Just peachy.

A dozen beauty products for a peachy autumn. For over 40 years I have been a product junkie. Be it bath gels, perfumes, lipsticks, or bronzers I am always on the lookout for the newest best beauty product. I’ve fallen for them all. I was such an Indian Earth (the original mineral makeup) fan that I took a job that paid nearly nothing to be an Indian Earth evangelist. I’ve selected products in the peach family, because, in general, they look good on everyone and work well as a neutral color palette. Your results may vary.

You’ll see a range from inexpensive drugstore brands to the “creme de la creme” Chanel. I have tried them all, seriously. These are the basic products that, after 40 years, are in my daily arsenal.

What are your “can’t do without” products? Leave your tips in the comments.

Asterisks mark the products you might carry when you’re in for a long day.

Nail Polish. There are so many. I’ve tried them all and have concluded that Opi is the best. It lasts the best, has the best consistency, and who can resist their names. I’ve selected my recent favorite, Melon of Troy. It’s got a little sparkle. It’s not too bright but bright enough to get you through a rainy day or two. Other popular colors are: “Who Comes Up with these Names” (a pinky brown – great neutral) and “I Am Not a Waitress” (a rich bronzy red – great for toes)

Aquaphor. Now, as you might imagine I could do a whole series on skin care products. But, this fantastic product actually falls into my cosmetics routine. Think of petroleum jelly without the icky smell or sticky consistency. Aquaphor is a must as the chill begins to set in this fall. Slick a bit on your lips fresh out of the shower; rub a smidge on your elbows and knees to avoid those dry spots; and for very dry skin, just slather it on. It also help erase minor scars. Awesome must have for every chic woman.

*Hot Mama, from The Balm. How can I describe this amazing compressed peachy powder? It’s great as a blush; or to brighten up a lingering tan; brush a little on your eyelids for that dash out to breakfast after a long night. I even use a little on my lips (with a dot of Aquaphor on top). It’s great stuff!

Wet-n-Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer (with SPF). Who knew, right? For most of my adult life Wet-n-Wild was reserved for Halloween or a lost makeup emergency. But, this product is the perfect combination of moisturizer and color. It comes in four shades – I use Sun Kissed.

Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup. Yeah, I know, why two similar products? Well, the ColorStay is thicker and offers more coverage than the Wet-n-Wild. I usually mix the two to come up with just the right coverage and consistency. This stuff really does last all day.

Maybelline Age Rewind Double Face Perfector. For an old lady like me, a little highlight and concealer is an absolute must. This one is easy to apply. The highlighter side has a brush applicator and the concealer has a sponge applicator. Both go on smoothly and blend in quickly. I usually apply this after foundation (a trick I learned recently).

Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express. I love all the Maybelline mascara, though I haven’t tried the new vibrating one. Colossal Volum’ is quick to apply and doesn’t smear. I tend to buy new mascara very frequently due to eye irritation, so Maybelline is great because it’s not too expensive.

*Chanel Quadra Eyeshadow. It’s my experience that the high-end brands are worth the money for eyeshadows (and lipsticks-more about that below). They have the best colors, last the longest, blend well, and don’t irritate my eyes. The Chanel Quadra’s and Duo’s are a great choice. Find the one that works best for your coloring. A visit to the Chanel counter at your local department store is always a blast. The well-trained makeup artists there will help you find the best Quadra or Duo. Added bonus – you’ll get some free samples of awesome skin care and perfume!

*Chanel Ultra Wear Lip Colour. This is a two step application. One end is color, the other a clear gloss that offer high-shine and long lasting adherence. I have several colors, Mandarin Coral is pictured here.

*Chanel Hydrabase Lipstick. This the BEST lipstick made. Awesome colors, great feel, long-lasting. I don’t care to count how many different colors I own…. But, for our peachy theme today I offer Rich Coral. However, my makeup drawer has not been without Soft Mink or Pink Sugar over the past 15 years.

Chanel Le Crayon Levres. Chanel lip pencils are amazing. They do not give you the 80’s outlined look but instead reduce feathering and bleeding of your lipcolor. Plus, they offer a lip brush on one end. I’ve shown Papaya above, but Nude is a great neutral that goes well with Soft Mink or Pink Sugar Hydrabase.

*You’ll need a good translucent powder too. I mix my own starting with a base of Coty Airspun. I add some mineral makeup, loose bronzing powder, and other loose powders.

*And last, but certainly not least, a good blush/powder brush. I love the one pictured which came in a Bare Escentuals kit. Look for one that is fluffy and thick and small enough to carry in your handbag makeup pouch.