I love summer, but each August, I start looking forward to fall. I can’t help it. There are crisp apples, cool breezes, and changing leaves. I can bring out my favorite sweaters, jackets, and boots. I can even refresh my beauty routine by making certain seasonal swaps. What’s not to love?
As always, a new season means new beauty drops. Right now, the best ones are at Nordstrom. At least I think so. There’s an intoxicating new Chanel perfume that evokes “the power of attraction.” There are iconic eyeshadow sticks that have recently been reformulated to be better than ever. There are even new, glossy lip stains that provide a “stained glass” effect. Did I mention the low-tech gua sha brush that sculpts the skin and stimulates lymphatic drainage? Keep scrolling to see 13 Nordstrom beauty arrivals that I can’t add to cart quickly enough.
This is the latest scent to join Chanel’s pantheon of perfumes. The fruity-floral fragrance is basically guaranteed to collect compliments because it embodies “the power of attraction at its most potent,” and creates a “pull impossible to resist.” What makes it so magnetic? A magical blend of notes like lychee, grapefruit, rose, jasmine, amber, patchouli, vetiver, and vanilla. Gracie Abrams has given it her seal of approval. The singer-songwriter is the face of this exciting new scent.
I can’t wait to play with these new MAC eyeliners. They’re creamy, blendable, and available in two finishes: matte and metallic. The precise point means you can create sharp lines, or smoked-out looks. There are so many stunning shades to choose from, but I’m partial to the shimmering cooca color, called Vintage Teddy.
A new dewy blush for fall? Yes, please. Nars’ new Insatiable Liquid Blush boasts a featherlight texture, pigment-packed formula, and an impressive 16-hour wear time. Apply just a dot for a sheer, radiant effect, or build it up for bold color payoff. Regardless, a peptide and ceramide-rich formula will keep the skin look soft, supple, and plump. It’s available in the brand’s iconic Orgasm shade (peachy-pink), but I’m also eyeing Exhibit A (bright red).
Collagen production slows as we age, and honestly, I’m starting to notice it more and more the further I get into my 30s. Luckily, I have Kiehl’s new Collashot Plumping Serum to help me out. It uses collagen polypeptides, vitamin B12, and rhamnose to visibly turn back the clock (i.e. plump the skin). The first is bio-engineered collagen fragments that boost skin firmness. The second is a revitalizing ingredient that gives the serum its vibrant pink color. And the third is a botanical sugar known for an exceptional ability to fight collagen loss.
It’s not every day you see a completely clear dry shampoo. The non-aerosol formula is powered by micellar water. Yep, the same stuff you use to remove mascara. As many dermatologists have told me, micellar water effectively absorbs excess oil, so it makes sense that it could lift sweat and oil from the scalp and hair strands, too. The best part? It’s transparent, so it won’t leave a stubborn white residue in your roots. It also leaves the hair feeling touchably soft and bouncy, rather than stiff and chalky. I’m sold.
This product is part foundation, part skin-renewing serum. Sure, it makes the complexion look flawless, thanks to a texture-blurring formula that provides medium coverage and a natural finish, but it also treats the skin with active ingredients. I’m talking about peptides, vitamins, amino acids, and botanical extracts. Together, using exosome technology, they smooth, brighten, firm, and strengthen the skin. It’s makeup that actually makes your skin better while you wear it. Imagine that.
Laura Mercier’s iconic Caviar Stick Eyeshadows were just re-released with a new, high-performance formula. They have the same creamy texture that glides across the lids without tugging or flaking. They also have many of the same flattering shades, but they’re now 100% smudge-, crease-, and water-proof.
Based on the science behind skin longevity, Lancôme’s Absolue Longevity MD Intercept Face Cream is specifically formulated for mid-age, AKA ages 35-55. It uses a proprietary ingredient called Mitopure, which intercepts visible signs of aging before they appear. There are also peptides, niacinamide, rose pro-xylane, and taurine—all of which target specific age markers to keep the skin looking fresh, youthful, and healthy. It’s the first of what I suspect will be many new longevity-focused skincare products.
I love a good lip tint, and MAC’s Lustreglass is #1 on my list. It has a hydrating, serum-like formula that cushions my lips in moisture, while transfer-proof “stained-glass” color sets for up to 12 hours. There are so many stunning shades, but I’ve worn Sneaky Pink the most (it’s a pretty, rosy hue).
Leave it to Hermès to create a luxurious tinted lip balm that signals sophistication straight from the packaging. Marketed as a “lip enhancer,” it leaves a sheer, rosy veil on the lips with a smooth, matte finish. The star ingredient, white mulberry extract, protects and hydrates the lips, making them feel soft and smooth. If this is something you dream of wearing this fall, I suggest acting fast; it’s limited edition.
ICYMI, “cloud skin” is in. This refers to skin with a modern matte finish. What do I mean by modern matte, you ask? Good question. It’s not cakey or one-dimensional. Instead, it’s velvety smooth and softly radiant, without a hint of oil-slick shine. While matte foundations will get you most of the way there, a pillowy setting powder will set you across the finish line. This one is it. It promises to smooth, mattify, and blur imperfections with a blend of seven invisible (and waterproof!) powders.
I’ve been seeing these gua sha facial brushes all over Instagram and TikTok, so it’s not an exaggeration when I say I clicked ‘add to cart’ in under five seconds. It combines traditional gua sha with dry brushing to help sculpt, massage, de-puff, and tone the skin. Simply swipe the ultra-soft bristles, in an ergonomic design, in outward and upward motions to boost circulation and reduce the appearance of puffiness. It’s an easy way to look and feel more sculpted—no extra tools or face oils necessary.
Fall means shorter, colder days, eventually culminating in the dreaded time change. Since I’m already prone to puffy eyes, I need all the help I can get when it’s time to turn back the clock. This cooling eye balm stick is sure to be a big help. Formulated with mineral-rich birch sap and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it moisturizes, de-puffs, and refreshes the eye area in a single swipe.
