Editor’s Picks: What I Can’t Live Without Right Now January 25th, 2010 By

Here are my top picks for products I can’t live without these days:

Mara's Top Picks, 1. MARC by Marc Jacobs, 2. Hanky Panky, 3. Lola, 4. Revlon Sheer Pink, 5. Kiehl's Conditioner, 6. Ray-Ban Aviators, 7. Votivo Candles, 8. M.A.C. Lipglass

Mara's Top Picks: 1. MARC by Marc Jacobs, 2. Hanky Panky, 3. Lola, 4. Revlon Sheer Pink, 5. Kiehl's Conditioner, 6. Ray-Ban Aviators, 7. Votivo Candles, 8. M.A.C. Lipglass

When thinking about this week’s post, I turned to my own current must-haves for inspiration.  Here’s what I’m loving right now:

1. MARC by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Benny Satchel
$398
“The grape color is fresh and flirty for spring, and I can’t get enough of the dove motif on his latest collection!  Plus, it has plenty of pockets that keep me organized when I’m on the go.”

2. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong
$18
“The only underwear I buy these days — I must own a pair in every color.  They’re so soft and comfortable, and they never show through my clothing.”

3. Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum, 3.4 oz.
$85
“One of the best-selling perfumes in the country right now, Lola has hints of fuscia peony, geranium, and ruby red grapefruit.” 

4. Revlon Sheer Pink Enamel
$4.79
“When I don’t have time for a manicure, Revlon’s Sheer Pink polish saves the day.  The smooth formula glides on evenly, and it’s sheer enough so that mistakes don’t show.  Just one coat makes my nails look pretty and even.”

5. Kiehl’s Extra Strength Conditioning Rinse
$21-$33
“I use this conditioning rinse in lieu of my daily conditioner once a week to soften and add shine to my long (somewhat damaged and dry) hair.  Added bonus: the delicious coconut smell!”

6. Ray-Ban Aviators
from $72
“Even on my worst days, the aviator style makes me feel tough and sexy.  I love how Ray-Ban is now offering different lens and frame shades.  My favorite, the classic large style with gold frame and black lenses.”

7. Votivo Candle — Red Current
$25
“Perhaps my favorite candle, it’s clean-burning with a delicious scent that appropriate year-round and not too girly.  Makes an excellent hostess gift!”

8. M.A.C. Cosmetics Clear Lipglass
$14
“The shiniest gloss I’ve ever tried.  This unique formula really does leave a glass-like finish that lasts for hours.  I love it alone or over my favorite lipstick.”

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Beauty Talk: ‘Tis the Season of the Gift Set December 21st, 2009 By

Stila Lipglaze Collection $25

Stila Lipglaze Collection $25

Ah, the holidays, my favorite time of year.  I start saving up as soon as the leaves start to fall in anticipation of the awesome gift sets that come out right before.

When it comes to color cosmetics, I’m fickle.  I don’t stick with one look too long, so smaller sizes work best for me.  Let’s face it, we rarely finish a lipstick or gloss before it is time to dump it (2 years max, in case you were wondering).  So, why not enjoy a collection of tiny treats on the cheap?

Here are our faves:

Sephora Favorites Lashstash $39

Sephora Favorites Lashstash $39

Sephora LashStash:

The LashStash mascara sampler, $39, offers generous mini-sizes of 10 different best-selling mascaras, including Benefit’s A Little Bit BadGAL mascara and Cargo’s Lash Activator.

NARS I Want You:

The NARS I Want You gloss set features five mini versions of their long-lasting, sexiest glosses in 4 neutral shad

For just $25, you can score 8 of Stila’s famous glosses with built-in brushes.  The twist-up style is purse-friendly and ensures you’ll never have to stick germ-y fingers into your gloss while on the go.

Too Faced Queen For A Day $45

Too Faced Queen For A Day $45

Too Faced Queen For a Day:

If full-sized products are more your style, check out the Too Faced Queen For a Day set.  For $45, you get a cute makeup bag filled with a full-size shadow primer, soft pink lipstick, neutral eyeshadow quad and a warm bronzer along with a mini mascara and flatbuki brush.

Check out some more palettes.  You just might find your own favorite!

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