Tag: beauty

A Few Things to Shop From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is live and things are already starting to sell out. You may or may not think that this sale is overhyped for whatever reason. I’ve come to think of it as the re-up your closet for fall sale.

If you don’t need anything, by all means, don’t shop the NSale. I’ve gained some weight, hello late-30s, and needed to replace some of my wardrobe staples.

Jeans

I got five pairs of jeans in an attempt to cover my bases with different styles. All five pairs were on sale for under $100. Some of them are no longer available at Nordstrom, but if you really love them you can get them for full price from the brand’s site directly.

Jackets

It is not lost on me that now doesn’t feel like the appropriate time to even think about jackets. That said, the off season is when you want to buy them. This sale is the perfect excuse to. I really love my BlankNYC suede moto jacket from a past sale. You can buy it, just not on sale. Here are other jackets you’ll wish you’d gotten when autumn rolls around.

Beauty

In addition to your closet, you can restock your shelves. I’m not low on much right now, but I found so many good beauty exclusives! And if you’re looking to splurge on a bigger beauty item, like a T3 hair tool, there are some great deals. For instance, the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare glow set is sold out, but you can get the LED light therapy device and skin care set for $455. Other brands I love like Olaplex and Sulwhasoo, have product favorites on sale as well.

I love shopping at Nordstrom in general, but their anniversary sale is probably one of my favorite sales ever! How do you feel about the NSale? And if you’re shopping it, what are you shopping for?

Travel Necessities Gift Set in Honor of Sony Classics’ Daddio

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

To celebrate the release of Sony Classics’ film Daddio, I was sent a gift set featuring travel necessities. The film, in theaters June 28th, stars Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn. It involves a taxi ride from New York’s JFK airport to Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen.

Due to the thoughtfulness of the gift set from Allied Global Marketing, I just had to share it here on the blog!

First, everything was sent in a Lands’ End tote bag that I didn’t know I needed. It makes a perfect travel bag, with just the right about of pockets. And even better it was customized with my name.

Inside consisted of travel snacks, like pretzel chips and gummy bears. And a customized clear pouch with other goodies, like gum and a gift card. But here are the beauty travel necessities that really impressed me.

Touchland Power Mist

I have multiple of this hand sanitizer in various scents and couldn’t have been happier to get a hydrating one in a new to me scent. I love their gentle and glow hand sanitizers!

Patchology Eye Gels

I haven’t tried these hydrating eye gels yet, but really like Patchology. And as someone who enjoys masking as a form of selfcare, I know they will not go to waste.

L’occitane Hand Cream

When traveling, my skin tends to dry more quickly and a good shea butter hand cream is always ideal to have.

E.L.F. Cosmetics Lip Balm

The same goes for a good lip balm. The E.L.F. Cosmetics Squeeze Me Lip Balm is both affordable and effective.

What do you need to have with you when you travel?

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The Current Best Fragrances for Spring

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

There are two types of people. Ones who change up the fragrance they wear by season, and the ones who don’t.

best fragrances

Regardless of which of those people you are, here are my current favorite fragrances of some of the best fragrances for spring.

Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Black Opium Eau de Parfum

Black Opium Eau de Parfum has been my personal go to fragrance this season. The subtle coffee notes are energizing without being overpowering. It’s flirty and floral, I love it! If you’re looking for a bolder scent I also enjoy their Black Opium le Parfum, which is a deep vanilla scent.

NEST New York Turkish Rose Perfume Oil

I swear I love all of the NEST New York perfume oils, but in my opinion, the Turkish Rose is my favorite for spring. It’s floral, rosy and elevates my mood instantly. That said, I will switch this out for Seville Orange in the summer.

Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum

After attending the Parada pop-up at NYFW last year, I instantly fell in love with both Paradoxe Eau de Parfum and Paradoxe Intense Eau de Parfum. When you layer them together this are the epitome of perfection.

Glossier You

If I could only pick on scent for everyone to wear all the time, regardless of season, it would have to be Glosser You. It’s warm yet sheer in a way that makes it next level personal.

Snif Coco Shimmy

Coco Shimmy is a new fragrance and honestly probably less of a spring and more of a summer fragrance. However, I’ve been ready for summer since this past fall, and when I close my eye and sniff, I am teleported to the closest rooftop pool. I usually shy away from other similar scents, as they tend to smell overly sugary. Snif trulyt nailed the beach vibes with this one!

Do you have a fragrance you love for spring, or are you more of a same scent all year person? Either way, I’d love to know your favorite fragrances, and find out if you share any of the same as mine.

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Happy Sephora Sale!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

We love a sale! Especially a Sephora sale. And in case you weren’t already aware, the Sephora Savings Event is happening right now. If you need to replenish anything in your makeup bag or you’ve had your eye on something pricey (like the Dyson Airwrap), trust me you’re going to want to shop this sale before it ends April 15th.

Not sure what to shop? Let me help you!

Here are 5 of my top picks to shop from the Sephora Savings Event along with my reasons as to why.

  1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
    • Even though it is an over $50 foundation, it is by far the best quality one that I’ve tried so far. Not only was my shade match flawless, which may sound trivial but is huge for darker skin tones, especial when it comes to non-Black owned beauty brands. I also get the most compliments on my complexion when I use this foundation specifically. But yeah, I waited for this sale to restock this, doing to most to get every last drop out of my previous one.
  2. NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
    • I’ve been know to swap out makeup products often, over having a set of tried and true favorites. However, this is the one and only concealer I have ever (and probably will ever) made sure to always have in my makeup bag. And when I don’t use it I feel like my whole face beat is just off. I also have the liquid version, but it just isn’t the same in my opinion.
  3. Grande Cosmetics Brow Styling Gel
    • Anastasia Beverly Hills brow freeze styling wax was my longstanding favorite. I’ve also tried their newer brow freeze gel, which I don’t hate. Now, while I still like and use them both of them, the Grande Cosmetics one gives is just so much for forgiving. Whereas with the Anastasia product, I feel like I have about .5 seconds to do my brows, or forget it.
  4. Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Detailer
    • Speaking of brows, this new brow pencil is it! It gives the precision of a liquid pen (think liquid eyeliner), but the look and feel of a pencil. I’ve been absolutely loving it, and haven’t shut up about it on Instagram.
  5. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
    • This is another Benefit favorite. I love a product that can do the job of more. I use this to contour my face and as an eyeshadow. Another product that you’re likely to always find in my makeup bag.

If you are shopping the Sephora sale, what’s in your cart? Here are more of my top picks, including what I’ve been loving lately and some new products that I’m trying out!

Skincare Gift Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Gift ideas to get the skincare obsessed!

Skincare Gift Guide
  1. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer
  2. Alya Anti-Aging Red LED Eye Glasses
  3. NuFACE Mini+ Starter Kit
  4. LEDA Blue Acne Fighting LED Sonic Facial Brush
  5. Biossance Miracle Moisture Set
Skincare Prize Bundle

Not only are most of these gifts under $100, I’m giving one of them (and a few extra goodies) away over on my Instagram!

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Scary and Spooktacular Halloween Nail Items You Need Now

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and some of the Static Nails products were gifted.

In case you couldn’t tell from my previous blog post, I’ve decided to go all out for Halloween this year. And the only thing that I might love even more than a stylish Halloween costume, are scary cute Halloween nails. I even went as far as to coordinate my nails with some of my Halloween costumes, like these snake accent nails that I wore with my Medusa costume.

Halloween Nails
Halloween Nail Ideas

Nail art has been blowing up on social media lately, so much so, that I recently took a Gel X class just so I could learn how to do my nails for myself. While I’m far from a professional nail technician by any means, I can now at least do my own nails a number of different ways. 

Even so, my go to way to do my nails is still to use press on nails. 

Kitty Cat Nails
Press On Nails
Smoke Nails
Smoke Nail Art
Black Coffin Nails
Skeleton Jewelry
Halloween Nail Wraps
Hocus Pocus Nail Wraps
Snake Nails
Medusa Inspired Nail Art
Black French Tip
Black Nail Art Designs

To create my recent Halloween nails for the most part I used Static Nails Pop-On Reusable Manicure Sets. For the one set that I didn’t, I used the Scratch Limited Edition Hocus Pocus Nail Wraps from their Nina Nailed It October Monthly Mani Kit.

Scratch Nail Wraps

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New Year, New Beauty & Hair Care Goals

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

I’ve never been all that big on New Year’s resolutions, and this year I’ve been even more hesitant to set one. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have goals, and some pretty lofty ones! Since I’ll be continuing to stay home at this time, I figured I would make the most of it as much as I could, by trying to refine my makeup, skincare, and hair care routines. For makeup and skincare, my goal is to get better at applying the products I already know that I love to create Instagram-worthy beauty looks. And also pin down  routines that work, so that I can be more consistent with them. 

Now, with hair care it’s a bit different. If you’re at all familiar with my hair journey, then you know that it is all over the place. But you also know that I’m not good at doing hair, my sisters usually are the ones to do mine for me, and when I find something I can do, I do it on repeat (hello, slick ponytail, that involves A LOT of gel)! 

After checking out the Allure Best of Beauty 2020 winners, and scoping out Nordstrom’s new beauty arrivals, I decided to give a few things a try, including the Sigma Beauty F79 Concealer Blend Kabuki Brush and T3 Lucea ID 1-inch Smart Straightening & Styling Flat Iron. 

Having used the flat iron a few times now, I 100% get why so many bloggers and influencers rave about it. It’s that good! I really want to try one of their curling irons next! I’m still getting better at doing my own hair, especially since going natural, and have a ways to go. But being able to straighten it with ease means I can try more styles, which is the goal.

What are your 2021 beauty goals?

No matter what you hope to achieve this year, Nordstrom has all your beauty needs to help you accomplish it. And with The Nordy Club, you get some pretty great perks, like earning points towards Nordstrom Notes when you shop, that you can use on future purchases. I’ve used a few already!
Not sure where to begin? Here are my current top Nordstrom beauty picks:

Nordstrom Beauty Gift Sets

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

Can you believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving? Or that Christmas is only a month away? I know I sure can’t. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to start buying the gifts for everyone on your list. And if you have anyone who is beauty obsessed, Nordstrom has the best beauty gift sets from the best beauty brands, including some of my personal favorites!

I’m sure I’ve overshared how much obsessed with Fresh Beauty I am, and have even mentioned their products in other Nordstrom Beauty posts. I stan. They have some of the cutest holiday gift sets whether you’re looking for something to put in a stocking or under the tree. 

Briogeo is one of my go-to, Black female owned, haircare brands. I don’t know anyone who has tried their Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask and not absolutely loved it. With the Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, it’s such a great duo to gift!

I know we’re not going out as much or even at all really, and when we are, we’re staying face masked up. But, that doesn’t mean we aren’t taking care of our lips. I still wear lip gloss on Zoom calls and lip balm around at home. In addition to Fresh Beauty, Nordstrom has MAC Lipstick, Kiehl’s Lip Balm, and Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss sets, that I’d for sure be happy to receive. 

If the beauty lover in your life is also a skincare product junkie, a few of my most used products are Mario Badescu Skincare facial spray, Kopari coconut oil deodorant, Anastasia Beverly Hills clear brow gel, and Peter Thomas Roth Masks. All amazing sets that really anyone can appreciate.

Have you signed up for The Nordy Club yet? If not, you’re missing out. It’s free to join and you earn points towards Nordstrom Notes when you shop, which you can use to spend with Nordstrom later. They also have free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. 

Happy gifting!

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Splurge Worthy Makeup Products

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

When it comes to makeup, I try not to spend a ton of money. I’d much rather invest in clothes and accessories. However, there are some beauty products that are worth every single penny.

Mascara will always and forever be the main product that I don’t even bother looking at the price, if it works well. I have long lashes but they’re thin and straight. So give me all the volume!

I may not have a Chanel bag in my closet (yet), but regardless of what bag I am carrying, it will have Le Volume De Chanel mascara in it. 

Although I am starting to more so now, I don’t usually go for a bold lip. Since I don’t wear them often, people tend to notice when I do, so they have to look good! MAC Matte Lipstick is by far one of my favorite lip products, I’ve own a few different shades and recently (finally) tried Ruby Woo and Antique Velvet, which I will be wearing both frequently, especially this fall (yes, even under my mask). If you prefer a glossy lip, I like their Lipglass lipgloss as well. 

Speaking of masks, they may not technically be a beauty product, but I recently switched to a silk pillowcase and it’s done wonders for my maskne. So I decided to add a silk mask to my growing collection of face masks as well. So far I really like it, and may need to get a few more!

After hearing so much about how good the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation was, I knew that I needed to give it a try. I’m so glad that I did because I absolutely love it! I don’t wear it every day, but when I do wear it, applying it feels like such a treat. It really does glide on so smoothly. 

There are still other beauty products that I love as well, but these have really exceeded my expectations. I’ll be using them with my staple brow and concealer products and honestly, they’ve helped motivate me to get up and going with my day more than a few times. Sometimes getting ready to some tunes is all you need!

What I love most is that I can find all of my beauty needs right at Nordstrom! They have free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. And with The Nordy Club, you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands.

Have you been putting on makeup lately? 

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Nordstrom Summer Beauty

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

I have learned to value my self care far more than ever before. In doing so, I’ve found that I feel my best when I look my best.

I’m so happy to share that I’m partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle to share my Nordstrom summer beauty picks.

This summer, I am determined to get my summer glow on, even while staying in place at home. So, thanks to Nordstrom, I’ve restocked and refreshed my makeup and skincare routines.

This month I’m highlighting bronzers and all over shimmer, which are perfect for summer.

My personal favorite product for all over shimmer is the Nars Monoi Body Glow. I apply it directly after a relaxing shower or a soothing bath, for an instant glow. If you’re looking for an even more natural looking glow, you’ll love the Nars Monoia Body Glow II. They both smell amazing!

As much as I love a good glow and value my time spent in the sun, products with SPF are essential. If I’m wearing makeup, my favorite summer foundation is this Lancôme long wear liquid one with SPF 15 and for my lips (which have been sunburnt before) I swear by the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rose, which is also SPF 15.

In addition to a getting a good glow and making sure to have some sun protection, I made sure to restock on some of my favorite everyday products. Even when I don’t wear a full face, I try to do my eyebrows. For my daily brows, I use Brow Wiz, clear brow gel (also available as a set) and the NARS Soft Matte Concealer.

I’m not too big on blush, so I love a subtle hint on cheek color, with a highlighter that really pops. My current favorite combo is the Lancôme Blush Subtil and the Bobbi Brown Highlighting powder.

I also made sure to link to some of my summer skincare faves, because makeup is great, but taking care of your skin is even better.

And, I also really love that Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup and Club Nordy, with which you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access!

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