So, the March 2008 Domino magazine (you know, the home decor rag done by the folks at Lucky) was about green decorating and living an eco-friendly lifestyle and it was the lamest thing I've ever had the chance to peruse. Thankfully, I myself was eco-friendly in that I "recycled" it by taking it from my gym, thus saving paper and my wallet, and someone else from wasting 15 minutes. The ideas were truly uninspiring and many were not at all new concepts. The decor and homes they chose to feature were mediocre at best and nothing I haven't seen before. Lame. Anyway, so you're asking yourself why this post is on a beauty blog, right? Well, for the home decor publication, they had a "nesting" article that featured the "Perfect 10" beauty products, done by their beauty editor. Why does a HOME magazine have a beauty editor? It was so amazingly out of place, and it showed since most of the picks were pretty lame. Beauty choices are in large part personal preference due to skin tone, sensitivity and composition. But regardless, an Avon product has absolutely no place ever on a top 10 anything — and I have tried a lot of them in my tenure as a beauty editor. You can see the layout for yourself at right, and click on it to view larger, but I have a feeling you'll be as disappointed as I. So, I decided that I was going to do my own top 10 list of products that actually work — and don't make your lips stick together because the "#1 lip gloss" Lancome Juicy Jelly is so gooey. I'm skipping hair care and nails, as well as perfume and other "accessories" that I may touch on in a different post. This is more to line up with Domino's categories. Also, although I sample products from all price ranges because, well, I get free samples, I find that most of my favorites are the middle-of-the-road choices anyway; none of these will break the bank. So, in no particular order:
Everyday cream
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($23 for 125 ml pump bottle) — There are lots of great moisturizers I've used over the years, but the best is still the first one I ever tried, and probably the first for most gals (free gift with purchase!). The little yellow bottle is a staple for my beauty bag and its contents go on incredibly light and smooth, and just melt into skin. RUNNER-UP: CARE by Stella McCartney 5 Benefits Moisturising Cream ($76) — This quite-pricey lotion is worth it for anyone with very sensitive skin, or a sensitive heart, as this is completely organic with no petrochemicals or silicones, and isn't tested on animals. There is a very light scent, which is surprising at first, but the satiny texture absorbs into skin and you almost radiate with moisture.
Rough-skin rx- Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub ($25) — Made with real delicious fruits, the itty-bitty seeds very gently exfoliate, but the true trick is to leave it on your skin for three minutes or so, and then wipe it off with a washcloth. You will never feel your skin any softer. Plus it smells good enough to eat.
Silky touch
- Benefit Dr. Feelgood ($27) — Miracle product! That's all I need to say, except if you don't know what it is. The colorless, weightless balm goes on smooth to fill in any fine lines, large pores or wrinkles for a silky touch and matte, flawless skin. I've never seen anything else quite like it.
Flawless face base
Chanel Mat Lumiere Long Lasting Soft Makeup SPF 15 ($52) — This is by far the most expensive item on this list, but it will last just as long if not longer than the rest. This silky foundation goes on smoothly and covers your whole shana punim (pretty face, for those without Yiddish knowledge) and neck with just two little pumps. There are 12 shades to match any skintone and the formula actually absorbs oil to keep your face shine free all day long. RUNNER-UP: Benefit You Rebel and You Rebel Lite ($28) — I mentioned this product in a post recently and really just can't express how great it is for a light summer makeup application or for a light-weight base year-round.
Powdered up- Benefit Georgia ($28) — Peach may not seem to go with every skintone, but somehow this light, translucent powder matches most. It is light, refreshing, soaks up any oil on your face and best of all, it smells just like a light, fresh peach. Yum.
Rosey glow
Smashbox O-GLOW Intuitive Cheek Color ($26) — This amazing, light-weight gel goes onto cheeks and the goji berries react to your skin's chemistry, creating a great, natural rosey complexion that stays on all day. Plus, it is preservative and fragrance free, and like everything from Smashbox, is cruelty free. RUNNER-UP: Benefit Dallas ($28) — This blush and bronzer in one can be perfect for any skintone (if fair gals don't load up the brush) and really is just a sheer brush of color that looks like you just came in from outside.
#1 lip gloss
Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint #1138 ($5) — I love any of the Mentha line — which gives lips a luscious sheen, a healthy dose of vitamins and smells divine (and kind of curbs appetite?) — but this particular tint of theirs is my favorite for it's barely-there red hue. RUNNER-UP: Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil ($3) — This hydrating natural balm leaves lips kissably soft with delicious-tasting antioxidants and just a hint of color.
Easy shadow
Maybelline New York Dream Mousse Shadow ($5) — Light as a feather and perfect for a very quick application, any of the shades, if used lightly, are perfect highlight shades (I used lilac because I have hazel eyes) that you smooth under your brow line and on the inside of your eye. They are also great as primers for a full eye to do. RUNNER-UP: Stila Smoky Eye Palette ($40) — Ever wonder how to get that perfectly flawless smoky eye yourself at home? This palette is the best way to start. They compact literally talks you through the five-step process with tips on what brushes to use and how to personalize the look. And the colors are neutral and work on any skintone with any wardrobe.
Ultimate lash curler
Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler ($17) — The only thing I agreed with the Domino beauty editor on is the shear-genius design, though this mini version is just as good as the big one, which is simply amazing at curling, but just a little smaller to fit in your makeup bag.
Best brushes
Aveda Flax Sticks ($11-$32) — Everyone has their favorite brushes, these are mine. The eco-friendly flax seed handles have just enough texture to give traction — there's nothing worse than a fine brush slipping while you're applying lip liner — and the non-animal bristles are luxuriously soft. My favorite by far is #12 Fine Eye Liner Brush since I love powder liner for a softer daytime look, but it is perfect to use for the entire eye and the soft hair is great for blending the different shades along my lid.
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