ONE: The Clairsonic Mia
What it is: Essentially an electric toothbrush for your face, the Clairsonic Mia vibrates to exfoliate away dead skin in 60 seconds. It remains charged for 20 one-minute uses and then needs to be recharged. Different brushes are available for different skin types (sensitive skin, deep exfoliating, acne) and brushes must be replaced every 3 months.
Recommendation: For those with the occasional break out, looking for softer, smoother skin this is the product for you! It keeps my skin super soft. However, if you have moderate to severe acne, opt for a facial toner after your moisturizer for light exfoliation without irritation.
What it is: Make Up For Ever is famous for its translucent power meant to keep your makeup on all day. This product is best applied with a fluffy make up brush.
Recommendation: I love this for every skin type. Apply this all over your foundation before applying powder to make sure bronzer and blush go on smoothly.
What it is: The range of delicious scents is what makes Philosophy's multi-use bubble bath, shower gel and shampoo famous.
Recommendation: As a shower gel or bubble bath, this is heavenly, especially when paired with the matching exfoliator or body lotion! The scents really are the best (I love the papaya scent). However, this shampoo leaves much to be desired. Other than its smell, my hair felt really dry and kind of sticky.
FOUR: Urban Decay Eye Primer
What it is: Packaged in a recently re-designed tube, Urban Decay Primer Potion has had a cult following for years. It comes in various shades (sparkly and skin tones) as well as a clear. It claims to make eyeshadow last without creasing all day.
Recommendation: This is a great product, without a doubt. However, I don't think it is a must-use all the time. This product is something I would recommend if you've already covered all of the basics in make up. I love this in the summer when I don't want my make up to melt off or in the winter when my skin is drier. It lasts especially well when going out at night- liner, mascara and eyeshadow won't budge without make up remover. On a day to day basis though, it definitely isn't a necessity.
What it is: Racy as always, NARS' Orgasm/Laguna blush and bronzer have been called the "holy grail" of face powders. Both go on with a little bit of shimmer and are extremely pigmented, so you don't need to use much.
Recommendation: NARS face products are hands down absolutely the best money can buy. They go on smoothly and give you a natural glow without chunky glitter. They're long lasting and easy to blend. If you buy just one blush or bronzer in your life, I would make it either of these two.
What it is: An unscented cocktail of natural moisturizers, Kiehl's Creme de Corps body lotion claims to change the texture of your skin in 10 days and quench even the driest of skin.
Recommendation: Again, the best on the market. I love that this product is unscented so it can be worn with any perfume. It keeps skin moisturized and dewey all day, doesn't feel sticky and absorbs instantly. Best applied right out of the shower.
What it is: These $19 nail polishes are pricey! Creator Deborah Lippmann's varnishes are often in collaboration with celebrities and she is most famous for her glitters.
Recommendation: Red is red is red. Even though Deborah Lippmann's polishes are long lasting, save the extra $10 and buy a $9 OPI for Sephora polish when it comes to solids. Consider splurging on one of Lippmann's fun glitters or limited edition metallics. When it comes down to it though, all nail polish chips- you're really buying into the color.
EIGHT: Moroccanoil Treatment
What it is: A musky smelling oil packaged in a little brown bottle, the Moroccanoil Treatment coats hair cuticles for soft and shiny locks.
Recommendation: Moroccanoil is okay, but given the price ($43) I don't know if it really is worth it (although it smells amazing!!). Moroccanoil is not meant for long-lasting moisture- it simply coats your hair so it looks shiny. If you want something to make your hair shiny while repairing damage, try out Ojon's Damage Reverse Instant Hair Serum. It's only $25 and comes with a really easy applicator (the Moroccanoil Treatment doesn't come with an applicator which can lead to too much product coming out).
NINE: Dior Show Mascara
What it is: Probably the most hyped up beauty product of all time, Dior's classic mascara promises to lengthen, thicken and darken lashes with each coat. It also has a really nice scent and a thick bristle applicator.
Recommendation: So this is expensive at $25, but I think it is worth it. Compared to similarly priced mascaras (MAC, NARS, Urban Decay, Benefit), this builds so well for added drama with every coat. I also love using a classic bristle mascara brush (the synthetic rubber brushes don't get every little lash as well). However, if you do want a rubber applicator try out YSL's Babydoll Mascara.
What it is: These two neutral toned eyeshadow palettes come with 12 powder eyeshadows and 1 high quality eyeshadow brush.
Recommendation: If you don't own many neutrals, buy this. It covers all of your bases. However, if you own neutrals, these are pretty standard colors. Really the best product for beginners, but not so much for those looking to add to their collection. Also, the brushes aren't great, really stiff and hard to blend with. The Naked 1 palette is more browns and golds, the Naked 2 is more pinks and purples.
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What it is: An oil free moisturizer that claims to clear skin while keeping it hydrated in 3 days.
Recommendation: This smells great, feels great and keeps my skin shine-free all day. I noticed a huge difference in my skin within one day of using this. I don't have acne, but still use this. Great for normal, oily and acne prone skin.
What it is: Loved by stylists, but often expensive, bumble and bumble hair products are simple and focused on salon style hair.
Recommendation:My favorites are the prep, tonic, styling and shine sprays that are applied to wet hair before blow drying. They make your hair feel light like you just walked out of the salon! Also, the grooming creme is great for smoothing away fly aways!
THREE: Bobbi Brown Make Up Brushes
What it is: These designer brushes come in a set for beginners and are perfect for travel.
Recommendation: These are the best brushes (sorry, MAC). They last forever if cleaned properly and the travel size is perfect for on the go.
Happy beautifying!
xoxo