My favorite products of '08

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My favorite products of '08

By Lashawnda K. Becoats – December 25, 2008

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Happy Holidays!

As you're reading this column, I'm reflecting on my style hits and misses from 2008 and hoping Santa brought me some new products. I definitely had my share of bad products -- black soap that stained my wash cloths; MAC's eyebrow powder, which was too light for my nubian hue; and Creative Nail's Solar Manicure in a jar, which was too rough for a girl like me.

Ooh!

Now let me tell you about the products I love.

8. Gillette Mach 3 Razor – I know it's made for men, but it works perfectly for a woman like me who doesn't like having hairy legs. The triple blade offers a close shave and leaves my legs feeling smooth longer than other razors I've tried. Makes me want to touch my own legs. $8.99 (Available at drugstores)

7. Chanel's Haute Chocolat Nail Colour - I love this nail polish! The dark chocolate color with the gold sparkles made people stop and ask what color it was. Need I say any more? $20 (Available at department stores)

6. Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat - It's the best, hands down. It gives any nail color a shiny finish and dries quickly without using a nail dryer. $10 (www.ulta.com or Ulta Beauty stores in Charlotte.)

5. Eyebrow Threading - I used to dread getting my eyebrows arched because my waxer worked in Indian Trail. And I couldn't find anyone in Charlotte to snatch my eyebrows - until now. (Look for my upcoming column on eye brow threading.)

4. Shu Umera Cleansing Beauty Oil – I was having one of my fits about dark circles under my eyes so I headed to the mall to find concealer. Danielle Hughes, a Shu Umera specialist at Neiman Marcus, suggested this product. She was dead on. It's three products in one: It removes makeup, cleanses and moisturizes your skin. Turns out, my dark spots were a result of my mascara staining the skin underneath my eyes. This cleansing oil is amazing! $32. (Available at Neiman Marcus or www.shuuemura-usa.com)

3. Dove Body Wash in Cucumber & Green Tea – The invigorating scent alone makes me want to stay in the shower all day. It moisturizes and lathers up well. It's great for men too! $4.99 (Available at drugstores nationwide)

2. Bath Junkie Exfoliating Salt Scrub - I found this scrub at the Bath Junkie store in Asheville and have been in love with it ever since. The custom-made body products (you pick the scents you want) use fine salt granules as a base. Other products use coarser salt, which feels rough on the skin. Bath Junkie's exfoliating scrubs are top notch and leave your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. $30 (www.bathjunkie.com)

1. Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil - A newborn baby has nothing on me after I rub this on! Not only does it smell good (and men can use it also), it leaves my skin feeling soft and looking amazing! Remember, a little bit goes a long way, so
don't apply a handful like you would body lotion. $4.99 (Available at drugstores)

Happy Holidays!

I can't wait to see what I find next year. What are your favorite body products?

(Lashawnda K. Becoats is a lifestyle consultant and owner of La Concierge in Charlotte, N.C. Email her at la@concierge.la. Read her column here each Thursday, only on Qcitymetro.)