Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access // Deal Hunting for Popular Beauty Brands

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*Scroll down to see details and sale prices of these beauty finds*

I shop at Nordstrom often as the store is known for excellent customer service and flexible return policy.  Also, I find great deals during their sale event, both normal ones and big ones like the Anniversary Sale.  

I do have a Nordstrom credit card, so I am able to have early access to their biggest sale of the year - the Anniversary Sale - where even regular-priced items would be put on sale.  Credit and Debit cardholders have early access to this event, for about a week in advanced of the official start date on 7/22.  There is no additional $ or % off, but cardholders simply get to shop early.

I've combed through the Beauty Exclusives section of the sale and picked out the items below from brands I love and use often.  And they are all under $70!

~ for your body ~

Kiehl’s Jumbo Size Creme de Corps with Pump 33.8oz
Sale $52
After Sale $75

You guys know how much I like this body lotion!  My body stays moisturized for hours after I put it on.  I will be stocking up since this is a true bargain for this luxe item.

Kiehl’s Jumbo Size Grapefruit Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser 33.80z
Sale $33
After Sale $48

My gym provides this body cleanser in the shower stalls.....I love its light soothing scent and my post-shower skin feels nice and soft.  I've been hesitant to invest in my own bottle because I'm not used to buying expensive bodywash, but with this sale, I'm definitely going to buy one!

Note: Both items are eligible for Kiehl's Gift with Purchase offer - Receive deluxe samples of Ultra Facial Cream, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, Daily Reviving Concentrate & Midnight Recovery Concentrate with $85 Kiehl's purchase.

~ for your home ~

Diptyque Scented Candle Set (Set of 5 1.2oz Candle)
Early Access $55

You see Diptyque candles all over Instagram, making it so hard to resist from owning one myself!  However, their candles are very pricey, but with this gift set, it's a great way to sample different scents without breaking the bank.  Do note that these are half the size of the brand's normal standalone candles.

Set includes // Baies: featuring notes of blackcurrant and Bulgarian rose // Figuier: featuring notes of the fig tree // Feu de Bois: featuring woody notes // Roses: featuring notes of tender, changing roses // Tubéreuse: featuring notes of the tuberose flower.

Helpful Comparison for Value // A Diptyque 2.4oz candle is $32 each, so a 1.2oz candle would be around $16, making a set of 5 to be around $90 if purchase each candle separately.

Great Gift Option // This set makes a great housewarming gift.  Or if you're like me and like to put together your own gift set, you can also split up the set and include one candle per personalized gift for your friends (and maybe save one for yourself!).

7/26 Update // This candle set is now sold out.

Voluspa “Maison Blanc” Mini Tin Candle Trio (One-Wick)
Sale $15.90
After Sale $21

I bought a Voluspa candle (Bellini scent) years ago and have been a fan every since.  They are pricey though, so I save it for special occasions or maybe a stressful day.  I love this trio set not only for the value (see below for "the math"), but also the soft pastel colors.  Similar to the Diptyque set above, this also makes great gifts for your friends.

Trio includes // Pink Citron: ripe citron grapefruit with a juicy pink center, layered with tart cassis and a heart of subtle rose // Laguna: a fresh blend of California verbena and white freesia // Saijo Persimmon: Japanese saijo persimmon, considered to be the finest gourmet variety, is layered with juicy peach and red currant.

Helpful Comparison for Value // Each two-wick candle is $16.  These mini’s are one-wick (about half), so each would be around $8 , making a set of 3 to be around $24 if purchase each candle separately.

More Voluspa Options // 1 more mini tin trio and 2 more two-wick tin trios.  Click here to see these.

*Voluspa.com sells another trio set at $25, but it includes different scents. I personally prefer these scents and the soft pastel color of the tins.

~ for your face ~

Fresh Beauty Ritual Set
Early Access $57

You guys know I am a loyal user of Fresh Soy Face Cleanser because of its mild nature and how it doesn't dry up my skin post-cleansing.  This item alone in the 1.7oz version included in this set is $15.  Plus, the set comes with the popular Rose Face Mask along with two other great items.  I think this is an excellent option for those who want to try Fresh for the first time as you'll get a flavor of what this brand is all about.

Set Includes // Soy Face Cleanser // Sugar Advanced Therapy for Lips // Rose Face Mask // Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream.  All items are small sizes.

Similar Set at Sephora // "Black Tea SkinCare: Age-Delay Essentials” Set at $94. Also includes the cult faves Soy Face Cleanser + Sugar Advanced Therapy for Lips, but the rest are from their Black Tea line and does not include the Rose Face Mask.

GLAMGLOW “Glamazing GRAVITYMUD” Set
Early Access $69

I don't think GLAMGLOW needs much introduction!  This set is a good choice for those who want to try the brand's iconic xxxMUD treatment items (set includes full size).  Plus, the set includes a branded application brush and deluxe sample size of 2 other awesome treatments.  The GRAVITYMUD alone is $69, making this a truly great deal.

Set Includes // GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment (Full Size) // SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment // THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment // An application brush.

No similar set at Sephora.

7/26 Update // This skincare set is now sold out.

GLAMGLOW “Glamazing SUPERMUD” Set
Early Access $69

Similar to the above GLAMGLOW set, this is also a great deal as the SUPERMUD alone is $69.

Set Includes // SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (Full Size), FLASHMUD Brightening Treatment // YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment.

Similar Set at Sephora // “Stay Sexy Clearing” Set ($69).  Includes SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (Full Size) + SUPERCLEANSE Daily Clearing Cleanser (Small Size). 

Photos Credits: All images used in this story are from Norstrom website @ www.nordstrom.com.

~ About the Nordstrom Credit Card ~

I feel the need to say a few words about this - I am seeing many bloggers advocating readers to apply for the Nordstrom card in order to gain early access to this sale.  I don't know how many of them are sponsored by the retailer.  From my retail days (working in the buying office and in the store), retailers always try to convince you to apply for their cards because they make quite a nice profit from interest if balance is not paid in full and it's a way for them to keep your loyalty with them. 

The only thing I want to share is to do what is suitable for your own financial situation.  I own the card because I do shop at Nordstrom and Norstrom Rack often (have been since I was in college) and I can truly take advantage of their reward program and their sale events.  I wouldn't recommend getting the card just for this sale or just to gain early access to this sale.  Many items would still be there when the sale starts on 7/22.

Happy Deal Hunting and thanks for stopping by!

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Instagram Lately // Travel Beauty Essentials

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I'm always happy to be home, but this trip is super special because I get to see my niece and nephew who are visiting from Hong Kong!  They grow up so fast, and I'm bummed that I don't get to see them more often.  I know they love sweets, so I've already planned out all the dessert places I can take them to!

Speaking of travel, there are certain beauty products I just can't live without.

Dior Nail Glow //  I'm often running errands up until the moment I have to head to the airport, so there's hardly time to spare for a nice mani.  I'm so happy I have this nail polish because even though it goes on clear, once it's dried, it gives my nails this rosy pink glow as if I've had a mani.  If you've used the Dior Addict Lip Glow, it's very similar concept here.  I highly recommend this for both travel and for in between manicures.

Hand Sanitizer //  I know it's not for everyone - My mom gets a rash when she uses it.  If it's suitable for you though, this is something I can't travel without because it's a safe-guard for my own health and sanity.

Eau de Toilette //  I try to buy or ask for a mini version of my favorite scent to stuff in my travel cosmetic bag.  For one thing, I've had to run to connecting flights one too many times and this helps me stay fresh and not scare my seatmates.  You can also use it to guard against your seatmates if they happen to smell not so fresh themselves!

Hand Cream //  Oh how I love hand cream.  I have an embarrassingly large collection, but it's not often that I get my hands on a real mini version for space-saving purposes.  With the skin-drying soaps they use at airports and in-flight, hand cream is a must in my bag!

Lip Gloss //  If I can only bring 5 items to a desert island, lip gloss will for sure be one of the items.  I love the ones that give my lips just a hint of pink color.  I feel so incomplete without one in my bag.

Blotting Paper //  My combo/oily skin gets slightly out of whack during my travels.  Different environment, stress, cabin air - All of that contribute to oilier-than-normal skin and a pack of blotting paper is a must in my cosmetic case!

Cosmetic Case //  I own more cosmetic cases than I'd ever need!  They do come in handy though when you do carry-on only.  I usually go for medium-sized versions, which can double as my skincare bag in order to save room in my luggage. 

Shown in Photo (From Left)

Dior Nail Glow // Store-Brand Hand Sanitizer //

Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette (Only roll-on is available) //

Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream (Go for travel size) //

Fresh Sugar Rose Shine Lip Treatment // Daiso Rose Essence Oil Blotting Paper //  

Liberty London Iphis Leather Cosmetic Case (Red is no longer available) //

Diptyque - Be My Valentine

#diptyque #beautydiscovery

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Diptyque candles are the crown-jewels of the brand.  With Valentine's Day coming up, the brand is introducing some limited editions like the Rosaviola candles.  My curiosity about these lovely candles took me to the Diptyque boutique inside the Liberty Department Store during my stay in London.  As I was waiting for the crowd to disperse from the candle section, something else caught my eyes - These less-talked-about, but beautifully-packaged Diptyque body care and perfumes.  And the scent I'm completely head over heels with is perfect for adding some romance in the air.

Diptyque the brand

Photo Credit: Diptyque - Our Story

The Beginning  Interestingly, Diptyque's first business was in fabric and wallpaper design.  Liberty London was actually one of their first customers.  The brand was founded by three friends - an interior designer, a painter, and a theater director - who share the same creative passion.  Their first connection that brings them closer to today's collection took place in 1961 when the three founders opened their first store in Paris.  In addition to selling their own soft furnishings, the founders also introduced English perfumes to their customers.

The Iconic Oval  Diptyque's signature label goes back to a fabric designed by Desmond Knox-Leet, one of the founders, in 1963.  The oval label resembles the shields of ancient Rome and echoes the shape of an 18th century medallion.  Fast-forward to today, as soon as you see this iconic oval, you immediately know that you're looking at a Diptyque product.

Information in this section is drawn from Diptyque "Our Story" page on its website.

eau rose hand lotion

I'm a hopeless romantic and I think that's why I'm so drawn to the eau rose scent.  I am also obsessed with hand cream/hand lotion...Lucky for me, this is also the only hand lotion scent available. 

Scent  This rose scent is intense.  At the same time, it's a soothing-kind-of smell.  The imagery in my mind as I put this hand lotion on is that of a romantic getaway...Rose petals on a white-linen-lined bed, two glasses of bubbly, with a large bay window overlooking a gorgeous sunset.  If you are using this hand lotion, I recommend going light on your regular perfume as the scents may compete with one another. 

Texture  True to its lotion form, this is lightweight and does not feel greasy or sticky upon application.  My skin absorbs the lotion quickly and remains moisturized for several hours.  Perfect for helping me get through this dry and cold Boston winter.  

Partially rubbed onto skin.

Design  The packaging design has every signature element of Diptyqye.  From the iconic oval to the hand-drawn rose prints.  It's just absolutely beautiful. 

What Smells So Good?  The 1.7oz size is perfect for travel and this has become my must-have on my recent trips.  I once had a neighbor on the plane asking me what I had just put on that smelled so good.  Do I need to say more?

Available At Diptyque (Currently offering a limited edition with Valentine's Day design).

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eau rose eau de toilette

My go-to perfume is Estee Lauder Pleasure, but ever since I got this Dipyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette, I have cheated on and off.  It's totally normal, right?

Scent  As I ooh and ahh in previous section, the rose scent is again heavenly.  Since this is an eau de toilette, the scent is lighter than a perfume...feel free to apply more liberally!

Body Fragrance Type  Diptyque carries eau de parfum and eau de toilette although this rose scent is only available as an eau de toilette.  On a very high-level, the ranking of scent intensity is as follows across the 3 main types of body fragrance for women: 1) Perfume 2) Eau de parfum 3) Eau de toilette.  The key difference is that, with eau de parfum and eau de toilette, the concentration of perfume essence is less than that in perfume.  As a result, the smell is lighter and each application doesn't last as long.  These two options maybe more ideal for those who have varying levels of sensitivity to fragrance.

Application  Because this is an eau de toilette (lighter scent), you can apply several times over the same spot.  I usually apply on my wrists, tummy, upper chest, and upper back.  I love this roll-on version because I can really control how much I am dispensing.  Also, sneak this baby in your clutch for some mid-date touchup.

Design  Same as the hand lotion, the rose-themed design is just as gorgeous.  What amazes me is the attention to detail and the commitment to beauty from Diptyque product designers - Even though both items are for the eau rose scent, the hand-drawn rose design on each product is unique.  One is purely black and white drawing while the other is a more close-up of roses with pink color applied to the petals.    

Travel-Friendly  In addition to the lean tube size, this also comes with a velvet carrying bag to prevent breakage.  Another way the Diptyque design team shows how much thought and care they put into their work!

Available At Diptyque - Regular design and limited edition Valentine's Day design.

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special treats

Shopping at Liberty London was a special treat, and the Diptyque staff made it even more special.  I wasn't in there to buy a whole lot of items.  Nevertheless, the staff paid as much attention to me as they did to the shoppers ahead of me who bought a few bags full of products.  I was also pleasantly surprised when I was offered two travel sprays as gifts - And don't think the design team takes it easy on these mini's.  You can see it for yourself in the photo. 

My next decision is - Should I still go with my original shopping plan and splurge on some Diptyque candles?  Are you the proud owner of this signature item?  Is it worth the splurge?

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