When shopping for beauty products, it’s easy to gravitate to specialty stores like Sephora and Ulta, where every aisle is dedicated to all things beauty. However, there’s one retailer that always claims a sizable chunk of my paycheck (just consult my order histories) — and that’s Nordstrom.
Having grown up in the heyday of mall culture, I spent endless hours among the impeccably lit displays at my local Nordstrom counter, swatching and spritzing to my heart’s content. Highly-anticipated Anniversary Sale aside, the iconic department store is home to, in my humble opinion, one of the best beauty selections in the country — an accolade I don’t throw around lightly.
From niche fragrance brands to the latest in beauty tech, Nordstrom’s curation of hair care, makeup, skincare products — and more — is top-tier. (Plus, the retailer’s loyalty program often runs special point multiplier events on its beauty and fragrance assortment, allowing you to rack up rewards fast.)
But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Below, the R29 beauty team divulges their favorite brands to shop at Nordstrom — here are their ultimate favorites.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Parfums de Marly Meliora Eau de Parfum
“Every cool beauty editor I know has a Parfums de Marly perfume in their collection. Delina — the pink bottle, you know the one — is a fan-favorite for its fruity floral notes of Damascus rose, lychee, and vanilla, but I’m partial to Meliora. It’s a really unique bouquet of lush rose, raspberries, vanilla, and warm cedarwood that is undeniably feminine but not sticky-sweet.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Parfums de Marly Meliora Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
Therabody TheraFace Mask
“My husband swore by this mask leading up to our wedding last year — but it’s so good, I’m thinking of getting one for myself, so we don’t have to share one. IMO, the face massage functionality is what sets this apart from its competitors; if your favorite part of a spa facial is getting a face massage, this is the LED mask for you. Tiny vibration nodes massage key pressure points on the upper half of the face (think temples and around the forehead) to melt away tension and stimulate blood flow. I almost love it as much as my beloved Shark CryoGlow mask, and if you know me, you know that’s quite the compliment.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Therabody TheraFace Mask, $, available at Nordstrom
OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
“Osea’s Undaria Algae Body Oil has earned a devoted following for a reason: It’s decadent and readily absorbs without a sticky, greasy feel. I like to use it right out of the shower to anoint my arms, chest, and legs, but it’s also great during the day to refresh dull, dry skin. (I especially love it on my tattoos; it makes them gleam as if they’re brand new.) In the months that I’ve incorporated it into my body care ritual, I feel like my skin is softer and more even-toned than ever, thanks to ingredients like mineral-rich seaweed (a popular skincare ingredient said to improve elasticity) and hydrating passion fruit, açaí, babassu and rice bran oils. It also has a light citrusy scent that isn’t overpowering and plays nice when layered with my fragrance of choice.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil, $, available at Nordstrom
Living Proof Moisture Rescue Mask
“I’m only a third of the way through my first tub of Living Proof Moisture Rescue Mask, and I’ve already added another to my Nordstrom list — it’s that good. I’m trying to grow my hair long, which means I’ve been putting off hairdresser appointments. My stylist once told me that if I really want to stretch them out, I should invest in a quality hair mask and use it instead of a conditioner — and she was right. Packed with deeply moisturizing shea butter, I leave it on for five minutes while I wash my face and body, and the moisture barrier–boosting oils mean my hair has never looked or felt shinier or smoother. The brand claims it protects against dryness for up to three washes, and I can confirm that it does.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Living Proof Moisture Rescue Mask, $, available at Nordstrom
Dior Peachy Glow Eau de Parfum
“It was the beautiful, elegant bottle that first caught my eye, but the fragrance inside has me hooked. I adore anything peach, but it can sometimes smell juvenile or overly sweet. Not this one. After trying a tester, I can confirm that the creamy jasmine and vanilla whipped cream notes make it almost tropical — like the exciting moment before heading out for dinner on vacation, getting ready after a day at the beach. In short, I need it in my collection and can see myself spritzing it to the last drop.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Dior Peachy Glow Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream
“I love using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream alongside my retinoid, but when the weather warms up, it can feel a little too heavy on my oily, acne-prone skin. That’s why I’m excited to try the latest addition to the brand’s burgeoning skincare dynasty — Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream. Its star ingredient is deeply moisturizing 1% colloidal oatmeal, which soothes, heals, and protects the skin. Most dermatologists I know often recommend this ingredient for dry, flaky patches. A beauty editor friend of mine is already halfway through this cream and says it’s like a relief for tight, uncomfortable skin post-cleansing — you know the feeling! Even better, it’s FDA-approved for eczema.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream, $, available at Nordstrom
Augustinus Bader Geranium Rose Body Cream
“I know this is expensive for a body cream, but trust me — it’s the next best thing to a full-body massage, in the comfort of your own home. The cream is rich and indulgent, and I truly savor the time spent massaging it into my limbs after a shower. The scent is lightly floral, a reminder that — even amid blizzards and rainstorms — spring is just around the corner. Beyond the brand’s moisturizing, healing TFC8 complex of amino acids and vitamins, it contains skin-smoothing shea butter (essential for scaly legs like mine), niacinamide to support the skin barrier and prevent body breakouts, and polysaccharides, long chains of sugar molecules that boost hydration. I’m already one tub down and can’t wait to grab another.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Augustinus Bader Geranium Rose Body Cream, $, available at Nordstrom
Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment
“One thing about me? I can never have too many lip products in my bag. I’ve already finished one shade of Dr. Dennis Gross’ Lip Treatment down to the last drop (Berry, in case you were wondering), and I’ve got my eye on the lighter shades like Beige and Pink. Simply press the base of the product to release the glossy balm and swipe. Not only does it give lips a juicy wash of color, but it’s so hydrating that I’m convinced it makes them look twice as plump. That’s thanks to the hyaluronic acid, moisturizing squalane, and a mix of nourishing waxes and plant oils. While the shine is glossy, it feels comfortable, not sticky.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment, $, available at Nordstrom
BK Beauty Angie Hot & Flashy Travel Brush Set with Pouch
“When shopping for a travel brush set, I’m looking for on-the-go essentials only. Space in my luggage is scarce (I’m a notorious overpacker) and can’t be bothered with a bulky assortment of brushes that I won’t even use. This five-piece set includes three face brushes (foundation, concealer, and blush) and two for eyes (lid and crease), and has been perfect for everything from overnight to multi-week vacations (just pack a brush soap to clean in between uses!). I’ve had my set for a few years now, have taken it with me on countless trips, and it’s still in excellent shape. However, you can never be too prepared, which is why I’m getting a backup set just in case I leave it in a hotel room or on a plane.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
BK Beauty Angie Hot & Flashy Travel Brush Set with Pouch, $, available at Nordstrom
Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre Eyeshadow
“I recently tested a bunch of products from Victoria Beckham Beauty, and was so blown away by the brand. In addition to feeling so luxurious and timeless (the tortoiseshell packaging feels like it’s from a different time!), the quality of the formulas is really on another level. Like MAC, the brand has also been very selective of its retail presence, but recently announced that it was entering Nordstrom’s rarified beauty assortment. My choice pick that I highly recommend you swatch IRL at your local Nordstrom store is Lid Lustre eyeshadow, a dazzling, shimmery way to gild lids in a single swipe. (Photos truly don’t do it justice!)” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre Eyeshadow, $, available at Nordstrom
Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Beauty Wand Highlighter
“If I had to use just one makeup brand, I’d probably choose Charlotte Tilbury. It has everything — even skincare to prep your base — and having met Charlotte herself recently, I now know just how much time, effort and research goes into each and every product. I was so impressed. My all time favorite, though, has to be the Glowgasm Beauty Wand Highlighter (especially the shade Peachgasm), which I use as a cream blush. Unlike others, which are packed with chunky, glittery pigments, this is so finely-milled and appears like a glossy filter on the skin. Best of all, it doesn’t budge until you see fit to remove it at the end of the day. I’ve used a handful of these right down to the last drop — they’re that good.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Beauty Wand Highlighter, $, available at Nordstrom
Chanel BAUME ESSENTIEL Multi-Use Glow Stick
“When I think of the Nordstrom beauty floor, Chanel is the first name that comes to mind. I have such fond memories of visiting the counter with my mom, marveling at the elegant jars, iconic lipsticks, and indulging in tiny samples of their decadent creams on my baby-soft skin. Even now, Nordstrom remains my go-to destination for the ultimate in luxury beauty, whether I’m restocking a classic Chanel fragrance or picking up a must-have Baume Essential. And for those of you who aren’t familiar with the latter, it’s essentially the grown-up version of a highlighter – the chicest, most subtle way to add light and dimension to your face, IMHO.” — Sara Tan, Global Beauty Director
Chanel BAUME ESSENTIEL Multi-Use Glow Stick, $, available at Nordstrom
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick
“If you know me, you know I am a hardcore Westman Atelier fan. I own most of the brands products from contour sticks, to glowy highlighters, and natural mascaras, and its products totally align with my barely there makeup preferences. I also find the formulas don’t trigger my sensitive skin. Plus, the packaging is so chic, minimal, and just feels luxe, I’ve given so many of the brand’s liquid lip balms as gifts throughout the years. The first Westman item I bought was the Face Trace Contour Stick. I love the shade ‘Biscuit’ because it has a cooler understone so it doesn’t appear orange like some other contour or bronzing products I’ve tried. The texture is also so creamy and melts into the skin easily. It looks so natural I’ll usually just blend it over my tinted sunscreen — no foundation or concealer required.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick, $, available at Nordstrom
MAC Cosmetics MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick
“MAC Cosmetics has always been strategic with its retail partnerships. For most of its four decades of being in business, you could only shop them at MAC stores or on the brand’s website. Nowadays, they are still only in a few retailers – and Nordstrom is among the rare few. After all these years, the artistry-focused brand still makes some of the most innovative, high-performing products around. My latest favorite: the Macximal Silky Matte lipstick, which combines the bold pigmentation and matte finish of the brand’s Retro Matte lipsticks in a silky, non-drying (!) formula.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
MAC Cosmetics MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick, $, available at Nordstrom
Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
“I discovered Tata Harper when I worked as a travel editor at a newspaper. So many luxury hotels on my bucket list (The Lanesborough Hotel in London, Le Coucou Meribel in the French Alps, and Gleneagles in Scotland, just to name a few) feature Tata Harper facials on their spa menus. After sampling its Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil, I’m now crystal clear on why the brand has received so much love from five-star stays: The texture is rich without making my skin feel like an oil slick, and it’s packed with natural retinoids derived from rosehip. I love massaging this into my face with my fingertips after my usual skincare routine, and I wake up with plumper and brighter skin the next day.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil, $, available at Nordstrom
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