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In my former life as a new product developer for various cosmetic companies, it was my job to evaluate competitor’s products to see what was good, bad, or could be improved upon in a new formulation. Over the course of a year, I would try hundreds of products, and I formed a notable prejudice for certain favorites. Although I’m no longer actively employed in that specific area of the beauty biz, old habits die hard and I still try lots of new products with an appraising eye. Here (in no particular order) are ten of my current highly biased can’t-live-without products.

1. That’s Rich Skin Softening Face Cleanser by Grassroots
   When evaluating creams, product developers often refer to “cushion.” Cushion refers to the density of the product and how it cushions the hands when you begin to rub the product into your skin. The more cushion a product has, the richer and creamier it is, and the more enjoyable to use. That’s Rich Cleanser has substantial cushion, melting eye makeup and comforting skin with olive oil, cocoa butter and soothing botanical extracts. I also love the fact that even though it contains all these rich ingredients, it still rinses off easily.
2. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
   A classic product (in the pink & green tube) that I’ve been using for years; this is simply the best mascara. All those other companies can fool with various brushes, wands, fibres and even the diameter of the opening of the mascara tube, but they will never approach the perfection of this product. And priced at only about $4 US a tube!
3. Johnson & Johnson Softlotion 24-hour Moisturizer
   I’ve always been a big fan of baby products because of how gentle they are. If they are mild enough for a baby’s tender skin, they must be good enough for an adult, especially one with sensitive skin. That’s one of the reasons I love this lotion. Another reason is its “playtime.” Playtime refers to the amount of time it takes for the lotion to absorb into your skin. This lotion has minimal playtime with maximum results. Your skin will feel well-moisturized and supple without a sticky afterfeel. It also has a very low fragrance level, so it will not interfere with your favorite spritz.
4. Neutrogena Visibly Firm Face Lotion SPF-20
   A workhorse of a daytime moisturizer, this reasonably-priced lotion has two key qualities that are crucial for a facial product – it is fragrance-free and it has sunscreen (and enough of it – above the bare minimum of SPF-15). A convenient pump bottle maintains the integrity of the product by not introducing bacteria into the package.
5. Sephora Smoothing Primer
   A great new invention in the beauty biz is a product that is applied between your moisturizer and your foundation to form a protective barrier that actually minimizes and smoothes tiny lines and imperfections. This lightweight gel helps your foundation glide on evenly and look picture perfect. Use sparingly after moisturizing – a little goes a long way!
6. Neutrogena Lip Nutrition Honey Rescue Balm
   Looks, smells, and tastes like honey in a rich healing balm for your lips. Use alone or over your favorite lip color for great shine. Yummy!
7. Purse-size Kabuki Brush
   Throw out that bacteria breeding-ground known as a powder-puff! Whether you use pressed or loose, translucent or shaded face powder, get rid of the foam or fabric puff that comes with it and upgrade to this fluffy, fabulous finishing brush. Dip your brush in loose powder or stroke it across the pressed compact, then tap it or blow on it to get rid of the excess. Apply the powder in circular motions, and you will get a finish of airbrushed flawlessness. Plus, it’s small enough to tuck in your handbag.
8. The Thymes Fig Leaf & Cassis Foaming Milk Bath
   Everyone who knows me, knows that I have a sensitive nose. Maybe it’s from my years spent evaluating fragrances, but I have a finely tuned sense of smell. (My mom once had to move a bowl of potpourri into another room so I could enjoy dinner without the distracting fragrance.) That’s why I adore this delicious treat – the fragrance is as indulgent as the tubful of creamy, extravagant bubbles that this little envelope of riches will produce (available in candles and shower gel, too). Kiss your stress goodbye!
9. Back to Basics Green Tea Normalizing Shampoo
   I hate to ruin your illusions, but shampoos are all made of basically the same chemicals – water and detergents (called surfactants). Oh, sure, there are fancy ingredients that manufacturers add, but in reality, the extras are added in only trace amounts and don’t really impact the quality of the product. The bottom line is cleaning your hair. And they all do that. So what’s left? The fragrance! This shampoo has the most delicious green, herbal fragrance that makes me feel like I’m showering in a forest in the springtime. It’s also color-safe – a plus because the detergents are a bit milder.
10. L’Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lip Color
    Wow, this is an amazing product! In a little compact mirrored box, you have a small wand of lip color and a lip sealant. Apply the lip color, and within a minute, it “gloms” onto your lips, creating wonderfully durable color. Apply the clear lipstick “sealant” for a soft, semi-lustrous shine, and you won’t have to reapply for hours. Wonderful product, innovative package, economical price!

I’d love to know about your top products, so leave a comment with your recommendations.