Best Bets

Moisturizer

Moisturizer with SPF

Dry Shampoo

Fragrance

John Varvatos

I spent most of my adult life searching for a signature scent (that Liz Claiborne Realities was just a phase) and this is it. An intoxicating and surprising combination of fresh citrus, soft floral, and spicy amber, it stops people every time I wear it. Totally worth the wait.

Mascara

Buxom Lash

Ever since I had eyelash extensions, I’ve been underwhelmed by most mascaras. This is one from Bare Escentuals is the only one I’ve tried that practically re-creates thick, fan-like fringe without clumping or flaking. And the fat tube seems to last for ages.

Bronzer

Bare Escentuals Faux Tan

I am not one of those screaming Bare Minerals fans. I’ve never made it through the infomercial, and I refuse to swirl and tap, but this powder bronzer literally makes me look like I have a real, back-from-the-beach tan. I’ve broken up with all of my other bronzers.

Blush

Stila Convertible Color

I’m a fair girl who requires a fair amount of blush. Once I discovered that a super bright, candy-color shade could mimic a natural flush, I never went back to anything paler. Stila’s cream blushes are easy to use and stay put. I particularly love Fuchsia and Poppy.

Foundation

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15

This is so light, yet perfectly pigmented so that my skin always looks flawless yet natural. It’s neither matte nor shimmery, just the next best thing to a perfect complexion! And the SPF is definitely a bonus.

Self-Tanner, Body

Clinique Self Sun

Jergen’s works just fine and costs half as much, but oh how I love this thick, rich body butter and the never-streaky glow it leaves behind.

Self-Tanner, Face

Lancome Flash Bronzer

When my casper-white friend Laura started using this stuff, she looked like she had just returned from Mexico. It imparts the most beautiful, naturally golden shade on just about everyone. Plus, the built-in bronzer offers instant gratification while the color develops.

Anti-Aging Product

Arcona The Solution

After using retinol products for years, I can safely say that none were as effective in combating dullness, sun damage, and even breakouts like this all-natural, chemical-free resurfacing nighttime treatment. My skin has never looked brighter or more even-toned.

Facial Serum

Skinceuticals Phloretin CF

I was a sun-worshipper in another life and the proof is now popping up all over my face. This antioxidant treatment is like the mother lode. It has not only diminished some of my sunspots and broken capillaries, but is preventing further photo aging. Amazing.

Eye Cream

La Mer The Eye Concentrate

I know this is a major splurge, but it’s the only eye cream I’ve used that actually improved my dark circles. It didn’t happen overnight, but there are days now when I can actually skip the concealer without looking like a crazy person.

Exfoliator

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

I have a thing for scrubs. I probably use them too often. This citrusy at-home microderm and peel combo works like a facial in a tube—in about 3 minutes flat. I may never get over how powerful yet non-irritating it is as smoothing and brightening my skin.

Face Wash

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

The simplicity of this gentle, lathering cleanser makes it so luxurious. Even the scent is delicate and indescribably lovely, like fresh linen. Most important—and this is key to any cleanser of mine—it takes off ALL of my makeup, so I’m left with nothing but clean, dewy skin.