1. Dior DIORSHOW ICONIC Mascara. This is not your standard Diorshow. No to the standard packaging. No to the crazy-insane, big as your eyeball brush. Not even the same freakin' formula. No no, my friends, this is a one of a kind find. Not only does this mascara give you the biggest, fullest, dramatically long eyelashes with incredible definition, you pretty much can't get a clump in unless it's dried out. I don't know if it's like a silicone based formula or what, but you can layer this stuff for hours and just look like you've got these incredible lashes, no big deal. The more you layer it, the more false lash-ey your lashes become. Fantastic for going out. I turned my mom onto it, and she's crazy about it because she has those short, stick-straight lashes that don't hold a curl and need serious lengthening. This mascara is her holy grail.
2. Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara in Flipside and Indigo. Probably the best colored mascaras I've ever used. I also have it in Purple Haze. The pigmentation is absolutely flawless. Literally true to the colors on the tubes. Incredible turquoise. I get so many compliments when I wear these. The brushes are small so they're fantastic for a lovely little pop of color on the bottom lashes if you're not into the full on crazy color look. (Interestingly, I'm not a huge fan of the regular black Big Fatty Mascara....slightly different formula, I think.)
3. Benefit Cupid's Bow duo lip pencil. I'll admit, when I first got this pencil it was more to just say I had it than anything else. I didn't really use it at all, and I didn't really see what made it necessary. That being said, it is the perfect nudey-pinkey lip color with the ideal pink shimmery highlight. (Pencil version of High Beam, anyone?) This pencil is great, it's two or three products stuck into one lovely pencil. Highlighter, lip liner, lip stain...all around great. And totally easy to use.
4. Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20 in Honey Matte. This is the lightest shade, (I am, admittedly, pale as a ghost, without SERIOUS sun-loving) and it is perfect for me not just as a bronzer but also as a face powder in the summers, when I am a little more tan. (Especially when used in conjunction with Benefit's Porefessional.) Not dark enough to be a contour, but absolutely perfect as a hit of color on your cheeks and forehead. Really the ideal sun-kissed, matte bronzer. Fabulous. Literally fabulous. And I've never heard anyone talk about this product.
5. Benefit's Porefessional. Honestly the best pore smoothing, skin perfecting primer I have ever used. Slightly tinted, so it's not just a clear gel you're throwing on your face, it makes your skin look satiny, not too matte, not too dewy, perfect. I love it. I hate putting "stuff" on my face. I hate most liquid foundations and, honestly, I don't particularly like moisturizers, creams, zit treatments or other face care products. I don't like putting things on my skin, as much improvement as I've seen since I've been using the regimen I'm using, I'm somewhat subconsciously convinced it's all kind of the reason I have problems with my skin. Such a conspiracy theorist. Regardless, this stuff is magic. Try it. It's worth the pushy sales' girls, and remember, they are on commission at the boutiques.
6. MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Blushbaby. A fantastic, neutral, dusty rose shade that nicely mimics a natural flush. Great on fair skins, but too light for darker tones. Lovely on the cheeks, and a nice changed from Well Dressed.
7. Korres Lip Butter. I think I have six or seven of these. I have Pomegranate, Quince, Guava and four or five of the Jasmine. (Clearly I have a favorite.) I use the Jasmine every night before bed, and it is one of the nicest bases underneath almost any lipstick or lipgloss, although I will say that it sheers out the lip color quite a bit if you're using a lipstick. I love this stuff. I love, love, love it.
8. NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick. The perfect "my lips but better" shade, so easy to wear, you don't need a mirror to apply it, and it makes you look instantly more put together.
9. Sugar Plum Lip Balm. Don't be afraid of the dark color. This is the sheerest, prettiest, most lovely slightly stained lip balm I've ever seen. And it feels so good on your lips, slick instead of sticky, with a semi-glossy finish. Perfection.
10. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils in any color BUT Zero. I hate black eye liner. I know, blasphemy. But the truth must be told. It makes my eyes look itty bitty bitty and doesn't do a thing as far as enhancing my eye color. However, the other colors, there's like 14 of them, are fantastic. Utterly pigmented and silky to put on, they literally DO NOT BUDGE! It's incredible. Water line or eye lid these little buddies stay where they're put. I particularly love Stash and Underground. Incredible. Baked is fabulous, too. I think I have 7 total. Again, I have no idea why these aren't talked about more.
Alright, kids. That's all for tonight. There you have it, 10 of my all time favorites, some well known and well loved, and some have just been flying under the radar as far as I know. Try 'em out. If you can only try one, go for the Diorshow Iconic. Honestly. Best ever.
Peace. Love. Beauty.
