The Lipstick Page Forums Beauty Blog: Things I'm loving now (5.13.05)... Things I'm loving now (5.13.05)... Posted by Dain, Saturday, May 14, 2005 12:13 AM (Eastern) They're not quite holy grails, but they are de rigueur, current obsessions. L'Oréal Voluminous mascara: It's an industry mainstay for a reason. Unlike more liquid-y, silicone-y formulae (there is a Full Definition Voluminous out, if silicones are more your thing), your tube doesn't dry out before the month is out, and the intensity is easily manipulated, from just enough oomph for a little definition, to lush, thick, full lashes. Somehow, I suspect it's not intended for the mascara dunce, but wipe off excess product beforehand, and you ought to be fine. (Shu Uemura's famed lash curler is a must.) YSL Touche Eclat: Such a frustrating product, because it is a bacteria magnet, not to mention really, really expensive ($36 for a concealer is ludicrous), but it's undeniably glamorous, and absolutely NOTHING works as well as it does. It blows all other concealers out of the water. I'm surprised there are knockoffs at all... how can other companies have such temerity? Not only does it erase fatigue with flawless ease and superior verisimilitude of naturally acquired sleep, it does it better than anything else. Ever. And it doesn't look like makeup! Garnier Fructis Long & Strong system: Perhaps I'm not enamored with this line as I was a month before, and I'm really not a fan of fake-fruity scents, but I maintain what I've said before: "Why buy salon brands when you can have Garnier?" For the best hair ever (at least, if you've hair like me, dry, straight, and colored), all the cardinal points of the hair mantra: silky, shiny, soft, and smooth. 'Nuff said. Balenciaga Cristobal EDP: When's the last time you fell in love at first sniff? For me, it was years ago, with Givenchy Organza Indécence. This, according to description (light-hearted and sparkling fruits and florals more dominant than my traditional vanilla-amber), ought to be something I dislike, at best mediocre. Not so. I don't merely think it's "a pretty scent" (as so many editors will advocate), I adore it, I think it's gorgeous top to bottom. From the beautiful bottle, to the way it melts into my skin, etc, etc. Dr. Hauschka: See obstreperous article below. The old-fashioned simplicity of a cleanser, toner, moisturizer routine (Cleansing Milk, Facial Toner, Rose Day Cream), done with granola-crunching aplomb. Really, it's got the holistic approach down ("emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts, rather than analysis or separation into parts"). Maybe I'll get tired of it, but for now, I'm loving it. Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow in Mauve Chic (780): I don't know what it is about Pati Dubroff, but every time she raves over a product I always want it (eg. Nuxe Rêve de Miel, By Terry Apricot Skin Enhancer, Shiseido Ruby Luster Lip Gloss). And now this. Actually, the desire for the soft mauves and purples of this quint came at about the right time. I've been getting bored of the intensely pure but watercolor sheer of the NARS shadows I've been sporting (Fresh and chic, to be sure, but how many different ways can you wear Rated R? No matter how you revise it, it's still an acid-tone lime and an electric blue.). Enter the sophisticated Dior Mauve Chic, just the thing for my fix for things ladylike. Guerlain Terracotta Gloss & Shine in Terre des Sables: Darlings, you haven't experienced gloss until you've tried these by Guerlain. From shades that are truly complex, but highly flattering (they become one with your natural lip tone), to a high-gloss shimmery shine that makes lips pouty as can be, they are truly dynamite. Terre des Sables is a beautiful compilation of all the different ways to approach nude via shimmer: rose, peach, gold, pink, mauve, even teeny bit o' silver. Plus, it's pretty packaging, even if it is a little plain. L'Oréal Tone Refiner, Brunette: Per'aps there isn't much to say about hair gloss (this is not a silicone serum, but a treatment that lasts about thirty days), but I'm addicted to the idea. It adds polish (both in the sense of sophistication and shine), and makes hair really smooth and glossy (less maintenance), and gives delicate hair protection. It's a simple, five-minute procedure, and it just gives you... a good feeling, a sort of grooming peace-of-mind. Image courtesy www.sephora.com. 0 Comment(s)    Email this post Rants, raves, and musings on all things cosmetic. 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