What do girlfriends do? They share beauty secrets! OK ladies, here are some fantastic (and must-have) beauty products. Try these 12 in 2012.
If I were on a deserted island, I could not live without:
clairsonic mia
This is the single product that has CHANGED MY LIFE.
I’ve struggled with skin problems since I hit puberty (I got my first zit when I was 12 and now, at 37, I still have to deal with acne—-ugh!). Over the past 20 years, I’ve seen numerous dermatologists, taken every prescription drug out there (from oral antibiotics to Retin-A to Accutane), and tried countless beauty regimens—-all with varying results. But nothing ever stuck. Until I received this miraculous sonic brush last Christmas.
I never realized all the make-up, dirt, and gunk I still had on my face, even after washing. But the Mia gets everything off—-even MAC’s heavy glue-like foundation. I don’t know exactly how the technology works, but after you use it, it feels like you have a new layer of skin. Baby soft. And whatever you put on your face afterwards-—lotions, creams, or topical medication—-your skin just drinks it up. Hence, your products become more effective.
OK, I know I sound like a commercial, but take it from someone who has tried almost EVERYTHING… This thing works! I haven’t had a major breakout in over a year!
spanx
You really do sacrifice your body when you decide to become pregnant and birth a child. After having two, there are days when I mourn my pre-baby body. Back then, I actually had a flat stomach, a tight butt, and a tiny waist. But the most annoying part is that I never appreciated it. I was too busy fussing over my thighs or my lack of a bust. We women can be so stupid!
Thankfully, I can rely on my Spanx to help me “keep it all in.” It’s like shrink wrap. Heaven.
fresh sugar lip treatment
Yes, it’s $22.50 a pop, but it’s worth every penny. It feels so delicious on your lips!
bedtime balm by dr. andrew weil for origins
I always sleep better after I use this. Call me crazy, or maybe it’s the soothing blend of Lavender, Chamomile, and Mandarin essential oils. Zzzzzzz…
shiseido oil-blotting papers
Yes, it may seem stupid to spend $18 on tissue paper, but I have been using these for as long as I can remember (my mom turned me on to them when I was 13) and I simply cannot leave home without them. Would you rather look like an oil slick? Not me, thank you very much.
she laq by benefit
This make-up sealer works like a shellac (hence, the clever name) for your face. It seals in your lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, anything and everything. But alas, our friends at Benefit have discontinued this amazing product (but I think you can find it on eBay). Hate you, Benefit!
smith's rosebud salve
The good people at the Rosebud Perfume Company have been making this original-formula lip balm since 1892. Making customers happy for 120 years. Can’t beat that.
essie nail polish
10 reasons why I love Essie: my thumb, pointer finger, middle finger, ring finger, pinky…
gloomaway grapefruit body souffle by origins
Slather this on right after a hot shower. Smells so yummy you might take a bite out of yourself.
lovely by sarah jessica parker
I think the whole celebrity foray into perfumes is pretty ridiculous (I mean, why would I pay to smell like J-Lo or Paris Hilton?). But I admit, when I encountered this perfume, it was love at first smell. With notes of mandarin, bergamot, rosewood, lavender, apple, paper whites and orchid, how you possibly be in a bad mood wearing this?
cherry chapstick
It’s a classic. Enough said.
It’s a classic. Enough said.
