Bella’s Favorite Beauty Products:

Even though I’m a thrifty shopper, there are some things I “will” splurge on. Make-Up & Fragrance are two of them. You can get away with cheap  shoes, sometimes, but you only get one face so why not invest in great quality products? Below is a compilation of all my favorite beauty, fragrance & skincare items that I personally recommend:

LA MER Moisturizing Cream

Even now, it is not entirely clear how Crème de la Mer works. For those schooled in logic, it is something of a jolt to the imagination. But facts are facts and certainly the proof can be seen on the faces of those who use it. In a short time, skin becomes softer, firmer, looks virtually creaseless. Aging lines and pores are noticeably less visible. Even the driest of complexions are healed. Sensitivities are soothed. And, of course, there are some who insist it has produced astonishing results. This product is quite expensive so be sure to ask for a sample of it first to try out before investing in it!

1 oz $130  

2 oz $230

Prada ‘Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger’

This is my favorite perfume of the moment. Like all Prada fragrances, this unique scent is inspired by apparent contradictions, playing notes against each other to create an original and complex fragrance. A swirling mass of stems and petals in forest green, pink and mandarin, orange blossom absolute and neroli are augmented through sparkling mandarin oil, and mixed with luxurious jasmine and voluptuous tuberose.

Perfume   1.7 oz   $74

Lotion      8.5 oz    $52

Coming in at second place with me as a favorite perfume is Versace Crystal Noir. Inspired by haute couture, a jewel of a fragrance that’s the ultimate accessory. Sensuous top notes of amber; rich middle notes of gardenia; fresh, feminine base note of orange blossom.

1.7 oz    $64

(Perfume Tip: Always wait until around a holiday to buy perfumes that way you can get them in a set (with lotion, etc.) for around the same price you would pay just for a bottle by itself!)

Dior ‘Diorshow’ Waterproof Mascara  $24  Azure Blue or Black

Whenever I wear this mascara, especially in the blue, I get alot of compliments. It brings out your eyes no matter what color they are. With this product no false lashes are needed. This mascara gives you the ultimate length!

M·A·C ‘Studio Fix’ Fluid Foundation SPF 15 has been a must have for me for many years now. Not only does this foundation cover blemishes well but it doesn’t leave a caky, fake look to it while doing so. It is comfortable and long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. Most importantly, it’s oil-free.

1 oz.   $26

Now I was just introduced to the Giorgio Armani beauty line recently, but I can tell you, this is a close second to being a favorite foundation of mine. So weightless, it redefines foundation. Its hydrating fluid glides on seamlessly with a silky texture and all-day, buildable coverage. (If you need a shade guideline, I’m a #11)

1 oz  $59

M·A·C Lip Pencil in “Chestnut”   $13

This creamy, smooth  lip liner goes with literally EVERY color lipstick or lipgloss. I have been using this for 10 years plus!

All above products can be purchased at  www.nordstrom.com

Any of the aromatherapy sugar scrubs from Bath & Body Works do wonders. I swear by this stuff really. Not only do they exfoliate your skin but it is filled with oils so that you won’t even need lotion after getting out of the shower. This skin softening scrub combines exfoliating Sugar and a special moisturizing blend of sunflower, safflower, sweet almond and jojoba oils to leave skin silky smooth.

13 oz   $16   www.bathandbodyworks.com

Dolce & Gabbana Intense Nail Lacquer

If you want a nail polish that shines for days, here’s the one. I was introduced to this line in 2009 on one of my visits to Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC. I was immediately impressed with the vibrant colors in the line. But it was not until after using it and realizing that after 5 days it still had a high-gloss shine that I labeled this a must have polish. My collection consists of  #180 Stromboli (a metallic olive green color), #190 Gold & #170 Midnight (which is a rich purple).

$20   www.saksfifthavenue.com

But not “everything” has to cost a pretty penny. Of course with your face you want to be careful what you use on it. But when it comes to applicators, that’s where I will bend a little bit.  Now I will say that although I do have MAC and other line make-up brushes, these ELF brushes work just the same if not better. They are only $1 each and the line carries just about every style of brush that you may need. To me the concealer brush is “just like” a top name brand. The “Total Face Brush” has the softest bristles for applying face powder. I double the bronzing brush as an eyeshadow applicator to give me an angled application effect.

All brushes and products are only $1 each and can be purchased at Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores