Monday, January 18, 2010

Beauty Bag Uncovered!

While this blog is mainly all about fashion, I thought it may be time to shed some light on the beauty products that I love and adore.  While I am no product junkie, I have amassed a pretty solid line-up of favorites, from designer buys to drugstore deals.

Let's start with the bag I carry it all in!  I actually use two cosmetic bags, both by Kate Spade.  For traveling and keeping everything together, I use the Large Case ($80) and then keep smaller cosmetics contained with the matching Small Case ($60).  While my exact style is no longer available (brown with white polka dots) plenty others are.  These plastic and nylon bags are roomy and easy to clean-perfection!



Wondering what's inside?  Let's start with the skin.

Everyone knows the MOST important element is moisturizer.  I can't start my morning without smoothing some on.  My morning routine always begins with Chanel.  First, I wash my face with the brand's Mousse Doucer Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser ($45), which is the most luxurious and silky cleanser I've ever used.  Afterwards I slather on Chanel's Beaute Intiale Energizing Multi-Protection Cream ($75) with has the added bonus of SPF 15-a vital must for a daily cream.  For the rest of my body (especially itchy dry legs in the winter) I am obsessed with Kiehl's Creme de Corps ($9-70).

As for the make-up, a good base is the best element.  For starters, I opt for a pricier foundation to keep my skin tone even and add a dash of color.  The award-winning and celeb favorite Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($58) is light enough to achieve that "no make-up" look.



Over my foundation goes a dash of bronzer- I adore the Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Powder ($50).  And, of course, no look is complete without blush.  I have an unhealthy obsession with Nars blush, in two shades: Orgasm ($25) for day and Super Orgasm ($25) for night (the original with extra shimmer!)  I can't say enough good things about this universally flattering color-it works magically on almost any skin tone!

Now, for the eyes.  I don't wear eyeshadow or eyeliner every day, but I do curl my eyelashes and toss on some mascara to open them up.  My mascara favorite is Dior's Diorshow ($24) in black.  Truthfully, curling your lashes isn't even necessary with this product, but I use a cheapie curler anyway to give them the ultimate length-try Makeup Masters CD Lash Curler-just $3.99 at Target.

When I do decide to dress up and hit the town, however, I use Chanel's Le Crayon Kohl Intense Eye Pencil ($27) which glides on smooth.  For shadow, I like the two taupe shades on Clinique's Eye Shadow Duo in No-Show Taupe ($17.50).  The lighter shade works for day and the darker one can be layered to achieve a smokier nighttime eye.

Lest you think all my beauty picks are expensive department store finds, however, fear not.  One of my all time favorite items is the simple and fantastic Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($2.99).  I also think one of the best daily hand creams is Vaseline's Healthy Hand and Nail Conditioning Lotion ($3.99).  It's unscented so it won't clash with your perfume.  I keep one in my purse and one on the bathroom sink at all times!  My shampoo is a drugstore find as well.  I prefer the shine-enhancing capabilities of Pantene's Ice Shine Shampoo ($4.49) and Conditioner ($5.99).  And as far as I'm concerned, there isn't a more gentle soap than the classic Dove Beauty Bar ($2.99/two bars).

Now that you have an idea of how I prep and primp, hit your local department store or drugstore and snap up the finds I recommend.  And let me know if I've left anything off the list-I am always open to trying new products!

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