My favorite new finds for the steamy season from drugstores, events, and friends…plus a couple of rediscoveries from my own makeup bag:
Revlon Beyond Natural Defining Eyelashes, Pack of Four ($12): These are fantastically priced (a lot of drugstore brands hover around $7 for just one set), and are subtle enough that they fade right into your own lashes (I clip each strip in half a) so they’re demi-sets and b) so I double the value).
Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion, SPF 30 ($8.99)*: A light light light moisturizer with enough sunscreen to allow you to go from city to beach.
Clean Original Moisture-Absorbent Body Veil ($28): I feel…a little more “glowy” than usual lately. Like, all freaking over, but mostly anywhere my bra straps touch (yick). And this powder has absolutely been a lifesaver so far this summer – I use it every single day. It feels (and smells) awesome, and the dryness lasts for hours.
Roger & Gallet Lavande Royale Fragrant Water Spray ($43.50): I don’t actually own this gorgeous stuff…but I have stared at it (and spritzed it on myself) every time I’ve gone into a certain fancy drugstore on Park Avenue for the past three months. I love it so. The buying will happen soon.
Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser ($10): I’ve been carting around a mini-sized version of this stuff (the one that came in the Welcome, Baby gift set) for emergency face-washing purposes, and I love how gentle it is (and how thoroughly it removes makeup and city dust).
Cle de Peau Extra-Silky Lipstick in 129 ($52): Another thing I haven’t bought (yet; the price is scary)…but I tried this lipstick on at the Paul Labrecque Bridal Beauty event and was crazy about the color (a perfect pinky-brown) and the luxurious texture – plus, it’s longer-lasting than you’d expect from something with such high moisture content.
Orlane Compact Bronzing Powder ($40)*: The compact is not particularly portable (we’re talking at least 5″ diameter), but it’s certainly glamorous. I love that you can see your entire face in the mirror (for even application), as well as that powdery signature Orlane scent. And, oh yes, the color: pretty, subtle, perfect.
Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme ($49)*: Deep-conditioning oil that protects against the summer elements (sun, seawater & chlorine) while softening up your hair. Bonus: the new Transformers girl uses it, and…well.
Essie Polish in Big Spender ($8): Sure, it clashes with my toes (which are painted with Vermillionaire). I don’t care; it’s the perfect purple-pink for a bit of glamour on a hot day.
Alterna Sun-Kissed Mist ($20)*: I already use Alterna’s Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist (also $24) almost every day, and the line is killing it with great stuff lately. The Sun-Kissed Mist is basically bronzer for your hair, with a subtle golden shimmer and lovely scent. Plus, it contains sun-protecting things, anti-humidity things, and color-protecting-things (see how scientific I can be?).
Freeman Masks (price varies): Remember those peel-off masks that you used in high school? Sure you do: it was the most satisfying feeling in the world. In the fight against my breakouts, I’ve rediscovered Freeman’s little single-use packets – specifically the cucumber one (silkening) and the avocado and oatmeal one (purifying), but they’re all fun. And once you’ve found your favorite, the full-sized tubes are only a couple of bucks more.
*Product sample generously provided by manufacturer.
