Cult Classic Beauty Products: Miracle or Myth?

Have you ever read an article in a magazine that went on and on about a new "must have beauty product" and rushed out to purchase it only to bring it home and be disappointed? Well I have, and I can only hope that it doesn't happen to other women. In this article you will find my honest opinions on the top beauty products so you can shop smarter in the future.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: Often hailed as a makeup artist's must have, this multi-purpose product can be used on cuts, scratches, chapped lips, lashes (to make them appear longer and thicker), and if applied to your face can give a dewy appearance. Being a clumsy child, I received many boo-boos and grew up with the smell of cocoa butter and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, so the scent produces a familiar and comforting effect on me. The cream, which is really like a gel, is cooling and hydrating. This product is more like a tool than a miracle skin care product. It will not erase lines or pores or things of that sort so keep that in mind when you plan on purchasing it. Over all, I give it a thumbs up.

Crème de la Mer: La Mer was created by NASA aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber after he received horrific chemical burns on his face from what was supposed to be a routine experiment. This famous cream contains a highly potent mix of ingredients referred to as the miracle broth, which must be fermented for 2-3 months. The cream is activated by vigorously rubbing the cream between your hands until it is practically liquefied. This product has a famous reputation and a price tag to match. I know you are hoping I will say it is not worth the price and highly over-rated but I am going to have to disappoint you. Being too heavy a cream to apply during the day I apply it at night. I wake up the next morning with dewy, glowing, and hydrated skin. This cream will moisturize the dry patches that everything else cannot. La Mer also has brightened my skin. Whether it claims to do so or not, it has. As for helping wrinkles and such I cannot say. La Mer is another thumbs up from me.

Rodin Olio Lusso: This blend of essentials oils has become a overnight hit with makeup artists and celebs alike. It was created on a whim by a Manhattan stylist. I have heard such rave reviews I could not wait to order a vial at $135 an ounce. My verdict, it is pretty disappointing. It is a simple mix of eleven essential oils put in a pretty glass container. Honestly, anyone could create the same blend for far less money by going to any all natural shop or Whole Foods. The consistency was not too greasy and it smells okay, but I did not experience any amazing glow. I give this an okay rating.

Rosebud Lip Salve: Another multi-purpose product that so many people swear by. This salve comes in a cute tin jar and smells divine. It can be used in cuticles, hands, hair, and just about whatever else. It hydrates lips nicely but in winter when it is really dry I still prefer original Chap Stick. I still give this a thumbs up.

Urban Decay Primer Potion: Affectionately referred to as UDPP, this product pioneered the way for eye primers. It is packaged in a genie-esque bottle with a wand. The product is a nude colored cream that really must be applied with a finger or brush as the wand is not very effective. This primer keeps shadows on all day and prevents creasing. How women survived without this, I cannot fathom. This is a Ebert and Roeper style thumbs up.

Dior DiorShow Mascara: The most over-hyped mascara ever, this has the worst smudging formula ever. It drys hard and flakes off, smudges, and produces less than stellar results. Thumbs way down for this mascara.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: While this eyelash curler is the best I have used, I do not find it absolutely necessary to spend this much money on an eyelash curler. While I do verily believe it is perfectly acceptable to settle for a drug store one, I still give this curler a thumbs up.

Elnett Hairspray: Quite possibly of the most famous product in this article, Elnett is one of the highest demanded products, being previously available only in Europe. Elnett has recently started selling in America but the formula has been altered. I was able to buy this at Target and was very excited to go home and experiment with it. I must tell you that I do not ever use hairspray but I wasn't all that impressed with Elnett. It wasn't crunchy or hard which is a plus but I didn't think the hold was that strong. The smell was nice at first but become a bit irritating over the day. I have to give this hairspray a thumbs down.

NARS The Multiple: The Multiple stemmed from an Harper's Bazaar article in 1996 when Francois Nars used lipstick on Carolyn Murphy as a lip color, blush, and eyeshadow. The idea became a hit and The Multiple was produced. The range of colors is great but my personal favorite is Copacabana which is the BEST highlighter ever! A word of advice: you must use an eye primer if you use it on your eyes. The Multiple will crease like there is no tomorrow. NARS gets a thumbs up for this beauty item.

Mason Pearson Brushes: Having over two hundred years of experience in brush making, Mason Pearson has earned the title of premier brush making company. Boar bristle brushes distribute precious oils from your scalp along the length of your hair creating shinier, healthier hair. Getting your hands on one of these brushes will cost you a pretty penny but your hair will thank you. Thumbs up from me.