RI Beauty Insider Editor’s Choice: A Few of My Favorite Things

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Donna Macdonald, GoLocalProv Beauty Expert

 

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Oprah’s “Things We Think Are Just Great” feature in O Magazine is first thing I flip to every month.  And since I receive a lot of emails asking about basic beauty aids AND I am asked to sample lots of high end  products that sometimes disappoint, I’m giving you my private list of things that I think are just great.

My roster contains only the tried and true. I’m faithful because they deliver, are available, and don’t cost the moon (no $350 designer face creams). They have earned a place in my core group of “stuff” because I can’t live without them and have yet to find better replacements. So here are a few of my favorite things:

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion

This fragrance free lotion is both rich and lightweight. I use it every day because it makes my skin silky and its SPF15 protects against UV exposure. The more you use it, the softer your skin becomes. No stickiness and quick to absorb means clothes slip on. CVS ($12.49)

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Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser

An oldie but goodie I’ve told you about before. Its tissue-off method of face cleansing is in line with new theories that skin does better without water. As long as you are not acne-prone, this creamy retro product conditions, hydrates, and removes makeup. Smells nice too. Rite Aid ($8.99)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

This is the stuff dreams are made of – it actually makes me look younger. It’s a sheer foundation with illuminators that fill in fine lines and reflect light. You will almost look like you move in candlelight. I don’t peer in mirrors unless I’ve got it on. Macy’s ($43.00)

Ped-Egg Ultimate Foot File

The greatest, safest foot smoothing tool I’ve used. Precision micro-files peel away roughness and keep feet sandal ready year round. Baby soft feet. From an egg. Walgreens ($9.99)

Clinique Even Better Concealer

This is the only concealer I’ve ever loved. No raccoon eyes and yet it’s not drying. Literally glides on and like magic, dark circles and discoloration disappear. Better? No, the best! Nordstrom ($19.50)

Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Hand Cream

I keep this in the office and put it on before I walk to my car in the sun at lunch. With SPF 15, it’s like wearing protective gloves. I like the insurance of knowing I’m doing the best I can to keep my hands young looking. Target ($14.69)

Farmaesthetics Eyebright Eye-Makeup Remover and Treatment Oil

Ok, this one was gifted to me... and it exceeded all expectations. Eyes are delicate and this herbal preparation runs circles around my old soapy brands. I KNOW it’s good for me because it makes my eyes feel comfortable after a long day at the computer. It removes even the blackest mascara. Your pillow case will thank you too. True love in a petite blue bottle. Farmaesthetics ($25.00)

L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

Out of circulation for years, this hairspray keeps my locks in place without the football helmet look. Its extra hold but a comb can still get through it. No crunch - only controlled movement. It’s the Holy Grail. Ulta ($12.99)

Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty. She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot.com where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart. Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.

 

Related Slideshow: 2013 Gift Guide: Great Gifts for Her

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Charm Bangle

Are you looking to find a memorable gift for that special woman in your life? Why not get her a customizable charm bangle bracelet from Alex and Ani? Bracelets come in either gold or silver, while Alex and Ani offers a nearly endless variety of charms. From spiritual symbols to birthstones, Alex and Ani allows you to pick the charm the best embodies special someone.

Price: $28

Buy it from: Alex and Ani has five retail stores throughout Rhode Island. Click here to find the location nearest you or shop online at alexandani.com.

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Cozy Accessories

Warm her up with a gift of comfort and joy. Check out the vividly hued hats, scarves and gloves at Karol Richardson in Newport. This joyous boutique will find you pondering between eternity scarves and fingerless mitts by Wooden Ships in great crayon colors sure to brighten up her dreary winter day.

Price: $32-$52

Buy it from: Karol Richardson, 24 Washington Sq., Newport

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Gorgeous Lingerie

Whether it's a nightgown for Mom or a sexy bra set for sis, a well-crafted piece of lingerie is an utterly luxurious gift. But don't leave yourself off Santa's list. Let a stunning lace chemise find its way into your shopping bag when you search for girly gifts for others. You will get thanks galore on Christmas Eve!

Price: $28-$198

But it from: Deborah Winthrop Lingerie, 424 Thames St., Newport

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Beautiful Jewelry

Who doesn't want a little bling under the tree on Christmas morning? Flatter her with your best-things-come-in-small-packages sensibility and choose something unique from this lovely little shop. Our suggestion would be a gemstone necklace or ring in their signature lollipop colors. It doesn't have to be fancy; just sweet and adorable.

Price: Beginning at $900

Buy it from: Tiffany Peay Jewelry, 3851 Main Rd., Tiverton Four Corners

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Perfume

Think outside the perfume box this year and fete her with a special “niche” fragrance that is out of the ordinary. Mignonette carries Caron perfumes from the old world Paris perfume house. If nothing tickles your fancy, splurge on Caron’s beautiful and extravagant powder puff instead.

Price: $40-$85

Buy it from: Mignonette, 301 Wickenden St., Providence

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Skin Indulgences

Farmaesthetics is Rhode Island’s pride and joy as a premier natural skin care line. What we love about it is its greenness, localness, AND sophistication. Show her you understand her needs with their Seasonable Salt Cabinet web special. Make her long winter baths spa-worthy right at home while you take on the kids and their new toys. Or shop their inspiring Newport store and come away with their Big, Beautiful Box of Everything. She may just find a big, beautiful way to thank you!

Price: Bath Salts Gift Set $25; Big Beautiful Box of Everything $275

Buy it from: Farmaesthetics, 114 Bellevue Ave., Newport.

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Fanciful Evening Bags

With New Year’s Eve looming, a darling evening bag is a coveted gift. These are not your mother's bags—most are handmade and textural with velvety fabrics, feathers, and sequins. But if you think an unpretentious bag is the chicest, a black envelope of boiled wool with a little tone-on-tone lace lets her get her Chanel on! It will look gorgeous tucked under her arm for that midnight champagne toast.

Price:  $18-$50  

Buy it from: Blue Hydrangea, Main St., Wickford.

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Compact Beauties

Each holiday season, venerable cosmetic company, Estée Lauder releases their series of limited edition compacts. This year’s array includes several whimsical versions filled with pressed powder or solid perfume. These miniature works of art look like they came from an elegant art museum shop. They will surely captivate her imagination and she just might be found kissing Santa Claus under the tree after the kids are in bed!

Price: $89-$295

Buy it from: Nordstrom, 6 Providence Place, Providence

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Luxurious Facial Cream

Enter Roses - not the flowering variety but the bare essence of the thirty roses that go into each tube of Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream. This lush emulsion has a major cult following and for good reasons: the delicate rose fragrance will delight the senses while the cream protects delicate outer skin against harsh winter weather. She’ll toss it in her bag for those outdoor Kennedy Plaza skating sessions. The entire Hauschka celebrity-endorsed line will be a welcome sight under her tree.

Price: Rose Day Cream $42.95

Buy it from: All That Matters, 315 Main St., Wakefield

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Ultimate Splurge

This gossamer sweater may be the ultimate in plush decadence but what better way to say I love you than to wrap her shoulders in its filaments of sparkly warmth? The neutral grey go-with-anything hue will look party lovely over a winter white dress on New Year’s Eve or with a tank and jeans on the couch before the fire. Wherever you clink your champagne glasses and share that midnight kiss, you’ve given her a piece that will stand the test of time. And isn’t she worth that?

Price: Blissful loveliness for $1,500.

Buy it from: R.G.E., 1775 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick

 

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