2011 Best of the Best Beauty Product Winners

When I sat down to complile the list for this I figured out that I could go on forever. I tried to narrow it down to the things that we use everyday. Most of my product favorites are affordable for the everyday woman and can be found locally at the drugstore, Sephora or Ulta. I love products so much that choosing favorites is never easy for me. Clients ask me daily what my favorites are and I always get that blank look on my face. Like a kid trying to choose her favorite stuffed animal I want to say I love them all but with anything there must be favorites….and here are my winner for 2011.

MAKEUP:

• Lipstick: Chanel. All of Chanel lipstick formulations are incredible. Their colors are neutral, and classic. If you are looking for the perfect red lipstick you can’t go wrong.
• Lipgloss: MAC Lipglass: I know everyone loves it but how can you not? It’s the perfect combination of gloss and color
• Lip Pencils: Smashbox The Nude Lip Pencils: they glide on and go with everything!
• Lip Balm: LUSH Mint Julips:Use the LUSH lip scrub before applying this gives your lips an instant makeover. You can also use it on cuticles as an added bonus and the flavor takes me right to Derby Day!
• Cheek Stain: Benetint by Benefit: This stain gives an amazing (and insanely long lasting) flush to the cheeks. Sexy and Sultry perfection!
• Powder Blush:Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes:Highly pigmented, large pans, and bright sexy colors.  Blissful, Adorned, and Dollface are three favs….but honestly, they are all perfect.
• Luminizer:NARS Illuminator: You can wear this light weight formula alone or with your regular makeup to give you an instant glow. I use this on the top of cheekbones, browbones, and the cupids bow right above the lip.
• Eyeshadow: Dior 5 Color Eyeshadow: this was a tough decision since I am a huge fan of the “Naked” eyeshadows but in the end I had to choose the Dior. No matter which one you choose you can not go wrong with the perfectly pigmented shades.
• Mascara: Dior Blackout: My favorite mascara ever! The color is rich, and thickens up your lashes to fake proportions and best all it actually washes off when you need it to!
• Eye Liner: Lancome Artliners:I have the entire line of these liners for my professional kit.  The longevity is superb and they are actually shaped like a felt tipped pen which makes it super easy to apply.
• Shadow Primer: Clinique Touchbase:I have tried every primer out there but this one that I discover in high school never creases on me and keeps my eyeshadows where they belong. Brightens up the eyes and can be used as nude eyeshadow as well.
• Brows: Anastasia the Kit for Perfect Brows: This kit is all-in-one perfection. It has everything you need to shape, brighten, color and enhance your brows. Plus it comes in a super cute case.
• Foundation: SmashBox High Definition:If you want flawless skin in a bottle look no further! Not only does it give you the perfect complexion but it wears up to 16 hours.
•  Bronzers/Luminizer: SmashBox Fusion Soft Lights: This was one of my favorite finds of 2011!  I have always struggled to find a bronzer that would work for even the palest complexions and this was finally the one! I love this as a blush by itself or all over for an instant beachy glow.
• Primers: Laura Geller Illuminating Spackle: Don’t let the name scare you. This is a soft focus filter, moisturizing, and glow enhancing potion.  So soft on the skin, and doubles as a light tinted moisturizer.
• Concealers: Makeup Forever Camo Palette: You cant go wrong with this one. It covers you from you whitest days of winter to your beach glow in the summer. The bonus is it also comes with all the color correcting creams you need after a night out on the town.
• Best Finishing Spray: Model In a Bottle:  Loved by models and makeup artists alike, this spray helps to keep your makeup in place under the harshest of conditions. I was a little hesitant when a fellow artist recommended it to me but now it is a staple that I don’t want to be without….EVER!

 

                                                                               SKIN CARE:

• Body Wash: Aveda Rosemary Mint: Im not big on fragrance but I love how clean and soft this is. I can use it everyday and my skin never dries out.
• Lotions: Bath and Body Work Cashmere: Not only is this a fantastic bargain, but it moisturizes the body like the richest of body butters. The best part is that it sinks into the skin quickly, without leaving a greasy residue.
• Exfoliants: Dermatologica: This exfoliant saved my life after a serious sunburn. Made with rice powder it is super gentle and if used regularly can clear up some minor sun spots. Most exfoliants are too rough on my skin, but this is gentle yet effective.
• Facial Cleansers: Loreal Gentle Cleanser: That’s right one of the best cleansers is also a bargain and it comes with a cute little scrubber pad. This takes off even the toughest of makeup, and waterproof mascara.  It is super hydrating, and leaves the skin clean without stripping the skins natural oils.
• Toners: Prescriptives: This line has amazing skin care and although no longer in stores can be ordered online.
• Moisturizers: Embryolisse: This is gold in a bottle. Perfect for all skin types (even acne prone), this cream helps with scars, uneven skin tone, and dry patches.  It instantly sinks into the skin, and is perfect for under makeup.
• Eye Cream:  Crème de La Mer The Eye Balm: Nothing is better for making the eyes firmer, and more radiant.  This eye cream version of the cult moisturizer contains the magic broth, and makes even the most tired of eyes look awake.
• Masks: Bliss Oxygen Mask:  I absolutely cannot be without this. I use it twice a week after exfoliating and it gives me an instant radiant glow. Honorable mention also goes to LUSH and any of there amazing all natural masks.
• Sunscreen: Anything by Clarins.  Their sunscreens are the best on the market.
• Self-Tanners: St. Tropez Bronzing Moose: Nothing compares. This is the only self tanner that I have tried on my pale skin that doesn’t turn me orange.  It gives a natural, brown, golden glow.  I always get compliments when I use this.  The application mitt also makes it easy to apply.