Unboxing & Mini-Review: Nordstrom 25pc Sample Bag with $125 Purchase (August 2015) Still Available!

Nordstrom is offering up 25pc Sample Bag with $125 Purchase (August 2015), end date unknown. There are a lot of beauty GWP offers this month. This one is the hottest GWP of the month. I highly recommend this 25pc sample bag from Nordstrom. Before you go here and start shopping to get the same sample bag + 10pc more samples + new 7pc sample from Estee Lauder you can see my unboxing to warm up or see combo deals I listed in my post here.

HOURGLASS Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer $52 (1.01 oz.)

HOURGLASS Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer is a silky, lightweight, multipurpose primer that goes beyond traditional formulations by concealing redness, minimizing the appearance of pores, softening fine lines and wrinkles and shielding skin with broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection. It also repels water to keep your makeup looking freshly applied all day long. The primer also extends the durability of any foundation or powder while minimizing imperfections while concealing redness (even rosacea) to create an even skin tone. The silky, weightless formula is not greasy, tacky or pearlized and it won’t ball up.

IcanGWP: I have a couple of samples from Nordstrom Beauty Bash event last month. I have tried it once. It gives very light coverage. I wear it with foundation. True: not greasy, tacky or pearlized and it won’t ball up. Worth to give it a try. Great formula.

Fresh Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask $140 (3.3 oz.)

It is a restorative treatment made with pure honey for a unique texture formulated to instantly melt into skin, delivering six hours of supreme nourishment while improving skin’s overall elasticity. It’s also formulated to prevent fine lines and wrinkles while treating skin conditions and hydrating, so skin looks glowing, youthful and positively radiant.

Winner of Allure magazine’s ‘Best of Beauty’ Award for Best Facial Mask for Dry Skin, 2014.

IcanGWP: It is a sample of $140 mask!

butter LONDON Scrubbers Nail Polish Remover $10 (10 Wipes)

Butter LONDON Scrubbers are 2-in-1 wipes designed to strip away yesterday’s mani and prep your nails for your next bespoke creation. The durable, individually wrapped wipes do not fray or tear, and one is strong enough to take off polish from all 10 fingers for complete convenience. Like its nail lacquer counterparts, the Scrubbers are free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.

IcanGWP: I was about to order Sephora COLLECTION Instant Nail Polish Remover ($9). Great reviews and it is such a good idea to put your fingers in to this bottle to scrub all nail polish out. No mess! What stop me is what about my toe nails? Have you tried it? I’ve never tried this Butter London Scrubbers before. So I am happy to try it.

Paula’s Choice Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment $55 (0.5 oz.)

Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment is an innovative formula that combines 25% stabilized vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in a silky, line-smoothing texture. It’s ideal for spot-treating stubborn brown spots and post-acne discolorations anywhere on your face, neck or chest. For best results, use at least three times per week and protect skin daily with sunscreen. This treatment also helps to reinforce skin’s barrier and improve the appearance of deep wrinkles.

IcanGWP: I like Vitamin C products. I can go as far as 35%. Throw them at me! I should get one in Beauty.com sample bag last month (see my unboxing and mini-review here, you will change your mind to shop at Beauty.com!). But I’ve got KP clothes instead.

I am very excited. I am using a combination of 2 vitamin C products right now (to increase concentration). I just can’t wait to finish current products before trying Paula’s Choice Vitamin C Spot Treatment. Please note that if you receive any concentrate vitamin C products, it is a good idea to do not open it until you are ready to use. I want to write a mini series of skincare basics. I will!

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey & Coriander Hand Therapy $22 (3.5 oz.)

Lock in moisture with Citron, Honey and Coriander Hand Therapy, featuring a blend of macadamia nut oil, shea butter and conditioning extracts so skin stays hydrated and smooth.

Lauryl sulfate-free; mineral oil-free; paraben-free; propylene glycol-free.

IcanGWP: I received this product in Beauty.com sample bag last month (see my review here). This is a different blend. It reminds me of L’Occitane hand cream: light and absorbing well.

HydroPeptide Eye Authority Anti-Wrinkle Cream $74 (0.5 oz.)

Eye Authority Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream is a four-dimensional treatment by HydroPeptide that immediately brightens dark circles while diminishing the look of expression lines, wrinkles and puffiness. Its blend of multi-performance peptides, pearl peptides and antioxidants work together to delay signs of aging while instantly illuminating the skin, nourishing and hydrating for a renewed glow.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar/Matte $15 (0.14 oz., Color Varies)

Same brand in new ready-to-wear packaging. Lip Tar is Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ original liquid lipstick, formulated for unrivaled pigment intensity and wear time. Only the smallest amount off the newly included doe-foot applicator is needed for opaque coverage. It’s made with hemp oil for a finish that feels as good as it looks and is synthetic preservative-free courtesy of peppermint oil, which is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial alternative.

How to use: After priming your lips, apply the tiniest bead of Lip Tar off the doe-foot applicator for complete, opaque coverage, either alone or mixed with other shades. For extra precision, apply off of the doe-foot with a lip brush.

IcanGWP: NEW package. Only pre order offer available now. I’ve tried it on my hand at store. I can’t really tell what it will be on my lips. I am glad to be able to try it. There are Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics on sale at Sephora 50% off (starting from $9).

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater $7 (4 oz.)

A refreshing, hydrating mist to use any time. Formulated simply with fragrant herbal extracts and rosewater for a pleasant pick-me-up for dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable skin. Gentle, non-irritating.

IcanGWP: I like facial mist. Especially when I feel dehydrated in the afternoon (or sleepy). It is not just a spring water though. So I will have to test it out on both bare skin and with makeup.

Lancôme Visionnaire [LR 2412 4% – Cx] Advanced Skin Corrector $115 (1.69 oz.)

Lancôme Visionnaire [LR 2412 4% – Cx] Advanced Skin Corrector is a second-generation serum with the Double Jasmonate Complex and new smoothing ingredients that correct wrinkles, pores and skin texture in real time and over time. In one application, your skin feels smoother and softer while over time your skin texture is refined, pores are less visible and wrinkles are visibly corrected.

IcanGWP: New product for me to try.

StriVectin Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles $65 (1 oz.)

New StriVectin-SD is a multidimensional eye cream targeting crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. This leading wrinkle- and line-fighter is now powered up with a new clinical formula for even greater results. More science. Fewer eye lines.

What is it? New StriVectin-SD™ Eye is now formulated with a proprietary complex of 7.5% NIA-114™ and peptides actives to improve the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet in just 2-8 weeks. And even better, results keep improving over time, if you keep using the products twice a day.

What does it do? The fragile area around your eye is one of the first places to show its age. New StriVectin-SD™ Eye lets you fight those eye wrinkles, lines, dark circles and puffiness and see results in your mirror along a clinically proven timeline.

Winner of Allure magazine’s ‘Best of Beauty’ award for Best Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, 2012.

IcanGWP: The sample I got is the older version of the new one called StriVectin-SD™ Eye Cream.

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ $65 (1 oz.)

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield brings you flawless, fabulous skin in a single step. The invisible skin-perfecting shield replaces your treatment, primer and SPF to immediately blur and correct while combating signs of aging. Mushroom peptides treat lines and wrinkles by helping aid regulation of collagen and elastin while a soft-focus complex smoothes and blurs imperfections for improved tone and texture.

IcanGWP: I received this sample earlier from BeautyBrands.com (see my unboxing and review here).

Clarins Mission Perfection Serum $72 (1 oz.)

Clarins Mission Perfection Serum is a groundbreaking serum that targets dark spots, redness, shadowy areas and discolorations without altering your natural skin tone. Powered by the targeted dark spot-correcting action of acerola extract and radiance-boosting ginkgo biloba, Mission Perfection promotes an even, luminous, perfectly flawless complexion.

Dermarché Labs Roloxin Lift Instant Skin Smoothing Mask $110 (10 Packettes, 0.17 oz. Each)

Roloxin Lift Instant Skin Smoothing Mask acts immediately to reduce the appearance of both wrinkles and pores, giving your skin a smoother look and texture and more even skin tone. It contains patented SilicaLift™ technology, which provides results lasting up to 24 hours per application. Roloxin Lift’s breakthrough formulation combines a matrix of hydrophilic and hydrophobic silica particles that are deposited on your skin during the seven minute treatment, providing a network of particles that contract as the skin dries to instantly create a bright, smooth, luminous appearance with full results visible after just one treatment.

How to use: Activate the sachet by squeezing vigorously for 20 seconds until contents become fluid. After opening, immediately apply an even layer over cleansed, damp skin on your face and neck including around the eye to avoid the product from drying up.

Granted Allure magazine’s Beauty Breakthrough Award, 2014.

Granted the Good Housekeeping Seal, 2015.

IcanGWP: I’ve never tried this brand before. I can’t find any retailor close by who carries it. Rare item for me to try.

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula $21 (3.4 oz.)

Fine grain exfoliator, rinses off. Deflakes, polishes, clears pores, refines. Helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. Suitable for all skin types.

Living proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo $24 (8 oz.)

Perfect hair Day Shampoo smoothes, volumizes, conditions, strengthens and polishes your hair while improving its overall health and allowing it to feel cleaner for longer so you don’t have to wash as much. Sulfate-free; silicone-free; oil-free.

Winner of Allure magazine’s Best of Beauty Award for Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Normal Hair, 2014.

IcanGWP: I was thinking to use promo code LPSET to get 12 samples from Living proof at Sephora. No need to do that.

Living proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner $24 (8 oz.)

Perfect hair Day Conditioner is a revolutionary weightless, nourishing formula by Living proof that smoothes, volumizes, strengthens and polishes your hair to improve its overall health instantly and over time. With repeated use, it helps your hair feel cleaner for longer, allowing you to wash your hair less often.

Winner of Allure magazine’s Best of Beauty Award for Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Normal Hair, 2014.

ALTERNA Caviar Anti-Aging CC Cream $25 (2.5 oz.)

Get perfectly polished, gorgeous hair with Caviar Anti-Aging CC Cream for hair that boasts 10 benefits in one single product. It delivers moisture, shine, smoothness and softness to your locks while protecting from UV damage and heat, aiding manageability, strengthening, preventing breakage and giving you the perfect light hold for simple styling.

IcanGWP: This is for hair! I know that ALTERNA is for hair care products but its name makes me confused.

Carven Le Parfum Eau de Parfum (0.05 oz.)

kate spade new york walk on air eau de parfum (0.03 oz.)

Hanae Mori Hanae Eau de Parfum (0.04 oz.)

MARC JACOBS Daisy Eau de Toilette  (0.04 oz.)

Alien by Thierry Mugler Eau de Parfum (0.04 oz.)

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette (0.03 oz.)

MONTBLANC Emblem Eau de Toilette (0.04 oz.)

Exclusive Clutch

IcanGWP Verdict:

Pros:

1. The only place I spent my $100 – $125 most often is Nordstrom. They run GWP with this minimum purchase often and combinable with other gift with purchase offers. Love it.
2. Sitewide GWP from Nordstrom always contains a good mix of skincare, makeup, hair care, body care, nail polish and fragrance.
3. Nordstrom mixes high-end and prestige brands in their sitewide GWP.
4. Nordstrom is starting to introduce more new prestige brands in their GWP.
5. Shipping, customer service, brand selections and free 3 samples at checkout are always top notch.
6. Gift with purchase is a combination of deluxe size and package.

Cons: No points, no membership rewards like Sephora or Ulta.

What do you think? Like what you see? Right now Nordstrom sweetens the deal by offering this 25 piece sample bag + 10pc (need code) + new 7pc Estee Lauder gift (added 8/19!) see details in my post here or start shopping here.