2008 Best Products List from Paula Begoun

She is my hero in terms of shedding light on which products are scientifically superior, not just overhyped and overmarketed.

Check out the list of products she is recommending on her 2008 Media Tour.

So Sexy

:: Victoria's Secret So Sexy Hair Care Products ::

I am sooooOOoo in love with the "So Sexy" line of hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, styling products) from Victoria's Secret. There is something really intoxicating about the scent. The formulations on these products are reasonably good too. I could extoll to you their virtues, but the scent is really what I'm raving about here, and I don't want to waste time talking about the ingredient list. Just run and get these. They are on sale currently, 3 products for $21. If all of my friends' hair starts smelling this good, I may end up sniffing hair all damn day long.

While you're at it, pick up a few of the Beauty Rush lip glosses. I own a lot of balms/glosses, so trust me when I say the Beauty Rush formula is really stellar. The color is subtle but rocks, and they moisturize so well I find myself feeling like my lips are marinated. I know that's a weird analogy but it's how I feel, so deal with it.

Triple Treat

I've had this set in my shower for a couple of months, but already I feel like it will be a staple of mine for years to come. 

:: Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo and Conditioner ::

This was recommended to me and I kept passing it over because I wasn't a huge fan of the smell from the bottle. But when a handful of people are telling you to give it a try, eventually you succumb to their wishes.

Good things:

1. The Giovanni Tea Tree line is great if you have that unfortunate problem of having oily roots and dry ends. It cleans hair really well and treats the scalp, without drying out the shaft.
   
2. It's a natural/organic product line (I found it at the organic section in Wegman's.) which isn't in and of itself a reason to buy something, but it does feel good to know you're not coating your hair with unnatural chemicals.
   
3. This is supposed to be good for itchy/flakey scalp. I can't attest to that as I don't have that problem, but I've read a lot of reviews from women who say it helps.
   
4. Sulfate-free shampoo. Won't lather as much, but it's better for your hair in the end.
   

Bad things:

1. I wouldn't use this everyday. Maybe once or twice a week.
   
2. This does contain some irritants (peppermint and eucalyptus). Gives you that tingly feeling you crave but for some people it may cause problems. It didn't for me.
   
3. The smell isn't very nice, but it doesn't linger long.
   

Skin Effects Enzyme Scrub

I recently had my first spa experience on a weekend shopping trip with girlfriends. It seemed well worth the money at the time and I loved getting my "personal prescription facial," but I couldn't help feeling guilty afterward that I'd spent so much money with no *real* lasting effects.

The one product the Aesthetician used that gave me amazing results was a high-end, European brand exfoliant that uses fruit enzymes. I was tempted to buy it at the spa, but when I saw the price tag I gulped and put it back.

At home, I was determined to research and find a drugstore product with similar ingredients and effects. This scrub is almost identical to the expensive scrub used on me at the spa. I've been using it for 2 months with great results. It's a gentle scrub (I have extremely sensitive skin) and you can really feel it working if you leave it on for a few minutes. It leaves my face bright and glowing, with no redness. It has reached holy grail status.

Oh, and the best part: only $6.99. The Skin Effects brand is available only at CVS.

Nailtiques

Yes, I knoooooooow I haven't posted in forever. I had a traumatic experience writing for another blog before the holidays. They were snotty and mean and I should have known better than to leave you guys for greener pastures. I know now; this is where I belong.

:: Nailtiques Nail Proteins ::

The tag line for this product is "nothing else even comes close"....and I would say they are not lying. I've been using this product for a long time, and there's nothing else like it on the market. I have never had acrylic nails, but I like to think that this product makes your real nails feel as strong and thick as those fake suckers. I like the way my nails look with a few coats of this: strong, thick, and righteously healthy.

There are different formulas. I recommend the Formula 2 or the 2 plus if your nails are dry, peeling, or weak. (They recommend you never start with 2 plus, but I am a warrior and I've done it. Nothing horrible happened to me.) 

I would start by trimming and filing your nails, doing a little at-home mani of sorts, and then apply this in one good coat, going over the tip of the nail to cover it as well. Apply one coat everyday, removing all coats every 3-4 days and starting over again. In a few weeks, your nails should look you are a QVC hand model. 

The one drawback is that a tiny bottle of this stuff is $10. It's well worth that price, but I have to flinch every time I buy it. Find it at salons and CVS.

Oral Sanitizer

For my friends who care about oral hygiene as much as I do, I bring you:

:: The Dentek Toothbrush Sanitizer ::

I saw this at Target for $19.99 and had to have it. I am SO paranoid about shit getting on my toothbrush. Now I don't have to be. You just slide open the case, insert your toothbrush (I have a power toothbrush and it still fits), and close the case to activate the UV light. The light will work for about 8 minutes to sanitize your toothbrush so it's ready for the next use. It takes two AAA batteries, not included.

The other bonus is that your toothbrush is ready for travel.

Now, let me also state that I am NOT a huge fan of antibacterial/antimicrobial everything. Germs are good and eating day-old pizza that's been left out to collect bacteria is actually GOOD for you. We're getting rid of too many germs and the super germs are going to rise up against us. That being said, I draw the line at feces on my toothbrush, so I'm loving Dentek for this.

Clear Plum Polish

:: Orly Beverly Hills Manicure Polish ::

I bought this on a whim because it just looked yummy in the bottle (think the color of the flesh of a plum mixed with the color of pink grapefruit flesh). It's a sheer, plum color that looks a bit more unique and polished than just using clear. It gives your nails a healthy, plump look, and by plump I mean it looks like the blood is flowing well into your finger tips. I also love that Orly polishes have a rubberized handle/grip. Great design.

*Pictured second from right.

HIP Shadow

Loving these shadows. They aren't the kind of thing I wear every day, but when I'm feeling foxy I pull these out. I am in love with the deep, jewel tones that somehow manage to stay subtle. I own three: the two above, and a bright green with a darker, olive green. I use Clinique's Touch Base for Eyes underneath to make sure the color stays put all day. If you haven't used Touch Base, you should try it. It's magic.

:: L'Oreal HIP High Intesity Pigment Shadow Duos ::

Good things:

1. Gorgeous colors, go on pretty transparent despite the name. I dampen the brush a bit for a more saturated application.
2. Cute packaging.
3. $6.99 a piece. Cheap!

Bad things:

1. When I see the name High-Intensity, I kind of expect a lot of pigmentation. It's annoying that these aren't more vivacious, but it does prevent you from leaving the house looking like a freak.
2. I've read reviews where people have allergic reactions to this, so be careful if you have sensitive eyes/skin. I have both, but these didn't bother me at all.

Natural Snatch, er Match.

First off, I want to confess that I originally bought this for one reason: Penelope Cruz has a crazy sexy voice and when I see her in a commercial saying something to me, I believe it because I want her desperately.

Now, moving on... my natural hair color is a medium auburn. Most of the time I love my real color. But, I am a creature that loves variety, so I often color my hair as a means of dealing with crisis, or injecting drama into a boring period, etc. etc.

Lately I am addicted to chocolate brown hair. The problem with at-home coloring is that my hair always ends up either dark, reddish brown, or black. Not *chocolate* brown. The red always wants to come out and going darker just makes it look flat and black.

L'Oreal Natural Match in shade 4C (Dark Ash Brown) is the first hair color I've had success with at home. I've used this twice now and have been extremely happy both times. The Natural Match line gives you the option of going cool (eliminating red or brassy tones), warm, neutral, or red.

:: L'Oreal Natural Match Hair Color ::

Good Things:

1. The colors are true to life. They look like your hair, but better. The 4C for me is a deep, rich, velvety chocolate brown.
2. It makes my hair shiny. I have naturally shiny hair but coloring usually dries it out. My hair looks better after using this.
3. Smells good.
4. At less than $10, very affordable.

Bad Things:

1. The first few days it seems darker than it should, but after a few washings it tames down to the luscious color you're expecting.
2. The whole idea of this hair color is that you don't stray too far from your natural color. Not recommended if you're looking for drastic change.
3. Penelope Cruz was not in my box.

*All hair responds to color differently. Please do not blame me if you use this product and don't like it.

Pomegranate Love

I have a very weird obsession with pomegranates. I don't even recall when it all began. There is something about those little seeds bursting in your mouth that does it for me. I enjoy anything pomegranate scented, especially this new line from B&BW.

:: Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate ::

Right now, I am using the hand soap in my bathroom. It makes me happy every time I wash my hands.

Sexy. Mother. Pucker.

Leave it to hottie Micala to recommend one of the best products I've used on my lips in ages.

If the name alone doesn't suck you in and make you buy it, the fact that is feels like bee stings on your lips should be enough to convince you. Found this at Target for $9.99.

:: Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss ::

Good things:

1. Comes in clear, and nude, and maybe others that I didn't see. I bought the clear.
2. Has a delightful chocolate/orange scent that is subtle, not too cupcakey.
3. Marketed as a lip plumper, but I think it should be seen more as a "vibrator for the lips." For the first few minutes it feels like any other gloss, then you start to feel a massive tingling that makes your lips feel like they were stung by bees. Scary? Maybe. But not for those of us into a lil bit of pain. It *does* smooth out lip texture and give you plumpy, juicy lips.
4. Cute, retro packaging and marketing.

Bad things:

1. Sticky, which is good for staying power, but bad if it's a windy day and you have long hair.
2. A tad expensive for a gloss, but I would have spent twice as much.

Stress Control

I've been using two of the products from the new Neutrogena Stress Control line for the past month. I have to say, I haven't adored products like this in a while. I think they're putting crack in it because I *so* look forward to using these twice a day. Usually my adoration wears off after a couple of weeks.

:: Neutrogena Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Treatment ::

Good things:

1. Gel-like consistency that moisturizes but also leaves you with a matte finish.
2. BHA helps to clear acne and prevent it, and exfoliate skin.
3. Has a soothing effect that I can't really describe with words.
4. The smell is light and refreshing, though I normally detest fragrance in face products.
5. Recommended by Paula Begoun, who researches products scientifically and ignores marketing.
6. Comes in a very nice, sanitary squirt-bottle.
   
7. Around $7 and available everywhere.
   

:: Neutrogena Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub ::

Good things:

1. I *rarely* enjoy a scrub, as most are too harsh for my skin. But this one is fantastic. I use it every morning and sometimes at night too.
2. Does not irritate or dry out skin, but leaves your skin even-toned and refreshed.
3. Has a cream base that makes it easy to put on and leave on throughout your shower, so the medicine has a longer time to work into your face.

Bad things:

1. Something in it is tingly, which feels nice but sometimes those ingredients can be irritating, so be careful.

Hyper. Shine.

LooooOOOOoooOOOooooooOOooOoOOOOve this lip glos. Love. Love. Love. You can find this at most Target stores or online.

:: E.L.F. Hypershine Lip Gloss in Nude ::

Good Things:

1. It's $1.
2. Ultra shiny, but not ultra sticky.
3. Nice scent and taste.
4. Fairly long lasting and conditioning.
5. Brush-on applicator is very nice.
6. Similar to the Stila glosses.

Bad Things:

1. For $1, nothing is bad about this.

Chick Flick Cherry

A quickie post today. Love this gorgeous red polish from OPI. I have to say, even when I was sweaty, dirty, and mosquito-bitten in Alaska, the fact that my toes looked fabulous kept me going. It didn't chip once, and I was wearing hiking boots almost every day.

:: OPI Nail Lacquer in Chick Flick Cherry ::

I've blogged about these polishes before. They are a tad more expensive than regular drugstore lines, but so worth the few extra bucks. They go on smooth, don't chip, and the bottle lasts a long time. This shade of red is deep but also sort of retro cherry-red at the same time. Brilliant.

You can find them in specialty beauty stores, and even grocery stores, which is where I got this one.