With so many beauty products on the market, it’s hard to know what to buy and what works. The cosmetic-savvy ladies at Cary Magazine’s parent company, S&A Cherokee, opened their medicine cabinets and shared their tried and true tips on products that really do moisturize, clarify, erase, soothe and add volume.
1. Amanda, advertising sales account executive
Fekkai Instant Root Lifting Spray, $20
“My hair is pretty flat, and sometimes I get a tough case of ‘helmet hair.’ But this volumizer has been a godsend. I spray it on my roots before blow-drying for an instant lift that lasts all day.”
Available at Bath & Body Works, www.bathandbodyworks.com
2. Emily, graphic designer
i.d. bareVitamins skin rev-er upper, $21
“This works miracles for anyone still plagued by pesky breakouts. It contains just enough salicylic acid to keep my skin clear without drying it out. And any breakouts that do sneak up on me are nipped in the bud almost overnight. I’ve been using it for about two years under my moisturizer in the morning and often also at night.”
Available at ULTA, www.ulta.com
3. Virginia, graphic designer
Cover Girl Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer, with SPF 15, $7
“I swear by this lightweight moisturizer that has just enough color to give you a polished look, but without the heaviness of foundation. Plus, it protects your skin from the sun. I really like it because it never feels heavy or like I’m wearing makeup. And I can be active and know that it won’t clog my pores if I break into a sweat.”
Available in four shades at local drugstores
4. Tara, copy editor
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $17
“I used to have a problem with my eye shadow wearing off completely within a few hours, or at least creasing. Someone recommended this to me, and I’m really glad I tried it because now no matter what colors I go with, they stay put all day and still look good. And you don’t need to use a ton of it, so a tube lasts for a while. Plus it now comes in a shimmer base!”
Available at Sephora, www.sephora.com
5. Christa, public relations account executive
Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel, $23.50
“In my Greek family, I grew up knowing the healing properties of yogurt for burns, so when I found this lotion, I had to try it. That was two years ago, and I’ve never gone back to aloe products since. I keep the bottle in the refrigerator and use it liberally if I happen to get a little pink from being outdoors. The next day, the sting of the burn is gone and the redness is distinctly faded. I’ve even recommended this to my fair-skinned friends who burn easily, and they love it too.”
Available at Sephora, www.sephora.com
6. Jessica, graphic designer
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, $3
“I have been using this product for six years, and I have one on my nightstand, one in my purse and one in my makeup bag. I have tried their other ‘flavored’ lip balms, like the pomegranate and the honey — but none match up to the original. I like that it doesn’t feel sticky like most other lip glosses and balms. I’m also not much into fruity or perfumed fragrances, so I like the slight mint of Burt’s Bees. Even when my lips are chapped or sunburned, applying the product never hurts.”
Available at www.burtsbees.com
7. Edith, receptionist
Ivory Soap, $2 for 3 bars
“The only secret I have is to wash daily with ivory soap, drink lots of water (at least 64 ounces), stay out of the sun unless you have a hat on, wear sunglasses and have an SPF on your lips. I also put lotion on from head to toe after I shower. I don’t buy into the expensive lotions and creams — the simpler the better. This has been my regime since my mid-20s and it works.”
Available at local drugstores
8. Julia, advertising sales account executive
Obagi NuDerm System, $575
“I have tried so many products to help clear my skin. This has been a successful last-ditch effort. It quickly clears up any breakouts, and I definitely have them less often. It also helps my skin to produce collagen that fills in wrinkles and fine lines. My skin is thanking me for investing the money into this system. Obagi can be prescribed by several area dermatologists and plastic surgeons.”
Available at Youthology, www.youthology.md
9 Chris, advertising sales account executive
Erase Paste by Benefit Cosmetics, $26
“This is a great product to cover up my dark circles from those nights I stay up entertaining my 6-month-old son, William. It’s so easy and quick to use and apply, foolproof. I also love the clever names of their products like ‘that gal,’ ‘boi-ing’ and ‘ooh la lift.’”
Available at www.benefitcosmetics.com
10. Amy, graphic designer
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, $24
“I cannot live without this gel. It’s the best moisturizer I have ever used. It isn’t heavy like many lotions can be, and it goes on really smooth. It leaves my skin perfectly balanced all day and gives me a great non-oily surface to apply my makeup. A bottle will lasts me at least six months.”
Available at Clinique, www.clinique.com
