I'm currently in the throes of writing my column for the December issue of VIP Williamson, which is going to be a breathless holiday beauty survival guide. I'll post it as soon as I finish. In the meantime, here's the November entry, in which I give some major props and thanks for those products that completely and thoroughly own my ass.
Give “Beauty-ful” Thanks
We all have so much to be thankful for, and there’s nothing like gathering with family and friends to eat, visit, reflect, and (if you’re like my family) eat some more. The Beauty Junkie is also thankful for my beauty-product faves, those I return to again and again. Here’s my list of products for which I’m truly thankful—read and learn.
Clarisonic cleansing brush. I love this thing. Like a Sonicare for your face, it deep-cleans without stripping or irritating. It comes in normal- and sensitive-skin options, works with any cleanser (you get a trial-size cleanser with the brush), and even beeps when it’s time to move from one area of your face to the next. It also works miracles on self-tanning mistakes and spots that need non-abrasive exfoliation. It’s simply cleansing nirvana, and gives you brighter, more even-toned skin in the process. Seriously.
Rodial Glam Balm. I’ve can’t say enough about the little tube with a million uses. It ain’t cheap, but lasts a while, and does wonders on just about every part of your body that needs some TLC. Castor seed oil and pomegranate extracts do wonders for dry lips, cuticles, eyelids, nostrils, and skin that generally needs a boost. I’ve even rubbed the tiniest bit between my palms to smooth out the ends of my hair. I’ve used it on top of lipstick for shine, and under it in winter months for to smooth over dryness. In the highest elevations in Colorado, I applied it every night as a deeply hydrating mask, and every morning as a moisturizing makeup base. I’ve used it on razor burn. I could keep going, but you get it. I keep a tube in my bathroom and a tiny pot in my purse, and pray that the smart people at Rodial keep it coming. Love!
Lancome Oscillating Powerbooster and Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara. I’m sure y’all are sick to death of reading about my tried-and-true favorite mascara-and-primer combo, but you’ll just have to deal. Lash Blast is far and away the best all-around mascara. It gives the department-store formulas a run for their money (literally—Lash Blast costs all of seven dollars), and produces full, fat lashes. Waterproof, different shades, sparkly Lash Blast Luxe, lengthening Lash Blast Length—you name it, it has it. As for Powerbooster, nothing else primes, separates, and prepares lashes quite like it. Its price counteracts the affordability of Lash Blast, but it’s just quite simply worth every penny. I adore them, end of story.
Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanille Abricot. It’s a mouthful, but it’s also the name of the best-smelling perfume ever. The entire line of Comptoir fragrances uses Tahitian vanilla paired with different elements, each of which is downright lovely. Vanille Abricot basically smells like birthday cake, but in a very grown-up, non-sickening way. When wearing it, I usually hear someone say, “Wow—I smell cake!” while looking around expectantly. (I’ve yet to find another perfume that brings about such happiness.) It’s truly unique, and smells delightful on just about everyone. I once found the body lotion at TJ Maxx, and you’d have thought I’d won the lottery. If you don’t want to invest in the standard-size spray, snag a purse-size one for around twenty bucks at Sephora. You’ll love it, I promise.
Paula Dorf Baby Eyes eye pencil, Cargo Eyelighter, and Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel. We’ve all heard of using eyeliner on the inner lower rims of our eyes, but the results can be bewildering. Dark colors shrink the eyes, and white can look chalky and fake. Baby Eyes comes in the perfect shade of beige that does absolute wonders for opening the eyes and faking the eight-hours-of-sleep look. Ditto the Eyelighter, a dual-ended sponge-tip pen that has matte powder on one end and shimmer on the other. I use the matte shade under my brows and at the outer corners of my eyes for lift, and the shimmery shade in the inner corners to highlight. Perfection. For a finished look, the Tinted Brow Gel is the best I’ve ever found for keeping unruly hairs at bay. It also subtly fills in any sparse spots and lasts all day without being stiff. You want to see me panic? Steal my Anastasia brow gel.
Finally, and most importantly, I’m thankful for all my beautiful readers and to VIP for letting me pen this little column! Fewer things give me such joy, and for that, thank you. Xoxo
Buying Guide
Clarisonic, Comptoir Sud Pacifique, Cargo, and Anastasia: Sephora
Rodial: Woo Cosmetics
Lancome: Belk
Cover Girl: Local drugstores
Paula Dorf: The Cosmetic Market
2 comments:
For some ridic reason, I don't have a Clarisonic. I need to remedy that ASAP.
Oh girl, you're only hurting yourself. It seriously will rock your socks right off.
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