1. Mary Kay Night Solution- This product has done miracles for my skin. Not only did it lock in moisture all night and leave my skin feeling amazing in the AM, but I noticed fewer fine lines (at 25, I only have fine lines so I can't say for deep wrinkles). Using Night Solution daily also took away my mild cheek rosacea (I don't think it was really rosacea, but they were always an angry, uneven red color). Because I have oily skin, I did not moisturize in addition to using this product. My night routine was simple: cleanse, then apply Night Solution. Currently, my night routine includes: cleanse, Clinique Moisturizer (no SPF, because SPF damages the skin if left overnight) mixed with Oil of Olay Regenerating Serum.
2. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap-This facial cleanser is mild enough to use morning and night. Clinique provides different facial soaps depending on skin type. Not sure what is your skin type? Just ask the ladies at the counter. Not only do they usually know what they are doing, but they also provided me with several fun tips I will share with you! I use this cleanser twice (sometimes thrice) a day and it never dries out my skin.
3. Chanel Prolumiere Liquid Foundation- The best foundation I have ever used. It is great for all skin types, which is why it is the only foundation in my professional kit (and because I am poor). It has a slight dewey finish, but not enough to make you look too shiney (like Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation). A slight dewey texture to your foundation is great because you can powder spots you do not want to look shiny (your nose, forehead, and chin) without looking too matte. If anyone doesn't believe there is such a thing as too matte, I will refer to the beginning of Carrie Underwood's career. Do not worry about the SPF, because this product includes light reflecting pigments for beautiful pictures.
4. Smashbox Photo Perfect Primer- A great primer that smoothes on like butter. It is fast to apply and all you need is a dime size, which means less money you are spending. If you have an even complexion, you can probably skip this step but it makes your makeup last for long hours. Smashbox includes primers for correcting skin tones as well. I just use the good ol' fashion one seen below.
5. Dior DiorShow Blackout Mascara- One word: AMAZING! I had never used anything but drugstore mascara before I picked up this sweet sweetness at Sephora. The HUGE applicator makes for big lashes and it is the blackest black I've found yet. If I am going for a less dramatic look, I'm back to my drugstore brand, but this product is safe to use everyday. It also comes in waterproof if sobbing is expected.
6. Eucerin Smoothing Essentials Lotion- While somewhat greasy at first, this lotion feels amazing all day long and I never reapply. This product is also used by dermatologists to treat Keratosis Pilaris, a common condition of tiny raised, red bumps found on the arms and legs. This condition is hereditary (Thanks, Mom) and may not be totally erased, but I noticed a significant change on the backs of my legs with long term use (several months).
7. Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream- This product is a great exfoliator that is gentle enough to be used everyday. Exfoliating is recommended twice a week. I use a chemical exfoliator everyday, which will be discussed in number 8. I use this product after cleansing my face in the shower about twice a week. Certain products use particles to remove dead skin cells that can scratch the surface of your skin. No worries here!
8. Clinique Clarifying Lotion- After talking with the Clinique counter lady one day, she convinced me that I was using way too much moisturizer and needed to try a toner. She could not have been more correct. My face, even after a couple days, felt smoother, had less dry skin, and I went from using a quarter sized amount of moisturizer to a dime. I use this product on a clean face in the AM before applying my moisturizer. It is THE most important step besides cleansing and sunscreen and can be used on any skin type.
9. Dr Brandt Skincare Pores No More- Seriously works miracles. If you have large pores, or even small pores, this product will erase them instantly. There are several cons: cost ($45) and there is no treatment involved. This product covers up the problem but does not treat large, or clogged, pores. If you need a quick fix, it is definitely recommended!
10. Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel- I have used many products for acne over the years. While my problem is minimal, one or two blemishes here and there, nothing seemed to keep my face consistently clear. I started using this product several months ago and it seems to do a great job and fix the problem quick. If I have a blemish, I apply this product AM and PM. I also use it several times a week under my makeup and over my moisturizer for areas I am prone to breaking out. If you have heavy acne or cystic acne, visit your dermatologist to evaluate your specific needs.
I have a request!! My skin is dry (esp around the eyes). Any tips for me? It seems you have the opposite problem. I feel like mosturizer isnt enough.
ReplyDeletejulia (the other sis)
Great question! Be careful about products you use around the eyes, like make up remover and cleanser, because they could be drying out the skin. The skin under our eyes is one third the thickness of the skin on our face and that equals sensitive! I use Clinique All About Eyes in the morning and night, which is a heavy moisturizer designed for skin around your eyes. For the rest of the face, try a toner like the one discussed above and use a moisture mask twice a week.
ReplyDeletewhat are you thoughts on the body shop products? sarah has a lot of their stuff, primarily because she worked there and had to take a lot of their classes and learn about their products! thanks mary :)
ReplyDeleteI need a good mascara that won't break the bank. I have tired everything. It either makes my eyes itch, smells like bug repellent, or comes off very easily...suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI will address both questions in this comment. Michelle, I do not use products from The Body Shop in my professional kit because most contain perfumes and dyes, which are bad for sensitive skin. Personally, I do use products and they are of good quality. There has been some controversy over The Body Shop and animal testing, because although The Body Shop does not test on animals, it is owned by L'Oreal.
ReplyDeleteL'Oreal continues to test ingredients on animals, even though it does not test actual products on animals. Macall, I understand that my mascara listed is pretty expensive! Other favorites that are easier on the wallet (and don't smell weird) are Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara and Clinique High Impact Mascara. While I love to save money on make up, I do stand that using products of higher quality are worth the money. Invest your money in the right products (foundation, lipstick, skin care) and save on others (bronzer, blush, and powder).