Beauty Things I Can't Live Without

I love beauty products.  LOVE THEM!!  I am always game to try out new things, but I definitely have some brands I am loyal to.  I have been a huge fan of both Stila and Dermalogica for many years (and found it hard to narrow down my favorites to just a few items).  I also have a slew of new favorite things that are making me happy right now and thought I might share.  Have you tried any of these?  What did you think?

1) The Body Shop Banana Shampoo and Conditioner  $5.99 each.  This smells incredible (high on my list of things that make a great shampoo) and is very light-weight.  I just wish The Body Shop made more products with this banana scent.  Yum!

2)  Phytodefrisant, Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm  $26.  I use this on the days I want to straighten my hair.  It eliminates frizz and gives me a beautiful blowout.  Also, it adds a little body to my fine-ish hair. 

3)  Caress Moisturizing Body Wash  $6.65.  This is my go-to daily body wash. The label says it smells of white peach and silk blossom.  I am not exactly sure what either of those things smell like, but they do blend together to make a delicate fragrance.  I keep wishing they would come out with a matching body lotion. 

4)  Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau De Parfum  $80.  This is my current favorite perfume.  The smell is fresh and reminds me of the ocean.  I guess that is why they consider it an aquatic scent.  Perfect for the spring and summertime.

5)  Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant   $50.  A super-gentle daily exfoliator.  It is a little on the pricey side, but it lasts a long time.

6)  Sephora Eye Makeup Removing Pads   $9.  I have tried other brands out there, and so far, I find these to be the best.  Gentle and moisturizing to my skin while taking off all of the makeup.  Most importantly, it doesn't irritate my eyes.

7)  Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 20  $34.   I have never been a fan of foundation.  I don't like the feeling of heavy makeup on my face.  This has a nice light coverage that is just enough. 

8)  Emi-Jay Hair Ties  $5.99-$15.99.  I first read about these in a magazine, and because I can't seem to control myself, I ordered my first pack that night.  They are a little pricey for simple hair ties, but they are fantastic.  Very gentle on my hair, with the perfect amount of stretch.  Great for making a messy bun or a high ponytail 

9)  Clarisonic Classic Skin Care Brush  $195.  This is one of my current favorite gifts.  I swear my pores seem smaller, and I have a noticeable glow to my skin.  Who doesn't want that?

10)  Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel $9-$52.  I have naturally wavy hair.  Some days I feel like embracing this (instead of fighting it with my flat iron).  OK, some mornings I am just lazy.  I said it.  And this hold my waves together, without making my hair crunchy.  Love!

11)  Bath & Body Works Sheer Freesia  $9.50.  Freesia is one of my favorite flowers. This shower gel and body lotion duplicates the sweet scent very well.    In fact, I credit this scent with helping me land charm my darling husband.  The smell will always remind me of when we first started dating. 

12)  Butter London in Scoundrel  $14.  I received this from a dear friend in England.  The color is a mauvey-purple and the polish goes on smoohly.  I am now a big fan of this brand.

13)  Lush Sweet Lips Lip Scrub  $8.95.  This seriously smells and tastes like chocolate.  Plus, it exfoliates and moisturizes my lips.  I love to use it before I go to bed.  I wake up with the softest lips. 

14) shu uemura Eyelash Curler  $19.  I have long straight eyelashes, without an ounce of curl in them.  This little tool really is as great as all of the hype. 

15) Stila Smudge Pots  $20.  It wasn't that long ago that I started wearing eyeliner.  I don't know why I was never intrigued by its eye enhancing fabulousness before, but this made me a believer.  And it wasn't even that hard to learn how to apply (and I am not one of those great-at-doing-makeup girls).  My current favorite color is bronze.