I can’t lie. Unless there’s a major sale going on, I’m not one to shop for beauty products. As I’m an editor, new formulas are constantly coming across my desk for testing, so most times, there’s no need to invest in more. I also refuse to splurge because I know that a high price point doesn’t automatically equal high performance.

Call me picky, but after over five years of vetting countless products, I’ve become a whiz at finding the best in beauty without breaking the bank. In fact, I prefer setting a budget for myself when I shop, and it puts my mind at ease knowing I can buy from retailers like Nordstrom that have a huge assortment of affordable items to choose from. Whether I need to restock my daily essentials or simply want to treat myself, I know I’ll be finalizing my purchase without regrets.