Head to Toe: The 10 Best Products for Your Skin, Nails and Hair
2
By valeriekw
in Fashion Features
on January 17, 2011
In the second installment of her round-up of beauty essentials, Beauty and the Budget's Valerie Warrington shares her top 10 picks for hair, skin and nails.
You've already checked out my 9 Beauty Must-Haves Under $30 (and hopefuly over-hauled your makeup bag with the essentials), now it's time to clear out your shower and your medicine cabinet, and stock up on the best products for your skin, hair, and nails...
Even when you have a stellar outfit on, nothing says 'hello' quite like a blemish-free face. Most of us can't escape the occasional blemish, but to reduce your chances of a breakout, Neutrogena products are always a safe bet. Specifically, I love the Clear Pore Oil Eliminating Astringent ($5.99), which I have faithfully used for nearly five years.
I'm all for saving money on everything from groceries to fashion to beauty, but when it comes to your skin, it's worth it to shell out the extra cash for a good product. Your skin's health is important, which is why there's a beauty product out there for literally every skin type. Which ones are the best? For lackluster skin, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($52) brightens and refreshes your skin with antioxidants like vitamin C and grapeseed extract. It'll give you that beautiful glow you'll need to continue your day.
I've always been satisfied with Olay products, so it's no surprise that the Olay Definity Restorative Night Cream ($26.99) doesn't disappoint. For your nighttime beauty fix, the anti-aging cream diminishes the appearance of skin discoloration and wrinkles.
Topping the facial care portion of this list are La Mer beauty products. Creme de la Mer was developed by an aerospace physicist who was looking for a way to heal his chemical burns. Six thousand experiments later, a creme that softens and smooths skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles was developed. Although expensive, the product has developed a cult following. Devotees swear specifically by the La Mer moisturizing creme ($125).
Moisturizing is a must during the winter. In colder temperatures, even the softest skin can dry out. Vaseline's Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning lotion ($8.49) makes skin softer and smoother while reducing the appearance of dark spots in your skin tone. I use it daily, but avoid using it on oily areas, as it can lead to breakouts.
I've been flirting with different hair products and treatments, but when it comes to shampoos and conditioners, I'm committed to Organix Instant Repair Cocoa Butter Shampoo and Conditioner ($5.99). It breathes life into dried out strands by instantly repairing and moisturizing your winter tresses with organic cocoa butter and sesame seed oil.
If your salon dye job has reached past the point of ombre-chic, opt for a quick touchup with the Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore Pen ($23). The quick drying color pen lasts all day long and comes in every natural color shade, from blonde to jet black. And for those looking for an immediate hair color change without going to the salon, you can even use the Pronto Colore Pen for temporary highlights.
If you're prone to split ends or use a hair straightner on a regular basis, be sure to give your ends a quick coat of Sedu Anti-Frizz Serum ($35), which does double duty as a conditioner and protective coating to keep your hair shiny, healthy, and frizz-free.
Bid farewell to chipped, dull polish with a Shellac manicure (prices vary). Our intense obsession with this 14 day manicure runs deep, and we were especially excited to hear that next spring it will be available in even more colors, especially the Black Pool shade. Not only does the revolutionary polish strengthen your nails, the high shine finish has the staying power you need for your hectic lifestyle. For something that we can't stop raving about, we're convinced that once you go shellac, you never go back!
Once you've Shellac'd, keep your cuticles quenched with CND's Solar Oil ($4.80), one of our favorite nail conditioners out there. A few small drops will last you all day, making the up-keep of your mani easier than ever.
What products are you obsessed with this year?
2 Comments
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MarielleMurphy • over 1 year ago
I use the Organix Coconut Milk shampoo and conditioner! When I run out I'll try the Cocoa Butter! -
nicoledao • over 1 year ago
Anything from LUSH! It's eco- friendly, natural and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.