The holidays have a way of sweeping us off our feet with one celebration after another. Between a civil ceremony, festive gatherings, and the excitement of ringing in the New Year, it’s no surprise that my beauty routine has had to keep up with the whirlwind. While the late nights and bubbly toasts are all part of the fun, they often leave me feeling a little more exhausted—and my skin definitely shows it. That’s when I realized the importance of simplifying my beauty routine, opting for products that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. Over the years, I’ve curated a collection of beauty essentials that keep my skin glowing and my makeup fresh without the need for complicated steps or countless products.
Here are my 10 favorite beauty items—each carefully selected for its ability to streamline my routine and elevate my look with ease. Best of all? They’re all available at Nordstrom, a one-stop shop to restock your beauty essentials for the New Year ahead.
1. Best Face Oil: Caudalie “The Precious Oil”
Let’s start with hydration—my number one priority when it comes to skincare. As someone who regularly gets spray tans, my skin tends to get a little dry. That’s where Caudalie’s Precious Oil comes in. I’ve been using this oil for years, twice daily, and it’s become a staple in my routine. It’s lightweight, 100% natural, and gives my skin a beautiful, subtle glow. I also love using it for facial massages, adding an extra touch of luxury to my routine. If you’re looking for something that leaves your skin feeling nourished and looking radiant, this is it.
2. Best Moisturizer: Cle de Peau Beaute “La Creme”
For evening hydration, I double up on moisture. First, I apply Caudalie’s Precious Oil and then layer on La Creme by Cle de Peau Beaute. While this is definitely a splurge, I can confidently say it’s worth every penny. I’ve been using it for over two years, and it has transformed my skin—leaving it soft, plump, and rejuvenated. If you want to invest in a moisturizer that feels like luxury, La Creme is your best bet. I also love the Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme by Cle de Peau Beaute—it’s my secret weapon for tackling puffiness and dark circles around my eyes.
3. Best Primer: Laura Mercier “Hydrating Pure Canvas Primer”
If you’ve been following my beauty journey, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of a dewy, fresh-faced look. To achieve that natural glow, I rely on Laura Mercier’s Hydrating Pure Canvas Primer. It’s lightweight, and it creates a smooth, even base for makeup, locking in moisture while prepping my skin for the rest of my routine. What I love most is how it enhances my glow without making my skin feel heavy or dry. This primer ensures my makeup stays fresh all day without the need for any additional setting sprays.
4. Best Tinted Moisturizer: Yves Saint Laurent “Touche Eclat All-in-One Glow”
When it comes to coverage, I prefer a lightweight option that still offers some skin-perfecting benefits. Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat All-in-One Glow tinted moisturizer is my go-to. It provides medium coverage, blurs imperfections, and delivers a radiant finish—all while offering SPF 23 for sun protection. This is my perfect alternative to a heavy foundation, and it’s become a staple in my everyday routine. To give my skin an extra pop, I add a little Touche Eclat All-Over Brightening Pen, which blends seamlessly and highlights my features with just the right amount of glow.
5. Best Eyebrow Gel: Charlotte Tilbury “Legendary Brows”
If there’s one thing I can’t leave the house without, it’s brow gel. Since brows are the framework of the face, I make sure mine are always looking full and defined. Charlotte Tilbury’s Legendary Brows gel is my absolute favorite. It’s easy to apply, and the precision of the spoolie makes it feel effortless. Whether I’m going for a natural, full brow or something more sculpted, this gel delivers perfect, hair-like strokes every time. Plus, it holds everything in place without feeling crunchy or stiff.
6. Best Mascara: Dior “Diorshow”
Mascara is another non-negotiable step in my beauty routine. For years, I’ve been loyal to Dior’s Diorshow, which builds volume and length without clumping. It separates my lashes beautifully and keeps them curled all day. I’m also excited to try their Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, which promises even more intense curl and volume—Nordstrom can barely keep it in stock, so you know it’s a fan favorite!
7. Best Lip Tint: Dior “Lip Tattoo”
A lip product that has truly lived up to the hype is Dior’s Lip Tattoo. After going viral for its long-lasting formula (especially under a mask), I had to try it for myself. I picked up the shade “451,” a lovely light coral, and I’m hooked. This lip tint doesn’t smudge or fade, making it perfect for a long day out. It gives my lips a subtle flush of color without the need for constant touch-ups.
8. Best Cheek Tint: Giorgio Armani “A-Blush”
Blush is another product that’s essential for creating a fresh, youthful look. Giorgio Armani’s A-Blush is the perfect cheek tint. It’s water-based, so it blends beautifully into the skin and gives just the right amount of flush. I wear the shade “30,” which provides a delicate rose hue that’s flattering on most skin tones. It’s the perfect option for days when I want a natural, dewy glow.
9. Best Red Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury “So Red”
When it comes to red lipstick, I’m picky. It has to be the perfect shade—neither too warm nor too cool. Charlotte Tilbury’s So Red (formerly So Marilyn) is the ideal red for me. It’s a rich, darker red with a warm undertone that gives off an old-Hollywood vibe. What’s more, it lasts all day, making it my ultimate red lip choice.
10. Best Makeup Remover: Chanel “Demaquillant Yeux Intense”
At the end of the day, I need a gentle but effective makeup remover. Chanel’s Demaquillant Yeux Intense is my go-to. It’s perfect for removing stubborn eye makeup, including waterproof mascara, without leaving behind any oily residue. It’s soothing and refreshing, and it makes my nighttime skincare routine feel like a luxury experience.
In a world filled with new beauty trends and constant product launches, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype. But I’ve found that the best products are often those that stand the test of time. These 10 essentials have become my beauty mainstays, helping me create a routine that’s simple, effective, and always leaves me feeling refreshed and confident. Nordstrom makes it easy to restock these must-haves, so you can start the New Year off right.
Xo,
Stephanie
P.S.: If you haven’t already joined The Nordy Club, it’s definitely worth it. You can earn points, get free shipping and returns, and enjoy curbside pick-up. Happy shopping!