Hello darlings…recently a few emails have popped into my inbox asking what some of my favourite beauty products are. I’m not a huge product junky, nor am I that adept at more than basic hair and makeup skills (save for my ability to do full stage makeup from my ballet days) but I do have a handful of products that I cannot live without. I’m of the mindset that if I can use these products effectively, then you can as well (provided you have opposable thumbs)…and probably with even better results.

Skin Care

This is one product area that I refuse to skimp on and am pretty much fanatical about. My mum taught me from an early age that if you take care of your skin, it will take care of you…it’s with you for life so it’s in your best interest to take care of it and treat it well. I avoid tanning and will do airbrush tanning if I’m that desperate for a little colour. I’d rather look like a little ghost now, than a well worn leather handbag later on in life. As for my skin care regime, I keep it simple with a few highly effective products. I was recently introduced to Mereadesso , it’s an AMAZING skin care line that was founded by a former cosmetic executive who wanted to simplify her beauty regime. Instead of the time consuming line-up of products, Mereadesso has formulated a two step process that helps you accomplish great skin without the oodles of cleansers, toners, exfoliants, and serums that most lines are based around. I also use their lip treatment and body balm to keep my lips and the rest of me moisturized. At night, I also use Creme de La Mer for extra moisturizing since Canadian weather basically sucks the life out of my skin. This cream might be ludicrously expensive but it’s also ludicrously luxurious and worth every over-priced penny. Like I said, your skin is one area where it’s worth paying for good products. One great tip that I picked up from my former aesthetician in Philly was to use a new washcloth each time I wash my face. If you use a washcloth like I do, it’s imperative to use a new one each time since bacteria will grow in your damp washcloth between uses and will actually cause more skin problems. My fellow washcloth users, head to your closest Walmart or Target (or Home Sense, etc…) and pick up an inexpensive pack of plain white washcloths…your skin will thank you for it.

Makeup 

Makeup and I have an interesting relationship. I love buying it but I hardly end up using most of it since I’m not a makeup artist extraordinaire. I keep things terribly simple with a few good quality products that I use daily. Keeping with my skin care fanaticism, I only use mineral based foundations to combat potentially clogged pores. I LOVE this Jane Iredale pressed powder foundation for great all over coverage, it actually feels like you’re wearing nothing since it’s oil free. The entire Jane Iredale line is a skin care fanatic’s dream come true. Since I wish I could wear false eye-lashes daily, I use DiorShow Extase mascara to give my lashes that extra plump and full look you get from false lashes. For the cat-eye look that I favour, I use Bobby Brown gel eye-liner that is great for achieving a nice precise line thanks to the extra fine eye-liner brush that is also from Bobby Brown. As for lips, I stick to two colours, Nars Manhunt for a perfect red pout or Fresh’s Sugar Rose for a more natural but still polished look. As for perfume, I typically don’t wear it but when I do it’s Creed’s Love in Black which was inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Hair Care

This is another area where the more simple and easy to use the product is, the better it is for me. Let me introduce you to the last hair tool you will ever need to buy, the Rowenta Beauty Versa Style . This genius invention can create perfect waves, curls, or stick straight hair depending upon how you wield it. Lets just say, if I can use this tool to achieve these distinct looks that for sure all you lovely readers can too. One of the great things I love about this tool is the fact that it doesn’t fry my ends like almost every other hair straightener on the market. Product wise, I love Schwarzkopf BLONDME  spray as both a finishing spray and hair spray. It’s super light but has a great hold and even smells really lovely. To prep my hair for drying and styling, I’ve been using MATRIX Total Results Color Care Miracle Treatment-12 Lotion Spray and MATRIX Total Results Moisture Care 2-Phase Treatment sprays for super soft and tangle free locks.

So what are your favorite beauty products darlings?