I'm the Beauty Director at Nordstrom—Here are the 10 Must-Have Products I'd Bring for a Sun-Soaked Getaway.

      Summer is officially upon us, which means I'm fully immersed in the enjoyable activities planned for the coming three months. The options are limitless. Days at the beach! Road trips! Brunches on the patio! That said, I'm particularly looking forward to my annual summer vacation. This year, however, I'm not going anywhere. I am fortunate to live near the water, so I've decided to treat myself to a week-long staycation, enjoying the sun (with proper sun protection, of course). This means I'll require effective products that can accompany me to the beach and beyond. Who better to consult for product recommendations than Autumne West, Nordstrom's National Beauty Director? She specializes in testing and carefully selecting the finest beauty products. I asked her to compile a list of the 10 must-have items she'd bring for a sun-soaked vacation, and she delivered. Keep reading to see all her selections, from a cult-favorite SPF sampler set to a versatile color stick, shimmering body oil, and more. Consider this your summer 2026 shopping guide.

      1. Vacation Sun Belt 4-Piece Sampler Kit

      "This is the perfect carry-on kit that includes a belt bag with SPF 30 lotion, a face mist with SPF 50 that you can spray over makeup, a Baby Oil SPF 30 for that iconic sun-kissed glow (safely!), and an after-sun aloe gel for when the day winds down. It contains everything you really need, conveniently packed in sample sizes, making it ideal for travel."

      2. MAC Cosmetics Shimmer Squirt Plumping Lip Gloss Stick

      "This lip gloss contains ginger root and capsicum for a plumping effect, coconut oil for nourishment, and smooth glitter that feels sophisticated. A quick swipe gives your look a polished touch for that day where a natural glow is key."

      3. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

      "My philosophy for vacation skin is that less is more. This skin tint combines makeup, skincare, and mineral SPF 40 in one hydrating step. With niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, it takes care of your skin beautifully."

      4. Ogee Sculpted Face Stick

      "This versatile stick can bronze, blush, highlight, and contour, featuring cold-pressed jojoba oil, green coffee oil, and elderberry extract that provide real skincare benefits. It seamlessly blends into the skin and looks incredibly natural. Just toss it in your beach bag, and you’re all set."

      5. Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

      "These bronzing drops are matte and buildable, never streaky, and hydrating. A few drops mixed into your skin tint, and you’ll look like you've just returned from a week in the South of France."

      6. Good Weather Skin All-Over Sun Milk Face & Body SPF 50

      "This clean mineral SPF 50 serves both face and body, with a stunning formula. Squalane, sea buckthorn oil, and non-nano zinc work together to nourish while protecting, leaving a beautiful sheen. This will always have a place in my beach bag."

      7. True Botanicals Bronze Well Regenerative Glow

      "This Nordstrom exclusive has me obsessed. Carotenoid-rich oils and apricot kernel provide serious skin benefits, while the bronzing shimmer offers a warm, golden radiance that looks incredibly healthy. It tackles dullness, dryness, and fine lines while leaving you glowing. I keep this bottle on my vanity year-round, not just for vacations."

      8. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

      "With notes of bergamot, cardamom, and coco de mer, this body oil transports you to a beautiful destination just with its scent. It contains gold and platinum leaf shimmer in a silky, jojoba-rich formula that gives your skin a radiant glow."

      9. Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50 Scented Sunscreen Body Oil

      "This formula, which combines argan oil, grapeseed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and SPF 50, is water-resistant for 80 minutes. The coastal scent is delightful. Apply it by the pool, freshen up post-shower, or use it anywhere. You'll be both glowing and protected."

      10. Byredo Bal D'Afrique Body Mist

      "I love wearing fragrance but enjoy switching to a body mist, and the new Byredo Body Mist fits the bill perfectly. It's refreshing and light yet still contains the luxurious scents that Byredo is known for. The Bal D'Afrique mist is floral with a citrusy and musky balance, maintaining the spicy warmth it's famous for—just in a lighter formulation."