I’ll admit it: I love a luxury beauty routine just as much as the next person. I love the potent formulas that are full of effective ingredients. I love the shiny bottles and gilded jars. I love the luxurious experience that comes with it. But I’m also a big believer in mixing high and low—pairing expensive products with budget-friendly options to achieve a similar result. I’m also a big believer that you can get a luxurious experience without spending a, ahem, luxurious amount of money. That’s why you’ll find me shopping between the drugstore and the department store for all of my favorite skincare, makeup, and haircare products.
Speaking of the department store, one of my favorite places to shop for beauty products is Nordstrom. Whether IRL or virtually, I’m constantly scouring its shelves and searching its vast selection. Along the way, I take note of the products that won’t cost me an arm and a leg to purchase. And since I’m a beauty writer for the people, I thought I’d share this list of semi-affordable products with you. So without further ado, keep scrolling to see 30 of Nordstrom’s best beauty products under $50.
I’ve been a big fan of Kiehl’s since high school, and this no-frills face wash is one of the reasons why. The no-frills formula cleanses my sensitive skin without stripping it or causing excess irritation. At only $12 for the mini and $23 for the regular, I consider it a steal.
This toner was formulated to give your skin a daily dose of long-lasting hydration courtesy of nurturing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, evening primrose oil, and fatty acids. It has a dreamy, milky texture that soothes the skin and is gentle enough for daily use. You can use it day and night for a softer, plumper complexion, and regular use can also help slow the visible signs of premature aging.
This rose petal–infused toner offers a quick hit of hydration for parched skin, thanks to the sodium hyaluronate that’s found inside. My dehydrated complexion drinks it up.
As you’ve already seen above, the people love anything and everything Paula’s Choice. It’s not overly dramatic to say that this product is a social media sensation. People rave about it thanks to a high concentration of salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and clears clogged pores for a smoother complexion.
Another exfoliant, these pads are quick and easy to use. Just swipe them across the skin and the combination of lactic and glycolic acid will slough away dead cells, leaving the skin smooth and radiant.
This product is chock full of skin-firming peptides. It also contains fermented honey and pink yeast filtrate, which act as prebiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome. Finally, EGCG, an antioxidant found in green tea, fights off aging free radicals. Simply mist it over your skin after cleansing to reap all the skin-boosting benefits.
This no-rinse cleansing water is energized by Ayurvedic herbs like neem, holy basil, and turmeric to gently cleanse your skin. The formula is also infuse with aloe vera juice, salicylic acid, and grapefruit to combat pollutants and other environmental damage.
I use this moisturizer every single day (just like the packaging says). It instantly hydrates my skin, gives it a dewy finish, and most importantly, offers broad-spectrum SPF 40.
This face oil contains hemp oil and adaptogens like shiitake mushroom and ashwagandha root to soothe irritation and defend against environmental stressors. It’s the perfect oil to finish off a nighttime skincare routine.
This luxurious cleansing balm “flash” melts into an oil to gently remove makeup, water-resistant sunscreen, and other impurities from the surface of your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. It’s an antioxidant and hydration powerhouse, infused with a lush blend of ingredients like maqui berry, prickly pear, and hyaluronic acid to support clearer, more radiant skin.
I think it’s safe to say that there’s at least one Le Labo product on the vanity of every editor and influencer in the fashion and beauty space. While the brand’s other products get all the attention (ahem, Santal No.6), I’d like to make the case for this lip balm. It has an unscented, plant-based formula that includes shea butter, olive oil, and jojoba seed to moisturize, soothe, and soften the lips.
This body sunscreen from the 80s-inspired SPF brand, Vacation, is a must-have for summer (at least in my humble opinion). Not only is it effective, lightweight, and non-greasy, but it’s also scented with a nostalgic summertime fragrance. Usually, I reach for unscented bodycare products, but this one smells so good that I can’t help but use it.
There are only a small number of bodywashes I personally use and recommend, and this one is one of them. It’s formulated with a blend of marula, cacay, and meadowfoam oils, as well as vitamins A, B3, C, and E, and omegas 6 and 9. It’s no wonder they call it a daily multivitamin cleanser.
I couldn’t mention the bodywash without also mentioning the body lotion, as I use them in tandem for soft, smooth, and hydrated skin. This lotion is creamy, non-greasy, and non-irritating. Plus, it contains niacinamide to help strengthen the skin barrier.
The five-ounce version of this body oil clocks in just under $50. With a mix of good-for-skin oils like sunflower, linseed, and passionfruit, plus moisture-rich undaria seaweed, I think it’s well worth it.
Makeup artist Gucci Westman is who we have to thank for these super chic blush sticks. All of the shades are on point and the creamy texture makes blending a breeze.
The newest foundation from Nars combines moisturizing skincare ingredients with light-reflecting pigments to create a smooth and even base. With medium coverage, it blurs the look of blemishes, dark spots, and redness while giving the skin a lit-from-within look.
I’ll never stop using this tinted lip balm. It hydrates my lips while providing the prettiest wash of pink. It never looks garish or unnatural—just soft and subtle.
These shadow sticks deliver on color and wear (they last up to eight hours), and they don’t seem to crease as much as other shadow sticks (you can trust me on that—my hooded eyes always cause shadows to crease).
I’m convinced that this Chanel lipstick in the shade Boy is my perfect neutral color. (Oh, and Margot Robbie also loves it!) It compliments every makeup look I wear and every situation I’m in. I wear it constantly—whether I’m just going to the office or I’m going out for dinner and drinks.
I can always count on this mascara for big, bold, fanned-out lashes with minimal flaking and fall out. Maybe it’s the ultra-lengthening formula, or maybe it’s the curved brush. I’m not sure. I just know it works.
I love a luxurious lip stain. This one lasts for hours, imparts a glossy shine, and feels nice and lightweight.
This has been my go-to liquid eyeliner forever. Really, though, I’ve been using it for years. True to its name, it stays put and never flakes or smudges. Plus, thanks to a super precise tip, it’s easy to apply in tiny strokes and create intricate shapes. You also have so many shades to choose from—good luck choosing just one!
This beloved texturizing spray adds grit and definition to my hair without weighing it down or adding any visible residue. I always spray it through my hair when I’m going for an up-do or a braid. It helps my hair grip itself and hold its shape.
It’s no secret that I’ve recently become a little bit obsessed with hair rollers because they add so much shape and volume to my otherwise fine hair. These ones are only $12 and get the job done.
This styling cream promises to hydrate, define, and “weatherproof” curls for long-lasting style without weight or crunch. It’s formulated with mollis leaf and tomato fruit ferment to seal the hair cuticle and avocado oil to retain moisture.
This silky balm adds soft volume and light hold without over drying your hair. It’s great to have handy for under 10-minute styling.
Heat protectant is a must for keeping hair long, strong, and shiny. This one is lightweight, infused with argan oil, and protects hair from heat up to 450 degrees.
My hair is prone to dryness and breakage, so I always make sure I have this reparative mask on hand to help. It targets the hair cuticle while smoothing, moisturizing, and adding body and shine all at once.
I love Sachajuan products, and this shine serum is no exception. I first tried it years ago, and spoiler alert, I’ve used it faithfully ever since. I love the way it adds a glossy finish to my strands without weighing them down or making them look greasy. Even though it comes in a tiny bottle, it lasts forever.
Next, I’m a Beauty Editor—7 Products I Tell My Friends to Retire and 7 to Try Instead
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
