a few favorites

We all have them.  A few beauty products we use every day and think, I am so glad I discovered this.  

This, compared to the drawers and cabinets of barely-used blushes, lipsticks, and other must-haves at the time.  I probably have enough make-up I never use to last  the rest of my life.  I know the beauty blogs say that make-up expires, but I don't believe it.  Mayonnaise? Yes. Cream blush? No.

While I'm not an expert, I know what I like.  So here is the short list of my tried and true favorites.

Body Moisturizer

I've written about this before but it really is a miracle cream for dry skin.  My dermatologist recommended it to help solve my ever-complaining whine of scaly dry legs.  You need a prescription, even though my dermatologist doesn't understand why. It's only $25 for a 16-ounce jar of fragrance-free cream. It works better than anything I've ever tried, and I've tried a lot.  You just have to remember to use it to see its effect.

Bath Gel

I gave up soap a few years ago and replaced it with Neutrogena Bath Gel.  It lasts longer than soap, doesn't get scum all over the bathtub, and does everything soap does but better and neater. I get the 40-ounce at Costco.

Lip Moisturizer

Love this.  I keep it on my desk and use it throughout the day.  It's only .35 ounces but lasts a very long time.  There's also a lipstick-sized version.

Under Eye Brightener

I had a facial in 2005 (the day before Alexander's Bar Mitzvah) and the person doing the facial recommended this product.  I've been using it ever since, and have recommended it to friends who also love it.   It's a creamy liquid that easily brightens the area under your eyes.  And because you use so little, it lasts forever. It's by a company called Colorescience and it's a must-have.

Clé de Peau Concealer

This is not cheap, but worth every penny.  M told me about this product about a year ago, and it's become one of those, how did I not know about this until now?

Clé de Peau also has the best lipsticks.


Blushes

I recognize that blushes are a personal thing, and surely the colors that work for me won't work for everyone (I tend toward the blueish pinks). But the performance and consistency of these make them worth the recommendation.

Benefit Cheek Tint

This product is messy to put on but worth it, as it stays on all day. My favorites (and the only ones I use) are the ones on the two ends, Benetint and Lollitint.  You control how light or dark you want it.

Any of the cream blushers by Illamasqua

My favorite is the color Promise. 

Dior powder

Here's the description.  I'm copying it directly because it really does what it says. 

What it does:
Recreate the look of just-pinched, rosy cheeks with this finely-milled light-pink blush. The unique formula adjusts to your skin’s natural chemistry to create a customized look and the universal shade, Petal #001, is flattering on all skintones. Its ultra-fine, powder texture and irresistible rose fragrance offer a moment of pure indulgence with each application. 

And finally, my new favorite thing (unrelated to beauty)

I recently received an amazing early birthday gift —  a tiny product with a big sound: the Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Speaker. 

It's easy to set up and sounds incredible. 

So that's it.  If you have any favorites, please post them.  Who doesn't want to discover a new, great product...for beauty, or not!