Beauty Products That Work Wonders!

Dear Hot Readers,

I’ve been beauty-obsessed for as long as I can remember. As a first-grader, I was actually sent home for stinking up the school with my mother’s beloved Estée Lauder Youth Dew. In high school, I routinely raided her Halston fragrance in that impossibly chic white Elsa Peretti bottle. By senior year, I was wearing false lashes every day to class — which only made my rainbow-painted lids even more dramatic.

At Wellesley, some of my favorite moments happened around a table with my suitemates, painting our nails in Revlon Misty Cinnamon and Plum Silk while solving the problems of the world. My love of beauty only deepened once I started my first job in advertising. In 1979, completely captivated by the idea of custom-mixed foundation, I marched into Saks and bought the entire Prescriptives line. Then I spent my whole career working in beauty advertising — and I never grew tired of it for a second.

Some passions just stay with you.
Here are a few old favorites, new obsessions, and products I can’t wait to try next:

Oldies but Goodies
Timeless, reliable, and still in my rotation after all these years.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream -- this oldie but goody soothes my parched winter skin like nothing else! With 4.5% squalene, it feels so comforting and plush. It's always my last step at night over any serum or retinol product I'm using.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation -- I can't say enough about this serum foundation from The Ordinary that I've been using since it was launched. Even though I've cheated and tried an expensive luxury foundation from time to time, I keep coming back to this one. And you read that right, $5.77!

New Favorites
The products I’ve recently fallen hard for — and why they’re keepers.

Sarah Creal Concealer And Complexion Enhancer -- I am thoroughly obsessed with this product, which I learned about through fab celebrity makeup artist, Romy Souliemani, whom I used to work with. Its super creamy texture is weightless and covers like magic. It would definitely be my desert island product!

Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer and Complexion Enhancer $58

Westman Atelier Lip Suede -- Matte lipstick is another formulation I haven't enjoyed wearing much in the past, finding it drying and dull-looking. But this product from celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman has definitely changed my mind! Described as providing cushiony comfort, effortless glide with an ultra-saturated, hydro-matte finish. I can attest, it's all of that and more!

Gucci Westman Lip Suede Matte Lipstick $50

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 -- touted as the best SPF product for mature skin by my favorite beauty writer, Valerie Monroe, of How Not To F*ck Up Your Face fame. A good friend recently brought me back a tube from Tokyo, and now I'm a convert.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 $ $42 for 3

Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream -- I received a jar of this product in my Allure Beauty Box last month and saw immediate results! Vitamin C is a vital ingredient for brightening dull skin and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Nothing else works as hard.

Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream $125

On My Wish List

A few buzzy, intriguing launches I’m itching to try next.

Ilia Ethereal Baked Face Palette -- The cult brand Ilia is responsible for several products on my "must have" list. The newest one is this beautiful, perfect-for-the-holidays palette that combines two long-wearing blushes, a bronzer, and a pearly highlighter. They blend seamlessly and last for 8 hours.

Ilia The Ethereal Baked Face Palette $59

Aeston West Signature Discovery Set -- I'm curious about this company that says it has engineered a patent-pending active that powers repair, protection, and renewal at the cellular level. And best of all, it's created with mature skin in mind!

Kulfi Lip Oil -- One of those newer cosmetic formulations, lip oil goes on glossy and leaves a long-lasting stain. The Kulfi lip oils are formulated with mango seed oil, a super-nourishing ingredient, and are inspired by the plush pout left after imbibing the iconic smoothie treat, a lassi!

Merit Solo Shadow -- I'm always on the lookout for luscious shadows that won't crease or fade away after long hours of wear, and I think I've found a fabulous new one from vegan and cruelty-free brand, Merit. This buildable cream shadow provides a sheer wash of pretty color!

Here’s to the beauty classics that shaped us—and the new gems still waiting to be discovered.
With love,
Terry xoxo

P.S. Get ready for the Hot Gift Guide and Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday, and Cyber Monday Hot Deals coming your way soon!

WHAT’S HOT?

Beauty Products That Work Wonders!

WHAT’S HOT?

WHAT’S HOT?