SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

I don't think there's any one of us who has not been affected by today's economy. Times are challenging for all of us, but I hope you will join me in staying positive. We may not be able to afford the Tori Burch shoes we dote over as we pass them by in Nordstroms, however, I come home everyday and dote over my amazing husband to be our four kitties. Life is full of blessings, you just have to be open to receiving them. Although I am blessed with a wonderful home, I still like to indulge in some of my favorite beauty products that keep me looking gorgeous, even when things seem bleak. Won't you join me in reading through my first annual favorite things list.

1. Osacar Blandi's dry shampoo: Voted one of Allure magazine's editors choice awards, this product will simplify your daily hair routine and leave you feeling like a million dollars even when you didn't have time to wash. If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one thing with me, Osacar Blandi's dry shampoo would forever remain my keepsake. Sephora sells this product for approximately $20.00 and one bottle lasts me about two or three months.

2. Bliss's Triple Oxygen - Instant Energizing Mask: This is another personal favorite. Because our skin begins to lose oxygen up to 70% after the age of 30 years, our skin often times looks dull and tired. I've been using this product for nearly three years and it has changed my skin for the long haul. Every time I use this mask, people ask me why my skin is glowing. Bliss's Triple Oxygen - Instant Energizing Mask will give you the skin you've always dreamed of. I guarantee will you see instant results! Sold in all Sephora stores, some Nordstroms, and On-line at Bliss.com.

3. Philosophy's Help Me: This is a retinol night time treatment that helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, reduces dark spots, and evens out skin tones. This is also great to help fight some forms of acne. Remember when our mom's used to use Retin-A for wrinkles and doctor's prescribed it for acne? No prescription necessary. This product is great for any age and skin care specialists suggest using a retinol product in your twenties to help prevent skin damage and aging. Sold in Sephora and Nordstroms department stores.

4. Clarisonic MD: Okay, so it would be a toss up to leave this behind on my deserted island. I have been using this product for two years and it's been an absolute savior to my acne prone skin. 80-90% of skin problems are from incorrect cleansing. This product was created by the company what brought you the Sonicare, an eclectic toothbrush that helped clean teeth where regular brushes couldn't reach, deep within the surface. This is a similar device. This dynamic tool comes with a 1.5 inch brush head that rotates and vibrates while cleansing your skin. This also helps to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and help combat pimples.

Sold at Sephora for $195.00. Totally worth the investment for gorgeous skin!

5. Ardell Accents False Lashes: This is one of make-up artists best kept secrets. Why spend $15.00 on false lashes when you can get buy these at select drug stores for a quarter of the price. These lashes are easy to use, come in an array of styles and are CHEAP-A-RA-MO! My favorites are the #305's as they are the most natural looking in my opinion. I always receive compliments when I wear these bad boys. Sold at many drug stores in your area.

6. Bliss the youth as we know it moisturizer: "This incredibly effective anti-aging skin care formula contains many simultaneously high-performance ingredients that will produce a regenerative effect like no other. Be prepared for some unforeseen sensations like incredible results, radical wrinkle reduction, and constant receipt of compliments." (Blissworld.com) This product is a little expensive for a moisturizer and is primarily good for normal/combination skin types. It's been very hydrating for my winter skin.

7. Bigelow Rose Salve: This is another inexpensive indulgence. Rose salve can be used on lips, nails, dry spots, and even to help heal wounds. I love it during the dry winter months for my lips and cuticles. I keep it in my purse and use it on my nails when I'm waiting in line at the grocery store, getting the car washed, etc. It's cheap, easy, and best of all it's effective! This product can be found at Bath and Body Works, Sephora and other local beauty stores. The cost for this product is around $6.00.

8. Wish by Lollia/Eau de Parfum: For a romantic and sophisticated fragrance you must try Wish by Lollia. I know fragrances are personal to everyone and not everyone will love this, but I just think it's precious. Wish by Lollia is an Oriental Vanilla favorite with notes such as woods, resins, flowers and spices; along with sweet notes like cinnamon and vanilla. Trust me when I tell you that your man will want to take a bite out of your neck. This product is found exclusively on-line at Lollialife.com.

9. Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray: The description is in the title. This is a weightless mist that you spray on your face after finishing your make-up. Skindnavia makeup finishing spray keeps your face hydrated and your makeup fresh throughout the day. This product even keeps my smokey eyes in tact after a long day at the office or in the classroom. I LOVE it and have added it to my daily make-regimen. I feel naked without it. Purchase it at Skindinavia.com.

10. Cherie Carlson Photography: Get your sexy on this holiday season and have a keepsake item that will last a lifetime. I had my pictures done with Cherie over a year ago and nothing made me feel sexier. She is an amazing photographer that knows how to capture the beauty in everyone. Take a look at her portfolio at cheriecarlson.com. A photo shoot starts at $200.00. I believe this is one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. Get in quick before she realizes how amazing she is and raises her prices. Cherie spealizes in sexy photos primarily for modeling, but she takes amazing photos for any occasion. She is an amazing model herself and has recently done the advertisment photo layouts for the Tapout clothing line, popular amongst MMA fighters. (Photo at top of post is taken by Cherie Carlson).

I hope you've found my list helpful and you will send me feedback after your purchases. Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night!

Ciao Bella,

Farrah

xoxo...