I Scrolled Through Hundreds of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Skincare Deals—These 8 Will Give You Glassy Skin, Guaranteed

Think of an essence as the first layer of hydration after cleansing. It’s thinner than a serum and sinks in quickly, so you can build moisture without making skin feel heavy. Japanese beauty icon Shiseido's best-selling Eudermine Activating Essence fits especially well into a glass-skin routine for that reason. Two forms of hyaluronic acid help the complexion look plumper, while a vitamin C derivative targets the appearance of dark spots and dullness over time. The set includes a full-size bottle and a full-size refill, so it should last well beyond the sale.

Review: "This product is an absolute essential for me—like gold in a bottle. I always use it as the first step in my skincare routine, and it never disappoints. It hydrates, smooths, brightens, and tightens my skin in a way that feels like pure nourishment. Honestly, if I were stuck on a desert island and could only bring one skincare item, this would be it. It just works so well for my skin."

If dullness is what’s keeping your skin from looking glassy, start here with this Korean beauty icon. Applied immediately after cleansing, Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum uses fermented ginseng and a blend of Korean herbs to target fine lines, elasticity, and overall radiance. Despite its silky feel, it’s light enough to disappear into the skin without adding another heavy layer. I also find that everything I use afterward seems to sink in more beautifully, which is exactly what you want when you’re building glow.

Review: "I’ve been using this right after cleansing, and it’s quickly become a staple in my routine. The texture is lightweight and fast-absorbing, leaving my skin feeling instantly hydrated and refreshed. It has a subtle orange tint with a very light citrus scent—nothing overpowering, just a clean, pleasant touch. What really stands out is how it improves overall skin radiance and strengthens the barrier over time. My skin looks more balanced, healthier, and noticeably more luminous."

Glass skin needs hydration, but it also needs a smooth surface to reflect light. These two-step peel pads use a mix of AHAs and BHAs, including glycolic and salicylic acids, to lift away dead skin and help with rough texture, visible pores, and dullness. The second step follows with soothing, hydrating ingredients to mitigate any irritation. I’d start with the Universal formula, especially if peels are new territory, then save the Extra Strength pads for when your skin can handle more.

Review: "I never write reviews because it soon becomes an afterthought but I would be doing society a disservice if I did not share my amazing results!  often have horrible dry, rough patches and undertones of red, and needed something gentle enough but effective to smooth my skin out, and the results are undeniable. My skin feels like BUTTER!"

I finally understand why people are so obsessed with this moisturizer. Rich but never suffocating, it leaves my skin looking noticeably healthier the morning after I use it. Squalane, glycerin, shea butter, and nourishing plant oils give dry skin that softer, more plush finish. And if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to try Augustinus Bader, the jumbo size makes the splurge easier to justify.

Review: "The Rich Cream has been a wonderful addition to my skincare routine. It feels incredibly nourishing and leaves my skin soft, hydrated, and looking healthier without feeling heavy or greasy. One thing I especially appreciate is that it has no strong fragrance, which makes it a pleasure to use and ideal for anyone who prefers skincare without an overpowering scent."

Leave it to a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon to bottle growth factors for the ultimate luxury at-home treatment. Dr. Diamond’s serum combines five bioengineered, human-identical growth factors with peptides and hyaluronic acid to help skin look firmer, smoother, and more radiant over time—a recipe mature skin loves. The lightweight formula also slips easily underneath the rest of your routine, making it a no-brainer, especially with this two-in-one deal.

Review: "I have been using this product for about a year. It is fabulous. I saw a change in my skin's texture in about a month. Fine lines have diminished. My esthetician also commented that my skin was rejuvenated!"

If there’s one skincare step K-beauty has never treated as optional, it’s sunscreen. Healthy, glowing skin starts with protecting what you’ve already got, which is why daily SPF is non-negotiable. Supergoop!’s clear gel disappears into skin without leaving a white cast, then dries down to a smooth, velvety finish that grips makeup surprisingly well. It also helps blur the look of pores, so I often think of it as sunscreen and primer in one. The jumbo duo is especially practical because SPF is the one product you should never ration.

Review: "This is my most reliable everyday sunscreen and a true repurchase. The texture is weightless, not sticky, and dries quickly with no residue. It layers beautifully under makeup and never pills, even when I'm wearing multiple products. I love that it also works as a makeup primer, which makes it easy to use year‑round. I own this in several sizes and always keep one on hand. If you want a sunscreen you'll actually wear daily, this one delivers."

Double cleansing may be mainstream now, but K-beauty made the ritual famous—and this cult-favorite balm has become an icon in its own right. The buttery formula melts through makeup and sunscreen, then turns milky once you add water, so skin feels clean without getting that tight, squeaky feeling. It is pretty fragranced, though, so I’d skip it if your skin is especially reactive. Otherwise, it makes washing your face at the end of the night feel a little less annoying.

Review: "I absolutely LOVE this product! I use it every day/night, whether it’s to remove my makeup or just as my daily cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated & plump! A little bit goes a very long way. I purchased the JUMBO size on the Anniversary Sale last year & it lasted me the entire year!"

We can’t talk about glowing skin without giving France a little love, too. This iconic L’Occitane shower oil has been a beauty-editor favorite for years, and for good reason. It starts as an oil, transforms into a silky lather, and leaves skin feeling unbelievably soft. The sweet almond scent is just as famous as the formula itself, and if you’re chasing that healthy, lit-from-within look, don’t stop at your jawline. Great skin is head to toe, baby, and this is one of those products that makes your whole body look—and feel—like a slippery dolphin.

Review: "I've been using the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil for a couple of weeks now, and I can honestly see why it's so popular. The texture is so unique; it starts off as a silky oil and turns into a soft, milky lather as soon as it comes into contact with water. The scent is my favorite part! It has the most beautiful warm almond fragrance that's luxurious without being overpowering, and it makes every shower feel a little more like a self-care moment. The scent also lingers subtly on my skin afterward, which I love."