New Cosmetics Worth Buying

So, I went on a cruise about 2 weeks ago and like any cosmetics-obsessed girl, I took this as an opportunity to stock up on new products, especially in travel sizes, and seek out some new favorites. Here's a roundup of the ones I'll definitely be buying again.

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV

I bought this moisturizer after seeing a similar product by the same brand written up in In Style. This proved one of my favorite products and I will continue to use it daily. Although the moisturizer contained an SPF of 30, it went on and absorbed quickly and smoothly. In the past when I've tried moisturizers with a higher SPF they've clogged my pores or sunken in slowly leaving a white residue or rubbed off if I rub my face or felt like they didn't do much actual moisturizing. This did none of the above. It soaked into my face and left no greasy residue. It also had a light scent that was pleasant but not overpowering. My boyfriend forgot to bring moisturizer, used this one and actually loved it too. He still asks to use it. After the success of this product, I may look into more La Roche-Posay skincare when I buy more moisturizer.

Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion

This proved the perfect arm lotion for evening. It was lightly moisturizing (hence why I say perfect for arms, not legs) and had a bit of shimmer that looked pretty in evening lighting but not like I was some 13-year-old coated in glitter. It also did feel like it did moisturize lightly, which most shimmer lotions don't manage to do. Again, it had a light pleasant scent but nothing so strong I couldn't use perfume. The key ingredient in the product is Royal Jelly, a special food that honey bees create and feed to young bees that are going to grow up to be honey bees. The numerous nutrients in Royal Jelly are believed to soften your skin and enhance its natural radiance. All I know is I put it on, and liked the light shimmer. It's definitely something I'll keep on hand.

Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo

I've always been a fan of Dry Shampoo, but I picked up this particular version because of the small container. I had visions of using it for quick changes and refreshing during the day. This product is basically a powder with a pointed applicator. You sprinkle it through your hair, brush it through, and voila, less grease. It was a bit harder to use than the spray versions because you had to be careful not to get too much concentrated in one area, but once applied it worked just as well. Plus, the Oscar Blandi version had a refreshing lemon scent that makes grease hair smell great. The fragrance lasts all day long too. If you're like me and you love having great-smelling hair, this product is worth buying both for scent and the small, easy to tote size (perfect for a gym bag too!).

MAC Splashproof Lash

All I can say is finally a waterproof mascara that actually lengthens lashes. This is by far the BEST waterproof mascara I've ever tried. It wasn't clumpy and did it's job. My lashes looked long and after I climbed up a waterfall in Jamaica and got totally soaked it was still on my eyes and not running down my face. This will be another standard addition to the makeup bag.

CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint

I saw these last year but none of the colors blew me away. This season I bought Magenta Mint and Plum Mint. I've always been a fan of the basic Mentha Lip Shine, but the Lip Tint is the same great burst of mint with a sheer glossy tint that's perfect alone or over lip stick. I kept one in my bag at all times during the trip. It felt so refreshing after laying in the sun or walking along a hot street. It's for sale at Bath & Body Works, but if you go on the CO Bigelow Web site right now, some of the colors are on sale for $5 each!

Dermalogica Solar Defense Wipes SPF 15

These towlettes come in a little package like makeup-removing face wipes, but each towel is saturated with SPF 15. Plus they have other antioxidents like Green Tea and Vitamins A, C and E, and skin calmers like balm mint built in. They're perfect for wiping off with when you're feeling hot and sweaty. Rather than making you feel greasy, these wipes make you feel like you're cleaning off but really you're adding sunblock. They're perfect for laying by the pool or when you're walking in the sun.

Dermalogica Ultimate Buffing Cloth

I was sold on this buffing cloth to help prevent ingrown hairs on my bikini line (apparently exfoliating helps keep that from happening) but ended up using this cloth everywhere. It exfoliates with any scrub and feels more effective than depending on those little crystals in exfoliants to hit every spot. Plus, it's machine washable and lasts up to a year. For less than $20, you don't have to buy exfoliator again for a while. Heck yeah!