| Lifestyle | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 Recommendations
From a beauty addict perspective, I'm not incredibly impressed with the sale this year. It appears there aren't too many new and exciting sets or items to purchase. Personally, I already own most of the products that I would have wanted to splurge on. I think this year, it's a good opportunity to purchase staples from brands who are releasing some value sets, products you may have been wanting to try from brands, and devices.
From a fashion perspective, I'm also a little disappointed. Normally, I find myself at least buying a pair of boots but the styles this year just don't appeal to me. Also, while I have some clothing pieces in on my wishlist, they're mostly staples like basic tees and tanks. Again, if you're looking to spend, most of the items on sale will be clothing staples and nothing too exciting or new.
Here are the products that I recommend based on my experience with the products or brands. Also, just some products that are on my radar and what I'll be picking up myself.
For the device alone, it's an incredible deal. I'm a BIG proponent of at-home microneedling devices. While it may seem intimidating and scary, I promise it doesn't hurt at all. It may be irritating at first, but using light pressure at the beginning will still give you incredible results. The basic science behind this device is that when you cause tiny bits of damage to the skin, it initiates a repairing mechanism in the body and strengthens your skin. Essentially, this device causes cell turn over, making your skin smoother, plumper, and because your skincare can penetrate deeper, healthier.
This device helps you get the most out of your skincare by allowing it to sink in deeper and causes your skin to use the ingredients from your skincare to rebuild the skin. I have seen amazing results with this device reducing fine lines and wrinkles. As well as, providing me with a fresh, plump, and smooth complexion. This is one of the few skincare devices that I believe in.
This set comes with a very cute reflective pink device and an additional attachment. Here is everything that comes in the kit:
- Full-size Ultimate Vitamin C Facial Moisturizer (1.7 oz.): a lightweight moisturizer with brightening vitamin C to improve skin's radiance and correct texture and discoloration.
- GloPRO EYE MicroTip Attachment: an attachment head designed to help restore volume to sunken eyes, firm loose skin and smooth fine lines.
- Bright Eyes Colloidal Silver Eye Gels (5 pairs): a best-selling, stay-in-place cooling eye gel to help de-puff, brighten and fill in the appearance of fine lines.
- Skin Prep Pads (5-count): a pad designed for both clinical and at-home use to prep skin by removing impurities prior to your GloPRO treatment.
- Empty Sanitizing Spritzer Bottle
What I love about this device is that it not only does a miconeedling treatment but it also has an antiaging red light therapy that works simultaneously. It also has a gentle vibration that helps the microneedling treatment work more effectively. This device is meant to last a very long time with minimal maintenance, requiring you to only really replace the needle head occasionally.
I'm OBSESSED with this microcurrent device! I bought mine a little under a year ago and it has completely changed my skin! You have to use this device regularly but if you stick with it, you will see your skin and face transform! The science behind this device is that it shoots microcurrents (electrical currents) into your skin causing it to essentially tighten and release, exercising the muscles in your face and the skin itself. This is pretty much a small version of something they use for physical therapy. It strengthens the skin and muscles, toning your face and enhancing the contours of your face.
Besides enhancing the contours of your face, it also helps with fine lines and wrinkles by smoothing and plumping them out over time. This device essentially is a daily workout for your skin and it makes your complexion look so healthy and glowing! After using this device, your complexion will look like you just came from getting a facial! I honestly swear by this device and if I had to recommend one device, it would be this one! It really does make a huge difference in your skin and it's a delight to use. It essentially massages your skin like you would when using a quartz roller or gua sha but with the added enhancement of the microcurrent.
This mini device is more affordable than the full size, which is what initially appealed to me but I find that it can also fit under the eyes and work around smaller crevices of the face. This is why I don't feel like it is necessary to splurge on the full-sized one. This set actually comes with the smaller pen-shaped version that targets under the eyes and other smaller locations.
This set comes with the following:
- Limited-edition mini Device: this small, portable microcurrent facial toning device is FDA-cleared for facial stimulation and gently works to stimulate the larger surface areas of the face to provide a five-minute facial lift. As we age, our body's natural current begins to slow down (just like our metabolism), leading to sagging skin, loss of contour and wrinkles. Microcurrent mimics this natural current and goes beyond skin deep to tone facial muscles while improving contour and skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hydrating Leave-On Gel Primer (2 oz.): A primer that quenches dry skin to ensure optimal microcurrent conductivity and results.
- FIX Serum (0.25 oz.): a serum supercharged with active beauty ingredients that help smooth, brighten and tighten skin while locking in essential moisture to awaken tired eyes, revive skin and restore radiance.
The NuFace Mini has three intensity settings, which is ideal for those just starting out or have sensitive skin. People often find the highest intensity level to be too much, especially when first starting out. Over time, you can build your way to higher settings, as your skin becomes accustomed to it. I also often use aloe vera or any clear gel mask product, instead of the included gel. This is not recommended with this device but I have not had any issues with these replacements. The most important thing is to apply a heavy layer of the gel on your face, it helps the device glide over the skin and makes the experience more comfortable, if you're not used to using a device like this.
I just started using this particular device; however, I have owned several manual dermaplaning tools and have used them for quite some time now. You can't imagine what a huge difference removing peach fuzz off your face makes! This device also helps exfoliate the surface of the skin as it removes any hair. If you've ever wondered why your foundation, bronzer, or blush is applying patchy and uneven, it could be those invisible little hairs! Peach fuzz on the face catches powder and causes bronzers to enhance these hairs on your face.
This device has a gentle vibrating mechanism that helps easily remove the hair off your face and it helps you get very close to the skin. It seems to silly to own a device for this but trust me, once you start using it, you'll understand why it so necessary. Your skincare will absorb better and your makeup will apply flawlessly. You also don't have to use it often, which I appreciate because I want to keep my skincare routine as low maintenance as I can. Also, once you own the device, you just need to buy replacement blades.
I feel like my face is fairly hairy and this device has limited my appointments to get my face threaded. I like that I can quickly and easily remove the hair at home. The shape of this device makes it easy to use and maneuver. The vibrating device does all the work for you, you just need to gently glide the blade against the skin in small strokes. Once you get the hang of it, it's a very fast process.
This set comes with:
- DERMAFLASH ONE Device
- Four DERMAFLASH Edges
- PREFLASH™ Cleanser (0.33 oz.)
- POSTFLASH™ Moisturizer (0.33 oz.)
- Charging Base
SKINCARE
I literally bathe in this stuff! I'm not kidding! I actually use this liquid exfoliant all over my body! I've gone through several bottles of the standard size from using this on both my face and body. This is one of the best BHAs I have ever used. It really helps soften the skin, refines it by shrinking your pores, and smooths any surface texture on the skin. You will get the healthiest and glowiest skin if you use this prior to your serum and moisturizer. This is one of the products that I attribute to transforming the skin on body to the healthy state it's at now. My skin is no longer scaly, it's so much smoother and so much softer. If you aren't already using this, now is the time to sock up on the jumbo-sized version!
MAKEUP
Of course, one of the few beauty pieces I'll be picking up! This beautiful set comes with a new formulation of an old fave, Burnished Amber Eye Color Quad. I never got my hands on the original but I'm very excited to see this quad making a comeback! The warm and rich tones are going to be beautiful for fall and winter. With this set, you pay for the quad and the lipsticks are a bonus. Not a huge value but if you're going to grab the quad, it's nice to also receive a few little freebies.
Set includes:
- Full-size Eye Color Quad in Burnished Amber (0.35 oz.)
- Deluxe-mini Lip Color in Scarlet Rouge (0.03 oz.)
- Deluxe-mini Lip Color in Casablanca (0.03 oz.)
As a dry skin type, I normally avoid primers, especially one that mattify but this one is INCREDIBLE! This primer is one that is always in my collection and I used whenever I need my makeup to last and look FLAWLESS! I recommend it to everyone! This invisible silicone-based primer smooths over all your mores and texture making your complexion so flawless, it's doll-like! Also, this primer is water-resistant, so you can really sweat and run around in your makeup without worrying about it a all. It maintains the look of your complexion from the application until you remove it. The mini powder is a great little bonus to help you really seal everything in place.
Set includes:
- Full-size Veil Mineral Primer (1 oz.): this oil-free, multipurpose primer works hard, concealing redness, minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles and shielding skin with broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection.
- Travel-size Veil Translucent Setting Powder (0.03 oz.): an ultra-refined powder formulated with light-reflecting particles to instantly blur imperfections, in an innovative sifter designed to dispense the perfect amount.
I think Bobbi Brown is highly underrated and I always find the Nordstrom Anniversary sets to be an amazing value for how much product your receive! I bought the set last year and it was amazing quality, came with a lot of product, and was a great travel kit to take with me. This year is no exception you get an incredible palette with a variety of eyeshadows and some cheek colors, a lip gloss, a mascara, and a cute travel bag!
Set includes:
- Eyeshadow and Cheek Palette with shades in Daybreak, High Fidelity Shimmer Wash, Smoky Lilac Metallic, Dahlia, Chelsea Morning Metallic, Earth, Rose Suede, Black Cocoa Metallic (0.02 oz. each); Desert Pink Blush and Medium Bronzing Powder (0.12 oz. each)
- Full-Size Smoky Eye Mascara in Black (0.17 oz.)
- Full-Size High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bellini (0.24 oz.)
- Dual-Brush Applicator
- Deco Travel Case
If you've been wanting the iconic Pillow Talk or are looking for replenishment of your favorite lip color, this set is a fantastic deal. I recently became quite a big fan of the Pillow Talk Intense liner and I can see why everyone raves about this formula. If I didn't own so many lippies already, I might just consider picking this set up. You really get to try a good range of her lip products for a very reasonable price.
Set includes:
- Full-size Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk (0.04 oz.): a waterproof, velvety formula that is the backstage beauty secret for reshaping, resizing and redefining the look of your lips.
- Full-size Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk (0.12 oz.): it enhances the natural shade of your lips for a softer, smoother and more youthful-looking finish.
- Full-size Collagen Lip Bath in Pillow Talk (0.12 oz.): it provides luscious, fuller-looking lips with a high-shine finish.
This mini lip oil duo is quite tempting because the price is so reasonable and if you have a large collection, like me, you'll appreciate the mini sizes. I've heard amazing things about this formula but I have yet to try it. Honestly, I'm really on the fence because it's such a great deal. This set comes with two shades to try and they both look like very wearable shades for a variety of skin tones.
Shades include:
- Solstice (sheer strawberry pink)
- Beausoleil (sheer gold)
Another tempting mini lip set for the luxury lover! This set comes with three beautiful shades of Armani's best selling liquid lip colors. Again, I am very tempted considering the price and the fact that I've been wanting to try this formula for some time. I hear amazing things about this formula and the variety of colors is so great for all skin tones. Aramni makes some amazing lip products and I'm sure this set won't disappoint.
Shades include:
- 400 Four Hundred
- 501 Casual Pink
- 101 Granite
This set looks so beautiful with the two wearable shades of Charlotte's cream eyeshadows. These are a gel-cream texture with a luminous finish, similar to Tom Ford cream shadows. Again, this set is very tempting for me since I love that kind of formula but I do own a lot of cream shadows. I have sampled these cream shadows before and they are excellent. The only part of the set that I'm not crazy about is the mascara. I tried a sample of it before and I found that it smudges on me.
Set includes:
- Exclusive Eyes to Mesmerise in Golden Eclipse and Eyes to Mesmerise in Star Gold (2 at 0.24 oz. each): a clever cream-to-sheen eyeshadow that creates maximum impact with minimum effort.
- Legendary Lashes Volume 2 Mascara (0.27 oz.): a mascara that is Charlotte Tilbury's most miraculous mascara yet, delivering over 500% more volume to lashes.
I am a HUGE fan of this setting spray! I have used it in the most humid and hot conditions with a full face of makeup and let me tell you, it doesn't budge! I even had people comment on the fact that my makeup hadn't move despite the heat and humidity! This set of setting spray will last anyone quite a long time and it is a great deal. If I was going out more, I'd definitely invest in this set.
Set includes:
- Full-size All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (8.11 oz.)
- Travel-size All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (1 oz.)
BODY & FRAGRANCE
I just got into Necessaire and I'm totally obsessed with this body care brand! The brand treats the body on your skin, like the skin on your face. All their products are packed with amazing ingredients, including vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and other nutrient-rich ingredients for amazing skin! The body lotion and body serum (full review here) are essentials in my current body routine and I'm planning one stocking up on this set because it's such a great deal!
I'm a HUGE fan of the Soleil Blanc fragrance and I love the shimmering body oil for night's out! The body oil is in a beautiful glass bottle with a spray nozzle that helps spritz it onto the skin. It smells like summer and it will make you glow! I have a more thorough review of this fragrance range and the oil here. This set is the perfect summer combo of a fresh lip color and shimmering luscious skin.
Set includes:
- Travel-size Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil (1.5 oz.)
- Full-size Lip Color Sheer (0.1 oz.)
This three-piece set seems like an incredible deal for three products to try from their range. The price is significantly lower because all these products are about half the size of the full-sized versions. I've been really into body products lately and I think this will be a great introductory sampler set for the Herbivore body range. I've been a big fan of their skincare products and I have hopes for these products as well. This set is definitely on my list!
Set includes:
- Coconut Milk Bath Soak (4 oz.): an indulgent bath soak with skin-softening organic coconut milk as its base that is perfect for hydrating and softening skin.
- Coconut Milk Body Polish (4 oz.): a blend of gently exfoliating coconut husk and naturally humectant sugar to slough away dead skin cells, revealing fresh and silky-smooth skin.
- Coconut Ultra Hydration Body Oil (2 oz.): a light formula made with coconut oil and CO2 extract to deeply hydrate the skin. Its scent whisks you away to a tropical vacation with each application.
I've been very into fragrance lately and I've been doing som research on popular luxury niche fragrances. This one seems right up my alley because while the notes are described as Juniper berries, nutmeg, coriander, musk, ambery woods, vanilla; I've heard many people describe it as a vanilla rose scent. Those are two of my favorite notes put together, so I'm strongly considering this mini version to try!
Another luxurious niche fragrance in a mini version to try! This fragrance is very tempting for me because I love a fresh rose fragrance and that is exactly how this fragrance is described. The notes are Damascena rose from Bulgaria, Centifolia rose from Grasse, Calabrian bergamot, Californian orange, violet, magnolia, blossom, cedarwood, musk. It has some mixed review with some loving and others not so much but the overall consensus seems to be that it is a modern rose fragrance and it's a great rose fragrance for those who don't typically like rose. I love a modern rose fragrance because rose can be treated to create a very of fashioned scent, which I'm definitely not going for.
I had a accumulated quite a few of this fragrance as a sample and have become quite smitten with it. It is a very fresh fragrance with a little sexy muskiness to it. This scent is one of Jo Malone's more popular fragrances for a good reason. It's easy to wear and easy to please. It's one I would like in my collection but probably not a full size, which is why this miniature set is perfect.
Notes:
- Top: ambrette seeds.
- Middle: sea salt.
- Base: sage.
Set includes:
- Cologne (1.7 oz.)
- Body & Hand Wash (3.4 oz.)
This set comes with travel sprays of Maison Margiela's tow most popular fragrances. I have had many samples of Beach Walk over time and it's always been on my list to get. It's a beautiful beachy fragrance that takes me away to a better place. Lazy Sunday Morning I haven't tried but based on its description of fresh linens, I'm sold. I love a good fresh fragrance that smells like clean laundry. I'm sure it'll be more complex than that considering the quality of their fragrances. I think this set is a great one for anyone who's been eyeing these popular scents for some time.
HAIR
I love Ouai hair products and I'm not even a "hair person" (if you know what I mean). Their hair products are just so beautiful and effortless that even the most hair inept human, like me, can use them perfectly! The hair oil is my favorite hair oil, hands down. I've finished a bottle and I have a new one at home right now. I haven't tried their leave-in conditioner but I have yet to try a product from them I don't like. This is an incredible deal and I highly recommend picking a set up!
Kit includes:
- Hair Oil (1.5 oz.): a lightweight, multitasking oil that fights frizz, prevents heat and UV damage and delivers a high-gloss, super-smooth finish.
-Leave-in Conditioner (4.7 oz.): a multitasking leave-in hair mist with thermal protection to help reduce frizz and flyaways for perfectly smooth, silky hair.
I have heard so many things about the dry texturizing spray and I am so tempted by this great set! The Oribe products have a cult following and it must be for good reason because these products are often very pricey. This set is a great deal for those wanting to try their best sellers! They are even full-sized bottles, which seems to come with a ton of product!
Set includes:
- Full-size Gold Lust Dry Shampoo (6 oz.): a transformative dry shampoo that extends your blowout and prevents hair damage.
- Full-size Dry Texturizing Spray (8.5 oz.): a revolutionary invisible dry spray that builds incredible volume and adds texture to any hairstyle.
FASHION
My fashion picks are very boring but for those who are curious here, they are. I love comfy casual clothing and I went for mostly basics because you always need basics. They can easily be dressed up or down depending on your needs.
Zella High Waist Studio Pocket 7/8 Leggings - $42.90
Even before the pandemic, I lived in these comfortable leggings and I even wore them to work! No one knew they we're activewear but I got to be comfortable. Now, that my office is my home, my dress code really hasn't changed much. These are some of the best leggings I own and they're very reasonably priced, even better when on sale!
Zella Rhythm Sports Bra - $14.90
The other part of my work uniform these days is a sports bra. It's comfortable and supports but mostly it's super comfortable. Especially, since it's been quite hot lately, this has become my usual lounge and work outfit. I've been meaning to get some new ones and these are great quality for the price.
Chelsea28 Ribbed Off the Shoulder Sweater - $49.90
There's nothing I love more in fall and winter than an off the shoulder sweater. I've been slowly accumulating the shoulder sweaters because they're so comfy, cute, and a little sexy. This one looks so soft and comfortable. I love the variety of shades it comes in and it looks like it has the perfect amount of slouch I like in a sweater.
Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt - $12.90
Who doesn't love a basic tee in every color? These cute cotton tees are great for everyday wear and they offer a few different colors.
Halogen Absolute Camisole - $11.90
Very basic and boring but most of my camis have holes in them, so I thought it would be a good time to replace them. Perfect for wearing under pieces or alone, who doesn't love a cami?
Joe's Charlie High Rise Skinny Jeans - $99.90
Of the brands on sale, I'm a big fan of Joe's jeans. I've had pairs that I have worn for years with a single hole in them! They are well made, have a flattering cut that forms to the body, and they're timeless. Not that I'm going anywhere but I do need a new pair of jeans..
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