Make Me Beautiful

Guess what? Spring is only three days away! This Gianni Versace dress from the early 1990s presents an excellent opportunity to step out in a sexy, light-colored dress now that the weather is growing warmer and the fashion palette brighter. We love the Ottoman silk effect and the laced corset. Plus, it fits a contemporary size 6 to a small 8!

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Because people in my real life know I’m a “beauty blogger,” I am often asked about specific products. To be fair, I am not a beauty expert, just a beauty enthusiast, and try as I might, I haven’t used every product on the market. After giving my disclaimer, many will ask me what I use on a daily basis, so I thought I’d have my answers at the ready here in this handy-dandy blog entry.

These, my friends, are the products I use on a very regular (if not daily) basis (when I’m not trying out new stuff for the blog!):

BODY

• Bar Soap: I have no loyalties when it comes to soap. I’ll happily use an expensive, organic beauty from Lush one day and then go for a bar of ultra-green Irish Spring the next. I do notice that when I buy bar soap, I gravitate towards Dove. They’re stuff isn’t as frightening in appearance (i.e., no funky colors) and seems to not cause irritation.
• Body Scrub/Exfoliant: Not long ago I would have said that I use any old exfoliating product out there. But after using Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish, I can’t imagine going back to my “oh-whatever” ways.
• Deodorant: I have sensitive underarms. Bizarre, huh? The only deodorant I can use that doesn’t cause me to break out is Done Unscented for Sensitive Skin. If they ever stop making this, I’ll cry (or just be really stinky!).
• Body Lotion: I don’t have a fave here. I’ll try just about anything, though I prefer a product that contains an SPF. Being as white as I am, I’m fearful of the sun and things like melanoma.
• Perfume: Depending on the day, how I feel, and the time of year, I wear either no perfume or Cannabis Santal (by Fresh), Dune (Christian Dior), or Happy (Clinique).

FACE

• Foundation/Powder: Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals and Mineral Veil are my favorite products. They feel light, they cover like crazy, they look natural, and they last forever. I used to wear Cover Girl liquid foundation, but I didn’t like how messy liquid foundations can be. They also make my skin feel suffocated. I made the switch to Bare Escentuals when I started this blog and haven’t looked back since.
• Blush: In the interest of time and having a clean, unmade look, I often opt for Bare Escentuals Warmth. It adds subtle color to my cheeks and I also swipe it over my eyelids in lieu of an actual eye shadow. If I want to wear something else, I often go for Ulta’s Afterglow. It’s a happy shade of pink that’s flattering and fun. If I’m doing a more dressy face, I’ll just use whatever blush comes in the palette I’m using for a coordinated look.
• Eye Shadow: I don’t have a particular favorite here! I just try for a pretty color that’s not too frosty. I’ll use cheap products, expensive products…whatever. I’m not picky here.
• Eyeliner: Again, I could care less. Sometimes I’ll use Smashbox’s Cream Liner, but I’ll also use a cheap old Wet ‘n Wild Eye Pencil in a pinch. Or, I’ll just use eye shadow for liner. I’m not loyal to one item here.
• Mascara: Oh boy. Mascara is incredibly important. I’ll try just about anything (and am currently doing so for the benefit of the blog!) but if I had to pick my favorites it would be Maybelline’s Great Lash for a bargain brand and Lorac’s Lotsa Lash for a more spendy product.
• Lipstick/Gloss: I will–and have–use almost anything. For a plumper: Lip Venom by DuWop. For a bit of color: Black Honey by Clinique. During the day for moisturizing: Burt’s Bees (yum!) or Boots Mediterranean Grape, Olive, and Nectarine balm (also yum, but in a different way).

CLEANSERS/MOISTURIZERS

• Cleansers: In the morning (in the shower), I use Olay’s Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cleanser. It’s gentle and exfoliating–perfect for the morning. At night I use Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple if I have time or just go for speed and use Boots 4-in-1 Quick Thinking Wipes. I never, ever use bar soap on my face, and I try not to go to sleep with my makeup on.
• Day Time Moisturizer: Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer with UV Protection. I have to have my SPF! I’ve been using Olay for years and it’s wonderful. It does everything I could ask of a moisturizer without costing a fortune.
• Night Moisturizer: I’m always on the search for a great, nurturing, age-defying nighttime cream, so I don’t have a current fave. I’m hoping to change that soon, though, and will get back to you on this!
• Eye Cream: Surprisingly, I don’t have a favorite eye product either. I think I’m using a L’Oreal product at the moment, but I wouldn’t swear to it. I like a cream-based product that provides a bit of firming/lift and that will protect against the sun and premature aging.
• Hand Cream: I’ll try anything but am really digging Caudalie’s Hand and Nail Cream even though it’s wicked expensive.
• Special Treatments: I try to do a weekly microderm abrasion but I don’t always remember. When I do remember, I use Olay’s Microdermabrasion and Peel System. It leaves my skin so smooth and doesn’t cost too much…always a plus.

So there you have it. Quite the list, eh? And I didn’t even get to the hair products or mention my nail care must haves. Another post for another time, perhaps. So tell me: what are your “can’t live without it” products?

Popularity: 2% [?]

A Touch of Blusher picks the top 10 spring 2008 collections .
All About the Pretty has found damage control for her hair Aveda Damage Remedy!
Beautiful Makeup Search has an exclusive sneak peek at the Lancome Summer Collection : Cabana Bronze.
KRiSTOPHER found the ring she’s going to marry herself with .
Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint is in love with Lancôme’s recently released a collection Château Garden Party . Could Spring be finally here?
Eco-chic or eco-weak? Makeup Moxie reviews Nvey Eco Organic Erase concealer .
Product Girl shows us what Elizabeth Arden’s Intervene Foundation actually looks like on!
Lianne from TheMakeupGirl checks out Clinique’s Nude Blush collection…
WE LOVE BEAUTY.com & Celebrity Stylemaker Mark Townsend give the 411 on how to get Natalie Portman’s hairstyle from ELLE Magazine .

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“The look for Varun Bahl’s show is very simple yet stunning, just like his clothes. The idea is to use subtle make-up and play up only the eyes,” says Yatin.

He gives us the breakdown,

• Let your eyes be dramatic, with a hint of aqua on the inside of your eyelid and smoky grey to almost black as you go outwards. (M.A.C Eye Shadows in Clarity , Smut , Carbon )

• Keep your mouth plain with nude shades. But here’s a little secret — add a hint of copper gloss to plump up your lips. (M.A.C Lipstick in Sandy B and M.A.C Lustreglass in Ornamental )

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As one of the original purveyors of “Green” fashion, we are happy to present a truly authentic green Green gown that will have fashionistas green with envy. This early 90s Thierry Mugler forest green strapless corset gown features dramatic peacock feathers sprouting from the top and bottom of the fishtail gown. The skirt of the dress is incredibly dramatic…longer in the front, but revealing toodles of plumes from the back. All you really need to do is add some emeralds and you are ready for the Metropolitan Museum/Costume Institutes’s Gala on May 5th!

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Green beauty is the hot topic of this season, as more and more companies find ways to be environmentally friendly with their products.

If you feel like you need to be more “green” in your daily cosmetics routine, you definitely need to check out the new EcoTools Collection of cosmetic brushes and bath accessories.

“The cosmetic collection features animal-free taklon bristles (made from soft and pliable synthetic hair), with the metallic ferrule made from recycled aluminum cans. The beauty brushes are housed in reusable pouches and printed with plant-based ink.”

In addition, 1% of EcoTools’ annual sales will be donated to the organization 1% For the Planet and every EcoTools product has a “green” tip on the back of the package.

Products and suggested retail prices (all prices listed in USD):

Cosmetic Brushes:
- Powder Brush - $7.99
- Blush Brush - $6.99
- Foundation Brush - $5.99
- Eye Shading Brush - $3.99
- Angled Eyeliner Brush - $3.99
- Lash and Brow Groomer - $2.99
- 5 Piece Brush Set (includes Blush Brush, Eye Shading Brush, Eyeliner Brush, Concealer Brush, Lash and Brown Groomer all housed in a 100% Linen and Hemp cosmetic case) - $10.99

Bath Accessories:
- Bamboo Bristle Bath Brush - $5.99
- Bamboo Loofah Brush - $4.99
- Bamboo Bathing Sponge - $3.49
- Bamboo and Loofah Facial Buff - $1.99
- Recycled Bathing Sponge - $2.99
- Loofah and Cotton Body Buff - $1.99
- Exfoliating and Smoothing Bamboo Foot File - $1.99
- Body Polishing Natural Loofah Body Sponge - $1.99
- Gentle Cleansing Natural Bath & Shower Mitt - $2.99

I did receive some of these brushes and bath accessories to review, so watch for upcoming product reviews!

If you’d like to learn more about these great brushes and where to buy them, click here .

images: parispresents.com

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