13 Beauty Must-Have Products for the Lousy Economy ...

If you are looking for a blush, look no further. I tried many blushes, but none of them looked as great as NARS Blush in Orgasm. What I like about it is that it flatters all skin shades, so it does not matter if it's winter or summer, it will still look good on you. Did I mention it looks perfect on blonds, brunettes, red heads?

Price: $25 at Sephora.com

I read about Essie Mademoiselle polish in InStyle magazine, and I just had to have it. The formula is chip resistant, and it totally lasts. When I paint my nails with Essie Mademoiselle, I can count on the color looking as fresh at the end of the week as it did the day I painted it. My favorite color is Mademoiselle, a gorgeous light pink that looks perfect for any occasion. And look at that price! Isn't it a bargain?

Price: $6.50 at Amazon.com

This eyelash curler is the favorite of all the top makeup artists in Hollywood, and it's definitely become one of my favorites, too. Curls the eyelashes, opens the eyes up and enhances any mascara you're using, the Shu Uemura is officially the creme de la creme of curlers. As for the price, it is a tad high, but this eyelash curler is perfect and it will last you years, so I'd consider it a very wise investment even at these dark times.

Price: $19 at Sephora.com

If I had to be stranded on a deserted island, this is totally the product I'd have to bring with me. If you suffer from dry lips like I do, you've got to give this product a try. It is amazingly moisturizing, and the sensitive skin friendly formula won't irritate. A little of this product goes a long way... you'll be using this winner forever. And for a price like that? It's a bargain!

Price: $7.50 at Amazon.com

I love a mascara that can lengthen, curl, and plump with one stroke, and Chanel delivers with this one. The brush is really unique... it separates and removes clumps as you use it, so your lashes look amazing without any extra effort. It lasts all day without smearing, but the best part is that it doesn't make your lashes feel too stiff. And it lasts up to 4 months (when used daily). I know $30 tag kind of bites, but this is a supreme mascara that gives lashes to those who do not have them (myself included), and I think that is worth every penny.

**Price: **$30 at Nordstrom.com

5 Best Mascaras - Expert Reviews…

This product is absolute magic! Just a dab of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion on a blemish or whitehead before bed, and the lotion will clear it up overnight. In just a few hours, your face will look remarkably clearer. This is one acne product I keep on hand for emergency breakouts and it hasn't let me down!

Price: $17 at MarioBadescu.com

Talking about beauty must-haves, this one is the must have of must haves, ladies. The Touche Eclat Radiant Touch is the best concealer ever. Do you know why? Because it easily takes 3 years off your face by instantly brightening those dark circles under the eyes. This product is my life saver for the morning! And can one put a price on a miracle product like tis?

Price: $40 at ysl.com

The economy is bad but who said that our legs should look horrific too? Flash Bronzer Instant Colour is the perfect bronzer that gives that golden glow without being orange or streaky. The neatest part is that it starts working in less than 1 hour. It's shimmery and tinted, so you look great from the minute you put it on. I just looked down at my tanned legs and I must say this bronzer is a definite must-have!

Price: $29.50 at Lancome.com

If you're looking for a five-minute fix to make your hair look so much healthier, this mask is the one for you. I know you hear that a lot, so did I, until I tried this hair mask. I fried my hair back in summer and I couldn't get it moisturized enough until my girlfriend gave me this mask for Christmas! It's by far the best silicon-based nutritive mask. It brought my hair to life only after the first time I applied it! All you've got to do is smooth it through your hair, leave it on for five minutes, and rinse well... like magic, you've got beautiful, silky hair. All that styling damage is erased!

PS: my stylist told me later that I shouldn't use it all the time. Once my hair is restored, I should switch to something more neutral, not to over-moisturize my hair. Now I use this Kerastase mask once a week only and my hair looks fab!

**Price: **$44 at Amazon.com

Don't we all love products that can save us a little time? Does It All Styling Spray always saves an extra five minutes (and the cost of an additional product) because it works as a heat protectant and as a holding hairspray. Spray it on, let it dry, and style as usual... your hair will look amazing and also be totally protected from the heat of your styling tools! I just love it...

**Price: **$24 at BumbleAndBumble.com

I just love this compact of eyeshadow colors. I bought this 5-Colour Eyeshadow set in beige and brown, and it comes with five perfectly matched colors for highlighting and shading your lids. The powders are soft and superfine, so they glide on easily and look like velvet. The best part? The color doesn't get clumped up in the crease of your eyelid after you wear it all day! By far the best eyeshadow among all the eyeshadows I've tried and it lasts almost a year. Not bad for that money, huh?

Price: $56 at NeimanMarcus.com

9 Best Eyeshadows - Expert Reviews…

This sheer, iridescent gloss gives your lips sparkle and shine! I love Color 22, which is a soft, sparkly pink (couldn't find it's picture, though). This product works great by itself for subtle daytime wear, or you can layer it over your favorite lipstick to give it a sexy sheen. I love that this Lip Shimmer isn't sticky or gummy - your hair won't stick to it on a windy day. Basically, this is the only lipgloss you will ever need. Just pick your shade!

Price: $26 at GiorgioArmani.com

All the stars absolutely swear by this moisturizer, so of course I had to try it. Its nickname is "The Miracle", and it totally is one! When you put Creme de la Mer on your face, it starts to bring lush youthful beauty back to the skin. In just a few days, your skin will be softer and smoother than before.

I was wondering if 26 was too early to start using it, but it turned out, the earlier you start applying Creme de La Mer - the better. And the best part - you will no longer need a day moisturizer, a night moisturizer, and an under eye product... Creme de la Mer is all you need in one jar and it's perfect for all skin types. Once you learn it's all you need, $130 doesn't seem so scary... And the package lasts for 2 months. So, in the end this creme turns out to be cheaper than a 2 month moisturizing routine with other products that do nothing to your skin.

PS: and just think how much money and trouble you would save on Botox injections and face lifts later on!

Price: $130 at CremeDeLaMer.com

8 Best Lipsticks - Expert Reviews …

These 13 products are my absolute favorites - they're the ones I just can't live without, even during the times like these.

And what are your every day must-have products? Which ones you still splurge on even with the lousy economy? Please do let me know...