Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a lovely St. Patrick’s Day weekend.  The highlights of my weekend were: discovering that our favorite sushi restaurant delivered, waking up the day after St. Patrick’s Day not hungover, and finishing my best friend’s baby gift.  Wild.  And, can’t forget, I caught up on some overdue magazine reading.

Is there any better ritual than cozying up on the couch (or a lounge chair in the sun) with a stack of new magazines, a tasty beverage, and no specific agenda in mind?  There is something so gloriously indulgent about it that I grow giddy whenever I have the time to enjoy this.  Yes, like many gals I am a fashion/beauty/home magazine junky.  However, the feeling that every item in there has an agenda behind it leaves me feeling slightly used.  I can’t help but wonder if the products they promote are actually the best or if their spot in the magazine was paid for.  For example, I find it fishy that actresses on the cover rock a Dolce & Gabanna dress, Christian Louboutin heels, and a face made up of Revlon cosmetics?  (Oh, and then their full page Revlon ad is on the next page.)  I actually really want to know what the best products are.  

So, if you feel the same as me, settle for much-less-than-second-best and read on for my favorite beauty products.  Then please share some of yours as well and spread the beauty love through tried and true use rather than faux promotion.

{Mascara: Chanel Inimitable Intense in Noir.  I have tried many kinds in my 15 years of makeup wearing and always return to this.  For more daily makeup essentials, read this post.}

{Body lotion: Eucerin Original Healing Lotion.  I have been a faithful user since high school when it soothed my dry, chlorine-saturated skin.  Plus it is unscented therefore will not compete with perfume.  Too much scent = headache.}

{Tool: Clarisonic Mia Skincare Brush.  The hype is for real; it truly helps skin look brighter.  For face wash I use Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser which is amazing for oily skin.}

{Shower gel: Kiehl’s Grapefruit Liquid Body Cleanser.  The scent is refreshing and subtle.}

{Secret exfoliator: Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.  I learned this trick from my friend’s mom in high school and have been using it about once/week since then.  To do, mix a few tablespoons in your hand with water until you’ve achieved a thick paste, rub on your clean and damp face, and rinse.  Your skin will feel unbelievably smooth!}

{Makeup brush: Trish McEvoy Powder Blush Brush.  Good brushes truly make a difference.  It takes a while to build the collection but I promise you’ll enjoy not having little black hairs strewn about and splotches of ill-placed powder on your face.}

{Eye makeup remover: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover.  This is the only kind that takes everything off and doesn’t sting my eyeballs.  *Eye doctor approved!}

{Weekend eye makeup: Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Kaska Beige, Winter Nights, and (my new favorite) Eclosion.  The colors are gorgeous and stay put well into the evening.}

Please share your favorite beauty products as well!  I love to try new items.  {Don’t we all?}