Best in Beauty: Volume 3

The best in beauty products that have truly stood the test of time. Tried and true, these still rock.

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick ($34.00) come in eighteen creamy, sexy shades. (YSL’s Fall 2009 Collection will add four more shades to the line-up.) I believe I own about seven or eight of the available shades, and I adore them. This is my favorite lipstick formula, because each lipstick is extremely creamy, richly pigmented, glossy, and hydrating. I eagerly await the unveiling of the new shades for fall! Available at Nordstrom and Sephora.com.

Chanel Exceptionnel Mascara ($30.00) is a mascara I often reach for since I’ve tried it. I love the intensity of the black, the length it gives, and it doesn’t clump up too easily. It’s a bit pricey, but I do really like the formula and what it does to my lashes. It almost edges out my beloved MAC Plushlash mascara, but the price makes it not quite as fabulous. Available at Nordstrom.

See three more must-haves! Clarisonic ($195.00) is one of those products that often makes it onto wish lists, but the price keeps you from ever purchasing it. I have to tell you that I believed and still believe it is a worthwhile investment. (Just click on the product name–it’ll take you to my very lengthy review!) When I use it regularly, my skin is always better. (Writing this is giving me the kick in the behind I need to be less lazy and use this regularly again!) Watch out for sales at major retailers like Beauty.com and Sephora.com, where you can often get 20% off the Clarisonic–and I’d recommend picking up a few brush head replacements, too, while you’re at it. During Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, Clarisonic put together a kit including the Clarisonic Plus (I presume the new and improved version), three brush heads and a body brush, and a full size scrub for $225. Available at Nordstrom and Sephora.com.

Dior Amber Diamond Skin Shimmer (along with Rose Diamond, Pop Diamond, and Copper Diamond) is really my go-to highlighter. I use it at least a few times a week. I tend to opt for Amber Diamond over the others, only because it is so complementary with my skin tone. I always reach for Rose Diamond whenever I wear a cooler blush, too. The shimmer/sheen is so subtle and sophisticated, so it is great for all types of skin. No chunky glitter here! Available at Nordstrom and Sephora.com.

LUSH Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser ($9.95 for 3.5 oz.) is a go-to for skin cleansing. It’s a very mildly exfoliating cleanser that comes in a rolled up, slightly gummy shape. It’s Lush, so the product isn’t necessarily aesthetically pleasing. I don’t know — I didn’t think it looked odd to me, but maybe that just shows that love is blind… I’ve repurchased this throughout the years, and it’s never done me wrong. Available at LUSH.