MA Beauty Insider Editor’s Choice: A Few of My Favorite Things

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Donna Macdonald, GoLocalWorcester Beauty Expert

Oprah’s “Things We Think Are Just Great” feature in O Magazine is first thing I flip to every month. And since I receive a lot of emails asking about basic beauty aids AND I am asked to sample lots of high end products that sometimes disappoint, I’m giving you my private list of things that I think are just great.

My roster contains only the tried and true. I’m faithful because they deliver, are available, and don’t cost the moon (no $350 designer face creams). They have earned a place in my core group of “stuff” because I can’t live without them and have yet to find better replacements. So here are a few of my favorite things:

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion

This fragrance free lotion is both rich and lightweight. I use it every day because it makes my skin silky and its SPF15 protects against UV exposure. The more you use it, the softer your skin becomes. No stickiness and quick to absorb means clothes slip on. CVS ($12.49)

Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser

An oldie but goodie I’ve told you about before. Its tissue-off method of face cleansing is in line with new theories that skin does better without water. As long as you are not acne-prone, this creamy retro product conditions, hydrates, and removes makeup. Smells nice too. Rite Aid ($8.99)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

This is the stuff dreams are made of – it actually makes me look younger. It’s a sheer foundation with illuminators that fill in fine lines and reflect light. You will almost look like you move in candlelight. I don’t peer in mirrors unless I’ve got it on. Macy’s ($43.00)

Ped-Egg Ultimate Foot File

The greatest, safest foot smoothing tool I’ve used. Precision micro-files peel away roughness and keep feet sandal ready year round. Baby soft feet. From an egg. Walgreens ($9.99)

Clinique Even Better Concealer

This is the only concealer I’ve ever loved. No raccoon eyes and yet it’s not drying. Literally glides on and like magic, dark circles and discoloration disappear. Better? No, the best! Nordstrom ($19.50)

Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Hand Cream

I keep this in the office and put it on before I walk to my car in the sun at lunch. With SPF 15, it’s like wearing protective gloves. I like the insurance of knowing I’m doing the best I can to keep my hands young looking. Target ($14.69)

Farmaesthetics Eyebright Eye-Makeup Remover and Treatment Oil

Ok, this one was gifted to me... and it exceeded all expectations. Eyes are delicate and this herbal preparation runs circles around my old soapy brands. I KNOW it’s good for me because it makes my eyes feel comfortable after a long day at the computer. It removes even the blackest mascara. Your pillow case will thank you too. True love in a petite blue bottle. Farmaesthetics ($25.00)

L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

Out of circulation for years, this hairspray keeps my locks in place without the football helmet look. Its extra hold but a comb can still get through it. No crunch - only controlled movement. It’s the Holy Grail. Ulta ($12.99)

Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty. She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot.com where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart. Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.

Related Slideshow: 2013 Gift Guide: Great Gifts for Her

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Natural relxation

Between work, family, and anything else that life might be throwing their way, chances are the woman you are shopping for is in serious need of some pampering. Pop in to Blushing Bee Naturals in Holden and browse their great selection of all natural and organic products. Choose from great product lines like Little Moon Essentials, Badger, Burt’s Bees, Pacifica and more. Rest easy knowing that you are treating the special lady on your list to a completely natural pampering experience.

Where to buy: Blushing Bee Naturals, 787 Main Street, Holden, MA. (508) 829-2332.

Price: Varies based on product line and item

Photo: Mr. T in DC/Flickr

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Chocolate indulgence

By and large, chocolate is a smart gift choice for any woman on your list. Head to Colonial Candies in Bolton to check out their selection. This place has been in business for 100 years and counting and it’s no secret why—they sell some of the best confections in the industry. Pick up a box of their famous assorted chocolates that will be sure to please. If chocolate is not an option, be sure to check out their old fashioned ribbon candy!

Where to buy: Colonial Candies, 47 Sugar Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-6586.

Price: $21.95/1lb Box Classic Assortment; $17.95/gift wrapped box of Old Fashioned Ribbon Candy

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Bedside reads

Got a girl that loves to read in mind this holiday season? Look no farther than Tatnuck Booksellers in Westborough. Containing thousands of books covering all genres and age ranges spread over 35,000 sq. ft., you are sure to find a book she’ll love. As a bonus, all the books in store are discounted—every day.

Where to buy: Tatnuck Bookseller, Route 9 & Lyman Street, Westborough, MA. (508) 366-4959.

Price: Varies based on book or item selected.

Photo: Casey Fleser/Flickr

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Inspired jewelry

Choose a piece of jewelry for a special woman in your life that has meaning this holiday season. Ribbons Jewelry in Uxbridge is the go-to for inspirational jewelry. Take a trip to the show and check out the BB Becker Collection, featuring beautifully designed engraved jewelry.

Where to buy: Ribbons Jewelry, 158 North Main Street, Uxbridge, MA. (508) 278-2495.

Price: $64.00+

Photo: Alexander Karelly/Flickr

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Candles

Maybe you haven’t yet heard, but Kringle Candle Company is the newest, freshest premium candle retailer in Massachusetts. Take a trip out to their Bernardston candle factory and explore all that it has to offer. Collections of candles scents range anywhere from kitchen spices to holiday fragrances and more. Pick up some great scented candles, like the great Cocoa Spice Jar candle, and pair it with a car freshener!

Where to Buy: Kringle Candle Company, 220 South Street, Bernardston, MA. (413) 648-3077.

Price: Large Spice Jar Candle: $24.95

Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism/Flickr

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Adventure

Got a free spirited adventurer on your list? Keep it close to home and take the short drive to New England Backpacker on East Mountain Street. Pick up a pair of cross country skis or snow shoes for a winter lover, or a tent and some hiking boots for a summer adventurer.

Where to buy: New England Backpacker, 6 East Mountain Street, Worcester, MA. (508) 853-9407.

Price: See store for details.

Photo: Stefan Schmitz/Flickr

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Hand-painted treasures

Support a great Worcester business, ARTworks, this holiday season. Peruse beautifully handcrafted figures by Lori Mitchell that are perfect as gifts. There are several to choose from, all amazingly detailed and themed. For a holiday themed gift, pick up the “Playing Santa” figure—it’s adorable!

Where to buy: Artworks, 261 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA. (508) 755-7808.

Price: “Playing Santa,” $23.00

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Memories

Got a busy mom to buy for? Why not buy her a photo calendar, specially made with all of her favorite memories? As she’s planning away for next year, she can look back on all of her happiest moments. Snag her favorite pictures and hop on Shutterfly today. You can get her a gorgeous wall calendar in 8”X11” or 12”X12” sizes.

Where to buy: www.shutterfly.com

Price: 8”X11”: $21.99; 12”X12”: $29.99

Photo: gingerboximages/Flickr

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Botanical creations

If you’ve got a nature lover on your hands, you can do better than a bouquet of grocery store roses. Check out Seed to Stem, a great local business that pairs unique botanical arrangements and creations with curiosities, antiquities, and more. Pick up a gorgeous hanging terrarium that will make the special woman on your list beam.

Where to buy: Seed to Stem, 174 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA. (508)890-0933.

Price: See store for specific pricing.

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Handmade jewelry

Take a visit to Prints and Potter, a store that is dedicated to handmade, handcrafted treasures. Pick up a beautifully made piece of jewelry for the lady on your list. Select from an array of alluring gemstones and precious metals to find that perfect gift.

Where to buy: Prints and Potter, 142 Highland Street, Worcester, MA. (508) 752-2170.

Price: Varies

Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr