Maritza and I talk makeup/skincare/beauty a lot; our phones are always cheeping with texts about Chanel and mascara. She works in the industry and I, well, I keep the industry afloat. She asked if I’d been compiling my fall beauty wishlist and I said, “Duh, I’ve already bought it all!” Here’s hers!
1). Chanel Peridot le Vernis. I first saw this nail color a few months ago and immediately fell in love. It’s such an unexpected green-gold and when the metallic hits the light, it’s truly spectacular. I never thought I could love a nail color as much as I love peridot. For this fall, it’s the new black.
2). YSL The Black Collection eyeliner pen. A perfect pen for a precise cat eye or a dramatic smoky eye.
3). Laura Mercier creme lip color in Bing Cherry: Brick red is the THE color of the Fall 2011 runway. I love this particular formula, because there is no shimmer, just shine. With flattering pink-and-brown undertones, it will look great on every woman.
For night: YSL Rouge Volupte Perle No. 106 (purple)
4). Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer. Nobody does primer like Smashbox. I’m substituting my classic Photo Finish for the new hydrating version during fall/winter months. After just one use, my face felt smooth and moisturized without feeling heavy underneath my foundation. Hands down, this is one of the best products of the season.
5). NARS Illuminator in Copacabana. Because of the deep lipsticks, shadows and nail polishes I will be sporting, I want to keep my face as illuminated and light as possible. I plan on using this highlighter as a very light and natural blush.
6). Malin + Goetz lip moisturizer. I was on a mission to find the most effective lip treatment after a recent bout of extreme dry lips! After a dozen or so failed attempts, I turned to beauty expert Kara Nesvig and she had the answer in Malin + Goetz. Voila! My lips are supple and smooth and I’m never leaving home without this!
7). Cleanser 27 by M.E. SkinLab. Cleanser 27 is an oil-rich wax with the texture of a skin butter (scary, right?!) that transforms into a foamy emulsion when it comes into contact with water. It promises to soften, moisturize and brighten the skin, without stripping it of natural and very essential oils. When I first read about this, I was skeptical it would be right for me, but after reading endorsements by colete (http://www.colette.fr/) and Woodley & Bunny (http://woodleyandbunny.com/), I am dying to try this cleanser during the harsh, dry Minnesota winter.
8). Philosophy the microdelivery: mini peel pads. Simply the best at-home way to exfoliate your dry skin and rid your face of dullness. I like these because they are gentle and also work well on the neck and arms.
9). Kiehl’s Rosewater Facial Freshener-Toner: No matter the season, rosewater is a must in my skincare routine. It soothes and calms the skin, while providing aroma therapeutic benefits. Kiehl’s puts actual rose petals in the bottle, which provides an aesthetic appeal. Tip: I like to chill rosewater in the fridge and spritz it on my face in the morning for instant perkiness!
Spa trip:
10). Spa getaway: I’m headed to Ruby Room in Chicago (http://www.rubyroom.com/) for an ultra-indulgent birthday present to myself. I plan on getting an Arcona facial (my first ever!), an enerssage with cupping and the pumpkin hand and foot treatment.
