Best Beauty Brands To Try At Nordstrom This Spring

I like to go through and see what beauty products I’m still loving and which ones could use a refresh each spring. I do have favorites, but there are so many new things, and I love to experiment with new ones. I picked up a few things I love from Ilia (one of my favorite clean, cruelty-free brands) to update my eye makeup last month and created a softer eye look. Unfortunately, I got an eye infection from my ocular rosacea, and the doctor told me I had to replace my eye makeup again! I decided to take this chance to try some new highly things from Nordstrom and went for a smokier eye look.

WEARING – ANASTASIA BROWN DEFINER IN TAUPE / CHARLOTTE TILBURY EYE SHADOW PALETTE IN “THE SOPHISTICATE” / ROCK ‘N’ KOHL EYE PENCIL IN SMOKEY GREY / PILLOW TALK PUSH UP LASHES! MASCARA

3 Beauty Brands to Try at Nordstrom

1. Charlotte Tilbury

You’ve likely seen this brand or heard someone talk about Charlotte Tilbury’s famous Pillow Talk lipstick. I’ve tried several of their lipsticks and love the consistency, so I decided to give a few of their other products a try. She makes an entire line of skincare and beauty products that are all Leaping Bunny cruelty-free, which you know is important to me. Since I needed to replace my eye makeup, I decided to pick up a new eye shadow palette, mascara, and eyeliner pencil.

The eye shadow palette in “The Sophisticate” features really pretty neutral colors in a matte finish which you can use for a subtle look or full-on smokey eye. I cover my entire lid with the palest shade, then brushed the hollow of my eye with the medium shade and dabbed a tiny bit of the darkest color at the outer corner. They’re heavily pigmented, so a little goes a long way.

If you’re looking for a nice waterproof eyeliner pencil, I’d definitely suggest the Rock ‘N’ Kohl in Smokey Grey. It glided on easily without tugging and lasted all day. Plus, unlike some eyeliners, the pigment was rich, so I only had to draw it on once rather than go back over it again and again. The grey is nice and dark but softer looking than black.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOW TALK PUSH UP LASHES MASCARA

The Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara surprised me with just how good it is. It’s advertised to give you a 24-hour vertical lift effect with its exclusive brush. The flat side of the brush is designed to load while the bristles comb and lift. It was dark and really curled my lashes like it said it would.

MORE HIGHLY RATE CHARLOTTE TILBURY-

ANASTASIA BROW DEFINER IN TAUPE

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills

I’ve used this Anastasia Brow Wiz pencil for years but decided to up my game to this Brow definer which has a wider tip. Anastasia is the queen of all things brow and has reached iconic status for her professional quality and fabulous colors. Her taupe shade is perfect for me, so I simply ordered the same color in the new-to-me Brow definer. I know some ladies like to pencil in little strokes that look like hair, but to be honest, I don’t have the patience for that, so this thicker triangular tip is quicker and fills in my sparse areas without a sharply defined line.

I didn’t realize until I was working on this post that each tip of the triangle is supposed to be used for different purposes on your brows. These are the directions I found on the Nordstrom website: “Use the sharpest point of the tip to create fine, hairlike strokes. Use the angled part of the pencil to create thick, hairlike strokes. Use the pencil on its side to create broad strokes.” It also comes with a nice spoolie on one end for brushing brows into place and distributing the pigment.

CLOSE-UP OF WHERE I PLACED THE SHADOW

3. Supergoop!

When I shared about the best sunscreens for mature skin, I got a lot of recommendations for the cruelty-free brand, Supergoop!. I decided to test three of their most popular products, two sunscreens, and their spf eye shadow during my vacation to Mexico.

SUPERGOOP! GLOW SUNSCREEN / SUPERGOOP! UNSEEN SUNSCREEN / SUPERGOOP! SHIMMERSHADE ILLUMINATING EYE SHADOW IN FIRST LIGHT

Up first, I tried the Glow Sunscreen. It comes in 4 shades, and I chose Dawn, which is invisible on my skin. This is a clean, lightweight chemical sunscreen with SPF 40 that hydrates the skin and leaves your skin with a subtle glow and shimmer.

SUPERGOOP! GLOW SCREEN SPF 40

I really like that it acts as a primer for your foundation or could be worn on its own. I skipped the foundation to sit in the shade by the pool and love that I could reapply it without looking in a mirror because it melted right into my skin. I also love that SuperGoop sunscreens are free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone, talc, and fragrances.

Next, I tried the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. I bought a small tube to see if I’d like it, and I love it, so I’ll be getting a larger tube. This little size is perfect to carry in your purse. If you prefer a face sunscreen that is unscented, invisible, and weightless, this is the one for you.

I was really surprised at how smooth and velvety it felt on my face. I like that it also protects your skin from blue light. It has an SPF 40PA+++ which is water and sweat resistant for 40 minutes. Just like the Glow Sunscreen, this one also is a primer. Even better, though, the Unseen Sunscreen is also reef-friendly and oil-free.

Finally, I bought the Shimmershade Illuminating Eye Shadow in the color First Light. Your eyes are one of the most sensitive spots and one of the first places to show signs of aging so it makes sense to add some extra protection to the fragile skin. This cream shadow contains 20% zinc oxide, so it really protects your skin. I simply patted a small amount all over my lids for a soft glimmery look.

Nordstrom Spring Beauty

As you get into the spring cleaning mood, I highly recommend going through your beauty products and checking their expiration dates. From changing up your eye makeup to finding a new face sunscreen for spring and summer, Nordstrom has it all and can help you freshen up your look with brands you would never have thought of trying. They also offer beauty and style workshops so you can learn new techniques and refresh your look.

When given a choice, I always choose to buy from Nordstrom because they offer free shipping and returns, curbside pickup, BOPUS (buy online, pick up in-store), ROTUS (reserve online, try on in-store), and free beauty workshops. I recommend you join the Nordy club here. Itā€™s free and allows you to earn points towards notes you can use on future purchases, plus you get free basic alterations.

46 Comments

  1. Diane Koch says:

    Thanks for the info of this post, being a skin cancer “patient” I am always on the defense. Was wondering what the lipstick you’re wearing in the picture with the hat, really like the color! Thanks!

  2. I picked up a smoky grey eyeliner today at my local Nordstrom. I have only tried it on my hand, but the color is perfect. Thank you for the recommendation.

    1. I love gray eyeliner too. So much softer looking than black.

  3. Hi! I see that you have ocular rosacea. I have Rosacea on my face and my eyes too. I can’t change ANY make up that I wear, even the color of eye shadow. Do you find you can use any make up on your eyes??? It makes my Rosacea break out on my face with redness and bumps. Have you found anything to help this??? Thank you!
    Shirley

    1. Hi Shirley, I find clean brands without too many chemicals are ok for me. Have you tried hypoallergenic brands?

  4. Thanks for telling us about Supergoop eyeshadow! What a fabulous idea!!

  5. Jennifer, this is the second time I have tried to comment on your site and it disappeared while I was putting my name in. It jumps around and gets slow and then poof, my note it gone. Love your new eye makeup, very professional looking and I bought an eyebrow gel and a blush. Thank you for the sunscreen info, I will be buying it as well.

    1. I had that problem on another site this morning too. Iā€™m not sure whatā€™s up but Iā€™m glad you got your comment to work this time.

  6. Jennifer, Love your eye makeup, I’ll have to give this a try. I’m a devoted fan of Two Faced mascara, but intrigued by the Charlotte Tilbury…mascara,,,a trip to Nordstrom or Sephora is in order. I also love the Supergoop sunscreen, I have the swivel stick powder,so I can retouch during the day…I use it even on the dreariest of days…..I also like Tizo3 primer and sunscreen spf 40 which is tinted and waterproof. Recommended by a facialist, and available on Amazon. Works well……

    1. Thank you for sharing those, Nancy. Iā€™ll check them out.

  7. I just got diagnosed with dry eye as you did a while ago and my doctorā€™s instructions say to not use any eyeshadow in powder form. I will try the cream one mentioned above.

    1. Mine has not mentioned that but it makes total sense.

  8. Priscilla says:

    Sadly ,Nordstrom is closing all its stores in Canada . I will miss the quality and checking your excellent
    suggestions . Enjoy your Mexico holiday.

  9. Wonderful smoky eyes.
    Looks very soft and truly brings out your blue eyes.
    I too look for the bunny on my make-up. No cruelty.

    1. Yes, to the bunny!!

  10. Francesca B says:

    Thank you Jennifer for the post l am going to get some Anastasia products and work on my non existent eyebrows! Love what you are wearing so pretty together! Happy day šŸ™‚

    1. She has lots of options for brows, and they all work really well.

      1. Very good , I LOVE Nordstrom.

      2. I have used the two ABH brow products you mentioned for a couple years. I have no brows and I am able to recreate them. I have salt and pepper hair and I use Ash Brown. It has no red pigment. I was unaware of the usage of the triangle shape.

      3. I also appreciate that the taupe is not warm. Her ā€œashā€ is truly cool, unlike many others.

  11. Love your smokey eye look! I definitely need to branch out and try new makeup. I’ve seemed to just stick with Estee Lauder. Those sunscreens really sound great. My Dermatologist says anything you like that’s at least 50 is fine. My mom had skin cancer so I am super vigilant.

    1. I agree with your dermatologist. The best sunscreen is the one you will use!

  12. Jennifer, I absolutely love that dress and sweater on you! Great choices.

  13. Sadly there is no longer any Nordstrom stores in Canada (nor do they ship here) however as require some new eye makeup shall definitely consider the ones listed vie other vendors. On that note; I don’t know if you follow any YouTube channels but I find Wayne Goss (goss) can be a wealth of information for women in our age group when it comes to hair as well as cosmetics. (Just thought I’d share his name with you in event you or your readers might be interested.) Loving your new eye look! -Brenda-

    1. Wayne is a wealth of info. I love his videos, Brenda.

  14. Is the Super Goop very moisturizing. I have very dry skin, and am looking for a moisturizing sunscreen. Thanks for the post.

    1. It’s creamy and glides on, but I don’t think it’s intended to moisturize. I never recommend using a moisturizer with spf as your only protection. Apply moisturizer, then top it with a strong SPF.

  15. I too have rosacea and have had a few eye infections from mascara. My usual make up is eye brow pencil and lipstick. Sometimes. Blush is applied to my cheeks for color. I use eye shadow and mascara very rarely.

  16. Christina Wilson says:

    Sorry to skip the makeup part but I love your dress and top combo. Can you say what youā€™re wearing here?

  17. I have been using supergoop glow for awhile and love that using that and eyebrow pencil are all I need. I love your hat did that come from Nordstroms also? I love your eye makeup but I have to use prescription drops 4x a day so I had to give that up.

    1. I’m using eye drops at least that often too! Such a bother but they’re really helping. My makeup stays on with them so you might try some waterproof options. They’ve come a long way.

      1. Waterproof makeup (mascara in particular) has been no match for my Restasis drops – they all run/creep – so I have given up eye makeup. If I have a number of social events coming up I splurge and get my lashes dyed. Itā€™s not perfect but is tolerable, makes me feel a little more attractive, and lasts for about 6 weeks.

  18. Frances B says:

    Your make up looks fantastic! Love the smokey eyes on you!

    1. It’s my favorite. I don’t think we’re ever too old for a smokey eye and having fun with makeup.

  19. Pat Patterson says:

    Good morning Jennifer
    So glad you featured Charlotte Tilbury makeup. I didnā€™t know much about it and with your new look and recommendation, I plan on taking a look at it. Also, never heard of Supergeep, I will see if itā€™s available in my area. BTW, I like your hat. Could you please tell about the crushable hat for travel again. I donā€™t remember where you purchased it.
    Thanks & have a nice day

    1. @Pat: Re the crushable hat. Go up to the header (top) bar and click on the title Fashion, scroll to Summer – search ‘Best Sun Hats to Protect Your Skin’ (Feb. 17/2023). Hope this helps. -Brenda-

      1. Pat Patterson says:

        Thanks Brenda have a nice day
        Pat

      2. Thanks, Brenda! I love how this community supports one another.

    2. This straw hat was only $16 on a sale table many years ago and actually has no label, so I have no idea the brand name. Paper and nylon weaves pack very well. I also have a fabric hat I cram into bags that comes out perfectly. I find them everywhere!

  20. Karen Henry says:

    Cute, colorful dress you are wearing – from where?

    1. This is from Nordstrom last year. I love wearing it in hot weather.

  21. I’m looking for a new face only sun screen that truly blocks all the ā€œevilā€ rays. I’m confident with my body sunscreen- no more chest or shoulder burning while swimming or wading! But they found skin cancer on my face last spring and had Mohs surgery. I hope to never have this again. Right under my eye.

    1. Iā€™m sorry you had to deal with that, Paulette. I like Cetaphilā€™s Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen, 50 SPF. My dermatologist gave me a sample, which is how I came across it. No burning eyes, like with some chemical sunscreens, but it does leave a white cast that seems to settle down. Iā€™m quite fair so it works for me and plays nicely under makeup.

    2. I remember when you had to have that surgery, Paulette. I’m so sorry; I know how traumatizing it is. These Supergoop! Are really amazing, but for your face, with your history, you might want to up the SPF

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