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A Beauty Director’s Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Here’s how Danielle James is upgrading her gifting game and personal summer routine with finds from the one-of-a-kind event.

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a group of different bottles

I’m originally from Florida and my extended family is in the Caribbean, and since I visited them often, I didn’t have the pleasure of experiencing seasons while growing up. It was always just hot and hotter. However, now that I live in New York City, I relish the summer—and the time spent gathering with friends and family outdoors. My 10-week calendar this year is full of weddings, vacations, and barbecues, meaning I’ll need to buy myself a full complement of hair, makeup, and skin-care routine upgrades to help get me looking photo-ready. (Also, I’ll need some suitable gifts, and I love to give thoughtfully selected beauty products.) For all of the above, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has come at the perfect time.

With fantastic limited-time deals and exclusives from your favorite beauty brands, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is always among the most anticipated of the year. In 2024 it runs from July 15 to August 4—and I’m here to help you take full advantage before all those prices go back up on 8/5. While I may not work at Nordstrom, I do know my way around the store’s beauty offerings, so if you want to know what products I’ll be applying (and giving) all summer long, keep reading for my guide to shopping the sale.

1

La Mer The Lifting Firming Serum Duo

The Lifting Firming Serum Duo

Keep the larger bottle and gift the smaller one—you’ll both reap the benefits of La Mer’s patented Miracle Broth, a rejuvenating elixir that helps increase skin’s fullness and volume.

2

Vacation Summer Scent Duo

Summer Scent Duo

This scent is like endless summer: a mix of sunscreen, a beach breeze, and the warmth of the sun. This duo includes a shimmer oil, which leaves a beautiful glow on skin and contains SPF 30—the perfect finishing touch for a special occasion.

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3

NuFACE TRINITY+ Smart Advanced Facial Toning Starter Kit

TRINITY+ Smart Advanced Facial Toning Starter Kit

For a toned and lifted appearance before a special event, I swear by NuFace. This set comes with the device and a hydrating gel to help smooth fine lines, contour cheeks, and lift brows instantly. Think of it as a workout for your face.

4

MOON Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light

Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light

If you’re constantly throwing a filter over your photos to help whiten your teeth, opt for this kit instead. As someone with sensitive teeth, I’ve avoided in-office whitening, but my morning coffees are starting to catch up with me. This LED device quickly whitens teeth without increasing sensitivity. It’s easy to use and easy to travel with. It has an LED whitening device, enough whitening strips for a two-week treatment, one travel case, and one USB charging base.

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5

Nécessaire The Body Wash Duo

The Body Wash Duo

A body wash isn’t boring if it’s Nécessaire. The non-stripping, non-drying eucalyptus cleanser is invigorating and refreshing on the skin; I love using it post-workouts. It also makes a great housewarming offering—and since it’s already packaged, you can just drop it in a gift bag and go.

6

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray Duo

Dry Texturizing Spray Duo

Capture the power of the sea without the hassle of the sand: This spray will give you beach hair sans the elements. It’s great for a quick volume boost.

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7

Slip Set of 2 Silk Queen Pillowcases

Set of 2 Silk Queen Pillowcases

Sleeping on silk is a game changer and has been integral to my hair growth and achieving smooth skin. It’s a must-pack for summer travel—once you go silk, you’ll never want to go back, even for a night or two.

8

Creed 3-Piece Fragrance Discovery Set

3-Piece Fragrance Discovery Set

I like perfume with an incredible throw (i.e., the strength of its trail), and Creed never disappoints—the luxury perfume house creates long-lasting scents with unique aromas. This set comes with three of Creed’s most popular scents: Aventus for Her, Love in White, and Wind Flowers.

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9

Tom Ford Shimmering Body Oil Set

Shimmering Body Oil Set

Sometimes I buy duos specifically because I plan to split them up as individual gifts. I’m making gift bags for a weekend with some of my former sorority sisters, and will buy a few of these and put one ultra-luxe mini body oil in each bag.

10

Anastasia Beverly Hills Natural & Polished Deluxe Eyebrow Kit

Natural & Polished Deluxe Eyebrow Kit

If your brows need a pre-event upgrade and you don’t have time to make an appointment with a pro, this is the solution for you. This set comes with two pencils and a gel to help you outline, shade, fill, and define the perfect brow.

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11

Charlotte Tilbury Blush & Glow Glide Set

Blush & Glow Glide Set

This box set features three viral products for cheeks—a blush and two highlighters—to help you glow all summer.

12

Augustinus Bader The Eye Rejuvenating Kit with TFC8

The Eye Rejuvenating Kit with TFC8

Augustinus Bader’s high-performing eye cream and under-eye patches are formulated with more than 30 years of research and innovation. This powerful duo promises to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while leaving skin nourished and hydrated with an overall radiance.

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