My desert island must-haves. (You know, because it's important to be put together when stranded on an island.)

To my lovely male readers, unless you're of the metro variety, this post will likely bore you to tears. However, you may enjoy a little insight into what we ladies go through to smell good and feel soft. I mean, not that we don't wake up that way...

As a self-admitted product whore, I frequently yammer on about a whole battery of beauty stuffs. Many of y'all seem to enjoy these posts and even request additional recommendations/tips, so I thought it'd be fun to highlight some of my faves. Some are expensive, some are insider finds, and some are oldies but goodies that are remarkably accessible. Hopefully those of all budgets and tastes will find something fun...or at least waste some company time. (I would NEVER!)

By the way, I hope it goes without saying that the best beauty "product" out there is confidence. Most of my posts are pretty superficial and pithy (not by design, per se), but I am not advocating that as a way of life. I am sharing some light-hearted love up in here, and so much of what I do (because I'm a damn actress) has to do with looks, but that DOES NOT mean that is what's most important to me. Just so we're clear. OK, moving on...

FACE WASH - Skinceuticals Simply Clean ($30)
EXFOLIANT - Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5 ($52)*
EYE CREAM - Skinceuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex ($85)
ZIT CREAM - Skinceuticals Blemish Control Gel ($38)
SERUM - Skinceuticals Phloretin CF ($152)
MOISTURIZER - Skinceuticals Daily Moisture ($57)
SUNSCREEN (FACE) - La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX ($30)
TOOL - Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System ($150-225)

PRIMER** - Givenchy Mister Mat ($30)
FOUNDATION - Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15 ($42)
POWDER - MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural ($26)
CONCEALER - Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer ($22)
BLUSH - MAC Powder Blush ($18.50) Peaches is my personal fave!
EYE SHADOW - MAC Eye Shadow ($14.50)***
EYE LINER - MAC Fluidline (Blacktrack) ($15) w/#208 brush ($19.50)
MASCARA**** - MAC Zoom Lash ($13)
LIPS - MAC Lip Pencil (Swirl) ($13), Burt's Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm ($4)

SHAMPOO - Pureology Hydrate Shampoo ($28)
CONDITIONER - Pureology Hydrate Condition ($28)
STYLING LOTION - Shu Uemura Satin Design ($33)
TOOL - A large (ginormous if you've got long hair), round, boar bristle brush (~$25)

LOTION - Neostrata Lotion Plus ($35) or anything from Nivea
SUNSCREEN (BODY) - Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45 ($37)

NAIL POLISH - OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark ($9), Essie's Ballet Slippers ($8)

I will probably also post a list of my favorite products on a budget (given my recent quandary) some time in the next few weeks, as I realize many of these gems are pretty steep. But if you happen to find yourself with a little extra scratch or are looking for a beauty sure-thing, I assure you won't be disappointed with any of these babies (unless, of course, you have different coloring, skin type, hair texture, etc. than I...proceed accordingly, lovelies).

*Tretinoin/Retin-A is definitely the best, but it's Rx only.
**This is a very important step that many overlook. I don't use primer every day (I don't even wear makeup every day), but any time I'm getting all dolled up (Girls Nite Out, premiere/screening, shoot, date nite), this is a must.
***Shale is my current favorite, but I load up on their awesome shadows from the Pro Stores so I can put them in the Pro Palettes. The refills are cheaper and it's a great way to avoid having pots of eyeshadow all over the place.
****By the way, if you can't remember the last time you replaced your tube of mascara, THROW IT OUT! Start writing the month with a marker on the bottom of the tube, and if it has been more than three months, chuck it. Maybelline Great Lash is only $6. No excuses, y'all.