Corrine StokoeWe’re all a little guilty of jumping on a trend bandwagon, but today I’m giving you a real perspective on what’s worth it, and what you can live without in your beauty routine! I tried 10 of the Allure Best of Beauty awarded makeup products that are sold at Nordstrom – and while there are some you’re totally going to want to splurge on, I’ll let you know where to save money! Let’s jump in.
How to get it all, minus the hassle
One of the things I love about shopping at Nordstrom is their amazing return policy. If you're worried the product was in the wrong shade or might not work, Nordstrom has free returns and awesome customer service.
Another convenient shopping hack is to purchase online and pick up in store because sooo many of these items are selling out fast. You’re going to want to grab them online when you see it and pick them up from the store when you can.
What’s better than buying online with free shipping and returns, OR getting it handed right to you with curbside pickup?! Be sure to sign up for Nordy Rewards as well so you can earn money towards future purchases.
Breaking down the Allure Best of Beauty items that are worth the hype
Face it: these products are TOPS
This bronzer powder is one of the BEST bronzers I’ve ever tried. I used this specific product once before in a different shade and I thought it looked muddy on me, but now that I’ve switched to the right shade (medium warm) it’s shot UP on my favorite bronzer list! I really loved this product, and even though it’s on the pricey side, I totally think it’s worth the splurge!
Now, let's talk foundation. This long-wear (Double Wear) foundation with SPF 19 was my favorite out of all the products I picked up! It's SO lightweight but still gives full coverage. This is definitely a foundation I’ll be using a lot this summer – it lasts all day and doesn’t rub off.
I’m not surprised I loved this foundation so much – I’ve been a huge fan of the Double Wear foundation for yearsssss. This sheer version might be even a little better, and it’s definitely perfect for those looking for an everyday foundation over something full coverage and heavy.
All time fave lippie
The YSL Lipstick Balm is my signature lipstick, specifically shade “nude lavalliere” (number 44)! Not surprising at all that it's on my top 10 and one of Allure’s Best of Beauty. Anytime I wear this lippie I get compliments or questions on it, hands down.
I love how this oil-in-stick lipstick balm hydrates while still giving you great color payoff! I’ve tried this in a few colors and it’s always going to be worth every penny in my book.
Eyes on the prize (and the best value)
There are a ton of high reviews on this super voluminous YSL mascara – and it's definitely worth the money! This product is so good – I did use a primer before applying this, but it does work super well on its own and is lengthening.
The vitamin-infused mascara primer is worth the splurge, too! It'll help your mascara from flaking off and gives such a pretty, dramatic look. Primers are great to help accentuate what the mascara already does, but with an amplified result!
These Allure Best of Beauty items will make you raise your brows
This is a great clear brow gel to grab for your natural makeup look days. This gel will totally define and lock-in your brows for whatever style you’re going for all day long. It’s a great choice for when you’re using a darker base product on your brow and don’t want a gel on top that will make it look even darker!
BUT, if you’re looking for a tinted gel, this one is sooo great. A little product goes a long way here and the color is spot on, but I'd still suggest using a pencil with it. I wear it in soft brown and like it, but not enough to use by itself!
This waterproof brow pomade is amazing! This gives you the full brow look if you’re still into that, like me! I love the filled in, airbrushed style, and I found this pomade worked perfect to achieve it. I love my shade (warm light brown) and I’m a super big fan now! AND this product is definitely going to last you 6 months to a year for just $20. It’s a great investment and high quality product.
Allure Best of Beauty products that don’t live up to the hype
This hue highlighter was underwhelming for me. While it’s not a bad product, I just wasn’t obsessed and felt like it wasn’t worth $34 in comparison to some really great drugstore highlighters I've found before.
The eye tint liquid eyeshadow was NOT for me. I didn’t love this product because I found it to be a little hard to apply and once it went from the liquid to powder, I didn’t think it had great payoff. It looked a little smudged and flaky to me – I know a lot of people are fans of it, but for almost $30, it didn’t make the cut for me!
Shop smarter, not harder!
I hope you were able to find some new products worth splurging on today! If you’re picking up any of these beauty finds, make sure you take advantage of Nordstrom’s shopping hacks and sign up for Nordy Rewards so you can earn money towards future purchases!
