Comments : 26

Hello there! Hope your week is off to a great start, it’s been super chilly over here but I am not going to lie…I absolutely love this weather, sweater? weather has arrived! I have been wanting to do this post for a long time……I love beauty products, perfumes, creams, you name it. Not unlike many of my female counterparts, I looove trying out new products and a? luxurious cream that? promises miracles or a beautiful new shade of lipstick can actually get me very excited.

So with 2015 almost behind us I have had nearly a full year of trying both new things and retrying old favorites…think of this as The Academy Awards for makeup and skincare:)

I thought it would make a fun post to share my tops in a few categories and would love you to weigh in with your favorites as well. As I always say, it is this valuable sharing of information that makes blogging such an amazing and enriching experience. So here are some of my most favorite products in the world……and why:)

These are my absolute favorite products in the universe-

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SKIN CARE-

1. La Prairie– I am a convert in how I take care of my skin thanks to La Prairie and must say these products are worth every single penny. I even have my mom hooked on them, leave it up to the Swiss. Another product that consistently gets voted as the very best with good reason.

I absolutely LOVE the caviar cream both for face and eyes…..so luxurious my skin drinks it up right up and though I will be the first to tell you I used to go to sleep with makeup on and wasn’t very dilligent, but this stuff has really made a difference, so I am a fan for life! I simply have not used anything better and I get frequent compliments on my skin, so thank you La Prairie.! They are expensive but last a very long time as they are highly concentrated. Plus when I figure out the cost vs. how long they last it literally is mere cents a day…and I am worth it!? Click here for Caviar cream .

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Eye cream, click here

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2. La Prairie cleanser– I must confess I used to? alternate using this with the super easy peasy wipes from Oil of Olay,? this definitely feels so much better and leaves my skin feeling incredible soft and moist so now I almost always use this. I use the purifying cleanser below as it is richer since my skin is dry…feels so good but there is a foam cleanser is you have oily skin.? Click here

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3. Ren Skincare Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask– This product is a lot of power in it’s punch, combines four acids that work remarkably well to re nourish and rejuvenate the skin.? I had read some really great reviews on this and was told it is repeatedly voted as a top mask so figured it was worth a shot and you know what…its good. Very good. Click here

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4. Avery Graham Opulence eye cream– Have been using this mostly at night, it is super creamy and luxurious and loaded with many extracts and antioxidants and I have to say this is a winner. I have since recommended it to a few people….who all love it. I owe my results to this wonderful cream. As a company Avery Graham offers incredible personalized service, a rarity in today’s world where they will actually help you that’s right H E L P you design your very own skincare regimen! Click here

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MAKEUP-

 

5.? Mac lipstick in Angel. Love this color and I could probably have invested in a lipstick factory for the number of tubes of this color that I have bought over time:) They simply cannot ever discontinue this…I will be distraught! I doubt they will as its often sold out so I buy 2 or 3 at a time. Great color, a soft neutral pink that literally goes with everything…my absolute fave that lasts.? Click here

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6. Yves St. Laurent Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation– I was hooked on Larua Mercier foundation for a while then one day they were out of the color I wanted and I was suggested to try this. I normally do not use foundation during the day but will use it under my eyes and anywhere that needs a little “help'”.

Glad I did, this goes on so luxuriously, it is creamy and leaves my skin feeling so moist and alive, has a slightly dewy effect and the most wonderful scent. Must say this is an exceptional product and I would not consider any other. Click here.

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7. Trish McEvory Instant Eye Lift– Great recently discovered product, it highlights while acting as a line filler….talk about the ultimate two in one! Great product which is now a staple in my bag of tricks:) Click here

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8. Bobbi Brown shadow? in Chocolate Caviar . When I use shadow, I always use brown. I have tried many but none are as great as Bobbi Brown, in fact none come even close.? They are heavily pigmented which means you literally get the full saturation of color with one single swipe and they last. I am? fan for life! These two browns are my fave. Click here

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9. Maybelline Colossal Volume Express . Again,? I like many others,? have tried oodles of mascaras, all promising to deliver Tammy Faye like lashes and let’ s face it, there is no magic tube.

However this little yellow tube, The Colossal Volume Express (you know with a name like that it has to deliver)? comes pretty close. Definitely my favorite mascara and the fact that it’s under $9.00 makes it a steal. Available at any local drug store.

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10. Bobbi Brown bronzer (again)! I don’t really use blush but do use bronzer and must say after years of using Guerlain, they changed their product on me and the new formula cracked very easily and at over $50.00 a pop, that just wasn’t happening so on? a whim I tried Bobbi Browns and it’s fantastic!

I love the color, Golden Light….it goes on very easily and best of all seems armor proof. I have dropped it many times and not a single crack! Click here

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11. Judith August Everything pencil and Best Concealer? – Love the everything pencil because well…it does everything! It is a great concealer that glides on easily, to be used for just about everywhere, I use it especially under the eyes. I also have used it right under the brow to highlight the browbone. Click here

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Judith August Best Waterproof Concealer- It lives up to it’s name….trust me! This is heavy duty design for battle…it can hide everything from birthmarks, tatoos to port wine stains….so imagine what it can do on something as minor as under eye circles:) Click here

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12. Dior lipliner– This stays put and it is tried and true….available in many shades, I love the Grege and have used this product for quite some time….helps the lipstick stay where it should:) Click here

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This is another liner by Milani, that is darn good (I like the color Most Natural) and so inexpensive but it has been discontinued so you can occasionally find them on Amazon or other random sites…

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13. Yves Saint Laurent eye pencil– I love this because though it goes on easily and is creamy and gentle on the eye, it stays and stays and is waterproof! It has true lasting? power, so once you put it on…it stays put. Excellent pencil, I love it in Bleu Indigo. Click here

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14. Nars highlight stick– Cannot imagine life without this trusty chunky tube of magic. I love this product and have used it for years. I glide just a bit on my cheekbones, on my brow bone and can use it on my shoulders at night if I so choose. A little goes a long way and this is a must have product if you love that “glowy’ look..I get many compliments on my “glow”! Copacabana and South Beach are my two favorite shades, click here.

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15. Clarins bronzer/self tanning milk– I swear I think I have been using this for 15 years…..there is a reason it is constantly voted as the best bronzer out there. Not orange, just a beautiful bronzey goddess glow, in a very subtle and natural way.

I use it on my face particularly in the fall/winter for just a little added color, the formula is also super rich and luxurious and feels like an expensive face cream. One tube lasts about 6 months, I use this on average about once every ten days…magic especially in the fall and winter when just about anyone can use a little extra color. Click here

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16.? Smashbox Photo Finish– This name does not lie…it glides on like liquid silk and I swear keeps your makeup totally intact. I use it mostly when I need a “full face” or going out at night but this stuff works incredibly well and is a must have. The name tells it all, click here.

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FRAGRANCE

 

17. Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom – LOVE this new scent, it’s my new every day scent, and it has such great staying power. It is so fresh and beautiful, of mimosa, rose, cardamom and sandalwood….love this!! Click here

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18. Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede– Another favorite, Peony and Blush Suede is so soft and feminine, I always have loved anything that is a soft powdery floral, this is scented of peonies, jasmine and rose, so very pretty. As with all Jo Malone fragrance, they last so long which is a reason I continue to be a devoted follower.? Click here

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19. Narcisco Rodriguez For Her– Love this newly discovered scent, it is almost like they made it for me:) Combining my favorites notes of pink floral, vanilla, amber and musk, this is a beautiful scent and the fact that it’s in a gorgeous pink bottle does not hurt:) Click here

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Playing is so much fun…..but it can be very expensive too so consider this a “tried and true” testimonial of all of my personal favorite products. Your turn….which products can you not live without? Do tell, it’s always so enlightening to exchange information and to learn of new products that you love and want to share. Thanks for stopping in, wishing you a fabulous evening and start to your week.

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P.P. S. Last day for pillow promo is today, click here to see

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I love a new beauty product and can’t wait to try several of these. Will buy the mascara today – always on the hunt for the perfect mascara and La Prairie products sound heavenly! Happy Tuesday, Tina!

Tina, thank you for including some drugstore (albeit some discontinued ) and relatively inexpensive department store items as well. Although all women are “worth it” not all women have the budget to spend a couple of thousand dollars every few months on face cream eye cream and cleanser. I would like to share a few of my holy grail items with you…my favorite concealer is Makeup Forever lift concealer. A little goes a long way. It doesn’t budge even without a setting powder and doesn’t settle into fine lines. One of my favorite foundations is Revlon 24hr colorstay. It goes on smoothly and really sinks into the skin. One of my favorite moisturizers is LaRoche Posay Anthelios facial moisturizer sunscreen SPF15 Very moisturizing and protective on my sensitive skin.

Over the years , I have tried various eyeliners – more expensive to less expensive .
Without a doubt , my favorite for “staying power” is Revlon Color Stay pencil eyeliner . The retractable pencil is lasting and has never broken …
Who would have guessed a drugstore product would be so reliable ?

Playing with makeup and fragrances is so much fun. I love to mix my fragrances depending on my mood in the morning. The Balenciaga Paris mixes with lighter favorites. I love the eye cream from from La Prarie but my best ever face cream is La Mer original cream. Just trust and try. You won’t be disappointed.

I sold cosmetics for over 10 years. LaPrarie may be very good, but the price is prohibitive for most women. Even though Chanel and Clarins are not inexpensive, I like their skin care. Chanel has very good foundations and I splurge on their mascara. I have tried others and it is still my go to. Every one has different needs for their skin and you just have to try different lines and determine what is working for your skin.

Tina I do love trying out new beauty products and also that sometimes a lower end, like the mascara will be just as good or better as a $50 mascara! That said sometimes it is well worth it to pay for the best! I adore The India Hicks Spider Lily fragrance, it is my new everyday perfume!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Narcisco Rodriguez for her is my favorite It is all I wear, with the body lotion to make it last a little longer . Now that Narcisco is out I will have to try that as well . Never tried Jo Malone but next on my list sounds heavenly!

Have you tried the NARS eyeshadow primer? It’s fabulous; my eyeshadow stays put until I take it off. My niece turned me on to this several years ago and it’s always in my “tool kit”

Hi Tina.. love your beauty posts. I like that maybelline mascara and bobbi brown bronzer too. I am definitely going to try that concealer. Also love the primer. I’ll be back because I love to read your comments too. Have a great week.

A great selection!

A long time drug store favorite is NIVEA Smooth Sensation with
Shea Butter. I use a couple of pumps, about four, and add an oil spray mist.
Perfect for dry skin and the results are baby soft.

Appreciate your suggestions. I feel your opinion is more validated than a
cocsmetic counter sales representative. We have all heard the promises. 🙂

Thanks for all the beauty tips! There are several cosmetics I plan to try. For skin care I absolutely love L’Occitane Divine products. I’ve tried many other skin care lines over the years but am now totally devoted to L’Occitane. They give generous samples of all of their products so you can try before you buy. Have a great day!

Thanks Tina, I always like to hear what costmetics and skin care products you recommend. Will definetly try some of these products very soon!!

All great advice Tina! A makeup foundation I’ve literally used for 20 years is Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Coverage in a Navy blue tube.($28) It is suppose to be used for “camouflage” but it gives the most glowing base and it goes on so smoothly right after my moisturizer. It covers any redness or splotching and my dark sun spots and makes your skin look like a young girls! It goes on like a mousse, doesn’t take much at ALL and spreads so easily it doesn’t take but a dab. A tube will last me a year or more! I have very smooth skin although it’s dry and I have very few wrinkles at 59 and get compliments all the time on my skin. Please try it everyone!

I cannot live without Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream. I have been using it for probably over 20 years.

And I agree with the poster above, I think Chanel makes wonderful foundation and they have a really wide range of shades. I never use any foundation except Chanel.

And Nars La Dolce Vita lipstick! If they ever discontinue that, I’ll never wear lipstick again.

Thanks for the fun post Tina!

Tina, it is funny because although I love to hear about other peoples beauty routine and favorite product I am a very minimal girl. Eyeliner, lipstick and mascara is all that I use. I have super sensitive skin and have never really found a product that is my “go to” skin cleanser and moisturizer. I will have to check out your recommendations.

Thanks for sharing!

Lots of great products here Tina! I use the NARS Multiple Stick and love it. MAC and Smashbox both have great primers. Angel is a pretty color and I like the Dior liners! There are so many great products and I like to try everything. I’m trying to add a little more color to my lips (a little more bold) but it’s tough .. I like my nudes and always put on the liner. Hope your week is going well.

Thanks for the recommendations, Tina. I absolutely love Prescriptives ‘All Clean’ foaming cleanser. And, although Prescriptives is no longer carried in department stores, you can order online from their website. I also love Clinique’s ‘High Impact’ mascara and many of their lipsticks. A great drugstore find is CoverGirl’s AquaSmooth cream foundation. Gives me perfect flawless coverage. I’m looking for a new fragrance since my long-time favorite, Carolina by Carolina Herrera, has been discontinued. Will definitely give the Jo Malone fragrances a try.

Thanks for all the recommendations ! I order all my skincare products from Paula’s Choice and refer to Beautypedia for their reviews on skincare and makeup.

Wow – what a selection and we’d be looking like super models if we used even half of these wonderful products! Thanks for sharing your beauty secrets, Tina.
xxoo
C + C

My favorite hand cream is L’Occitane Shea Butter cream (it comes in a tube). The Shea Butter foot cream softens any hardened heels or callouses caused by winter boots.

Hello dear Tina

Im writing all the products down in my notebook to go and find! This is an excellent list, especially as I feel we have a similar fairish colouring.
I know about the cracked Guerlain bronzer. So your recommended replacement is most welcome.
I also think its far better to spend on face cream than mascaras.

You have done so many lovely posts lately, and your show vignette was a triumph. So much beauty and inspiration, its a joy as ever to read and I wish I could comment more often,

Have a happy weekend my dear, and take time to enjoy the beauty of the fall
Love to you
Sally xx

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