Hi Ladies,

Recently, a colleague and friend, let’s call her “Mrs. Mac,” asked me what moisturizer I use on my face. I tried to dismiss her question at first. “Well, I really like quite a few face creams…,” I responded, slyly rattling off the names of at least five mass and prestige facial moisturizers I’ve tried at various points during my beauty editor career that I think are good. Mrs. Mac, a very hip, “well-maintenance-d”, extremely put-together, mother of three insisted, “BUT what do YOU use on your face, now, daily…today?” With a slight feeling of guilt I conceded, and mouthed, “Crème de L-A- M-E-R???”

“Umhmm”Mrs. Mac moaned. “My mother swears by Crème de La Mer. But I can’t, just can’t see myself spending…”

I cut her off. “I know. I know. It’s pricey. But I only make the purchase once, maybe twice a year. It’s one of my special treats to me,” I defended. 

What I didn’t tell Mrs. Mac (hopefully, she’ll read this entry) is there’s a trick to making your beauty investment really work for you.

In the case of the Crème de La Mer: I use it daily, day and night, for three weeks when the season is just beginning to change. It helps to recondition and hydrate my skin.  (It just happened that I was on Day 10 when I saw Mrs. Mac.) At the end of the three weeks, I go back to my more reasonably priced hydrator, Yon-KA Paris Pamplemousse (available at Blissworld.com).

At any rate, after chatting with Mrs. Mac about my love for La-Mer, feeling a tad bit guilty about its price, I thought about my beauty pantry. There are quite a few expensive items in it I swear by. But there are equally as many mass brands that, truth be told, I’d dare not live without.

Hey, it’s all about balance. And I think I’ve struck my beauty balance.

Stay beauty-full!

Tai

Here are a few of my favorite face, hand, and body-savers at every price point:

The Pricey:

Crème de La Mer Moisturizing Crème Gel, $220 for 2 oz, lamer.com. The new gel formula is lightweight but just as potent as the crème.  Remember a little goes a long way!

M Lab Body Treatment Cream, $185, mlabonline.com and Harrods London. The company calls this a “fusion of peptides, exfoliants, and hydrants that help promote collagen production.” I say, since its thick and hydrating it’s perfect after a day in the sun. The 6.7 oz jar should last about 6 months.

3 Lab Perfect Hand Cream

, $55, barneys.com, softens my hands and my forever-dry cuticles. A highlight? I can wash my hands at least twice and not have to reapply which helps this decently sized tube last for at least two-three months.

The Economical:

 

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, $7.99, walgreens.com.  I love how the gel gently lathers. And seriously, I push this product on any and everyone who asks what cleanser they should use.

 

 

 

 

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub, $6.99, cvs.com. I’ve suffered from "backne" (acne on my back) since I was a teen. Argggh! This gentle 2% salicylic acid exfoliant keeps my back clear and the rest of my body smooth.

 

 

 

 

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara, $7.65, drugstore.com. I’m a mascara fanatic! This formula is waterproof, smudge proof, and budge proof. I’ll manage to look dolled up all day this Saturday on the beach.

 

 

 

What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a beauty product? The least? Do you prefer shopping for beauty products at the department store, drugstore, specialty boutique (Sephora), or online?