Take 4

I love makeup and beauty products. Now, it's true, I don't wear makeup to work most days. I just can't get myself out of bed 15 minutes earlier! Nevertheless, I love it all -- eyeshadow, lip gloss, and especially mascara. And one of the best gifts I've ever received was two bags full of various beauty products from the beauty editor at Women's Wear Daily when I was leaving my internship in London. Eye cream, lip gloss, scrubs, body glitter, lotions...and all brands I'd never heard of but was more than eager to try out.

So, here are some of my favorite beauty products. You can find most of them at Sephora or your nearest drugstore. Please leave me comments and clue me in on what you love -- experimenting is part of the fun!

People always ask me why my hair's so shiny. This is why:
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner
(about $7)



This scrub is amazing. It's moisturizing and sloughs off the dead skin on your face. And, it makes me eat healthier -- I crave pineapple every time I use it.
Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub ($25)


This little pen contains some kind of magical stuff that will make your pimples disappear with the quickness. I'm telling you -- you'll see the swelling and redness reduced overnight, and after two nights -- it's gone! Now, remember, everyone's skin is different. But when I get those annoying spots on my chin once a month, if you know what I mean, this is my cure.
Boscia Willow Bark Breakout Treatment ($15)


THE BEST FOUNDATION EVER! And it's in a powder form, which makes it easy to carry around and apply anywhere.
M.A.C. Studio Fix ($25)


Every girl needs one of these -- hold it on your eyelashes and count to 10 and you'll be amazed at how open your eyes appear!
Revlon Eyelash Curler ($6)


I can't even express how truly stellar this mascara is -- so worth every penny! Trust me. The boys will love the doe-eyed look you get with this stuff.
Diorshow Mascara ($24)


For a cheaper option, go with the old standby -- it definitely deserves to be a classic.
Maybelline Great Lash mascara ($5)


Try these eyeshadows -- there's no doubt the M.A.C. eyeshadow shows up in brilliant, bright colors, but the Sephora brand is just as good and a bit cheaper.
This color rocks!! (It's hard to see here, but this is an intense green -- great for blue or brown eyes.) M.A.C. Humid ($14)

So pretty for summer! Sephora teal-turquoise ($10)


This lip gloss is shiny, shiny, shiny and not sticky! This flavor is yummy, and I also love "Kiss Me," a pineapple flavor. (What's with me and pineapple?!)
Philosophy lip gloss ($10)


I'm in love with this lotion because (A) it's cheap; (B) it makes your skin super soft; and (C) it makes you smell like chocolate!
Suave Cocoa Butter with Shea body lotion ($4)


And finally, don't forget your hands! This little cuticle oil pen is awesome! Put it on in your car while you're sitting in traffic, or at work while you're typing away...it's great for making that dry skin around your nails become soft and supple.
Sephora Cuticle Care Pen ($12)