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One of the biggest things I noticed as I reached the age of 30 was how my skin was slowly but surely changing in every way. Pores were getting larger, wrinkles were multiplying at a breakneck pace, and the overall look of the skin [on my face] was just getting really dull, no matter what exfoliating agents I employed. Funny, acne was the one thing that didn’t change! (sigh)
My soap and water routine (cringe) was fast becoming a no-go… not if I wanted to feel good about my skin anyway! I experimented with a number of different products, to varying degrees of success… and I am going to share them all with the Hive (but of course!). I am a guinea pig at your disposal. All of the items vary in price; some are available at your local drugstore, others are ’spensive, but - in my experience - worth every penny.
Let’s get started!
CLEANING UP:
Um, so I used to use soap and water. I also used to use Oxy Pads, which were actually a life-saver to me when my acne was at its height… but that was high school and that facial routine doesn’t work for me anymore - must. be. nicer. to my face.
Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser @$7 per bottle (1 bottle lasts me about 6 weeks)
I tried a variety of drugstore cleansers, and this is for sure my favorite. Sometimes I cheat on this brand, always to return on my knees, begging for forgiveness. I’m a face cleanser adulterer, shoot me. I am a bit lazy sometimes, so the fact that this cleanser removes makeup (including eye makeup) is really great. I really only wear makeup on the weekends, but a nice feature nonetheless. The foaminess also feels really great on my face.
Whenever I need to clean my skin but don’t need to remove makeup - I use this little wonder. Be careful though - it sounds like you are doing something naughty when you turn it on!!! (Your roommates may judge.) Again, the Wave is extremely relaxing after a long day, AND this product makes my skin softer than any other product I have used, hands down. HIGHLY recommend.
(Image Source)
Neutrogena Body Clear @$7 (One bottle lasts me about six weeks)
Grapefruit is HANDS DOWN my very favorite scent - love it, love it, love it. I about had a conniption in the drugstore aisle when I saw that Neutrogena had come out with an entire Grapefruit line.Of course I love the grapefruit scent, but this is the only body wash that helps me with my acne (totally embarassing, but true.) Wakes you up and helps improve your skin’s quality - A+
I love Modern Friction. If you want AMAZINGLY smooth skin, use Origin’s White Tea Serum after Modern Friction. It makes your skin so soft and smooth!
I am definitely going to try the Avocado Mask. Do you find it a drug store?
What a helpful post! I have just been noticing this year my skin changing, getting dryer and more difficult to maintain.
Thanks for sharing all your experimenting!
(would you consider sharing what you didn’t like?) I want to know what to stay away from.
The Body Shop’s vitamin e is my fav. I use it mostly on my eyes b/c I work late and often forget to remove all of the pesky mascara before bed. When I wake up with major raccoon eyes, a thin layer of this lotion works like the world’s best makeup remover while leaving my skin soft 
Thanks for the tips. I use the Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser also, but will have to try the scrub you mentioned.
I love Mary Kay brand Velocity Moisturizer. It is very light-weight and makes my skin very smooth and soft, but doesn’t feel like I have anything on.
http://www.marykay.com/skincare/moisturization/10001500/10001500/default.aspx
I love the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. I have very dry skin and it’s pretty much the only thing that keeps my skin moisturized during the winter months so I can wear makeup without my skin being all flaky! It’s about $30 but lasts a long time.
Patricia Wexler Oil Free Moisturizer with spf! A little goes a long way and the price isn’t too terrible. It’s exclusively at Bath and Body Works, they always have tons of coupons so I can usually save a little that way. (in all my acne filled years this line has been the most helpful. I use her scrub, her foam wash, the glyco peel, the acne serum and the moisturizer). Thanks for the tips for the under eye cream. I’m on the hunt for a new one.
Ugh, my skin has gone through a *lot* of changes this year, and I’m just now starting to get it under control (thanks to the help of a dermatologist). In the morning I moisturize with Olay Total Effects with SPF 15 ($17). UV protection is a must. At night, I use Kiehl’s Creme D’Elegance Repairateur ($28). On very dry days I’ll also apply this throughout the day. It feels a little greasy at first, but soaks in after about 10 minutes and it’s so worth it. I like the whole Kiehl’s line because it manages to be gentle yet heavy-duty and never makes me break out. They are very good about giving samples, too, if you want to try before you buy.
I too am only a weekend make-up wearer.
I wouldn’t say it’s Heavy duty, but I use Mary Kay’s Timewise mosturizer on a daily basis. Love it. On my dry winter days, I’ll apply, wait 5 mintutes, then apply a second “coat”. Works like a charm.
I second the Neurogena fresh-foaming cleanser. It works great to take off all my make-up and doesn’t sting my eyes!
I also adore Philosophy “Help Me” (Retinal night treatments) and “Hope in a Jar” (moisturizer)…. they have worked wonders on my combination/sensitive skin.
Thanks for the post!
I used to swear by Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (or Gel, depending on the consistency you like), but I’ve since downsized (for the cost) to Oil of Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin — they also have it for combo/oily and normal skin. My face is incredibly dry after showers, and this does the trick. I also LOVE IT for my sensitive skin and its low impact on my wallet.
Burt’s Bees makes a carrot day and night cream that I LOVE for the winter. I’d say stick with the day cream, as the night one is really greasy and waxy. And they still make it!!
I’m with MsB, I use Philosophy’s “Hope in a Jar” (but I use the bottle because I like the flip top and squeeze bottle). I love how soft it makes my face feel. I very very sensitive skin and I’ve noticed lately that my acne breakouts have been worse (I blame the wedding stress) and am trying to find face washes and scrubs that will work well and not be too harsh on my super sensitive skin. I’ve actually given up make-up in hopes that it will help my skin get better. I thought these breakouts were supposed to go away after you hit a certain age! Thanks for your tips Miss SD, I’m going to check out some of these before I hit up my dermatologist for help.
the body shop has a vitamin e moisturizer that is amazing! i highly recommend it.
kiehl’s abyssine cream is the best! i use it at night in the winter b/c my skin gets really dry. you can probably use it during the day too, but remember to apply sunblock!
Thanks for the tips, I’m going to have to try out the eye cream! My personal favorite is L’Occitane Olive Radiance Moisturizing Cream. It. Is. Amazing! It makes your skin feel so smooth and I haven’t had any breakout while using it. If I had extra money to dish out I would probably try the whole line.
I love Clinique’s Superdefense Age Defense moisturizer! I have very dry skin (we’re talking full-on exzeme flakes here), and it does wonders for my face. And it soaks right in - no residue at all. immediately.
And it is thicker, so it lasts forever. I actually got it as a hand-me-down from someone who thought it was too much for her oilier, summer skin in July, and I’m probably only half-way through the jar (using it about once a day).
I’m definitely going to try the Nuetregena cleanser. I too used soap and water for years, and am at the point where that just isn’t cutting it anymore. I’ve tried several different cleansers, and so far I’m just not in love with any of them. And I am desperate for something that will do a good job of taking off eye makeup. I feel like I can never get that last residue off from around my eyes!
I’ve always had terribly dry skin … until I discovered Philosophy Hope in a Jar. I used the dry/sensitive version to start with, and after a while my skin was so moisturised, it almost started to look greasy! (that has never happened to me before).
I was then able to move on to the standard Hope in a Jar, and it works great - no more dry skin! It really is hope in a jar!
I’m with you on the Neutrogena cleanser… love it! For a heavy duty moisturizer, I love Clinique Zero Gravity Repairwear and Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer. Both are awesome. I also use their Dramatically Different Moisturizer but more in the summertime than now - it’s much lighter.
Im not allergic to much but I must have sensitive skin the Body Shop’s vit E cream made me break out in a horrible rash
I too love Philosophy’s “Hope in a Jar”. Recently though, I switched to Dior’s “HydrAction Deep Hydration Cream”. It’s perfect for the winter months. And you can always add a hydrating serum for an extra moisture boost.
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Mrs. Snapdragon, Chicago/Dallas Age and Occupation: 32,Associate Producer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Lighting Designer Blogging Since: November 14, 2008 Engagement Date: January 1, 2011 Wedding Date: March 2012 Venue: Marie Gabrielle About Me: Voracious reader of short stories, Russian literature, National Geographic and Cosmo. I'm a GENIUS at spicing up Weight Watchers recipes and a pathological cheater at board games. I run a slow marathon, but my feet are learning to move faster. Mornings aren't my thing, but I can night owl with the best of them. Don't tempt me with your Cherry Cokes---I'm trying to quit. Tomorrow. Or never.
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