15 Things Our Editors Would Buy With a $50 Nordstrom Budget

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

While Nordstrom carries a wide range of luxury products, there are plenty of affordable buys that don't skimp on quality. Whether you're looking to test out a viral beauty product, find a new go-to piece for your winter wardrobe, or even shop for a gift, we have you covered. We've cherry-picked a selection of products under $50 that have customers and our editors raving. Keep reading to see these budget-friendly Nordstrom products we can't live without.

Best Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
PS Photography | Angela Elias

Best Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask ($15-$39)

This hair mask has a devout following, and the reviews on Nordstrom prove it. This deep conditioning mask is meant to be used weekly to bring damaged hair back to life, adding shine and a silky texture. Rosehip oil helps to reduce frizz while algae extract and B vitamins nourish hair. Our editor tested it out and noticed that it instantly softened her hair. For more details, read our Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask review.

Editor Quote: "I immediately noticed a difference in the texture of my hair, which felt softer. The frizz control is also on point. While I usually have a halo of tiny hairs that spring up with the slightest bit of humidity, the essential fatty acids from the rosehip oil help to give it a glossy coating." — Angela Elias, PS contributor, Shopping

Best Underwear
nordstrom.com

Best Underwear

Hanky Panky PlayStretch Boy Shorts ($22-$29)

If you've been meaning to refresh your underwear drawer, these soft and stretchy boy shorts are bound to become your favorite pair. They're made from Supima cotton and elastane, so they capture the feel of a jersey T-shirt.

Best Long-Sleeved Shirt
nordstrom.com

Best Long-Sleeved Shirt

BP. Long Sleeve Rib Henley ($25)

This long-sleeved crewneck shirt blends cotton with other stretchy material for a shirt that's soft, body-hugging, and comfortable. It's easy to tuck into pants and layer under cozy sweaters and jackets. You can grab it in six different colors.

Best Brow Definer
nordstrom.com

Best Brow Definer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer ($26)

Fluff, shape, and fill in brows with this brow definer that comes with a retractable, triangular tip on one end and a spoolie on the other. It comes in 11 colors so you can find the perfect match.

Best Sports Bra
nordstrom.com

Best Sports Bra

Zella Luxe Lite Squared Up Sports Bra ($29, originally $49)

This square-neck sports bra is chic enough to double as a workout top with high-waisted leggings. It offers low-impact support so it's ideal for yoga and studio workouts. You can pick it up in five different colors.

Best Mock Neck Top
nordstrom.com

Best Mock Neck Top

Drapey Rib Skimming Long Sleeve Mock Neck ($34, originally $45)

When you want a little extra warmth on chilly days, this ribbed mock neck top makes it easy to go scarf-free. The full-length sleeves also add a bit of coverage and are easy to layer under winter outerwear.

Best Sunglasses
PS Photography | Angela Elias

Best Sunglasses

Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses ($39)

If you've been searching for the perfect pair of vintage-inspired aviator sunglasses, the search is over — at least according to our editor, that is. She tested out this tortoiseshell pair and rated it five stars for its shape, soft lens tint, and subtle pattern. Read more about why she loves these sunglasses in this Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses review.

Editor Quote: "I've tried on pairs of aviator sunglasses under $20 that definitely looked their price — I blame the high-gloss shine of the plastic, the thin frames, and the all-wrong lens shapes — but these look much more expensive than they are. When people compliment them, I'm almost giddy to share the price. At less than $40, I honestly consider them a steal." — AE

Best Face Sunscreen
PS Photography | Jessica Harrington

Best Face Sunscreen

Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($40)

This silicone-free mineral sunscreen includes ceramides and peptides to keep skin hydrated and glowing and has SPF 40 coverage. It's also noncomedogenic, nonacnegenic, nonirritating, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive skin. Fans of this product include Hailey Bieber and our very own beauty editor, who writes all about it in this Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 review.

Editor Quote: "I've tried countless face sunscreen formulas over the years, but the ones that make it into my skin-care routine long-term have to feel good on my skin (not greasy or heavy) and layer well under makeup. We've all probably found an SPF that we love, only to find that it pills the second you try to apply concealer or foundation on top of it. Kosas is a makeup brand first and foremost, so DreamBeam needed to play well with other products." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, Beauty

Best Lip Oil
PS Photography | Taylor Augustin

Best Lip Oil

Dior Lip Glow Oil ($40)

Lip oils have taken over TikTok, and this Dior version has its own cult following. This nourishing formula gives sheer, glossy coverage and creates a custom color based on the moisture level in your lips. Our editor tried it and says that it's one of the few lip oils she reaches for again and again. Read her thoughts and see pictures in this Dior Lip Glow Oil review.

Editor Quote: "In all of my years as a beauty editor, I've tested countless glosses and lip oils, with only a few leaving a lasting impression. Most get thrown into the back of my beauty closet, but I find myself reaching for a special few again and again — that's the case with the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil. I love that it's a nonsticky formula that feels ultra-hydrating on my lips, but the best part has to be that it adapts to the natural color of my lips." — Taylor Augustin, PS contributor, Shopping

Best Hair Towel
PS Photography | Angela Elias

Best Hair Towel

Volo Hero Hair Towel ($44)

This super-soft hair towel is lightweight yet incredibly absorbent. It helps hair to dry faster and is much easier to wrap and wear than a typical towel, thanks to the size and thoughtful tuck-in strap. Our editor tested out this popular purchase and immediately bought one for her mom. For more details, read her Volo Hero Hair Towel review.

Editor quote: "You can't tell by the images online, but the towel is ridiculously fluffy and soft. The size is also perfect — large enough to envelope your hair but small enough so that it feels balanced and weightless. With a typical bath towel, I usually leave it on for five minutes or so since it starts unraveling and toppling off my head as I move around. The small strap on this towel means that I can twist it and tuck the end in so that it stays secure. I can make breakfast in my bath robe with my hair wrapped in the towel and don't have to worry about it falling down." — AE

Best Wireless Bra
nordstrom.com

Best Wireless Bra

b.tempt'd by Wacoal Wow'd Wireless Convertible T-Shirt Bra ($44)

When the thought of an underwire bra is too much to bear, reach for this scalloped T-shirt bra that's pretty enough to pass as lingerie. It comes in six different colors, is convertible, and features an adjustable hook-closure strap.

Best CC+ Cream
PS Photography | Angela Elias

Best CC+ Cream

It Cosmetics CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream SPF 50+ ($47)

For a foundation that offers full coverage with a side of skincare benefits, you have to try this CC+ cream. Its formula includes 50+ SPF protection and is packed with hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamins, so it's hydrating — plus, it's safe for sensitive skin. Our editor tested it out and sings its praises in this It Cosmetics CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream review.

Editor Quote: "Applying this product manages to blur my pink flushing, broken capillaries, acne scars, dark circles, and fine lines so well that I've started to reach for it instead of my tinted serum. While other full-coverage foundations I've tried in the past have emphasized my dry skin, making dry patches appear flaky or scaly, my skin looks and feels more nourished with this one. It doesn't leave a caked-on finish, clog my pores, or feel too heavy. I can wear it on a hot day or during low-intensity workouts without it melting off or irritating my skin." — AE

Best Leather Belt
nordstrom.com

Best Leather Belt

Madewell Perfect Leather Belt ($48)

A classic belt comes in handy in any season, but there's something about this leather Madewell option that feels especially well suited for winter. We're envisioning wearing it with high-waisted jeans or trousers to make everything from a night out to office apparel look more elevated. It comes in three different colors.

Best Blush Stick
PS Photography | Angela Elias

Best Blush Stick

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick ($48)

This blush stick adds the perfect flush of natural-looking color and comes in a creamy, hydrating formula that's easy to blend. Our editor tested it out and is officially hooked. Get more details, along with photos, in this Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick review.

Editor Quote: "Unlike other shimmery formulas, this one doesn't highlight any undesired texture on my skin. It glides over my liquid foundation and is so easy to blend, I never have to worry about messing up. If I've applied more than I intended to, I can just keep blending with my fingers until the color softens and I can re-apply to specific spots if I want to build a bolder flush of color." — AE

Best Slide Sandals
nordstrom.com

Best Slide Sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Waterproof Slide Sandal ($50)

These lighter-than-air Birkenstocks might be considered a summer staple, thanks to the waterproof material, but they also make for an excellent all-season sandal. Pair them with jeans and a sweatshirt on days when comfort is key.

-


Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can't-miss sales, and creates "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.