It’s that time of year again! Nordstrom Canada’s Anniversary Sale — its biggest shopping event of the year — is right around the corner. The sale, which offers new arrivals from brands for women, men, children and home decor at temporarily reduced prices, begins July 28 and ends August 9. If you’re a Nordy Club Ambassador, you’ll have early access to the sale, starting July 25 in-store and at nordstrom.ca. And when we say the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Canada beauty sales are good, we mean good.
The beauty portion of the Nordstrom Canada Anniversary Sale will feature select beauty offers, including gift sets and jumbo-sized products exclusive to Nordstrom from brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Estée Lauder and Nars. For the first time ever, starting July 19, customers can get a sneak peek at the shoppable items ahead of the sale on nordstrom.ca/anniversary. When previewing the sale, you have the option to add your favourite items to a wish list so that you can check out faster when it’s time to buy. We love a pre-planned shop!
Below, we’ve assembled our top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Canada beauty picks for you to preview. Read on for an exclusive look at some of the best beauty deals this year’s sale has in store (and don’t forget to check out the full preview on July 19).
Photography courtesy of Nordstrom Canada
Photography courtesy of Nordstrom Canada
Photography courtesy of Nordstrom Canada
Photography courtesy of Nordstrom Canada
Photography courtesy of Nordstrom Canada
Photography courtesy of Nordstrom Canada
Photography courtesy of Nordstrom Canada
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Jo Malone London Home Candle Set
Retail $130, Value $184
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Charlotte Tilbury Full Size Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss with Pillow Talk Set
We’ve all been hidden away for many months, but lockdown restrictions are lifting. With this encouraging news will come invites to all sorts of socially distanced fêtes where you’ll want to leave an impression. Make the most of your entrée back on the scene by taking summer suiting cues from Cannes 2021 festival jury president and film icon Spike Lee, and other chic attendees like Karidja Toure and Tilda Swinton. That’s right, it’s time to ditch the sweats and start dressing like you mean it.
Whether you’re heading to an intimate wedding or reconnecting with pals on a patio this summer, add some spice to the occasion with these updated takes on tailoring, from full suits to cool separates.
Glorious colour
Photography by Getty Images
Working with Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton’s creative director of menswear, Spike Lee made a splash on the Cannes red carpet with an array of peppy suits. For the opening ceremony, Lee donned a hot pink double-breasted number that he accessorized with matching sunglasses, a pair of Air Jordan 1s, beaded bracelets and a porkpie hat. For your own grand post-lockdown entrance, look to a rainbow of choices to give any occasion a juiced-up boost.
Consider this classic tailoring with a twist. We loved that Karidja Toure’s glittery pinstripe pieces from Tommy Hilfiger had a touch of unexpected whimsy while still looking put-together. Achieve the same allure with pieces that are tweaked just enough that they’re delightful, not dowdy.
It was hard to take our eyes off of Timothée Chalamet’s striking silvery jacquard suit by Tom Ford, which the actor accessorized with Chelsea boots and a classic pair of frames. You’ve been wearing loungewear for a long time, friend — time to get wild with metallic, floral and other punchy fabrics. Style simply or with out-there accessories as you wish.
Meanwhile, Timothée’s bff Tilda Swinton upped the red carpet ante, of course, by wearing not only a boldly coloured suit but one with a pleasingly quirky jacket. The ensemble — designed by Haider Ackermann — said stately but not stale, and the vibe can be caught by wearing toppers boasting unusual details and silhouettes.
In the seven months since they began dating publicly, Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kourtney Kardashian and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker have become one of the most visible couples on social media. From their flirtatious comment exchanges to their PDA-filled couple pics, these two are very open about how utterly obsessed they are with one another. This is why the internet is having no trouble at all believing the rumour currently circulating that they just got engaged. Let’s examine the evidence.
Last weekend, the celeb couple jetted off to Vegas to watch a UFC fight. In Kravis fashion, they made no efforts to conceal their PDA while attending the event. The duo also shared a slew of romantic pics from their weekend away. Barker’s daughter Alabama reshared one of their posts to her Instagram Story, writing, “So happy for you guys.” This prompted fans to beg the question, what exactly makes her “so happy” for them?
Kardashian’s hairstylist Glen Oropeza added fuel to the rumour-filled fire by sharing a series of photos of the couple to his Instagram, with the caption: “NOWWW I understand why ppl tie the knot in Vegas 💒🥲🖤 There’s nothing like love AND a good time.”
If you really read into it, (which, of course, we did) it seems even Kardashians’s post alludes to some secretive Vegas shenanigans. The KUWTK star posted a series of photos of the couple holding hands and laughing, captioning it: “what happens in Vegas.” What are you implying, Kourt?
Though an engagement may seem abrupt to some, judging by the lightning speed at which this relationship has progressed, tying the knot is not a farfetched possibility for this love-struck duo. To better contextualize their infatuation with one another, here’s a look at Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s most significant relationship milestones over the past seven months.
January 2021: The Kourtney and Travis romance rumours begin
After the two post pictures on their respective Instagram Stories with the same Palm Springs destination view, fans begin speculating that they are dating. E! News reports that a source close to the couple confirms the two are an item on the low.
February 17, 2021: And just like that, it’s Instagram official!
Kardashian posts a subtle yet unmistakable confirmation picture to her IG feed. The post, which shows her holding hands with Barker, was then re-shared to his Instagram Stories.
On his Instagram Story, Barker shares a handwritten note from Kardashian, which reads: “To lots of fun adventures, may we destroy each other completely. Love Kourtney.” Saucy!
March 4, 2021: Barker opens up about dating Kardashian
The musician appears as a guest on The Drew Barrymore Show, where he talks about how, as a father, he appreciates that his new girlfriend also has kids.
“I dated girls who didn’t have kids and I find it hard because they would have trouble understanding like, ‘Why don’t you want to go to dinner every night with me?’,” he said. “And now I’m spending time with a woman who’s a great mom, who’s a great friend and you don’t have to worry about any of those things. It just comes natural, it’s like a maturity thing.”
March 22, 2021: The L-word
After weeks of flirtatious comments and captions on Instagram, the celeb couple confirms they’re officially in love. On his Instagram Story, Barker posts a picture of a note that reads, “I love you” in Kardashian’s handwriting.
April 10, 2021: Sexting via IG captions?
Barker posts an action picture of him playing the drums, captioning it, “All day I dream about sex w/ you.” And in case it wasn’t clear who he was talking about, he made sure to tag Kourtney Kardashian in the photo.
April 18, 2021: Barker celebrates Kardashian on her birthday
For the reality star’s 42nd birthday, Barker pulls out all the stops. Aside from gifting her a very elaborate floral arrangement, he posts an adorable birthday message on Instagram. “I FUCKING LOVE YOU! 🖤 YOU’RE A BLESSING TO THIS WORLD,” wrote the drummer under a series of photos and videos of the couple. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”
April 27, 2021: Love is in the desert air
The KUWTK star shares a photo of Barker holding and kissing her on a desert vacation, writing in the caption, “Just Like Heaven.” The Blink-182 star comments, “🖤 EVERYTHING.” He also posts a pic of his own from the getaway, writing, “Anywhere with you.”
The Poosh CEO shares a series of photos on Instagram that show her tattooing her boyfriend’s forearm the words “I love you.” In the caption, she writes, “I tattoo.” Barker cheers her on in the comment section, calling her a “woman of many talents.”
July 8, 2021: An adorable musical moment
A video taken by Barker’s daughter Alabama shows the couple getting cozy on a piano bench, playing a duet of “Heart and Soul.” The musician then shares the video to his own Instagram feed, jokingly writing, “Album coming soon.”
July 9, 2021: Family bonding
Kardashian posts a series of photos and videos of her daughter Penelope on her ninth birthday with a new drum set. One of the videos shows Barker helping the birthday girl practice her drumming skills. He comments on Kardashian’s post, writing: “Penelope you’re a rock star.” There are many perks of your mom dating a famous drummer, it seems.
Families blending in harmony, countless romantic getaways, and even a tattoo commitment. Whether or not they’re engaged remains unconfirmed, but Kravis is definitely endgame.
There are certain ingredients that have achieved star status in the skincare world, and one of them is retinol. Commonly deemed as the gold standard by dermatologists, retinol is a type of retinoid which is derived from vitamin A and is commonly found in its weaker form in skincare products like serums and moisturizers. The umbrella term “retinoid” also includes retinoic acid (also known as Retin-A or tretinoin), which is its prescription-strength counterpart.
Despite retinol’s stellar skin improving reputation, it can be a confusing and daunting ingredient for many. There are also plenty of retinol products available on the market today, making it hard to choose the right one. Kiehl’s new Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dosing Serum is the latest innovation starring retinol to hit the shelves and is ideal for all skin types and new retinol users. It offers up maximum tolerance and efficacy, coupled with a first-to-market micro-dosing technology, making it a hard-working, but gentle, alternative to traditional retinol formulas.
With that in mind, we enlisted the help of Dr. Meghan O’Brien, Kiehl’s global consulting dermatologist, to answer the most pressing questions about this hero ingredient.
What are the benefits of using retinol?
Retinol is considered a powerhouse ingredient because of its plethora of skin-boosting and anti-aging benefits. It revs up cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, helping tackle fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps improve skin tone and texture, and even clears up clogged pores.
When should I start using retinol?
Don’t save your retinol for when you start seeing those fine lines and wrinkles. “Our skin starts to age beginning in our early 20s and visible signs of aging can be seen in the late 20s,” explains Dr. O’Brien. “Starting a retinol product in the 20s is the ideal time to start for prevention of signs of aging.”
How long does it take before I start seeing results?
Give it at least 12 weeks for your skin to start reaping the benefits of retinol usage. Dr. O’Brien says that it takes 3-6 months to start seeing results with retinoids, although some may notice the benefits sooner.
What are the potential side effects of using retinol?
“Irritation is the main side effect from retinol use,” says Dr. O’Brien, especially when you first start using it. Generally, there is a three to four week period where the skin adjusts to the ingredient and responds with redness, dryness or peeling as well. “In some cases, there may be a purge effect of acne, although this is more likely to happen with prescription retinoids versus over-the-counter ones.”
While these side effects are common and expected when using retinol, Kiehl’s was focused on alleviating them through their unique Micro-Dose formula.
Is retinol suitable for all skin types?
While retinol is generally suitable for all skin types, those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like rosacea, eczema or psoriasis should proceed with caution, or speak to their dermatologist. Kiehl’s innovative new Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum was formulated for all skin types, thanks to its unique formula and delivery system. Tapping into the medical science of “micro dosing,” it delivers retinol in precisely measured doses, minimizing common retinol side effects like irritation and peeling without compromising the benefits. In addition to pure retinol, it also harnesses derm-approved ingredients like ceramides and peptides which not only have soothing and strengthening abilities on their own, but they’re also formula boosters. The peptides help further support and sustain the repairing benefits of the retinol, while the ceramides help build your retinol tolerance and fortify your skin’s barrier while protecting the new cells and minimizing any extra discomfort.
If I have sensitive skin, is retinol a no-go for me?
Fact: even sensitive skin types can use retinol. It all depends on the formulation and finding one that’s suitable for sensitive skin. “Look for a retinol product that is coupled with ingredients like ceramides which help to support the skin’s barrier function while the retinol does its work,” advises Dr. O’Brien. She recommends using a lower concentration of retinol and pairing it with a rich moisturizer.
What’s the best way to incorporate retinol into my skincare routine?
If you’re a retinol newbie, start by slowly incorporating it into your skincare regimen and gradually increase use, which helps build your skin’s tolerance to the ingredient. Begin by using it twice a week, before working your way up to every other day. Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum gives you the option for daily use with a safe and gentle formula that’s great for sensitive skin types, retinol pros and first-time users alike. That means you can skip the gradual build-up and get one step closer to smoother, firmer skin.
Can I use retinol in the morning or should I save it for my nighttime routine?
Dr. O’Brien recommends incorporating retinol into your nighttime routine. How you ask? She advises to start by cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser, applying retinol and following it up with your moisturizer. Because retinol tends to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, remember to diligently wear sunscreen which offers broad spectrum protection during the day. In addition to face, Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum can also be applied to other areas with signs of aging like the back of the hands, your delicate eye area, neck and décolleté.
Does the percentage of retinol that’s in a product matter?
The percentage of retinol will determine the strength of the product, says Dr. O’Brien. For example, if your skin is on the sensitive side, a lower concentration will be more tolerable. That being said, she believes that a more tolerable formulation is superior to a higher strength retinol. “It allows for daily consistent use of the product, which maximizes the benefits.”
There are so many different retinol formulas out there. How do I choose the right one for me?
“Considering one’s skin type is very important when choosing a retinol formula,” says Dr. O’Brien. Luckily, today’s retinol formulas offer plenty of options to choose from.
