The Portland-based makeup expert on the things she can't live without!


I seem to spend a lot of my time staring off into space, dreaming of the day when beauty magazines will breathlessly hang on my every word and take my proclamations as law. Until then, I will just have to pretend and make my own must-have list.

Ten Essentials:

1. Ritter Sport coconut bar.
Like a grown-up Almond Joy (but without the waxy taste), this is what I turn to when I really want to treat myself. Perhaps luckily, they are very hard to find in this flavor, otherwise I might weigh 300 pounds!
2. Rosebud Salve lip balm.
I resisted at first, but this super-hydrating balm just works better than all the others I have tried. At first I wasn't too fond of the rosy taste, but now I love it! And you can use it to hydrate your cuticles in a pinch. And highlight your face. And try it on dry elbows and knees. As you can tell, this product has 101 uses and is great for traveling, allowing you to get rid of a few other products in your already over-stuffed bag.
3. D.V. by Diana Vreeland.
I literally try to take this book with me wherever I go. It provides so much inspiration, and reminds me every day to live my life with a semblance of grace, positivity, humor, and above all, LUXURY.
4. Daffodils.My favorite flower, possibly because it announces the spring.
5. My favorite Brigitte Bardot CD.
I swear to god, I will never tire of this CD. It fits any occasion, everybody loves it, it has a great beat and you can dance to it, I'll give it a 10!
6. My trio of mascaras:
-L'oreal Full Definition Voluminous
-Dior Diorshow
-Revlon lash tint
7. Cabaret.
Divine Decadence, my favorite movie ever. 'Nuff said.
8. Bliss Vanilla Bergamot Body Butter.
I try to only have one lotion at a time in my home, otherwise you have 80 bottles taking over your bathroom, nightstand, coffee table, etc. and you never use any of them. This one is my current favorite, very decadent and rich with a fragrance to die for, delicious but not overpowering.
9. O.P.I. Bogota Blackberry nail polish.
My go-to polish year round, a rich sparkly dark red.
10. Bond No. 9 Chinatown Perfume.
It contains notes of peach blossom, bergamot, peony, gardenia, tuberose, orange blossom, patchouli, cardamom, vanilla, cedar, guaiac wood, sandalwood. I know that sounds like a lot, but don't let it scare you. This fragrance is MILES ahead of the others, simply the best thing since Lanvin Eclat D'arpege. Hunt this one down if you must, I had to go all the way to Los Angeles for it!

5 comments:

polly conway said...

It's so true: Ritter Sport Coconut is clearly the best one, and yet they rarely have it in the lineup. I had to buy "rum raisin" the other day...no comparison!

krista messer said...

I like the Ritter Sport marzipan, I haven't tried coconut, though! Rosebud Salve here (in Japan) is $20 for one of those little tins! Where do you get it in Portland? xo- see you soon!!!

Crystal said...

Pols- so true about the rum raisin! And your brush review is coming soon, I have been researching!
Krista-Rosebud Salve is sold here at Blush, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie. See you soon! Yay!

Sue said...

i just purchased the f.d.v. mascara upon your advice - now i know why i trust your every beauty move!!!

thanks crystal!

Derek said...

We haven't talked about it yet, but were you aware that Liza with a "Z" was just released on DVD? It has been getting rave reviews. I think this will soon be joining your collection.
Love... and many other dirty words,
Derek