This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I’ve always been a fan of Nordstrom’s cashmere scarves — they’re thin, wear really well, and come in such pretty colors. At the moment this pretty scarf in light blue ombré is marked down to $85; after the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale it’ll go back up to $129.

It also comes in a pink ombré!

(Not in the sale, but similar: this modal scarf also has a pretty blue ombré option!)

Sales of note for 7/19:

• Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here’s our big roundup of the best workwear, as well as everything we’ve selected thus far.
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
• Theory – End of season sale is on!

Blemishes show up at the worst time. Like just before a big meeting, a first date, or a photo shoot. One minute your skin looks fine, and then there is a red bump staring back at you.

The frustrating part is that much of the advice you read online either does not work or makes things worse. Scrubbing harder, layering on stronger chemicals, or drying out your face with toothpaste…these do not address or fix the underlying problem.

So, let’s talk about what blemishes really are and why they keep coming back. I’ll also share a gentler, all-natural approach that more women are using to get real results.

What counts as a blemish

A blemish is any visible flaw in the skin. That includes whiteheads, blackheads, papules (small red bumps), pustules (the white-tipped ones), cystic acne, dark spots, scars, and even patches of redness.

Common triggers across all types of blemishes include excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, hormone shifts, and inflammation. Knowing which one is driving your breakouts gives you a leg-up in treating them.

Why blemishes keep coming back

If you feel like you clear one breakout just for another to appear, you are not imagining it. Your skincare habits, hormones, and diet can make the blemish cycle hard to break.

Skincare habits

Most skincare routines focus on killing surface bacteria with harsh actives like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These can work short-term, but they can also damage your skin barrier in the process. The same is true for harsh exfoliants.

Skin is more sensitive when the moisture barrier is damaged. That means more inflammation and, ultimately, more breakouts.

Other breakout-inducing habits are less obvious. Touching or picking at your face often, not washing off makeup or sunscreen at night, or sleeping on a dirty pillowcase can easily keep the cycle going.

Hormones

A 2022 study concluded that hormones testosterone, androstendione, and cortisol levels correlate with the severity of acne. Hormonal changes related to cycles, stress, birth control, and even sleep deprivation can spike sebum production, which clogs pores and creates new blemishes.

Diet

Different studies have linked sugary, processed foods and dairy to worsening acne. The findings across studies, however, are not consistent. Your skin’s response to different dietary habits may differ from someone else’s—but if you eat a lot of refined sugars and/or dairy, it’s worth reducing your intake to see if it helps.

The science on botanical oils

If strong retinoids, prescription antibiotics, spot drying treatments, and harsh face washes aren’t working for you, there is another, gentler route to try: botanicals. Research indicates some botanical oils have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-healing properties. That trio can be a powerful weapon against acne.

Calendula or marigold

In clinical trials and lab research, calendula has promoted wound repair, fought infection, modulated immune responses, and combatted bacteria. The plant’s skin-healing power comes from a rich collection of bioactive compounds, including steroids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential oils.

Rosehip

There is clinical evidence supporting rosehip’s ability to improve scarring, pigmentation, and skin barrier function. Note that rosehip oil has a (low) comedogenic rating of 1 or 2 out of 5.

Sea Buckthorn

A literature review of 40 peer-reviewed studies found that sea buckthorn oil demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. It’s thought to be particularly effective at supporting skin barrier repair.

Thistle oil

The research on thistle oil for acne is light, but there is an established connection. Thistle oil is rich in linoleic acid, which does have documented benefits for acne-prone skin. People who have recurring breakouts tend to have lower linoleic acid in their sebum. Adding this fatty acid to the skin topically can restore the skin’s balance. Borage, hemp seed, and rosehip oil are also significant sources of linoleic acid.

How to shop gentle blemish-fighting skincare

If you want to try the all-natural approach to acne control, focus on the ingredients list. Look for cold-pressed botanicals with real antibacterial and anti-inflammatory evidence behind them. Cold pressing is important because heat and chemical extraction methods can degrade fatty acids, antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and overall bioactivity. Said another way, cold pressing helps preserve the botanicals’ maximum effectiveness.

Pro tip: Cold-pressed oils aren’t heat stabilized. Check harvest or expiration dates and store them away from light and heat.

Calendula (marigold), thistle, rosehip, and sea buckthorn are the four most studied for acne-prone skin. Vitamin E and beta-carotene help repair the skin barrier so blemishes heal faster and leave fewer marks behind.

Short ingredient lists tend to be the safest bet. The fewer reactive compounds you put on your face, the lower the chance of triggering more inflammation.

What to avoid

Avoid products with synthetic fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, parabens, or essential oils with no proven topical benefit. Peppermint and citrus oils, for example, can irritate sensitive skin.

One brand to consider is Norse Organics, a Scandinavian skincare line that focuses on cold-pressed Arctic botanicals. Their balms pair marigold, thistle, and sea buckthorn with vitamin E and beta-carotene in formulas that are barrier-friendly and free from harsh actives. The line checks the boxes for how to get rid of blemishes without stripping your skin in the process.

Daily routine for blemishes

A simple daily routine is usually best for sensitive, blemish-prone skin:

• Morning. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Apply a botanical day balm with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Finish with a mineral SPF.
• Evening. Cleanse gently with a fragrance-free cleanser to remove makeup and the day’s grime. Apply a night balm focused on calming inflammation and supporting overnight skin repair.
• Two or three times weekly. Use a gentle physical exfoliant such as rice or apricot powder, to clear dead skin cells that clog pores.

Lifestyle habits that may help

Skincare may only be part of what’s contributing to your breakouts. Other lifestyle habits that may help include:  

• Drink enough water. Hydrated skin functions better and heals faster.
• Sleep at least 7 hours. Your skin repairs itself when you sleep. Also, sleep deprivation can lead to excess cortisol production, which can trigger breakouts.
• Eat antioxidant-rich foods. Berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and citrus may support clearer skin from the inside.
• Manage stress. Easier said than done, but start small — say, with 10 minutes of daily walking, breathing, or stretching.
• Wash the stuff that touches your face. Wash your pillowcase twice a week, your phone screen daily, and your hands before touching your face. These small habits can make a difference.

Read next: Gut instincts: How to unlock radiant skin from the inside out

When to see a professional

Many women can see fewer breakouts with a consistent at-home routine, but there are times when you need expert help. If you have deep cystic acne, painful nodules, or scarring that doesn’t fade, book a dermatologist appointment. Hormonal acne in adults sometimes needs internal treatment alongside topical care, and a doctor can run the right tests.

You can also pair professional help with a gentle botanical routine at home.

The Budget Fashionista takeaways

Clearer skin may not require a chemistry lab on your bathroom counter. Your skin may respond better to a consistent program, gentle products, and a healthy lifestyle.  

If the harsh actives aren’t effective, try using natural ingredients to calm inflammation and support your skin’s natural repair process. It may take some time, but there’s a chance you’ll see real improvement within a couple months. Clearer skin may be closer than you think.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Whether your office is business casual or you’re commuting in 95° heat, the best summer work pants for hot weather are breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and polished enough to wear with what I’ll call a “structured piece” — a blazer, a lady jacket, or even a more tailored blouse. But… this can be difficult to find! So today, we’re rounding up the best summer work pants for women.

Outfit Details: Wiggy Kit Dress, Janessa Leone Hat, Loewe Sunglasses, Miu Miu Flats (similar here and here), Wiggy Kit Dress, Retrosuperfuture Sunglasses, Similar Tote Here

One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering new restaurants. Not just for the food, but for the way the room comes together through color, table settings, and the menus. Before we head to a reservation, I almost always look up the restaurant first, partly to get excited, but also so I have a sense of the vibe I want to dress for.

For me, the perfect lunch look is a colorful daytime dress, dressed up ever so slightly with a bag that has some ruffles or raffia texture. A stripe that plays off the room, embroidery, sunglasses that add to the look instead of hiding behind them. Small choices, but they make lunch feel like the kind of thing you got dressed for.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

I’d love to tell you this is the last shirtdress that is going to catch my eye this summer, but that would probably be a lie. This perfectly elegant dress from Tuckernuck comes in five other colorways, but this light blue is just a stunner. If you need a topper for a chilly office, I would add a navy blazer or a navy sweater tied over your shoulders.

Add some fun shoes and you have an outfit for any summer office occasion. 

The dress is $298 at Tuckernuck and comes in sizes XXS-XXXL. 

A couple of more affordable options are available at Nordstrom from Mango (lucky sizes, $59.99 on sale) and Caslon (XXS-XXL, $109).

Sales of note for 7/19:

• Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here’s our big roundup of the best workwear, as well as everything we’ve selected thus far.
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
• Theory – End of season sale is on!

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Yes, I went back in to take a look at shoes and bags in the NAS so you don’t have to… I may have gotten carried away! I think there’s a lot to like if you’re on the hunt for new shoes, or need a new pair of something from before (for example, knee high boots are back in a big way this year, with lots of sleek low/flat options in the sale).

One note: I haven’t done a roundup of beauty in the sale, but this year they’re doing one-day only beauty deals… so today you can get 30% off select haircare. This was new to me so I did some investigating — are these just featured deals? Additional percentages off something in the sale? Or day-only additions to the sale? I looked up one of the products that would clearly be included in today’s hair deals (JVN) and can confidently say: they were on the site full price, not marked down or marked as being part of the sale, at ALL yesterday… so these truly are one-day only deals as far as I can tell. (There is a lot of Drybar in the sale today, though, so I regret not looking that up yesterday to compare and contrast.) Today I’m going to take advantage of the deals to try some Rizos curl stuff, I’m also seeing a lot of JVN, R+Co, Living Proof, and Verb in today’s sale.

The Best Bags in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

General Notes on Bags

Great Work Backpacks

Nice Work Totes

The Best Handbags in the Sale

Not pictured, but: I love these minimal COS bags, and if you need a stadium-friendly clear purse, this one looks great for $30.

The Best Shoes to Get in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

General Notes on Shoes in the 2026 NAS

• Waterproof options from Blondo, Aquatalia, and La Canadienne
• Budget deals from Naturalizer (including this reader favorite low pump) and Lifestride
• Splurge on finds from Stuart Weitzman, Veronica Beard, and Vince
• Comfort brands in the sale: Vionic, Sofft, Børn, Naturalizer, Paul Green, and Munro (as well as Stuart Weitzman, one of our favorites in our recently updated roundup of the best brands for comfortable heels)
• Trend report: Knee high boots are back! Loafers are still in. Slingbacks are plentiful in the sale, also. There are less lug soles than a few years ago but still a number (know your office).

Sleek Flats for Work

Heels

Tall Boots

Great Booties

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I’ve recently rediscovered this incredibly hydrating lipstick from Lancôme in my travel bag, and I’m loving it. It goes on like a thick gloss, but isn’t sticky at all — but the color payoff is all lipstick. I find that I don’t need a mirror to apply it, but it helps!

The lipstick is $32 at Sephora and other stores. Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow™ Hydrating Lip Balm

Sales of note for 7/19:

• Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here’s our big roundup of the best workwear, as well as everything we’ve selected thus far.
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
• Theory – End of season sale is on!