Over the last few weeks I have been asked about some of the products that I use.  I have been asked about my make-up and my hair.  I find that fascinating that people ask me about such things, since I don’t see anything spectacular in the way I do things.  However,  I am sincerely flattered that people comment and ask me about my advice.  It truly makes me smile.  I try to put some effort into the way I dress and look.  I figure my life my be a total mess, but if I dress the part, then I feel MUCH better about me.  Funny thing, my best is most people’s normal!

Anyhow, here are some of my favorite products.

Number 1:  Exuviance Foundation- I bought this on a trial basis at Ulta a few months ago.  They said it was an anti-aging vitamin enriched medium coverage buildable foundation.  I didn’t have a lot of faith in it, as I always love foundations for about two weeks and then lose my enchantment for them.  I wanted my skin to look fresh and non-fortyish.  I have to say, this ROCKS and I love it.  It sells at Ulta for $38.

Number 2:  Physician’s Formula 2-in-1 Eyelash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum-  Eyeliner is one of those things that I really don’t like leaving thehouse without.  For years,  I have used brown, or even purple liner, but switched to black a few years ago and I love it.  This is my favorite liquid liner.  It is easy to apply as it is has a long felt tip, and it glides on perfectly every time.  PLUS- it has eyelash boosting qualities that make your eyelashes grow.  That, combined with my normal lash boosting serum has made a HUGE difference in the appearance of my eyelashes.  Plus, for under $10, you can’t go wrong.

Number 3:  Urban Decay Primer Potion Eyeshadow Primer- If you take the time to put on eyeshadow, then you are wasting your time if you don’t use a primer to keep it in place.  I am usually gone for 10+ hours a day and if I don’t prime my eyes then they crease and fade.  This is the best eyeshadow primer that I have ever found.  Plus, it makes your eyeshadow color pop.  Another plus, this stuff lasts forever, so very worth it.

Number 4:  Beliss Curl Genius- I have a friend who teases me that I use power tools to do my hair.  I laugh every time that is said, because it is rather true.  I like having body to my hair, but have issues with curling irons and always end up looking like Shirley Temple.  No heat curling methods never work for me either.  So, when I found this baby, it changed my life.  It took a little bit of time to finesse it and figure it out, but it is now my go answer to hair styling.  I can now completely curl my hair in about 15 minutes.  Great thing is, it can last multiple days, if you choose to do so.  It also helps when I do my daughter’s hair as she hates with I get heat tools around her, she gets wiggly.

Number 5:  I am a bit of an eyeshadow junkie.  I love it!  I can’t get enough of it.  I am in love with a few brands.  I love MAC, Urban Decay, Bare Minerals and most recently, Too Faced.  They are all different and have different advantages.  Right now, my favorite palate is Too Faced Chocolate Bar.  The shades are incredible and very pigmented, the texture is so silky smooth and it smells like coca, because it has cocoa in it!

Number 6:  Tarte Translucent Powder.  This is the end all be all of setting powder.  I was sold on this when the gal at Ulta showed it to me.  I use this to set my concealer and it never creases.  Ever.

Number 7:  Urban Decay Setting Spray- I used to come home from work and my makeup would be worn off.  I looked like, well, like I had been teaching second grade all day long.  I started using this and my life changed, at least my makeup did.  This will keep it in place all day long without it going anywhere.  Another great thing that I have discovered with this product is that it helps set your foundation.  I spritz my foundation brush with this before I apply my foundation and it sets my foundation permanently all day long.  It won’t move.  I end up using a lot less product and it lasts much longer.

Numer 8:  Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream- I did a lot of research on drugstore BB creams, as I really don’t like to spend a lot of money on products if I can avoid it.  I found that this one rated really high.  I bought it and I am hooked.  It gives a really pretty, soft finish and makes for silky skin.  I usually cover it with a translucent powder and it makes for a great every day look.

Number 9: Sebastian Potion 9- I ordered this by mistake off Amazon.  I was going to send it back, but my adorable children, opened it so I was stuck.  Oh, what  a great accident that was.  I LOVE this stuff and will never go back.  My hair needs to have product or else it gets very “staticky” and flighty.  Normal gels and mouse products make it heavy and sticky, but this makes it feel like there isn’t any product in it at all.  It keeps my hair soft and manageable and keep it from flying all over the place.  Also, my hair will not keep a curl unless I have a product in it.  This will hold a curl for days!  It is the best hair product I have ever used.

Number 10:  Argan Oil- I love everything about this product.  It makes my hair so soft and workable.  It has completely eliminated my need for leave in conditioner.  I wash and condition my hair like normal in shower.  I towel dry my hair and without brushing through it, rub a small amount of this into my palm and massage it into my hair from end to almost the root.  I let it sit while I start my makeup or get dressed.  After about 10 minutes, I use a wet dry brush to get it through my hair and the brush just glides through.  I then add the Sebastian potion and finish getting ready before I blow dry.  By following these steps, it helps cut my drying time tremendously.  I can’t sing its praises enough.

Number 11:  Mascara- I am constantly on the hunt for a great mascara.  My all time fav is Benefit’s They’re Real.  It is currently the number one selling mascara.  I love the way it looks on the lashes and it really makes them look great.  My only complaint with this one is that is seems to dry out quickly.  However, when I went to buy mascara, I was talked into trying IT Cosmetics, Hello Lashes.  So far, I like it.  It is supposed to be better as it doesn’t have tar in it, that apparently other mascaras have AND it promotes lash growth.  I am dead set on getting my lashes as long as I can get them!