It’s the biggest, most anticipated sale that happens only once a year - the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s the sale that signals to me to get excited for the change of the upcoming fall season and cooler temperatures. And it’s a big deal because this is when Nordstrom drops brand new styles and beauty exclusives in limited quantities, but at the most incredible deals and chances to save. So today I am sharing The Beauty Exclusives Not To Miss From The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
As you’re reading this right now, the sale has already been open to Icon, Influencer, and Ambassador Status members since July 9th, and will be open to the general public on Monday, July 15th. So I’m sure items are going quickly. Shoot, even some that I have linked below might even be gone since I’m writing this in advance, so you’ve been warned!
I cannot stress enough that if you haven’t made your wish list on their site, go ahead and do so if you don’t have access to start purchasing yet. This is so you won’t forget what you really want to spend your hard-earned money on. If you’re like me, your memory isn’t what it used to be and lists are key 😉
Of course, since you ladies know me as a professional makeup artist and beauty content creator for the past 20 years combined, obviously my love language from this sale is mainly focused on their beauty exclusives! I like new clothes, but my face takes the priority of my budget most of the time. Because, well, that’s what people truly notice!
But I know the sale can get overwhelming and you might not have the time to sit and research everything the sale has to offer.
Below I have hand-picked some of what I know to be the best deals and outlined them for you by category. And don’t worry, it's not going to be a list of ALL they offer. I’m narrowing it down to the cream of the crop, my wish list items, and items I’m already very familiar with and use myself. So grab your coffee (or wine!), your favorite seat in the house, and let’s go shopping…
Jennifer shares Beauty Exclusives at The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
Beauty Exclusives in the SKINCARE category…
Starting things off with one of Oprah’s Favorite things, which is this famous skincare brand by Dr. Barbara Sturm, German aesthetics and anti-inflammatory doctor to the stars! This set contains two of her best selling and full sized face serums - one hyaluronic serum and one of her infamous glow drops. They’re pricey, but apparently miracle workers.
This best-seller for Elemis has almost a perfect 5-star rating with over 3K reviews and is one of my nighttime favorites. It’s a treatment that nourishes like a balm, removes makeup as a cleansing oil, and hydrates as a cleansing milk. My skin feels insanely smooth and silky soft every time I use it. And it removes my tough waterproof makeup as well.
If you’ve always wanted to try and see what the hype of La Mer is about, this is when to do it! This beautiful blue bag houses 4 of the brand's miracle skincare essentials in mini versions: their essence foaming cleanser, treatment lotion, renewal face oil, and the original moisturizing soft cream.
This is a jumbo size of the beloved and iconic Night Repair serum that Estee Lauder launched over 40 years ago. This night serum reduces the look of multiple signs of aging for a smoother, radiant, and more even-toned look with its high level of hyaluronic acid. Its longevity in the line speaks for itself.
Why did I include this in the skincare category?? Because it’s widely known that this brand of hypoallergenic pillow cases that are made of mulberry silk, offers nighttime support for better skin and hair health while you sleep! This is a fabulous deal on an item that you will literally get use of every single night. And it comes in all colors of the rainbow to match any bedding! Combine it with the Estee Lauder night repair serum for a double youth whammy!
It was already a good deal and now it’s an even better deal! If you just can’t swing the higher price tag of the luxury skincare that contains the powerhouse pro-aging ingredients of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, then definitely throw this set in your cart!
Beauty Exclusives in the Makeup Category...
This is always a best selling item every year during this sale and one of the very best values. This is a portable vanity set that is so smartly engineered to hold everything you need to complete a makeup look by one of the most trusted makeup brands. Grab this before it’s gone!
$60 (value $90). There’s something about the YSL line of lip products that give the feel of luxury, shine, and ultimate hydrated lips every time you swipe them on! This duo of full-sized shades of “Nude Lingerie” (warm nude pink) and “Nude Lavalliere” (their iconic pink nude) gives you two options that you can wear any day of the week.
*Gifts with Purchase are also a thing during this sale!* I am wearing the YSL Candy Glaze Lip gloss stick (one of my other fave formulas), in shade “Showcasino Nude,” $42, above here in this post. It’s my go-to shade right now that I can’t stop wearing! You’ll be surprised something this shiny, has great staying power on the lips.
With a $100 or more YSL purchase, you’ll automatically get a few samples of perfume, mini mascaras, serums, primers, etc. Whenever you see the green “gift with purchase” hit the details button to see what’s included. There are quite a few beauty exclusives offering this deal that might not be included in the Anniversary Sale.
Need a new blush? Why not try out two full-sized blushes in the most iconic shades ever that flatter most skin tones! Their scandalous names are part of the charm - “Orgasm” (peachy pink with golden shimmer) and “Deep Throat” (soft pink with golden sheen). If you’ve never experienced the color payoff and silkiness of a Nars blush, this is the time to try them! I’m wearing the shade “Orgasm” on my cheeks in this post.
This is such a great beauty exclusives deal! You get a lip liner, powder kiss lipstick, and lip glass in your pick between their most popular shades of Ruby Woo (blue red), Velvet Teddy (warm light brown with a hint of pink), or Soar (cool toned dark mauve). I own all three shades and wear all of them often! Remember seeing me showing off shade “Ruby Woo” in my Taylor Swift inspo post here??
It’s the holy grail of setting powders and it is hard to find something comparable. I use this powder all the time to set my concealer and center the foundation of my face with it. It blurs and sets like a dream. This jumbo is 1.7 ounces and their normal powder is .7 ounces as I’m showing in this side-by-side photo of a jumbo I bought previously.
Craving more oomph from your favorite mascara? Then choosing this popular lash primer can help with that! It’s been around for quite a few years now in the Lancôme brand, which always shows me that the product must be high-performing! Want to actually grow longer lashes? Add the NeuLash growth serum duo to your cart as well, $95, (value $190).
Beauty Exclusives in the Tools and Accessories Category...
These rarely go on sale, but if I can suggest one thing to definitely buy in the beauty space, it would be this mirror. If you can’t see your face well enough to do your makeup in, your makeup isn’t going to look as good as it can! Mine has been going for easily over 10 years now and it’s still my favorite. I can see everything I need to, the sensor light is brilliant. And it even comes in a black shade now. Get yourself this mirror at this price - you’ll use it everyday!
I’m a BIG fan of L’Occitane body products. First off, if you enjoy luxurious showers, try this shower oil that leaves legit satin-like softness on your skin and the almond smell gives the most delicate perfume. I would describe the smell as, expensive! And it comes with a large refill bottle as well. And their hand cream, well it’s hands down the best. Literally. You’ll get a full-sized, and travel-size cream plus their cuticle oil.
This brand has a big fan following, but I do know that you have to stay consistent with it to see real sculpting results - which makes sense. But if you’ve been wanting to try their microcurrent facial toning set for your sagging neck and face, this might be the answer. And remember, Nordstrom is really great about returns if this thing doesn’t perform after you’ve given it a good 60 days of use, 5 X a week to see results. Might very well be worth a shot if you’re not willing to go under the knife - ha ha! Or try their Mini Version, $165, it’s also on sale now in the beauty exclusives sale.
I own this and I was skeptical if it could be worth the price when I was gifted it at Christmas by my in-laws.. But if you have a lot of hair, like I do, it’s 100% worth it. Even my 18-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter love sneaking in and using it because they got their hair from their mama! This isn’t often on sale either, so snatch it at almost $90 off.
It’s definitely going to be a sweater I am adding to my collection. It’s roomy, cozy, and comes in beautiful color choices. A fall and winter staple! If you’re more of a v-neck gal and can’t do turtlenecks, this TopShop sweater is super cozy looking, $49.99 (value $75).
I’m a big fan of wide leg jeans. Especially ones with cute front pockets like these. They look cute for the transition into fall with sandals like I’m wearing in my photo (mine are an old frayed style), but also cute with ankle booties when it gets colder. I’m not saying I’m throwing out the skinny jeans, but I love this shape for many reasons - comfort being one of them!
This is a crazy good classic piece that every gal needs going into the cooler months. It’s got a casual knit feel to it, but will look so sophisticated with a pair of good wide-leg ankle jeans…wink wink. Comes in many good universally flattering shades.
Every gal needs a new bag for the changing season. This one is the perfect size - not too small, but not overwhelming. It's got a crossbody strap but also a cute little leather handle strap to turn it into a more evening look.
If you’ve never bought a pair of Hanky Panky’s you’re missing out. Arguably the best, most comfortable underwear I’ve ever worn. I like the original high-rise thong, but they make many styles.
My outfit in this post does include a Nordstrom brand, but sadly it’s not included in the sale.. BUT, I love this more affordable brand they carry called English Factory that’s worth checking out. My puff-sleeved gingham sweater is mega soft and I know I’ll wear the red + white to many Georgia football games and into the holidays with a jacket! Wearing a size small here. And I am a big fan of two straps slip-on sandals in metallic shades (because gold and silver seem to go with a lot!) and Nordstrom has these Kork-Ease Sandals on sale for $89.99 ( after sale $150).
There you have it, friends. Which of these items has caught your eye? Do you shop this sale for more beauty or style deals, or both?? I’d love to hear.
Yesterday, Beth and Kelly shared neutral summer outfits. Click the title or image below to read the article.
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Read and reread your informative article. Can’t go with just one of your picks, but these are what I’ve added to my wishlist:
Blissy Pillowcase
Caslon Knit Blazer
Ordinary Set
Both O’ccitane Sets – multiple for gifts
Thanks for bringing your faves to us, Jennifer!
And thank you Deanna for taking time to read and comment 🙂 I like your choices for your wishlist. And what a fab idea to think of those L’Occitane sets as great gifts!! I’d love whoever gave me either of those sets!
The beauty “buys” from the Nordstrom sale are out of reach of most of your readers even at their sale price points. More useful would be reviews of beauty products that we could really buy.
Thanks Judy for taking time to read the post. I realize Nordstrom is a more luxury retailer compared to some, so I was trying to be mindful of this. I did recommend 10 items that were all under $55 which I think are amazing deals for some of the brands mentioned. But if you’d like to see more of my drugstore friendly reviews, definitely check out my post on “Drugstore Makeup I Rely On” https://www.styleatacertainage.com/beauty/the-drugstore-makeup-i-rely-on/