Beauty is one of my favorite categories to shop during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — and one of the easiest to overspend in if you’re not paying attention. The sets look like deals because they are deals, but that doesn’t mean you need all of them.
My approach every year is the same: restock what I use daily, and let the sale prices talk me into the pricier things I’ve been eyeing all year. Everything on this list is something I own or use.
If you’re shopping the whole sale, start with my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale guide, then my shoe picks and jeans guide. And don’t miss the baby gear deals if you’re in that stage of life. For beauty, two things are worth grabbing before anything else.

I’m incapable of using the simple facial razors that influencers swear by without bleeding, but this is the one that got me hooked on dermaplaning. I swear it’s impossible to cut yourself with it. And I can’t stop touching my skin after. So soft and smooth — and my makeup looks great afterward. I use it once a week.

If you already have a high-quality blow dryer, the next tool I’d add to the mix is the T3 Blow Dryer Brush. I use this for a great at-home blowout (it’s what I styled my hair with in this picture), and you can use it to refresh day 2-3 hair.

I’ve had mine for eight years and you’ve heard me rave about it for 8 years. I used to replace my curling iron every couple of years, but this one is still going strong.
If you struggle to curl your hair, it’s time to upgrade your curling iron to one with a better clamp like this. The heat distributes evenly, which helps curls hold and avoid hot spots that damage your hair.
I use the 1.25″ barrel, no matter how long or short my hair is. I have a whole post on how to curl your hair so you can use it the day you get it.

After years with a Dyson, I switched to the T3 Hair Dryer and was shocked at how much I preferred it. It’s lighter, just as fast, and gives me more control over the finish. It’s also the more affordable option between the two, which makes the sale price even better.

I had the Dyson Airwrap and liked it enough, but this is in a different league. It’s easier to use, doesn’t have an annoying block on the cord, and the round brush attachment shape is so much better. It’s great for big, bouncy curls, but I’m still trying to find the secret recipe for getting those curls to last. (My curling iron curls last for days!)

I’m a hair dryer snob – surprise surprise – and I always take this with me, even if I know the hotel or airbnb has a hair dryer. It dries my hair so fast and it’s super light weight. If you travel a lot, it’s worth it.

I named this one of the best body butters years ago, and I still love it! I just used the last bit of mine, so I’m buying this duo for sure. It’s hydrating but not greasy (which so many body butters are prone to).

I don’t love body oils but I LOVE the scrub that’s included in this, so I’m buying it and putting the oils in a bin that I keep for gifts throughout the year. Splitting up a beauty set for myself + a gift is one of my favorite ways to save money, and I can get my loved ones something bougie without spending too much money.

One of my favorite non-toxic deodorants. Literally any scent they sell is great. You can’t go wrong.

I oddly get a lot of body wash sent to me to try and Salt & Stone is far and away my favorite. My husband loves it too. It smells nice but isn’t overpowering and leaves skin hydrating. I have sensitive skin and I’m sensitive to scents, and this works well for me.

Cute back to school gift for teachers! Again, break it up and pair it with a coffee gift card. I’m more of a perfume girl, but I have smelled all of these and they’re great.

Rahua has a cult following, since it’s one of the few truly non-toxic hair care brands out there. I found it a bit heavy for my hair, but if clean is most important to you, grab this.

I’ve used these off and on for years and recently named Baby Cheeks one of the best cream blushes. These glide on and blend absolutely effortlessly, and I love the magnetic packaging.

I love this vitamin C serum so much but rarely buy it since it’s so pricey, so you can guarantee I’m buying the discounted set during the sale.

Natura Bissé is one of my top foundations for mature skin, and the eye cream was a top pick in the tinted eye cream round-up too. Getting both for under $250 is a steal. They last forever too.

I have an eye cream I love, but I’ve seen people rave about this (and I already know that I love other U Beauty products), so I’m going to buy this set. One for me, one for a gift!

I’ve first tried U Beauty last year and quickly fell in love with the arm sculpt and resurfacing compounds. This is a great way to try three of their most popular products at a discount.

I have two of these brushes and they’re perfect for blending foundation and concealer. The double ended one looks perfect for powder blushes.

If you don’t have nice makeup brushes – or you haven’t washed them in the 10 years you’ve owned them -now is the time to buy these. I have this set and absolutely love it. It blends powder makeup better than the other brands I have mixed into my collection.

I’m a recent Olaplex convert and now I understand the hype. I use this hair oil every single day and my hair finally has shine back.

Not the cleanest, but they sent them to me so I tested them, and wow, I love them. These are all so pretty and natural! If you struggle with applying makeup, these are great options since they feel impossible to mess up.

I don’t wear setting spray often (mostly just for family photos), but when I do it’s this one. I know some people use it daily, but I’m just a bit lazy. And that also explains why my makeup doesn’t always last.

I have this eye shadow palette and absolutely love it. The colors are so pretty and the pigment is just enough to show up but not impossible to blend. I can’t wear any mascara other than tubing mascara, but I have tested this in the past and it does give major oomph to lashes. So if regular mascaras work for you, it’s a winner.

I use this every night before bed and in the morning when I wake up. It’s not heavy like most overnight lip treatments are, which is why I like it so much. It’s lasted forever too.
The pricey brands will sell out because it’s hard to pay full price for U Beauty and Natura Bisse! I bet the Dermaflash will sell out quickly too. The beauty sets sell out but oddly restock fairly often. Most of the hair tools stay in stock though.
Beauty is such an easy category to go overboard in, so pick a couple of things you’ll actually use daily and let yourself splurge on one or two you’ve been eyeing.
I let Instagram and my text list know about restocks first, and I’ll send more sale updates via email — join my newsletter here.


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