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Holiday Gift Guide Nordstrom

Last Minute Gift Ideas Under $100

December 8, 2022

Best Holiday Gift Ideas Under $100

Happy Thursday! With Christmas right around the corner I wanted to share a few more gift guides for those still looking for last minute gifts! I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share some of my favorites. Here are 15 gift ideas for the beauty lover all under $100! Many are under the $50 price point.

Best Holiday Gift Ideas Under $100 Nordstrom Beauty

Laura Mercier has so many great beauty staples perfect for the woman who wants to look polished in a natural way. The Laura Mercier Flawless Encounter Translucent Loose Setting Powder & Puff Set ($40) is super cute with the holiday design and it’s one of my favorite powder formulas.

For the person who loves sweet scents the Laura Mercier Party of Three Hand Cream Gift Set ($35) makes for a great chic stocking stuffer.

Laura Mercier Mini Hand Cream Trio Holiday 2022

For the hair care lover Oribe is the ultimate gift for luxury hair care. For those new to the line the Oribe Obsessed Discovery Set ($49) is a great introduction to the line. I bought this for myself for an upcoming trip.

Oribe Obsessed Discovery Set

I love silk scrunchies and think the Slip Ornament Silk Skinny Scrunchie Set ($25) is another cute find. Each year they have an ornament style with cute colors. I think this is great for any age!

Slip Ornament Silk Skinny Scrunchie Set

For the perfume lover there are tons of great discovery sets and candle gift options. If you like fresh and uplifting bright scents the Tory Burch Essence of Dreams Discovery Set ($65) has all five fragrances in a cute boxed bundle.

Jo Malone has beautiful luxurious gifts! The Wood Sage & Sea Salt Discovery Set ($48) has all of my favorites in one small but chic boxed set. They have a few variations with different scent options in case you’re looking for something different.

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Discovery Set

Nest makes the best affordable luxury candles (in my opinion). I always buy their Festive Votive Set ($48) every year for someone on my list. Love that it’s packaged beautifully so no extra work required for wrapping!

Nest Festive Votive Set

For the beauty lover/girl on the go I love Westman Atelier. She makes effortless beauty products for the person who likes a natural look and can touch up on the go. Love the Squeaky Clean and Cheeky Duos ($48). There are two variations with Ma Puce + Chouchette (one I’m wearing) or Nana + Bichette.

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean and Cheeky Duos Ma Puce + Chouchette

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean and Cheeky Duos Ma Puce + Chouchette

If you’re new to Charlotte Tilbury skincare the Magic Mini Skincare Duo ($44) is a great starter duo. I really like the Magic Cream and everyone I’ve gifted it to really loves it as well.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mini Skincare Duo

Diptyque is always a win with holiday. So much to love from the line and I think they hands down have the best versatile sets and options for any age, style or gender! I love the Diptyque Sapin Room Spray ($48) and Candle ($84, also available in the small size for $48). Their holiday designs are stunning.

Diptyque Sapin Holiday 2022

The Diptyque Mini Candle Set ($95) is quite a splurge but makes for a great starter set whether you’re gifting yourself or another.

Diptyque Mini Candle Set Holiday 2022

For the home I really can’t rave enough about the Diptyque Softening Hand Wash ($65) and Velvet Hand Lotion ($67). Both are packaged in beautiful glass jars and are refillable.

Diptyque Softening Hand Wash and Velvet Hand Lotion

Last but not least Venus Et Fleur is another favorite of mine. Nordstrom carries a selection of their roses that smell incredibly beautiful and they do really last a year! Mine have lasted over a year and I absolutely love them. The Classic Le Mini Round comes in a wide range of base and rose colors to pick from. I have several but love the Pink Suede with Pink Rose and Merlot Suede with the Blush Rose the most.

Venus Et Fleur Classic Le Mini Round Rose

Holiday Gift Guide Nordstrom Beauty 2022

That wraps up my holiday gift guide with ideas under $100! If you’re looking for last minute gifts I hope you found this helpful! Don’t forget to check out the Gift With Purchase page before you shop – some are online only and some are in-store too.

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Beauty Favorites Holiday Gift Guide Nordstrom

15 Luxury Gift Ideas Everyone Will Love For the Home

November 11, 2022

Luxury Gift Ideas for the Home

Sharing a roundup today of some Luxury Gift Ideas that will elevate the home! I think these are universally loved and will fit into anyone’s home regardless of style or taste. You can find all of these available at Nordstrom. They have lots of great gift ideas at every price point.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Nordstrom

Jo Malone and Diptyque Room Sprays
Room sprays are such a great way to refresh the home. They are a nice alternative to candles and I finally splurged on the Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin Room Spray which is a classic fresh clean scent. It’s one I think is a signature Jo Malone scent so unique and lovely.

I’m a huge fan of Diptyque Room Sprays too. They have very good throw and the scents have a high quality feel to them. Baies is a classic blackcurrant and rose scent I think everyone will love but Gingembre is fun for the holiday season.

Jo Malone Travel Candle Trio and Accessory Set

Jo Malone has lots of great sets during this time of year. I spotted the Travel Candle Trio and Accessory Set which comes with Pine and Eucalyptus, Line Basil and Mandarin, English Pear and Freesia and a decorative lantern. I think it’s such a fun set to gift. For those who want continuous scent the Jo Malone Diffusers are also really beautiful.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround Diffuser

I have collected Diptyque candles for as long as I can remember and I look forward to every holiday launch. The holiday designs are different every year which makes them extra special. My favorite is Sapin (pine). It’s one I love to light every Christmas. Neige is a lovely powdery white musk and Etincelles is a spicy scent. These are also available in the small size and a cute Holiday Trio Set.

Diptyque Holiday Candles 2022 Sapin, Neige, Etincelles

Luxury hand care is always a treat whether it’s a fancy hand cream or hand wash. I’ve gifted the Diptyque Softening Hand Wash to numerous people in my life but never bought one for myself. Andrew’s favorite is the Le Labo Hinoki Hand Wash and his is running low in his bathroom so I bought this to surprise him since he loves anything in beautiful fancy packaging.

Diptyque Softening Hand Wash

They also make an Exfoliating Hand Wash and a Velvet Hand Lotion in similar style glass bottles which I have my eye on. I think any of these would make great gifts for even the pickiest person on your holiday list. Love that these also have refills you can purchase separately.

Byredo Suede Hand Wash and Lotion

Byredo makes some lovely scents for hand care as well. I love the Suede Hand Wash scent for a nice warm and cozy kind of fragrance. I sometimes will use it as a body wash because it smells so good. I wish they’d make this into a candle or perfume! Also available in a Hand Lotion.

Slip Silk Mask and Jo Malone Pillow Spray

A fancy silk sleep mask is another great gift idea. I love the ones from Slip. They’re 100% worth the splurge and come in a number of different colors. You can always pair it with a pillow mist. I love the Jo Malone Moonlit Chamomile spray but the Lavender and Moonflower is also lovely.

Tory Burch Essence of Dreams Discovery Set

This year Tory Burch launched perfumes and they released the Essence of Dreams Discovery Set this season! A perfume sampler is always fun to try out. I think any of these mini perfume sets are great for the fragrance lover.

Venus Et Fleur Classic Le Mini Round

Venus Et Fleur is guaranteed to impress! They make preserved roses that really do last a year (for me some have lasted even longer). The Classic Le Mini Round comes in a number of different color combinations for the base and rose. I love that you have lots of options to choose from. The arrangements are quite the splurge but the single roses are more affordable for gifting to special friends or to treat yourself.

I also wanted to give more love to the Casper Glow Lights. I’ve written about these before and can’t rave enough about them. They’re quite expensive but I love how easy and portable these lights are. Simply flip it over to turn it on. They are also rechargable and you can control the brightness by twisting it. Both Andrew and I love them and think they would make great gifts.

Jo Malone Moonlit Camomile Pillow Mist

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Hostess and Home

That wraps up my gift guide with favorite home scents and gift ideas! I think any of these would make nice hostess gifts too. Would love to hear what you gift during the holiday! Let me know in the comments!

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

New Beauty Launches for Fall

September 7, 2022

New Fall Beauty Launches Nordstrom

Fall beauty is trickling in and I have a mini haul with first impressions to share with picks from Nordstrom Beauty today! So many of you expressed interest in the new foundation from Westman Atelier and the Cle de Peau lipstick reformulation. I’m excited to have swatches and thoughts to share with you today!

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Foundation & Stick Foundation Review VI

The Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Foundation is one of the most requested products to review and I ordered Shade VI to try. I picked it based on the color I use in the Vital Skin Foundation Stick and it’s a perfect match.

The Vital Skincare Complexion Foundation is one of the most dewy radiant bases I’ve tried. It has very natural coverage and is sheerer than the stick formula. I would say this is for normal to dry or dry skin types. It gives the skin a fresh faced glow. I like to use this layered with the stick foundation for more coverage and absolutely need to set with a powder. I like how natural it looks and skin feels well hydrated with this formula. For me it is a good layering base. I personally need more coverage to even out my skin so this is not one I can wear alone. Lasting power is pretty good for something this dewy – as long as I set with a powder well it stays looking fresh through the early afternoon without any touch ups needed.

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Foundation & Stick Foundation Review VI

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Foundation Shade VI

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Concealer

There are quite a few new concealers out and I think the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Concealer just might be one of my favorites. I wear either Shade 6 or 7 neutral in her Beautiful Skin Foundation so I ordered the concealer in Shades 6, 6.5 and 7.5 to try. The colors seem to run a lot lighter than the corresponding number for the foundations but they do warm up a bit on the skin once they set. Shade 6 is what I like for brightening under the eyes and it turned out to be warmer and a bit darker than 6.5.

I love the buildable coverage. It blends out nicely and brightens my under eye perfectly. Love that it doesn’t cake or crease. Lasting power is excellent. It’s pretty much everything I want in an under eye concealer.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Concealer

I have it swatched below next to the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealers, Cle de Peau Concealer and the YSL Touche Eclat Concealer.

Concealer Swatches Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Cle de Peau, YSL

Cle de Peau has reformulated quite a few of their items and I ordered one of the Luminizing Face Enhancers in Shade 203 to try. I own this color in the older formula and am really impressed with the new one. It has more pigment and shimmer payoff compared to the original. The new one is still natural looking on the skin for a radiant multi-dimensional shimmer.

Cle de Peau Luminizing Face Enhancers in Shade 203

For the eyes I’ve been loving all the new Chanel launches. The Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tweed Palettes are stunning. For fall I think the Shade 02 Tweed Pourpre has a lovely mix of purples for the season. I rarely wear purples but this one ended up being very wearable for me. I also picked up the new Les 4 Ombres 58 Intensite which keeps selling out but I highly recommend tracking it down when it restocks! It has a neutral-cool toned color palette for plums. I swatched it next to Warm Memories for comparison.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tweed Pourpre and Intensite

Chanel Eyeshadow Swatches Tweed Pourpre, Intensite, Warm Memories

wearing Chanel Les 4 Ombres Intensite below

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Intensite

The Chanel Noir Allure Mascara is a winner for me! It comes in the same style as the Rouge Allure Lipsticks in the most beautiful pop up case. I like the formula although I don’t think it will be for everyone. It’s a nice defining mascara that doesn’t clump or smudge. It holds the curl nicely but there are other formulas that are better at volumizing and thickening (like the Le Volume de Chanel).

Cle de Peau Lipstick Reformulation 2022

Cle de Peau Lipstick Reformulation 2022

Cle de Peau Lipstick 11 Triumphant Tawny

Cle de Peau Lipstick 12 Power Mauve

Cle de Peau Lipstick 13 Positively Playful

Cle de Peau Shine Lipstick 211 Influential

Last but not least I have a quick look at the new reformulated Cle de Peau Lipsticks. I tried all three formulas in their Regular Lipstick, Lipstick Matte and Lipstick Shine. I’ve always thought Cle de Peau foundations were well worth the splurge but had mixed feelings about their lipsticks until now. The reformulation is incredible. At $65 each these are very spendy but the pigment is just beautiful. They have a smooth texture, rich color payoff and a lovely finish. Great lasting power and colors. The shines are sheerer than the other formulas but they have a beautiful glossy finish.

I have four of them on the lips below. My favorite is 13 Positively Playful although 11 Triumphant Tawny is a beautiful nude pink.

New Fall Beauty Launches Nordstrom

That wraps up my mini beauty haul! Lots more newness coming out this month! What do you have on your radar for fall beauty?

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Nordstrom

New Beauty Launches To Put On Your Radar

August 12, 2022

New Beauty Launches from Nordstrom

Happy Friday! New beauty launches for the summer to fall transition have arrived – there’s lots of new beauty at Nordstrom right now – new skincare, fragrance launches, makeup and more. I have a look at some of the things I’ve tried recently and love.

New Hourglass Foundation

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation and Veil Mineral Primer

Hourglass launched a new foundation called the Ambient Soft Glow Foundation and so many of you asked for a review on this one. Their foundations have been hit or miss for me but this one is a hit. It’s one of the best long-wear full coverage bases I’ve tried. It’s a liquid formula with full opaque coverage. A little goes a long way.

I like it best when applied over the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer and Augustinus Bader The Cream. It looks great when applied with a brush. I love their Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush but also bought their new Ambient Foundation Brush to try and love how soft, dense and plush it is. Foundation has a semi-matte velvety finish but with a light diffusing effect so it’s not completely matte. I wear Shade 9 (medium with warm tones).

NARS Laguna Extensions

NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer 01, 02 and 03

NARS extended the shades of their popular Laguna Cream Bronzer and I think it’s great that they did! It has the Monoi de Tahiti Oil and has that scent to it, but it’s not overpowering and did not irritate my skin. There are 5 shades total now, I have 3 swatched for you. I love Shade 01 as a light contour, but for a regular bronzer to warm up the complexion Shade 02 (the original) is best for me. It’s creamy, easy to blend, matte, and neutral in undertone.

Below wearing the Hourglass Foundation + NARS Cream Bronzer on the complexion, sweater tank here 

NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer 02

NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer 02

Swatched below next to the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Bronzers I have (which are more matte in finish) and the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Creams (a bit warmer in undertone).

NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer swatches vs Charlotte Tilbury and Chanel

Cheek Favorites

For cheeks Laura Mercier added a new cheek formula and I love it. The new Rose Glow Blush Color Infusion shades are a mix of blush and highlighter in one so they give the skin a nice glow without that sharp highlight. I have two of them, Peach Shimmer is a soft diffused peach shimmer and All That Sparkles is a soft pink shimmer. I added a swatch of the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow below for comparison.

I’ve been getting so much love from you for Westman Atelier! I will try to do a full feature on what I’ve tried from her line soon. A lot of you wanted to know my favorite shade of blush from her line and right now I love the Baby Cheeks in Petal. I also have and wear Chouchette and Minette often but Petal is the one I reach for the most.

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Blush Color Infusion and Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Blush Color Infusion and Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks

New Charlotte Tilbury

I’m a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows. I own almost every single color she has launched (Rose Gold and Star Gold are my favorites). She just added three new shades in Golden Eclipse (repromoted from a previous NSALE) which is a shimmery gold, Sunlit Glow (duochrome pink gold peach mix) and Exagger-eyes (shimmery taupe with silver sparkles). I swatched the shade extensions to most of the existing colors. I love these for the creamy emollient texture and beautiful shimmers.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows swatches

New Fall Beauty Launches Nordstrom

New Lip Formulas

For lips there is lots to fall in love with this time of year. Armani added new shades to the Lip Power formula and I love Shade 109 for a neutral everyday rose.

Armani Lip Power 109

Armani Lip Power 109

Gucci Gorgeous Flora Glow and Care Shine Lipstick in They Met in Argentina is a new color and I love everything about it from the limited-edition pink floral packaging, shiny glossy finish and warm color. It’s one of the best colors that brightens the face but isn’t so bright it’s bold (if that makes sense).

Gucci Gorgeous Flora Glow and Care Shine Lipstick in They Met in Argentina

Gucci Gorgeous Flora Glow and Care Shine Lipstick in They Met in Argentina

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Lipsticks are beautiful blurred mattes. I limited myself to try one to see if I liked the formula with Mull It Over (warm spice) and I love it. It’s warmer and bolder than my usual nude or rose pink lip, but I love it. Glides on smoothly, doesn’t look dry even though it’s matte, gives lips a blurred effect. I definitely want to try more shades!

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Lipstick Mull It Over

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Lipstick Mull It Over

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayons are amazing. If you’re a fan of twist up chubby sticks these are gorgeous. They glide on beautifully, hug the lips and the colors are stunning. I’ve swatched two below, I haven’t had a chance to try all the other shades but will soon. Maia is a gorgeous healthy soft pink and Alma is a pink red on me.

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayons

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayons Maia

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayons Alma

Lip Swatches

New Beauty Launches from Nordstrom

That wraps up my mini new beauty roundup! The Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch Foundation and Water-Fresh Blush are finally available at Nordstrom now (love both). New shades of Rouge Allure and Le Vernis have popped up online too. I also have the new Tory Burch Essence of Dreams perfumes on my radar and ordered some of the new Cle de Peau lipsticks in the Satin, Matte and Shine formulas! Lots to look forward to trying in the near future.

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What’s on your radar right now for new beauty?

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom Skincare

Summer Skincare Saviors

July 18, 2022

Summer Skincare Favorites

It’s been a while since I’ve done a skincare roundup and with summer in full swing I have an updated routine with my favorites for clean and clear skin. With the heat, sunscreen and extra sweat my skin is prone to getting clogged and irritated. If you also experience the same issues during the summer, I have my current go-to’s I swear by from Nordstrom. These are my favorites to help clear out the pores and keep skin looking fresh!

Cleansers

Best Summer Skincare Cleansers Elemis, Chanel, Kiehls

Long time readers know I’m a fanatic about cleansing my skin. Keeping skin super clean and making sure I remove all traces of sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day is essential but with long wear makeup formulas it can be tricky. I rotate cleansers and use different formulas for morning vs afternoon.

Using a good makeup remover whether it’s a cleansing balm or cleansing oil is always a must. It helps break down foundation, concealer, blush etc.

I really love the Chanel Sublimage L’Huile En-Gel De Demaquillage Gel-To-Oil Cleanser ($110). I love it because it’s less messy than a regular liquid oil. The gel melts right into the skin and has that signature Sublimage scent (obsessed!). It makes the skin feel super soft and smooth and clean!

For a good cleansing oil I am currently loving the Chanel L’Huile Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil ($50, on my third bottle) and the Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil ($53) is a classic I’ve repurchased multiple times too.

For my second step cleanser I love a wide range of brands but right now am rotating between the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash ($52) and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser ($23). Both are really good for cleansing the skin without stripping it.

Toners

Best Toners Sisley and Kiehl's

I always follow with a toner to help rebalance the skin and make sure all traces of cleanser and makeup are removed. My two go-to’s right now are from Kiehls and Sisley. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner ($12 – $20) helps moisturize the skin and refine texture. I also swear by the Sisley Balancing Floral Toning Lotion ($115) which is the best alcohol-free formula I’ve used.

For texture and resurfacing, the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads ($59) have been the best resurfacing pads I’ve tried. There’s no stinging, no uncomfortable residue, and really works for smoother skin. You can use these daily but I use them 2x per week.

Pore Cleaning Masks

Best Pore Cleansing Masks Kiehl's and Glamglow

To keep the pores clear and clean I use Glamglow. The Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ($25-86) is one I cannot live without (Value Set for $69 here). Anytime I feel like pimples or clogged pores are surfacing I use this and it’s the most effective AHA and BHA acid mask for problem skin. Charcoal helos absorb excess oil and toxins. Apply a thin layer and leave it on for 5-20 minutes (I usually leave it on for 10). Rinse thoroughly.

I also really love charcoal based masks/cleansers and the Glamglow SUPERCLEANSE Clearing Cream-to-Foam-Cleanser ($32) and SUPERSMOOTH Acne Clearing 5-Minute Mask ($34) are essential for my summer routine. Both are gentle enough for me to use daily but I usually have these in rotation 2-3x per week. Andrew loves these too. They’re great to absorb excess oil without stripping the skin.

Glamglow SUPERSMOOTH Acne Clearing 5-Minute Mask

If you have ultra sensitive skin the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask Set ($40, NSALE) is the best gentle pore mask I’ve tried.

Moisturizer Routine

Sisley Skincare Favorites Black Rose

Sisley Black Rose Infusion Cream

I rotate with oils and moisturizers but really love the Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream ($220) right now. It’s the perfect lightweight moisturizer for a fresh glow. I use this as a first layer then add the Sisley Double Tenseur Moisturizing Gel ($210) on top for my perfect smooth base. They’re quite the splurge but there’s nothing quite like either!

For eye treatments I love the Sisley Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid ($165). It’s another expensive buy but 100% worth the splurge if you want a really nice lightweight eye cream. Right now Nordstrom has the Black Rose Set for the Anniversary Sale which has the full size cream, eye fluid and mini black rose mask ($230 on sale, $415 value).

La Mer Luminous Renewal Set Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022

La Mer is always a nice luxurious treat. I splurged on the La Mer Luminous Renewal Set ($95) from the NSALE which has travel sizes of the Cleansing Foam, The Treatment Lotion, Renewal Oil and Moisturizing Soft Cream. If you have dry skin they also have this set with the regular Crème de la Mer in the Radiant Hydration Set (also $95).

La Mer Micro Peel Review

The last thing I wanted to highlight is a new try! La Mer recently launched The Micro Peel ($270). It is a leave-on resurfacing peel treatment with AHAs, BHAs and PHAs to polish the skin and clear pores. I just started using it at night 1x to 2x per week. It has a bi-phase formula so you shake the bottle to activate the formula and mix contents. Use on clean skin and don’t rinse. You can add moisturizer on top if you want but I’ve been applying it on its own. It has a minimal tingle and I really like it so far. Will keep you posted as I can test more!

Summer Skincare Saviors Nordstrom

Sunscreen is also a very important part of my summer skincare routine but I’ve saved that for a future post (coming very soon!).

You can find all of my picks available at Nordstrom.

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own. All products purchased by me.

Haircare

Two Ways To Use the ghd Platinum+ 1 Inch Styler

July 12, 2022

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in full swing right now and one of my favorite hair styling tools is part of the sale for their Beauty Exclusives! I was recently able to test out the ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler and it’s my new holy grail styling tool for getting a smooth sleek look. It’s a versatile tool that you can also use to curl your hair. Available in Black and White on sale for $187 (33% off, normally $279).

I’m excited to share a closer look demo of how to use ghd Platinum+ Styler. After having tested so many brands of heat tools over the years I can say this one is my favorite for straightening!

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

The ghd Platinum+ Styler is a 1-inch flat iron set at one temperature of 365 degrees fahrenheit. I’ve always used tools with multiple heat settings but learned that ghd has scientifically proven this is the optimum temperature for long lasting style that will also keep hair healthy with the least amount of damage. It will keep your color protected and hair healthy too. The temperature is at the right temperature for effective styling so you can style your hair sections in a single pass.

ghd calls this tool their “ultimate smart styler” because it has “ultra-zone technology.” Sensors are active across both plates and they monitor the heat 250x per second to ensure the temperature remains consistent depending on your hair thickness and the speed at which you use the styler.

I love that it heats up quickly (in 20 seconds), has an automatic shut off mode after 30 minutes and has a wishbone hinge which makes it easy to hold and use. The plates are gloss coated so they glide along the hair easily – no tugging or snagging.

Look 1: Sleek and Smooth

ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

For a smooth, sleek and shiny hair look I first spritz on a heat protectant on dry hair. I tried the ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray ($25) and really like it! It dispenses an ultra-fine mist and coats the hair evenly with a few spritzes. I like that it’s light enough in finish that it doesn’t weight the hair down at all.

Spritz and comb through, then straighten hair in small sections. Below is a look at the finished result! Most people think I have naturally smooth shiny hair but it’s not the case at all. I have thick unruly frizz prone hair. It takes a lot of work and product to keep it looking smooth. This straightener makes styling my hair so much easier.

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

Look 2: Curls

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

You can also use the ghd Platinum+ Styler to curl the hair. I usually wear my hair straight whether it’s air dried, blow dried or straightened. I had quite a few mishaps with curling irons in the past which usually resulted me burning my forehead and fingers (even with gloves). A few tools I’ve tried have been so hot they fried my hair off. The ghd Platinum+ Styler has been perfect for someone like me. It has a rounded edge around the plates and they act like a buffer so there’s no contact with skin (no forehead burns, yay!). I can also hold the outside tip without getting burned. The hinge is easy enough to clamp and close around the hair that you don’t need to hold the end but sometimes it’s nice to – especially if you want to do a back and forth for an almost crimped-like beach wave.

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

To curl I section and clip hair up to curl in layers and sections. I hold the tool upside down and loop sections around the iron away from the face. Once looped just clamp and slowly drag the tool through the hair to the ends. An angled hold and faster speed will give me looser more natural looking curls.

Curls last all day with this tool, even in this Florida humidity although they do relax slightly as time goes on (which I actually like for a more lived-in look).

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ Styler

I really love the ghd Platinum+ Styler! I plan on taking it with me on every trip from now on. You can find it on sale at Nordstrom for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale now through July 31st. Available in both black and white for $187. I highly recommend checking it out!

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Many thanks to ghd and Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Nordstrom Sales

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Haul

July 11, 2022

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives 2022

Today I have a roundup of what I checked out from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives! I was happy to find some good deals and sales, but like most of you, was a little disappointed that the newness was limited. I was hoping for some new pretty palettes, new colors, innovative formulas but most of the makeup items were repeats of existing items packaged into sets.

That being said I do think there are still some great deals to be found. If you’ve had your eye on a simplehuman mirror, ghd flat iron, or T3 hair dryer it’s a great time to save. Or if you’re new to luxury beauty and wanted to try some popular colors like the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk or Westman Atelier there are some nice bundles!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives 2022

Charlotte Tilbury

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives 2022 Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury launched a number of Pillow Talk sets. The Pillow Talk lipstick is one of my favorite go-to lip colors. The Pillow Talk Lip Kit ($59, value is $92) has full sizes of the Matte Revolution Lipstick, Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick and Lip Cheat Lip Pencil. It’s a pretty good deal and makes for a nice gift!

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Swatches

Hyaluronic Happikiss in Pillow Talk + the Eye Pencil Duo and Cheek Products

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick in Pillow Talk

Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk

The Pillow Talk Cheeks Set ($54, retail value is $80) has a full-size Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wand and Cheek to Chic Blush. Both are beautiful everyday staples you can wear year round.

I also picked up the Pillow Talk Eye Shadow Pencil Duo ($35, retail is $58). I love the Colour Chameleon pencils and really love the colors in this kit. The Pillow Talk shade is a gorgeous shimmery pink and the deeper color is a nice plum. Lasting power is really good once these set (recommend blending quickly).

Hourglass & Westman Atelier

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette

Hourglass and Westman Atelier both have repeats in their palettes and sets this year. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette ($68) has Dim Light, Diffused Heat and Luminous Bronze Light. All three colors are easy to wear for an effortless polished look. I already own all three shades individually and in other palettes but bought this as a gift.

Westman Atelier’s Weekend Set

Westman Atelier’s Weekend Set ($138) has three colors in a bundle. I already own all the colors so I didn’t buy it again, but did swatch it below for those of you who haven’t tried them yet.

Hourglass and Westman Atelier swatches

There is also a Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Duo ($57) which Popsicle (bright red) and Nana (nude pink). I really love this formula!

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Duo

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Popsicle

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Nana

MAC Sets

I almost always pick up at least one of the MAC Lip sets. I swatched the two Essential Lipwear Sets and Mini Lipglass Trio for you.

The Essential Lip Wear Set in Pink has some really nice options for fall. It has the Soar Lip Pencil, Nowstalgia Lipglass and Cozy Kisses Lipstick.

MAC Lip Set in Pink

The Essential Lip Wear Set in Neutral has Boldly Bare Lip Pencil, Bare Blanket Amplified Lipstick and Glass Half Full Lipglass (full sizes). The lipstick + gloss colors in the neutral kit pull more warm/orange on me than neutral.

MAC Nordstrom Lip Set Neutral

MAC Lip Swatches

The Lipglass Mini Trio has Hygee Honey (cream beige nude), Cozy Rosy (cool pink) and The Pleasure is Mine (neutral pink).

MAC Mini Lipglass Trio

MAC LIPGLASS SWATCHES

MAC NSALE swatches

Bobbi Brown

I picked up one set from Bobbi Brown. The Dual Ended Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick Duo ($34) is nice, especially for travel! The colors in this set looked perfect for fall although all the colors are repeats. Colors are easy to layer and are also pretty much budge-proof once they set.

NSALE Bobbi Brown Dual Ended Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick Duo

Dual Ended Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick Duo

Fragrances & Skincare

Le Labo Discovery Set

There are tons of fragrance sets and jumbo sizes available too. I picked up the Le Labo Discovery Set since I love having minis in my purse with me on-the-go. Tom Ford has their Soleil Shimmer Body Oil Duo ($75) in the Soleil Blanc and Soleil Neige scents. I love these for a glow and shimmer. The scents are really beautiful too. I already own both of them so didn’t purchase the set again.

Tom Ford Mini Shimmer Body Oils

Le Labo has jumbo sizes of their Hinoki Shower Gel and Hand Soap. Both Andrew and I love these so I bought another one of each. For skincare I picked up the La Mer Luminous Renewal Set ($95) for travel minis.

NSALE Le Labo and La Mer

Hair Tools & Hair Care

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

For me Hair Care and Tools have the best deals for the sale. Oribe has repeats of previous year sets with the Gold Lust Set ($90, I restocked on this) and the Dry Texture + Dry Shampoo Set ($65).

ghd has their Platinum+ Styler* on sale for $187 and this is the best flat iron I’ve tried (full review soon). They also have their Soft Curl 1.25 inch curling iron on sale as well for $133.

ghd Platinum+ Styler

T3 has their Airluxe Hair Dryer* on sale for $133.99 (regular price $199.99) and SinglePass 1.25 Inch Ceramic Curling Iron* on sale for $113.90 (full price $169.99). The Hair Dryer is a really nice one and has multiple heat and fan settings.

NSALE T3 Airluxe Hair Dryer

Mirrors

Nordstrom Beauty Spring Launches Cle de Peau, Jo Malone, Tom Ford

I’ve received a number of questions about the simplehuman Sensor Mirror and Riki Loves Riki Lighted Mirror. I own both and use both. I use the Riki mirror almost everyday since I like to be able to see my whole face when I do my makeup. The simplehuman mirror is better for detail because it’s magnified. They’re both great. I’ve owned both for over 5 years and they’ve held up really well.

That wraps up my look at the Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives! Even though there are a lot of repeats I think there are still some great finds.

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As promised I’m hosting a giveaway! (Not sponsored or affiliated.) One reader will win a $500 eGift card to Nordstrom. All you have to do is enter is complete all the steps in the widget below.

  • Open internationally
  • You must be 18 years or older to qualify
  • Complete ALL the steps in the widget (partial entries will be disqualified)
  • Giveaway will run through July 14 and ONE winner will be selected by me at random through the widget
  • Selected winner will be emailed by me on July 15th and must respond to email within 72 hours or another winner will be selected in their place

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