Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

A slight departure from my typical fashion posts, I thought I'd offer a listing of my favorite makeup, haircare and skincare products. I have tricky skin and hair, so over the years I've tried tons of products to help with these difficulties, often to no avail. However, the products that have worked well for me, I stick with, even if they cost a little more than I like. Here are a sampling of those products, some expensive but most reasonably priced.

Makeup
I started using BareMinerals long before it became the next best thing since sliced bread. I was looking for a foundation that was light, wouldn't clog my pores but still cover my many imperfections. This was it for me. It did a great job and didn't irritate my irritable skin.

Bare Escentuals, $25

For when I am slightly cash-strapped, my inexpensive go-to foundation is a combination of liquid foundation and a new mineral foundation by Maybelline. Both are light and comfortable to wear, last all day and don't aggravate my sensitive skin.

Maybelline Pure Makeup, $5.99


Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation, $9.99


Skin Care
I have extra dry skin -- so dry in fact that my face can get overly oily at times, which can cause a whole host of problems. And to top it off, according to my dermatologist, I have a slight case of Rosacea. All this has led me to an unending quest for the perfect skincare product. After many, many purchases of many, many products, these are the best for my problem skin.

Proactive -- It really works. I swear.

3-Piece Proactive System $39.95 (introductory rate)

Helps calm red, sensitive and irritated skin -- great for those with Rosacea.

B. Kamins Booster Blue Rosacea Cleanser, $36

If your face gets extra dry, this is the BEST moisturizer for it. Thick, but in no way heavy or greasy. It's awesome.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin - Fragrance Free, $7.99

Again, the best body lotion for those with dry skin. Plus it smells like a tropical island. Yummy!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E, $4.59


Hair care
I have a lot of hair, but it is very fine with not much body to it -- especially if my hair is on the longer side. This product offers a nice lift to my hair, without drying it out or making it feel sticky.

Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam, $13

I avoid piling too many products on to my hair, but if I don't use anything, my hair doesn't seem to have enough weight to it, and I get fly-a-ways and tangles. I've found that using this leave-in conditioner helps my hair look shiny, soft and manageable.

Joico Daily Leave-In Detangler, $13

This stuff smells like heaven. Great for dry and damaged hair. I love to leave it in all night long - the smell makes me dream of exotic places. Plus it leaves my pillow smelling lovely for many nights to come.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment, $55

What are your favorite makeup, skin care and hair care products?