A Few Of My Favorite Things

Clockwise from top left: Nexxus Humectress hair conditioner, Michael Kors perfume, MAC Complete Comfort Cream, Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium Foaming Body Scrub, Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Bathhouse Soapery and Caldarium Handcrafted Soap, C.O. Bigelow's "My Favorite Night Balm," MAC Brush #208, Pentel ENERGEL 0.7 mm Pen, The Body Shop Shimmer Body Butter.

    If you were going to be stranded on an island for an indefinite amount of time, and you could only take one item with you, what would it be? Since this ridiculous scenario will never happen to you or me, I'd like to share a handful of my very favorite products I have discovered during the past decade.

   Nexxus Humectress hair conditioner - I have not found another conditioner that makes my hair feel softer. It is a bit pricey, but worth it. I am sad to say that another conditioner I love, "Brazil Nut" by The Body Shop, is apparently not on the market anymore. "Brazil Nut" smelled divine!

   Michael Kors perfume - I was working on my Master's degree at the University of Arkansas when a young woman walked past me and I caught her scent in the air. It smelled GOOD, like a strong succulent gardenia. I stopped her and asked her what she was wearing, and she smiled very prettily and said "Michael Kors!"

   MAC Complete Comfort Creme - This is a new face conditioner I am enjoying. It is thick, it feels good, and it smells good. I love MAC.

   Bathhouse Soapery and Caldarium Foaming Body Scrub and Soaps - I have been to this charming little shop in Hot Springs, Arkansas. There are loaves of wonderful smelling hand-made soap throughout the store. The sales girl was delightful as she cut off  bars and wrapped up all the soaps I wanted. My favorites scents are Root, Badedas, Spearmint, and Rose. The Foaming Body Scrub is thick and superb. Order from their website and Arkansas residents get free shipping! http://www.bathhousesoap.com/

   Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Coconut Rum - Okay, so this isn't a beauty or health product, but it is delicious. My favorite nightcap.

   C.O. Bigelow's "My Favorite Night Balm" -  You cannot have too many tubes of chapstick or lip balm. It is a simple truth. I keep them in my desk, in my purse, and by my bed. This balm is a good one. It can be purchased at Bath and Body Works.

   MAC brush #208 - If you wear eyeliner and have not yet discovered the art of painting your own lids, I am pleased to recommend this small, agile, angled brush from MAC. I have tried small brushes from several high-end retailers, and this one is the best.

   Pentel ENERGEL 0.7 mm pen - The pen is mightier than the sword, and no pen is mightier than this sleek, stylish and smooth-gliding stylus.

   The Body Shop Body Butter - I first learned about The Body Shop when I was a young teenager reading Seventeen magazine. Their Body Butters have been a long-time favorite of mine. Olive is my top pick, and I like this Shimmer Coconut version a lot, too. 

   While it is probable that you could live on the hypothetical  island and survive without any of these products, the real question is, why would you want to?