Mother Magnetism's Top 10 Buzz-Worthy Beauty Products of 2006!

How I just love all the “end of the year” wrap-ups. You know, like who was hot in 2006, what were the top destinations spots, top newsmakers, etc., the kinds of lists that are in all the December issues of the magazines? My favorite lists though are the ones that feature beauty products or breakthroughs, so I decided to put together my own special list. The only qualifier is that it has to be a new product that I just started using this year. So my old favorites like Lancôme Definicils or anything Frédéric Fekkai won’t make it this time. I love them all the same, but this is strictly for newly discovered products. Well, new to me at least. Maybe you have already discovered some of these on your own, and if not they are definitely worth checking out!

Mother Magnetism’s Top Ten Buzz-Worthy Beauty Products of 2006!

1. John Masters Organic Shampoo & Conditioner
I have to say that usually I am not into any kind of crunchy organic stuff, but I was pleasantly surprised with this sodium lauryl sulfate-free shampoo. My hair has extra body and bounce and the shine is more noticeable. My husband says it smells like a funeral home, but I guess you can’t have everything.

2. Clean & Clear Invisible Acne Patch
Now the real question is why am I even getting unsightly blemishes as an adult? At least this acne treatment and concealer in one does help to form a clear barrier over the offender, making it smoother and flatter instantly. Makeup goes on better. Plus it contains 2 % salicylic acid to help zap that zit away! Hooray!

3. Becca Beach Tint
T his is a new cheek/lip color dual-purpose tint. It’s oil-free, water-resistant, and acts like a stain, so it’s very long-wearing. I love any makeup product that you can use on more than one feature. This instant cult item has sold out numerous times on Sephora.com, but if you can find it you will love its natural pink color, smooth gel-like texture, and soft fruity watermelon scent!

4. Betty
Is your betty ready? That’s the tag line for this company that makes, well to put it bluntly…hair color for your hair down there. This surely has to be buzz-worthy beauty! I’m all red and blushy just thinking about it! I’m not going to say if I have tried it or not, but if I did want to, there are five different colors to try. I dare you to give the “FunBetty” color a try—it’s hot pink!

5. Lancôme Fatale
It’s full name includes the phrase, “exceptional volume sculpting 3D comb mascara”. It truly gives you glamorous, full, long, AMAZING eyelashes! This is not mascara for just running out to the store. Put it on for those rare nights out with your husband or gal pals, and prepare to have people ask you all night long, “are those real?”

6. Jonathan Product Silky Dirt
T this hair styling product is by that famous celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Antin. Have you seen his reality show on Bravo called “Blow Out”? It’s hilarious! I find it hard to believe that someone so self-obsessed as Jonathan could actually make great hair products, but they are! This “Silky Dirt” is a shine-enhancing grooming crème and is great on long hair to give natural body and definition. It’s perfect for that sexy, tousled “bed head” look, which I happen to sport all the time. Well, really it’s more of the “bed head” part because I can hardly find the time to do anything with my hair with two small children at my feet. Yet a few dabs of this stuff makes my hair look like I actually spent time doing it.

7. Tarte’s FRXtion
This gem of a product looks like a lipstick but actually has two sides. One side is a sugar-based lip exfoliant, and the other side is a lip balm stick. The exfoliant side is there to scrub away all that dead skin build up that everyone gets on their lips in the winter. Chapped, flaky lips are polished away and then smoothed and hydrated with the lip balm side that contains vitamin E. Once again, any product that has a dual purpose is tops on my list!

8. Freeze 24/7 Ice Shield Cleanser with SPF 15
Yes! You read that right, cleanser that contains SPF 15! This is a major beauty breakthrough! This is actually the first cleanser that contains a daily SPF which will help protect you against incidental sun exposure. You just wash it on in the morning and are protecting yourself against those age-inducing, sun-damaging rays. This is true brilliance in a tube, and perfect for me because my fairer than fair skin always needs an SPF.

9. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream
I adore the original version of this holy-grail hand cream. You remember the commercial for it right? It talked about the Norwegian ice-fishermen that used this stuff? Well, bottom line is that if it’s good enough for Norwegian fishermen, it’s good enough for me! And this new formula absorbs much faster and is just as effective.

10. Thierry Mugler’s Alien Fragrance
I don’t know if this is one of my favorite products of 2006 or if I just find it hilarious that someone would actually market a fragrance, sit around in some design studio and come up with the idea to call it “Alien.” Bold, and buzz-worthy certainly, and I wouldn’t even mention it if it didn’t smell absolutely divine. It’s an exotic floral blend with hints of orange blossom and amber. Thierry Mugler is also the fragrance wizard behind “Angel”, and says that “Alien” is “inspired by all things unknown”… creepy and yet, kind of cool.

So there you have it, my top buzz-worthy beauty items of the year. If you are interested in knowing where to get some of these items, drop me a line and ask. Tell me how much you adore my column and I will clue you in on where to purchase all these beauty goodies. Also, let me know if you have any products that have made your must-have list of 2006. I am always looking for new awe-inspiring products to try! Maybe one day I will even come out with my own fragrance…Mother Magnetism by Kelly, anyone? It’s a lovely combination of baby wipes, notes of chicken nugget, and a hint of Oreo cookie.