As a beauty editor, I have beauty-product testing basically baked into my 9-to-5. I’ve tried everything from the latest launches to those tried-and-true brands that people consider staples in their routines. While there’s usually some new product that gets added to my everyday lineup for testing purposes, there are a few cult beauty items that I always come back to.
Naturally, when a big event like Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale comes around, I can’t resist restocking—especially when most of the items can be purchased at a major discount. You can trust me when I say you don’t want to skip out on the deals from brands such as Sigma Beauty, Le Labo, Kiehl’s, and Nars. (The Orgasm Matte & Glow Talc-Free Powder Blush Duo is my personal favorite.) Whether you want that new skincare device that editors swear by or makeup products to add to your regimen, there’s something for everybody.
Curious to know which ones I’m adding to my cart? Read on to see what cult beauty buys made the cut.
ARMANI beauty
Eye Tint & Vertigo Lift Mascara Set
This set has a value of $70, but with the sale, you’re able to buy these Armani favorites together for less than $50. The brand’s Luminous Silk Cheek Tint is also on sale, but I’m a big fan of this set for those on-the-go moments when I want to change looks fast. Both the eye tint and the mascara are part of my regular routine, and both are easy to apply. The tint is creamy and can be built up to a strong shimmer that isn’t glittery, and the mascara has the perfect wand to make my barely-there lashes pop.
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Spray Duo
This Charlotte Tilbury set values at $76, but you can snag it on sale for $50. This waterproof setting spray keeps makeup in place for up to 16 hours, and it’s incredibly lightweight. It contains key ingredients like aromatic resin to blur pores, Japanese green tea to keep skin soft, and film-former polymers to keep makeup intact. This is another personal favorite, and I can attest that it’s worth every penny for year-round wear.
Sigma Beauty
Soft Complexion Brush Set
A sale like this one is a great opportunity to stock up on the essentials, like these soft brushes from Sigma. This set of three comes with the F08 Precision Powder Brush, F26 Domed Concealer Brush, and F48 Soft Coverage Brush. The premium fibers are gentle on skin and provide a finish that’s free of harsh lines and streaks.
NARS
Orgasm Matte & Glow Talc-Free Powder Blush Duo
When it comes to blushes, I’m normally more of a cream girl. That said, this blush from Nars is the only powder option I use. The shade Orgasm Edge is my favorite for nights out, and the peachy tone of Orgasm is my favorite for daytime activities. These long-lasting formulas are highly pigmented and easy to build with a lasting power of 16 hours. Not to mention, they’re highly blendable.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Plump, Glow & Boost Collagen Set
If you’ve been following Dr. Dennis Gross, you know how well-known this smart device is. This set comes with the highly rated DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device made to smooth wrinkles and eliminate bacteria on your face. It also includes five treatments of the Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel, the DermInfusions Blur + Repair Cream, and the DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment. The result is healthy, glowy skin that feels truly supported by well-made formulas.
Olaplex
Every Wash, Everywhere Healthy Hair Set
Olaplex fans, rejoice! Some of the brand’s most loved products are being sold in one perfect set. For almost $35 less, you can get the full-size and travel-size No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. The shampoo is moisturizing and reparative for more manageable washdays. Meanwhile, the conditioner restores, repairs, and hydrates your strands without weighing them down.
Le Labo
Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
If you’re a perfume lover, I think this fragrance speaks for itself. But if you haven’t heard of Le Labo’s Santal 33, let me fill you in. This scent contains notes of Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky wood alloy, ambrox, leather accord, and musk for a blend that helped the brand develop a cult following. It’s warm and spicy but also woodsy and rustic.
Nécessaire
The Body Wash
Transform your average shower into a spa-like experience with this bodywash from Nécessaire. The gel-oil bodywash contains key ingredients like niacinamide; vitamins A, C, and E; and antioxidants to truly nourish skin. The eucalyptus scent is fresh but not overbearing. Plus, it’s formulated to support your skin’s natural pH balance.
NuFACE
Trinity+ Complete Microcurrent & Red Light Facial Toning Device Set
Talk about big savings. For almost $400 off, you can get the Trinity+ Smart Microcurrent Device, three attachments, the Aqua Gel and Silk Crème Activator, and, of course, the charging base. The main tool sculpts and contours the face for tighter skin, and other attachments help lift and smooth—all in just three quick minutes.
Kiehl’s Since 1851
Ultra Facial Cream Home & Away Duo
For all the skincare-loving shoppers, look no further than this set from Kiehl’s. If you have dry or combination skin, this salicylic acid– and squalane-based face cream hydrates skin for up to 72 hours. (Yes, you read that right.) This lightweight moisturizer also contains pro-ceramides to promote softer, smoother skin. You’ll get the standard and jumbo size for $80 off.
