As a beauty writer, I often receive questions about my “top” products in every category and, when formulating an answer, I always identify the products that effortlessly make it into my beauty routine. A successful beauty routine contains products that seamlessly blend into one’s day-to-day experience. They perform predictably and consistently and, in my preference, have the potential for lasting power and strong wear time. They represent classic shades and textures that work in all contexts and climates and, because of a careful edit, help me to practice self care without feeling overwhelmed by options.
Today, I am excited to share my beauty routine checklist from Nordstrom, where I buy at least 90% of my skincare, makeup, accessories and clothing on a regular basis…hope you enjoy the breakdown and find some new products to integrate into your beauty routine!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of everything in action as well as the Bottom Line…
My Beauty Routine Checklist from Nordstrom:
// HAIRCARE + STYLING TOOLS //
The number one most recent question that I receive involves what haircare I use frequently. Truth be told (always!), I have a huge rotation of shampoo and conditioner taking up the floorspace of my shower–it’s rather out of control–including Oribe Gold Lust (which I’ve used approximately 2 times a week for years…adore the ), Hair Rituel by Sisley (luxurious and effective), OUAI (their dry shampoo is marvelous) and Raincry. The *Raincry Brilliance Detangling Spray is one of the best ways to detangle my oft-snarled long hair without weighing it down. I also keep the *Raincry Travel Detangling Brush in my purse for easy brushing on the go for both me and Joey Elle.
Lately, I’ve been enjoying the *dpHUE Gentle Brightening Sulfate-Free Shampoo and *dpHUE Gentle Brightening Sulfate-Free Conditioner, which works on highlighted brown and blonde hair (both natural and color-treated) to adeptly clean while adding a bright glow to lighter tresses. For additional radiance, I suggest the Vitamin C-rich *dpHUE Brightening Powder, which is mixed with water in the shower and applied to hair (between the shampoo and conditioning steps) 1-2 times a month to remove chlorine and buildable.
In terms of styling tools, I still swear by the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer for moments when I actually dry my hair (I’m a big air dry fan).
It leaves my hair full and glossy while keeping heat exposure to a minimum. I love it so much that I bought one for my mom a few years ago and she uses it exclusively. My mom, who is the only one to cut my hair, recently gave me layers, which have enabled me to embrace hot rollers again. My favorite discovery in this department is the T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers: The velvet flocked curlers add volume and shine without getting tangled in my hair and the clips are strong and ample to hold a lot of hair. One 20 minute setting lasts all day and you can see the curls in action in the images later on in this story.
Finally, to minimize breakage and keep hair from tangling, I wholly recommend a Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase. I’ve used one on my bed for years and have found that the silk also helps to protect skin from indents that can happen, especially when side-sleeping.
I’ve also included my trusty RIKI Loves RIKI The Skinny Mirror in this category as I consider it my other essential tool each day. From filming tutorials (it comes with a genius cell phone mount) to applying makeup in perfect lighting, even on a gloomy day, this mirror is invaluable to my beauty routine and I’ve purchased at least two as gifts for close friends who love it just as much as I do.
// SUNSCREEN + FRAGRANCE //
I don’t go a day without both sunscreen and fragrance. Typically, I reach for the Supergoop! Glow Screen SPF 40, which creates a radiant canvas that pairs beautifully with makeup. It’s been my go-to for years. I have now incorporated the recently released *Supergoop! Glow Screen Body SPF 40 for my arms and legs and deeply appreciate the luminosity it gives. I typically apply body lotion at night post-shower and then put this formula–which will be on heavy rotation all spring and summer–on in the morning. For my almost three year old (!!) Joey Elle, I love the *Supergoop! Sunny Screen 100% Mineral SPF 50, which features a spray applicator and a formula that plays well with delicate, sensitive skin.
For fragrance, I often reach for the gorgeously creamy fruit and floral infused *Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosee. It always lifts my mood with its notes of lychee, Turkish rose and vetiver and the sillage is wildly impressive. For a skin scent that is equal parts sultry and alluring, *Lancome Idole always catches my nose. Featuring notes of vanilla, white musk and jasmine, it’s sensual without being over the top and is wearable both day and night.
// SKINCARE + MORE //
A skincare routine is extremely personal and, of course, depends on skin type and skin concerns. That being said, here are some extremely versatile skincare staples that work for an array of complexions. To hydrate, I suggest a pump of the Agent Nateur holi water, which is rich in hyaluronic acid for a bouncy visage followed by the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, which deeply moisturizes and repairs while imparting a glossy luminosity. I am on my fifth bottle of this miracle formula…if you’ve been on the line about trying it, I implore you to do so. I daresay you won’t regret it.
For anti-aging, I adore the *Omorovicza Midnight Renewal Serum, which delivers a gentle yet effective dose of retinol for baby fresh skin without the irritation and also appreciate the glycolic acid and retinol-rich *Kate Somerville Kateceuticals Overnight Resurfacing Peel for reduced pores and glass skin overnight. When skin is dull and needing a pick-me-up, I suggest the *ReVive Masque de Radiance Brightening Moisture Mask; the gilded formula looks gorgeous in application and leaves the skin looking fresh, bouncy and radiant.
Two essentials I also use daily include the *Mario Badescu Rose Body Soap (and the drying lotion is excellent for a rogue blemish, by the way) which makes shaving a breeze and the Marvis Whitening Toothpaste, which is fluoride free (hard to find!) and brightening while still being incredibly gentle.
// FOUNDATION //
It’s nearly impossible for me to pare down a list of foundations for a classic beauty routine but, for this checklist, I selected a watery sheer version, a buildable solid version and a liquid version to suit all tastes. These can even be combined together for a custom finish.
Begin with the smoothing *Laura Mercier Perfecting Primer, which blurs pores and preps for the foundation to come. For a lightweight wash of water-based color, MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Foundation (my match is C5), is divine. The coverage can be built to medium and looks like nothing on the skin while imparting a soft luminosity; the foundation is basically waterproof (excellent for humid conditions!) and plays well with sensitive skin.
For a natural and creamy coverage that can be finessed from sheer to full, the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick is peerless. I wear Dune 5.7 in the winter and early spring and Sepia 7.2 in the late spring through fall and am wearing a mix of the two in the images at the end of the post. Expensive? Yes, both so very worth it and a single tube will last you a lifetime.
The classic Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is another favorite that works well on all skin types. This medium coverage formula looks like real skin and it comes in a vast range of shades and undertones.
Some finishing touches that are always in my bag include the Clé de Peau Beauté The Concealer (nothing better, believe the hype…the olive medium beige Buff is a seamless match for me, personally) and the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Setting Spray, which keeps all makeup intact for hours on end.
// CHEEKS //
A glowing complexion can be achieved in four steps or less…it’s all about finding multitasking products that blend and layer with ease. Start with a dose of the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter 4.5 (shown in the travel size). I like applying it post-moisturizer as a glowing primer that perpetually gives skin an “extra something.”
Follow with a creamy shade like NARS Sunkissed Bronzing Cream in Laguna (or the more neutral Casino) which acts like bronzer and contour in one. I focus application on the hollows or my cheeks and perimeters of my face for definition and warmth. For a pink glow, tap one pump of Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer 08 Soft Pink Blush on the apples of the cheeks…this formula mixes well with a matte foundation to increase radiance as well.
Finally, I love applying the Tom Ford Soleil Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt (I’m on compact #3 of this one) on the high points of my face for an ethereal, lit-from-within look. This particular duo adds special champagne warmth to all skin tones and is one of the first things I recommend buying to those looking to expand their Tom Ford collection with something they’ll use daily.
// EYES //
When it comes to eyes, I am massive fan of a “one and done” wash of color and am thrilled that Chanel Illusion d’Ombre #97 New Moon: was recently re-released. I remember purchasing it years ago and falling in love with this universally flattering sparkly taupe with mauve undertones. Just a swipe with my ring finger and I get crease-free wear all day. I also appreciate the neutral and luminous *Laura Mercier Chrome Caviar Eye Stick in Intense Moonlight to blend in the corners of my eyes and along my brow bone for extra glow. Topped with two coats of the genius *Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara (the tubing formula ensures no smudging or flaking) and eyes are good to go in a minute or so.
In terms of brows, define arches with the *Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat in Natural Brown, draw fine strokes that mimic the look of individual hairs with the *Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift Refillable Pencil and create full and feathery arches with the *Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows, which adds tint and hold. This newly released trifecta comes in a wide range of shades and the refillable option minimizes waste.
// LIPS //
Light pinky nude lips are my personal penchant, but for this beauty routine checklist, I strived to choose a few shades and textures that would look glorious on all complexions while still staying in this particular color story. First, I cannot recommend the *Sisley-Paris Phyto-Leveres Perfect Pencil 02 Beige Nature enough! This deep nude extends the perimeters of one’s pout while looking totally natural and it pairs well with a spectrum of lip colors from pale pink to red and even looks fabulous by itself or as a base for gloss.
For creamy full coverage in a single pass, I recommend Mac Cosmo Lipstick, which is a harmonious blend of pink, beige, nude and rose for a my-lips-but-better look that won’t wash you out. The other interesting thing about this particular shade is that it looks different on everyone, making it the lipstick chameleon you need in your bag. I also suggest Half and Half and Blankety (both in the rich Amplified formula) and the iconic Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk for tender hues with a softer impact.
In terms of gloss, the Too-Faced Lip Injection Bee Sting Lip Plumper has a gentle tingle and a pinky beige wash of color for full lips scented like honey (bought one for my mom, too, and she LOVES) and the new Tom Ford Sunlust Lip Gloss, which begins as a golden glow and morphs into a peach pink with gold flecks that makes lips look juicy and fresh. It is sheer enough to be applied without a mirror and feels entirely opulent.
The following images reflect all products in action in afternoon sunlight on location in Palos Verdes, CA…
// STYLE NOTES //
- Topshop Tiered Denim Dress: This voluminous shirt dress has a gorgeous swingy quality that feels breezy and casual. The lightweight cotton breathes well and the dress itself runs a touch on the large side (I am wearing a size 6 here) but that is fine by me, especially as temperatures continue to rise. This will be a closet staple for me for months!
- Teva Universal Flatform Sandal in Natural: I never thought I’d be writing about Teva’s here on BP. I have absolutely nothing against them, but for years have associated these sandals with trails and hiking rather than style and makeup. That being said, this flatform version provides a couple inches of cushiony height and an ultra comfortable (no need to break in and they run TTS!) footwear experience that pairs well with dress, shorts and jeans alike. I have a feeling that these will be on my feet all summer long.
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I sincerely hope you enjoyed this beauty routine checklist and would love to hear what caught your eye. Do tell!
Good things ahead, include a Mother’s Day Gift Guide, a soft spring makeup tutorial and a host of new product procurements. In three short months, we’ll be halfway through the year and it will already be time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…time really flies.
Stay strong, seek wisdom, much love and more soon,
xx
–The Beauty Professor
**Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. Press samples indicated by asterisk. As always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-21 Beauty Professor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission
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