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Lisa looks back fondly at 2005
While it is always hard to pick favorites when it comes to beauty products, there were a few standouts in 2005 that will have a permanent spot in my cosmetic closet.
For hair, nothing beats the T3 Tourmaline Professional Ionic Hair Dryer. Yes, it is terribly expensive ($200), but girls with mop-thick manes will rejoice at decreased drying time (at least 50-60%!) and shinier, more moisturized hair. The best beauty investment I made all year!
A major revelation for me in 2005 was an effective regimen for keeping bothersome body acne under control; two products have made all the difference for me. First, I use Benefit Cosmetics Bionic Blast Body Wash 3-5 times per week. During the winter months, I use it less because my skin is naturally less oily, but during the summer, I use it almost daily. Bionic Blast contains salicylic acid and exfoliating beads that do a great job of un-plugging pores and controlling oil all day long. I follow cleansing with Nature's Cure Body Acne Treatment Spray ($6). I found this obscure little item quite by accident, and after reading countless positive reviews, decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did. For me, salicylic acid seems to be the most effective remedy for my "bacne," but cream formulas certainly aren't the easiest to use. However by combining 2% salicylic acid with a host of skin calming extras like aloe vera, burdock root, chamomile and calendula, and putting them in an easy to use spray bottle that sprays in any direction, viola, you have a brilliant application solution! I use it twice a day, and the skin on my back has never looked better - I didn't even have any problems with dryness or peeling! Another great perk? Salicylic acid does not stain or bleach clothes like benzoyl peroxide does, so there are no worries about putting it on in the morning before dressing.
As far as facial care and color cosmetics go, I went straight to Kohl's Department Store to try their fabulous, affordable FLIRT!, American Beauty, and Grassroots lines. These are excellent quality cosmetics (American Beauty is actually an Estee Lauder brand) at great prices. I lived in FLIRT's Tint-A-Liscious Lipsheer this year (Flame is my color of choice). For $10, you get creamy, silky transparent color with SPF 15. Heck, I even use it on my cheeks in a pinch. For more opaque color, American Beauty Luxury For Lips Moisture Rich Lipcolor ($12.50) provides intense moisture, great pigment, and a satin finish. Golden Violet is a perfect golden-plum shade that is surprisingly neutral and eminently wearable. Try it for yourself - It really is incredible quality for the price.
Kohl's also has great skincare. The Grassroots line is made with botanical ingredients that soothe and nurture skin, and smell just fantastic! Since I am a toner fan, I love their skin "tonics". They come in four formulas - oily, normal-to-oily, normal-to-dry, and dry. I use Refresher Course, the normal-to-oily one, in the summer, and Sheer Enjoyment, the normal-to-dry one, in the winter. At $10 for a 7oz bottle, you can have a couple on hand to satisfy the whims of sensitive skin.
Lastly, I have to give a nod to Neutrogena for two great self-tanning products. The Build-A-Tan Sunless Tanning SPF 15 formula for faces provides a subtle glow in an oil-free formula, and Sunless Tanning Spray Micro Mist
allows you to coat your entire body in a sheer veil of tanner in about 5 minutes flat. The secret to MicroMist, though, is to hold it farther from your body as you spray. The packaging says 6-8 inches, but I spray it about 18 inches out for the sheerest, most even color. Just keep the can moving while you spray evenly, and you're skin will have a pretty, even glow.
But, as another year passes, there will be a flood of new products and formulas to sample in 2006. What am I excited to try this year? Dallas by Benefit Cosmetics promises to provide "the outdoor glow for the indoor girl" with a sheer wash of golden rose shimmer. I also like the look of LORAC Portable Paints, especially in the "Bronzed" duo. My funny face is also intrigued by Skyn Iceland 5 Day Detox Kit For Stressed Skin
- looks like a mini-vacation for complexions! Lastly, I look forward to slathering Urban Decay Cocktail Collection Cosmopolitan Body Balm
. It sounds too delicious to resist!
Happy New Year to all our fabulous readers! Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2006!
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Posted January 2, 2006
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