Top Beauty Products I can't Live without

Every fashionista has a go-to grab bag of items she absolutely cannot live without in her vanity cabinet/drawer/makeup bag of tricks and a laundry list of reasons why.

Here are my top select choices:

Smashbox Photo Finish Makeup Primer

This primer leaves me with flawless foundation and flawless looking skin every day. I can even fool people when I have breakouts or on the days my pores decide to resembles volcanic craters. (Hey, it happens...).  My one item I would want on a deserted island with me if I had to choose.

Available at Sephora.com $36

Smith's Rosebud Salve

Despite it's humble origins, this salve is my favorite lip gloss. It leaves my lips smooth and chap free for hours, with a hint of rose tint. The tin tends to last forever. I can use it daily and probably get 4 months plus easily out of it. Who doesn't love that kind of bargain?

Available at most local drugstores and Sephora.com $6

Diorshow Iconic Mascara

For a girl like me, mascara is very important. I was born not blessed by the lash fairy. This mascara changed all that and made me say "Latisse, who?" Provides both va-va-voom volume and length to even my puny of puniest lashes;  making me a believer of the pricey mascara. Blackest black of course.

Available at your local Christian Dior counter and Sephora.com $27

Creme de la Mer

First, let's be clear, this creme is the ultimate luxury cream. It's rich and super hydrating. And really, unless we suddenly aged overnight to 50+, we have NO business using it on a routine basis unless you want a menstrual breakout gone bad from the excess oils suddenly placed on your still youthful skin. What I love it for is summertime, when despite all my best efforts at SPF 60 on the face, being outdoors with the kids still wreaks havoc on my face. I use it SPARINGLY three to four times a week and manage to avoid the breakouts, but restore moisture and keep the skin healthy. It's also ridiculously expensive, but Neiman Marcus almost always includes it in it's beauty week bags and you can stock up then when buying actual essential products. 

Available at NeimanMarcus.com $130, 1 oz.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm

Another essential lip balm for me. I carry it in my pocket all day long at work, for a quick non waxy fix at the ready. Great pepperminty scent too that leaves a hint of fresh breath!

Sold at drug and grocery stores everywhere. Approximately $5 per two pack. 

The Multiple 

Another item I might have to strongly consider for that deserted island. Since becoming a mom of three, my mantra has turned into "simplify, simplify, simplify".  And that included the makeup regimen. Enter the Multiple from Nars. A multipurpose stick that can be used for eyeshadow, blush and lipstick - all in one stick/shade. I love it so much I own a winter shade and a summer shade. And use daily. 

Available at Sephora.com $38

Cetaphil

The best skin cleanser I have ever used hands down. Perfect for all skin types, doesn't break out my uber-sensitive skin and removes all makeup. And Dirt. Cheap.

Found at all fine drug and retail stores everywhere. $8 for 8 oz

L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray

Recommend by the pros and I can see why. Super strong all day hold, yet softens at the touch of your hand or brush without causing you to lose shape. This spray is the reason why for the first time in my adult life I have had longer hair and can allow my husband to touch my hair.  Thank you L'Oreal geniuses. 

Available at Target. $12

So there you have it, the top contenders that I could never live without, including my absolute on a desert island with it's close second. I know my "in the know" sister in law would also say Cle de peau concealer, which I am planning on trying before January's obsessions post. She's never steered me wrong.

I would love to hear some other beauty cabinet must haves. Us fashionistas must stick together on such matters.