Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

my favorite liner, by a mile!

These pencils glide on like silk, have gorgeously strong colors, and last all day. Some of the colors have slightly different textures--my favorite is Lucky, the bronze shade (which also brightens blue eyes marvelously). I've found that the shades with more of a metallic finish seem to have a silkier consistency. You definitely need to use eye makeup remover to take them off--your regular face wash won't cut it. But that's a good thing when you want your liner to last all day!

March 31, 2008

Murad Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask

great exfoliant for sensitive skin

I, like most people with sensitive skin, can't handle a mechanical exfoliant on my face. This fruit enzyme mask is a great alternative to gritty scrubs. It does feel tingly upon application, but I find the sensation cool and refreshing. It definitely helps to unclog pores and smooth the skin. I use it once every one to two weeks, and I make sure I never run out!

March 2, 2008

Ojon Shine and Protect Glossing Mist

gives weightless shine

This shine mist gives great glossiness without making my hair look greasy or heavy. It has a light nutty fragrance that smells fresh, and is a great finish to a straight style. I spray a bit into my hands and run it through my hair before and after flat ironing, which allows the iron to glide more smoothly through my hair. Love it!

February 26, 2008

The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Exfoliator

perfect for sensitive skin

My skin is very easily irritated, and this is one of the only scrubs that is gentle enough for me to use. The beads are tiny and rounded, so they roll over the skin without scratching it. The product has a creamy base, so it's most suitable for normal to dry skin. There is no added color or fragrance in the aloe product line, which is a definite plus for those of us who are sensitive-skinned.

February 21, 2008

Aveda Sap Moss Nourishing Concentrate

very softening

I love this stuff--it has a comforting earthy smell (which some might liken to dirt, but I and my husband love the fragrance). I work a palmful into my hair in the shower before shampooing, and leave it in for a minute or so. After use, my long hair feels silky and smooth, and I only need to use it once every couple of weeks to notice a difference in my hair.

February 21, 2008

The Body Shop Wise Woman Intensive Firming Mask

if your skin is very dry, reach for this

Though this mask is marketed for firming, I like to use it when my face is feeling dehydrated and rough. The consistency is that of a very rich cream, which you tissue off rather than washing off. It leaves a bit of a coating on the skin to seal in moisture, so I prefer to use it before bed to reap the benefits overnight. This product line does have a slightly odd fragrance (for some reason it reminds me of hamster food), but don't let that put you off.

February 21, 2008

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion

wish they bottled this smell!

So I really just use this foot cream for the fragrance--it smells of clove, cinnamon, and vanilla, which just intoxicates me. The texture is not overly thick, but is still quite hydrating. It's a little oily, so after applying it I wear my slippers around for a bit instead of throwing my shoes right on. As with all Lush products, use this one by the expiration date or it'll get thick and unusable.

January 7, 2008

Lush Bubble Bars

the best bubble bath ever

Blue Skies bubble bar is absolutely the best bubble bath I have ever tried. Half a bar creates mounds of long-lasting bubbles, while leaving the water with a silky and moisturizing feel. The scent is earthy and comforting, with a bit of patchouli. A ten dollar bubble bath is a bit of a luxury, but it's definitely worth it.

November 30, 2007