Best of 2010: Dec 20, 2010

Dec 20, 2010 6:29 PM

by Carrie Meredith

I've put together this little list of my favorite products from 2010. It has been a very eye-opening year for me, especially concerning my exploration of fragrance. I've discovered a lot of new skin care products and methods to care for my skin that have helped me immensely. My candle addiction has led me to some amazing scents and places to buy them. New beauty products have sprouted out from practically every corner of the world, and I have enjoyed testing them out.

Hair

One n' Only Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner is available at Sally Beauty and is a great dupe for Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo & Conditioner, and costs only $9.49 each ($8.49 if you have a Sally Club Card). I actually like these better than the Moroccanoil, I find it leaves my hair extremely moisturized and soft.

Nail Polish

Deborah Lippmann Hit Me With Your Best Shot is an amazing shimmery metallic black that I can't seem to get enough of, and you can get it at Luscious Cargo for 25% off right now (all Lippmann products in stock are on sale).

Perfume

Dawn Spencer Hurwitz Cuir et Champignon is an earthy, breathtaking perfume that combines the nouveau foodiness of mushroom with the Do Not Eat taut strength of leather. The addition of woods, tobacco and civet make this an unforgettable and addictive blend you'll want to revisit often. The 0.25 oz EDP refillable purse spray is available at DSH Perfumes for $40, along with many other sizes and also bath and body products.

Candles

Firing up a Voluspa Maison Rouge Warm Perique Tabac candle is a special treat. The smooth woods and leather is a scent I would easily wear on my skin, and wish I could. Even the tiny travel votive will create enough scent throw to fill a room. The 15 oz size (along with several others) is available at Candles Off Main for $27.

Cosmetics

Chantecaille's Les Macarons Face Palette is an unbelievable assortment of delicious eye, lip and face colors and a double-ended brush. Their formulations make blending pleasurable, and there is lots of fun to be had here with the lovely pinkish shades and deep plum liner. This is a lovely gift, but I would be surprised if you could buy this and actually let it go. It's available for $68 on Chantecaille's website.

Skin Care/Books

The Skin Type Solution by Leslie Baumann, MD This is the updated version for 2010, and I can't say enough about how much this book has helped me understand my skin better. According to dermatologist Leslie Baumann's philosophy, there are 16 skin types, not just the four we're used to. You can take the quiz that's in the book HERE. In the book, she goes on to provide an in-depth explanation of what products you should be using (and avoiding) for your particular skin type. I have just realized this year several things I have been doing wrong, and it's nice to finally feel like I'm on the right track and I'm seeing results to support that. The book retails for $15 at the Baumann Store. 

Yep, I only have six entries for this list. I've covered all the categories I feel I need to. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and a fantastic 2011!