What are your must-have "holy grail" products or pieces?

[Anonymous]

PPP - Random question. Any chance you've heard when Wolff Behr will be releasing their serum again? I've been reading about it the last two years and their website is always out of stock and unfortunately I am never in LA to buy it from any of the advertised salons. Do you know of other places that it can be bought? I even contacted them about 6 months ago and they said it would be released soon. Just curious...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since this is an anonymous board, we have no idea if there are even multiple posters asking for Publicist PPs ideas. As soon as a poster asks for her advice, she shows up.

I suspect that Publicist PP and the people begging for her wisdom are the same person, posting multiple times. This drives traffic to her website.

Nope. I've asked for her feedback on this thread and on the Treat Yo Self thread.

[Anonymous]

I like Publicist PP's posts, but I take them in the spirit of "here's what works for me, YMMV". We all have different skin, different hormones, different needs. I appreciate her inputs, but that doesn't mean I'm going to run out and buy everything she suggests.

(And FWIW, I don't think her posts are intended any differently than that)

For me:

Beauty:
Neutrogena extended wear foundation
NYX tame and frame for eyebrow
MAC lipstick

Fashion:
A well fitting bra. For me (a wierd size that I can never find at Macys or the like), Wacoal or (surprisingly!) some lines at Victoria Secret. I have never succeeded with ordering bras, I need to try on like 10 to find one that fits right and is comfortable and flattering. So VS, Nordstrom, or specialty shops line Trusseau in Vienna are nice because they carry a lot of sizes in the store. It's amazing what a difference this makes in how I look and feel.

Black House White Market "the slim" pants are my new favorite. Skinny without being indecent at work, even with a hip-length top.

[Anonymous]

Rock on, PPP! I for one appreciate all the time and effort you put in your posts. Very helpful. Doesn't mean I'm going to run out and buy every single thing. Relax everybody!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PPP - Random question. Any chance you've heard when Wolff Behr will be releasing their serum again? I've been reading about it the last two years and their website is always out of stock and unfortunately I am never in LA to buy it from any of the advertised salons. Do you know of other places that it can be bought? I even contacted them about 6 months ago and they said it would be released soon. Just curious...

Oh man, I know their last restock sold out in minutes! I missed it myself and I'm down to my last bottle. They just opened their new salon a week or so ago but I'll send them a text and see if I can get you an update. If my next supply arrives while I'm still in DC, I will personally deliver / send you a bottle! - PPP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Publicist PP- please weigh in !!

She has before and almost everything she suggests is super expensive.

Publicist PP here. That's actually not true. I've recommended things across various price points (some of my past posts even break them down by price point) but it's obvious you're one of the ones who likes to hate just to hate.

With regards to this thread in particular, it says "holy grail" products so who gives AF if what I recommend here is super expensive? OP isn't asking for budget items, she specifically said "HOLY GRAIL" items, with zero stipulation on what the price point has to be, so I'm going to share the VERY detailed post I shared back in December. As you'll notice, the items on this list are of various price points. Quite affordable ones, at that. If you want to continue to hate, be my guest, but know that it says more about you than it does about me. And what it says isn't good, no matter how hard to try to convince yourself otherwise. (for anyone who thinks I'm being mean, I'm sick and tired of the bullying I receive here on DCUM, so spare me your commentary)

In my original post back in December, I actually took the time to link each and every individual item in the list below. If you click this link: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/75/603826.page and go to page 6, the 3rd post down will take you to my original post, where you can actually click the links if you don't want to search for the items individually on Google.

Hair Care:

- T3 PROi Hair Dryer (my hair is incredibly shiny and smooth when I blow dry it with this as my cuticles love the T3)
- Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (lightweight, great for my carpal tunnel, but doesn't get my hair as sleek and shiny as I like so I use this for day to day drying)
- Ghd Platinum Styler Flat Iron (no flat iron works as well as this does, without damaging your hair - it's worth ever penny)
- NuMe Titan 3 Curling Iron Wand w/ 3 Barrels (gives me long lasting curls)
- Beachwaver Pro Rotating 1" Curling Iron (I was actually just gifted this and I'm obsessed - it's so easy to use and makes beachy waves so easy to perfect)
- WolffBehr Serum (the best serum known to man - made by the best team in hair, Philip Wolff and Chief Behr; gives you INCREDIBLE shine post-styling)
- Shu Uemera Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Shampoo for Ultra-Damaged Hair (I've gone bleach blonde to dark to bleach blonde more often than Kim K has so my hair NEEDS this shampoo)
- Oribe Conditioner for Beautiful Color (keeps my color looking fresh and healthy)
- Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray (my secret key for volume and texture)
- The Ouai Wave Spray (for those on the go days when I went something quick and effortless)
- The Ouai Hair Oil (GREAT at protecting your hair from heat damage before drying + styling)
- The Ouai Treatment Masque (if your hair has any type of damage, you'll fall in love with this)
- Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt (you never would've guessed your scalp needed it's own scrub, until you try this)

Oral Care: (SO SO important for anyone in my role - sometimes people forget how much a great, bright smile matters)

- Philips Sonicare DiamondClean (I've tried the Oral B, but for the whitest teeth, I swear by this toothbrush - I've noticed a distinct difference in pictures)
- Philips Sonicare AirFloss Ultra (this is a product I was gifted, thought it'd be worthless, but now I'm obsessed with it)
- Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (tested them all, this wins hands down)
- Crest 3D White Brilliance Boost Polishing Treatment (use twice a day in conjunction w/ the toothpaste above for a bright white smile)
- Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Mouthwash (I only use alcohol-free mouthwash, and this has been my favorite)
- Oral-B Glide 3D White Floss Picks(always, always, always keep floss in my purse)

Skin Care:

- Clarisonic Smart Profile Face and Body Cleansing Brush (I use this head to toe and my skin has never looked or felt better)
- GlamGlow SUPERCLEANSE Daily Clearing Cleanser (I alternate this every other day w/ the cleanser below)
- GlamGlow YOUTHCLEANSE Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (I alternate this every other day w/ the cleanser above)
- GlamGlow SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (use as necessary)
- GlamGlow THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment (I try to avoid DC during the winters, but when I am in town, this is a weekly must)
- GlamGlow FLASHMUD Brightening Treatment (use as needed when your skin is looking dull and uneven)
- The Eye Concentrate by La Mer (you can get by without using any other La Mer product, but this is a gift from the gods)
- Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex (this is my day to day moisturizer, it's very lightweight and absorbs quickly!)
- Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II (this is what I use every night, it doesn't get any better than this product for anti-aging needs)
- Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask (put this on at night, before bed, and wake up with soft, kissable lips)
- Glossier Balm Dotcom Universal Skin Salve (use this as your daytime lip balm, although you can use it anywhere on your body that is dry and needs some lovin')
- Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia Di Capri Shower Gel (you'll feel like you've been transported to the island of Capri every morning)
- Tracie Martyn Shakti Resculpting Body Cream (expensive as hell, but good lord does your skin feel amazing afterwards! can't give this product up)
- Fresh Sugar Acai Age-Delay Body Cream (I alternate my expensive body cream with this)

I personally don't skimp on any of the items I've listed above with drugstore products because looking healthy and young is so important when you're in entertainment and fashion. I make sure I'm using the best available products that actually give me the results I want. With things like body lotion, when you're not being photographed and scrutinized by clients, brands, and everyone else, you can certainly get away with using Jergens, so by all means, save money on things like body lotion, but don't skimp when it comes to your face. It's what everyone sees every day, no matter what industry you work in, and it's what you see in the mirror every day. Buy the best items you can within your budget for your skincare needs and you won't regret it.

Makeup: (there are only a handful of things you need to splurge on, which are listed below - for everything else, go to your favorite DRUGSTORE!)

- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (always, always, always buy the BEST foundation you can afford - and this one is my gold standard)
- Real Techniques Brushes (not as expensive as others and you don't need them to be - buy each brush in this set, take care of them, and you'll never need another brush again)
- beautyblender original (I've tried the dupes, but I prefer the OG)
- Christian Dior Diorskin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer (I've tried them all, but this is the one that looks best on most everyone)
- Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Color Base Yellow (a tiny bit goes a long way to diffuse redness, brighten the face, control unevenness, and reduce shine)

I know all of this seems like a lot, but for me, it comes with the territory of my professional life. My girlfriends, sisters, aunts, and mom love coming over to raid my product drawers and over the past 5 years or so that I've had my own PR firm, they've been able to see the value in using better products to get better results. And they've also learned that when it comes to things like makeup, if you have the best of the best when it comes to certain items, you can stick to drugstore brands for everything else, and you'll still look like a million dollars. I hope this list helps you out!

**That was the December post above, I'm adding the fashion bit below for this post.**

Fashion:

Honestly, I'm obsessed with very few specific things, fashion wise. Most days, my attire is very low key. For events, either I'm provided gowns, or I rent them from Rent The Runway, so I wouldn't say I have any specific clothing items that are holy grail items. Shoes and accessories are another story though.

I have an ENORMOUS collection of Manolo Blahnik heels. I can, and have, run miles in these shoes, and I just can't get enough of them. Nothing is as comfortable as these shoes are and I fell in love with them the day I tried on my very first pair. I still remember the look on my father's face when he saw my reaction. He knew he had made the biggest mistake of his life and I knew that I would probably never be happier than I was right at that exact second. It was love at first sight, and I guess the one perk to owning as many as I do is that when I do wear a pair to the point of no return, I can call up their HQ and they replace the pair at no cost. Because they know what I've spent with them so far and what I'm going to continue spending, so that level of customer service is kind of great.

I'm also a massive sneakerhead and I have a rather insane collection of everything from doubles of every pair of Nike and Adidas Yeezy's released and some unreleased ones to Jordan's, Air Max 1's and 95's to Adidas NMD's and who knows what else. I've promised myself to spend some time this summer cataloging my collection just so I can make some sense of what I own but we'll see how that goes. (I also own 108 pairs of flip flops, so maybe I just have a shoe problem overall, and need a 12-step program)

Last, but certainly not least, through my grandmother, and my mother, I have been incredibly fortunate to receive a beautiful collection of Hermès bags. I think I have used the ones they have given me on maybe a handful of occasions total. I have purchased several of my own, and use those more often, but still, only when the occasion TRULY calls for it. I consider them invaluable statement pieces and I hope to one day be able to pass them on to my own daughters, should I be lucky enough to have any. This is the one thing that I also consider a true investment and apparently, I'm not incorrect in my thinking: http://time.com/4182246/hermes-birkin-bag-investment-gold/

You sound delusional if you think these products are affordable.

Plus...this is insanely complicated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading through this thread, enjoying the posts and have to comment on how hilarious it is when Bitter Betty, crunchy granola grey haired posters come on here to ding a 30-something who posts their beauty regimen in response to requests to weigh in from others.

We get it - you are "all natural"...aka you don't want to be bothered taking care of yourself and investing in your appearance. Somehow you think this makes you special and above it all. Knock yourself out, but knocking down others about what they like just makes you sound envious and cheap (even if that's not what was intended).

I'm a 45 yo professional woman and I think it's absolutely interesting to hear what other women do and find value in for themselves - even if I don't feel the need to try it all. I can't for the life of me understand all the whiny posts about how expensive some things used by others are - why do you care. Get your stuff at CVS if that floats your boat.

The thread was clearly started for people to share what they each like. If you don't have anything nice to say, zip it.

I agree. I'm 45 too and find this post interesting. I might be 45 but I'm not ready to just let myself go either.

[Anonymous]

Benefit's highlighters, both watt's up and the one that is more liquidy (something "beam" I think, the name escapes me) are like heaven to me. I don't even do a full contour/ highlight/ strobe thing but I wear some highlighter every day pretty much and I look so much younger with it on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Benefit's highlighters, both watt's up and the one that is more liquidy (something "beam" I think, the name escapes me) are like heaven to me. I don't even do a full contour/ highlight/ strobe thing but I wear some highlighter every day pretty much and I look so much younger with it on.

Highlighter doesn't seem to work for me. It seems to just highlight my pores. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading through this thread, enjoying the posts and have to comment on how hilarious it is when Bitter Betty, crunchy granola grey haired posters come on here to ding a 30-something who posts their beauty regimen in response to requests to weigh in from others.

We get it - you are "all natural"...aka you don't want to be bothered taking care of yourself and investing in your appearance. Somehow you think this makes you special and above it all. Knock yourself out, but knocking down others about what they like just makes you sound envious and cheap (even if that's not what was intended).

I'm a 45 yo professional woman and I think it's absolutely interesting to hear what other women do and find value in for themselves - even if I don't feel the need to try it all. I can't for the life of me understand all the whiny posts about how expensive some things used by others are - why do you care. Get your stuff at CVS if that floats your boat.

The thread was clearly started for people to share what they each like. If you don't have anything nice to say, zip it.

I'm the first poster that was critical of "publicist PP"'s recommendations in this thread, and I am 27 and absolutely invest in my appearance. Nontoxic is different than all natural

Again, instead of being a preachy bore, why not just dazzle us with your own list of products that you use and love.

Fair enough.

AM:
splash face with cold water, dry with clean cotton wash cloth to dislodge any dead skin cells or sebum loosened overnight
drunk elephant c-firma vitamin c serum and drunk elephant b-hydra serum
moisturize with drunk elephant lala retro whipped cream
1 pump of burberry fresh glow fluid for added radiance
always sunscreen- my favorite is la roche posay anthelios 50 mineral sunscreen. I apply this every morning and reapply if I'm outside for long periods of time, which I often am.
hourglass and yves st laurent make my favorite mascaras
I almost always do a sheer lip color: generatation g, bite beauty, or clinique almost lipstick in black honey
glossier boy brow

PM:
cleanse with la roche posay toleraine cleanser, or if I'm not doing a chemical exfoliant, I use the drunk elephant juju bar for a light physical exfoliation
exfoliate with drunk elephant TLC framboos serum 2-3 times a week
facial oil-- marula, rosehip, or argan are my favorites

I obviously love drunk elephant-- it has completely transformed my skin from dehydrated/dull/sensitive to glowy and even-toned. nothing in my routine is particularly cheap but I save money with a simple routine and no foundation or concealer.

I have this sunscreen, is it supposed to be gritty? I can't really put makeup over it. It almost "pills" like a sweater. Does it do this to you?

As a side note, you are 27, your stuff was stuff I could use at 27 but not so much at 45. I do agree with publicist pp on some of her items. Like for example glossier boy brow, this doesn't help fill in the "weak" spots of my brows that come with getting older, sadly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Benefit's highlighters, both watt's up and the one that is more liquidy (something "beam" I think, the name escapes me) are like heaven to me. I don't even do a full contour/ highlight/ strobe thing but I wear some highlighter every day pretty much and I look so much younger with it on.

Highlighter doesn't seem to work for me. It seems to just highlight my pores. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

I don't use highlighter because I am a minimalist makeup gal and am scared of looking like a drag queen*. If you watch makeup artist Lisa Eldridge's YouTube channel on "glow" makeup, she explains it. I think you need a better primer and to have a more concentrated area of application.

(*disclaimer: looking like a drag queen is ok for going out but not for my office, which is where I spend too much time.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading through this thread, enjoying the posts and have to comment on how hilarious it is when Bitter Betty, crunchy granola grey haired posters come on here to ding a 30-something who posts their beauty regimen in response to requests to weigh in from others.

We get it - you are "all natural"...aka you don't want to be bothered taking care of yourself and investing in your appearance. Somehow you think this makes you special and above it all. Knock yourself out, but knocking down others about what they like just makes you sound envious and cheap (even if that's not what was intended).

I'm a 45 yo professional woman and I think it's absolutely interesting to hear what other women do and find value in for themselves - even if I don't feel the need to try it all. I can't for the life of me understand all the whiny posts about how expensive some things used by others are - why do you care. Get your stuff at CVS if that floats your boat.

The thread was clearly started for people to share what they each like. If you don't have anything nice to say, zip it.

I agree. I'm 45 too and find this post interesting. I might be 45 but I'm not ready to just let myself go either.

I think there is a happy medium between letting oneself go and buying a crapload of expensive products. I personally do not care how much people spend on products. But let's be real-the beauty industry makes lots of false promises and women eat it up. There are tried and true products that are essential (Retin-A, Vitamin C serums, sunscreen, good moisturizer) but a lot of beauty products (especially anti-aging ones) are mambo jambo BS. And more $$$ does not necessarily translate into a better product.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading through this thread, enjoying the posts and have to comment on how hilarious it is when Bitter Betty, crunchy granola grey haired posters come on here to ding a 30-something who posts their beauty regimen in response to requests to weigh in from others.

We get it - you are "all natural"...aka you don't want to be bothered taking care of yourself and investing in your appearance. Somehow you think this makes you special and above it all. Knock yourself out, but knocking down others about what they like just makes you sound envious and cheap (even if that's not what was intended).

I'm a 45 yo professional woman and I think it's absolutely interesting to hear what other women do and find value in for themselves - even if I don't feel the need to try it all. I can't for the life of me understand all the whiny posts about how expensive some things used by others are - why do you care. Get your stuff at CVS if that floats your boat.

The thread was clearly started for people to share what they each like. If you don't have anything nice to say, zip it.

I'm the first poster that was critical of "publicist PP"'s recommendations in this thread, and I am 27 and absolutely invest in my appearance. Nontoxic is different than all natural

Again, instead of being a preachy bore, why not just dazzle us with your own list of products that you use and love.

Fair enough.

AM:
splash face with cold water, dry with clean cotton wash cloth to dislodge any dead skin cells or sebum loosened overnight
drunk elephant c-firma vitamin c serum and drunk elephant b-hydra serum
moisturize with drunk elephant lala retro whipped cream
1 pump of burberry fresh glow fluid for added radiance
always sunscreen- my favorite is la roche posay anthelios 50 mineral sunscreen. I apply this every morning and reapply if I'm outside for long periods of time, which I often am.
hourglass and yves st laurent make my favorite mascaras
I almost always do a sheer lip color: generatation g, bite beauty, or clinique almost lipstick in black honey
glossier boy brow

PM:
cleanse with la roche posay toleraine cleanser, or if I'm not doing a chemical exfoliant, I use the drunk elephant juju bar for a light physical exfoliation
exfoliate with drunk elephant TLC framboos serum 2-3 times a week
facial oil-- marula, rosehip, or argan are my favorites

I obviously love drunk elephant-- it has completely transformed my skin from dehydrated/dull/sensitive to glowy and even-toned. nothing in my routine is particularly cheap but I save money with a simple routine and no foundation or concealer.

I have this sunscreen, is it supposed to be gritty? I can't really put makeup over it. It almost "pills" like a sweater. Does it do this to you?

As a side note, you are 27, your stuff was stuff I could use at 27 but not so much at 45. I do agree with publicist pp on some of her items. Like for example glossier boy brow, this doesn't help fill in the "weak" spots of my brows that come with getting older, sadly.

NP. We just got back from the beach and I experimented with some new sunscreens. The "water" version of this (chemical, not mineral) is amazing. I used a little translucent powder over it one afternoon, but generally didn't use any makeup with it. I can't see it being a problem though. I have extremely sensitive skin and it was fine for me. I'm 45 FWIW.
https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Water-Lotion-Sunscreen-Resistant/dp/B00I8NUF2O/

[Anonymous]

Bobbi Brown make-up. I love the blush in Antigua and eye shadow in Beached Honey.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used anything from the RMS Beauty line? I'm interested particularly in the "Un-Cover up" and the Lip2Cheek.