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

Calvin Klein Delicious Light Glistening Lip Gloss ($17.00) was a surprising discovery I made during last year’s Friends & Family sale at Sephora. I impulsively purchased Maven lip gloss, and I was quite pleased with it when I received it. In fact, I liked it so much, I went to my local Sephora and picked up three more — Knockout, Taffy, and Radar (at full price, even!). Shimmery, fairly pigmented glosses with exceptional glossiness and smooth texture. It didn’t feel sticky to me, but it wasn’t slipping off my lips either. Available at Sephora.com.

Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butters ($3.69) is one of those brands I find cute, affordable, and reliable. I’ve never not loved a Yes To Carrots product. They have a whole slew of flavors from Citrus (my personal favorite!), Melon, Berry, Carrot, and Mint. Super hydrating, deliciously scented, and lightly glossy. These just melt like butter on your lips. Available at Drugstore.com.

See three more of my long-standing faves! Lush Sweet Japanese Girl Cleanser ($10.25 for 1.2 oz.) made my skin feel ridiculously smooth, soft, and hydrated every time I used it. It’s lightly exfoliating, and a lot of Lush fans love to use this to reduce blackheads on their noses. I just like the way my skin feels after using it, personally! Available at Lush.

True Blue Spa Just a Minute Manicure Scrub ($12.00 for 5 oz.) is an amazing scrub for your hands. I wash my hands a gazillion times a day, so my hands tend to dry out. I moisturize them when I remember, but exfoliating also helps heaps. What I love about this scrub is it scrubs and cleanses simultaneously! It has sugar to exfoliate, but it lathers up and leaves your hands feeling ridiculously soft and silky. Instant treat! Available at Bath & Body Works.

Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme Lip Gloss ($36.00) is still the ultra luxe gloss of my dreams. Rich in color, high in sheen/glossiness, and available in too many colors for my wallet’s comfort. I only own two (hey, they are quite pricey, and they are very limited in availability!), but they are stunning. Truly gorgeous and, for me, worth $36 a pop. Available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman (may not be available in-store, just a heads up!).

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.

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

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator ($19.00) was a product that was nearly HG (holy grail) status. Of course, it was limited edition. Of course, I did not think to stock up at the time. Actually, if my memory is at all reliable, I intended to stock up only to discover they were sold out everywhere. Re-reading my original review actually says as much! Love, love, LOVE this stuff. I am desperately hoping the rumors are true, and we will see the return of my beloved VAE this fall/winter. C’mon MAC!

NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream ($72.00 for 3.4 oz.) is still a go-to moisturizer for me. I tend to use at night, because it is quite hydrating and often is a bit more moisture than I need in the AM. (Plus, it doesn’t have SPF, so I tend to opt for a moisturizer with built-in SPF — this is not really a make-or-break point for me, though.) I often alternate this with NARS Aqua-Gel Hydrator (which I love equally as much as this one — so all the things I said about the Moisture Cream, I say about the Aqua-Gel!). If you didn’t know, Shiseido owns NARS, and Shiseido is known for their skincare. In order to build up a reputation and grab market share in Asia, your brand must excel at skincare — that’s just where the focus is. I feel like NARS’ skincare products are often overlooked, but they are excellent and definitely worth trying. Available at Nordstrom and Sephora.com.

See three more fabulous products!

Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencils ($16.00) still rock my world. Since I’ve gotten them, I’ve been hooked. It’s become a rare occasion when I don’t use one of these in a look! There’s no color I have not liked, no shade that has fallen below what I have come to expect from the 24/7 line. They also seem to last me eons! Available at Sephora.com.

Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer ($65.00 for 1.7 oz.) is a moisturizer I liked so much that I stuck with it until the very last pump of product. I was actually quite the sad sack when it ran out. (It sort of snuck up on me, because of the airless pump technology, you can’t physically see how much is left.) I have not yet repurchased since I ran out (several months ago), because I’ve been testing other moisturizers. I’ll probably pick it up, though, at Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale in a few weeks. This just made such an excellent AM moisturizer. Still recommend it whole heartedly! Available at Nordstrom and Sephora.com.

Chanel Beiges de Chanel Quad ($56.00) may no longer be available to purchase, but those of you who snatched it up when it was released last holiday season know why it was such a good decision. Sure, it kind of looks boring, since it is just a bunch of neutrals in a quad, but the way they look on skin and come together is amazing. I’m not usually too impressed by Chanel’s quads, but I really adored this one. It is extremely flattering on all skin tones, colors are rich and silky, and it is perfect for traveling.

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

One question I am frequently asked is, “What are you still using? Do you still love what you loved a month ago?” Both good and bad, I am forever on the hunt for the next newest thing. This means even when I love a product, I’m often trying out something else, though it doesn’t diminish my love in the least bit! I thought I’d dig through the review archive and pull out some products that are still hardworking favorites and have earned their place in my beauty space.

Osmotics Cream Extreme Barrier Repair ($75.00 for 1.7 oz.) is still my go-to for ultra dry patches on my face. After using Retin-A for a few months several years ago, the skin above my upper lip became extremely sensitive to products, and it tends to get dry and flaky as often as the wind changes directions. (It is also incredibly annoying!) Thankfully, Cream Extreme works immediately and tends to minimize any cracking skin in that area for me. I do find it a pricier cream, so I personally use it as a spot treatment for dry patches. It is likely too moisturizing for me to use all over my face on a regular basis. However, if you have dry to ultra dry skin, you might find this a savior. The best place to purchase Osmotics’ products is at Nordstrom.

Prescriptives Instant Gratification Skin Renewal Peel ($45.00) is one of my absolute favorite chemical masks/facial treatments. It makes your skin and look fantastic right after you’ve used it. I was really wow-ed by this product from the first application to the umpteeth application. Funny enough, this review was written in January 2008, and I am still on my first tube. I’d say there’s at least 20-30 usages per tube. (It just goes to show you that I’m regularly trying other face masks… but when I really need and want one to work, I know where to turn.) Available at Nordstrom and Prescriptives.

See three more best in beauty products!

T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight Blow Dryer ($200.00) BLEW me away. It was my first non-super-duper-cheap blow dryer. This was back when my hair was fairly long, too, and I rarely blew it out, because my old Conair took ten billion years to dry it. It would take so long that I would just give up and let it air dry. I’ve actually since upgraded to the Evolution ($300.00), because I like the addition of the heat controls. The biggest reason why I love both hair dryers is that my hair is dry in less than five minutes (even when I had long hair). They’re both incredibly lightweight (huge plus!). The only downsides were that the controls could have been better placed, but you get used to it and it’s a non-issue for me now. I would love to see T3 create these fab blow dryers with retractable cords. Then they’d be perfect! Available at Nordstrom and Sephora.com.

Burberry The Beat Eau de Parfum ($84.00 for 2.5 oz. Eau de Parfum) is a scent I first got a whiff of back in spring 2008. It’s such a classy, sophisticated scent that’s light on the nose, but still potent enough to be noticed. It’s something I can wear everyday without feeling like it’s too much. Available at Nordstrom and Sephora.com.

Olay Body Quench Mousse ($8.49 for 7.1 oz.) is an affordable way to get your moisture on. I used this nearly everyday after I first tried it out, and I would have kept using it, had I not felt compelled to pass it along to my sister who suffers from even drier skin than I. (I am also quite disloyal when it comes to body care, so I was eager to try out something new, anyway!) But it’s one of those products I know will do the trick when I really need soft, moisturized legs. Available at Drugstore.com.

8 Must-Have MAC (PRO) Pigments

About the Temptalia Must-Haves Series
A series of posts showcasing must-have products from MAC Cosmetics’ permanent line of products. Selections are based on quality, universality, uniqueness amongst the line, and the like. Limited edition shades are deliberately excluded to make buying easier. Readers’ comments act as a supplement to these lists of their favorites and must-haves. You can find the entire series here.

Pink Pearl pigment is a gorgeous duochrome pigment that is both fuchsia-pink and fuchsia-purple. Think Stars ‘n Rockets eyeshadow, but prettier, more pigmented, and brighter.

Kelly Green pigment is a bright pop of springy green. Perfect to add brightness to any look, and it works particularly well as a green base.

True Chatreuse pigment is a matte, yellow-y green. It’s like Bitter, but insanely better, because it’s a lot more pigmented and opaque.

Naval Blue pigment is a dark, navy blue with a bit of cobalt reflects in it. Very pretty and dark.

See four more must-have pigments!

Emerald Green pigment is a rich, deep emerald green. It’s vibrant, opaque, and gorgeous.

White Gold pigment makes for a gorgeous lightly shimmered white with gold. It’s a nice shade for highlighting and accenting.

Blonde’s Gold pigment is a soft, tanned gold frosty pigment. It works well as a base, light highlighter, and works well when mixed with moisturizer for an all-over body glow.

Vintage Gold pigment is a metallic, vintage gold shade that works well on both warm and cool tones, because it isn’t overly warm nor a yellow gold.

What are your favorite pigments?

8 Must-Have MAC (Consumer) Pigments

About the Temptalia Must-Haves Series
A series of posts showcasing must-have products from MAC Cosmetics’ permanent line of products. Selections are based on quality, universality, uniqueness amongst the line, and the like. Limited edition shades are deliberately excluded to make buying easier. Readers’ comments act as a supplement to these lists of their favorites and must-haves. You can find the entire series here.

Old Gold pigment is a stunning combination of yellowed green and green-gold mixed together. It’s an interesting mix of green and gold with a little bit of brown. This is a particularly good pigment for those with warmer tones in their skin.

Teal pigment is exactly as it is named — teal. It’s pigmented, smooth, and looks rich on eyes.

Golden Lemon pigment is a bright pop of yellow gold with lots of frost in its finish. It’s not necessarily a product for those who don’t love shimmer/frost in their eye products, but it is one of the best bases to use for gold, orange, and red eyeshadows.

Golden Olive pigment is a gorgeous soft, olive green. It’s smooth in texture, rich in color pay off, and feels soft. If you wear green eyeshdaow often, tihs is an absolute must.

See four more must-have pigments!

Melon pigment is a sunny, peachy-pink combination that can be worn alone, as a base, or to highlight.

Pink Opal pigment is perfect for highlighting and accenting the face, lips, or eyes. It’s one of the most versatile pigment shades, and definitely a favorite of mine.

Violet pigment is a beautiful shade of rich, medium-to-dark purple. It’s not too cool, not too warm–almost neutral–so it is great for all skin tones. Like the other pigments on this list, the product is pigmented and smooth to the touch.]

Vanilla or Naked pigments are superb highlighter/neutral shades to have in your pigment collection. Vanilla tends to work better on cooler skin tones, while Naked works on all skin tones, but it can lean just a touch warm.

Note: This list only considers consumer pigments, so it does not include PRO-only pigments. (There is a separate list for PRO-only pigments.)

What are your favorite pigments?

Clarity, Electric Eel; Freshwater, Deep Truth; Prussian, Contrast

MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow Swatches, Part 2

Here’s part two I split them up to help make loading time not so heavy.

See the rest of the eyeshadows!

Samoa Silk, Gorgeous Gold; Goldmine, Chrome Yellow; Bitter, Juxt

Satellite Dreams, Sushi Flower; Parfait Amour, Graphology; Shroom, Ricepaper

Hepcat, Nocturnelle; Satin Taupe, Crystal; Digit, Beautiful Iris

Blackberry, Beautymarked; Shadowy Lady, Seedy Pearl; Knight Divine, Creme de Violet;

Hush, Motif; Paradisco, Expensive Pink; Texture, Rule

Passionate, Star Violet; Fig. 1, Shale; Trax, Sketch

Mylar, Brule; Bisque, Tete-a-Tint; Amber Lights, Gleam

Yogurt, Da Bling; Girlie, Pink Venus; Swish, Sable

Cranberry, Blanc Type; Vapour, Phloof!; Sweet Lust, Stars ‘n Rockets

Coppering, Orb; Jest, Naked Lunch; Malt, Mythology

Please do not republish or redistribute these images without permission. Please share by linking back to this post. Thank you!

Row 1: Artifact, Fresco Rose, Indianwood, Painterly, Bare Study;
Row 2: Quite Natural, (BLUSH) Well Dressed, Pinch O Peach, Pink Swoon, Desert Rose

MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot Swatches & Blush Swatches

I swatched all of the permanent paint pots and blushes my local MAC had on their displayer, so I apologize in advance if any permanent colors are absent.

See the rest of the swatches!

Row 1: Quite Natural, (BLUSH) Well Dressed, Pinch O Peach, Pink Swoon, Desert Rose;
Row 2: Margin, Coygirl, Peachtwist

Row 1: Raizin, Coppertone, Fleur Power, Harmony;
Row 2: Plum Foolery, Blushbaby, Prism, Peaches;
Row 3: Gingerly, Style, Sweet as Cocoa, Breath of Plum;

Row 2: Plum Foolery, Blushbaby, Prism, Peaches;
Row 3: Gingerly, Style, Sweet as Cocoa, Breath of Plum,

Row 1: Raizin, Coppertone, Fleur Power, Harmony;
Row 2: Plum Foolery, Blushbaby, Prism, Peaches;
Row 3: Gingerly, Style, Sweet as Cocoa, Breath of Plum

Row 1: Sincere, Loverush, Fever, Flirt & Tease, Ambering Rose;
Row 2: Strada, Dollymix, Format, Pinch Me

Row 1: Strada, Dollymix, Format, Pinch Me;
Row 2: Springsheen, Frankly Scarlet

Row 1: Britwit, Blossoming, Ladyblush, Sweet William;
Row 2: Uncommon, Fancy Ray, Cheery, Laidback, Lilicent
Row 3: Posey

Row 1: Posey
Row 2: Florabundance, Beaux, Lychee Luxe, Pink Lemonade, Underage, Entice, Snowscene;
Row 3: Lovechild, Morning Glory, Venetian, Lustrewhite

Row 1: Britwit, Blossoming, Ladyblush, Sweet William;
Row 2: Uncommon, Fancy Ray, Cheery, Laidback, Lilicent
Row 3: Posey
Row 4: Florabundance, Beaux, Lychee Luxe, Pink Lemonade, Underage, Entice, Snowscene;
Row 5: Lovechild, Morning Glory, Venetian, Lustrewhite

Please do not republish or redistribute these images without permission. Please share by linking back to this post. Thank you!