Love Spell Refreshing Body Mist, from VS's Secret Garden Collection, is a sweet and fruity body spray that leaves skin lightly scented with notes of Cherry Blossom, Peach and White Jasmine, moisturized with Aloe Vera and calm thanks to the infusinon of Chamomile. Though quite sweet in smell, we find a couple of sprays of this is just the right amount of lush sweetness to keep our mood positive and carry us through the day. $9, victoriassecret.com
We've all been there: home with a new drugstore foundation, and it isn't looking on the skin the way it appears in the bottle. Thankfully, Revlon created Custom Creations, an amazing medium-coverage foundation that can be layered for a full coverage effect. The best part about it (in addtion to the SPF 15) is that it comes with two shades, so you'll always get your perfect tone, no matter the time of year. Comes in six color combinations. $13.99, drugstore.com
When it comes to our skin, only the best will do. Since we are constantly trying new things, it's really hard for a product to impress us so much we have to declare our love from the rooftops to get our point across. Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm is that incredible product for us at this moment. This highly-nourishing and uber-moisturizing body cream has wowed us to the point of utter infatuation. We are in love, to say the least.
Formulated with Shea and Cocoa butters and Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil to replenish skin, antioxidants to protect, and glycolic acids to aid in faster cell-turnover, this thick moisturizer goes to work soothing rough spots, leaving our skin looking radiant and healthy. Its dessert-like smell makes using it even that more enjoyable. 8 oz. $42, kiehls.com
Our skin needs moisture to stay healthy year round, so naturally we love lotions and creams to keep it that way. This fresh, light-scented body balm by H2O Plus is perfect for warm weather, and our new favorite. Packed with nourishing ingredients, like Vitamin E and Provitamin B, it saturates our skin with water-rich moisture, leaving it looking and feeling smooth. $11.50, h2oplus.com
We know that there is a financial crisis going on. We know that we're all on some sort of budget. We know that we should be looking for the best products that cost the least amount of money-- but we can't always do that. We have to splurge at least once and awhile. And it has been awhile! Read on to find out about our favorite products that are slightly more than budget-friendly.
La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15
When we found out La Mer was making a powder foundation, we could hardly contain out excitement. We know the pice tag is steep, but beautiful results always come from La Mer. As always, the brand uses their own exclusive Radiant Ferment to add visible clarity and brightness to skin, making us look, for lack of a better word, amazing. Ideal for natural, long-lasting coverage or for touch-ups over your favorite, not-so-expensive foundation. $95, saks.com
ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
If treatments at Kate Somerville's Melrose clinic are geographically inconvenient, we highly recommend investing in this exfoliating treatment. This signature formula works using the power of fruit enzymes to clarify skin, delivering visible results after just one enjoyable application. We love that it keeps our skin clear, removes the dead cells that make us look older, and lets us pamper ourselves a couple of times a week, like Hollywood royalty. Ideal for all skin types, except sensitive skin. from $85, sephora.com
Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Volupté' Lipstick
Looking at the packaging alone, who wouldn't want to pull this out of her purse? We love the light, dewy texture that treats our lips with nutrient-rich ingredients, while providing a vibrant color to suit our mood. The metallic tube is adorned with a very practical ring to reveal the shade house inside, and a mirror on the bottom for easy touch-ups any time of the day. $34, nordstrom.com
Chanel Soleil De Tan
We could easily get a comparable shades of this palette at a drugstore, but let's face it, this splurge-worthy item is much more affordable than the brand's handbags or any one item of clothing form the collection. This palette houses 4 gorgeous tones that we like to wear on our eyes for a more awake appearance, or on our cheeks to give our skin a "kissed by the sun" look. Blend them together or wear alone to create your own subtle luminance. Limited Edition. $65, nordstrom.com
Borghese Fango Brillante Mud
This luxurious treatment uses vitamin and mineral-rich extracts to even out skin's tone, while soothing and refining skin to help remove dead skin cells and erase the effects of environmental damage. We love that it leaves both the skin on our body and on our face nourished and hydrated, leaving us with a beautiful, radiant glow. $61, bloomingdales.com
Magnificently fragrant and clean-burning, Pacifica Soy Candle in Tuscan Blood Orange will add a burst of color to any room while filling it with its delicious blend of spicy blood orange, strawberry, raspberry, and mandarin scents. Every candle form Pacifica is handmade with vegetable soy wax, lead-free wicks and Pacifica's signature blends of essential and natural oils. We love burning these in the early morning when the day begins to pick up and we can enjoy its vibrant, energizing scent as the day progresses. Burn time: 100 hours. 5.5 ounces, sephora.com
Gillette Venus Embrace is the best razor for women we have used in some time. Sure, we have others we like, but this one is the absolute best. Its five blades deliver the closest, smoothest shave without leaving our legs with nicks, cuts or razor burn, and comes with a convenient in-shower holder for extra refills- our inner neat freak can appreciate that fabulous detail. $12.99, drugstore.com
With the weather heating up, we feel it's essential to have the best protection possible. There is nothing worse than catching a whiff of your own underarm umm...odor, and having to worry throughout the day whether or not others smell it, too (so embarrassing!).
The following is a list of products we have tried and tested for you, and trust us, they really work.
Mitchum for Women Clear Gel Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant is certainly the best of the best. We were most impressed with how effective it is. The alcohol-free formula won't sting your underarms, the clear finish ensures you won't leave any trace on your clothes and of course, you can be confident all day. $4.99, drugstore.com
Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant comes in a lotion form, but never left us feeling sticky. This isn't irritating, leaves our skin feeling smooth, and keeps us dry and smelling fresh all day long. Our biggest tip is to be sure to let it dry completely before getting dressed, and once it does, it stays put. $11.50, nordstrom.com
Degree Woman Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant is applied at night to give the best odor and wetness fighting protection. We love this, especially when we have early morning workouts planned-- no need for our groggy selves to remember to do anything but get dressed. $6.99, drugstore.com
Secret Flawless Invisible Solid provides us with a feminine scent that that goes on light and softens our skin, thanks to Olay conditioners, but works to keep the wetness at bay. We love that this too goes on clear, and leaves us feeling confident enough to brave the hottest weather. $5.49, drugstore.com
Adidas Women Cotton Tech Aluminium Free Deodorant is amazing if you are desiring an aluminum-free anti-perspirant/deodorant that actually works. We found this product kept us dry and odor free all day, has a fresh, clean scent and appealed to our health-conscious side. $3.75, amazon.com
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With all of the health issues and talk of germs going around, we find comfort in the fact that keeping our hands clean is one of the best ways to stay healthy. This Bath and Body Works Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Soap in the new Nectarine Mint scent makes hand washing so pleasant that we look forward to cleansing every chance we get. The moisturizing formula ensures our hands won't dry out, while the amazing scent of intoxicates our senses. $5.00, bathandbodyworks.com
If you've never tried an Essence of Beauty Soy Lotion Candle, hopefully after reading this, you'll head out and get yourself one. Made from 100% pure oils to protect and soften skin, these sweet-smelling candles are designed to melt at just a few degrees higher than body temperature to produce a soothing, spa-like effect for the skin; use it as a skin-softening lotion or sensual massage oil. Available in Passion Flower, Purple Fields, Citrus Coconut and Pomegranate Apple scents. $9.99, cvs.com
Last week, Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc. (CEW) held their annual award ceremony to honor the best in beauty, everything from moisturizer to mascara, and we were on the edge of our seats to find out what products would make the cut. These are our picks of products from the list of winners that we think you should consider adding to your beauty bag now.
Avon Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother This break-through formula works to visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, as well as help prevent new ones from forming. The formulation is designed to help boost elastin and stimulate collagen; glycolic acid helps smooth the texture and even the tone and color of existing stretch marks. Through testing, over 90% of women show improvement in length, depth and visibility of stretch marks in eight weeks-- we need to get this. $19.99, amazon.com
Fresh Fig Apricot Bath and Shower GelThis shower gel allows us to have a pampering experience while we get clean. The skin-loving formula nourishes with a blend of vitamins C & E, uses meadowfoam and evening primrose oils for hydration, and shea butter and borage seed oil for moisture. The luxurious scent of Turkish apricot, peach, fig and jasmine, doesn't disappoint when it comes to the smell. $28, sephora.com
Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector If you are like us, desiring an even skintone is one of your biggest skin care issues.lightweight, layerable serum helps to create a noticeably even and clear complexion. Within four to six weeks, it measurably and visibly corrects, clarifies and evens skin tone. Over time, it even helps prevent new dark spots from forming. Get this for yourself and a friend. $39.50, clinique.com
Estee Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer SPF 15 contains an industry first called Tri-Hyaluronic Acid Complex. This unique blend of three Hyaluronic Acid technologies work at multiple levels in the skin to help replenish, rebuild and sustain the ideal moist environment for more lineless, youthful looking skin. For us, anything that will hold off the signs of aging a little bit longer will always get a vote form us. $58, nordstrom.com
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation is a first-of-its-kind anti-aging makeup that won't settle into fine lines or wrinkles, but rather will leave skin with an amazing finish. With Olay Regenerist serum in the formula, we can't help but love the idea of this multi-tasking makeup. The lightweight formula goes on sheer but is easily buildable for fuller coverage and contains SPF 22. $13.99, drugstore.com
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70 Wearing sunscreen everyday is important and this award-winner is the best at making application simple. Add to that it's ability to deliver broad and photostable UVA/UVB protection, and you've got the best sunscreen on the market. This waterproof, no-rub formula is good for sensitive skin and everyday use. It also contains natural soy proteins, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants to help protect skin against environmental damage; convenient one-touch pump can spray at any angle. 10.99, drugstore.com
It is our belief that a good skincare regimen will help us achieve and keep our most healthy, glowing complexion. But as we age, it just so happens that our skin doesn't always cooperate like we'd prefer. So while we treat the dark spots, freckles and redness, we are happy to use products that help us fake perfect skin. With Redpoint Noc-Out Cover-Up Compact-- a trio of different colored concealers that each work in its own way to cover up redness, eliminate the appearance of dark spots and freckles, or help disguise the look of dark circles around the eyes-- we can give our skin the fabulous, flawless finish we desire. Use it alone on bare skin or after applying your foundation. $38, redpointbeauty.com
Wearing long-wearing makeup or waterproof mascara can be a chore to take off at the end of the day. We want to make sure to get it all off, and we certainly don't want to wake up with raccoon eyes the next morning. Then there are occasions that we are just too tired to go through the steps to remove our makeup at all. But we know better, so we turn to Estee Lauder's Take It Away Cleanser. This amazing water-based, creme-gel wonder removes all of our makeup-- and we mean all of it-- from our face. Our skin gets clean in one step, and is left feeling soft and fresh. We love it so much we find ourselves even using it to remove our regular makeup as well. Suitable for all skin types. $22, dillards.com
Ahava Purifying Mud Mask allows us to give ourselves a skin-pampering treatment at home without spending a ton of money. The formula for oily skin pulls out skin dulling impurities and excess oil, leaving us looking radiant. It also doubles as a body mask if you want to give yourself an inexpensive body treatment: Slather this on after exfoliating, let it sit and rinse when almost dry (you will need to enlist the help of a friend to apply to your back). Whether you use this on your face or on your body, you'll be thrilled with how your skin looks-- and your wallet will be too. Also available for normal to dry skin. $30, spalook.com
Laura Geller Bronze-n-Brighten is our must-have bronzer for the coming spring/summer season. The baked powder gives skin a gorgeous sun-kissed glow without the fake orange tint. It even comes in a fair version that complements even the palest skin tones. We love to dust a little over lids to add a hint of color and definition, or use it in place of our foundation for a radiant, healthy glow. $29.50, sephora.com
Busy schedules sometimes interfere with our manicure time, so when we have to stretch one out beyond the usual 5-7 days, we reach for Orly Glosser High Shine Topcoat to help us keep that "just polished" look. While we have a few other topcoats we love, this one is great for every other day application without adding too much bulk to the layers of polish we've already applied. It protects our tips, and when you add to the fact that it dries incredibly fast, you can understand why we adore this product. $9, orlybeauty.com
As you know, we love beauty products. There are those that we have loved for many years, but every year, batches of newbie products are thrust into the market, and we, being the beauty junkies that we are, must give in to our product desires. Some leave us not so thrilled, while others have us excited to discover what impact they will bring to the masses. Check out the folowing products that are keeping us optimistic for the year ahead.
L'Oreal EverPure line of shampoos and conditioners are sulfate-free, contain UV filters to protect haircolor, and even work beautifully if you don't color your hair. The new, more natural formulation is the first for the brand and the only one of its kind in drugstores now. The refreshing, aromatic scents leave our bathrooms smelling like a spa, our healthy-looking, shiny hair gives us something to be thankful for and the price tag is the sweetest of all. $6.99, drugstore.com
Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Color was created to deliver fresh, rich pigment to not only saturate lips with amazing, look-at-me color, but to treat lips to fabulous moisture. This Shea butter-infused lipstick makes us forget we're wearing actual lipstick in the first place. $8.97, drugstore.com
Lancome Oscillation Vibrating Mascara gives lashes the ultimate look as it oscillates 7000 times per minute (but don't worry, it won't hurt). Since the latest craze is lush, full lashes, we think this does a fabuous job of delivering the results; our lashes are longer, fuller, clump-free and all of the wiggle work is done for us-- who couldn't love that? $34, sephora.com
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Johnson's Body Care 24 Hour Body Lotion is a lightly-scented lotion that we have been using that leaves our skin feeling amazingly soft and smooth from the moment we put it on. The non-greasy, hydrating formula is great for all skin types and the price makes it that much more fabulous. $5.49, drugstore.com
We admit it: Sometimes we're not in the mood to go through our entire cleansing routine before bed. Of course, we'd feel guilty going to bed without washing our faces, so on those nights we're looking for something quick, yet effective, to remove our makeup, we reach for Neutrogena's Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They are a great way to take off all traces of our makeup, including regular and waterproof mascara, so we can go to bed-- guilt free. $8.99, drugstore.com
Anastasia Brow Gel isn't something we could easily live without. We know that well-groomed brows keep our look polished, and keeping them in place with just any brow gel won't do. Even with the best looking brows, we can't risk any embarrassing flakes showing up in the middle of the day or a product failing us. This amazing gel keeps our brows in place, never flakes and nourishes our brows with botanical and essential oils. So, needless to say, we only use this. Available in three shades. $21, sephora.com
With a refreshing cucumber scent and water-like feel, Amarte Aqua Veil Pure Hydrating Serum is a quick-absorbing hydrator that we can't get enough of. We all live in different climates, but keeping moisture in our skin is always a high priority. Because it's a humectant (contrary to the term serum), it attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it in balance. So it's great for dry skin seeking extra moisture, as well as oily skin because it doesn't add extra oil. We use it in addition to our regular moisturizer and our skin loves it.
Honestly, if we could slather our entire bodies with this we would, but since it doesn't come in that big of a size, we will gladly settle for applying it to our faces, necks and decolletages each day and night. $44, amarteusa.com
We love hair products that provide the best shine, bounce and softness, as well as control for the styles we want. Of course, recessionistas know that spending a fortune isn't always an option, but who wants to compromise on quality? Thankfully, many drugstore brands have fabulous products, and more pricey finds can easily be purchased in smaller sizes. The following is a list of our favorite hair products that are less than ten dollars each, and always leave us with good hair days.
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo washes away the build-up of your favorite products, without stripping hair of it's essential oils, so they will again work to make your hair looks it's best. We like to use this once a month, but it can be used daily, especially if you have a habit of using a lot of product. $7.99, drugstore.com
Ojon Shine & Protect Conditioner is a nourishing conditioner that not only moisturizes and detangles hair, but leaves it with a high-gloss finish. Formulated with all-natural, plant-based, active ingredients, a UV-inhibiting complex, and natural conditioning extracts like sweet almond oil, this lightweight conditioner is great for many hair types. 2 oz., $9, sephora.com
Frederic Fekkai Hair Mask with Shea Butter is like an indulgent treat for the hair. Never greasy or heavy, this mask hydrates and repairs the hair with moisturizing shea butter and macadamia nut oils leaving hair silky and shiny. 1.6oz, $8.50, beauty.com
L'Oreal Color Vive line of shampoo and conditioners are great for color-treated hair. We love that there are different formulations based on hair type so our gorgeous manes get the care they need, our color lasts longer and we save money. $4.99 drugstore.com
Avon Advance Techniques Mirror Shine Spray combats the flyaways and leaves hair feeling and looking soft. A light misting over the hair is all you need to have healthy-looking hair all day. It's no wonder women continue to buy this over and over again. Tip: Spry on hands first, the run through hair to ensure you don't go over board with the spray and end up looking greasy. $4.99 avon.com
Oscar Blandi Proteine di Jasmine Protein Mist for Restyling Hair To Go is the perfect size for travel, not to mention has a small price tag. We sometimes need to restyle our hair, and loved how it looked the previous day, but don't have the time to "start from scratch". Mr Blandi has made restyling easy with this spray, giving us another day of fabulous hair without having to wash it. 2 oz, $8, sephora.com
Jonathan Product Finish Control High Shine Aerosol Hairspray works to control your style while leaving it full of shine. We are never disappointed by this hairspray, but when the budget is low, we have to settle for the mini size. 2.25 oz, beauty.com
Tresemme Tres Create Styling Putty works great if you have fine hair that needs control without being weighed down, or if you have a shorter style you want to give more texture to. The non-greasy formula gives a light hold and never gets stiff. $4.75, drugstore.com
There are plenty of products that we will always be loyal to and purchase over and over again, and those we will come to know for a brief time and decide to move on from. We come to know, and love, new and newly discovered products every day and will continue to do so in the future. It's a never-ending cycle of falling in, and sometimes out, of love with products, but we wouldn't be who we are if we didn't enjoy the thrill of it all! These are the products we are loving right now, and we think you will too!
Beckham Signature For Her is an amazing fragrance from Victoria Beckham, the woman who oozes fashion and style. We were surprised that we loved this one as much as we did, simply because we have been disappointed by previous celebrity fragrances, but this one delivered, and we can't get enough! $52, macys.com
Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF 30 is a fabulous way for us to add broad-spectrum protection to any of our moisturizers or foundation. We know the importance of sunscreen, and keeping our skin looking its best, so this is one of our new must-haves! It also contains green tea and Vitamin E, essential antioxidants. $43, spalook.com
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is a classic product that is proving to us why is is sticking around. This unique cream smooths away rough spots anywhere on the body, and is also fabulous for treating those dry cuticles. $27.57, cosmeticmall.com
Bliss The Youth As We Know It Eye Cream is our must-have eye cream of the moment! To us, a good eye cream is worth every penny if it can keep us waking up to puff-free, bright eyes each morning. This one does that and with a beautifully light scent to boot! $75, blissworld.com
Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It gives our skin a fresh healthy glow after we use it. We love this minty not-too-harsh scrub! It works fabulously on keeping our skin clean and even fights off the oil production for a time. The cute pink packaging attracted us, but it's the actual product keeps us coming back for more. $12.99, target.com
Max Factor Vivid Impact Eyeshadow Duos give us highly pigmented, long-lasting eyeshadows in a two-for-one tube. The wand allows for precise application, but can easily be blended with a brush or smudged with a sponge. $7.22, drugstore.com
Wrap yourself in the sweet scents of stila's delightful new fragrance Mandarin Mist. This light, alluring, and sweet citrus fragrance is defined by notes of mimosa and yuzu fruit - the perfect blend for any day.
Stila Mandarin Mist is a fresh citrus scent with light flowery notes so refreshing it keeps our spirits up in the cold, gloomy weather! We love this fragrance because it's not too overpowering, yet lasts all day. We have recieved so many compliments wearing it that it has become a more regularly worn scent. 1oz. $36, stilacosmetics.com
Available in 16 shades, L'Oreal's Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss promises a 6-hour wear without changing, dulling or fading. So what did we think?
We were actually surprised to find its staying power was like no other gloss we have ever used. The triangle sponge wand applies a beautiful, sheer color to our lips and never left them dried out. While the color does eventually disapper from our lips, if we let it, it will still stay on for an average of 3-4 hours-- that is enough to convince us this is a product we can't live without! $9.99, drugstore.com
Smashbox Cream Eye Liner can easily go to the top of our "products we love" list! While it does seem a bit different to use a liner that isn't in a pencil form, this liner is definitely worth a try.
Can't decide which shade to get? Try the Smashbox Cream Eye Liner Palette Proof
Bumble and bumble's Creme de Coco Masque will give your hair incredible moisture and leave you with the most silky soft, shiny hair imaginable.
The amazing smell is like a tropical getaway, and a great treat. Leave on for seven minutes or more, and you will notice while you're rinsing that your hair is in a state of bliss.
Formulated with shea and mango butters, this hair mask indulges tresses for the ultimate in deep conditioning. It's almost unbelieveable, but after using this you'll be unable to stop touching your hair! $24
Survive the three H's of summer with these heat- and humidity-proof products that will keep you looking and feeling cool as a cucumber:
Oil Absorbing Treatment Spray
Sunscreen that Mattifies 
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