My friends like to call me their free beauty consultant. Whenever someone needs a rec (or five) to complete their regimen, a packing list for an upcoming vacation, or a brutally honest opinion on whether a buzzy launch is actually worth its salt, I’m always game to play personal shopper. Sifting through beauty retailers is genuinely fun for me, so it’s a good thing it’s a big chunk of what I do for a living, right?
Recently, a loved one tasked me with a simple, wide-sweeping request: chic, high-performing products that she can use all summer long. As someone with a perpetually overcrowded vanity, I totally understand the urge to edit your collection down to a few staples, especially when the scorching weather makes the thought of wearing multiple layers of makeup sound like a major drag. So I got to work, compiling a curated list of my own no-fail staples and newer launches I know she’ll love—all from Nordstrom for easy ordering.
In case you need any more reason to bite, I have a hunch many of these items will be marked down during Nordstrom’s epic Anniversary Sale, which runs from July 18 through August 9. (Cardmembers, you can score exclusive access as early as July 14!) You can actually preview the entire assortment now and save items to your own wish list, which will free up precious minutes during the sale frenzy. You know when you painstakingly curate your cart, only for half the items to sell out during your search? Heartbreaking. But I digress. Discover my summer beauty catalog below, and shop your favorites now before they fly out of stock in a blink.
Shop Chic Summer Beauty Staples From Nordstrom
This just might be the best beauty deal I’ve ever seen, and not enough people are talking about it. With this set, you not only get four stunning Prada Beauty staples (mascara, lipstick, and two viral balms), but you also score a sleek metallic clutch you can reuse as an evening accessory. It’s like snagging a Prada bag for $250, which is basically unheard of.
A WWW 100 Beauty Award winner, this Curling Straightener is basically three high-quality hair tools in one. You can use it to create stunning curls, sleek styles, and effortless waves, and because it’s dual voltage, you can take it with you on all your summer getaways.
I simply can’t help myself when it comes to a handy travel set, and this Augustinus Bader bundle—which includes the Cleansing Gel, Essence, Eye Cream, and famous Rich Cream—is one of the smartest luxury options you can buy.
Redness? Inflammation? Flushed, angry skin? I don’t know her thanks to this calming, ultrafine mist infused with pure eucalyptus water. It’s a summer staple if I’ve ever seen one.
Victoria Beckham Beauty’s new Blush Stylus completely changed my makeup game. With the slim precision tip, I can control the pigment just right and create the most intentional bloom of color. I love to swipe it across the bridge of my nose for a subtle “sunburn” effect that doesn’t oversaturate the entire area.
Westman Atelier’s highly coveted blush stick, highlighter stick, and mascara will normally set you back $141, so snagging all three for $98 is such a steal.
For my curly- and wavy-haired friends, this styling cream is an absolute must. It defines and separates my 2c waves without making them stiff. Plus, it’s a godsend for glossy, slicked-back buns.
Guerlain’s Météorites Powder helps me channel my inner fancy French lady, and the pressed version is A+ for on-the-go application. It also lends such a pillowy, diffused finish that never winds up looking cakey.
Diptyque’s Eau Rose scent is already one of the brand’s chicest offerings, but this solid perfume certainly levels up the sophistication. Imagine plucking it from your bag for a quick touch-up after a late lunch—swoon.
Whether you can’t tolerate vitamin C or are simply looking for another brightening formula to add to your routine, Caudalie’s antioxidant-rich Vinoperfect is such a winner. I’ve basically recommended it to everyone I know.
Anastasia Beverly Hills creates some of the best brow-grooming products in the game. I use the pencil every single day without fail!
Every time someone asks me about my favorite face or eye masks, I highlight 111Skin. “I know it’s expensive, but it’s seriously so worth it,” I always say. Trust me—you’ll see a real difference in your skin’s luminosity and firmness.
As for my favorite bodycare items, Salt & Stone often tops the list. It’s nearly impossible to select a winning scent, which is why I’m recommending this four-piece discovery bundle.
You’ll never catch me without this cleansing balm in my toiletry bag. The waterless formula is A+ for summer travel.
I am forever and always a Luminous Silk girl, but when humidity ramps up, I normally switch out my foundation for something more breathable. Armani’s skin tint has a featherlight, serum-like texture and skin-plumping formula, and it does just the trick.
I’ve recommended Dr. Diamond’s Plasma Serum more times than I can count at this point, but that won’t stop me from foisting it onto my friends. It comes with a hefty price tag, though, so I’d suggest trying this three-piece discovery set before committing to the full-size hero.
Another WWW 100 winner, this brightening color corrector completely replaced my concealer and looks exponentially more natural. In case you need any more convincing, Hailey Bieber also gave it her stamp of approval.
Take it from an acne-prone beauty editor: Sweat-induced congestion is no match for these texture-smoothing toner pads.
Honestly, I can’t believe this duo is still in stock. Hourglass’s Glossy Balm is one of my favorite lip products to ever exist (I won’t rest until I have one in every color!), and its sculpting liner is just as creamy and forgiving.
