InStyle Magazine Awards the Best Beauty Buys of 2008. The Winners are as follows:



Category: MAKEUP:

1. Best Liquid Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk
This dewy formula "has a beautiful finish with a bit of shimmer," says N.Y.C. makeup artist Wei Lang, who has worked with Rosario Dawson.

2. Best Foundation Primer: Smashbix Photo Finish
The cosmetics equivalent of an airbrush machine, this silicone-based primer smooths out any bumps and fine lines on your skin.

3. Best Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier
For luminous, lit-from-within skin, this creamy classic can’t be beat, says L.A. makeup artist Kayleen McAdams, who uses it on Elisha Cuthbert.
Laura Mercier Tinted moiisturizer-Oil Free is a sheer, lightweight, buildable foundation that can be worn by all skin types but especially those with acne prone, sensitive or oily skin.
Hydrating, oil-free formula softens skin offering a healthy glow. Helps to prevent excess oil from setting on the surface of the skin. I
It controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness
Buildable coverage for those hard-to-cover places
Offers further protection from UVB rays & harmful effects of the environment with an SPF 20
Ideal for troubled skin

4. Editor's Pick: Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation
This foundation comes with a built-in brush that’s stiff enough to give you control, but soft enough to gently swoosh around the contours of the face.

5. Best Inexpensive Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Foundation
Experts love this brand for its variety of shades (24!) in glass bottles that clearly show the color. And at this price, you can get one shade for summer and another for those winter months.

6. Best Oil-Free Foundation: Laura Mercier
Dewiness without shine—That’s what this delivers. “You don't need much powder on top of it,” says N.Y.C. makeup artist Kyra Panchenko, who uses it on Kim Cattrall. Apply it after moisturizer for excellent coverage.

7. Best Inexpensive Powder: Covergirl
"Before my clients walk the red carpet, I dust this powder under their eyes to keep their eyeliner from drifting there," says Shiyena, Carmen Electra’s makeup artist.

8. Best Inexpensive Concealer: Max Factor
Swipe this lipstick-shaped tip under the eyes, or use a brush to dot on blemishes. "It’s not too creamy and not too dry," says L.A. makeup artist Michele Burke, whose clients include Susan Sarandon and Renee Zellweger.''

9. Best Blemish Concealer: Laura Mercier
Two color options ensure a perfect match every time. The yellow-based tone neutralizes redness, while the beige helps you blend the spot in.

10. Best Powder: Laura Mercier
With no pigment at all, this silky powder delivers a delicate, matte finish that sets makeup without changing the color of your blush or foundation.


*** More winners on my next post....

Best Beauty Awards 2008 Winners:

MAKEUP:

11. Best Mineral Foundation: Bare Escentuals Bare MIneral SPF 15 Foundation
Mineral makeups tend to be less irritating than conventional ones. "Brush it on lightly, or apply more for full coverage," says makeup artist Hillary Clark, whose clients include Teri Hatcher.

12. Editor's Pick: Prescriptives Site Unseen Concealer
Under-eye concealer usually involves a trade-off: good coverage, chalky finish—or mediocre coverage, nice finish. This one solves the cover-up conundrum and contains SPF 15.

13. Best Undereye Concealer: Cle de Peau Correcteur Visage
“If I were stranded on a desert island, this is the only makeup I would take with me,” says L.A. makeup artist Lizbeth Williamson, who uses it on Mary-Louise Parker. “It moisturizes and gives flawless coverage.

14. Best Cream Blush: Stila Convertible Color
It's super-versatile: "This is one of those all-you-need kind of products," says L.A. makeup artist Troy Jensen.

15. Best Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta
This consistent favorite keeps your face looking subtly sun-kissed rather than overly baked.

16. Best Inexpensive Powder Blush: L'oreal True Match
"These 12 long-lasting shades are velvety, so you look like you are naturally blushing," says L.A. makeup artist Terri Apanasewicz, whose clients include Cindy Crawford.

17. Editor's Pick: Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator
You can use this sheer liquid for a wash of shimmery color on cheeks or to highlight your brow bones, but we really love it on the décolleté.

18. Best Powder Blush: Nars
"I like it on everyone I work with, including Uma Thurman and Felicity Huffman," says N.Y.C. makeup artist Gita Bass of this blush.

19. Best Luminizer: Stila Liquid Luminizer
Experts use this shimmering liquid in several ways: Some mix a squirt with foundation for a barely there sheen, while others dab it directly onto cheekbones as a highlighter.

20. Best Long Wearing Lip Color: MAC Pro Longwear
A favorite of makeup artists, this color-and-gloss combo is “very kissable!” adds L.A. makeup artist Lizbeth Williamson.

*** More winners on my next post....

Best Beauty Awards 2008 Winners by Instyle Magazine :

MAKEUP

21. Editor's Pick: Go Light on My Lips
Outfitted with a built-in mirror and internal light, this sheer, non-tacky gloss is the ultimate nightclub accessory.

22. Best Inexpensive Lipgloss: L’Oreal Color Juice
Experts love the range of colors, which "work on a lot of different skin tones," says L.A. makeup artist Carola Gonzalez, who has glossed up Kerry Washington's beautiful lips.

23. Best Inexpensive Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustruos Lipstick
In addition to a whopping 72 shades, this line also offers serious quality at a great price.

24. Best Lipbalm: Murad Enerigizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15
This non-sticky balm has pomegranate extract (a powerful antioxidant that combats sun damage on the lips), plus salicylic acid to help exfoliate.

25. Best Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Allure
Each of the 44 rich, creamy shades contains silicone for an easy glide-on and shea butter and canola oil to soften your pout.

26. Best Lipgloss: Chanel Glossimer
These exquisitely colored glosses add shimmer without stickiness. "Apply it over lipstick and the color looks like shiny glass," says makeup artist Yajaira Velazquez, who has smoothed it on Katharine McPhee.

27. Best Inexpensive Eye Shadow: L’Oreal HIP
This line of deeply pigmented shadows features many tones. And "they show up on the skin exactly the same way they look in the container," says L.A. makeup artist Amy Chance.

28. Best Cream Eye Shadow: Nars
Unlike many other cream shadows, these don’t migrate to the crease of your lid after a few hours, plus the color stays true rather than fading or rubbing off.

29. Best Powder Eye SHadow: MAC
"The texture of these eye shadows is just heaven," says N.Y.C. makeup artist Susan Giordano, who has used them on "pretty much every celebrity I’ve ever done."

30. Best Gel Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Liner
This durable formula glides on like a liquid liner—it gives you the same bold definition, but won’t run when you tear up from a good laugh.

31. Best Eye Pencil: MAC Eye Kohl
Perfectly pointed for drawing fine lines, these “are the longest-wearing eye pencils in the business,” says L.A. makeup artist Mark Payne, who works with Beyoncé and Heather Mills.

32. Best Mascara: Chanel Inimitable
"In one stroke it accomplishes three goals: separating, lengthening and volumizing," says N.Y.C. makeup artist Yajaira Velazquez. “It makes lashes stand out."

33. Best Mascara: Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof
Find a lot of clumping with your waterproof mascara? This formula and brush are designed to ferret out smaller lashes and keep them lush.

34. Best Mascara: Dior Diorshow
“The brush creates thickness at the base and softly feathers off—but it never flakes,” says makeup artist Kellye Garner, who has used it on Jessica Biel.

35. Best Mascara: Lancome L’Extreme
"This is the best brush—It separates and defines really well," says N.Y.C. makeup artist Margot Boccia, who has worked with Jennifer Lopez.

InStyle Magazine Awards the Best Beauty Buys of 2008. The Winners are as follows:

Category: FACE

1. Best Cleanser for Normal Skin: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
This lightly foaming cleanser is so mild you can even use it to remove makeup in the delicate eye area.

2. Best Daily Moisturizer with SPF for Normal Skin: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45
This lightweight moisturizer with vitamins C and E has the perfect texture for everyday use. “It’s not greasy, rubs in nicely and leaves no residue,” says dermatologist Jules Abadi.

3. Best Cleanser for Dry Skin: Clarins Cleansing Milk
Packed with moisturizing ingredients such as almond and linseed extracts, this milky formula has a fresh, herbal scent.

4. Best Daily Moisturizer with SPF for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV SPF30
Lighter in texture than many moisturizers for dry skin, this non-sticky lotion offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection—with a side of dewy luminosity.

5. Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Shiseido Extra Gentle Foam
This mild wash, infused with moisture-rich yuzu-seed extract, creates a thick, cushiony lather that gently cleanses.

6. Best Daily Moisturizer with SPF for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
Feverfew, the star ingredient in this redness-reducing moisturizer, soothes skin irritation and blotchiness.

7. Best CLeanser for Oily and Acne Prone Skin: Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
“This product provides deep cleansing without being drying,” says N.Y.C. dermatologist Susan Binder.

8. Best Daily Moisturizer with SPF for Oily and Acne Prone Skin: Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer for Oily Skin SPF25
For a potent everyday sunscreen, this lightweight cream is as elegant as they come.

9. Best Facial Scrub: Aveeno Skin Brightening Facial Scrub
“This product cleanses without leaving a tight finish and exfoliates without being harsh,” says N.Y.C. dermatologist Laurie J. Polis.

10. Best Rosacea Treatment: Clinique Redness Daily Relief Cream
"This cream contains resveratrol extract, which is a great anti-inflammatory and soothing agent," says N.Y.C. dermatologist Michele S. Green.

11. Best Acne Spot Treatment: Clearasil Ultra Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream
This powerful blemish blaster contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, the highest nonprescription strength available, says Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Randal Haworth.

12. Best Antioxidant Cream: Origins A Perfect World
"This doesn't just soothe—it really works," says N.Y.C. dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas.


***More Awards Winners in the next post...

Continuation....

InStyle Magazine Awards the Best Beauty Buys of 2008. The Winners are as follows:

FACE

13. Best Acne Regimen: Clean & Clear Acne Control Kit
Using a combination of benzoyl peroxide (in the cleanser) and salicylic acid (in the moisturizer and spot treatment), this kit keeps skin clear—for less than 20 bucks.

14. Best Radiance Mask: Ren SKincare Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask
Think of this as a speed facial: With a potent combination of glycolic, lactic and fruit acids, this tingly mask can get you glowing in just 10 minutes.

15. Editor's Pick: Kinerase Pro Therapy Lotion
Dermatologists love Kinerase, and now it comes in a souped-up formula that pairs the antiaging ingredient kinetin with zeatin.

16. Best Chemical Exfoliator: Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel
This at-home peel uses “removes the top layers gently, stimulating the turnover process so skin looks brighter and pores are less obvious,” says dermatologist Mary P. Lupo.

17. Best Eyecream for Wrinkles: L'Oreal Advanced Revita Lift Double Eye Lift
Retinol, the active ingredient in this eye treatment, is a proven wrinkle fighter.

18. Best Spot Lighter: Murad Age SPot and Pigment Lightening Gel
This gel contains the same bleaching agent found in many prescription products. "It also has glycolic acid, which enhances the whitening effect," says dermatologist Derek G. Kenneaster.

19. Best Fine Line Filler: Freeze 24*7 & Go
Made with GABA, a natural muscle-relaxing agent, this product is designed to temporarily inhibit lines from forming by reducing movement (like Botox, only less drastic).

20. Best Wrinkle Treatment: Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment
Dermatologists get giddy when asked about idebenone, the active ingredient in this potent wrinkle cream from Elizabeth Arden.

21. Editor's Pick: Estee Lauder Perfectionist Correcting Concentrate for Deeper Facial Lines/Wrinkles
With a targeted brush applicator, this product allows you to swipe collagen building peptides directly onto crow’s feet and wrinkles.

22. Best Eye Cream for Puffiness and Dark Circle: Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Eye Cream
This multitasking eye cream "reduces puffiness with the first application, and it's easy to blend into the delicate eye area," says Bowie, Md., plastic surgeon James Benjamin.

InStyle Magazine Awards the Best Beauty Buys of 2008. The Winners are as follows:

Category: BODY

1. Best Body Wash: Olay Body Wash Plus Radiance Ribbons
This cleanser "is a home run," says N.Y.C. dermatologist Francesca Fusco, especially if you’re in a hurry and don't have time to rub in lotion after you shower.

2. Best Body Scrub: Kiehl's Soy and Honey Body Polish
This mild scrub has tiny, sand-size particles to buff away dead skin and soy milk to hydrate.

3. Best Hand Cream: ROC Retino Correxion Hand Repair SPF
Talk about handy: Not only does this lotion have sunscreen to prevent further damage, it also has retinol to diminish the appearance of age spots and wrinkles.

4. Best Body Lotion: Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion
This heavy-duty lotion is "anti-inflammatory, soothing and hydrating," confirms N.Y.C. dermatologist Neil Sadick.

5. Best Bar Soap: Dove Beauty Bar
"People keep trying to make a better soap, and there isn’t a better soap," says Wellesley, Mass., dermatologist Ruth Tedaldi of this longtime favorite.

6. Best Foot Cream: L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream
Rich in texture (courtesy of a big dose of shea butter) and redolent with the heady scent of soothing lavender, this luxe cream is the ultimate in foot lotions.

7. Best Gradual Self-Tanner: Jergens Natural Glow
This groundbreaking lotion kicked off the trend of gradual self-tanners and comes in three shades for face and body.

8. Editor's Pick: Chanel Beaute Initiale Energizing Multi-Protection Fluid Healthy Glow SPF 15
Call it the ultimate multitasker: This lightweight moisturizer hydrates skin, protects from UV rays, and provides natural color over time.

9. Best Spay Self-Tanner: Model CO. Tan Airbrush in a Can
Infused with specks of shimmer, this tinted mist is as goof-proof as it is flattering.

10. Best Self-Tanner for Face: Clarins Liquid Bronze
In addition to providing a truly golden glow, this creamy, jasmine-scented formula hydrates as it tans.

11. Best Self-Tanner Body: St. Tropez Auto Bronzant Lotion
This deep self-tanner “creates the most beautiful glowing skin and doesn't look fake at all,” says N.Y.C. makeup artist Anthea King, who used it on Kristen Bell.

12. Best Shimmer Lotion: Scott Barnes Body Bling
"It leaves a sparkle and shine on the skin that gives it an extra allure," says L.A. makeup artist Chantal Moore, of this high-impact, luminous fluid.

13. Best Sunscreen for Face: Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55
"It has a light, creamy texture that melts into your skin," says Wellesley, Mass., dermatologist Elissa Lunder.

14. Best Body Sunscreen Lotion: Banana Boat SunWear SPF50
Lauded as a formula that won't break down under the sun, this silky sunscreen also contains beneficial anti-aging extracts.

15. Editor's Pick: Lancome UV Expert with Mexoryl SPF 20
One of the first and only products besides Anthelios to contain Mexoryl, this lightweight sunscreen offers heavy-duty sun protection.

16. Best Body Sunscreen Spray: Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Body Mist SPF 45
"I can do my back myself with this spray,” says N.Y.C. dermatologist Debra Jaliman. "It leaves no residue, and it provides great UVA and UVB protection."

17. Best Sunscreen for Face: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Daily Moisturizing Cream SPF 15
Long smuggled across the Atlantic, this coveted European sunscreen is "weightless and vanishes completely into the skin," says L.A. dermatologist Lori Hobbs.

You can either choose:
Citre Shine Mist Spray Laminator -Pros love this inexpensive spray as a final touch on any hair type; it adds a weightless shine to straight and curly hair alike.
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum.
This longtime favorite “does a great job smoothing out the cuticle and eliminating frizz,” says L.A. stylist Sean James, who also applauds its price and accessibility.
These two products are winners of the Instyle Beauty Awards 2008.

If you are not comfortable wearing a concealer, try using eye creams that combat puffiness and dark circles. Look for one with Vit. K and C. Try the Best Eye Cream for Puffiness and Dark Circle: Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Eye Cream.This product is a winner in the Instyle Beauty Awards 2008 so I guess you must try it to see if it works. Try also to sleep early and drink plenty of water. Home treatments such as placing cold cucumber or teabags on your eyes may also refresh them.

Try the following:
L'Oreal Professional Colorist Collection: Available in 12 shades, these shampoos contain apricot kernel oil. "The shampoos for blondes eliminate brassy tones and give a more vibrant blond hue," says L.A. stylist John Francis, who has tried them on Trudie Styler and Sting.

Best Overall Shampoo and Conditioner: Kerastase or Kerastase Chroma Reflect for color treated hair.
Stylists consider this brand the creme de la creme of shampoos and conditioners—and worth every penny of their top-of-the-line prices.

Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair: Redken Color Extend
N.Y.C. stylist Sam Leonardi loves the sophisticated components of these products: ceramides to strengthen color treated hair, silicone conditioners to coat the cuticle, and UV filters to defend against the sun.

These are all winners of the Instyle Best Beauty Buys 2008, so I suppose they are some of the best products available in the market today.

Maybelline Macara is the best inexpensive mascara. It can even rival high end brands. It is awarded by InStyle Magazine as one of the best beauty buys.

Covering your undereye circles and freckles can help. Try using Laura Mercier Secret Comouflage. Winner of the InStyle Best Beauty Buy Awards as best concealer. Try also to get more sleep and use an eye cream for your eyebags. For your freckles, don't expose yourself to too much sun and use sunblock to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays that may cause your freckles to be more visible.

I would say Maybelline Mascarra. It is inexpensive but it can rival high end brands and does the job pretty well. Most make-up artist depend on Maybelline when it comes to mascara. It is also a winner in the InStyle Best Beauty Buys Awards 2008. You dont need to spend a great amount of money on mascaras, invest it in a good foundation instead.

I suggest you use a highly pigmented concealer like cinema secrets or Laura Mercier. By the way,
Laura Mercier concealer is sited and awarded by InStyle magazine as the best blemish concealer in the market today. You can customize a shade that will perfectly match your skintone by mixing the two colors in the palette.

Try Laura Mercier, won the best foundation award in the InStyle Best Beauty Buys Awatds 2008. If you want a heavier coverage, try the Laura Mercier (LM) Silk Creme Foundation. It gives the most coverage out of LM foundations. Laura Mercier is available at Macy's.

Silk Crème Foundation - $42.00
Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation is a rich and luminous foundation offering full coverage while hydrating and protecting the skin.

> Offers the most coverage out of all Laura Mercier's foundations
> Oil-free, fragrance-free and extremely long wearing
> Hydrates and protects while causing fine lines and imperfections to optically disappear through its advanced light-reflecting qualities
> Ideal for persons with rosacea or hard-to-cover pigmentation
> 1.18 fl. oz./35ml

According to InStyle Best Beauty Buy Awards: