Creamy Oil, Brow Color, Chewing Gum, Legacy Perfume, and Lip Balm

This week’s Top 5 is comprised of those wonderful items I wouldn’t want to live without.  Here are my personal favorites I use on a daily basis:

1. Johnson’s Baby Creamy Oil

Photo Credit: Johnsonsbaby.com

Not just for the little ones, Johnson’s Baby Creamy Oil is my favorite daily moisturizer.  Despite being a “creamy oil” it is not greasy at all and absorbs well.  It leaves my skin hydrated and smooth.  Since it is designed for sensitive skin, it is perfect for applying to your legs right after shaving; there is no irritation and it locks in the moisture leaving them looking radiant.  They have a few different types: Cocoa and Shea Butter and my personal favorite, Aloe Vera & Vitamin E.  It has a soft fragrance and rich texture.  You will have to look for the product in the baby aisles rather than with the traditional lotions.  But with an inexpensive cost of under $4.00 this is one of those wonderful secrets where you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get great results.

2. Maybelline Ultra Brow Brush-On Color

Photo Credit: Maybelline.com

I have to admit, I am not the type to spend much time with my makeup in the mornings.  I generally stick to the basics and head out the door.  One area that I think a lot of us leave out which can make a big impact, however, is our eyebrows.  Most of us have not been blessed with perfectly shaped eyebrows and plucking strays and enduring waxing can only go so far.  I was shocked to see the difference using Maybelline Ultra Brow Brush-On Color made to my overall appearance.  It comes in a small compact with a firm-bristled brush.  You simply load up the brush with powder and use it to fill in and give extra definition to your brows.  I have pretty thick hair, so thinning is not a problem for me.  I have found, though, that this product adds that final touch of polish that my basic routine was missing.  It is available in most cosmetic areas for under $5.00.  Since it takes so little to enhance the brow area, this product will last for an extremely long time.  It is inexpensive and only takes a moment to apply.  I highly suggest you try it out, see the difference a little natural-looking powder brushed into your brows can make for your beauty routine.

3. Trident Gum

Photo Credit: Shopwell.com

I love gum, hopefully not quite to the extreme of Violet Beauregarde, but I always keep a pack with me at all times.  I’ll try about any flavor, as long as it’s sugar free.  For the sake of my teeth, and recommended by my dentist, Trident is my brand of choice.  I stick to minty flavors to chew after meals when I’m not able to brush, and enjoy exotic flavors to break up the afternoon and help slake sugar cravings.  Apparently the gum industry is quite a lucrative and ever-changing one.  It seems like there are always new styles and flavor profiles greeting me at the checkout.  Currently, my new favorite is Trident Layers Orchard Peach and Ripe Mango.  Perfect for spring and summer, it’s sweet, tangy, and refreshing all in one.  In fact just opening the package and smelling the scent is a little present in and of itself.  It reminds me of the sugar coated, gummy Peachy-O’s I used to get as a kid, but without the calories and tooth decay.  The only down side is, as with many fruit gums, it tends to lose its flavor rather quickly.  Alas, all good things must come to an end, so on to the next piece.  Who needs candy with all of the wonderful gum available?  I can’t wait to taste what they come up with next.

4. Coach Legacy Perfume

Photo Credit: Coach.com

All of us like to ensure we smell good, but we also don’t want to be that sweet lady at church that you can’t sit next to because her overpowering perfume is making your eyes water and wreaking havoc with your allergies.  Finding the right fragrances can be a fine line to walk.  I have recently started using Coach Legacy Perfume, it offers a nice subtle scent, yet it’s sophisticated and alluring.  I have received several compliments on it and find the fragrance lasts throughout the day.  Perfume can often be expensive.  However, I have found Legacy to be worth the money, and since I only use about one spray per day, the bottle lasts for quite a while.  I actually purchase the smaller purse spray option because it travels well and is offered at a cheaper cost (anywhere from $35 to $45 depending on location).   The full bottle runs about $75 and department stores will often carry gift sets during holidays.  As described by Coach, “A fresh floral redolent of honeysuckle and orange, with amber and a trace of vanilla.  The undertones are warm, woodsy and luxurious,” making Legacy the perfect accessory for any occasion.

5. Yankee Candle Lip Balm

Photo Credit: pinklemonade-blog.blogspot.com

In addition to gum, the other item you will not find me out of the house without is lip balm.  Currently, I have 4 different types in my purse, one at my desk, one in the living room, one next to the bed, and several others in my bathroom.  Yes, I have a slight addiction.  Never wanting to have cracked and dry lips, especially during the cold winter, there is always a tube within reach.  Like searching for Sasquatch, I’m constantly on the hunt for the best lip balm available.  From camping stores to yogurt shops, if they have a display at the front counter, you can be sure I’m adding a stick to my purchase.  After trying about every type I could get my hands on, I was surprised to find my favorite is from Yankee Candle.  I started out trying one for curiosity’s sake, the cute design resembling a jar candle and yummy scents were worth a shot.  I wasn’t expecting much coming from a company that doesn’t have any other cosmetic products.  Much to my surprise it was smooth, nourishing, had a little bit of SPF, smelled great, and left my lips soft with a slight shine.  I soon went back and bought one in every scent available.  Finding myself starting to run low the other day, I stopped into a Yankee store in our mall but did not find any lip balm.  Once home I looked at their website, nothing was there either.  I started to panic and actually called their customer service number to inquire about my beloved lip balm.  The representative kindly told me they are not making it currently.  I could hear the disappointment in her voice, as well.  I asked if any plans were in the future to start up production again.  She did not know if they were simply redesigning the product and packaging, or if it was the end of the road for Yankee Candle lip balm.  My mother and I have lamented over this exact scenario many times in our lives.  It seems that often just when we find the best product available, it soon disappears.  So, stock up now before the rest of the reserves are gone.  Sites such as Amazon still have some available, and we’ll just keep our fingers crossed that Yankee will start making them again very soon.  Until then, I’m going to have to take up the search again for finding a new best lip balm.  Do you have any suggestions, what are your favorites?