible unless you go outside the sectioned off sale area and go to each brand counter.

My store in Tampa had most of the beauty items on my wishlist this year. They did not however have a lot of the clothes or shoes I had favorited so I placed an order online when I got home for the things I did not see. The associates in the clothing area told me there were a number of things they didn’t receive in store because of shipping delays.

I took a few snapshots of the displays in stores in case you don’t have a Nordstrom near you and want to see how they’re setup! For the Early Access everything is sectioned off for sale items.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Quick note though best things on sale this year were the Barefoot Dreams selections. I bought so many blankets (many are priced under $100) but the best thing I bought was the CozyChic Leopard Pet Bed ($98.90 on sale, $168 full price). The only one they had in store was the Large which I thought might be too big but it’s perfect. The cat already loves it. He’s been doing a face plant into the bed for the past couple of days with some major self snuggling!

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Leopard Pet Bed

 

 

My BEAUTY HAUL PART 1 below. I will have two more beauty roundup posts with my MAC Purchases and then Hair + Fragrance Selects. If you want any makeup looks or more detailed reviews on any of these let me know in the comments!

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Bobbi Brown Full Size Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick ($34 sale, $68 value) shades include Golden Pink, Shell, Bronze and Peach Mimosa. Love these for the long lasting power once they set! If you don’t own the set colors from Laura Mercier their Full Size Caviar Stick Eye Color Trio with Cocoa, Au Naturel and Nude Rose is a good one too!

Bobbi Brown Full Size Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

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Charlotte Tilbury Full Size Collagen Lip Bath Set ($68 sale, $105 value) shades include Pillow Talk, Walk of No Shame and Refresh Rose. I’m obsessed with this lip formula – it’s one of the best plumping lip glosses that doesn’t have a tingle. There’s a slight fresh scent to them but it’s not overpowering. I already own all the shades but bought this anyways because I use them a lot. The Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath is the one shade that always gets me compliments.

Charlotte Tilbury Full Size Collagen Lip Bath Set

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Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Face & Eye Palette Set ($75 sale, $90 value) is in the Instant Look Palette format with 3 eyeshadows (champagne, shimmery copper, matte plum brown), 1 bronzer (light matte tan), 2 cheek colors (darker brown rose and medium matte dusty coral pink) and 1 face highlight (soft shimmery champagne). I haven’t had a chance to compare it to any of her other face palettes but I like the look of this one – all the shades seem very wearable and show up on my medium tan skin. Also comes with a miniature Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes mascara.

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Face & Eye Palette Set

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Face & Eye Palette Set swatches Nordstrom Sale

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette ($64) includes Dim Light, Surreal Effect and Eternal Bronzing Light. Dim Light is available in full size. Surreal Effect was in their Surreal Light 2016 Palette and Eternal Bronzing Light was in Hourglass Ghost Holiday 2019. Texture is soft and just like all the other Hourglass powders.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette Dim Light, Surreal Effect and Eternal Bronzing Light Nordstrom Sale 2021

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette Dim Light, Surreal Effect and Eternal Bronzing Light Nordstrom Sale 2021

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Tom Ford Cognac Rose Eye Color Quad Set ($88) includes Eye Color Quad in Cognac Rose, two mini lip shades in Casablanca and Fascinator. Cognac Rose is in the finely milled pressed metallic formula similar to Honeymoon. I will try to do swatch comparisons on my Instagram Stories and save them to an NSALE Highlight this week.

Cognac Rose has four shimmery shades including a metallic champagne peach, shimmery wine color, shimmery warm gold and a cool-toned bronze shimmer. First impressions are that they are softer in pigment compared to Honeymoon with a brush, but it is buildable with a dense brush or when applied with a sponge applicator. I think this palette is lovely and I can’t wait to try it out. The two miniature lip colors are creams in Casablanca (classic rose) and Fascinator (pale pink).

Tom Ford Cognac Rose Eye Color Quad Set + Lip Color in Casablanca and Fascinator

Tom Ford Cognac Rose Eye Color Quad Set + Lip Color in Casablanca and Fascinator

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Tom Ford Coquette Eye Color Quad Set ($169 sale, $213 value) with Eye Color Quad in Coquette, Full Size Extreme Mascara I Raven, Full Size Eye Defining Liquid Pen in Deeper, mini Lip Color in Impassioned. Coquette Eyeshadow Palette looks very different from the online stock image and I was kinda hoping it would be more like what you see online.

In real life it has a dusty pale pink satin soft shimmer, a metallic glitter topper with a soft rose base + silver sparkles, soft grey mauve satin and a diffused soft plum shimmer. I did try this one already and texture is soft and medium in pigment level. Colors themselves are on the softer side – if you’re looking for a neutral cool toned palette you will love this.

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Set Coquette Eyeshadow Quad

Tom Ford Coquette Eyeshadow Quad Swatches + Impassioned Lipstick

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There are three sets from NARS I hauled and I think these are among my favorites!

NARS Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Sets

The NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette ($45 sale, $87 value) has three shades in Wanderlust, Lucky Star, Wild at Heart. I also played around with this one and love the colors. The bronzer can swatch a little streaky on the hand, but it applies better with a loose fluffy brush on the cheeks. The highlighter and shimmer blush are both really pretty.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Set ($45 sale, $78 value) comes with three shades including Laguna, Orgasm, Broken Glass. I played with the color Orgasm and it has a smooth non-sticky texture with a sheer tint of color. I really love these and think if you are looking for a non-tacky smooth gloss, GET THIS!

NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette swatches + Afterglow Lip Shine Set

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane – love these for the soft wash of color + shine! I already own these in the full size and plan on gifting this so I didn’t swatch them. You can see my review of these two in my NARS AfterGlow Collection Review post.

Mini Duo Set vs Full Size for size reference:

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane

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Based on my quick swatching session at home, I would say that my favorites are the:

That wraps up my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Haul Part 1! I will have two more beauty roundups with my MAC Picks and my Haircare/Fragrance Picks. If you want to see any looks or tutorials with any of these let me know in the comments.

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Did you haul anything yet? Any good finds?

Nordstrom Sales

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Wishlist + Recommendations

July 9, 2021

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Wishlist Beauty Exclusives

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 is starting very soon and I have my initial wish list and recommendations roundup for you today! All the items for sale in Home, Women, Men, Activewear, Beauty Exclusives, Kids are up online for preview already. You can start previewing items online by category and start saving items to an online wishlist.

Nordstrom Card Holders have early access depending on tier. Key Dates for access are as follows:

  • Icon Early Access July 12 – 27
  • Ambassador Early Access July 14 – 27
  • Influencer Early Access July 16 – 27
  • Open to Everyone July 28 – August 8

I’ve gone through the Beauty Exclusives and Home Section and have split all the things on my radar by category. There’s a lot to sort through! I found it helpful to browse by category filter Makeup, Skincare, Fragrance, etc. to help me find things by interest and price.

I’m still in the process of narrowing down my shopping list! A lot will probably change depending on what I see in person in store next week. A number of you have asked me to flag things I find interesting or new/exclusive so I hope this helps!

MAKEUP

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

One / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve / thirteen / fourteen / fifteen / sixteen / seventeen

This area is where most of my wishlist items are with the limited-edition colors, palettes and sets. I always buy the neutral MAC Lip Sets each year because they make the best colors. This year Tom Ford Beauty has two eyeshadow palette sets and I’m nearly certain I’m buying both the Cognac Rose Eye Color Quad Set and Coquette Eye Set.

Charlotte Tilbury has a new Instant Look Palette called Sunset Dreamscape which sounds pretty! Also NARS has an interesting Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette (Wanderlust, Lucky Star, Wild at Heart) and an Afterglow Lip Shine Trio.

I’m personally well stocked on staples from Laura Mercier, MAC and Bobbi Brown – but if you’ve been eyeing anything, they have some good value sets which makes it a nice time to try some luxury beauty!

 

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HAIR CARE + TOOLS

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives Hair Care and Tools

One / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve

Three things I highly recommend in this category are the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray + Gold Lust Dry Shampoo Set ($64 on sale, normally a $96 value separately), Riki Skinny 10x Lighted Mirror (on sale for $130, normally $210), and the Olaplex Bond Maintenance Trio (on sale for $84, normally $126).

For mirrors I own both the Riki and Simplehuman and I love both. To apply makeup I usually use the Riki because it’s easier to see the entire face while the Simplehuman one is magnified and better to see detail areas. My Favorite Makeup Mirrors reviewed in this blog post for more info/details.

 

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SKINCARE

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives Skincare

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Skincare value sets are always plentiful during the sale! I’m buying the Kopari Coconut Melt Duo for myself for sure 🙂 If you’re looking to splurge on La Mer or Sisley they often have good value sets where you can get a little more for your $$$. I love the Sisley Black Rose Infusion Cream for a lightweight water cream. They have a pretty good set this year!

If you don’t own a Nuface Device they have some good sets on sale! The NuFace White Trinity Kit is on sale for $199 (normally $339) although if it’s not in your budget right now I will say they usually have good sales and sets available during the holiday season too (so no need to rush).

 

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FRAGRANCE

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives Fragrance

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I love the Diptyque and Jo Malone options this year! They have good variations this round! I love the Do Son Perfume + Hair Mist Duo (looks so cute). Andrew’s favorite hand soap from Le Labo Hinoki is available in a Jumbo Size.

Tom Ford has a Travel Size Soleil Fragrance Atomizer with 3 different scents in Soleil Blanc, Soleil Neige and Soleil Brulant. I think this is going to be one I pick up since I haven’t tried two of them and think it would be nice to have them in travel size format.

 

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FOR THE HOME

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Home Exclusives Sale

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The one brand I get the most excited about every sale is Barefoot Dreams! I live in these blankets. I have one wrapped around me right now as I’m typing out this post. They have such good sales this time of year and I stock up for Christmas gifts. This year they’ve added a number of new patterns and colors which look really fun!

Over the winter we had some pretty cold weather here and Lucy finally got a lot of use out of her Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Dog Sweater (some of you might remember seeing it on stories). She’s a Jack Russell Terrier about 18-20 pounds. They recommend a Medium for her, but when I bought hers there was only Large Available. It works for her with room to spare, but she’s probably more of a Medium. They have a cute Leopard Pattern Dog Sweater and a Solid Version too.

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I’ll have a haul post with swatches in the upcoming days after I’ve shopped the sale!

I’m hosting a few giveaways during the sale (not sponsored or affiliated). This first one I’m giving away three $100 eGift Cards to Nordstrom. Three different people will each win $100. All you have to do to enter is complete at least 3 of the steps in the widget below. The more steps you complete the more entries you receive. Giveaway will run July 9, 2021 through July 14, 2021 11:59 PM EST. I’ll select three winners at random and contact them via email them 1 day after the giveaway ends. Winners must respond within 3 days or another winner will be selected in their place. Open internationally but you must be 18 years+ to enter!

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Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

New Summer Beauty Essentials

June 16, 2021

Summer Beauty Essentials from Nordstrom

Summer beauty season is one of my favorites for makeup launches. I love the colors brands usually launch this time of year and have some new discoveries to share from Nordstrom today.

Above wearing: TEE Rag and Bone / BASE Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free in 3N1 / POWDER Sisley Blur Expert / CHEEKS NARS Orgasm on the Beach Palette / EYES NARS Eyeshadow Quad in Singapore / MASCARA NARS Climax Extreme / LIPS NARS Afterglow Lip Tint in Orgasm + Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Lip Gloss in Wild Card on top

Summer Beauty Essentials from Nordstrom

Tinted Moisturizers

Best Tinted Moisturizer for Summer

One of the most frequently asked question I get is, “What is the best tinted moisturizer for summer?” My top picks include:

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (I wear St Moritz) for the best tinted moisturizer that really doesn’t feel like a tinted moisturizer, has medium coverage and SPF30

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (I wear 3N1 or 3W1, has SPF 30) for the best glowy natural looking tint to even out the skintone in a natural way, I also love that they re-introduced this in the Oil Free Formula as well (has SPF20) . I like both variations, but find myself loving the regular version the best – sometimes it is nice to have options!

Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Moisturizing Tint with SPF 30 is my go-to for no-makeup makeup days or beach days when I want just a little glow and subtle coverage (I wear Medium or Medium Plus)

New Color Correctors

NARS Radiant Creamy Color Corrector

The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger has been a holy grail go-to for me for as long as I can remember! It’s the best versatile concealer for under eye brightening and natural coverage. NARS just launched their new Radiant Creamy Color Corrector designed to counter discoloration. I have pink-red tones around my nose area and occasionally mild blue-purple tones under the eyes. I tried both Light and Medium and found they worked well for my needs. I apply on top of moisturizer, top with my foundation and it does not alter my base color. They have a shade chart recommending which color to use:

  • Light to counter pink-red or blue-grey
  • Medium for red-brown, yellow-brown, blue-purple
  • Medium Deep for purple-brown, blue-grey
  • Deep for blue-brown and blue-black

Texture is creamy, opaque but easy to blend. It stays put when set with a powder just like their Radiant Creamy Concealer.

NARS Radiant Creamy Color Corrector vs NARS Ginger Concealer swatch

Summer Cheek Palette

NARS Orgasm on the Beach palette review

I have so many cheek palettes at this point I did not know whether or not the new NARS Orgasm on the Beach Palette would be a repeat of what I already own. They’ve once again managed to create a beautiful palette with gorgeous glowy shades in highlighter, blush and contouring colors. It’s glowy but not too glowy and I think it was 100% worth the splurge. They have that finely milled metallic texture but it’s a smooth shimmer. Colors blend right into the skin seamlessly and I absolutely love every single shade (even that bold red one!).

My favorite brush to use with this is the NARS Angled Brush (discontinued) but I also love the Laura Mercier Angled Cheek Brush for this palette.

NARS Orgasm on the Beach palette swatches

NARS Orgasm on the Beach palette Makeup Look

Cream Blush

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Sticks

For cream blushes I rediscovered the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Sticks and I love these for a very natural glowing look. I have owned a number of these in past years and repurchased No 20 (soft beige brown color I’m wearing below), No 23 (soft pink) and No 24 (soft peach). These are sheer to sheer-medium in coverage so they’re going to give you a subtle flush of color. They have tiny bits of shimmer in them to give you a glow, but they’re not too shimmery.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Sticks swatches No 20, 23 and 24

Below wearing Shade No. 20 and Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Lip Gloss in Sweet Talk

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick No 20

Eyeshadow Favorites

Best Bronzey Gold Eyeshadows for Summer

I love bronzey shimmers year round, but especially during the summer. I shopped my stash and started wearing the NARS Eyeshadow Palette in Singapore which has the perfect summer mix (similar vibe to Tom Ford Honeymoon). As a topper I would still say after all these years the Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows are absolute must-haves. For cream shadows that stay put once they set, I recommend Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks in Golden Pink or Golden Bronze. And of course my holy-grail all over wash shimmer the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Color Stick in Rosegold.

Best Bronzey Gold Eyeshadows for Summer

Best Lip Tints

NARS Afterglow Lip Tint in Orgasm and Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre

For an effortless kind of lip you can wear to the beach, pool, or anywhere you are this summer, I would say that my top must-have is the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm. This is a color shifting product so it will enhance your natural lip color and hydrate at the same time. This is one of the most flattering shades I’ve tried and even though it looks slightly different on everyone, it’s holy grail material for me.

I also love the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustres to add shine and glow to any lip pencil or lipstick. Ibiza Nights or Blondie are my favorites to add shimmer and dimension to your lip.

Bobbi Brown Crushed Jelly Stick and Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss

Bobbi Brown makes some of my favorite natural colors for lips. I picked up one of the Crushed Shine Jelly Lipsticks in Honey and love how creamy and opaque it is. It’s the perfect swipe and go kind of lipstick with really good coverage. I wish they had more colors in this formula! For those of you who like an oil, I am still really loving the Crushed Oil-Infused Lip Glosses as well. The peachy color Wild Card is the one I think is the prettiest for summer. It’s a good hybrid lip oil and lip gloss, not too slippery and has a nice cushiony feel without being sticky.

That wraps up my first look at some summer makeup must-haves! You can find all of these at Nordstrom. If you’re shopping online also don’t forget to check out their Gift with Purchase Page. They rotate the gifts frequently!

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Sponsored by Nordstrom. As always all opinions are my own.