Favorite Things 2008

As I reviewed my 2007 list from last year, I was reminded of great products that I still use today, some of which you'll see showing up on my list again this year. Also, there are some products that I've returned to and will list as favorites for 2008 that I'd used a while back and have come to realize they are just too good not to resurrect.

You'll see some newcomers in my list of favorites, especially in the category of skincare, and these delights are definitely to be checked out for yourself! Though I continue to age, my skin has literally never looked bettter, and I owe a debt of gratitude to the companies that make the products I've been using for such wonderful results.

1. FACIAL CLEANSER

Pomega5 Pomegranate Cleansing Bar $18
A deep cleansing facial treatment for all skin types. Essential oils of myrtle and eucalyptus provide deep cleansing and disinfection, omega-rich olive oil moisturizes; pomegranate seed oil protects and balances; mini bark particles gently exfoliate; aromatherapeutic lemongrass enlivens the senses; long-lasting and lathers beautifully; can be used on face and body; naturally preservative-free; contains no synthetics, parabens or perfumes. Not tested on animals. Another thing to love about it - it lasts for-eva!
pomega5



2. FACIAL EXFOLIANT

Rodan + Fields Microdermabrasion Paste $77
Same as last year, this is still the best! R+F used to have this product in their Reverse line-up and now it's part of what they're calling their Enhancements line, but still the same great sugar and salt scrub featuring vitamins C & E in an oil-free (that part still blows me away, try it, you'll see why), deeply hydrating exfolation treatment - love it! Another product where a little goes a long way. I've had my jar for a year and there's still plenty left. Great investment.
rodanandfields



3. FACIAL MASK

Alaksa Glacial Mud Masque $34
Hands down 'The Best' mask out there. It contains the most mineral-rich and pure glacial clay in the world, sustainably harvested from the remote waters of the Copper River Delta in Alaska. The masque detoxifies, exfoliates and softens skin while more than 60 nourishing major and trace elements promote healthy skin cell regeneration. The pure mud is further enriched with a special combination of certified organic and wildcrafted botanical extracts from the Pacific Northwest including kelp, nettle, horsetail, elderflower, yarrow, cranberry, blueberry and vitamins e and b5 that are chosen for their moisturizing, skin-softening, anti-aging and immunoprotective properties. You will FEEL it working its magic just seconds after application. Both my teenage son and I adore this porduct. We've probably ordered a case since first trying it, and we'll continue to do so - it's just that good. I recommend applying with their mud masque application brush - it's wonderful!
alaskaglacialmud


4. FACIAL MOISTURIZERS

DAY - Pomega5 Revitalizing Essential Moisture $48
Rich in nourishing fatty acids and essential oils, this deliciously-fragrant cream feels soft and silky to the touch, yet absorbs immediately to leave skin with a healthy glow and renewed freshness. Pomegranate seed oil, bearberry and bilberry - natural clearing agents - work to clarify skin and protect against environmental damage; Wild Moroccan argan nourishes, softens and renews elasticity; nutrient-rich horsetail firms and revitalizes at the cellular level; contains no fillers, synthetics, parabens, or perfumes. Not tested on animals. you can really feel the firming effect of this cream - one of its many benefits. [A shame as it is now discontinued, but Pomega5 Green Tea Lotion is fabulous as well.]
pomega5

NIGHT - Pomegranate Health Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream $36.95
This is a luxurious blend of the known benefits of natural Pomegranate Seed Oil, a proprietary pomegranate extract (it’s their secret!), and Amino Acids (Hexapeptides), Alpha Lipoic Acid, (Thioctic Acid) and an extract of Brown Algae (Laminaria Digitalia). These algae are superb moisturizers containing amino acids similar to those in human skin. They add Vitamins A, C and E and a careful selection of natural essential oils for a silky, luxurious cream that's gentle and quickly absorbed by your skin. They also add a wonderfully powerful amino acid, DMAE, which supports healthy skin by supporting the integrity of cell membranes It also helps block the production of certain other acid substances that lead to sagging of your skin and those dreaded wrinkles. You’ll love the way it help maintain smooth, firm and contoured skin! It's a silky, creamy blend, with a delicate citrus scent to enliven your skin and your spirit.
pomegranatehealth

5. ORGANIC LINE OF FACIAL CARE

Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating Line
Everything about this brand of skincare is superb! I've written extensively about it; you can check that out here. My favorites in this line are the Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum and the Rejuvenating Face Cream with its organic rose oil - over 4 pounds of rose petals are used to make just one 1.7 oz bottle - amazing and absolutely beautiful!
organic apoteke


6. LUXURY LINE OF FACIAL CARE

FOUND - Sarpa Wrinkle Reducing Serum $225
SARPA serum is a beneficial potion formulated with a peptide that imitates the venom of the Viper of the Temple of the Azure Cloud. SARPA is a non-greasy emulsion serum. SARPA is viscous like all venoms, due to the high concentration of active ingredients and Sodium Hyaluronate. The serum is a treatment that has a high concentration of active matter (47%). Enriched with powerful peptides and Hyaluronic Acid, it moisturises, smoothes and relaxes the skin. The firming benefits of this product are brilliant!

FOUND - Istr Global Anti-Aging Cream $195
Very enriched with active matter (33.45%) that actively combats aging, restructures, nourishes, firms, moisturizes and smoothes skin. It has an almost custard-like consistency - very unique, dense and rich in texture.

I've written about this brand, created by Eric Cosson, a self-confessed "science addict". The tale behind the brand is as romantic as the ingredients and the results. The packaging, application, concept, just about everything about this brand is luxurious! You can read more about it here. FOUND is available at Aedes.

7. FACIAL PRIMER

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer $36
I'm back to my old favorite with this one. It really is amazing in providing an almost flawless canvas upon which you can apply your foundation, whether in liquid, cream or powder form. The primer is a silky blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity, this best-selling primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. (NOTE: I do not like the one with Dermaxyl, the SPF; it doesn't blend well for me, it forms little clumps and granules I don't like; I stick to the original one.)
smashbox


8. FOUNDATION

Prescriptives Flawless Skin with SPF15 $39.50
Again - back to a tried and true with the selection of this foundation. I sitll enjoy my Armani LSF and my Lancome foundation, but this one gets the mark of favorite this year for its coverage, lightness of texture, blendability and longevity in wear. The groundbreaking formula with Pro-XCell Complex, works to protect against sun damage and external assaults, while simultaneously diffusing imperfections. I just think it's fabulous!
prescriptives


9. CONCEALER

Mary Kay Concealer $10
Nothing seems to compare to this for me. It was my favorite last year as well. The coverage is outstanding, even camouflaging dark circles and it blends beautifully. A little goes a long way. Of course, the price is fantastic too!
marykay


10. FACIAL POWDER

Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder $59
There's nothing else like this powder on the market. HALO is the first anti-aging powder with the science of skin care built in. It's advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide deliver powerful anti-aging benefits while the patented hydration system continuously revitalizes skin for a brighter, more radiant complexion all day. HALO’s innovative built in shaver gives you the perfect amount of luminous loose powder every time with no mess. A true multi-tasker! So magnificent is it, the powder has been clinically shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in 10 minutes. Yes ma'am, I said it, I sure did. And - another product where a little goes a long way and comes with its own kabuki brush for flawless application. It just doesn't get any better than that. Well, I guess unless it was free, but it's well worth every penny! : )
smashbox

11. EYE COSMETICS

Can't help it. I'm a creature of habit. My favorites last year are still my favorites this year. Well, at least in the categories of shadows and liners. MAC Pigments are my HG's. I also enjoy a hard to find single, Milani in Java Bean, for crease and contour (bring back your old singles, Milani, please - they're fab, why mess with what isn't broken), and I adore my Lancome Artliners. No changes.

New Mascara Fave - L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes $10.95
I will name a new favorite in mascara - it's THE BOMB! Yes, yes, I know, I wrote about it just recently. I tell you, this is just as good as my high end mascaras, yet even better in lengthening, and I couldn't be more pleased to have stumbled across it. Clump-free length, smudge-proof, flake-proof, longwearing hold, rinses clean with water, great for sensitive eyes even contact lens wearers (like me). Available at drugstores and mass retailers all over.

You're going to have an opportunity to try this for yourself soon. I've got a whopper of a giveaway thanks to L'Oreal Paris coming soon - be watchful you don't want to miss this!


12. BLUSH

Prescriptives Colorscope Plush Blush for Cheeks and Lips $20
I think I wear this just about every day! Even when I highlight or add other blushes for variety in color, I generally use this as a base. The weightless gel formula glides on and blends effortlessly to give skin a fresh, healthy flush in a sheer finish. Presented in a compact, portable stick for easy touch-ups anytime, anywhere. My favorite shade is Voodoo! It's a deep plummy-wine color, yet sheer on application with lovely light-reflecting pigment.
prescriptives


13. LIPSTICK

YSL Beauty Rouge Volupte' $34
Hands down - the best lipstick formulation on the market right now in my opinion - and I dare say, many others' opinions as well. Read my beauty blogging buddies' sites for renditions of why they love it (Blogdorf Goodman - Annie has it in her favorites too, KarlaSugar's TNBTTGSY -you can also see swatches of all the shades, The Daily Cookie, The Daily Obsession, Palacinka, The Makeup Divas, Temptalia). The texture of this lippie is unbelievably sensual. The cream becomes fluid with on contact with your lips and the coverage and high pigmentation is stunning. The sleek and elegant tube packaging of the product itself is collectible. You can read more about what FTLOB had to say about it here. Favorite shade? Their hot pink Rouge Volupte' #10.
yslbeauty


14. LIP GLOSS/PLUMPING GLOSS

M·A·C Plushglass $17.50
I'm a fan of pretty much all the MAC glosses in their varieties. I know this particular MAC product doesn't seem to get a whole ot of buzz, but I just love it! Not only is the formulation lovely, non-sticky, long-lasting, pleasant tasting, but the look of plumped up, more voluminous lips is actually very nice. The gloss itself is lush and multi-dimensional with a pearlized high-shine finish. Sensational in application: gives a cool-warm, vanilla buzz to the lips. Moisturizes, soothes and contains vitamin E for added environmental protection. My favorite shade is Oversexed but I really enjoy many of them.
MAC

p.s. - My absolute favorite lipgloss historically has been Pout Lip Polish in Easy Ethel - but as they don't make that anymore (only able to find it here and there), I'm going with one you can still find. ; )

15. BODY WASH/GEL

Philosophy 3-in-1's $16 - 22 (depending on where you buy them)
I've loved these washes for years. They lather up well, smell amazing, are gentle cleansers and multi-taskers. You'll always find one (or two, or many) in my shower. Favorite scents are Amazing Grace and Inner Grace. I also love both these scents in their fragrance versions; you can always count them among my favorites!
philosophy


16. BODY SCRUB/EXFOLIANT

DERMAdoctor KP Duty $44 (16 oz)
This stuff rocks! I've got backups of this so I never run out or in case they discontinue it (which always seems to happen with my best loved products). KP Duty delivers serious medi-exfoliation for deeper, more thorough results. This dual action chemical + physical exfoliator blends the best of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion into a single, easy to use treatment created by leading dermatologist Audrey Kunin, MD (the DERMAdoctor). My arms have never been smoother - it's wonderful!
dermadoctor



17. BODY MOISTURIZER/CREAM

LaVanila Body Butters $25
These all natural, organic scented body butters are divine for the skin. They absorb instantly, hydrating and softening skin with 100% pure shea and cocoa butters. They contain anti-oxidants and 30 essential vitamins and minerals and they smell amazing. The butters are rich, velvety and reach deep into the skin.. This is not a moisturizer that will simply sit on top of your skin. You'll notice the hydration here. My favorites are their original fragrances in Vanilla Grapefruit, Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Blossom. It says something about a product if you order it more than once, and these I've ordered these over and over again. Love 'em!
lavanila

18. HAIRCARE

Everday Care - Redken Real Control Shampoo and Conditioner $12-$14
This line is specifically targeted to women (although men may use it too) who have dry, dense, chemically-treated hair prone to frizz - that's me. The shampoo is a soft, lathering shampoo that provides nourishment, smoothing and repair, while gently cleansing hair. The conditioner provides intense nourishment and detangling to dense hair helping it feel moisturized, smooth and controlled with a vibrant, shiny finish. You can read more about my review of it here. redken

Specialized Care - Pureology DandruffScalpCure Shampoo and Conditioner $38
A gentle, effective approach to dandruff for color-treated hair, Pureology DandruffScalpCure is an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner combination with a doze of 2% Pyrithione Zinc, which helps fight the scalp scaling, itching and flaking associated with dandruff as well as prevent the recurrence of dandruff-related symptoms with regular use. In a nutshell, it works and the color maintenance is fantastic - no fading here! You can read my review of this line here.
pureology

p.s. - Still love pRAWduct Flat Factor as a styling product and pRAWduct Love That Shine Drops for a finishing product (and extra shiny hair), and my pick for favorite hair dryer is definitely the T3 Featherweight - it cuts my drying time in hair and keeps my hair healthy and shiny.

19. FRAGRANCE

You'll have to forgive me with this category as I'm going to name a few. All I've loved equally as much this past year and continue to enjoy spritzing. I'm a fragrance chameleon so there's a different scent on every day, and sometimes there are many scents on throughtout the day. I can't decide - and love so many.

Harajuku Lovers in Love $25 - $45
I was so intrigued by Gwen Stefani's line of adorable, doll-themed bottles as well as the fragrances they held; each with its own identity - you can read more about that and their inspiration here. Love, my favorite of the series, is a sensuous floral concocted by Yves Cassar and Pascal Gaurin of International Flavors & Fragrances, has top notes of sparkling bergamot, pink pomelo, peach and bamboo leaf mist; a heart of watery peony, living hydroponic lace rose, jasmine sambac, nectarine blossom, creamy paperwhites and Egyptian jasmine, and a drydown of petally ylang, creamy vanilla orchid, sensual musk and blond wood.
hlfragrance

Black Amethyst EDT by Bath & Body Works $26.50
What draws me to this fragrance is that it reminds me of Chanel Chance but is much less expensive - ha! What I don't like about it is the packaging - I think BBW is revamping that and I truly hope they do. The edt bottle and packaging isn't bad, though - it's elegant and simple, much better and eye catching than the blackened tulips and cheap purple swirling on the other body products for the scent. Now, what I love about it is the sensuousness of the fragrance itself - the perfumers have seductively layered a sophisticated blend of Italian bergamot and rare camellias with exotic sandalwood and a surprising twist of vetiver resulting in a hypnotic, fine fragrance.
bath&bodyworks

Stoned $285
This seductive fragrance wow'ed me upon first whiff and renewed my love of perfume this year. Created by London jeweler Solange in collaboration with perfumer Lyn Harris, Stoned is a heady mix of sweet candy fused with the mystery of patchouli; a fresh top note of honeyed-Italian bergamot combines with classic rose; jasmine absolute fuses with labdanum, benzoin, tree moss and heliotrope – often associated with the mineral bloodstone for it’s enticing blue-purple colour to create the dark, warm heart of the fragrance; musk and vanilla bourbon create an addictive animal attraction... the jewelled scent permeates your skin and senses until you are "stoned" ... 'tis quite an experience! The bottle is as intriguing and mysetrious as the fragrance itself. You can read more about it and my review written mid-year here.
solange

20. FAVORITE NICHE BEAUTY STORES

There are a number of beauty related stores that bear mentioning in a category of favorites. These stores stand out for me as simply the best of the best - for the pleasurable shopping experience, the unique brands and products as well as organic lines they offer, their fantastic customer service and their lagniappe goodies (little something extras). In no particular order, they are:

Aedes de Venustas

b-glowing

Beautyhabit

Luckyscent

Spirit Beauty Lounge

Enjoy reading what my fellow bloggers loved enough to call their Favorites Things of 2008 by viewing their lists here:

Beautiful Makeup Search

Beauty 411

Beauty Talk

Beauty Tyrant

Binary Star

'*:.blu3.:*'

For The Love of Beauty

Grayburn

Life Of A Ladybug

lily loves mac

Make Do Style

Miss Whoever You Are

Perfume Shrine

Platinum Blonde Life

Searching the Inner Me

Slap Of The Day

The Beauty Alchemist

The non-blonde

Urbane Girl

Thanks so much, Vannessa of Grayburn, for volunteering for the daunting task of organizing the Favorite Things event this year! It was so much fun and your graphic rocks! xo