It’s a new year and, for me at least, that means it’s time to organize, beginning with my drawers and closets. I have a closetful of beauty products that span the spectrum from root touch ups to facial moisturizers to cellulite creams. I’ve tried them all. Some have made it onto my “can’t live without” list and others have made it into my trash can. I am always disappointed when a product makes promises that it doesn’t deliver but, on the other hand, I am thrilled when a product makes good on its claims. Here, some of the heavy-hitting beauty products that work for me …
My Favorite Beauty Products
Clairol Nice ‘N Easy Root Touch Up – It’s been a challenging winter in my part of the world and I haven’t always been able to keep my salon appointments to maintain my color. But I’m a planner and, with the forecast in mind, I purchased Clairol Nice ‘N Easy Root Touch Up for when I couldn’t make my hair appointment. This stuff works like a charm. I was concerned about the shade I chose not matching my salon color – but I had nothing to worry about. I applied the product, left it on for ten minutes and after a quick rinse and blowdry, it matched the rest of my hair perfectly. Yes!
Color WOW Root Cover Up – This powder in a portable compact has saved my ‘do on many occasions. Not only does it cover grey roots, it covers dark regrowth without peroxide. (Blondes, are you listening?) Color WOW has never made it to the shelves of my beauty closet. I keep it in my handbag and take it with me everywhere I go.
Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse – I have spent countless dollars on thickening products for my fine, limp hair and I am often disappointed with the results. Either the product doesn’t work or it only works for a short time and, within hours, my hair is flat again. And then, on a whim, I ordered Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse to an online shopping list I was creating and Eureka, this stuff works. Not only does it make my hair look and feel thicker and more luxurious, it lasts between shampoos. The limp-locked among us will understand when I say that I used to have to “shampoo in my hair’s body.” If I didn’t shampoo every day, or every other day at the most, my hair just hung lifelessly around my head. But with Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse I can go several days without shampooing – and without reapplying the product too. It works that well.
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey – I have been using this lip stain since my high school days and, while other colors and formulations come and go, this one is a staple I won’t be without. The color is universally flattering, has staying power and is great on its own or for layering under a sparkly gloss or other complementary shade of lipstick. And, at $15.00 for a long-lasting tube, it’s a bargain to boot.
Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimers – These long-lasting lip glosses are non-sticky and come in the most beautiful array of shades. I use them alone or layered on other lipsticks (they look great on top of Clinique’s Black Honey Almost Lipstick) and I always get compliments when I wear them. They’re pricey at $29.50 – but they last a long time and always look great.
Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Washable Mascara – My favorite must-have mascara darkens my lashes without clumping, flaking or fading – and it does it in one coat. It thickens and lengthens my lashes and the big brush is easy to use. I use it every day.
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara – I didn’t think that any other product could replace my beloved Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Mascara but Benefit’s They’re Real! mascara comes close. I received a sample of this from Sephora and, when it’s empty, I will be buying this product again. This mascara dramatically darkens and thickens my lashes and makes them look like I’m wearing falsies. It’s a bit too dramatic for my every day routine, which is not to say that it won’t be great for yours, but sure beats putting on false lashes for evenings out and special occasions.
ClaySpray – I recently reviewed this spray on clay facial mask for EverBeautiful.com readers and have used it several times since then. It’s easy to apply, feels luxurious going on and makes my face look and feel as if I’ve had an expensive facial. Love it.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat – This little golden tube houses a product that works as a concealer and highlighter to do magical things for your complexion. I use it to cover under eye circles and fine lines and to highlight under my brow, the tops of my cheekbones and chin. I tuck it into my handbag and it goes everywhere with me.
Time Balm Concealer – This cream concealer lasts forever since a little dab does heavy-duty. I use it under my eyes to conceal shadows. It doesn’t fade or stray and looks natural even under harsh light when applied properly, i.e., judiciously.
Tarte Cheek Stain – Tarte’s gel formula blush can’t be beat for a natural, dewy look. I change up my blush a lot but always get compliments on my skin when I wear Tarte. My color of choice is “Flush” but, with all the options, you’ll find one to suit you. And, while it’s pricier than some of the drugstore brands, it lasts forever.
Maybelline Eyelash Curler – My lashes are stick straight and long so I like to curl them to make my eyes look more open. If I were on a deserted island I’d want my Maybelline eyelash curler and Volum’ Express mascara with me. (Although why on earth I’d want to do my eyes on a deserted island, I have no clue – but that’s how the game goes.) I use it every day before applying mascara. (Don’t use it after mascara since it could stick to lashes and pull them out.)
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask – Slather this on your face before bedtime; wake up with soft, dewy skin. I love this overnight mask and use it several times a month (more often in winter.)
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – I use this serum every night, take it with me on vacation and have given it as gifts to friends who have asked me about my skincare. I love the way it feels as I apply it – and I love what it does for my skin as it works overnight. It’s especially soothing in the dry winter months.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner – I prefer an eye pencil to line my upper and lower lash lines but many of them pull, are too hard and therefore hurt when applied, or don’t impart the proper amount of color without some effort. Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner is perfect. It imparts the perfect intensity of color without pulling; goes on smoothly, precisely and easily and lasts all day and into the night. Perfect!
L’Oreal Visible Lift Line Minimizing Makeup – I refuse to be without this liquid foundation. It’s so light and natural looking, it can be worn all year long. It does not clog my pores, get cake-y looking or fade. It lasts the entire day without needing to be retouched, regardless of the weather. I’ve been using it for years and, even when I receive samples of other products, this is the one to which I always return.
Clarisonic – I had heard great things about the Clarisonic from friends of all ages who swear by it. It reduced one friend’s breakouts and smoothed another’s rough skin. Yet another friend swears that it reduces the appearance of her fine lines. I received my Clarisonic Mia from my daughters for my birthday last year – and I am hooked. I use it in the shower and it has improved the texture of my skin. My makeup goes on smoother and doesn’t pull anywhere. I also love how clean my skin feels and how receptive it is to moisturizer after using Clarisonic.
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser – I love so many Aveda products but this is a particular favorite. I use it in conjunction with my Clarisonic Mia several days a week and my skin looks and feels as if its just had an expensive facial. Plus, it smells great as do so many of their products.
These are some of the beauty products that work for me. If you’d like to try them for yourself, Shop the Post:
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