January has always felt personal to me. The holidays are over, the glitter has settled, and I’m far more interested in products that work than ones that simply photograph well on a shelf (bonus points if they can achieve both). It’s the month I become ruthless—in the best way—editing my beauty routine down to the essentials and recommitting to formulas that can keep up with real life. As a lifelong New Yorker, I’ve always approached beauty with a certain pragmatism; if it can’t survive winter, long days, and a packed calendar, it doesn’t last.
That philosophy comes naturally when you test and shop luxury beauty for a living. Hype fades quickly; performance doesn’t. January is when I stop experimenting and start refining. It’s also why the Nordstrom Beauty Sale remains one of the few shopping moments I genuinely look forward to, and why Ulta Beauty’s Wellness Week feels equally well-timed. Both offer a rare pause to invest strategically in formulas I already trust, from high-performance beauty staples to the wellness essentials that support them, restocking what carries me through the season and well beyond.
My cart this season is anchored by brands I trust, complemented by a few newer additions that have quickly proven themselves. Augustinus Bader is skincare for the long game—science-driven, transformative, and worth the discipline it asks for. Armani Beauty excels at effortless polish, offering complexion and color products designed to take you from day to night, balancing refinement with ease. And NULASTIN has become a go-to for hair, brow, and lash care that prioritizes strength and longevity over quick fixes.
And yes, January also happens to be my birthday month, which makes this annual reset feel even more intentional. These aren’t trend-driven splurges. They’re the silent workhorses I return to year after year—especially now, when a thoughtful edit matters most.
The Best Beauty Products at the Nordstrom Sale
For 20-30 percent off select products, this is the ideal time to browse Nordstrom‘s impressive beauty selection.
Augustinus Bader
The Rich Renewal Set
This set includes The Rich Cream, The Rich Eye Cream, and The Hydrogel Face Mask, all powered by Augustinus Bader’s patented TFC8® technology—and it’s one I keep coming back to, especially in winter. I first became interested in the line after meeting Professor Bader several years ago, and it’s one of the lines that has made a noticeable difference in my skin, particularly when it comes to dark spots from old acne scarring. The formulas deliver serious hydration while actively supporting skin cell renewal, a benefit rooted in technology Professor Bader originally developed for burn victims—and one that now translates beautifully to smoother texture, brighter tone, and softer fine lines. If you’re going all in, add the Face Oil—and thank me later.
Armani Beauty
Power Fabric+ Multi-Retouch Concealer
This is the concealer I reach for when I want real coverage that still looks like skin. I love how the silky formula sinks in immediately, smoothing dark circles and imperfections without creasing or settling into fine lines. It leans natural-matte on its own, but with the right skincare underneath, I can easily make it look dewy—approachable, buildable, and exactly the kind of product I rely on when I don’t want to think about my makeup again once it’s on.
NULASTIN
Lash + Brow Dual System
I tend to think of brow and lash care as maintenance rather than transformation, which is why NULASTIN’s Lash + Brow Dual System works so well for me. The dual serums are designed to strengthen at the root, supporting density and shape over time instead of delivering a quick cosmetic effect. Powered by Elastaplex® technology, the formulas help anchor hair and reinforce resilience, making them as useful for hair loss prevention as they are for enhancement. With consistent use, my brows look more uniform and my lashes feel noticeably stronger—fuller in a way that reads natural, not overdone.
The Best Beauty Products at the Ulta Wellness Week Sale
Score 30 percent off wellness essentials at this sale through the end of January.
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scrub Shampoo
I treat scalp care the way I treat skin care — as the foundation for everything else. Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scrub Shampoo is my go-to for when my scalp feels congested, oily, or simply out of balance. The charcoal gently lifts buildup, while the coconut oil and mint leaves a clean, cooling finish that feels refreshing. After one wash, my scalp feels clearer and more comfortable, and my hair sits better at the root.
Solawave
4-In-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand – Rose Gold
When I’m traveling, I’m selective about what earns space in my carry-on — and a full LED mask rarely makes the cut. The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand has become my stand-in. Lightweight and intuitive, it delivers real results without feeling fussy. The red light keeps my skin looking even-toned, the gentle warmth and massage help take down puffiness, and the galvanic current helps skincare penetrate more deeply into the skin barrier. It’s not about recreating an at-home routine on the road, but about maintaining consistency while you’re in motion.
Lemme
Sleep: Sleep Tight Gummies – 60 Ct
I’ve learned that no serum can outwork a bad night’s sleep. When my rest is off, my skin shows it — dullness, dehydration, and diminished glow. Lemme Sleep Gummies have become part of my evening wind-down for that reason. The formula is gentle but effective, combining melatonin, magnesium, and calming botanicals to help me fall asleep and stay asleep without feeling groggy the next morning. I wake up feeling more rested, and my skin reflects it. It’s a reminder that the most effective skincare routine often starts well before the bathroom mirror.
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