Too good not to share

When not-wholly-unfortunate genetics and proper upkeep collide, I think you'll agree with me when I assert that skin and hair are a woman's most showstopping features.

And unlike Eva's shoulders, Carrie's thighs, Marisa's stomach or Kate's cheekbones, glowing, even-toned skin and shiny, healthy hair are two of the only goals for which every woman, every morning has the potential not just to attain in her 20s but to maintain throughout her 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond as well.

Now I rarely advocate specific beauty products on this site, and contrary to what you might think, it's not because I like to keep such secrets well, secret, but rather that I don't deign to think those items that work best for me - on my befreckled olive complexion, in my stick-straight short hair, with my this-inspired "look" - would do much for those whose looks and preferences aren't perfectly aligned with my own.

But as I did in ordering these Jill Stuart Astrid sandals (in gold) without waiting for a final markdown, for the second time in just as many days I feel compelled to break one of my rules and recommend to you all two truly outstanding products of which I currently only have samples but courtesy of the Blue Mercury in Dupont Circle - the establishment responsible for introducing me to these beauty-routine-revolutionizing products - I will soon have their full-sized, 1.7 oz and 4 oz counterparts.

The first of the two, a tinted moisturizer from the dermatologist-developed skincare line M.D. Skincare, has been so effective in its ability to even out my skin tone that for the past three days I have successfully pared down my three-step, three-product moisturizer-foundation-concealer process to a one-step, one-product application. On the first two occasions I used this moisturizer, I had to wash two ready-to-be-applied dots of unused concealer down the drain, because much to my surprise (and delight), even my "trouble spots" (under and around the nose, the base of my chin and two small stubborn discolorations above my left eyebrow) had been completely dismissed.

On the third day, this morning, I learned my lesson and didn't even reach for my miracle-in-a-tube.

It's that good. It's that time-saving. And it comes in five subtle shades, ranging from Dita to Kerry.

All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer by M.D. Skincare ($42 at sephora.com)

The second recommendation I would like to put forth hails from Frederic Fekkai, a styling line I used to indulge in back before I re-prioritized my spending and gave up all luxury items that weren't clothing, shoes, alcohol or dog-related. Up until a few days ago, I had been a long-time, die-hard Redken 'Heat Glide' girl when it came to my protective pre-blowout product, and for good reason in that it did its job -- my hair never looked fried, never felt fried and overall, I had a much healthier sheen than when I used no product at all.

But this stuff, 'Glossing Cream' it's called, oh my God, it's like nothing else I've ever rubbed between my palms and given an even shimmy through my not-too-damp-not-too-dry locks. Not only does it attach more evenly to the front, back, top and undersides of my Posh-bob when it's wet (ensuring a perfect, all-over sleek effect) but it also helps make more manipulable my often obstinate, split-down-the-middle-inclined sideswept fringe.

It, too, is that good.

Glossing cream by Frederic Fekkai ($19.50 at sephora.com)