When, This Time, Your Advice Is Much Appreciated

Apparently this blog has become more of a "give me advice on products" blog and less of an anything else blog. And, well, so be it. I'm running short on actual material and here's hoping you're running extra on helpful input.

See, a few months ago I realized investing in good makeup/skin- and hair-care products isn't a luxury but a necessity. I spent YEARS traipsing through the aisles of Target, trying to find the perfect gloss, eyeshadow, body-wash, etc, and would feel absolutely AT A LOSS when each item tended to disappoint. Dishing out an extra $5 in some cases (and, yes, $20 in others) has made all the difference in how I feel about myself. (Not to mention how much I've actually saved by not buying EVERY SHADE of Maybelline eyeshadow, only to hate each and every one.)

I recently spent $23 on a lip gloss and although that's quite a lot, I know, it was also quite worth it. Sure, some products found at CVS are just fine—after trying a handful of higher-priced mascaras, I decided Loreal makes the perfect one for me—but shelling out a few extra dollars is usually worth it, especially when your husband takes you out for your anniversary dinner and says "you look great" rather than "you look tired—if you're tired we can do this tomorrow night."

There are still a few things I'm stumbling around Sephora in search of, though, which is why you're here, glued to your screens by such scintillating prose.

I'm going to name a product I'm still on the prowl for and you're going to suggest what's worked phenomenally for you. (Please?) And, rest assured, I'm going to think long and hard (come February 7) about what I really need and what we can really afford. (Also, I frequent Amalah's Advice Smackdown and plan to revisit, so I'm that much closer to a flawless makeup regimen.)

Without further ado:

• Eye-makeup remover
• Shampoo/conditioner—I'm leaning towards going back to Aveda, after a LOT of misses including one really disappointing month of Big Sexy Hair—a product that made my hair neither voluminous nor sexy but instead sort of frumpy and heavy.
• Blush—I'm also this close to buying Nars Orgasm* blush so can you convince or sway me?
• Body wash—I go into Bath & Body Works a few times a year, stock up on products I don't really love and always wish I could find another line to invest in.
• Running clothes/shoes—I'm kicking off the Couch to 5K soon.
• Perfume—I'm still leaning towards Stella, but I'm not quite sure yet. Also, I know a scent can smell quite different dabbed on your neck than on mine, but some are just really incredible and some are hardly good enough for Molly.
• Moisturizer/Cleanser—So far Purity isn't knocking any socks off (perhaps because I so rarely wear socks) but I'm giving it more time. Until I've formed an opinion, what are YOU using?

And because it's nice to bring something to the table when other people are so obviously bringing a lot, here's a picture of the low-fat chocolate chip muffins I made last night:

(Picture taken from the recipe page, not from my kitchen, and you can easily tell by this photo's lack of empty Fresca cans.)

If you eat one, right out of the oven, the chips really are that gooey and the whole thing really is worth a return to Weight Watchers after a month-long absence.

::

*As if the Google searches in my stats aren't creepy enough, I had to offer more ammo.

Comments

[jonniker]

I use Neutrogena Oil-Free eye makeup remover and love it. LOVE it. Cheap, effective and actually does what it says it does.

Now. For the perfume. We have to talk about this further, I simply can't go on here: one of my side jobs is a perfume writer -- I write copy for perfume companies, essentially. And, as a result, I've got more samples and shit than I know what to do with, AND, shit you not, I've tried almost every scent on the market, and that's kind of not an exaggeration.

What kinds of things to you like? Amber and roses, like Stella? Which part attracts you the most? Because I can, actually, go on about perfume for approximately 11 pages per scent family.

[janssen]

I have a pair of New Balance running shoes that I bought six years ago and they're still going strong. (They were also $19.99 since I bought a kid's pair - hooray little feet). They wash up nicely even after a camping trip and they don't hurt my feet at all when I start out on the Couch to 5K (as I did two weeks ago).

[Raven]

I currently wear Calvin Klein Euphoria and prior to that my signature scent was Mackie. I swear I would walk in somewhere and guys would turn around and ask me what I had on. It was embarrassing. I always felt like I had too much on but they always LOVED it. I tend to stick with a scent for a long time.

I'm about to go hunting for a new one. I'm thinking of seeing what Banana Republic has since I love the Black Walnut I got Wills there so much.

[Rhi]

Yay! This is JUST like shopping!

Eye-makeup remover - Clinique. Hands Down. I love it
Shampoo/conditioner— I use Wella and love it
Running clothes/shoes— Shoes - Nike (Come on! I'm from the HOME of Nike :) and Clothes - Lucy - also from Portland.
Perfume— I love love love Lolita Limpicka - they have it at Nordstrom and Sephora
Moisturizer/Cleanser— I love Origins Stuff, I use Mint Wash and Matte Scientist moisturizer (for very oily skin).

Also, I am starting couch to 5k too! But only when it stops being 30 degrees here!

[Jess]

I suck at all of these things. My French host mother had a makeup remover that I loved, but it's only available in France and I forget what it's called. I am incredibly useless.

[jonniker]

OOH! Lolita Lempicka isn't a bad suggestion at all -- it's violet-y and musky and more than a little licorice-y , but it's very, very good. Personally, I prefer the EDT over the EDP (different compositions, slightly different notes -- EDT heavier on the musk and lighter on the anise).

[EmilyPie]

I suck at all things beauty. though I heart my blush from bare minerals and channel coco mademoiselle.

That is about all I can bring to the table. You are talking to a girl who (up until this ridiculous bout of acne that will never end) used body lotion for moisturizer and eye makeup remover. I use my husbands head and shoulders shampoo and conditioner (2 in one) for my hair and shaving cream.... when
we travel, I use it as soap too. I suck at this.

[Erin]

I wear Burberry London and I love it. As far as blush I really love Benefit Dandelion. That's all I've got.

[bethany actually]

I just started using Clean on Me clarifying body wash from Soap & Glory, found at (where else?) Target. I love the smell, which is nice and fresh without being too flowery or fruity, and it comes in a pump bottle, which is great for people like me, since I am forever losing my grip on bottles in the shower and dropping them and breaking the lids.

[Someone Being Me]

I don't know much about the makeup questions. I do love Dove moisturizing body washes. My all time favorite splurge item is Idealist by Estee Lauder. It is liquid gold and costs about as much but you use just the tiniest bit to cover your face. My favorite cheaper product for my dry skin on my face is Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. I keep trying other products but I always come back to this product. I only wear 2 perfumes so I am limited on that selection. My favorite is Amore by Cacharel. My other favorite is Envy Me by Gucci. I don't run or work out so I can't recommend any work out stuff.

[biddy]

face wash: Origins "Checks & Balances" rocks my world. i honestly don't need moisturizer after i use it, but on the rare occassion i do need one, Aveeno "Positively Radiant" is great..and it has spf30

shoes: i won a pair of Rykas and OMG where have they been all my life!?

perfume: Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker. the name fits it oh so well

eye makeup remover: they quit making my favorite, but next in line is Origins "well off" and it's fantabulous

i still use cheap blush, but it works for me as well as my estee lauder blush...

i recently started using CHI shampoo & conditioner but i'm not sold on it yet. NEVER use Panteine - it makes your hair fall out. I do love Tea Tree shampoo & conditioner. i'll go back to it once i've finished the chi stuff most likely

body wash...hmmm i go back and forth. one day it's bath and body works (worked there so i have a ton) the next it's baby wash, then it'll be the Jergen's calming body wash...why is it so hard to find a body wash!?!??! ugh...i've yet to find one that i can't live without

[Elizabeth]

* Eye-makeup remover - The Purity Made Simple takes it off fine for me.
* Shampoo/conditioner— I really love my Pureology Volume Conditioner, but I'm not sold on the shampoo...it smells old lady, for one thing. We also have the Rosemary Mint Aveda shampoo and I am still eh on it as well. I think next I'm going to try the Kiehls Tea Tree stuff. Will let you know what I think. What I am loving is this crazy root lifting stuff called Bigg Wigg I stole from my mom. It really really works to oomph things up.
* Blush— I love my Revlon liquid cheek stain stuff...super cheap and lasts forever.
Body Wash - I love love love the Satsuma body wash from The Body Shop, but I just found it has Propylene Glycol which I am trying to cut out of my routine. So I think I will have to switch over to Origins Salt Suds body wash which is also awesome, although truthfully I have not checked the ingredients list yet.
* Running clothes/shoes— I am all about the moving comfort fiona sports bras, any shirt made of technical fabric that doesn't chafe, and I really like my under armour shorts. I am also a big fan of Asics socks and running shirts. But I also love my camelbak and my IPOD if you get more into it. For shoes, you need to go to a running store and try them on, and they should watch you run and look at your feet before telling you what kind of shoes you need. Some places will even videotape your feet running on a treadmill. If they don't have you run in the shoes and watch your feet, you don't want to buy shoes from them.
* Perfume— Is it wrong that I really like Clinique Happy? And also this crazy orange fragrance stuff you can only get in Italy. Sorry, I know that is no help.
* Moisturizer/Cleanser—I was eh on the Purity stuff at first also, but it is working for me now. Perhaps since I am also using it in conjunction with every other Philosophy product known to man? I also really love the Jerlique facial cleanser but lordy is it expensive.
I can't take the smell of the Hope In A Jar but the Hope In A Bottle is treating me well. And finally, that Sue Devitt seaweed foundation is everything Amalah says it is. LOVE.

[slynnro]

Eye makeup remover- never used one. Though I have used a Clinique sample I liked a few times. The nonfoaming cleansers generally do a good job at this.

Blush- Benefit Dallas, it's supposed to be bronzer, but I use it as a blush.

Body Wash- I just bough Philosophy Strawberry Milkshake. Loving.

Running- C9 Target tops and Nike shorts, Saucony shoes.

Perfume- I wear Philosophy Falling in Love and Comptor Sud Pacifique Vanil Amande (they have it at Sephora), people stop me in the street about this one. And Aaron loves it.

Moisturizer- I wear all Dr. Perricone. It's really pricey, but email if you are interested, and Cetaphil cleanser.

[Vanessa]

The Nars Orgasm blush is hands down the best makeup investment I made in all of 2007. Historically I'm not great with makeup application, but this is the perfect blend of pinky peachy. I can't say enough great things about this blush, its simply wonderful!

[slynnro]

And Aaron is standing over my shoulder drooling over the muffin picture "The chocolate chips! They are so velvety!"

Yes, he really talks like that.

[slynnro]

Oh! and Shampoo! Fresh Soda. This stuff is amazing, and I have tried every overpriced shampoo on the planet. I use Brilliant Brunette.

[Kitty]

For blush, I am absolutely in love with Lancome's Poudre Soleil, though it's actually a bronzer and not true blush. It blends VERY nicely and gives off a much more natural glow instead of making one look like a circus clown.

My favorite ever perfume is actually by Lancome, as well. It's called Hypnose and still makes me pause and sniff myself every now and then, just to enjoy the beautiful smell. ;) I'll also second Clinique's Happy, and will blush in shame and whisper that Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. is actually very nice, too. I won't do anything that smells like a French whorehouse, so all of these are a little bit lighter and cleaner than most (well, with the somewhat exception of L.A.M.B., but while being a bit heavier, it still appeals to me.)

[Angella]

I love anything and everything by MAC. Their Studio Fix powder/foundation is a miracle worker.

And after trying Lancome's CIL Booster and Hypnose mascara? I am SOLD!

[K]

I don't know hardly anything about good makeup and whatnot but I can offer you some running wear advice.
Make sure the shoes are comfy for you when you try them on. I have been switching back and forth between Adidas and New Balance for several years now. If you want to get really into it you can go to a specialty store as mentioned above and they can watch you run on a treadmill. I have never done this and can find shoes on my own based on comfort and past experience.

[Stephanie]

Such fun! Like shopping with someone else's money!!

Eye-makeup remover: I actually don't use. My facial cleanser does the job.

Shampoo/conditioner: All about the drugstore gems: Neutragena Daily Moistruizing Shampoo, and Pantene Conditioner for Ultra Sleek or Smooth, or whatever it is ;)

Blush: I'm also this close to buying Nars Orgasm* blush so can you convince or sway me? NO!! It rocks :)

Body wash: Again, great deals at the drugstore. Ivory Moisturizing Body Wash in Lavender.

Running clothes/shoes: Clothes I go pretty cheap for summer - $5 tanks and shorts from Lady Foot Locker. Shoes, all about finding what fits YOU and gives you the support you need. Go to a sports store (or a running store) to get properly fit.

Perfume: So personal. I use a natural oil perfume. Go with what you love.

Moisturizer/Cleanser: My crazy oily skin needs no moisture. I use Decleor Gel Demaquillant cleanser. Love it.

Have fun!!

[Hazel]

I almost bought Orgasm by Nars but then I found one that's just like it and much cheaper! It's the Sephora brand and it's called blush me! corail frisson. Love it!

[Emily]

Alright, here it goes:

Shampoo: I use herbal essences - kinda cheap but smells good and my hair ends up the same no matter what I use.

Running shoes: I wear saucony shoes and they have been great. you can sometimes find them cheap, but if they aren't on sale they still aren't too expensive.

running clothes: I love my pair of nike cropped running pants.

Perfume: depends on what you're looking for, I used to wear clinique happy (got over that pretty quick) now I wear LaCoste Pink and I love that (can work day or night). I have been thinking about buying Marc Jacobs Daisy though.

Moisturizer/cleanser: I use oil of olay complete for my face and for cleanser i use Murad pomegranite face cleanser.

[brandi]

Makeup remover: I have used the Loreal oil-free stuff for years and I love it. Does exactly what I need it to.

Running stuff: I love my Asics shoes and I buy all my workout stuff on sale at Target.

Perfume: I don't wear it often, but when I do it's DKNY Be Delicious (the green apple stuff).

Body Wash: I like the Philosophy ones - my favorite is Senorita Margarita.

Cleanser: I am a Cetaphil girl. It is super gentle. I've tried a lot of different cleansers and this is by far my favorite.

[Raven]

Oh forgot to mention, when I can afford it I love Origins products.

[Andrea]

I can't help you with some of this stuff, but here goes...
* Eye-makeup remover -- Neutrogena Oil-Free eye make-up remover. It's the one in the blue bottle. It's a bit oily, but it gets the job done. I just cleanse my face afterwards.
* Shampoo/conditioner -- I haven't found a great one yet. I'm using Matrix Biolage right now and it's just okay.
* Blush -- I like Tarte cheekstain. I use "Tipsy," but I think "Flush" is the popular shade. If you haven't tried it, I think you should sample it. I like the gel better than powder blushes.
* Body wash -- I do the same thing you do, but then I never use the body washes I buy! I always revert back to Dove bars. Shrug. Maybe that means something.
* Running clothes/shoes -- Let's be real here. I don't run. But I have a gym membership, so I have running shoes that I use about once every two weeks or when I feel guilty enough, whichever comes first. They're New Balances that I bought for $30 at an after Thanksgiving sale. They suck. They make my feel fall asleep. Either that or it's my heavy-footed running. Moving on...
* Perfume -- I ABSOLUTELY swear by Nanette Lepoore Shanghai Butterfly. It's the one in the blue bottle. It just makes me think of cute, low-maintenance, fun chick. I get oodles and oodles of compliments on it. From girls and guys, too. Give it a whiff, you might like it.
* Moisturizer/Cleanser -- I've been using the Clinique three-step program and I don't really love it. But I do love the Dramatically Different gel moisturizer. In terms of cleansers, the one I've liked most is the Neutrogena clear bar.

[kerrianne]

(I'm compiling my meager beauty product advice, but until then) I'm kicking off the couch to 5k, TOO. Or, well, that was my plan, although I didn't have nearly so catchy a slogan. Want to come to Portland and run Race For The Cure with me next September? ; )

[Cheri DeLurker]

Ok, I don't have too much advice for anything except PERFUME. Run, do not walk, to your nearest Macy's and get Prada's perfume for women. Trust me - awesome.

[Pam]

Agree with previous posters re: Neutrogena oil-free eye makeup remover - works like a charm, and doesn't cost much (available at Target, etc.). If you don't mind the oily stuff, baby oil is cheap, and does the trick, too, but .. I don't like the greasy feeling.

new favorite perfume my son (who knew?) bought me for Christmas -- Donna Karan Cashmere Mist (I think..). Very light fragrance, many rave comments.

I'm an Advice Smackdown fan, too, and I like the Purity cleanser. I haven't tried the moisturizer yet, though, b/c I hear odd things about it (skin types all being different and so forth.. I wish they had a sample size!).

[nancypearlwannabe]

I just bought the Fresh Sugar lip gloss at Sephora and it was $25 but I immediately fell in love with it. Thank goodness for gift cards!

[Michelle & the City]

i absolutely love the new perfume i bought a few months ago. unforgiveable woman by p. diddy. seriously, fantastic.

[dreamgrrl]

Eye makeup remover - i just found Olay pads - I use the oil free kind. They are phenominal, and available everywhere.
Perfume - Got Stella for xmas, and LOVE it. Its my new winter scent. Give it a shot with a small one, maybe?
Good luck!

[Alison!]

Shampoo/conditioner: I like the expensive shampoo, cheap conditioner combo. I prefer Aveda shampoo (Color Conserve for the first few weeks after coloring and then Scalp Benefits) and Pantene conditioner (Smooth and Sleek).

Blush: Nars Orgasm is great. I highly recommend it.

Body wash: Aveda Calming Body Cleanser. Smells like a spa.

Perfume: You cannot go wrong with Chanel. Coco is divine, but Coco Mademoiselle is also fabulous. Chanel perfume is classic.

Face cleanser/moisterizer: Origins Checks and Balances for cleanser. Dr. Weil mushroom face serum and cream (also from Origins) for moisterizer.

Workout clothes/shoes: Cheap workout clothes, expensive shoes. I get the clothes from Target, or sometimes on extreme sale at Gap. For shoes I go to a running store (Luke's Locker in Fort Worth) and usually end up with Asics or Adidas.

[Nic]

* Shampoo/conditioner — Once I'm out of my current Kerastase supply I'm switching to Pureology
* Blush — Just get the Nars
* Body wash — I LOVE My Mario Badescu AHA body wash. LOVE. And it's not too pricey.
* Moisturizer/Cleanser - I'm now using a ridiculously expensive Environ system. It's okay, but it's not love for me.

[runs like a girl]

Okey dokey. I can't help you with all of your questions, but I will tell you what I do know/what works for me.

- Shampoo/conditioner: I use Aveda, and like you, tried various "cheaper brands" without much help. I have a ton of hair that can be kind of oily, but it still manages to be thin-ish/flat, so it works with my hair instead of against it and makes it look healthy (and not like I just came in from a rain storm).

- Running clothes/shoes: Please, please, please don't make the mistake that I did when I started running thinking that my "super cute!" Puma running shoes (or whatever you have in the back of your closet) would work for my daily running. They did for awhile, but eventually they led to some serious shin splints and top of foot pain. Go to a running store and get fitted. You need to know if you over/under pronate, and they can tell you that and guide you to the type of shoe for your gait. The money you spend will be well worth it, as it will likely keep you injury free. As for running clothes, I love Title Nine for their sports bras (titlenine.com) because they actually, um, support you. Which is key. As for clothes, I wear a lot of "technical" stuff that wicks away sweat/keeps me warm in the artic tundra that is WI. Target actually has some pretty decent items for that.

- Perfume: I'm all about being "unique" with what I wear for perfume because I hate it when I walk into the elevator at work and smell someone else's Love's Baby Soft. So, one that you might want to try (that is quickly becoming mainstream, much to my chagrin) is Marc Jacobs Daisy, but it really does smell wonderful.

Hope this helps!

[Kristie]

Ok, here goes.

Eye makeup remover that I like:
http://www.origins.com/templates/products/sp_nonshaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY8470&PRODUCT_ID=PROD11085

Blush...I have the Nars Orgasm and even though I like it well enough it barely has any color to it. I actually like this the best, believe it or not. It's only $1.
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/products.asp?dept_id=1039

Body wash...I love B&BW. And Philosophy stuff.

Running clothes & shoes...I don't run unless being chased so I'm no help there.

Perfume...Ones I love are Child perfume oil:
http://www.beautyhabit.com/childperfume.html

And Chanel Mademoiselle.

Lotion and cleaner...I'm guilty of buying whatever package looks prettiest. Ha!

And those muffins look divine!

[metalia]

Whoorl just told me about Benefit's Dallas blush...I'm now obsessed. RUN, don't walk, to your nearest Sephora and get it!

For body wash, I like the cheap (and deliciously-scented) Pomegranate Mango one from Softsoap. It's like 12 cents, and smells divine.

[Jen]

You're speaking my language. I love beauty product talk.

Eye-makeup remover - sometimes I use one by Mary Kay, but I usually just wash it off with the cleanser I use.

Shampoo/conditioner— Matrix Biolage. I've tried the cheap stuff and it really weighs my hair down. I get it when they put the big bottles on sale at JCPenney.

Blush— Still using "Dame" by MAC. I bought Nars "Orgasm," but wasn't that impressed honestly. I still use a bit once in a while, but I'm pretty pale so it doesn't seem to do much for me.

Body wash— Usually go cheap here with either Neutrogena or something that's on sale.

Running clothes/shoes— I'm a Nike sneaker girl and always have been. I have wide feet and they seem to always fit the best. As for clothes, most are from Target, but I just found some good Nike stuff at Marshall's too. I have a couple of Champion sports bras (not the ones from Target) that are good too.

Perfume—I want to get LaCoste Pink, but I've been using Versace lately -I can't remember the name, but it's pink. Love it.

Moisturizer/Cleanser— Use a Cetaphil bar for cleanser and cetaphil moisturizer too. I just bought a sample of Hope in a Jar that I've been using at night too.

If you're ordering from Sephora, try using GREATSKIN as a code for a bunch of free skincare samples. It might still work (it was first come, first serve).

[Dianna]

Lets see...

Makeup remover: I don't use any because I don't take my makeup off, I know, bad. However I would recommend what Clinique makes. I have used it to remove stuborn eyeliner when I've bounced it up onto my eyelid (not an attractive look) and it worked very well.

Shampoo/conditioner: I love Aveda Shampure. I like the smell and it makes my flyaway straight-as-a-stick hair behave somewhat.

Blush: I am a Clinique girl and adore Plum Gorgeous, but like you said Orgasm by Nars is nice too. I haven't personally used it, but a friend does and she likes it.

Body wash: I have no opinion here as I just use Oil of Olay bar soap.

Running clothes/shoes: Nike shoes. Love them. I started a yoga class yesterday and of course had to buy new shoes (my boyfriend is going to hate me...oh well!). I tried on the Adidas and they were fine, but then tried the Nike's sitting right next to them and it was like coming home. They fit like a glove, are very comfortable, and to top it off were 50% off. For clothes, I am a bit of a traitor and go for yoga or running pants by Adidas. Their sizes are true and they never leave behind any moisture.

Perfume: I absolutely adore Pink by Victoria's Secret, but my bofriend doesn't so I've been wearing my ole standby, Still by Jennifer Lopez. It leaves a light scent, no too overpowering.

Moisturizer/Cleanser: Again, me and my Clinique. I don't use a cleanser, but I do use their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion every morning and it works very well on my sometimes oily, sometimes overly dry skin. Over the top of that I put on their Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer which is SPF 25 to boot. It's job is supposedly to even out your skin, so if you have an oily or dry patch it will do what that area needs to be even with the rest of your skin. I'm not sure how true that is for everyone, but it works for me.

Good luck! February 7th will be here before you know it!

[NGS]

*Eye-makeup remover: I don't know. I think I'm going to try the Neutrogena everyone else is talking about. But whatever you do, don't get sucked into The Body Shop's eye-makeup remover. It was really cheap and claimed to be "gentle" but burns my eyes every night.

*Shampoo/Conditioner: I buy Joico products for thin hair. It's a bit expensive, but everyone needs a treat in the shower every morning.

*Blush: I love the Benetint stain from Benefit (available at Macy's and Sephora). I use Glamazon. I was frankly terrified to use a stain, but the saleswoman at Macy's told me it would be perfect for me, showed me how to apply it, and it has made my morning ever since. (Not good for travelling, though. It doesn't stayed closed very well.)

*Body wash: I don't know. I don't like strong scents in my shower. It makes me a little sick to my stomach in the morning. I just use the Oil of Olay body wash. But I am a lucky girl whose body skin isn't prone to breakouts, so if your skin is more sensitive, this may not be best for you.

*Cleanser: I am not a fan of Purity, myself, despite the recommendations of the mighty Amalah. I use the transparent Neutrogena facial bar. It is gentle, doesn't make my face feel dry like the Purity, and cleans.

I can't help with much of the rest, but let us know how it all turns out!

[Camels & Chocolate]

I know what you mean - the good stuff makes all the difference in the world. Next week is my last day working in-house at a fashion/beauty magazine, and I fear I am going to revert back to buying the cheapies because I'm actually going to have to purchase my own products for the first time in years.

Anyway, I swear by Benefit. Their lipsticks, bronzer/blush (LOVE Dallas and Ten, and they have this new Thrrrob I'm dying to get my hands on), brush-on concealer - I love it all. I hear NARS Orgasm is amazing, so let us know your opinion should you go that way.

Guerlain lipgloss is the best. Dior's is pretty great, too. I love all Bliss body products; currently am using the minty Shock Treatment for a wash. I mix it up with a Mary Kay tea exfoliant and a Dovy creamy wash. I bounce around with hair products, though, as I hear it's good to mix things up again. Currently alternating between Garnier and John Frieda (love Kiwi after-shower gels and sprays).

[Christina]

Hi there! I've been lurking around for a while, so I figure now's as good a time as any to say hello and add my 2 cents :)

Makeup Remover: Almay Oil Free Makeup Remover Pads. They're not oily at all, you don't have to rinse off the residue, you can just swipe them over your eyes/makeup, and you're DONE. Excellent for people who are lazy, like me.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Back to Basics Pomegranate Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. They smell super yummy, they condition my curly and frizzy hair like WOAH, and they're not CRAZY expensive. Love.

Blush: I am a true fan of the Nars Orgasm. It's very much worth the investment.

Moisturizer: I have relatively "normal" skin - just a bit on the dry side, no major breakout problems, etc - and I've found that the combination of the Philosophy Purity wash and Hope In A Jar are killer. They make my skin nice and soft, and my minimal breakout problems have almost vanished completely. (Also, if you go to Sephora and ask for a sample of the Hope In A Jar, they'll give you a little container that should last at least a couple applications... I had no idea this was possible until I was telling a sales associate there about how I wanted to try this Frederic Fekkai hair junk, but didn't want to invest the $30... and she just popped out this little tub, filled it up, and gave it to me. Awesome!)

Perfume: J'Adore by Dior, Shi by Alfred Sung. Both excellent.

Happy Sephora-ing! :)

[Angela]

Wow, you already have a TON of suggestions, so I didn't look through to see if this had already been mentioned, but I would actually more lean toward NARS Mata Hari than Orgasm. It's more pink and less peachy, which I like. I'm also very curious about Benefit's Dandelion highlighting powder.

And the Philosophy skincare line did nothing for me, and I tried them all. I do have sort of problem skin though, so I tried Proactiv and it's done the best job of anything of tried of giving me a clearer complexion.

[anne]

Not sure if you even need suggestions at this point - but perhaps other commenters can benefit from help? Also I have ridiculously oily skin which in Florida is oh so great I mean because it is never hot or humid - so the face products I use are to combat that.

I am not sure if anyone above has recommended Khiels - but it is my go to for a face wash and a moisturizer. Both last a very long time and both are specific to oily skin, though they have ones that aren't. The mosturizer does not AT ALL add to the moisture - I love it.

I am on my 5th pair of asics running shoes - I know they work for me. It really pays to go to a running store (read NOT sports authority) and have them fit a shoe for you - you don't have to buy it from them.

Also not mentioned above (I don't think) is Bumble and Bumble Shampoo and Conditioner - I really like their line of products.

Hope that helps!

[Unnaturally Blonde]

When it comes to blush I have found one of my favorite in good old Cover Girl, much like your favorite mascara, surprisingly cheap but never disappoints.

I have been on a hunt for a shampoo and conditioner that will moisturize my hair but not leave it flat and greasy looking. The verdict is in, TRESeme has blown me away. I love it!

If you are looking for great workout pants, Victoria Secret has some super comfy and stretchy yoga pants that I wear to the gym everyday, and they have a cute fold over waistband too. For shoes, I love New Balance, even over Nike, mainly because the only Nike shoes I like are almost $200.

I used to think I like Bath and Body works, but for body wash I am hooked on Dove, they have put out some amazing washes lately. And for the face wash, I fell in love with St. Ives Clear Pore cleanser. It's gentle and always leaves my face feeling like I just had a facial. And for just about $3.50 a bottle, it's a steal.

[Moose]

Perfume: I wear perfume approximately three times a year. And when I do, it's Coco Mademoiselle. I've had the same bottle for five years and will probably have it until I'm 75.

Body wash: I'm loving Bliss lemon + sage right now. It makes me happy. And few things do in the morning.

Face: I use Purity and Hope in a Jar, so that doesn't help. I have had great luck with the olive oil/castor oil routine. My face was clear and moisturized and I didn't have to use anything else.

[Natalie]

Running shoes: Go to Luke's Locker. I believe that it is in uptown. They will look at your feet, and then they will make you run in them. They will not stop until they've found you a pair of shoes that fits YOU! And if you hate them you can return them. Expect to spend $70-80. If this is too much head to academy and get some Asics.

Moisturizer: Purify. It comes in a blue box, and back when I had insurance this is what my dermatologist recommended. If you can find SPF 30, get it. Lately I've only found 15. You can buy it a wal-mart, CVS, or walgreens.

[merrymishaps]

Wow, you've got a lot of advice already, but I'm going to chime in anyway.

For running shoes, definitely go to a running store (not a generic athletic store) and have them fit you. They'll have you try on several pairs, run with a different shoe on each foot for a better comparison.

For running clothes, I've got stuff from Addidas, Saucony, Moving Comfort, Under Armour, Brooks, Avia ... the list goes on. C9 at Target is good, and cheap. Just make sure you're buying wicking / technical fabrics that will breathe. Cotton is not your friend. Especially for socks!

[Jane]

What a great post! Are you going to post your results?

* Eye-makeup remover - I use Neutragena, when I'm not being lazy and just leave it on... I know. My bad
* Shampoo/conditioner - I have no idea. I've never found anything I love for my thin, fine locks... I'm thinking about trying Bumble & Bumble. I'm just scared I'll hate it and have dropped $40!
* Blush - I have some Cover Girl stuff... I need to upgrade!
* Body wash - I use Ivory, because it's inexpensive, smells good, it's moisturizing and unlike most moisturizing body washes that I've tried, it doesn't make my shower gunky!
* Running clothes/shoes - Definitely Asics, but buy them at a running store! Honestly if you can find the same pair at a Big Box sporting good store, they'll be the priced within $5, and you'll have better help and selection!
* Perfume - so in college, I loved this Gap perfume called Om. And then they stopped making it. BUT now I can find it again at Gap Outlets! So cool!
* Moisturizer/Cleanser - Moisturizer, I use Dove. because it's got a cool little bottle. Cleanser, I'm using up one brand that I don't even know what it is. Next up is a bottle of Aveeno... I switch back and forth. But my husband LOVES the pomegranite scrub from Bath and Body Works. I must agree, it's pretty nice!

[Katie]

Burberry Brit or Cashmere Mist (by Donna Karan) for perfume...I love both of them!
Also, I love Dove's body wash...keeps my skin hydrated and soft. And Saucony makes wonderful running shoes...I ran for a living in college so invest in the good ones! Your knees will thank you.

[Trigger]

Totally late to this party, but I just read this post, and I have a TON of opinions on the matter.

Here's my two cents:

Eye makeup remover- Sephora brand eye makeup remover; cheap and efficient, not overly harsh.

Blush- I use Orgasm, it's okay. Sometimes too peachy for my tastes, but then, my skin has yellow undertones, so I prefer something a little more neutral. Giorgio Armani makes great blushes...pricey, but they last forever.

Body Wash- I love Bliss bodywash in Vanilla & Bergamot. Yumm!

Running- Can't go wrong with Icebreakers merino wool lightweight tops - wool is nature's best wicking fabric, it's breathable, draws moisture away from the skin, and if it's wet, it won't get cold like synthetics. Better yet, it's a totally sustainable business, very green friendly! I don't do shorts, too much rubbing of the fabric...instead, I prefer Nike Personal Best knickers - warm or cool weather, they're great. For shoes, you should really get a gait analysis. I'm a Brooks running shoe girl, so I'd suggest the Brooks Glycerin for neutral gaits, and the Brooks Trance for overpronation (the two most common types, do you know what you are already?).

Perfume- Such a personal decision. I'm not a citrus gal, nor do I go gaga for flowery things, so I stick with more oriental scents. I love Betsey Johnson, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, and Bvlgari Omnia.

Moisturizer- I use the Murad revitalizing Pomegranate line religiously. I love it.