I Rarely Wear Makeup, But I Always Keep These 14 Essentials in My Beauty Drawer
Sponsor Content Created With Nordstrom

To be honest, I've never been a huge makeup gal. Growing up with two older brothers made me a tomboy of sorts, and since my mom also leaned into a more natural look, makeup was something I didn't really care to explore. But being a fashion editor at Who What Wear has shown me the ways in which makeup can complement my outfits, and I've been lucky enough to work alongside our expert beauty writers, who always recommend the best products. Here are three of the key tips they've shared with me: Less is more, use makeup to enhance rather than to cover up, and practice makes perfect. Slowly but surely, my beauty drawer has become stocked with all the essentials, and I've discovered some of my forever products, which can all be picked up at Nordstrom. Below, I've shared the 14 items I'll never part with, including a soft matte lipstick by Hourglass and Estée Lauder's smudge-proof mascara. Keep scrolling to shop.
Raina Mendonça is an associate fashion editor on the branded content team at sister titles Who What Wear and Marie Claire. Previously, Raina was an editorial assistant at goop.com. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her crafting new playlists, exploring Los Angeles, or making a cup of English breakfast tea.
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
The Spring 2025 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season
Your short list of the season's key buys.
By Kristen Nichols
-
My Bougie 53-Year-Old Mom and I Scoured Nordstrom's Winter Sale—15 Beauty Gems That Scream Luxe
Stock up on the fragrances, eye makeup, and more that had us texting for hours.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
13 (On-Sale!) Nordstrom Beauty Products Everyone With Expensive Taste Is Buying
Act fast.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
My Picky Friends Asked Me for Beauty Recs—I Showed Them These Nordstrom Staples First
These are my go-to recommendations.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I'd Bet My Next Paycheck That These 14 Nordstrom Beauty Items Will Sell Out by February 1
Strike while the iron's hot.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Nordstrom's Beauty and Fragrance Sale Is 71 Pages of Pure Gold—22 Items That Made Me Say "OMG"
I did the legwork for you.
By Erin Jahns
-
Cyber Monday Might Be Over, But These 13 Editor-Approved Perfumes Are Still on Sale
Designer scents for a discount? Yes, please.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I'm a Beauty Editor—55 Gift Sets I've Saved to My Personal Wish List
From Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, and more.
By Jamie Schneider
-
Home Fragrance Is Kind of My Thing—12 I'm Snagging During Nordstrom's Black Friday Sale
It's time to scent your space.
By Maya Thomas