Favorites of 2012

For the most part, putting together my list of H.G. items was pretty simple, especially since I like to keep a bag of back-ups under my makeup table. The following are all the products that I've used throughout the year and have repurchased.

~Hair~
*Wen*

Even though I've been using this product for a couple years, back in the Spring, I started using it more as a conditioner than cleanser. With regular shampoo, it makes my hair look shiny and feeling healthy. I did attempt to try out different products but nothing else could compare. For the winter months, I'll be using Fig, which is more moisturising than the other "flavors".

*TRESemme' Thermal Recovery Shampoo*

After spending over a year of only using a cleansing conditioner on my hair, the search for a great shampoo proved to be a tad difficult. Luckily, on my second attempt, I found my now go-to product. Just like Wen, I absolutely love the way my hair looks and feels...plus, there's the added bonus of heat protection.

*TRESemme' Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray*

I didn't notice this until it was mentioned in an Emilynoel83 video and have been using this ever since. Not only is it affordable, but the hold is great without leaving any sticky residue.

~Face~
*bareMinerals Foundation in Golden Fair*

I started using this in the beginning of January, when I was suffering from horrible breakouts and acne scars. Over the past 12 months, it has not only covered up any imperfections but my face has also cleared up wonderfully. This is a product that I simply can't imagine being without and has been the absolute best foundation I've ever tried.

*bareMinerals Bisque*

Adding this to the mix has given me even more coverage and truly erases everything from dark circles to the occasional breakout.

*bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil*

This offers such a great airbrushed look and really evens everything out. Before I initially tried this I really didn't understand the purpose for a "finishing powder", however, this have been a product that I never leave the house without.

*bareMinerals Prime Time*

When I use this, my make-up stays on all day and rarely needs to be touched up...plus, it hasn't caused any break outs.

~Eyes~
*Tarte Lights Camera Splashes Mascara*

I've been using this for over two years and have continued to repurchase. I love everything about it from the way my lashes feel and look to how bulletproof it is. I don't doubt that this will be on my H.G. list for quite some time.

*Smashbox Limitless Liner in Onyx*

This is another product that I have been using for over two years. Over the past twelve months I've been having a lot of fun using a colored liner on the top on my lids and Onyx in the waterline. It's quite rare when I need to reapply in the middle of the day.

~Skincare~
*Philosophy Hands of Hope*

Last year when I bought my first tube, I didn't think I'd repurchase...ironically, I've had HOH in my bag ever since. It's so moisturising, especially perfect for the cooler months, and has no scent so I don't have to worry about it competing with my perfume. I'm yet to find a cheaper dupe for this.

*Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Neck Cream*

I absolutely love this product! After the first month of use, I could see such a difference in the tightness of my neck and decollete area...the smooth feeling is a bonus as well.

*bareMinerals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser*

Last January after using BEs makeup for a few weeks I decided to venture toward their skincare and haven't looked back since. I use the exfoliating cleanser first thing in the morning and as a mask once a week. I also really like the fresh scent it has.

*bareMinerals Purifying Facial Cleanser*

I use this every other night and it's such a gentle cleanser that takes the day off.

*bareMinerals Deep Cleansing Foam*

I use this on nights when I don't reach for the Purifying Cleaner and it applies almost like a mask.
I've been using all three cleansers for a year and not only has my skin cleared up immensely but it also looks a lot brighter. I don't think I'd want to use anything else.

*bareMinerals Skin Rev-Er Upper*

I use this morning & night and it's really helped to clear my skin without drying it out.

*bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum*

This is such a light serum that goes right into the skin. My face has looked amazing since I've been using this product and I fully believe that this is what helped to erase all my acne scars...that and the Skin Rev-Er Upper.

*bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer*

This moisturizes my face without causing any breakouts, which is what I think was initially my problem, using the wrong face cream.

~Shower~
*Philosophy Candy Cane*

This 3in1 is part of the holiday collection, however, I keep it in my bathroom all year long. I'm not 100% sure but this has to contain Menthol because it really opens up your nasal passages and gives off a nice cooling sensation. I love using this when I'm sick or on hot summer nights....I use this on my son as well.

~Lips~
*EOS Lip Balm*

These are great to use prior to applying lipsticks or glosses. They're not greasy, smell really good, and leave my lips nice and soft. I take these wherever I go.

*Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick*

As of right now I have seven shades from this line and love all of them. The colors range from sheer to a bold pink and feel just like a lip balm.

*bareMinerals Moxie Lip Gloss*

After I tried a couple out, I soon became addicted and loaded up on more...and more. They're long lasting with shades ranging from clear to a deep berry. What I love it the candy scent they have and the minty feeling I get when I wear them.

So there you have it-my list of 2012 Go-To/Holy Grail/Repurchased items. I apologize for the long length of this post...thanks for sticking with me :)

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchange for a positive review. For more information, please check out my Disclaimer.

Favorite "Sick" Product

Well, it took a few months but all the germs in my office have caught up to me and now I'm sick :(
The only good thing to come out of this horrendous cold is the inspiration for this post.

Towards the holiday season I picked up a bottle of Philosophy's Candy Cane shower gel and with the first sniff I knew this would be perfect to use whenever I got sick. That day has come and I've been using it like it's going out of style.

It smells just like a package of Altoids and there's a little Menthol so it gives a nice cooling sensation. I find myself using it more that I'm sick than when I'm not.
Between the scent and steam from the shower, it gives off a wonderful boost.

I think next year, I'll be picking up a couple more bottles of this stuff.

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchage for a review. For mor information, please check out my Disclaimer.

Favorite Winter Lip Products

Just like everyone else, I spend the winter fighting the war against dry, chapped lips. Here are some products that I've found to be quite helpful and effective in keeping a kissable pout.

Laura Geller's Lip Makeover Kit

The Lip Strip is a great scrub that contains organic Brazilian sugar cane along with peppermint and spearmint oils. It feels soooooooo good and is quite tasty too! I use this every other night and the result is nice, soft lips. The second part to this kit is the Heal and Seal Gloss which has soothing ingredients such as Shea, aloe, and jojoba butters. This gloss gives off a nice comforting and cushioned feel.

Philosophy Lip Glosses



I collect these like a kid would collect baseball cards. Their scents are wonderful as everything else they make. I like to use these at night over my Heal and Seal-what amazes me is not only do they lock in moisture but they stay on through the night!



Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipsticks



I love these sooo much! They're a lot like her baked products with swirls of different colors and contain wild mango butter so they feel like a lip balm. I've been reaching for these more than any product because their so comfortable on my lips and the colors are all very pretty. 

Revlon Lip Butters

These feel quite similar to the Italian Marble Lipsticks. I don't reach for them quite as much because for the most part I like to have a more natural look on my lips where as these are a little bolder.

EOS Lip Balm

I finally tried out these lip balms over the summer and really like them, especially before bed. Not only do they smell nice but they're fun to apply...and they have actually made a difference in my lips since I started using them.

Between the cold air outside and the dry heat indoors, your lips really take a beating. I feel like I have a little more of a handle on the situation in using these products.

Favorites of 2011

I really wasn't sure if I wanted to do a favorites list until I realized there were a lot of products that were used almost on a daily basis, therefore, I felt they each deserved shout-outs. So without further ado I give you my H.G. items of 2011....

~Lotions~

*Philosophy Hope In A Jar: This was the first facial cream I've used that wasn't super oily. It's light in texture and gives the skin a nice rosy glow.

*Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Neck Cream: Before using this my neck had these little lines across it. I've been using this product since February and since then my neck and decollete look tight and amazing. I'm in love with this cream and what it's done for me.

~Washes~

*Philosophy Purity Made Simple & Microdelivery Wash: I've been using these washes since Dec. 2010 and have seen such a difference in my skin. My face has a nice glow and is so smooth. The added bonus is that you don't need to use a moisturiser immediately afterwards.

~Treatment~

*Philosophy Microdelivery Peel: I use this on a weekly basis and love the way it makes my face feel, not to mention I think it's helping to lighten my acne marks.

~Eye Makeup Remover~

*Philosophy Just Release Me:Not only does this easily remove eye makeup, it also conditions the eye area and works great when applied after plucking your eyebrows (takes away the redness).

~Face Primer~

*Laura Geller Spackle: This is a product that I use every single day...and have even found multiple purposes for it! Not only does it keep my makeup on all day but it works great at night for locking in any kind of moisturizer, feels amazing after you shave, and works wonders on sunburn!

~Mascara~

*Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes:It gives lashes the same length and fullness with the added benefit of being completely waterproof...or should I say bulletproof. There have been times I've washed my face before taking off my eye makeup and it was still on!

~Eye Shadow~

*Laura Geller Baked Eyeshadow/Eye Rimz Duo in Vanilla Toffee and Black Cherry: I got this in her Vanilla Nudes kit and every time I wear these I get compliments. I just love the pretty colors and the way it makes my eyes look more awake and brighter.

~Highlighter/Blush/Contour~

*Laura Geller Baked Cheek Dreams in Neapolitan: This also came in my Vanilla Nudes kit and I can say that this comes everywhere with me. Sweeping all three colors gives a really pretty blush but on a daily basis I use the highlighter and contouring portions. I use the French Vanilla highlighter to lock in my eye liner and to give my face a little more light . I also love the chocolate colored section to contour my cheeks, nose and chin. Love this!!!!!

~Lip Gloss~

*Laura Geller Lightbeams in Skinny Dip: I love using this to give my lipsticks a boost, especially for a nude lip. I find myself reaching for it at least twice a week. To me it has the perfect amount of shimmer to make your lips pop.

~Lipstick~

*Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick in Dolce: This is my perfect pink color. I actually had to try to stop using it so much because I felt bad that I was neglecting my other lip products. It's so pretty, gives a little bit of a glossy look, and feels just like a lip balm. This really is my perfect lipstick.

Well, that concludes my list. I have other products that I used on a daily basis but these were my favorites. If you haven't tried any of these I highly suggest that you do!

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchage for a review. For mor information, please check out my Disclaimer.