It’s that time of year again! I’m sharing my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 Shopping Guide since Early Access starts August 4th. This year’s they’ve included a preview online, kinda like a digital catalog. Each day they’re adding new things and I expect the full list of sale items to be live tomorrow. I went through all the different categories to bookmark some things for my wishlist and items I think are great deals. My all time favorite thing of all time the Barefoot Dreams Cozy Throw is part of the sale so if you’ve had a blanket or pillow on your wishlist now is a great time to get one!
I’ll have a full haul post as soon as I’m able to post one! In the meantime I’ve included the highlights by category. They’ve made it really easy to sort and filter multiple ways. I also recommend adding things to your account wishlist so it’s easy to keep things bookmarked in one place.
Dates and Details
Here are the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Details for shopping dates. Early Access starts for cardholders depending on what tier you are for points. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the sale but in case you’re new they have tons of brands marked down. Nordstrom has a mix of current brands marked down, new items created just for the sale, value sizes and sets and exclusives.
Beauty Exclusives
The Nordstrom Sale Beauty Exclusives are the things I look forward to the most each year. They have great value sizes to save on shampoos, hair styling products, skin care sets etc. Make sure you check their Gift With Purchase page as they update them frequently throughout the sale! A few things on my radar below.
Two things I almost always buy every year are the Oribe Set and MAC lip sets each year because they’re a great value. One of my favorite makeup mirrors the Riki Skinny Lighted Mirror is part of the sale this year in a pretty Rose Gold Color. I love that they have an Olaplex Bond Maintenance Trio for $84 ($126 value). There are a good amount of styling tools like brushes, hair dryers, curling irons and flat irons available. As a huge fan of the NARS Oil Infused Lip Tints I’m for sure buying the Mini Duo with new shades Solstice and Beausoleil.
Hair Care + Tools Linked Below
Makeup + Beauty Tools On My Radar
Skincare + Body
__________
Home and Accessories
If I could recommend you only buy one thing from the sale it would be any Barefoot Dreams blanket. I love them so much! They’re super soft and snuggly. I sleep with one every night. Nordstrom has some super cute sunglasses every year and I have my eye on the options from Tom Ford.
A few things on my radar linked below including some home throws, designer sunglasses, marble coasters and more:
__________
Staples and Basics: Tops
There are so many cute tops and tees this year! Lots of nice everyday staples from Splendid, L’Agence, Rails, Rag and Bone and more.
Cute styles for camisoles, tanks, tees and blouses I’ve bookmarked all linked in the widget below:
__________
Athleisure, Denim, Cute Shoes
Most of my wishlist is in the athleisure department. I’m thrilled to see items from Sweaty Betty this year (adding this Mesh Hoodie to my try-on list). I also find Zella to be pretty good for comfortable sports bras and leggings. The denim selection is always great each year. I’m surprised there weren’t quite as many options from Paige this year but there are lots of other brands to choose from including Rag and Bone, Blank NYC, Mother and AG to name a few. I don’t have much on my wishlist for shoes but think these Tory Burch sneakers are pretty cute!
A few things I have on my radar to try on in store this week for workout clothes and denim:
__________
That wraps up my preview and shopping guide for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020! I am hoping they will be adding more items online for beauty like we’ve seen in past years. Haul post will be going live soon as I narrow down my wishlist down to what I decide to buy. What’s on your radar for the sale this year? Do you have anything you’re excited about?
Rounding up all of the Memorial Day Sales happening now for beauty! Included a few others for home and fashion. If you have any others to add let me know in the comments!
BEAUTY SALES
Antica Farmacista – Save 20% off sitewide through Monday with code MEMORIALDAY
Beautylish – Spring into Summer Event, save up to 50% off bundles
Becca Cosmetics – 30% off Sunlit Bronzer and 5 deluxe samples with purchases of $75+
Bite Beauty – 4-piece set on every $40+ order including: mini Agave+ Intensive Lip Mask in Agave, mini Outburst Longwear Lip Stain in Orange Fizz, Kiss Printed Makeup Pouch & Round Mirror, use code: SUMMERNOW ends 5/25
Bloomingdale’s– Memorial Day savings 30-50% off select items, extra 50% off marked items
By Terry– 20% off sitewide with code GLOW20, through the weekend
Clarins – Save up to 30% off select products, choose 5 travel sizes with any $100+ order, use code MDW20
Rounding up the Best Cyber Monday Beauty Deals for 2019! I already bought a few things over the weekend from 111Skin, Byredo, Sol de Janeiro and Diptyque which I’m pretty excited about. Also eyeing some sale picks from Reformation and Fresh Beauty as well.
Beauty Sales and Deals
111Skin – any order $250+ will receive a travel kit of choice
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Cyber Monday savings 10% off orders $75+, 20% off orders $150+, 25% off orders $250+ and bundles marked down for palettes, lipsticks and more
Bare Minerals – 30% off + free standard shipping with code CYBERSALE, through 12/2
Beautyblender – Mystery bag 7-piece set save $88 off kit with code SURPRISE19, limit 5 per customer
Benefit Cosmetics – Take 25% off everything and free shipping with code FUNDAY, valid through 12/3
Bite Beauty – 75% off sitewide, on 12/2 only choose between 2 gift sets with any $40+ order, while supplies last, use code WARM or SOFT, while supplies last
Bloomingdale’s – Cyber Savings on regular and sale price items 12/1 to 12/3:
Take 25% off regular and sale price items labeled CYBER TAKE 25% OFF, and take 50% off clearance items labeled CYBER TAKE 50% OFF
Take 15% off when you spend $100+ on almost all beauty, qualifying items marked, discount applied in bag
Briogeo – 20% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY, ends 12/2
Bumble and Bumble – Receive a free 6-piece set with bag when you spend $60+
Byredo – receive a free 70 g candle with any order above $75 (selection available at checkout, one per order, while stock lasts through 12/2)
By Terry – Up to 70% off select products including Nude-Expert Foundation, Glow-Expert and more
Chanel – Special Cyber Monday launch bringing back the Les Tissages de Chanel in Tweed Pink! Plus a special promo for Beauty Look Book readers – starting 12/2/2019 any Fragrance & Beauty order on Chanel.com will receive a complimentary deluxe sample of Sublimage Crème (5 g/0.17 oz) by entering code REVITALIZE at checkout (while supplies last)
Charlotte Tilbury – Cyber Monday sale with 40% off select bundles, blush sets, palettes
Diptyque – Limited-edition Black Friday launch in their iconic Baies candle with special design and black wax, limited run while supplies last from 11/29 to 12/2, also receive a mini candle duo (35g) and Lucky Charms ornament set on order $150+ with code CHARMS while supplies last (closer look at the candle here)
Elemis – Top 5 at 35% off plus 30% off sitewide with code CYBER19
EM Cosmetics – 20% off most items (some exclusions apply including Merch, Magic Hour Collection, Serum Blush), no promo code needed
Farmacy Beauty – 20% off all orders or 30% off orders $120+ with code CYBER, runs through end of 12/2
First Aid Beauty – 30% Off orders with code HOLIYAY, valid through 12/2, offer excludes all Skincare Kits, Limited Edition Holiday Kits, New Arrivals and Sale Items
Foreo – Cyber Week Deals up to 50% off UFO, Luna Mini 2, Sheet Masks and more
Fresh Beauty – Take 20% off entire purchase through 12/2, automatically applied at checkout
Giorgio Armani Beauty – 20% off with code CYBER20, step up gift with purchase offers available as well
Glamglow – 30% off sitewide plus free sheet mask, no code needed, step up gift included with order $49+
Glossier – 20% off everything and save up to 35% off sets, ends midnight 12/2
Hourglass Cosmetics – Holiday event savings 11/29 through 12/2, no code needed
Kerastase – Cyber Savings 20% off plus an Extensioniste Thermique Mini and free shipping with any order with code CYBM19 at checkout, valid through 12/4
Kiehl’s – Give more save more event with code JINGLE, valid through 12/2, excludes gift sets
$10 off purchases $50+
$20 off purchases $80+
$35 off purchases $115+
Also receive a free travel size Ultra Facial Cream + holiday pouch with code CYBER, valid 12/2 only
Omorovicza – Save 30% on skincare, receive a 4-piece gift with any purchase $200 or more, no code needed, runs through 12/4 (exclusions apply on their T&C page)
Oribe – 20% off Liter Sized bottles with code LITERS, ends 12/2
Shu Uemura Art of Hair – Take 20% off all orders, free shipping and an Essence Absolue Scented Candle with code CYMON19 at checkout, valid through 12/4
Saks Fifth Avenue – $50 off every $200 you spend (up to $500 in savings) with code CYBER19SF, ends 12/2, also take 15% off beauty purchases with code CYBER, ends 12/2
Shopbop – Buy More Save More event, up to 25% off full-price items and up to 75% off sale items, runs through 12/2
15% off orders $200+ with code MORE19
20% off orders $500+ with code MORE19
25% off orders $800+ with code MORE19
Simplehuman – Top 10 Sale, save up to 25% off their top ten best sellers through 12/2
Splendid – 40% off everything, no exclusions with code THANKS40, runs through 12/4
Rounding up all of the best Black Friday Beauty Deals and Sales for 2019 that I could find! Some brands are launching special creations for Black Friday including Chanel and Diptyque.
Beauty Sales and Deals
111Skin – 20% off all holiday gifting and travel kits are $60, ends midnight Sunday Dec 1
AmorePacific – Save up to 50% off select sets while supplies last, receive a 5-piece mini set of iconic Time Response collection with a $200 purchase
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Black Friday sale including 25% off eyeshadow palettes, 40% off lip, 25% off brow and more
Bare Minerals – 25% off everything with code ITSON, valid through 11/30
Beautyblender – Pink Friday beauty deals with special value bundles
Beautylish – Black Friday special deals, value sets, bundles on Bioderma, Farmacy Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury and more with tons of gift with purchase offers, valid through 12/2
Becca Cosmetics – for 2 days up to 50% off bronze, blush and glow
Benefit Cosmetics – 25% off + free shipping with code FRIYAY, valid through 11/30
Bite Beauty – 75% off sitewide, prices as marked, some exclusions apply
Bloomingdale’s – Take 15% off $100, 20% off $250, 25% off $400+ on a large selection of items, look for TAKE UP TO 25% OFF, discount applied in bag, valid 11/28-11/30
Bobbi Brown – 25% off all orders plus free shipping and gift wrap
Briogeo – 20% off sitewide, free samples and free shipping with code HOLIDAY through 12/2
Bumble and Bumble – 25% off when you spend $50 or more + free shipping
Byredo – receive a free 70 g candle with any order above $75 (selection available at checkout, one per order, while stock lasts through 12/2)
By Terry – 50% off selected items & 20% off the Holiday Collection, valid 11/29 – 12/1
Chanel – special Black Friday limited-edition launch of the Duo de Camelias Illuminating Powder Duo, review + swatches + makeup look reviewed in this post here
Charlotte Tilbury – Black Friday Beauty sale, 30% off select bundles, palettes and sets
Clarins – Buy 1 item receive 15% off, buy 2 items receive 20% off, buy 3 items receive 25% off (FYI the two Kooples Tinted Lip Oils are back in stock in case you’ve been trying to track them down, I just ordered them however there’s a note on their site stating they’re excluded from the promo)
Cle de Peau Beaute – Cyber Week Bonus gift with purchase with 4 minis with order $250 or more
Clinique – 25% off orders with code 25OFF with free shipping
Colourpop – 30% off sitewide including palettes, no code needed, some exclusions apply
CoverFX – 30% off and free shipping with code BESTFRIDAY
Diptyque – Limited-edition Black Friday launch in their iconic Baies candle with special design and black wax, limited run while supplies last from 11/29 to 12/2, also receive a mini candle duo (35g) and Lucky Charms ornament set on order $150+ with code CHARMS while supplies last
Elemis – 30% off site wide with code CYBER19, excludes Excludes ULTRA SMART Pro-Collagen, Travel Sizes, Select Kits, and Gift Cards
Farmacy Beauty – 20% off all orders or 30% off orders $120+ with code CYBER, runs through end of 12/2
First Aid Beauty – 30% Off orders with code HOLIYAY, valid through 12/2, offer excludes all Skincare Kits, Limited Edition Holiday Kits, New Arrivals and Sale Items
Foreo – Black Friday offers up to 35% off select items
15% off Luna 3
25% off LUNA 2, ISSA, ESPADA, IRIS, UFO mini, All UFO Mask Collections and LUNA fofo, LUNA mini 2 (aqua, yellow, black)
35% off UFO (all colors) and LUNA mini 2 (Pearl Pink and Fuchsia)
Fresh Beauty – Take 20% off entire purchase through 12/2, automatically applied at checkout
Giorgio Armani Beauty – Friends and Family event save 20% off, receive complimentary shipping and 2 samples on orders $75, also receive a full size Lip Maestro N200 on orders $125+, use code HOLIDAY20, valid 11/21-26
Glamglow – 30% off sitewide, no code needed, exclusions apply listed on their OFFERS page
Hourglass Cosmetics – Holiday event savings 11/29 through 12/2, no code needed
Omorovicza – Save 30% on skincare, receive a 4-piece gift with any purchase $200 or more, no code needed, runs through 12/4 (exclusions apply on their T&C page)
Ouai – Spend $50 get 20% off with code OUAITHANKFUL
Pat McGrath Labs – Cyber savings 25% off orders under $150 and 30% off orders $150+, valid through 12/2, no code needed
Peach and Lily – 30% off site wide with code PEACH2019 all sales final and not eligible for return, exchange or refund, gift cards excluded, runs through 12/3
REN Skincare – 25% off on full size products with code GIVEBACK, excluded value sets, value sizes, Clearcalm Non-Drying Acne Gel, ends 12/1
Tarte – 30% off everything with code FRIDAY30, valid 11/29
Tatcha – Three mystery offers when you play for a chance to win 20% off $100 orders or $15 off $75 orders, unique code will be generated for playing the game, also offering free gifts minis of the Violet-C Mask and Serum with orders over $50, valid 11/28 to 12/1.
Ulta Beauty – Black Friday Beauty Busters sale while supplies last
Violet Grey – bi-annual sale savings (exclusions apply)
$15 off $100 purchases
$50 off $250 purchases
$100 off $500 purchases
$250 off $1,000 purchases
_________
Acccessories and Fashion Sales On My Radar
APL – Free travel pack with each pair of shoes purchased and a $20 coupon to use on your next online order, limit 1 coupon per order, some exclusions apply
Banana Republic – 50% off regular priced items, no exclusions, no code needed
It’s that time of year again and the Sephora Holiday Bonus Event starts today for Rouge Beauty Insiders! Sephora Rouge Members have early access starting today 11/1 through 11/6 and can save up to 20% off purchases online and in store with code HOLIDAYSAVE (some exclusions apply). Dates for all tiers are as follows:
Rouge Members can save 20% off 11/1 to 11/11
VIBs can save 15% off 11/7 to 11/11
Beauty Insiders can save 10% off 11/7 to 11/11
I’ve been a Beauty Insider for years and highly recommend you sign up if you’re not one already. As a member you will get access to perks such as early access to events, launches, promotions and more. You can sign up in store or online. The discount is available for multi-use both online and in stores. Does not apply to taxes, shipping and some exclusions (listed at end of post).
I’m rounding up my top makeup picks for eyes, lips, cheeks and complexion. I have so many tried and true favorites it was a challenge to edit down my list but I’ve narrowed down my list to my top picks.
________________
Lip Favorites
I’ve been using the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm and Oil-Infused Lip Tints in Orgasm religiously for months. If you are in search of a pretty flushed pink with hydration I highly recommend both! You can find both in minis in the NARS Orgasm Mini Set (has a blush/highlighter duo, lip balm and lip oil). I think it would make a great gift for holiday. Any of the tinted Oil-Infused Lip Tints are nice as well – I really love Primal Instinct.
Pat McGrath is another favorite and I love every single formula she has launched for lips. The best formula for me is her BlitzTrance Lipstick in Skin Flixx for a pretty everyday neutral. Her Permagel Ultra Lip Pencils in Done Undone and Bare Rose are super long wearing and great lips but better colors. Her LUST Gloss is the best for a smooth cushiony non-sticky gloss (also available in two mini sets).
Charlotte Tilbury is a brand I always have in rotation. You can’t go wrong with her Lip Lustre, Lip Cheat or Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk. They’re the perfect everyday rose neutrals. I’m also really obsessed with her Collagen Lip Bath in Rosy Glow which makes the lips look super full and luscious!
The one lip set I think everyone needs is the Fenty Glossy Posse set. It has 5 minis of the Gloss Bomb and every single color is beautiful. They are sweetly scented like cherry candy and they all have shimmer. Colors include Confetti (iridescent opal), Fu$$y (soft light mauve pink), Pretty Please (shimmery hot pink), Cheeky (hot coral), Hot Chocolit (perfect cocoa shimmer).
________________
Cheek and Highlighter Favorites
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Ghost Edition has been in heavy rotation ever since I bought it. I’ve worn it a lot more than I anticipated and it’s so easy to use for everyday. Since it’s a pricey item I think the Sephora Holiday Event is a great time to save. I also really like the Ambient Lighting Ghost Blush Palette as well for more color.
For palettes the Natasha Denona Biba Palette and Mini Nude Palette are 100% worth the splurge. It’s rare that I like every single color in a palette but both of these are pure love for me. The Biba palette has the most beautiful creamy like powder texture to blend and layer.
For a quick and easy eye the NARS Mini Wanted is also still in frequent use for me. It’s convenient with the mini size. The colors layer beautifully for a full eye look. If you want to go for a splurge you can’t go wrong with any of the Tom Ford Eye Color Quads. I like Honeymoon, Nude Dip and Body Heat the most.
________________
Base Favorites
Foundation and powder favorites remain the same for me. This time of year is a time when I’ll stock up on a concealer or powder to replace what I run out of. Laura Mercier has been the line I’ve used the most these days. I think the reformulated Tinted Moisturizer is excellent for no-makeup makeup days. I really love her Flawless Fusion Longwear Foundation (it’s my favorite!) and her Flawless Fusion Concealer in 2W and 3W are perfect for under eyes and to highlight.
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Pressed Powder in Medium is my holy grail setting powder for a truly perfect blurring effect. I’ve started using the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders again in Dim Light and it’s a nice one to layer on top of my foundation for a subtle glow or to blend out the edges of blush or bronzer for a more diffused look.
In terms of foundation application I swear by the beautyblenders for the best application and blending. Many of you want to know what I recommend for a brush and the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush works to buff and blend liquids or creams.
________________
That wraps up my top makeup picks! To recap the Sephora Holiday Bonus Event starts today for Rouge Members online (with code HOLIDAYSAVE) and in store as well for savings up to 20% off purchases. A separate skin/hair post to follow. Let me know if you want a haul post too!
Per Sephora, here are the exclusions: Valid on merchandise purchases made in Sephora US stores, Sephora Canada stores, Sephora inside JCPenney stores, and on sephora.com and sephora.ca. Offer not valid on jcp.com. On Friday, 11/1/19 in stores only, Rouge client and one guest of Rouge who is a member of the Beauty Insider program and is present at the time of redemption will be eligible for 20% off all merchandise purchases. Not valid on The Ordinary and MAC Cosmetics VIVA GLAM products. Clients are limited to the purchase of one Dyson item and five Morphe items per SKU per transaction. Not valid on in-store services, previous purchases, purchases of gift cards or eGift cards, FLASH, PLAY! by SEPHORA, gift wrapping, packaging, taxes, or shipping & handling charges. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Sephora is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen offer materials or barcodes. Offer has no cash value and may not be altered, sold, bartered or transferred. Rouge status must be attained prior to redemption. No minimum purchase required. Due to heavy demand, Sephora FLASH delivery times cannot be guaranteed for this offer. Not valid on orders shipping outside the US or Canada. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offer or reward. Sephora and JCPenney employees are not eligible for these offers. Sephora may modify or cancel offer at any time.
Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.
The Sephora Beauty Insider Spring Bonus Event opens up to all Beauty Insiders today! It’s available both online and in stores now through 5/6 with the following codes:
Rouge Members receive 20% off purchases with code HEYROUGE
VIBs receive 15% off with code HEYVIB
Beauty Insiders receive 10% off with code HEYINSIDER
If you’re not a Beauty Insider yet you can still join (details here). You’ll get access to events and beauty rewards as you accumulate points with all your purchases. Last week I rounded up my go-to skincare and haircare favorites. Today I’m excited to partner with Sephora to share my Top 25 makeup go-to’s that I use every week. As a beauty blogger I frequently rotate products as I test and review the newest launches. Still many of you want to know what my daily staples are. While I don’t use the same things everyday I do have a handful of products that are in my beauty routine every week without fail. Here are my Top 25!
For primers I often rotate depending on what base I use. Whenever someone asks me “what’s the best primer?” my answer is dependent on what base you use. It’s best to use something that’s compatible, ie oil free primers with oil free bases etc. My most-used primer is the Tatcha Silk Canvas (6). It helps keep everything in place on my face and works with most of my foundations. They now have it in a mini size which I just bought! I’m restocking on the full size because I’m nearly out of my larger one.
____________
Set
Long-time readers can guess what my favorite setting powders are because you will usually see the same powders used in every single makeup breakdown. For loose powder my top picks are Laura Mercier Translucent Loose (7) and Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder (8). Both work to set every kind of liquid or cream foundation without looking cakey or heavy. They keep everything looking soft and matte without looking dry. For pressed powders I swear by the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish (9) for a perfect blurred finish and the La Mer Pressed in Light or Medium (10) for a sheer natural finish.
____________
Blush
I like to keep things glowy and soft for blush on most days so I prefer blushes that have a little shimmer and glow mixed in. For the person who is afraid to wear blush the Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic (11) blushes are really perfect. They have two shades in each compact to give you depth and dimension without looking overdone. My most-worn shade is Love Glow which is a perfect pinky peach. If you want a nude opt for First Love (best nude blush ever) or Pillow Talk for that perfect pinky brown flush. I also love layering Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes (12) on because they have highlighter and pigment in one. Incandescent Electra is my go-to soft coral.
____________
Eyes
My go-to eye makeup products are the ones that are easy to use. For brows I alternate between the Diorshow Brow Styler (13) in Universal Brown or Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (14) in Medium Brown or Caramel (depending on my highlights). They come with a spoolie at the end to brush out. I love that they have a twist up format so no sharpening required! I also use the Hourglass Arch Fiber Brow Gel (15) on a regular basis to groom and fill in brows without looking too heavy.
For eyeshadows I swear by the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks (16). I use these almost daily as an all over base for powder shadows or just on easy makeup days for an all over wash. Rose Gold and Copper are the best shades for me! I also really love the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Shadow (17) in Bette. It’s the perfect shimmering gold for a lid color.
For eyeshadow palettes my go-to’s have changed over the years from neutral to more neutral warm. Since moving to Florida and getting more tan I find I’ve gravitated towards warmer colors! My top two palettes are Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Honeymoon (18) which is my second one because I’ve used it so much and hit pan and the new Natasha Denona Mini Nude Eyeshadow Palette (19) which I’ve used every week since discovering it. Both offer a complete eye look with light and deep shades.
The best shimmer shadow is the Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows (20). Anytime someone asks me what my shimmer shadow is, it’s usually one of these layered on top of powder shadow for that added glow! I think every color is a must-have. I bought every single one and love them but the two colors that get the most compliments are Blaze and Smoke.
Below wearing the Pillow Talk Liner, adding Fenty Glow on the right:
____________
That wraps up my most-used go-to makeup products that I have in rotation every single week! Some product categories are missing because I rotate each week and can’t commit to just one or two! For example I probably alternate highlighters the most frequently because sometimes I like liquid, other days I prefer powder. Same goes for eyeliner, mascara, etc.
I hope you enjoyed this makeup roundup! I can share what I ended up hauling if you’re interested (let me know in the comments)! In the meantime here is what I plan on hauling during the Beauty Insider event. I already picked up a few things but will probably make one more stop for some more things to try.
To recap, event is going on both in stores and online at Sephora:
Rouge Members receive 20% off purchases with code HEYROUGE
VIBs receive 15% off with code HEYVIB
Beauty Insiders receive 10% off with code HEYINSIDER
Shop my favorites in this post, face, cheeks and eyes:
Favorites for lips:
Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsor this post! Press samples featured include the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose, Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip, Pat McGrath LUST Gloss, Hourglass Veil Powder. As always all opinions my own.
Happy Friday! I have an Instagram roundup on some outfits and accessories I’ve been loving lately. A few of you have asked for more info on sizing/scale of the mini bags I’ve posted in a few flatlays so I’m sharing all the details today!
Quick note that a few retailers are having sales going on right now that you might want to take advantage of. Many of my accessories are on sale!
Shopbop’s sale ends April 13th (extended by one day) with code EVENT19 you can save 20% off orders under $500 and 25% off orders over $500
Nordstrom is price matching a lot of the items from the Shopbop Sale (you’ll have to search by brand or product name)
Tory Burch is having a sale event through April 15th, 20% off $200, 25% off $350 and 30% off $500 (there are quite a few exclusions), use code SPRING
J.Crew is having a sale with 50% off sale styles and 40% off everything else, online only with code SALEUPGRADE, ends April 15th (update)
I did a quick series on Instagram Stories about one of my Ark Bags. This one shown above was a gifted dupe and it’s a very well made one. The differences between the real Cult Gaia and this one are slight, I wish I knew where it was from but it was a gift and I’m a little embarrassed to ask! A few of you mentioned you think it’s this one from Amazon or possibly this one from Tuckernuck. Based on what I’ve seen for the bamboo/wood ones the dupes are very well constructed. If I knew where my exact dupe was from I would 100% buy it.
My favorite sandals this season are from Sam Edelman. I bought a couple pairs and these Gala Sandals are on sale at Shopbop. They run true to size and are very comfortable.
I recently rediscovered J.Crew denim, I always thought their jeans were pricey but with the sales it makes them 100% worth it. The 9 inch high rise has a good fit where it doesn’t feel like they are falling off like lowrise ones. No belt needed for this style and at the same time they aren’t too high it makes me feel like I’m wearing pants up to my chest. They’re a little stretchy but still sturdy enough to hold everything up and in! My favorites however are still from Paige in the Verdugo Ankle style (any color). Out of all the brands/styles I’ve tried I think Paige has the most flattering cuts and fit.
My curiosity got the best of me and I felt like I just had to know what the original was like. I bought the real Cult Gaia Ark Bag in the Mini Size Natural Color from Nordstrom (also available at Shopbop) and think it’s SO cute. The real ones have the Cult Gaia branding inside the handle and in between the strips are tiny round beads while the dupes usually have a gap with the clear plastic showing. I’m 5’3″ and find minis fit my frame better in general but they aren’t always practical because of how little they hold. The mini measures 6.25 inches tall, 9 inches long, 2.5 inches deep. (Scroll down for a photo of me wearing the mini.) I think it’s the cutest thing ever and it is big enough to hold my wallet, phone, keys, a compact, sunglasses and a couple lipsticks. I do think the bigger sizes, even the small is more practical to hold more things without overwhelming your frame. I’m keeping the mini I bought and my gifted dupe – think both are the perfect summer bag, even years after it originally launched. If you want something more unique opt for the Tortoise or pretty Acrylic Colors, I love the blue and melon colors!
Quick note on my sunglasses from Rayban, the style code I have is RB2185 and I have the polarized options which are slightly more expensive than the non-polarized versions. I did not realize this until after I bought mine. I know people say polarized sunglasses have better protection for the eyes, but sometimes I don’t like the way they shift colors. I still really love mine and I own quite a few polarized sunglasses. Just wanted to tell you in case you wanted to know or wanted something around $50 cheaper opt for the regular versions.
I’ve had the Staud Mini Shirley bag for a little over a year now and love it! As with the minis vs small, I do like my mini, but the bigger options are going to be a lot more practical. I wish I bought the small size but since I use this for days I only carry essentials. It’s perfect for date nights or quick trips out. It doesn’t have a shoulder strap or long handle to throw over the arm which is the only downside to this style for me. They did just launch another clear option called the Clear Bissett Bag which seems more practical if you need a longer handle to hold over the shoulder or want something a little bigger around.
These style Tory Burch Emmy Sandals run a little small, I’d recommend going a 1/2 size up. I normally wear 6.5 in their millers, with these I opted for a 7. The classic Millers are still the most comfortable as the sole of these are stiffer, but they’re still easy to wear for me.
I bought the AGolde Parker Shorts the last time Shopbop had a sale and this was the first time I tried high rise shorts. They’re on the high side as described but it’s a nice change from the shorter lower waist options I’ve tried. Color shown is Swapmeet which is a lighter blue and they have some fun distressing giving them a more casual vibe. I also love the color Rock Steady which is a more traditional classic blue jean color.
To this day Tory Burch Millers are still my favorite sandals. The sand patent has lasted the longest for me. I’ve worn my others TO DEATH and they are starting to wear, but they have lasted probably 5 years and I’ve worn them EVERYWHERE so I think they were well worth the splurge. My brown leather ones have seen better days – but they have lived through a lot of travel, rain, humidity and moving. I’m planning to repurchase and replace them soon.
Another sale splurge last month was the Clare V Petite Sandy and I did not realize how small it was going to be even after checking the dimensions online. I still love it and think it’s the perfect size for me! (See one photo down to see how small it is.) The larger Sandy is more of what I envisioned this being like though because it’s bigger and has a longer strap to hold over the shoulder. You can buy a separate shoulder strap from Clare V for a lot of their bags which is something I’m considering for my petite option.
Another pair of Sam Edelman shoes I’ve been loving are the Beckie Style in Natural Raffia (runs true to size for me). They have a similar style called Bay Cutout which has solid/smooth leather but I have not tried those yet. The Beckie options are the woven material and it’s very sturdy and comfortable with a slight cushion like the Gala.
___________________
By request, a few mirror selfies to show scale of the bags. I’m 5’3″ and 118 pounds (I’ve gained weight with our indulgent Miami vacation eating and have also gained muscle weight with our weight training). The struggle to stay fit is real when there are so many tempting good food places to try when you travel. I’ve been fluctuating like a yoyo.
Left photo:
AG Robyn Denim Jacket is the softest denim jacket I’ve bought, I sized up a little wearing a Small
Re/done Ribbed Tank runs super small, I bought a Medium and think I could have sized up even more, but it works
One last post from Instagram! I mentioned the Anthropologie Cloudfleece top a while back and a lot of you wanted to know what it looked like on. I posted a photo sharing the Mint color. It’s super soft and lightweight and hangs nicely for a relaxed fit. I’m wearing the XS here.
You also wanted to know how big/small the Tory Burch Marsden Crossbody is on me. It measures 9.25 by 5.5 and 1.25 deep. Here it is on me over the shoulder and worn as a crossbody. I wish it had an adjustable strap to make it a tad bit shorter but it’s easy to wear and most of you are taller than me so it’s probably going to be the perfect length! I wear it all the time and it has some slots inside to put cards so you don’t need a wallet. I’ve owned it since last July and it’s held up very well even in Florida humidity and rain.
I hope you found this roundup helpful to answer all your questions! Let me know if you have any other ones. If you’re shopping the Shopbop sale it ends today April 13th so make sure to check it out!
