My 10 Best Beauty Buys

10 Beauty Buys I Can't Live Without

1. Moroccan Oil -- I was introduced to this product by Gisele's (yes, Gisele Bundchen) stylist. I booked an appointment with famed stylist, Pini Swissa, at his Newbury Street salon and upon examining my hair he immediately recommended that his assistant use Moroccan oil on me. The results after that first time use were amazing. My hair was bursting with shine and was soft to the touch. I have very wavy, fairly coarse hair. I have spent thousands of dollars on hair products over the years and this is truly the most amazing thing I've ever used. Clinically proven to actually mend split ends, this antioxidant packed potion is all natural and AFFORDABLE. One travel sized bottle (which last 3-4 months) costs around $14.00. I recommend using a dime to quarter sized amount (depending on how long/thick your hair is) as soon as you get out of the shower when your hair is dripping wet. Start at the roots and works your way mid-way up your scalp. Avoid using near your roots. If you have bangs or long front layers works the oil through the ends of those front pieces. My hair has never looked and felt better and this is the ONLY styling product I use. Moroccan oil is available at authorized retailers (generally upscale salons) or online.

2. NARS Bronzer in Laguna - Bronzer is a must have for every women, regardless of skin tone. A good bronzer will highlight your bone structure and enhance your features. It will also give you a healthy, tawny glow year round. I have tried many bronzers over the years and this is my tried and true favorite. NARS products have long been a staple among makeup artists, models and celebrities. Their bronzers boast unparalleled staying power and provide a deep brown, bronzed look instead of the orange-y hue that many other bronzers leave behind. I recommend the Laguna shade because it works with most skin colors. You can control the depth of your bronzed look by contouring and playing with the amount of product that works for you. NARS cosmetics are available at Sephora, Bloomingdales, Saks and Nordstrom. They are also available online.

3. MAC Cream Blush in Fabulush - MAC is the go-to brand for the world's best makeup artists. Offering a seemingly limitless palette of color and sparkle, MAC cosmetics are very affordable and user friendly. MAC offers are range of blush choices but I prefer the cream blushes. They give a more natural look and are more malleable in terms of application. A cream blush gives a dewy, fresh glow. Blush is an instant cheekbone maker. Proper application of a good blush will create or enhance high cheekbones. To achieve this effect, I recommend applying the cream blush with clean fingers starting at the apples of your cheeks and moving upwards towards your temples. Remember a little goes a longgggg way. Less is more when it comes to blush. I recommend the Fabulush shade because its a universal shade that works well with any skin tone. It definitely packs staying power as well. A good translucent powder will also take your blush the extra distance.

4. Buxom Lips - This is truly a miracle worker!!!! I received a sample of this amazing lip boosting gloss at Sephora and was instantly hooked. Made by Bare Escentuals, Buxom lips comes in gloss or full color. I prefer the gloss because the line offers a myriad of color choices. i like to mix up my lip color depending on my mood, outfit or the time of the year. What makes this product truly amazing, is its ability to INSTANTLY plump your lips. I have naturally plump lips and this just makes them REALLY pop. If you are thin-lipped then this is definitely for you. You will feel a slight tingle upon application but it is not uncomfortable like other products that can really sting. Buxom lips are available exclusively at Sephora and they offer a sampler which is a great bargain and offers a great variety of hues.

5. Tom's Natural Deodorant - Recent studies have linked the aluminum in antiperspirants to breast cancer. However tenuous that link may be, the thought of chemicals seeping into my lymph nodes just doesn't sit well with me. I use Tom's Natural deodorant because it contains 100% all natural ingredients and does not contain aluminum. It provides great protection all day long and smells of sweet lavender. I have been using it for years and I absolutely love it. Tom's Natural products are sold at most drug stores.

6. Fiberwig Mascara - Japan's #1 selling mascara is now available in the US exclusively at Sephora. I have tried every kind of mascara out there. I have very short eyelashes and I crave that long, lush lashed look. This mascara literally paints on false lashes without the goopy mess that traditional mascaras usually create. The formula is made of a fiber-like pigment that goes on easily and it allows you to build your desired length. This increases the length of my eyelashes by about 200%. This will not create a lot of volume, so I recommend using your favorite volumizing mascara over it. Fiberwig retails at Sephora for aorund $22.00 and it is worth every penny!!!!!!

7. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler - The Japanese powerhouse cosmetic company never ceases to amaze its loyal followers. The Shu Uemura lash curler is THE lash curler on the market. It create beautifully lifted and curled lashes in seconds without the dreaded pinching. It is also gentler than other lash curlers and you will notice less lash loss. This must-have tool is available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks, etc. You will never use another curler again!

8. Christian Dior Bronze Self-Tanners for Body and Face - This mild but eye popping formula from one of the world's leading fashion and cosmetic houses will be sure to amaze. Unlike other self-tanners, this product does not have that terrible after-smell (my boyfriend refuses to let me use anything else because he hates the smell that much!). It goes on smoothly and evenly providing instant bronzing and shimmer. The face formula is not oily or heavy and will not clog pores. It also provides a healthy does of moisture and collagen elastin to enhance the suppleness of your skin. You can find Dior self-tanner bronzers at Sephora.

9. Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat - this is an absolute must have. This revolutionary product instantly highlights and conceals shadows and dark spots. The patented formula highlights your natural beauty while blurring stubborn imperfections. I recommend going one shade lighter with this product, especially when using around the brow line and eye areas. This really makes your eyes pop and is a great pick-me-up after a late night. You look rested and refreshed when applied properly. This product is available at high-end makeup counters and Sephora. This is a staple for ALL makeup artists. I kid you not.

10. MAC Angled Brow Brush #208 - this is perhaps one of the most versatile beauty tools you can buy. This brush is cut at the perfect angle, allowing you to easily line your eyes with a shadow or potted paint. It also works as fantastic brow brush, allowing great precision when filling in brows or creating a deep, full dramatic brow look (think Kim Kardashian). This little tool, which retails around $25.00, can instantly transform your face by allowing you to create a multitude of different looks with your eyes and brows. This is one brush you can't go without.

It was very difficult narrowing down my favorite items to just 10, but this list will help you create a flawless, natural look. Less is always more and the right products will allow you to achieve that effortless look of real, radiant beauty.