Ever since I turned 40, I have become absolutely OBSESSED with the latest and greatest beauty products and anti-aging treatments! I cannot get enough of these lotions, potions, serums, and creams. Trying to reverse the signs of aging is exhausting! It now takes me 30 minutes to complete my bedtime ritual: the tedious application of all of my many freaking facial products. While the rest of my house is peacefully sleeping and snoring their sweet dreams away, I am still MANICALLY washing, scrubbing, exfoliating, brightening, tightening, and moisturizing! TRYING to look ten to twenty years younger is extremely hard work, and can be quite costly, too. I really, truly should have listened to my mother and grandmother when they continuously scolded me for laying out in the sun as a teenager with baby oil as my sun protection and “Sun-In” as my hair conditioner… I know, so completely and totally wrong! But sunshine makes me so HAPPY! Among some of my many other addictions, SUN is one that I cannot quite give up…YET!
So, instead of trying to FIGHT and reverse the signs of aging…I am learning to HIDE them. Let me show you my NECESSARY INDULGENCES… my current favorite beauty products nestled away in my make-up bags.
Sephora is my “go-to” store for all things BEAUTY!
“Drop Dead Gorgeous” Sephora Collection Brush Set | $58.00
So “Faux-Alexander McQueen”, since I cannot afford Alexander McQueen’s $2540.00 skull studded leather box clutch, this Sephora knock-off will have to do!
Silver Studded Sephora Collection Overnighter | $18.00
Anastasia Clear Brow Gel | $22.00
Tweezerman Isaac Mizrahi Candy Buttons Tweezer | $25.00
Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler | $17.00
These tools are essential for opening up the eye! I tweeze my own eye brows and think woman look much younger with a fuller brow…The less tweezing the better, but shaping is a must!
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer | $36.00
L’Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur | $22.00
Benefit the POREfessional | $30.00
I love all three of these BB creams/primers. Great under foundation, they hide most imperfections and give your face a smooth, even field to apply your additional make up.
Benefit Dandelion Brightening Face Powder | $28.00
Smashbox O-GLOW Cheek Color Gel | $26.00
Benefit Posie Tint Lip and Cheek Stain | $30.00
For blush, I love cheek stains and gels. They appear much more natural and give you a dewy, fresh-faced look. I apply the “Dandelion” brightening powder on top of the stains.
Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer | $28.00
I use this product on my face and body to highlight and leave behind a natural-looking sheen.
DiorShow Iconic Overcurl Mascara | $28.50
Make Up Forever High Definition Foundation | $42.00
For me, mascara and a touch of foundation are a must! The Dior mascara is thick, high-impact…I have used this Make Up Forever foundation for years now…Absolutely love its coverage!
Fresh Sugar Shine Lip Treatment | $18.50
Philosophy “hope in a tube” Lip Firming Cream | $35.00
I am a big fan of ALL “Fresh” lip treatments, scrubs, and glosses and am currently obsessed with any and all lip firming products. Testing out Philosophy’s (above)…so far, fairly good results.
St. Tropez “One Night Only” Instant Glow Body Lotion | $18.00
GLO Whitening Toothpaste | $15.00
I love looking “sun-kissed”…so for a healthier option, I apply St. Tropez Instant Glow body lotion. It makes you appear maybe a little younger…maybe a little thinner? Plus…Kate Moss was quoted as using it. She is one of my style icons…so “I will have what she’s having”!
Finally, everyone loves the look of white, shiny teeth and a bright SMILE. Nothing shows your age more than yellow, stained teeth. GLO has a great new line of teeth-whitening products that you must try!
On a final note, I left my Lancome and Roc skincare products behind and am currently using the SkinCeuticals line. I love it and have had great results so far!
I would love to hear what your favorite go-to beauty product is. We, as women, need to share our secrets as to what keeps us looking and feeling BEAUTIFUL! Fess Up!!!
{Above photos taken with my IPhone…Please excuse their clarity- or lack there of.}
Now, if I could only have the confidence to wear a red lip! So HOT, so sophisticated!
