Spring is here, and most of us feel a need for change with the onset of the new season. Wardrobes need cleaning and revamping, but not everyone can afford a major overhaul. Many women are simply looking for an inexpensive pick-me-up.
Sometimes the best way to find a new "favorite" when it comes to beauty products is to hear about the go-to items that friends and colleagues can’t live without.
I checked in with some of my favorite women in Hawaii entertainment to learn about their must-have products for spring. The hot lights and performance requirements of the stage put products to the test in ways equal to the rigors of daily life.
The products listed here have the power of endurance and quick cleansing.
YOZA
Oahu-based R&B singer Yoza just opened for Kings of Leon at Blaisdell Arena, and will be heading to New York to work on a new album. She can change her hair color faster than you can blink an eye, and it always is some shade of cool.
Her favorites:
MAC Pro Longwear Lasting Lust Lipcolour ($25): "I absolutely can’t live without this. Being a singer, I need a deep red lipstick that won’t come off on my microphone. This one doesn’t move at all."
Lancome Artliner eyeliner ($30.50): "A must-have."
CHI Silk Infusion ($21): "I’d die without this hair product. My hair does not look fabulous without it."
MELODIE SOUL
Elizabeth Davis, aka Melodie Soul, is a powerhouse R&B singer. You can catch her band at Gordon Biersch on the second Saturday of each month, including this weekend. Although she’s not your typical girlie girl, she has items that she can’t live without.
Her favorites:
Funk & Soul Afro Pick ($5.99): "To keep my hair styled from mohawk chic to a curly twist out with a beat."
Organic Refined Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil ($19): "For extra glow on my skin and beautiful shine for everyday hair."
Philosophy Pink Melon Sorbet Lip Balm ($15): "I use this to add moisture to my smile, and keep my lips kissable for my hubby all the time. "
STAR MIRANDA
Sometimes it’s good to go to the experts. I met Star Miranda prior to a photo shoot, when she was recommended as a makeup artist. She was fast, fun and skilled.
Her favorites:
Artistry Light Up Lip Gloss ($20): "This luscious gloss has a built-in light and mirrored case, and is also flavored with refreshing peppermint. The light is also perfect when you’re trying to find your keys at night."
Creme LuXury Moisturizer ($368): "Talk about indulgent! Love, love, love this product. My skin feels re-energized, soft, healthy and hopefully looks younger."
Artistry Ideal Radiance sunscreen ($73): "This little bottle lasts about three months and helps prevent the formation of future dark spots, freckles and discolorations caused by UV exposure. I adore this product and wish I knew about it before I started getting dark spots. Luckily, this has also helped lighten the dark spots I have. These products are at www.starallisonenterprises.com."
ERIKA ELONA
This laid-back girl keeps the glam to a minimum. She’s currently gearing up for the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards — she’s been nominated for best female vocalist and best alternative album for her debut, "Things to Break" — and writing her follow-up album.
Benefit Fake Up and Erase Paste concealers: ($24 and $26): "All those late nights gigging can sometimes result in some dark under-eye circles. I love this combo to make me look like I’ve gotten some rest."
Stila Convertible Color ($25): "I have, like, three of these things. I love that I can use (this compact cream) as a blush and a lip color for when I’m on the go. And they last forever."
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector ($38): "This is a little more pricey than I usually go for, but I love this highlighter. It gives you that superstar glow. Just a swipe on cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose and I have that Jennifer Lopez glow going on!"
TANTRA
A hip-hop artist and Power 104.3 radio personality, Tantra is gearing up to record her new full-length album, "Love’s Heretic." She’s another woman who has boundless energy and uses her strength to be a voice on the arts scene.
Her favorites:
Clarins UV Plus HP in SPF 40 ($44): "I keep it simple. I’m a ‘let the real natural you shine through’ girl. In order to achieve that, I have learned it’s all about skin care and sun care, which is why I cannot live without this product. It’s a daily essential."
Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser ($28): "This cleanser warms as it deep-cleans pores."
Rosebud Salve lip balm ($4.99): "My big lips need to be protected, so daily use of this calms, soothes and keeps my lips kissably juicy in the sun."
ANNA SACHS
Anna is the singer for indie folk/pop duo Foreseeable Futures. The Oahu-based group, including Sachs and her boyfriend Phil Potter, has been performing at places like Safehouse, Bevy and private events. They record their debut album this year.
Her favorites:
Almay eyeliner ($7.99): "People often ask me what product I use for my eyes because it looks perfect even after lots of physical activities. More women need to know about this secret little powerhouse! It isn’t advertised as waterproof, but it keeps its staying power onstage, in the water and even in hot-yoga classes without being damaging to the skin."
Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation ($4.97): "I like to keep a natural look, and what I like about this product is that it’s the easy and perfect starting point for all beauty regimes. It goes on lightly and easily, giving your skin that matte, even look that can be dressed up or kept simple for day-to-day wear. It’s also very affordable and easy to find at any drugstore."
Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Deep Repairing Mask ($3.75): "Since I don’t like to chop my hair as often as I should, I use this product about twice a month to nourish and repair any dryness and prevent breakage. Hair is the most important accessory in any look, so it makes sense to keep it looking and feeling great."
SUPER CW
DJ Super CW (aka Christa Wittmier) always has a lot going on. Her energy is palpable when it comes to involvement in many Honolulu artistic ventures. Next up for Super CW is a DJ set at the wrap party for "Hawaii Five-0," and the Grey Goose Dayclub that takes place on the first Sunday monthly at the Modern Honolulu Sunset Pool. Read her SuperCity blog at honolulupulse.com.
Her favorites:
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask ($26): "I cannot find the perfect lip balm. It always slides right off, or I nervously chew it off. But this lip mask lasts a really long time and eventually heals my terribly dry chapped lips."
Fekkai shampoo ($20): "I bought this by accident because I needed a travel-size shampoo for the gym one day, but came out with the most amazing hair. I couldn’t believe just one wash could do that. It felt so healthy and smelled great for the rest of the day. I’m now hooked; I have it set up as a subscription on Amazon."
JESSICA LEWIS
This Maui-based R&B/soul singer is among the strongest on the Valley Isle. Like Yoza, she tends to be a hair chameleon, changing colors and styles often. She’s also a girlie girl, so I knew she’d be game to talk product.
Her favorites:
Dr. Bronner’s Magic "All-One!" coconut oil ($19.79): "I use this as a makeup remover and for any pending blemishes. One little fingertip of coconut oil on a blemish before bed and it’s gone within two days. Seems counterintuitive (adding oil onto a blemish), but it works like a charm."
Jane Iredale Magic Mitt ($15): "About two years ago I stopped washing my face every day. The Magic Mitt uses just water and takes all makeup off in one swipe without any left-behind eyeliner or mascara. (I do follow up with a rose and witch hazel toner.) My skin has never been in better shape! When I do wash my face, it’s only two or three times a week."
Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser ($38): "From Hungary, this is a milk cleanser with cucumber juice, yogurt, tea tree oil and a few other skin-happy ingredients. It smells like tomato greens. I love it."
CANDY DIAZ
Don’t be fooled, this smooth vocalist and guitarist might sound angelic, but she can swear like a trucker. Diaz plays acoustic shows on Oahu and is involved in several other projects.
Her favorites:
Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream ($16): "A light-coverage BB (beauty balm) that brightens up the face and gives a natural glow. More of a daily wear product than something I’d wear for a show, but it helps me get a little sunscreen on my face and gets me out the door in minutes."
Stila smudge stick ($20): "Doesn’t matter the color, the glide-on formula lets me get a winged liner on in under a minute and actually does stay all day long."
TheBalm "How ‘Bout Them Apples" palette ($32): "It contains six cream colors that double as blush and lip color. I dab a bit on my cheeks and swipe some of my lips."
Erin Smith is a singer and guitarist who performs as a solo artist and with Maui-based Na Hoku Hanohano Award-nominated band the Throwdowns. See her blog "Heels & Picks" at honolulupulse.com.
