this is not a gift guide…
Dec 15th 2009 04:24:01 pm
…but you could use it as one.
I have been wanting to do a “beauty recommendations” post for quite a while. (It was on my list of things to post about in November for NaBloPoMo, but I didn’t quite fit it in.) I am not exactly skilled in the area of beauty and make-up, so I love reading recommendations from real people on what works and what doesn’t. And even though I am no where near a make-up expert, I thought I would write about a few of my favorite products.
A little back story: I would describe myself as low-to-mid-maintenance, definitely not high maintenance. Most days, when I work from home, I don’t wear make-up. When I do wear it, I keep things fairly natural. However, I do love trying new products and probably put too much faith in anti-aging lotions. The things listed here are products which I really love, are easy to use, and that I have purchased MULTIPLE times. They are things I would highly recommend!
Philosophy Purity Made Simple – This is a face wash that also easily removes all of my makeup – including eye makeup – and leaves my face feeling clean, but not too dry. I have tried MANY different types of face cleansers and I keep coming back to this one. Another plus, the large bottles last a very long time!
Creme de la Mer – The price tag on this face cream is a major turnoff, but I still list it as one of my favorite products. I love this lotion in the winter when my face gets really dry (in the summer, it can be a little too rich). You can use it at night or during the day and I have not found another lotion as comfortable and replenishing as this. A note on the price: I was given my last small jar of La Mer as a birthday gift from my sweet parents last February and I still have some left! It lasts quite a while!
Blistex Herbal Answer – I have written about the wonder of the Herbal Answer before, but it is worth repeating. This is my favorite lip balm ever! I have not seen it in stores for a long time and I think you can only purchase it at Drugstore.com, but it is worth it. I keep these all over the house and in all my bags.
Fresh Sugar Roll-on Deodorant – I have been trying to make the move to more natural deodorant, but it has been difficult. I’ve tried Tom’s of Maine and La Vanilla natural deodorants, but they do NOT keep me odor free. I am not an expert on “natural” products, so I am not sure how truly safe fresh’s deodorant is, but I love the scent and it works! I just wish it was a little less expensive.
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick – I really love bobbi brown makeup and this foundation stick is one of my necessities. I use the #2 Sand color. I don’t use it as full foundation, but instead as a subtle concealer. I have been using this product for over seven years and I am only on my second stick! It last a really long time!
Benefit Benetint – I don’t really understand lipstick-it always wears off and leaves a gross ring around my lips-so instead, I use this red stain on my lips. It is pretty, but totally natural looking. This is one of Benefit’s very first products and it has won a ton of awards. You really can’t go wrong with it.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Pink – This is a great blush for people who are scared of blush like me. It has a very subtle shimmer and the multiple colors allow you to customize the intensity. You can also use it as an eyeshadow. I have also tried the bronzer shimmer brick and it was ok, but the pink is just so effortless and pretty. (oh-so-subtle Rachel gift idea alert – I recently dropped and destroyed my pink shimmer brick and would love another one!)
Yves Saint Laurant Touche Eclat Radiant Touch – I love this product!! It is the best, most fool-proof concealer I have ever used. I use my Bobbi Brown foundation stick as my first step, but I wait until the very end on my makeup routine to use the Luminous Radiance color Touche Eclat around my eyes and nose to reduce darkness and redness. Like magic, it disappears into your skin, but also covers flaws perfectly.
Bobbi Brown Nude Eye Palette – There are probably a million different nude eye palettes in the world that I could use, but I trust Bobbi Brown. Her nude palettes all come with a base color, a crease color, shimmery highlight colors, and a liner color. They always seem to work with my skin tone and are totally understated and natural – which is perfect for me because I am not very good at applying intense eye color.
Fresh Supernova Mascara – Of all the dozens of different brands of mascara I have used, this is the only one that truly goes on smoothly. It is not waterproof, which may be a deal breaker for some, but I love it.
So, what do you think of my recommendations? Do you like any of the same products? Dislike any of them? What other items are your must-have, go-to beauty favorites?
5 Comments » Categories: Favorites, Just for Fun, Make-up & Beauty
san on 15 Dec 2009 at 5:21 pm #
I love the YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch. It’s pretty expensive, but it also LASTS forever.
Cody on 15 Dec 2009 at 9:32 pm #
I’ve never heard of Fresh, but I’ll have to look into it. I’ve eyed Benetint a few times, though…
Alba pineapple enzyme face wash is the only thing I’ve ever found that works for my skin. I’ve got combination skin that breaks out with pimples if not kept clean and oil-free, but dries out or becomes irritated with most cleansers. I use the oil-free moisturizer, too… and they’re both awesome.
I also really like Lush Aromarant deodorant. It’s not actually an anti-perspirant, but somehow it works better to control wetness than even the “clinical strength” drugstore brands. It’s a little too earthy for me sometimes, but it works and that’s what matters, I suppose.
Seth on 16 Dec 2009 at 2:51 pm #
Greatest post ever, it has changed the way I look at my life and my understanding of beauty products
Michelle on 17 Dec 2009 at 2:05 pm #
I, too, love philosophy’s purity cleanser. Philosophy anything, actually. Love their Kiss Me lip gloss, the older non-SPF version, in Red. Am currently loving Bliss Body Butter in Blood Orange & White Pepper. It smells divine and feels luxurious!
chels182 on 17 Dec 2009 at 7:23 pm #
I can’t wait to go shopping w/ you at Nordstrom!!! (I know it’s a fast trip and really understand if we don’t make it, but it would be fun!!)