There are so many great sales going on right now. I shared a summer beauty look with Ulta Beauty earlier in the week here on Instagram and thought I’d highlight the sales here on the blog too. They’re having their Big Summer Beauty Sale and it ends July 19th. Lots of great summer beauty finds are marked own with buy one get one 50% off and up to 40% off too.
Here are the best deals on my radar, starting with RMS at 20% off! RMS Beauty is now at Ulta Beauty and the entire line is 20% off. I love their ReDimension Hydra Powder Blushes and Bronzers. I just noticed they added one of my favorite shades Crystal Slipper to several other formulas so I ordered the Luminizer, Lip2Cheek, Eye Lights and Legendary Lip Oil all in the same shade to try. I won’t get them before the sale ends but I’m still very excited to try it all.
This week there are lots of hair straighteners that are 30% off. To this day I still swear by the ghd Platinum+ Styler. It goes with me on every trip too. I gifted one of these to a friend and I was also thrilled to see she packed it one one of our trips together.
A huge selection of nail products are BOGO 50% off. The shade I’ve been wearing lately that everyone has been asking about is the OPI RapiDry Stun N Done (pearly champagne). I love their Cuticle Oil and ordered a couple of the ones in the tube to carry in my purse.
A few of you mentioned the Blushed Metal Gel Couture Top coat to me as an iridescent color-shifting topper so I added that to cart and can’t wait to try it!
July 19th is the last day of the sale! If you had anything on your radar I hope you catch this post in time!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to the public through August 3rd. I shopped the early access for the second day and found some really fun things. Here is everything I picked up starting with my favorite buy.
Every year I love looking at the sunglasses because they have exceptionally good markdowns and it’s something I can wear year round. They tend to sell out quickly but I was able to find the Tom Ford Penny 55 mm Polarized Geometric Sunglasses ($344.99 on sale, regular price $515) in Havana/Polar Green. They have a cat shape with a flattened base. I still wear the ones I bought from past years all the time.
I love looking at all the fall fashion but cannot pull off 90% of it because of where I live. Even when I lived in San Diego most of the fashion was too warm to wear and after living in Central and Southern Florida for the past 8 years, San Diego weather almost seems a little chilly! I did find some cute activewear from Zella including the Racerback Seamless Sports Bra ($27.99 on sale in MEDIUM) and Sunburst High Waist Pleated Tennis Skort ($49.99 on sale, regular price $79 in a SMALL).
I really loved the Open Edit Luxe Sculpt Rib Sweater Tank ($38.99 on sale, wearing a SMALL) because it’s stretchy and very soft. Based on how SOFT this is I think I might pick up one of the other styles called the Luxe Sculpt Rib Tank (not part of the sale) but I think the cut looks flattering! I also picked up the Pleated Miniskirt ($45.99 on sale, regular price $69.50, wearing an XS) which I think is cute for the fall to winter season, at least in Florida.
I skipped the shoes because the sandals I had on my radar were not in store. The sneakers I had my eye on were tempting but I decided I already own enough right now.
For my beauty finds I found everything I had my eye on in store before anything sold out. The Hourglass Brush Set Trio ($136 on sale) sold out so quickly. My SA told me instore she predicted this would sell out the first and it really surprised me but she was 100% right! The brush quality is excellent – just as good as the individual ones although the concealer brush isn’t quite as dense as the individual ones.
The Prada Beauty Lipsticks ($37.50 each) in the Soft Matte Formula Limited-edition brown packaging also sold out in the blink of an eye. All the colors are permanent, so if you have your eye on them, don’t fret – you can still buy the shades. I still think the Prada lipsticks are 100% worth the splurge but if you can wait, I would recommend waiting until holiday when retailers have their friends and family sales.
Westman Atelier had a few sets for the sale and they kindly sent them over for review! The Lip Edition Set ($79 on sale, $122 value) has three full sized permanent shades in the Lip Shape Liner in Petal, Lip Suede in Petal and Squeaky Clean Lip Balm in Chou Chou. I’ve really been enjoying the lipstick lip suede more than I thought I would. I did want to note a few of you mentioned yours went rancid with an off smell. I smelled every single one I own and luckily nothing has turned yet. I think the Lip Shape Lip Pencil is an exceptionally good formula. I picked up a few other shades and will review soon.
She also launched a Mini Baby Cheeks Duo ($35 on sale, $52 value) with existing Shades in Chou Chou and Petal which surprisingly sold out quickly too. If you missed out I wouldn’t be too upset, I actually think her seasonal holiday launches are much more exciting. I can’t wait to see what she launches this year.
A few MAC items caught my eye. I decided to try the Nightmode Lipglass Air Lip Gloss Duo ($35) which has an ultra lightweight smooth formula. It’s not as thick or sticky as the original lipglass and I think the colors are really beautiful.
Nordstrom also launched a few lipstick shades for the sale and I thought Cafe Mocha was a really pretty neutral to try.
For bodycare I picked up the L’Occitane Showered in Almond Jumbo Set ($52 sale price, value is $91) for Andrew. He loves the shower oil although he misses the Shower Shake they discontinued years ago.
Also picked up the Osea Cleanse and Glow Body Set ($62 on sale, $104 value) as I really love the shower gel and body oil and I do not mind having a backup.
For skincare I picked up the La Mer Travel Essentials Set ($98) with the Moisturizing Soft Cream for a friend. The minis are REALLY tiny but I still think it’s a nice way to try the items without splurging on the full sizes.
Fragrance sets and hair tools have some of the BEST deals this year, although I will say I suspect the holiday season will also bring us some really good deals too.
Byredo has some exceptionally good sets and if I didn’t already have the full sizes I would have bought all three. I picked up the Eau de Parfum Travel Essentials ($198 on sale, value $294) has three minis in scents each (0.4 oz) and I really love with a leather atomizer case. They also have some great sets with a Mojave Ghost Trio ($250 on sale) and a Blanche Absolu Trio ($290 on sale).
I am finally the owner of Parfums de Marly Delina and Delina Exclusif with the Signature Fragrance Trio ($485 on sale, value is $720). I am already well stocked on Valaya so I’m trying to decide who I should give it away to, but I could not resist getting the set for the other two.
Diptyque has a few sets for the sale. I picked up the Iconic Candle Gift Set ($92 on sale) which has 3 small sizes in Baies, Figuier and Tubereuse. I think these make great hostess gifts so I try to have one on hand.
I didn’t pick up any hair tools since I own a lot that are part of the sale but I wanted to give a mention to T3 since the Aire IQ is on sale. I was gifted T3 Aire IQ last summer and I love it. The Blush Pink is currently on sale for $100 off at $299.99 (regular price is $399.99). I think you can find lots of great deals on T3 throughout the year but if this is on your radar I can confirm after using this for nearly a year I really love the design and the features. You pick your hair type in the initial setting and it will generate the ideal heat and strength setting for your hair type depending on what attachment you use. I don’t use the diffuser, but I do use the others on a regular basis. You can also switch to manual mode for both settings and there is a forced cool-shot option.
I’ve actually been using this more than the Dyson to blow dry. The T3 has more options for heat and strength. I also love the design and the stand that comes with this is beautiful! I feel like all dryers should come with a stand like this.
That wraps up my Nordstrom sale haul! I hope you found some great finds this year! If you want to share anything you picked up please let me know in the comments!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2025 starts now for Icon Card Members! The sale runs from July 8th through August 3rd. Nordstrom Cardmembers shop the sale early depending on your Nordy Club Status:
ICONS have early access July 8-11
AMBASSADORS can shop starting July 9-11
INFLUENCERS have early access July 10-11
The sale opens to everyone from July 12
I’ll be shopping this week and will share my haul picks. Since Nordstrom launched an online preview of all the sale items early I was able to browse by every category and I pulled some things that caught my eye to put on your radar.
Since we just moved to a new apartment earlier in the spring I am in the market for some new home décor and cookware (still searching daily!). There are quite a few good beauty exclusives this year too. There are lots of great value sets and value sizes. Tons of bundles at marked down prices. Even if you’re more in the market for new beauty launches (rather than sets or value sizes) I still think there’s something for everyone.
Here’s what I have my eye on by category. I will be narrowing down my picks substantially as I browse and sort through the sale in person. For beauty shoppers don’t forget to check out the GIFT WITH PURCHASES online first! Some of the gifts are online only and in store a lot of the associates don’t know about all the gifts available outside of their specific counter or brands.
I’m hosting a giveaway to celebrate this sale! There will be several throughout this month (also check my Instagram for more giveaways there too). The first one is going to be a $250 eGift Card to Nordstrom. Open to all readers and all you have to do to enter for a chance to win is enter through the widget below and complete ALL THE STEPS. I’ll pick a winner and contact them via email this Friday!
Chanel launched new shades of the Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color ($36 each). I ordered these from a local Chanel beauty boutique and I believe they are currently exclusive to Chanel.com and individual boutiques.
There are six different shades of radiant shimmers and I am 100% in love with every single one. I think they are all incredibly beautiful and fun for summer. I also appreciate that the ones that pull a little more metallic are smooth and free of any visible brush strokes.
Some of these have a jelly finish so there is a slightly transparent quality to them. I am wearing each one with 2 coats except for the bright pink one which I have with 3 coats.
401 Beach Icon is an iridescent pearly sparkle, this can also be used as a top coat on top of other nail polishes
The Afterglow Lip Shine Lip Gloss* is one of the smoothest glosses I’ve tried and they added new shades which I think are beautiful. The shades run on the sheer side for a barely there kind of tint but they still show up on the lips. I prefer a little more pigment in my gloss but these wear very nicely and feel so smooth and hydrating I really don’t mind them being so sheer. (Other shades reviewed + swatched here.)
Wear time is pretty good if your lips don’t touch anything else. They aren’t the longest lasting though so you will have to reapply after a few hours. New colors are all 10/10 pretty. They are on the deeper side so if you prefer lighter shades these might be too dark for you.
NARS also recently launched a new addition to their Light Reflecting line with a Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder. These are high shine shimmers with a highly reflective finish. The pigment is easy to control but they do pull very metallic on the skin. The shimmer is a little chunky, but if you apply with a finger or dense brush it will smooth out. If you have texture or large pores you might want to pass as these will emphasize them.
I received Heavenly* at a NARS event in Miami (quick peek here in case you’re curious!) and I purchased the others from Ulta. I still think Heavenly is the best one, it’s a really stunning pink.
Eros is a soft cool toned ivory
Electra is a light champagne
Ophelia is a golden champagne
Heavenly is a metallic pink
Total Eclipse is a warm copper shimmer
Since the shimmer and glistening effect is on the intense side I don’t know that I can wear these everyday. They do make for a really beautiful special glow, but I prefer the subtle glow of the newer Prada Highlighters. Also I know the Chanel spring highlighter quad is sold out, but I am still reaching for that one on a regular basis.
Looks wearing each highlighter with a different lip. For skintone reference I wear the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in either Vanuatu or Barcelona right now and the Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. (My lighter spring time foundation shade is Sahel).
Overall love the lip shines, I am really loving the Heavenly Highlighter. The other shades are stunning but I have some skin texture issues on my cheeks right now so I have to go easy on the highlighter.
There are four shades of the Prada Light Glowing Lip Oil Stick available in the US (I think other countries might have a few more shades). I picked up the tinted ones and love the formula. They’re smooth, comfortable, hydrating and feel ultra luxurious on the lips. The pigment is very sheer though and gives the lips a barely there tint. You can definitely bring out the color with a coordinating lip pencil, but on their own they are so sheer, I don’t know that the lack of pigment justifies the steep price tag. The formula is also very soft. While I didn’t experience any breakage due to the softness, they have shifted from the base a little after application so there are dents on the sides of the lip balm from the packaging.
U016 is a light pink
U018 is also a light pink, but slightly deeper
U019 is a soft brown
I am happy with the splurges although given my darker lip tone I would have skipped U016 if I had known how sheer it would be on my lips. If you prefer something with more pigment the Hydrating Lip Balm has better color payoff (I really like the Shade Guava). Or I would recommend opting for any of the YSL tinted balms like the Candy Glow or Candy Glaze (also still spendy but not quite as expensive).
Since these are balmy oils and sheer the lasting power isn’t going to be long with these but they are easy to reapply without a mirror.
Light Glowing Highlighter Powder
I did a poll on whether or not you were interested in the new Light Glowing Highlighter Powders and most of you were turned off by the steep price tag. I do think the price is outrageous but I was really impressed with these highlighters. The colors are just SO beautiful with the perfect amount of glow. I love all three and think the texture and pigment is SO stunning, I nearly forgot about the sticker shock after swatching these.
1 Champagne is a light cool champagne on my golden olive skin, if you have light or fair skin tones I think this won’t look as pink on you as it does my skin
_________
2 Pink is a stunning soft cool pink
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3 Deep is a soft bronzed shimmer, it’s a skin but better tone on me
I am still struggling with some texture and dry patches on my face so it did emphasize my texture a little bit, but with a lighter hand and good blending I really love how they look on the skin. Are they worth $90? I don’t think so, but I am still very happy with the splurge. Below wearing the following lip and cheek combos, also wearing:
Light Glowing Highlighter Shade 1 Champagne and Glowing Lip Oil Stick 016 Rose, quick note, I applied the highlighter with a heavier hand to show the color, but for normal makeup wear I would combine this with a regular blush or bronzer and apply the highlighter just as a softer highlight
Last we have a look at the Prada Dimensions Multi-Effect Eyeshadow Palettes. These are super finely milled palettes with an ultra smooth texture. They remind me of the eyeshadows from Surratt and Cle de Peau with the soft powdery almost creamy texture. I think the color combinations are SO beautiful but I have very dry eyelids so this kind of texture tends to look dry on my eyes if I pack the color on. Each palette has a good mix of finishes. I think the tones are beautiful and well thought out.
I had such high hopes for Peony but the colors match my skin tone so closely I cannot see any color payoff on my eyes. Pansy shows up better but still gives a very natural eye look. Primula has the best color payoff. I really wanted to love at least one of these for an everyday look but in the time I’ve had them I haven’t reached for very much.
Based on the feedback I’ve received from most of you it appears I’m in the minority with my eyelid area being dry, so if your eyelids are normal or oily I think these should wear very well on you.
06 Pulp has a rosewood matte, shimmery champagne, satiny yellow beige and sheer reddish pink matte
07 Peony has the most beautiful mix of soft neutrals, I really wish these showed up on my skin tone
08 Pansy has a dusty rose pink, soft satin tan, light warm pink, shimmery champagne with a duochrome shift
09 Primula has a dusty caramel tan, deep brown, brick brown and brown with green shift
Overall really love the highlighters, lip oil sticks are really pretty but so sheer I don’t know how I feel about the splurge. Eyeshadows aren’t bad, but the formula and colors aren’t something I am super in love with.
Dior revamped their Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush again and added some new additions with a Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick and Addict Lip Butter. I hauled nearly all the shades to review and try and after testing these extensively I finally have my review. I think there are some hits with the new launch but I also think there are some definite passes. You can find these launches out now at Dior, Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty and all other Dior Beauty retailers (the blush stick is exclusive to Dior and Sephora right now).
Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush
The Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blushes ($40 each) have been reformulated a few times already but I have to say I’m really impressed with the latest version. I didn’t have any issues with the previous variations but the newest one has a much better texture that’s easier to blend with better color payoff.
001 Pink is still one of the best baby pink blushes I’ve tried. It’s supposed to be ph-reactive but it really doesn’t shift in color on my skin. It’s a cool toned pink I think works well layered on top of other creams.
103 Toffee is a new shade in the lineup and it’s another winner. The powder has some gold shimmer which I kinda wish they didn’t add, but I do really love the neutral beige tone on the skin. The shimmer isn’t frosty but it is noticeable on the skin.
012 Rosewood is a dusty rose color. I think of this more along the lines of a fall/winter shade but I think it’s a great rose neutral that will work with a wide range of skintones. This one has a tiny bit of glow but isn’t very shimmery.
077 Candy is a coral pink with gold shimmer. It almost reminds me of the NARS Orgasm blush with the pink/gold shift. I love this one. Out of all the shades I think this is my favorite.
063 Pink Lilac is a soft lilac pastel. I really wanted it to work but with my tan skin it pulls a little chalky. I think I can make it work with some layering on top of other cream blush colors but for now, I prefer the older formula over this new one in this particular color
015 Cherry is well outside of my comfort zone for a blush, but I decided to be adventurous and try it anyways. I think it can work with a light hand. I prefer this color on the lips versus the cheeks but it’s still a very pretty one and fun for summer.
Backstage Rosy Glow Stick
I have mixed feelings about the Backstage Rosy Glow Sticks ($44 each). I think the concept is a nice one but they are too dewy for my skin to wear in hot humid weather alone without setting with some kind of powder. All of these match the coordinating powder versions but once blended they are very sheer on the skin. There is enough pigment that you can see them (except for Toffee which matches my skintone).
They are also heavily scented like root beer. It’s a fun kind of scent and doesn’t irritate my skin or nose, but if you’re sensitive to fragranced products this is a definite no. I would have loved these if the formula wasn’t dewy or more long wearing.
If you have dry skin or love a balmy glow for the cheeks I think you will love these. For me, I can only wear them if I layer a powder on top. I usually wear some kind of powder blush on top of creams anyways but I don’t see myself reaching for these often.
Out of all the shades I think Rosewood and Candy are the best ones.
Addict Lip Butter
Last we have a look at the Addict Lip Butters ($40 each). I think I could have easily given these an A rating if they gave us more product or something more special. A number of you had some serious rants about these being 1/2 filled. I do think there needs to be some kind of gap in the squeeze tube to accommodate the product from causing the tube to explode but I also think Dior could have done better and given us more product. I rarely look at ounces or grams etc. for makeup products but I agree with the rants on this one. With these tiny tubes I can easily see it being used up in a matter of a few weeks.
Size issues aside, I do think the gloss formula is a really nice one. It feels smooth and comfortable on the lips. Pigment is on the sheer side but the colors are pretty, however the only shade I think really stands out to me is the Glazed Lavender. The others I think can be easily duped by e.l.f., Maybelline, Summer Fridays, Fenty and so many other brands at a much better price point with quality and performance that is just as good if not better.
Here are the colors on with each color family. Some of them I swatched both the blush stick and powder separately, some I layered together. I am still a match to the Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick in 3N.
Overall I think the Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush is a winner for formula, but if you already own the colors in the older formulas I don’t think you need to get the new ones. I think Candy and Toffee are the best shades.
For me the blush sticks are more novel than practical. I will most likely wear one for date nights or special occasions but I don’t see them as being everyday blushes for me.
The Lip Butters will be used up entirely but I get way more excited about lip launches from other brands like Summer Fridays or Laneige.
