NHG-R: Recommend your face/skincare products

[mrs.jacinthe]

My new year's "resolution" for this year is to start taking better care of my skin. I'm not getting any younger, right?

My current routine is "wash with soap". Put on lotion if I remember. However, with the amount of chlorine I intake weekly, I don't think this routine is still cutting it. I'm also having some sort of weird hormonal change and breaking out a lot lately. So definitely time to make a change.

What skincare product(s) do you love and recommend? Bonus points for multitasking items or simple routines.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Oh, I forgot to mention (although I doubt it's truly an issue) - I'd prefer not to spend a ridiculous amount of money on these products. I think clinique-level pricing is about the highest I'd go - FTR.

[pickle123]

I really love philosophy purity cleanser and hope in a jar moisturizer.

[thewop]

Facewash: Alba Botanical Acnedote Scrub- one of the best scrubs I've ever used. Around $8. I also oil cleanse 2-3 times a week in the evenings. Castor oil and olive oil. Works wonders.
Toner: I'm on the lookout for something new. I was using a Mary Kay Botanicsals one, but it was meh. Don't love it don't hate it,
Moisturizer: Bioelements All Things Pure- Look for it on Amazon. I also really liked Estee Lauder Day Wear when I used it last summer. It's $45 per jar, but it lasts like...4-5 months.
Under eye gel for day: Mary Kay Soothing Eye Gel- great for under eye circles and puffiness. One of the best I've ever used.
Under eye cream for night: I'm on the look out for a good one. No real recs from me.

I'm kind of all over the place with my products. If you want a one-stop-shop, try the Mary Kay Botanicals line. I'm not a huge MK promoter, but that stuff seems to be ok. It's reasonably priced and easy to use.

Cleanse- tone- moisturize. It is daunting when you start, but it becomes a routine and you really will notice a difference in your skin, which will motivate you to keep up on it.

[Deleted]

Mine is pretty simple! I got flamed to the heavens once on here that I didn't do more..lol. But it works for me and I have great skin.

I rotate between face washes. Alba, Burt's Bees or Neutrogena. I currently have Neutrogena Refresh and Renew (pink and white bottle) or something like that.

For moisturizer, I use plain Vitamin E oil rotated with Clinique. The basic yellow stuff.

Once a week I do the Queen Helene mint Julep mask and a scrub. I rotate between scrubs. Currently Queen Helene Oatmeal and Honey. I've had St. Ive's, Burt's Bees and Dead Sea minerals in the past. I like the Burt's Bees best actually, but they're all fine. Clinique's 7 day scrub is also really great, I just don't want to shell out for it that often.

I also like the Garnier Roller Tubes for puffy and circles. Done great things for the eye area. You can thank THR for that rec.

I've found that better quality makeup products, foundation esp. are better for my skin than a facewash that sits 10 seconds. Cheaper makeup always gives me issues. Also getting the makeup off my face at night is crucial. I use Baby Wipes. Cheap, moisturizing and work great!

And that's it. Anymore and I get rashy, my skin dries out because I spend hours a day outside, or I break out.
For me simpler is definitely better.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Dairy, you really got flamed for your routine? If you did, I can't wait to hear what people are going to say to me ... I literally use regular bar soap (Ivory) and occasionally some St. Ives lotion on truly dry spots (but it's also body lotion. LOL)

[wawa]

Dec 27, 2012 14:38:23 GMT -5 @justdairy said:

Mine is pretty simple! I got flamed to the heavens once on here that I didn't do more..lol. But it works for me and I have great skin.

I rotate between face washes. Alba, Burt's Bees or Neutrogena. I currently have Neutrogena Refresh and Renew (pink and white bottle) or something like that.

For moisturizer, I use plain Vitamin E oil rotated with Clinique. The basic yellow stuff.

Once a week I do the Queen Helene mint Julep mask and a scrub. I rotate between scrubs. Currently Queen Helene Oatmeal and Honey. I've had St. Ive's, Burt's Bees and Dead Sea minerals in the past. I like the Burt's Bees best actually, but they're all fine. Clinique's 7 day scrub is also really great, I just don't want to shell out for it that often.

And that's it. Anymore and I get rashy, my skin dries out because I spend hours a day outside, or I break out.
For me simpler is definitely better.

I think it's funny that this is flameworthily simple. I wash with soap and use the basic Olay moistorizer with spf.

If I were going to do something more complicated (and I suspect I'll have to once my hormones go crazy again when this kid pops out) I'm planning to try oil cleansing. Seems effective, gentle, cheap and easy.

[Deleted]

Dec 27, 2012 14:41:50 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Dairy, you really got flamed for your routine? If you did, I can't wait to hear what people are going to say to me ... I literally use regular bar soap (Ivory) and occasionally some St. Ives lotion on truly dry spots (but it's also body lotion. LOL)

LOL. It was waaayyy baccck in the day when I first joined. Over on Fashion and Beauty, when there were some really bitchy, high end girls on there (They're all great now! I love it over there!) I wasn't on the anti-age rage and they were all convinced I'd have wrinkles and saggy skin and be a pruney old lady by 30..lol. I also didn't have a 16 step process so I of course was missing crucial elements. When I argued back, I got the "must be in the genes."

Whatever. I'm now 30 and still have great skin.

You might not be too far off with Ivory. My sister had severe acne, rash issues and a host of other face problems. The derm told her to use a Clarisonic with either Ivory or babywash and rotate in a Dial bar a few times a week. I think she's moved on to other things now, but that routine greatly improved her skin for quite some time.

[thewop]

Wow you ladies make me look like a skincare spaz :-p It's ok though, I know I have a skincare obsession.

[Deleted]

Dec 27, 2012 14:51:07 GMT -5 thewop said:

Wow you ladies make me look like a skincare spaz :-p It's ok though, I know I have a skincare obsession.

Ha! I've seen the pictures and you do look great! You're also the best at makeup and skincare advice in this place. Everyone has their thing!

I just happen to live and work in a place where no one gives a damn what I look like, so I don't care.

[mrssavy42112]

Dec 27, 2012 14:36:48 GMT -5 thewop said:

Facewash: Alba Botanical Acnedote Scrub- one of the best scrubs I've ever used. Around $8. I also oil cleanse 2-3 times a week in the evenings. Castor oil and olive oil. Works wonders.
Toner: I'm on the lookout for something new. I was using a Mary Kay Botanicsals one, but it was meh. Don't love it don't hate it,
Moisturizer: Bioelements All Things Pure- Look for it on Amazon. I also really liked Estee Lauder Day Wear when I used it last summer. It's $45 per jar, but it lasts like...4-5 months.
Under eye gel for day: Mary Kay Soothing Eye Gel- great for under eye circles and puffiness. One of the best I've ever used.
Under eye cream for night: I'm on the look out for a good one. No real recs from me.

I'm kind of all over the place with my products. If you want a one-stop-shop, try the Mary Kay Botanicals line. I'm not a huge MK promoter, but that stuff seems to be ok. It's reasonably priced and easy to use.

Cleanse- tone- moisturize. It is daunting when you start, but it becomes a routine and you really will notice a difference in your skin, which will motivate you to keep up on it.

I'm an MK consultant, so I just wanted to mention that if you're looking for a skincare line that is for anti-aging (which pretty much every woman over 30 should be looking at), then the Botanicals line isn't for you. It's really for those in their 20s, or those with incredibly sensitive skin. You'll have fresh, clean skin, but that's about it.

[thewop]

Dec 27, 2012 15:40:57 GMT -5 mrssavy42112 said:

Dec 27, 2012 14:36:48 GMT -5 thewop said:

Facewash: Alba Botanical Acnedote Scrub- one of the best scrubs I've ever used. Around $8. I also oil cleanse 2-3 times a week in the evenings. Castor oil and olive oil. Works wonders.
Toner: I'm on the lookout for something new. I was using a Mary Kay Botanicsals one, but it was meh. Don't love it don't hate it,
Moisturizer: Bioelements All Things Pure- Look for it on Amazon. I also really liked Estee Lauder Day Wear when I used it last summer. It's $45 per jar, but it lasts like...4-5 months.
Under eye gel for day: Mary Kay Soothing Eye Gel- great for under eye circles and puffiness. One of the best I've ever used.
Under eye cream for night: I'm on the look out for a good one. No real recs from me.

I'm kind of all over the place with my products. If you want a one-stop-shop, try the Mary Kay Botanicals line. I'm not a huge MK promoter, but that stuff seems to be ok. It's reasonably priced and easy to use.

Cleanse- tone- moisturize. It is daunting when you start, but it becomes a routine and you really will notice a difference in your skin, which will motivate you to keep up on it.

I'm an MK consultant, so I just wanted to mention that if you're looking for a skincare line that is for anti-aging (which pretty much every woman over 30 should be looking at), then the Botanicals line isn't for you. It's really for those in their 20s, or those with incredibly sensitive skin. You'll have fresh, clean skin, but that's about it.

I think mrs.j is looking to start with fresh clean skin, and see how it goes. Stuff that's anti-aging might too indimidating for someone just starting out with a daily skin care routine IMO. I think once she establishes a simple routine, she can then move to anti-aging if she chooses.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Well, fresh, clean/clear skin is my goal - I guess I should have clarified. I just want to keep my skin from being dry/papery, especially in winter.

As regards aging ... honestly ... I don't care about looking like I'm aging (wrinkles and the like). Because, well, I AM aging and I don't think fighting it is worth my time/money. The genetics I've inherited - for the most part - include very graceful aging. Except for that dang chin-hair (just 1 lonely but very noticeable hair) that every woman in my family seems to start growing once they're over 50. LOL. So, I'll continue with a healthy diet (including enough fat and water) and exercise - and hope for the best.

[kaylie]

I'll throw my stuff out there for informational purposes, but I'll preface it by saying that my skincare habit is on the expensive side.

For daily wash, I use this:

$23, lasts me about three months washing once per day

About once a week I switch it out for this:

~$28, but a bottle will last a year if you do once per week

I use this to wash with:

It's pricey ($200) but it's a one time investment and it makes my skin so freakin' clean. I've had mine for two years now and it's still going strong.

For moisturizing, I have never found anything better than this:

It's $50, but you don't have to use a lot. It's the best thing I've found for moisturizing without clogging pores. It also makes my skin look awesome without makeup.

Now so you can really flame me, I also paid $250 for a NuBrilliance machine that let's you DIY microdermabrasion:


It actually really works and I love it, but I feel like I don't have enough time to devote to it anymore. I was more dedicated in the six months leading up to my wedding.

[kaylie]

OH and for anti-aging, I get a prescription for Retin-A. You just tell your dermatologist that you have acne and wink, and they'll know why you want it. Retinol is the best anti-aging ingredient and Retin-A is highly concentrated. I only spend $10 for that since my insurance covers it =)

[thewop]

Dec 27, 2012 16:24:15 GMT -5 @callmefia said:

I was distracted while responding the last time and missed some posts. I think it is so sad that all women over 30 should be using anti aging products. That is such BS. It's just another media and product storm to get women to blow their money and force us into ridiculous stereotypes. I also doubt that it works as anti aging. My mom uses all of that crap and she has her fair share of wrinkles. MIL doesn't fall into those traps and looks great - she never smoked and probably didn't sit in the sun like my mom did all the time (and still does). The best thing you can do for your skin is use sunscreen (I use the neutrogena brands SPF 70+) and treat your body well (avoid smoking, drinking, eat well, drink lots of water)

Even though I'm a skincare nerd, I sort of agree with this. Moisture and staying out of the sun is your biggest defense against premature aging. Any basic skincare routine will do good. No need for fancy remidies. I do it because it's fun to experiment :-)

[mrssavy42112]

I guess I assumed anti-aging because the OP mentioned Clinique level pricing as the top & that’s what everyone I meet with wants. To each their own. FWIW, I’m 26 and use the skin repair system for those 50+. I have seen a noticeable difference in the fine lines of my forehead, redness & dark spots. Not all products work for all people. You have to find what works for you. OP, good luck on finding something that suites your needs.

[boiler717]

Maybe it's just the pharmacist in me, but I think Cetaphil is amazeballs. I use Olay moisturizer and get tons of compliments on my skin.

[Deleted]

I have the curse of super dry flakey skin that is somehow oily and acne prone all at the same time. I tried Proactiv, Clinique, MK, and my skin always looked like crap. My skin has improved about 1000 times since I started using the OCM. I use jojoba as a daily moisturizer and a jojoba/tea tree oil mix (10 drops jojoba/1 drop tea tree) for an OCM once a week. Other than that, nothing touches my face except water. If I used a sudsing soap bar on my face, I'd look like a peeling sunburn victim within a day or two. I find I can't OCM more than once a week, or it really dries me out and the dandruff face starts up, so I'm not sure what I'd do if I wore cosmetics every day. I go back and forth about whether to wear sunscreen. In NorCal, I want some sun exposure/Vitamin D, and I'm rarely, if ever outside in daytime for extended periods, especially in winter. And I don't trust the ingredients in 99 percent of sunscreens. There are a few titanium based/sensitive skin ones that I'll put on during the summer when I can remember it.

The jojoba bottle from TJs lasts me 6-9 months and costs $7 I think. Can't beat it.

[aimeedyan]

I used to use just soap and water but I was getting acne flare-ups, which is ridiculously embarassing for a 30+ year old, so a good friend who's a trained aesthetician got her hands on me.

I'm uber cheap and these products last forever (typically buy once a year, if that) and have made a difference. I still just do cleanser + moisturizer.

Face cleanser: Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser - www.sephora.com/instant-foaming-cleanser-P12978?skuId=530519

Face moisturizer: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream - shop.nordstrom.com/s/kiehls-ultra-facial-cream/2930057?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=2820

[bunnymendelbaum]

MrsJ I'm at your level now. I think my skin looks fine and I'm lazy. I rarely get dryness or breakouts.

I do this:


followed by this:



And only in the shower. GASP!
That being said, I don't wear makeup (except special occasions), so for me, I've noticed the less I mess with my skin, the better it looks. I have a bit of a "cosmetics-industry conspiracy theory" though.

I agree about anti-aging. I'm not rubbing on Crisco and sitting on the beach, but shit, I'm fine with looking like I'm getting older because I AM getting older!

[auntie]

You don't have to spend a lot to put a sensible plan in place.

For an inexpensive cleaner, I really like Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleaner- cheap and effective.

www.target.com/p/neutrogena-fresh-foaming-cleanser-6-7-oz/-/A-11579623?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=|11579623&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=11579623&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=11579623

(DS gave me a bottle of Philosophy Purity for Christmas- meh)

For moisture, I like Cerave-
cerave.com/our-products/facial-moisturizing-lotion-am/

[Deleted]

Boiler: I want to love Cetaphil..but it burns the sh*t out of my skin every time
Bunny: My Grandma had great skin all her life and her "secret" was a dab of Crisco instead of moisturizer..so I just spit my water at this. I can't get past the concept but it worked wonders for her. She died at 78 with literally NO wrinkles.

[stephm0188]

I love my Clarisonic. I have dull, acne prone skin, and my Clarisonic has done more to improve it than any other skin care product, including prescription stuff.

[katie4253]

Dec 27, 2012 22:13:04 GMT -5 @justdairy said:

Boiler: I want to love Cetaphil..but it burns the sh*t out of my skin every time
Bunny: My Grandma had great skin all her life and her "secret" was a dab of Crisco instead of moisturizer..so I just spit my water at this. I can't get past the concept but it worked wonders for her. She died at 78 with literally NO wrinkles.

Cetaphil burns the shit out of my skin too. It is like rubbing fire on my skin.

I use California Baby body wash (same stuff I use on my kid) and neutrogena acne stress relief gel at night and cetaphil moisturizer spf 15 during the day. Before I had a kid I used clean and clear for sensitive skin (it is clear, not red). It is the same as purpose but much cheaper.

I have a wrinkle on my forehead. I tried some stuff on it. It doesn't work. Maybe I'll get botox on it

Really though, I have really good skin. I wear very little makeup and get compliments on it.

[sierramist03]

I use arbonne. I had acne in high school I tried Mary Kay,Avon, cetaphul, proactiv, everything and this was the only thing that worked so I just keep using it. Although I'm a little lazy in washing my face.

[prazenjc]

Dec 27, 2012 15:49:12 GMT -5 thewop said:

Dec 27, 2012 15:40:57 GMT -5 mrssavy42112 said:

I'm an MK consultant, so I just wanted to mention that if you're looking for a skincare line that is for anti-aging (which pretty much every woman over 30 should be looking at), then the Botanicals line isn't for you. It's really for those in their 20s, or those with incredibly sensitive skin. You'll have fresh, clean skin, but that's about it.

I think mrs.j is looking to start with fresh clean skin, and see how it goes. Stuff that's anti-aging might too indimidating for someone just starting out with a daily skin care routine IMO. I think once she establishes a simple routine, she can then move to anti-aging if she chooses.

i also think there are choices within basic daily care that have anti-aging benefits. i am a basic gal myself and use neutragena products. i used to have bad acne, so that is why i started there. they are also consistently one of the top 2 i see of drug store quality skincare that compete/perform well against the pricier department store products.

i currently use their naturals line for cleanser (used to use their anti-aging cleanser), no toner (again, it wasn't recommended by any of my dermatologists for my acne prone skin) and their healthy defense daytime moisturizer for sensitive skin and an spf of 50 (they do have this for 30 spf and non-sensitive skin). i use their rapid wrinkle repair eye cream (day and night) and repair night moisturizer. i just got the naturals line's scrub to use 2-3x/week, too. i had gotten away from this with a toddler, and want to try to get it back into my routine.

ETA: i also have a clairsonic that i got away from using and am getting back into using it at least 1x/day. i love the way it makes my skin feel. i use my own cleanser. i used theirs when i ran out of my own, but it didn't impress me.