A while back, I had asked the girls at the camp the above question. I wanted to share with the urbanites some of these secret weapons since as a general rule, women tend to ask each other this question relentlessly. I never shared my list and wanted to do that now! I love hearing about other women's MUST HAVES so if there is an absolute fave (or two, or three, or four) that you have, do comment! It's all about sharing, right?
SKIN CARE: I have a pretty simple routine that I haven't strayed from in years. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? For a wash, I use Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser. It removes the dirt, cleans the pores and also has salicylic acid which renews the surface of my skin. I've learned, for me, it's all about acids and peptides. And a fabulous moisturizer! After cleansing, I use Gommage Microperle Purete from Chanel's Precision line. It's the BEST microbeaded exfoliator! Lasts forever, leaves my skin feeling like a baby's bottom. I use this every other day. Then I apply Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Serum from their Intensive Deep Wrinkle line. Retinol, Antioxidants... the best part is the price! And the results are terrific!! I've tried everything and literally went from having problematic skin to clear skin. Topping the serum, the night cream. Neutrogena again. The serum and night cream together are really transforming! After that? I put on a magic little product called Bio Oil. Best selling product in Europe, made recently available to the states! It's the best! (And inexpensive too..available at most drug stores). I use it on my hands as well. It helps with really any kind of skin condition!
MAKEUP: I'll keep this list to the essentials! Again, products I've used for quite some time and they haven't failed me yet! The glowing face "knockout" combination is this: Chanel's Pro Lumiere foundation, Guerlain's Terracotta Light bronzer in Blondes 01, and Benetint cheek and lip stain. Rub Benetint into the apples of your cheeks and you're done! Like long eyelashes? Me too! For me, the killer combo is Shu Uemura's eyelash curler and Dior's Diorshow mascara. I've tried the cheapies and I've tried the more expensive route and these two together are worth every penny! Lipstick varies but one of my faves right now is by Giorgio Armani. He designed a new line called Armani Silk and the #10 is amazing! The PERFECT shade of red for me and it goes on so wonderfully. I often put in on at night when I'm in my kimonos or nightgowns. Silly, I know, but it makes me feel glamorous when I'm putzing around the house. For a matte lipstained look, I pat it in with my index finger..for a shiny look, I dab Smith's Rosebud Salve on top.
HAIR: I'm a Redkin girl when it comes to products for my hair. I tend to switch up the shampoos and conditioners but for styling, I keep it simple and use Redken Outshine 01 for adding a bit of shine, control and texture. I'm one of those people that likes an easy routine. I don't even dry my hair! I put this on and I'm done! (A good cut really helps too but I think this is my miracle product for looking somewhat pulled together). If I do style my hair, I'll top it with Redken's Color Extend Color Veil. You spray one squirt into the palm of your hands, smooth it on the crown and it adds so much luster to your hair, it's brilliant!
BODY: Who has time to buff and moisturzie everyday? Not me. But when I do moisturize my body, it's been the same for years! Aura Glow by Heritage Products. It's a lightweight, high quality bodyoil. And their Rose scented version is heavenly! I think because I have used it for years, my skin is baby soft. My husband is constantly saying I have the softest skin and honestly, I think I do because of this oil!
PARFUM: I'm a sucker for a good scent and when I find one, I stick with it! I'll go through phases every so often where a couple of designers really hit me hard in the olfactory sense (pun intended!) and I'll rotate here and there. Right now, I'm addicted to Hermes Elixir Des Merveilles. That's my go-to! It's completely different than anything I've ever used and I find myself literally craving the scent! When the red lipstick goes on with the kimono at night? Hermes goes right along with it! (No, this is not an every night thing but I've found as a busy business owner, little feminine routines like this keep me grounded and uplifted. I like to celebrate being a woman and perhaps this is just a little way to do that?) The other scent? Chloe's new parfum, Chloe. It's their latest scent, exclusive to Saks. Elegant and bohemian is how it's described and it's really quite amazing! Floral, light but also highly intriguing!
xoxoDree