Christmas is over but New Years is fast approaching and with that another round of dinners, parties, and other final festivities for the 2010 holiday season. Right now my skin and hair have been through a lot of abuse due to weather extremes (i.e. winter in cold Beijing and the summer-like sun in Hawaii), a tad too much rich food and drinks, and a tad too little sleep and exercise.
In order to ring in the new year looking as fresh as possible, I've been turning to these products frequently this season due to their ease of use and ability to keep me looking party-ready, even when I'm feeling a little worn out.
1. Urban Decay Naked Palette: If I could only own one eyeshadow palette, this would be it. When I want to create a nude or sparkly look, I can use the wide range of colors in this one palette.
2. Maybelline Hello Kitty Volum' Express mascara: This limited edition mascara is not available in the US (to my knowledge) and I purchased this while in Hong Kong recently. It creates a cat eye effect for your lashes that's worthy of the little Sanrio cutie pictured on the tube.
3. Nivea Creme: I carry this small tin in my purse to keep my skin hydrated. It's small and thin enough to fit in a clutch and is excellent for moisturizing arms and legs on the go, such as in the car on the way to a party.
4. Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel: This makes me feel equal parts fresh, clean, and faintly smelling of candy without that overpowering sickly sweet smell. A bonus are the iridescent flecks that are pretty but do not transfer to the skin.
5. OPI Only Gold For Me top coat nail polish: Since early November I have been sporting this gold flecked top coat over a variety of colors. It lends an unmistakably festive look to any polish.
6. NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone: This inexpensive eyeshadow base is used to help eyeshadow colors appear more vibrant. It increases the staying power of eyeshadows and diminishes creasing, which is key for makeup to last long past midnight.
7. Kate Somerville Eradikate Acne Treatment: A powerful spot treatment that I have found helps rapidly shrink breakouts.
8. Cutex nail polish pads: When traveling I always make sure to have a few of these handy to quickly take off nail polish. You'll be more likely to take off that chipped nail polish that's been bugging you all day if you have this nearby.
9. Moroccan Hair Oil: I keep a small bottle in my purse. It restores softness to my hair, smells like coconut, and has restorative capabilities that have saved me from quite a few bad hair days.
