Stocking up on beauty essentials doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Let me open your eyes to some fabulous new products and long-held favorites that are considered staples by many high-end makeup artists-you may be surprised at how affordable they are. They’re easy to find, too; most can be purchased at your local drugstore, department store or at sephora.com.
Let’s start with the eyes. You
should own two mascaras—one for day and one for night. For daytime, you can’t
go wrong with Maybelline’s Great Lash mascara; $4.99 (it’s easy to recognize
because of its signature pink and green tube). For a more dramatic look, try
2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper by Max Factor; $9. Of course if you have few
eyelashes to start with, try Shu Uemura false eyelashes; $16 and up. When
wearing eye makeup of any sort, don’t forget to think about its removal as
well. I recommend Clinique’s Take The Day Off makeup remover, which is safe for
lids, lashes and lips; $17.50. Whatever mascara you choose, skip the waterproof
version and remember to always get rid of it after three months. Those trying
to decrease puffiness or bags under their eyes should try Mac’s Fast Response
Eye Cream—it contains caffeine which helps dehydrate and deflate the area; $29.
Protect your lips from the harsh winter cold with Smith’s Rosebud Salve; $6. Nars Satin Lipstick achieves the perfect sheer tint of color for daytime and contains
Vitamin E to make lips feel as good as they look; $24. For a night out, Dior
Addict Lipcolor will grant you bold and recognizable lips; $26.
Even in winter, the sun can damage your skin, so start each day with a moisturizer containing sunscreen. When
properly used, tinted moisturizers add just a touch of color and make a great
addition to a morning beauty regimen. Paula Dorf’s Face Tint offers an SPF 15
and is paba-free. You can feel it moisturizing from the minute you apply it,
and you’ll love the radiant glow it gives your skin; $40. For even more color, add a touch of Physicians
Formula Bronze Booster in pressed powder form for a self-tan look sans staining
or streaking; $14.95. If foundation is a regular part of your routine, Chanel’s
Natural Finish Pressed Powder is a winner—just a touch keeps skin looking fresh
with no caking; $44. Moms will love the Mini Makeup Collection by e.l.f.
cosmetics—an easy-to-carry compact containing eye shadow, blush, bronzer, lip
gloss, brow powder, and eyeliner along with brushes and applicators
(eyeslipsface.com); $15.
When it comes to nails, I love
Essie Nail Products for their extensive selection of color choices and wide
availability. With clever color names like “Ballet Slippers,” “Marshmallow,”
and the new “Bordeaux,” these polishes add excitement to fingers and toes, and
make for fun bonding time between mothers and daughters; $9. When your nails
need a little pick-me-up, try Essie’s latest innovation, “Shine E,” which will
refresh and restore them to a perfect sheen; $15.
Shaving is an art, so they say. The
Aloe & Palm Body Bar from Molton Brown lathers up to offer you the closest
possible shave; $22. Philosophy has a collection of delectable shower gels
(think Cookies and Milk, Warm Pear Cobbler and Bubble Gum Blow Out) that can
double as a shampoo, leaving your hair and skin smelling like your favorite
patisserie. After the shower, treat your skin to Neutrogena’s Light Sesame Body
Oil to lock in moisture—it will leave skin feeling silky smooth yet never oily;
$9. Finish off the process with one of these creams: the basic oldie but goodie
is Jergens Original Scent Body Lotion, which has an almond cherry scent and is
the perfect consistency; $6.50. My other favorite is Ligne St. Barth’s Vanilla
Body Lotion—it makes you feel like you just returned from the island; $34.
To keep that blow dry in place, don’t
go without Elnett Satin Hairspray by L’Oreal Paris; $13.99. Used by stylists across
the country, it delivers a long-lasting hold while adding shine and, best of
all, a soft touch.
