There are a few things that I use daily and feel like I can't live without. I have tried other versions of similar products, but they just don't cut it. I find myself coming back to these, time and time again. Here they are, in no specific order of favor (click on the images to find out more product info):
Origins Ginger Souffle Body Cream: A treat for the body. Not too rich or thick, but still packs the punch of a body butter. Bright, uplifting, energizing. I love it so much that I use it even though I know Wes doesn't like it. That's saying something. :) Check out their entire Ginger line. Their roll-on perfume helped me through the first months of prego morning sickness, believe it or not.
Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care: Ive tried it all, and I keep coming back to this. Seriously, my skin loves it! The trick is that when you exfoliate with a toner, the lotion absorbs into your skin better. Try it on the back of your hand (on one hand use an exfoliating toner, and on the other don't, then moisturize). That little bottle of yellow lotion moisturizes my face better than any heavy duty cream or other moisturizer on the market. I prefer this face wash because it's gentle and I can wash my entire face, eyes included, and not have to worry about using separate eye makeup remover. And it's all hypoallergenic. Gotta love that! 
Micabella Mineral Foundation: Ahhh...the mineral powder foundation trend. I used to use Bare Essentuals (and I actually LOVE their "Bare Skin" eyeshadow...it probably should be on this must-have list). But it made me look slightly oily, or glowy, but not in a good way. My face felt sticky sometimes, and it has 2 parts—the foundation and Mineral Veil. I was on the hunt for a better mineral powder foundation (I prefer it to liquid because it is easy, has built in SPF, lasts way longer, and it much more natural). So I was walking the "gauntlet" in the mall, and bucked up and walked over to the Micabella kiosk (could be dangerous if you don't have a strong determination not to buy every shade of eyeshadow they sell). This foundation is amazing! It's one step, lasts all day, and I never look oily or feel dry. It's $60 (yikes), but can last about 8 months if you aren't too generous. And I found it online in a few stores for $40. It is completely worth it. If you want to try it, find a kiosk in a mall near you and ask them to try it on your face, but tell them you need to see it in different lights before buying (they really try to sell you right then and there).
Origins Liquid Lip Color in Wild Flower: My absolute perfect shade. An earthy rose with subtle shimmer. I imagine it would work well on fair skin tones and blonds. Only complaint is I wish the bottle was larger. And it's not sticky at all. (I hate goopy lip gloss—this is more of a liquid lip stick. It's not clear or sheer, but smooth color.)
Benefit Erase Paste: Oh how I love thee. Erases dark circles under eyes, and hides puffiness and discoloration. This had the nurses in the maternity ward commenting that I looked pretty remarkable for having been up all night with a newborn. Testimony of its effectiveness, tight there! It's very smooth and lightweight. It never creases. I've had this little bottle for over a year and it's still not half empty. Brilliant product. And Ulta now carries Benefit!
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara: I don't know if this is actually curling. I haven't noticed that so much. It's the staying power that I love. It coats the lashes and is waterproof. It comes off not with soap or eye makeup remover, but with warm water. You sort of pull gently on your lashes, and it all comes sliding off (kind of like silicone, or something). Sounds funny, but it's great. I don't ever lose lashes like I would trying to get other waterproof mascaras off, and the brush really separates. And because it doesn't break down in water, I never get raccoon eyes and it doesn't ever drip down in humidity. I love Clinique because they always have samples and gifts/giveaways. Oftentimes I can walk up to the counter and ask for a sample of something I want to try and they'll give a bunch of little travel size things. I like to go when it's not busy, have them try something on me (a blush, maybe an eye look). I don't necessarily buy it, but it gives me a chance to talk to the girl more so that she opens up. Then I usually buy the necessary thing I came for (lotion, one eye liner—that's all), and ask for samples of the things I am interested in. They always give me more than they initially let on that they had to offer. Sweet!
I am still on the hunt for the perfect eye cream. Any suggestions?
What are your favorite Beauty and Body Must Haves?
Origins Ginger Souffle Body Cream: A treat for the body. Not too rich or thick, but still packs the punch of a body butter. Bright, uplifting, energizing. I love it so much that I use it even though I know Wes doesn't like it. That's saying something. :) Check out their entire Ginger line. Their roll-on perfume helped me through the first months of prego morning sickness, believe it or not.
Micabella Mineral Foundation: Ahhh...the mineral powder foundation trend. I used to use Bare Essentuals (and I actually LOVE their "Bare Skin" eyeshadow...it probably should be on this must-have list). But it made me look slightly oily, or glowy, but not in a good way. My face felt sticky sometimes, and it has 2 parts—the foundation and Mineral Veil. I was on the hunt for a better mineral powder foundation (I prefer it to liquid because it is easy, has built in SPF, lasts way longer, and it much more natural). So I was walking the "gauntlet" in the mall, and bucked up and walked over to the Micabella kiosk (could be dangerous if you don't have a strong determination not to buy every shade of eyeshadow they sell). This foundation is amazing! It's one step, lasts all day, and I never look oily or feel dry. It's $60 (yikes), but can last about 8 months if you aren't too generous. And I found it online in a few stores for $40. It is completely worth it. If you want to try it, find a kiosk in a mall near you and ask them to try it on your face, but tell them you need to see it in different lights before buying (they really try to sell you right then and there).
Origins Liquid Lip Color in Wild Flower: My absolute perfect shade. An earthy rose with subtle shimmer. I imagine it would work well on fair skin tones and blonds. Only complaint is I wish the bottle was larger. And it's not sticky at all. (I hate goopy lip gloss—this is more of a liquid lip stick. It's not clear or sheer, but smooth color.)
Benefit Erase Paste: Oh how I love thee. Erases dark circles under eyes, and hides puffiness and discoloration. This had the nurses in the maternity ward commenting that I looked pretty remarkable for having been up all night with a newborn. Testimony of its effectiveness, tight there! It's very smooth and lightweight. It never creases. I've had this little bottle for over a year and it's still not half empty. Brilliant product. And Ulta now carries Benefit!
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara: I don't know if this is actually curling. I haven't noticed that so much. It's the staying power that I love. It coats the lashes and is waterproof. It comes off not with soap or eye makeup remover, but with warm water. You sort of pull gently on your lashes, and it all comes sliding off (kind of like silicone, or something). Sounds funny, but it's great. I don't ever lose lashes like I would trying to get other waterproof mascaras off, and the brush really separates. And because it doesn't break down in water, I never get raccoon eyes and it doesn't ever drip down in humidity. I love Clinique because they always have samples and gifts/giveaways. Oftentimes I can walk up to the counter and ask for a sample of something I want to try and they'll give a bunch of little travel size things. I like to go when it's not busy, have them try something on me (a blush, maybe an eye look). I don't necessarily buy it, but it gives me a chance to talk to the girl more so that she opens up. Then I usually buy the necessary thing I came for (lotion, one eye liner—that's all), and ask for samples of the things I am interested in. They always give me more than they initially let on that they had to offer. Sweet!I am still on the hunt for the perfect eye cream. Any suggestions? What are your favorite Beauty and Body Must Haves?
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Mary Kay eye cream is wonderful! It is firming and decreases wrinkles, not that you probably have any, but it works miracles!
Benefit makes a Touch me then try to leave me body cream that is magnificent!
Bare Essenctuals makes a lip gloss/plumper called Buxom Babes... the Amber is my fav!
I love the bare minerals foundation but I will give your new one a try!
I LOVE Buxom lip gloss, too! I wear Brandi. Thanks for the suggestions!
I can't wait to try MicaBella! I had the same issues with Bare Minerals. I'm with Barker's on the MK eye cream. It really is good!
I LOVE that mascara. My fave too. Thanks for the tip on asking for samples of things to try at their counter. I actually had never thought to do that....
I love Clinique's lotion, too. It's the best!
Seacret eye cream is fantastic, but be prepared for a long and intensive bargaining session.... these guys are not afraid to drain your wallet!
I am new to your blog and must say that I really like it. I also like Clinique - and esp. their eye cream and turnaround concentrate.
Greetings from Germany :)
I too love the Clinique lotion. Its the best.
I'm a big mineral makeup fan too. I've never tried the Bare Minerals, but found a recommendation for a product line called Everyday Minerals on a pregnancy chat board one time. The offer a free sample kit and all you pay is the shipping. You can try 3 foundation colors, a blush and a concealer and I think total shipping is like $4. I don't know how it compares to your MicaBella stuff, but I like it a lot and foundations are only $12 and last ages. Their make up brushes are great too. You can get a six piece make up kit for like $36 or 12 piece for $50 and you can choose any 6 or 12 products you want. Needless to say, I tried a sample kit and was converted. :)
I realise this is a pretty old post, but I'm looking for some new skin care and I've had success with Clinique in the past. Do you still use it?
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