Oil Spill!

Do not fear, this is a good oil spill. I have had combination skin for all of my life, and so for years I used "oil-free" cleansers. My skin felt great afterward; fresh, squeaky clean, residue-free. But over time I realized that that "squeaky clean" feeling was really me stripping my skin of oils it needs to keep it's elasticity and youthful appearance. I have been using and swearing by Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash because it's not harsh but does a brilliant job of cleaning (using tea tree oil) without stripping. For years I'd heard about women using cleansing oil, and because of my t-zone issue I stuck to my guns about using an oil free cleanser. That is to say, until I got a small sample of Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil. For a short time Sephora had travel size bottles in stock and luckily I snagged a free sample! After reading and often disbelieving a lot of online reviews, I threw caution to wind and tried it for myself. Oil can actually clean oil! Our skin seeps sebum (oily/waxy matter) in order to protect our skin, but this can cause bacteria in some cases, thus problematic skin. The more you strip your skin with cleanser, the more sebum your skin produces, hence oily skin comes back. It's hard to break a skincare regimen when it's done alright by you for years, but I decided to give it go since skin changes with age, like every thing else. My skin was soft, my pores clean and now I can positively say, I am a believer.

Everyday

These are some of the tools and products I use everyday. I almost entitled this post "can't live without you" and for good reason. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is an oldie but goody. My mother used this, therefor I use it. I have combination skin but I find it to be the best daytime lotion for me during the winter months. My foundation stays put all day after using this product. That little lavender genie like looking bottle is one of my all time favorite products, Urban Decays Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I have no idea what eyeshadow wearers did before this product. I always had a tremendous amount of fallout from shadow and terrible creasing. This keeps your eyeshadow in place and in check ALL day. Something else I keep in check in all day is shine. MAC's Pressed Blotting Powder goes with me everywhere for touch ups. Another great MAC product is their Eyebrow Pencil in Stud. It provides precision shaping and defining, after all your brows frame your face. I also recommend investing in a duo eyelash/eybrow comb and good sharp easy to hold tweezers, like the small one here by Tweezerman to keep those brows well groomed! One of the fastest ways to perk up any face with minimal make up is to curl your lashes with an eyelash curler (I'm partial to Lacrosse) and do one coat of mascara. Here's to putting your best face forward.

Cinderella Serum

I call it that because of it's name. Keihl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is something of a miracle worker. It does exactly what the little blue bottle promises; restores the appearance of skin by morning. I was a skeptic until I snagged a sample. A few drops of this serum on moist skin goes a long way and in the morning your face will thank you. It is essentially - an elixir made of essential oils. I really haven't found other products that have a perfect blend of  essential oils that wasn't harsh on the skin. I have always been a fan of Kiehl's and while I think some products get a lot of hype (I've tried better lip balms), I find this to be fantastic for those of us that want a light but effective moisturizer at bedtime instead of the usual overly thick night cremes. It is a little hefty on the wallet at $42 for 1.0oz, but I go by a little mantra my Mother always told me, you can't really put a price on good health........or great skin for that matter.

Of the Moment...

These are some of my favorite products of the moment. First is a product new in 2010, Boscia's Luminizing Black Mask. It goes on like tar, but leaves my skin feeling fresh, and clean, and as if I had a mini facial. I defy anyone to not love this peel off mask. Also new this year, Clinique's Even Better Clinical Spot treatment for those of us that scar easily. This is a miracle product. Spots fade away and results are soon within 2 weeks. Weleda Wild Rose night cream is great for the cooler, drier nights of fall and winter. Weleda in general has a fantastic skincare line. Another big wig in skincare is the ever present Burt's Bee's. This wonderfully thick hand creme smells so good you almost want to eat it. Think marzipan. After making your hands super smooth go for a pop of color. Essie's Lollipop nail polish to be exact. And lastly Smith's Menthol & Eucalyptus balm is a fixture on my nightstand. I'm a sucker for eucalyptus and this is just a really nice balm for lips.

Word of Mouth

Best new discovery in the lip moisturizer department.
Lush Lips by Perricone's SUPER line. 

Mmmm...smells like coconut, contains natures best ingredients, goes on like a dream and keeps lips soft and supple. Unlike other products it actually stays put for quite a while even after sipping a hot drink. Find it at Sephora, apply & kiss often.