It wasn’t that long ago when any product that remotely grazed the field of sustainability was immediately dismissed as "granola" (read: ineffective, unpleasant, and the opposite of luxe). But consumer demand for toxic-free, good-for-you ingredient lists, coupled with a fiery desire to reduce waste in the name of saving the planet, resulted in the clean beauty industry having no choice but to grow at an incredibly rapid rate. (The global clean beauty market is reportedly expected to reach $11.6 billion by 2027.)
The movement has forced both established brands and new-to-market labels to rethink formulas, overhaul packaging, and address their carbon footprint in the overall goal to reduce waste without compromising efficacy or aesthetics. The result: Beauty products that are absolutely stunning, both inside and out. And with Nordstrom’s massive inventory of 900-plus products that fit the bill — sustainably sourced (ingredients or materials), responsibly manufactured, responsibly packaged, or a commitment to give back — we plucked nine of our favorites that are not only worth every cent, but also look damn good on your top shelf. And the best part about Nordstrom’s sustainability pledge is its BeautyCycle program, which allows you to bring your empties to any of its brick-and-mortar locations in the U.S. or Canada so that they can be properly recycled.
Start shopping our favorite feel-good beauty products — from an antioxidant serum to a fragrance designed to help you relax — ahead. The Nue Co's Functional Fragrance
With a woody blend of green cardamom, iris, palo santo, violet, and cedarwood, this toxic-free fragrance was conceived to help you reset during times of high stress (read: all the time).
Sustainability shout-out: toxic-free product, vegan, cruelty-free, natural ingredients are traceable; includes upcycled ingredients; responsibly packaged; and made in a lab that uses 100% renewable energy
The Nue Co. Functional Fragrance, $, available at NordstromHerbivore Botanicals Calm Bath Salts
The antidote to a stressful day: a soak with calming bath salts, which were extracted and solar-dried from the mineral-rich waters of the Pacific Ocean and infused with floral ylang-ylang and natural vanilla for a soothing and uplifting effect.
Sustainability shout-out: toxic-free product, vegan, cruelty-free, made in the USA, and easily recyclable.
Herbivore Botanicals Calm Bath Salts, $, available at NordstromKypris Antioxidant Dew Quench & Glow Facial Serum
A featherlight serum that delivers a hefty boost in hydration with 26 active natural ingredients, including antioxidants (vitamins C and E), ferulic acid, sea algae extracts, and botanical-derived amino acids, to up moisture, elasticity, and radiance levels. And because there aren't any essential oils, this serum is perfect for those with scent-sensitive skin.
Sustainability shout-out: toxic-free product, vegan, cruelty-free, made in the USA, sourced through green biotechnology, contains upcycled ingredients, and packaging contains at least 50% recycled post-consumer or post-industrial waste.
Kypris Antioxidant Dew Quench & Glow Facial Serum, $, available at NordstromSienna Naturals Dew Magic Leave-In Conditioner
A "do-all" leave-in treatment that will condition without the weight and help revive curl patterns using nutrient-rich polar oils (baobab and coconut oils) and hydrating baobab and shea butter — making it especially ideal for damaged strands, relaxed or color-treated hair, twist-outs, and wash-and-go styles.
Sustainability shout-out: toxic-free product, cruelty-free, made in the USA, no secondary packaging, and easily recyclable.
Sienna Naturals Dew Magic Leave-In Conditioner, $, available at NordstromTrue Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil
A facial oil that can help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with its hydrating blend of chia seed and kiwi extracts — two key Omega-3 oils that boast the ability to retain moisture and provide a buffer against free radicals — and passionfruit and papaya seed oils to dissolve excess oil and impurities.
Sustainability shout-out: cruelty-free, vegan, made in the USA, USDA-certified organic, MADE SAFE®-certified with nontoxic ingredients not known to harm human health or environmental ecosystems, and responsibly packaged.
True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil, $, available at NordstromTata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer
A lightweight silicone-free and refillable(!) moisturizer-primer hybrid that uses water-locking technology to inject hydration (macro hyalruonic acid and pomegranate) and to strengthen the skin barrier (orange peptides).
Sustainability shout-out: toxic-free product, cruelty-free, made in the USA, and refillable
Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer, $, available at NordstromVintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum
A cult-favorite, universally beloved product, this luxurious serum has been lauded for its transformative formula that's packed with 22 nourishing botanicals and 66 restorative nutrients, including fatty acids (Omegas- 3, 6, 7, and 9), alfalfa, calendula, grapeseed, dandelion, and lavender that does it all: fight free radicals, soothe stressed-out skin, calm irritation, brighten, and even out skin tone.
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $, available at NordstromOsea Undaria Algae Body Oil
Organic undaria algae is soaked in a potent and pure vitamin-rich blend of açai, babassu, and passionfruit oils to create a lightweight, skin-smoothing body oil that promotes hydration, firms, and reduces the appearance of stretch marks.
Sustainability shout-out: toxic-free product and USDA-certified organic ingredients.
OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil, $, available at NordstromCoola Suncare Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops SPF 30
How pretty is this sunscreen? This fast-absorbing plant-derived broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 sun drops not only protects against harmful rays along with modern-day aggressors (blue light, infrared light), but also promotes radiance with plant stem cells, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid.
Sustainability shout-out: toxic-free product, reef-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan, made in the USA, 70% USDA-certified organic, responsibly packaged, and easily recyclable.
Coola Suncare Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops SPF 30, $, available at Nordstrom
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
It’s an accepted truth that we inevitably age out of whatever we adored as children, whether that’s super-sugary, dye-saturated cereal or miniature toy building blocks. But in times of turmoil and uncertainty (see: the last year), it’s not at all uncommon to reach for things that once provided comfort. For body-positive influencer Noelle Downing, that was matching sets — a look she grew up wearing but then abandoned, declaring them “gross,” only to now rediscover them as an adult.
“My style has changed so much,” she says of the shift in her aesthetic in the last year. “I’ve completely gone back to basics — it’s become more relaxed. If I don’t feel comfortable in it, then I don’t even want it.”
And coordinated sets check off all the boxes: They’re comfortable, they’re versatile, and they somehow inexplicably straddle the line between loungewear, activewear, and sleepwear that’s acceptable to wear outdoors. “There’s something so cute about wearing two-pieces made of the same fabric or pattern,” Downing continues. “And because they break at the waist, they look good on everyone. It creates a ‘look’ even if it’s a super-simple print or a solid color.”
She wears her co-ords without any accoutrements at home — simple and fuss-free — but dresses them up with layers and stacks of necklaces for outings. In partnership with Macy’s, Downing shows us her favorite sets and how she styles them — click through to shop her looks.
"This is my absolute favorite set — the fit is amazing, the fabric is soft, and I can mix and match it with pieces in my closet," Downing says. "I also love styling it with sneakers, an oversized dad shirt, and layered necklaces for an effortlessly cool vibe."
Cotton On Seamless Rib Ballet Bralette, $, available at Macy's
Cotton On Lifestyle Seamless Rib Hottie Hot Shorts, $, available at Macy's
Cotton On Women's Dad Shirt, $, available at Macy's"Baby blue is one of the colors I feel really good in, which is why I wear this one on repeat at home while I'm working, lounging on the sofa, or hanging outside on the balcony," Downing says. "I'm also all for the return of tube tops, and I really like pairing this one with sweat shorts for a cute-but-comfortable look."
Cotton On Samantha Seam Free Rib Tube Top, $, available at Macy's
Cotton On Clubhouse Shorts, $, available at Macy's
Lucky Brand Gold-Tone Pendant Chain Layered Necklace, $, available at Macy's"Nothing gets me motivated to work out quite like a matching set — and when I wear this lavender one, I can see a huge difference in my performance," Downing says. "Also, it's versatile — I can throw on a denim jacket and wear it for a coffee run. I can't wait to wear it on a hike soon."
Cotton On Workout Cut Out Crop Bra, $, available at Macy's
Cotton On Rib Pocket Bike Shorts, $, available at Macy's
Lucky Brand Layered Pendant Necklaces, $, available at Macy's
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
In a world in which high-speed internet and same-day delivery empowers you to conceivably order anything you could ever want, whether that’s a week’s worth of groceries or a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, the will to venture outdoors lessens greatly. Factor in a pandemic, temperatures that hover around 20 degrees, and a 4:27 p.m. sunset, and any sort of motivation drops significantly. We get it: It’s much, much easier to stay home, huddle around the radiator, pile on all the fleeces you own, and binge-watch whatever new release is streaming.
But when you’ve already spent so much of your year indoors, an hour or two spent outside is like a breath of fresh air (pun very much intended, sorry). With the right outerwear and layers, leaving home can actually be...fun? That's why we’ve teamed up with Eddie Bauer, the heritage brand famous for specializing in quality outdoor gear for a century, to compile a list of pieces that will get you excited for The Great Outdoors, whether that’s a chic white ski set for at least one run down the slope, a pair of fleece leggings for a snowy hike, or an extra-warm down-filled parka for a walk around the neighborhood. Click through to shop our favorite picks.
Designed to withstand the elements, this utilitarian-chic down-filled parka — a new addition to Eddie Bauer's outerwear collection — features a water-repellent shell, fleece cuffs, and a removable faux fur-lined hood.
Eddie Bauer Yukon Classic® Down Parka, $, available at Eddie BauerYour jeans but better — this high-rise pair is lined with fleece, making it, really, the only denim option for any outdoor activity. (And we love the fact that it's made with seven recycled plastic bottles.)
Eddie Bauer Voyager Fleece-Lined High-Rise Jeans, $, available at Eddie BauerA lightweight, water-repellent shell that provides subzero warmth is the ultimate wardrobe hero in the winter. For an elevated look without compromising protection, layer it under a long wool camel-colored coat — this copper metallic color will add a slight (and chic) understated sheen.
Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket, $, available at Eddie BauerThe key to warmth in the winter: a thermal knit from which you can build your outfit. This one, with its patented moisture-wicking poly-spandex fabric that's made to trap in heat, comes in five pretty shades, including this dusty lavender.
Eddie Bauer Thermal Tech Crew, $, available at Eddie BauerWrap yourself in what is essentially a cozy sherpa fleece blanket masquerading as a parka. Wear it alone when it's warmer out or layered underneath another coat for extra insulation.
Eddie Bauer Lynden Fleece Parka, $, available at Eddie BauerThe brand took its best-selling Trail Tights and made it even better with the Crossover Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings, which features a four-way stretch brushed fleece for warmth, gusseted inseam for maximum mobility, pockets (!), and moisture-wicking fabric.
Eddie Bauer Crossover Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings, $, available at Eddie BauerThat cool bomber jacket-style silhouette gets a cozy, textured upgrade with one blanketed in the softest, plushiest fleece. Juxtapose it against a floral dress or further the edge with leather pants.
Eddie Bauer Fireside Plush Full-Zip Jacket, $, available at Eddie BauerFor the skiing enthusiast, invest in a kit that not only offers a streamlined look, but also adapts to changing conditions, thanks to its waterproof, breathable fabric and moisture-shedding finish, allowing you to ski for as long as you'd like.
Eddie Bauer Powder Search 2.0 Insulated Pants, $, available at Eddie Bauer
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
If fashion historians were to look back on 2020, we suspect they’d either shake their heads in incredulity or smirk in bemusement at how much we, collectively, fell into a pit of singular dressing: nap dresses (more so designed to be photographed in rather than actually sleep in), tie-dye anything, and sweatsuits saturated in every color imaginable. In our defense, outfitting ourselves in comfort clothing — and participating in a shared fashion experience — is, really, the only way to wield control when life feels completely and utterly chaotic.
That’s not to say this year marks the end of individualistic style. With the end of 2020 fast approaching (subtext: a new year, a clean slate, a glimmer of hope), this is the time to reclaim our stylistic preferences from pre-pandemic times. If not now, then when? To help re-familiarize yourself with non-sweats, we partnered with Cuddl Duds to put together five outfits that both harness the power of layering to keep you warm this winter (without feeling weighed down) and celebrate your personal style.
The Cozy Minimalist
You love: finding comfort in monochromatism, a neutral color palette, and clean lines. Bright colors and patterns intimidate you (or outright frighten you), but, rest assured, your look is anything but boring.
Your outfit: a white turtleneck as your base with warm camel-colored layers on top, made even cozier with delectable textures, like a chunky cashmere sweater and a ribbed knit skirt.
Cuddl Duds Softwear With Stretch Long Sleeve Turtleneck, $, available at Cuddl Duds
Naadam Marled Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $, available at Naadam
Brother Vellies Ronstadt Boot in Cognac, $, available at Brother Vellies
The No-Frills Pragmatist
You love: anything that doesn’t get in the way of your busy lifestyle. You don’t have time (nor the patience) to give your outfit more than two minutes of thought. And as someone who runs cold, you especially love layers that promise extra insulation.
Your outfit: no-nonsense layers, complete with a double-breasted coat for a look that’s equal parts polished and casual, making it the perfect ensemble for a day of errands.
Cuddl Duds Softwear With Stretch Long Sleeve Crew, $, available at Cuddl Duds
Cuddl Duds Fleecewear With Stretch Full Zip Vest, $, available at Cuddl Duds
Mango Wool double-breasted coat, $, available at Mango
Cuddl Duds Double Plush Velour Legging, $, available at Cuddl Duds
Cuddl Duds Womens Chunky Braid Texture Knee High Sock, $, available at Cuddl Duds
You love: colors (the brighter, the better), patterns, and unexpected combos. You thrive off of bold and exciting outfits. To put it plainly, you’re an exhibitionist.
Your outfit: print meets fluorescent hues with a cheetah-print base layer and neon pink pants. Anyone can wear a coat in the winter, but what about a shin-length puffer vest in pearlescent white? That’s all you.
Cuddl Duds Softwear With Stretch Long Sleeve Crew, $, available at Cuddl Duds
TNA The Super Puff™ Long Vest, $, available at Aritzia
Christopher John Rogers Neon wool-blend pants, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Loq Monica Boot in Crema Crinkle Patent, $, available at LoQ
The Great Outdoorswoman
You love: the wilderness. Even though you may be a city dweller, you get a kick out of applying aspects of your mountaineering look to your everyday life (the idea being: If it can withstand an arduous hike, then it can certainly weather a leisurely walk in the snow).
Your outfit: a solid foundation of base layers (a wear-everywhere henley and cozy plaid leggings) embellished with key add-ons, like an oversized fleece (pro tip: shop the men’s section) and cool trek-inspired lugsole boots.
Cuddl Duds Softwear With Stretch Ribbed Long Sleeve Henley, $, available at Cuddl Duds
Patagonia Men's Classic Retro-X® Fleece Jacket, $, available at Patagonia
Cuddl Duds Softwear With Stretch High Waist Legging, $, available at Cuddl Duds
Nomasei Slalom boots in white, $, available at Nomasei
The Romantic Botanist
You love: diaphanous dresses, dreamy colors, and flowers (it’s your favorite print) — a style ethos that’s pretty much directly at odds with winter.
Your outfit: a cold-weather version of something you’d wear in the summer (a pretty sheer dress, flower-pressed earrings, and baby yellow slingbacks), with the help of fleece base layers.
Cuddl Duds Fleecewear With Stretch Long Sleeve Crew, $, available at Cuddl Duds
var elem = new Array(); var mobilebuy = new Array(); var closebutton = new Array(); var init = false; var previous = 100; var mobile = false; var desktop = true; var grabnav; // What device is this? if (navigator.userAgent.match(/Android|BlackBerry|iPhone|iPad|iPod|Opera Mini|IEMobile/i)) { var mobile = true; var desktop = false; } function assembleArray(id, pos) { // Assemble a tip and dot array, add id tags to them var a = [document.getElementById('lab-tip' + id), document.getElementById('lab-dot' + id + '-hint'), pos]; return a; } function tipOn(elem) { // Grab items from the array var pop = elem[0]; var hint = elem[1]; var pos = elem[2]; // Setup Global Nav for hiding on mobile if (init == false) { // Add the id to the global nav and store mobile buy buttons setup(); // Done with setup init = true; } if (mobile == true) { // Mobile & Tablet, click dots, show mobile buy button showPop(pop,pos,true); // If just mobiile and not tablet, hide the global nav if (window.innerWidth < 768) { hideGlobalNav(); } } else { // Check for small or wide desktop if (window.innerWidth < 768) { // Desktop Small, click dots, show mobile buy button showPop(pop,pos,true); hideGlobalNav(); } else { // Desktop Wide, rollover dots, no mobile buy button showPop(pop,pos,false); showHint(hint); } } } function tipOff(elem) { // Grab items from the array var pop = elem[0]; var hint = elem[1]; var pos = elem[2]; if (mobile == true) { // Mobile & Tablet, click dots, show mobile buy button hidePop(pop,pos,true); // If just mobiile and not tablet, hide the global nav if (window.innerWidth < 768) { showGlobalNav(); } } else { // Check for small or wide desktop if (window.innerWidth 540) { mobileExtraOn(id); } } function closeTip(id) { // Mobile onClick closebutton var lmt = assembleArray(id, '0'); tipOff(lmt); if (window.innerWidth > 540) { mobileExtraOff(id); } } function showTip(id) { // Desktop Rollover if (desktop == true) { if (window.innerWidth > 720) { var lmt = assembleArray(id, '-15%'); tipOn(lmt); } } } function hideTip(id) { // Desktop Rolloff if (desktop == true) { if (window.innerWidth > 720) { var lmt = assembleArray(id, '0'); tipOff(lmt); } } } function mobileExtraOn(id) { // Turn on the mobile buy button mobilebuy[id].style.display = "block"; closebutton[id].style.display = "block"; } function mobileExtraOff(id) { // Turn off the mobile buy button mobilebuy[id].style.display = "none"; closebutton[id].style.display = "none"; } function setup() { // Add id tag to the global nav, for hiding on mobile document.getElementsByClassName("global-header")[0].setAttribute("id", "lab-global-header"); grabnav = document.getElementById('lab-global-header'); // Get the mobile buttons mobilebuy = document.getElementsByClassName('lab-mobile-buy'); // Get the mobile close buttoms closebutton = document.getElementsByClassName('lab-tip-close'); } function showGlobalNav() { grabnav.style.display = "block"; } function hideGlobalNav() { grabnav.style.display = "none"; } // Setup function numberImages() { var elems = document.getElementsByClassName("img-container"); for (i = 0; i < elems.length; i++) { // Store the spot to add button var numberSpot = elems[i]; // Make the button var addNumber = document.createElement("DIV"); // Add assembled html to the button addNumber.innerHTML = "
" + i + "
"; // Add the number over the image numberSpot.insertBefore(addNumber, elems[i].childNodes[0]); } } function setupProducts() { var prods = document.getElementsByClassName("section-multi-product-container"); for (i = 0; i < prods.length; i++) { var setID = ["products" + i]; prods[i].setAttribute("id", setID); } } function injectImages() { var elems = document.getElementsByClassName("img-container"); /* First Annotation */ var newCode1 = document.createElement('DIV'); elems[1].classList.add("lab-layers"); elems[1].appendChild(newCode1); newCode1.innerHTML = "
Softwear with Stretch Ribbed Long Sleeve Henley Top in Charcoal Heather
$34.00
This super-soft henley top adds a layer of warmth without the bulk, making it ideal for leisurely outdoor activities. Its thumbholes, too, can double as gloves.
When you’ve spent a large majority of the year indoors, reacquainting yourself with your kitchen and creating a semi-permanent indent on your couch, it takes a bit more time and energy to piece together an outfit for when you do eventually venture outside (especially in the winter). The solution in this case: Get yourself a wardrobe that does both — a set of base layers that can seamlessly transition from your comfortable, everyday WFH uniform to a properly attired outfit for the world beyond the confines of your home.
Such incredible versatility is, coincidentally enough, what Cuddl Duds has staked its reputation on with its beloved repertoire of stretchy thermals, ribbed henleys, soft-to-the-touch turtlenecks, and fleece leggings. As proof, we took Cuddl Duds’ layers and, with a few key add-ons, transformed them to suit whatever activity your day might hold — whether that’s a leisurely bike ride, a dinner outdoors, a trip to the farmers’ market, or a walk with your dog. At the core, it’ll feel like you never left your couch — and if that’s not a bit of sartorial magic, then we don’t know what is.
For home: Coordinate fleece leggings with a soft crew in the same neutral shade — a less bulky version of sweats — for a streamlined look.
For outside: Break up the gray with a striped top (thumbholes make it even easier for layering) and shrug on a shearling-lined denim jacket for an extra layer against chilly breezes — necessary when you’re freezing because your dog is taking her sweet time sniffing trees.
For home: Black leggings are not only comfortable and stain-proof (in that you can’t actually see any stains), but they also work with just about any top, including a super-soft (and chic) black turtleneck.
For outside: Let’s say you lost track of time and you only have a few minutes before you’re meeting friends at an outdoor restaurant for dinner. Your outfit will take all of 30 seconds to put together: Slip on another layer (a teal for a pop of color) and a midi-length skirt, and throw on a coat and boots. Done.
For home: Enduring winter feels rather impossible without a stockpile of thermals, like these stretchy waffle-knit ones (aka keep you warm when your radiator has malfunctioned once again).
For outside: If you’re one of those who likes her pick of produce at the farmers’ market, it also means waking up at the break of dawn when it’s unbearably cold. Add a turtleneck underneath your thermal, slip on a pair of jeans, bring one more layer (just in case), and you’re set.
For home: A black pair of leggings + a soft crewneck long-sleeve tee = your standard work-from-home, lounge-on-the-couch uniform (and let’s be honest, pajamas, too).
For outside: A casual bike ride means not having to make the effort to change into actual workout wear, which makes this outfit the very definition of athleisure. Layer on a ribbed henley with thumbholes (which doubles as fingerless gloves) and a puffer vest, and finish your look with the softest pom beanie and sneakers.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
