2010 NV AWARDS: TOOLS

This is my last installment of the NV Beauty Awards for 2010! These are my favorite beauty tools! I used all of these SO much last year and have been enjoying them still! Which ones are your favorites too?

MAKEUP BRUSHES

Sedona Lace Professional Brush Set

I have 4 brush sets and these are honestly my favorites! I just wish they made more! I know that SL is coming out with some new brushes this year and I CAN NOT wait!!!!!!!!!! These brushes are so incredibly soft and dense! I want more!! Hurry up Sedona Lace! I want more brushes!!!

CLEANSER

Ok, so I just got this in December and some may think it's too soon to call it a 2010 favorite. But I'm being honest with you guys!! After just one use, it has already improved my seriously dry skin. I am not joking, the first time I used this I noticed a dramatic difference in the flakiness of my skin! It really removed most of my dry patches--which are bad on my cheeks and around my nose. It really does a great job at removing my makeup and feels really nice. Is this a MUST have? No, but it does make my skin better!

HAIR SETTER

Caruso Hair Setter

I LOVE this! Beautiful curls with no heat damage? YES please! If you guys didn't see my tutorial on this, check it out! I don't even want to use anything else to curl my hair now! This is awesome!!!!

HAIR

Hairdo 23" Wavy Hair Extensions

These ROCK! I love wearing mine!!! It looks so natural and I love the boost it gives my look! This is perfect for special occasions! It's really use to put in but does take a little getting used to wearing it. I look for reasons to wear it!!! Yeah for Hairdo!!

I hope you all enjoyed my NV Awards for 2010! If you didn't already, leave me your favorites!!

Stay NV'ious!

2010 NV AWARDS: SKIN

These are my favorite items used in 2010 for skincare! Again, with this post, don't always have a high end and drugstore favorite. I find that it takes me a long time to get through most items, so I didn't try that many last year. Please leave me your favorites in the comments or link to your favorites post!

CLEANSER

Drug Store

AVON ANEW Reversalist Foaming Cleanser

Def my HG cleanser! I'm about to start on my third tube of this! It's great for my dry skin! It removes all the gunk off my skin without stripping it of it's moisture. If you have dry skin, you need this! It's normally $13 for 4.2 fl oz, but it's on sale right now for just $8!

DAY CREAM

Drug Store:

AVON ANEW Reversalist Day cream with SPF 25.

This is great for my 30-something, dry skin! It feels really light and so is the scent. The jar is very pretty, but I do prefer a pump. This is $32, so some might consider is higher end, but you can find similarly priced ones at the drug store, so that's why I'm calling this my drug store favorite.

High End

BIOX by Premier Dead Sea USA

This is another day cream I used a lot and loved in 2010! At $349 though, it's very high end. But if you can afford it, it's a wonderful cream! I just ran out and I'm so sad!! Again, like the AVON cream, it's in a jar and I wish it had a pump. This also feels amazing on my skin. This one doesn't have SPF though. But it does have tons of other incredible ingredients! Check them out here!

Night Cream

Drug Store

AVON ANEW Reversalist Night Cream

Again, I love this! It's heavier than the day cream, as night creams generally are. Also again, I wish there was a pump. But, this smells so lovely! It sinks right into my dry skin and feels fab the next morning! I love this! I just recently repurchased this! It's $32.

SERUMS & OILS

Drug Store

Tilvee Argan Vitality Oil

Ok, so at $35 for one ounce, I know it might sound expensive. BUT for this type of product, this price is actually very reasonanle. I really, really love this stuff! It is a mix of argan oil, lavender, vanilla, lime, bergamet, and yiang yiang. It smells delish!! I love to use this at night when I skip the heavy night cream. I suppose you can wear it during the day, but I've been afraid to try it before putting on makeup. I will have to check that out sometime to see how my foundation fairs on top of this. If you want to try something with Argan oil, but don't want to spend an arm and leg, check out this one!

High End

Premier Intensive Age Treatment Serum

Yoozaah! At $349, this is certainly high end! But again, if you have the money to spend, this is another amazing product from Premier. It has this really warm scent to it, if that makes any sense! It's not warming on the skin though. I love to really rub this in to areas on my skin that are starting to show signs of aging. I LOVE that this is in a gorgeous bottle with a PUMP! Yeah!! A little of this really goes a long way. I've had this for months and months now and I am only half way through the 50ml bottle.

Drug Store

Bio Oil

You can find this at CVS for about $20. I wasn't able to take photos of a burn I got from being careless in the kitchen several months ago, though I tried! The scar from the burn was on top of my left pointer finger. I rubbed Bio Oil on it every day for three months and it is completely gone!!! It wasn't a super bad scar, but I every time I looked at my hands, I felt self conscious! I'm SO happy it's gone now! Yeah!!!

MAKEUP REMOVERS

Drug Store

CVS Age Defying Towelettes

I wrote about these not long ago, but they are amazing!! I've tried many brands of these, but these are by far my favorite! The smell like NOTHING and they really take off all my makeup---even water proof mascara! They also have retinol, collagen, and vitamins A & C. I haven't noticed them making me look younger, but a girl can hope, right? These are about $4! Love them!!! I use these mostly when I'm feeling lazy!

Drug Store

AVON Moisture Effective Eye makeup remover lotion

At $4 for 2 ounces, I love this stuff! *It's on sale right now for $1.99....contact your local AVON rep now!* I love using this also! Who doesn't need a little extra moisturizer? This feels so cool on my skin. I just put a small amount on a fluffy cotton ball and swipe. Too easy!

BODY LOTIONS/CREAMS

Drug Store

S&J Creations

Soy Moisturizing Body Butter

This is one of THE best body butters I have ever used! This is my HG!! I'm on my second 8 ounce jar and I plan on purchasing a lot of these!!! I love everything about this body butter--the way it feels, how long it keeps my skin soft, the way it smells and mostly, I love the price! It's just $5.99!!!! Check out S&J if you haven't already! You won't be disappointed! They also happen to be having an awesome give-a-way right now! Don't miss it!

High End

Kohana Skin Wild Ginger Tropical Moisture Creme

I LOVE this stuff! Not only is the packaging too cute, the product is amazing! I got to try three scents of their lotions and this by far is my favorite! I love the scent of Ginger! This feels amazing on my skin after a hot shower!! The softness lasts a long time too! I always feel so pampered after using this creme! You can find some of the Kohana line in the Boutique! You get 7 ounces for $22!

BODY SCRUB

Drug Store

Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Scrub

I have been a fan of this for about a year or so now! I love it!! The scent is so warm!! I love that!! It's perfect for cold fall/winter evening showers! I can't say enough good stuff! You get a huge bottle for about $5 or $6. True love!!!

High End

Kohana Kona Coffee Body Polish

I was able to try out three different scrubs/polishes from Kohana. This has been my hands down favorite!! I'm not wild for the scent of coffee, though I'm sure lots of people are. BUT...the results from this polish were by far the best in my opinion. It really does an amazing job at removing dry skin, dirt, and anything else you might have on your skin---think about when your faketan starts wearing off....need to remove all that nasty skin....try this!!! Ahh-maaayy-zing!!!! Cue the angels singing please! You get 8 ounces for about $18! So worth the price!!!

SKIN REFRESHER

High End

MAC Fix+

I heart Fix+! It always does an amazing job at taking away that powdery look off my mug that I always inevitably get. I find it does nothing to extend the life of my makeup, as some claim, but I love it nonetheless! At $22.50 for 3.4 ounces, I feel it's a great investment for me!

Goodness! That's a lot of skin products and there's still other things I could include...but these were my top favorites for 2010! I hope you enjoyed reading this! Sorry it was a tad long!

If you didn't check out my last guest post for Sedona Lace, please do!

Stay NV'ious!

2010 NV AWARDS: HAIR

My netbook with all my pics is still on the fritz, so my apologies for all the stock photos. But all of these were really my fav's in 2010 and I'm still using all of them currently!! I don't necessarily have both high end and drug store favorites, like I did in my 2010 NV Awards: Makeup.

FLAT IRON

This is pretty much the flat iron I used since this summer. Even though it's only 1", I can do my hair in about the same amount of time I did with my 2" one I used previously. I love that the temperature can be controlled! Also, the on and off switch is on the inside of the flat iron--with my old one, I was always accidentally turning it off! So irritating! To see my review, go here!

HEAT SETTER

Caruso Ionic Hair Setter. I <3 this thing! It takes me about 10 minutes to roll my hair, 15 minutes (just to be on the safe side) to let them cool and I'm ready to go! My hair can be hard to curl and this does a great job! It also gives me long lasting curls--my hair even looks good the next day. That's right, even after I slept on it, still looks nice the next day! LOVE!!! I can't believe I didn't do a review on this yet! I've been meaning to film a video for yt showing you how easy this is to use! Be on the lookout!

CREAM TREATMENT

Oscar Blandi Pronto Gloss. This stuff does it all! It fights frizz, tames flyaways, adds shine and protects against heat. Seriously, what else could you ask for? This eliminates the need for me to use multiple products. It smells pleasant and doesn't feel heavy in my hair at all. Ahh-mazing! An easy favorite to choose!

HAIR SPRAY

Garnier Fructis Style Bamboo Hair Spray. I don't use hair spray much on myself. Just when I curl my hair. But, I use this once a week on my daughters hair before ballet class to keep her bangs out of her face! It does a great job holding her hair, but doesn't make it crunchy either. Also, this is inexpensive and smells really nice!

OIL TREATMENT

Kahina Giving Beauty 100% Argon Oil. Ahh-mazing product as well! Argon oil has been getting a lot of hype lately and for good reasons! I love to add a few drops of this to my conditioner and let it sit for a while. It really does a great job smoothing out my hair and moisturizing it! I can let my hair air dry after using this and it doesn't look crazy! Usually my hair gets frizzy and BIG! But this let's my natural wavy texture rock it out! I use this about once a week. Otherwise, I reach for the Oscar Blandi Pronto Gloss. This stuff is pricey, but well worth it!

***I am not really loyal to any shampoo or conditioner. I will purchase anything decent that is on sale! I refuse to use anything that costs $1, like Suave, because I have before and it ruined my hair!! Brands I did used most in 2010 were Tresemme, Aussie, and Fruitopia.**

Stay tuned for my NV Awards: Skin edition!

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2010 NV AWARDS: MAKEUP

Here's a quick peek at my most loved products from 2010. Most of them were featured on my blog. I filmed a video for these, but I accidentally deleted it!!!! So before it gets too far into 2011, here's my favorites list! I have high end as well as drug store favorites, but not necessarily in all categories.

FOUNDATION

Drug Store

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

Even though this is supposed to be for oily/normal skin folks, I found myself reaching for this all the time! I went through two of these last year. That's pretty good since I usually just keep trying different ones---I tried LOTS in 2010. I have to exfoliate well before wearing, otherwise it can show dry patches, but when my skin is behaving, this is my favorite drug store foundation!

High End

Laura Mercier Liquid Foundation

This was my favorite liquid foundation by far! The coverage is nice, but doesn't feel like a mask. This is also moisturizing on my dry skin! My shade this summer was sunny beige. I need to pick up another bottle in a lighter shade. I love this one!

CONCEALER

Drug Store

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer

This is the best drug store concealer I tried in 2010. Though I have to say, I didn't really try that many. I just loved this so much, I didn't feel the need to. This gives very good coverage. Covers any redness and does a good job at under eye darkness as well.

High End

Benefit Erase Paste

This is my HG concealer! I absolutely love this! I bought one this summer and I probably have half a pot left. I need so little to conceal redness and under eye darkness. It can get a little cakey if you use too much, but I think I've got it mastered! Try this is you haven't yet!!!

POWDER

Drug Store

ELF HD Powder

I don't use powder everyday, but when I feel like I need a bit, this was the only one I reached for. Even though it's white, it buffs right into my skin, leaving no trace.=)

CREAM BLUSH

High End

Graftobian HD Cream Blush palette

Ok, I know some people won't agree that Graftobian is high end, but at $23.99 for this palette, I'm calling it my high end product! I LOVE this stuff! I used this almost every day once I got it. It's extremely smooth and pigmented. This really stays on my cheeks ALL DAY. All of these colors, even the dark cherry glaze, it's very wearable for my fair skin. I can't say enough good stuff about this palette.

POWDER BLUSH

Drug Store

Sedona Lace 28 Blush

Ok, ok...you can't find this at the drug store, but Sedona Lace has great pricing, so there! =P

I heart this palette! A few of the blushes are a bit similar, but all the colors are great. The only ones I don't use are the extremely light ones and the orange. These have really good pigmentation, and on top of my cream blush, stays all day!

High End

NARS Orgasm

This is my favorite coral blush! I don't even mind the sparkles in it. I can't really see them on my skin. I used this SO much in 2010, but I haven't even come close to hitting pan! This is so pigmented, I just a few light taps to give myself a nice healthy glow! So worth the $26!

Eyelid Primer

High End

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Professional Size

What a great buy! I love this stuff! I can't imagine not using this. I have tried a few other drug store brands and they just don't compare for me. I just wish they would make this packaging permanent. In a million years when I run out of this one, I might have to jump ship and try Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance for the packaging. Please Urban Decay, keep this packaging!!!

Eyeshadow, powder

Drug Store

Sedona Lace 88 Metal Palette

I HEART this palette. I have MANY palettes, but I used this SO much in 2010! The pigmentation is crazy! I think these def compare (most anyway) to my Urban Decay and MAC shadows. The range in this palette is great, but you gotta love non-mattes. I get so many compliments when I use this palette. I wear a lot of the same colors over and over, but enjoy "discovering" new favorites all the time. Again, I just can't say enough good things about this product! LOVE!!!

High End

Urban Decay NAKED Palette

Of course, I know I got this late in the year, but it's an easy winner. I have only 5 MAC shadows, which I like, but this is my second UD palette and just think they are great! All of these colors are so wearable, which I love! I have so much fun with this palette and enjoy watching my favorite beauty gurus show me awesome looks to try with this.

EYE LINER

Drug Store

AVON Super Shock Gel Pencil Liner

Alright, alright! I know this isn't drug store, but you get my logic by now!

This is a fantastic liner! It just glides on and is so pigmented. These were only available for a short time in the US, sadly. I just have one, plumful. I love it! I wish the other colors were available here. I know these are available in the UK, so pick one up if you can!

High End

Urban Decay 24/7 Liners

I have three of these: Zero, Bourbon, and Whiskey. I really enjoy all of them! These are great on my waterline! These do tend to smudge though, which is the only thing I don't like. I def set these with powder when I use this on my top lashes. I haven't tried any of the other colors, but I'm mostly a neutral gal, so the ones I have work well for me.

Mascara

Drug Store

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black

This is the blackest, blackest mascara! I love the formula and it gives me such thick lashes! This was hands down, the BEST one...not a hard decision to name this my favorite!!

Lipstick

Drug Store

AVON Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact

These are exactly what they say they are---very pigmented! They also don't dry out my lips like some lippes can. There are so many colors but my favorites of 2010 were "Never Nude" and "Magnified Mauve". These are great! I really like AVON lippies.

High End

Graftobian Cream Cup Lipsticks

These are soooo creamy! They have to be the creamiest lippies I've ever used. The staying power of these are really nice too. My favorite is "Kiss me".

Lip Gloss

Drug Store

Cover Girl AmazeMint in Freedom of Peach

I didn't do favorites of 2009, but this would have been it! I've been using this for two years! I love it! The peppermint oil in these is amazing!! It's the perfect name!! I don't care for the unattractive packaging, but the gloss is great. It's not slippery and not sticky! The consistency is great for me! The color "Freedom of Peach" is a great color for my fair skin and makes my look more polished.

High End

LuMesh Magaly Lipgloss

Ah...these are amazing also! These feel even better than the Covergirl, which you know I love. These even feel good after they've worn off! They are very conditioning for my lips also. Colors are great too! I wish I could have alll 5!!!!

WOW! That's a lot of products! Be on the lookout for my next NV Awards list--skin care, hair care, and tools!!!

Stay NV'ious and check out my new youtube channel!