u/Ok-Performance-8247

I'm looking to buy a setting powder, and I have some specific desires so I'd want to talk to an associate about what product would be my best option. But I don't plan on spending more than $25 on the powder. Would it be best to find an associate on the floor at the time I'm in the store to ask questions of, or is this the kind of thing that Nordstrom prefers you book an In-Store Beauty Expert for? My concern though is taking up a 30-minute booking for what is a relatively small sale.

I recently got the e.l.f. Beauty Squad app and have been able to rack up points and get discounts on purchases I'd make anyway. I feel there must be all kinds of tips to getting the most out of this app--anybody have some?

I have some red post-breakout blemishes that I like to cover with Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream on an everyday basis, so I want it to look natural even when wearing no other makeup. The BB Cream works pretty great (though not perfectly) for spot-concealing if you build it up, it blends well into my oily skin, and it can be worn for 10+ hours without needing touch-ups. I've been overall satisfied.

But I just finished the tube and thought I would see if I could find something even better (a dangerous road)--something that would have staying power and a bit more coverage but also look natural, even when used as spot-concealment rather than all over my face. I tried the e.l.f. Soft Glam Concealer and didn't like it that much. It was more coverage than I wanted, harder to blend, and the pigment looked more like *pigment* against my skin, and without a primer started to separate a little even only an hour into wearing it.

If anyone else spot-conceals regularly, I'd love to know what drugstore products have been your Holy Grail!

I don't have anything I'm itching to buy from Nordstrom's during the Anniversary Sale, but I am intrigued by the "customized samples" that are advertised for the in-store July 25th Beauty Bash events. If anyone has experience going to a Beauty Bash (especially at a medium-sized big-city-suburb Nordstrom), did you get a lot of free samples or free activations? Was it fun? Or was it essentially a normal sales event?

I want to get my friend a gift card for their birthday, about $30. I know they like the brands Beauty of Joseon (which has some products available at Sephora) and COSRX (which has some products available at Ulta). I was wondering whether a gift card for Sephora, Ulta, or a different online store would give them the widest range of options for skincare. We're in the US, if that affects recommendations. Thank you!