April 11, 2008

Top 10 Beauty Must-Haves!

As requested... Here it is!!!! The list of top 10 beauty products that I could not live without. (Well, granted, I could live without them... but I would go thru a slight withdrawal!) I must admit, I did not think it would be that difficult to pare down the top 10 products that I use... but then I started trying to fit all makeup, skin care, and hair products into one list, and it was a little tricky!! So without further ado… here it is! I hope you enjoy... and of course, I'd love to know YOUR favorite products if you're willing to share!

xoxo,
Katie


(Katie Grasley - Vice President - TRACY PORTER)


1 - SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMER
So you already know about this primer, but I still love it and wear it every day! I particularly like the one with the SPF (which is why I don't have an SPF on my list). It smooths the skin's surface and subtly airbrushes the face. (For a completely flawless look, use this before your foundation & concealer... Trust me - you will love the results!)


2 - LAURA MERCIER UNDERCOVER CONCEALER
Confession: I have a slight commitment issue when it comes to concealers... I'm always on the lookout for the next great one to come along. That said, I think I might be ready to settle down with Laura Mercier's Undercover. I like that I get 2 products in 1 compact (1 for the face and 1 for the under eye). This little beauty covers like a dream. (Not that any of us have any imperfections that we would want to cover!!)


3 - TRISH MCEVOY BRONZER
This is the end all and be all of bronzers – bold statement – I know. But truly – I love this product – I use it as both my blush and my eyeshadow as of late. Goes on smoothly and lasts all day. It has 2 different shades for contouring – which is always a spectacular technique to use. Take the darker color and run it just under your cheekbone (where the natural indent is) then take the lighter color and run it on top of the cheekbone – magnifique! To use as an eyeshadow, just take the lighter shade and apply it the eyelid. If you want more of a contrast, take the darker shade and use it in the crease of the eye! The coloring on this product is completely nailed... Looks great on any complexion!




4 - MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH WATERPROOF MASCARA

I have tried several different brands and continually come back to this one. I love the brush which doesn't clump, and love that it stays on all day!



5 - MAC EMBARK EYE SHADOW
I know we have mentioned this color before... but it really is a great shade (deep rich brown with plum undertones). Perfect to use as a liner, in place of the traditional black or brown eye liner... and also great to use as a shadow in the corner of the eye. For a more dramatic look, use it wet!



6 - MAC VIVA GLAM V LIP GLOSS
This is my go-to shade when I want a touch of color that is a step up from the traditional neutral lip gloss. (You know how I like that little extra sparkle!!) Warm pink tones with a glisten of gold... yumm!!


7 - AVEDA PURE ABUNDANCE HAIR POTION
I managed to pick just one hair product... and this was the one I had to go with. Works wonders on my baby fine locks – makes it feel like you have a whole new head of hair. I would highly recommend this product if you need some extra body.


8 - MD FORTE FACIAL CLEANSER
I first started using this cleanser almost a year ago and was able to notice results in a short period of time. I love how soft it makes my skin and how it has improved my overall complexion! I use the level 1 – which is the level I'd recommend starting out with if you are new to products containing glycolic acid.


9 - MD FORTE FACIAL LOTION
This lotion has more of a liquid consistency and helps with the overall complexion of the skin – gets rid of all of the dead skin cells that can accumulate!!


10 - SONIA KASHUK TRAVEL BRUSH SET
I must admit, I never used to be a brush girl... I have changed! Travel brushes are perfect not only because of their size, but also because they help speed up the application time!

16 Comments:

Anonymous Virginia said...

Katie, friend oh friend - you did it!!! Thank you so much!!!! I use the very MAC gloss - love it! I'll be buying the TM Bronzer very soon. Does her bronzer only come in the 1 color so we cannot mess up and get confused? I've had the May. mascara all my life. It is THE best.

April 11, 2008  
Anonymous katie said...

Virginia! (are you the proud new owner of our copper glam bag--I am so excited for you--I love that bag!!!?!?!?!)!!! Yes, it took longer than I thought!! The bronzer is part of her highlights colleciton (also comes in pink - go with the bronze - seriously, I use this for everything!!) All you need to do is click on the image - I think it should take you right to the product!! And the gloss - so glad you like the color as well!! It is my standard go to - makes it easy! xoxo~Katie

April 11, 2008  
Anonymous Virginia said...

I AM the proud owner of copper glam. It is soooo perfect & I've been looking all over the right metallic bag. Yummy. I know you answered this back a way; but I have forgotten the method of the bronzer. Do you use it same as blusher OR more all over for a glow? If it's at Sephora I'll probably go pick it up in person. They can tip me on the method too. :) Thanks again ALL of TP Inc. for delicious, chock-full-of-joy information!

April 11, 2008  
Anonymous Melissa Lewis-Off The Wall said...

Katie, I have the same concealer, & I will never sway from it! It has been a great friend of my since we were introduced over a year ago! Perfect for those undereye circles I have been cursed with since birth and the occasional blemish as well!

The bronzer and cleanser are on my list! I ran out of cleanser so I will be trying the MD Forte ASAP!! Can't wait.

I apply the bronzer on my forehead and also I start at the temples and brush a little on to the cheek. Of course you have to hit the bridge of your nose with the bronzer too.

April 11, 2008  
Anonymous CC said...

Katie-Girl!!! I just love you and your top 10 list! Makes me a happy camper!!!! I've been using the MD Forte cleanser and lotion for about a month and really love it! It seems to have improved the texture of my skin. It's great!!!

It was so funny...as I read your list I was using a mental check off of my own...yes, got that, love that, got to check into that. HA!!!

Thanks for sharing all of your WONDERFUL beautiful secrets with us!!!

Ladies, trust this sweet lady....I've used almost everything she has on her top 10 list (from her suggestions) and haven't been disappointed yet....don't think I will be!!! ;)

April 11, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Katie,
Thank you so much for doing this list for the Blogettes....we love you for it! I can't wait to try some of these. I am enjoying the primer now.
-Priss

April 11, 2008  
Anonymous katie said...

You all are too kind! So happy to share any beauty tips (they always do make me a little squirrley!)!! Virginia, for bronzer, you can apply it the same way you would typically apply blush (and also hit the areas Melissa mentions if you want that little extra glow) - of course with this one and the two different shades, it does allow for some wonderful contouring - which always makes the cheek bones look fabulous! I don't think Sephora carries this line - but I know Nordstroms does (that is where I ordered mine!).

Melissa, I am with you - I love what this concealer does for the under eyes (again - not that any of us have circles we would need to hide!).

CC- so glad that the cleanser is working for you!!! And thank you so much for your kind words - completely made my day!!

Priss - so glad you like the primer - it always makes my skin feel wonderful in the morning!

Are there any products you can't live without?? xoxo~katie

April 11, 2008  
Anonymous Melissa Lewis-Off The Wall said...

I've just jumped on the Bare Minerals bandwagon. Wasn't sure how I would like the ride, but I must say, I love it. It really does make me skin look 10 years younger. And it feels so good as well. I would encourage anyone who is interested to give it a try:)

April 14, 2008  
Blogger Dawn said...

Katie & All~

I love your top 10...I too love primer, right now I use Bare Escentuals primer, which I love, I have used smashbox, and love theirs too. I have a little blog I started just for fun things (if you click on my name, it's under my blogs, and it's "Ciao Bella") and I just did a post about my favorite "cheap" beauty finds...I should have listed Great Lash mascara because that is definitely a fave!! I really want to try embark shadow...and the great brush set! Thanks for sharing Katie!!

April 14, 2008  
Anonymous artist said...

Dawn, the embark shadow is great! I bought it when Katie first mentioned it and have used it everyday as liner. Love it!!!

April 15, 2008  
Anonymous katie said...

Dawn! Ahh, the wet & wild liner!!! Yes, I too have used this!! I forgot what color I used, but I remember it was such a great deal!! They also are great when you want to try a more out there color of eyeshadow than you usually use - great to pick up for a fun night out!!

Artist - if you want a more intense look with the embark shadow, you can use it wet! So glad you are liking this!!

xoxo~katie

April 16, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Katie, a while back you mentioned using hot rollers in the morning... Is there a particular brand you recommend??

April 16, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Katie, the makeup in the fashion videos is wonderful. I am sure your hand was on it!!!

April 17, 2008  
Anonymous katie said...

You are too sweet!!!! I did do the make up/hair this time around (so much fun - I could hardly contain myself!!!!!!!!!!) Hot rollers... you know, I don't have a prarticular brand that I absolutely love (I'm actually looking to get a new set actually). I would say to go with one where they are as smooth as possible - that way you will not get any odd kinks in your hair (the local drugstore is a great place to pick these up!!).

April 18, 2008  
Anonymous Melissa Lewis-Off The Wall said...

Yes, I was wondering if you were the make up artist responsible for all the drama we saw in the fashion videos!

April 18, 2008  
Anonymous Antiquairia said...

Firstly, it must be said Tracy, your wares are absolutely beautiful...love them...totally fab!

However with regard to the beauty items mentioned in your blog, thought it would be nice to share with you and the others another fabulous find that also seems to work miracles. It is a little secret by Yves St. Laurent, which I happened upon during a read in a Tatlers mag. You may have already heard of it...Touche Eclat ($45); and I tell you it covers up under eye circles, like presto magico! Awesome for jet lag and late evenings. It is available in three shades, light medium and dark. Anyway, definitely worth a whirl girls!

May 18, 2008  

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