2009 - Top 10 Favorites!

The year is coming to an end and I figure it would be appropriate to compile a list of my all time favorites this year. It is difficult decisions because there are so many good products out there. I tried to pick an item from different categories. Please note that they are in no particular order and that these products do not necessarily launch in 2009.

Bare Escentual Buxom Lipgloss ($18): I am hook on BE Buxom diamond edition. The gold shimmer is just oh so pretty and the tingly sensation is kinda fun. Favorite shades are Starr (raspberry) and Claire (mauve with some brown undertone).

Avon Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment Spf 25 ($32): This is a personal favorite of mine. I have yet found a sunscreen that feels more luxurious and though a bit shiny alone, it gives that nice healthy glow under makeup. Loving the higher spf too. Click here for my
full review.

Bobbi Brown Corrector ($22): This is my go to everyday must have item. It hides dark circles better than any concealer I have tried. Tips: make sure you hydrate your under eye areas well.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22): Very finely mill, set concealer without caking and also brighten the under eye area. Also a jar will last you a very long time.

Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara: As the name imply, full and soft, non-flakey and sold at a reasonable price.

MAC Star by Night Eyeshadow: Part of a LE, very nice and vibrant deep medium blue that is shimmery but not frosty. A beautiful color for smokey eyes if you want something more vibrant than gray eyeshadow.

DHC Acerola 100 Serum ($22): Every time I stray from this, it shows. Skin is not as even tone and bright. During summer, it really helps keep my freckles at bay.

Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam ($29): It cleanses well, very gentle and non-drying, and the lather just feels so luxurious. Click here for my full review.

Masaki ($60-$80): This perfume was created by a Japanese designer. It smells light, soft, and elegant, a scent that goes with every seasons. Available at Sephora.

ELF Eyeshadow Brush (White Handle): OMGosh, for $1, I did not expect much. It is dense, super soft, picks up color, and sturdy. Definitely worth buying back up.

Phew! That is a lot of information. Now, what is your favorite?

2009 Holiday Stocking Stuffer for under $25

It has been awhile, hi there. Can you believe it, only 2 more weeks till Christmas? Whether it is the economy or whatever reasons, below are some budgets friendly stocking stuffer.

Benefit Lust Dusters Trio (Sephora, $10). I actually got the second Trio myself as they are such good value ($54). Colors are shimmery and versatile, for both cheeks and eyes. EDIT: Unless you are into shimmer, these might be a bit too shimmery for your liking.

Urban Decay Get Baked Eye Kit (Sephora, $18)This is currently on sale. The colors are so pretty too.

100% Pure Almond Body Kit (http://www.100percentpure.com/, $25)A little something for the organic fanatic. The set includes good size of the Organic Honey Almond Body Scrub (6oz), Organic Honey Almond Nourishing Body Cream (2oz), Organic Honey Almond Milk Shower Gel (2oz), and Organic Mint Lip Balm (.5oz). Also available in other scents.

Product Review: Avon Reversalist Night Cream

Avon’s Reversalist Night Cream and Reversalist Serum are the latest addition to Avon’s skincare line. The main ingredient in the night cream and serum is Activinol. According to Avon, this breakthrough anti-aging technology is proven in clinical studies to increase the production of Activin, which helps skin cells repair themselves at a faster rate. The faster dead cells turn over, the quicker fresh, healthy cells can replace them leading to beautiful, younger looking skin.

I was given samples of the Reversalist Cream and Reversalist Serum. My mom and I have been testing this night cream for the past few weeks. First, I’ll share my experience with the night cream. When I first read the box, it did caution that people with sensitive skin may feel a tingling sensation. I was worried after reading this because I have sensitive skin that is easily inflamed. However for the sake of this review, I bravely slathered on the cream anyway. The texture is creamy yet light and non greasy. It does contain fragrance, though very light and pleasant. I did feel very slight tingling sensation; however, it was very mild even for my sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend you to first do a patch test.

I only used the cream on my face twice because I was in the middle of another skincare routine. I did however use the night cream on my hands which have some sun spots. I soon noticed a more even skin tone and the freckles on my hands are becoming lighter. Also, the next morning, my skin feels oh so soft and smooth.

My mom whose skin is more mature, with fine lines, wrinkles and hyper pigmentation, also tried the night cream. She is an impatient consumer who will loose interest in a product unless she sees results quickly. Let’s just say she likes it so much that she asked me for a back up. It has helped firm, diminish fine lines, and even out her skin tone. I think the Reversalist line is worth a try.

Benefit Celebutante 2009 Holiday

This Celebutante kit from Benefit would make a perfect holiday gift for a special friend/sister or a great travel kit for yourself. For $34, you will get:

-high beam luminescent complexion enhancer
-benetint, rose-tinted lip & cheek stain
-dallas, the outdoor glow for the indoor gal face powder
-lipgloss in I'm with the band
-fullfinish lipstick in lady's choice
-full-finish lipstick in no competition
-velvet eyeshadow in leggy
-velvet eyeshadow in dandy brandy
-fluff shadow/talent brush

New Online Beauty Store

A few weeks ago, I stumbled onto a cool online beauty supplies store called BeautyTicket . Here you can get brand name makeup and skincare for up to 70% off.

This month, they are supporting BreastCancer.org. I am not sure when this promotion end but for every purchase made using the code "AWARENESS" at checkout, BeautyTicket.com will donate 10% to BreastCancer.org. What is a better way to shop than to get some good discount and help out a great cause at the same time? =)

Disclosure: This is not a paid endorsement.