The Beauty Ritual- Top 5 Beauty Products

Women schedules are more demanding today than ever, and the 15 minutes we have to ourselves for a decent beauty regimen may seem like a feat; however,  it is more than enough time to present ourselves face forward. If you are anything like myself, the idea of  a full face of makeup everyday seems a bit daunting, but no worries-there are quick, easy ways to achieve a polished look when time is of the essence. So ladies, I'm going to help you out a bit and give you some great tips on how to make the limited time you may have for yourself count. I have listed 5 beauty products that every girl/woman should have in her makeup case.


 1.  Mascara- I can't begin to tell you how magical this tube of black goo is to achieving an  illusion/appearance of being well rested. Mascara is an instant eye opener that breathes new life into tired eyes. Just this step alone will do wonders for creating a  polished look and takes only about 1 minute to do. Here are my top three recommendations for bold, banging, bombastic lashes...
                                         


Choice A: Bare Escentuals Buxom Mascara
Why it's great:  If you want thick, feathery, full movie star-quality flutters like you see in magazines, this is the product for you. I am a fan of the  "hourglass" applicator because it builds each lash individually for maximum lash emphasis without annoying clumping.  This mascara is great for lengthening lashes and is a great product for sensitive eyes. This product can be purchased at Sephora Stores and retails for $19. This product is vitamin enriched and does NOT contain parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes , petrochemicals or pthalates.





Choice B: Lancome Definicils
Why it's great: This product was named the best mascara several years in a row in InStyle magazine's Best Beauty Buys issue, this Lancome Definicils not only lengthens lashes, but doesn't clump. This mascara retails at $20.









Choice C: Dior Show Mascara
Why it's great: For ultra glam lashes, Dior Show delivers lengthening, thickening and curling action like no other. This product retails for about $25.









2. Moisturizer- This product is very important to the overall health of your skin. Moisturizer is a natural defense against the aging process and will help keep the skin plump and  youthful. Whether it's a face cream or an oil-free lotion, you ALWAYS need to treat your face to a little drink every day. If you're prone to acne, they have oil-free moisturizer available for you. For dry skin, go for a rich cream to help lock in moisture. Here is a list of three of my favorite moisturizer for different skin types.

Choice A: MAC Studio Moisture Cream
Why its great: A super-rich, creamy moisturizer boosted with skin-nourishing extracts including passion fruit, spinach leaf, green tea, algae, wheat germ and coconut. Moistens, feeds, firms and protects the skin. Promotes a healthy radiance. Diminishes the appearance of fine lines. Good for day and night. This product retails for $32.00

 
Choice B: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free Lotion
Why it's great: This lightweight, moisturizing lotion helps visibly reduce excess oil on skin's surface, leaving a shine-free and balanced appearance. The non-greasy hydrator traps moisture to deeply condition skin and restore its moisture balance. A complex of hydrating ingredients—Imperata cylindrica root extract, antarcticine and vitamin E—helps keep skin fresh and healthier-looking all day. Paraben-, fragrance- and oil-free and noncomedogenic. This product retails for about $26.50

 





Choice C: Don't hate me- Vaseline.
Why it's great: I think Vaseline is great for moisturizing the skin and believe it or not, it does not clog pores. It also works as a great under eye cream for a fraction of the price of other eye creams. I know a lot of you think I am insane, but I have oily skin that is highly sensitive and the only product that I can use that does not irritate my skin or clog my pores is good ole fashion Vaseline. Try a bit at night and tell me how your skin looks/feels in the morning. This product retails for about $2.00.






3. Blush/Bronzer: Look alive, ladies! Whether you choose a touch tint, cheek stain, or powder blush is completely up to you. Just make sure you put something on to brighten your appearance, especially in the winter months when your skin is not as sun-kissed.

Choice A: MAC Bronzers
Why it's great: I like MAC Bronzers because the pigmentation is really nice. They come in 5 shades that are perfect for all skin tones and you have the option of a little shimmer or not. This product retails for $29.50.

 

Choice B: MAC Blush in Raisin
Why it's great: For my dark skin ladies, this is the perfect blush for any occasion.

 

Choice C: MAC Blush in Coygirl
Why it's great: For all skin tones this blush is the perfect pink and looks wonderful with all lip and eye colors. This product retails for $17.








4.  Foundation/concealer: Powder foundation, mineral foundation, sheer foundation, or liquid foundation--it doesn't matter what your preference is as long as you put some on every day. Even women with flawless need foundation, if for no other reason than to help their blush and powder stay on their skin and not melt off during warmer weather conditions.

Choice A: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Powder
Why it's great: Lightweight, Natural look, and can be used throughout the day without product buildup on the skin. This product retails for $30.



Choice B: Studio Finish Concealer
Why it's great: Great Coverage, excellent range of shades, long lasting. This product retails for about $15.


Choice C: MAC Studio Fix Foundation
Why it's great: Studio fix is an all in one foundation that gives light to full coverage just by application technique. By using a sponge, you will get maximum coverage from this product versus using a brush which will give you lighter coverage. Studio Fix is quick and easy to use and doesn't take a pro to get good results. I do encourage you to go to your local MAC counter/ Store to be matched for a color- it can be tricky in this formula.





5. Lipstick/Lipgloss-  Lip color adds an instant boost to a woman's face as well as offer moisture to the lips to prevent chafing and peeling. There are so many colors/textures/ formulas to choose from which makes it even more exciting because you can alternate depending on your wardrobe. Here are some of my favorite colors.


Choice A:  Morange
 

Choice B: Vegas Volt

 

Choice C: Lady Danger




AND...........For you ladies a good neutral for all skin tones would be... DRUM ROLL PLEASE.............


Choice A: Viva Glam V lipstick or gloss. 




Share your thoughts and your favorites.