I have a hard time reviewing skin care. I like to see a product demonstrate results before I share it with you all, and skin care products usually take a while to reveal results. The last thing I want to do is recommend some expensive tub of crapola that does nothing for you, dear reader. So know this: skin care is subjective. The following products are the few and the proud that made an impact on my regime and improved my situation. I hope they do the same for you, if you decide to try them out yourself! Without further ado…
1. MAC’s Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and Naked Honey Skin Salve — it was impossible to choose one MAC product that made a notable difference to my skin care regime this year – so I’m cheating with a twofer! I am SO sad both of these products are limited edition. MAC’s Volcanic Ash Exfoliator has made such a difference to the texture of my skin. It’s a gentle scrub that quickly dissolves to ash, and it works so well for my purposes. I even use it on my dry, flaky lips. And after my lips are smooth and soft, I slather on a dab of Naked Honey Skin Salve for the ultimate kissability. This is one of very few “beauty” products my husband will share with me. Released earlier this year as part of the Naked Honey collection, this is a light moisturizer you can use ANYWHERE. I love it on my lips, and when I feel like really splurging I use some on my hands and feet (and then slip on some socks). This stuff is no longer available through MAC online, but you can find it at Nordstrom and at this site here. Please note — these items are expensive, but I try so many products and in my opinion, they’re both worth it.
2. Me! Shower Sherbert. I’m so happy to be a member of BeautyFix (click here to join!) — every season a fresh batch of tried and tested beauty products lands in my mailbox. And I’ve found some real winners here — the ME! Bath line of products stands proudly among them. The Bath Ice Cream rocks, but the Shower Sherbert rocked my world. It’s hard to find a scrub that is both exfoliating and moisturizing, and this is that item. AND it smells positively edible. Amazingness! I need more Me! time, that’s for sure!
3. 3 Lab Perfect Cleansing Scrub. It takes cojones to call your product “perfect” when there are SO many other cleansers and skincare lines competiting with you…but if anyone can do this, it’s 3Lab. Since I started using their cleansing scrub, I’ve noticed less breakouts, less blackheads, and prettier skin overall. It’s a very very gentle scrub — more of a cleanser with occasional scrubbies in the mix. I use it daily and it’s made a remarkable difference in the texture and appearance of my face.
4. Mario Badescu. SO happy I attended the Powder Group’s Artist Summit here in Chicago (and can’t wait for their glorious return!). That’s where I was introduced to the wonders of Mario Badescu. The products I’ve tried are now daily must-haves for me. The Drying Lotion is like no other zit buster I’ve tried. It works overnight to dry those suckers out, and if you’ve got a razor bump or ingrown hair it works wonders on those too.
5. Prescriptives Comfort Cream. Why, Prescriptives? Whyyyyyyyyyyyy? *picture me on my knees in the middle of an empty street in the pouring rain* — I am SO sad this brand bit the dust in 2009. But good news — the brand is leaving store shelves, but will remain online as long as products last. So you can still order your custom foundations for now – and pick up a jar of lush moisturizing Comfort Cream while you’re at it. I used to have a bedside table full of clutter, now I’ve got three things — my Bobbi Brown oil cleanser, my Ponds makeup wipes, and this night cream. Can’t do without it!
What are your thoughts, bellas? Tried any breakthrough skin products lately?
I love love Mario Badescu’s line as a whole I have been using it off and on for over 2 1/2 years- the drying lotion is the truth in a bottle- works everytime. They also have rose water and aloe facial spray that i use right before i put on my bronzer it freshens up my skin. I think i want to try that volcanic ash exfoliator it seems to be good stuff i’ve read reviews-thanks for the tip!
Honestly, my favorite products right now are:
Camellia Rose – Calming Cleanser (which is like Lush’s Angels on Bare Skin, only it doesn’t reek of lavender, this and the Lush version calms my sensitive skn).
The Body Shop – Vitamin C Skin Boost (this makes my skin look so healthy and smooth)
The Body Shop – Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment (this is a nice treatment at night that seems to balance my skin).
Thanks for the suggestions Afrobella. You rock girl!I’m going to have to try out that drying lotion sounds like a winner. : )
FYI, Prescriptives is on sale at most department stores. Macy’s has Px for 30%. Last I checked, Nordstrom was full price but the stores will match prices with a competitor at the same mall and online will match prices of an online retailer. Last week dillards.com and belk.com had Px on sale.
I still need to get my oil-control moisturizer but I bought 3 mineral powders and 3 liquid mineral foundations. I don’t think I’ll ever be “whole” cosmetically until I find a suitable replacement 🙂
juice beauty’s green apple peel is a wonderful once-a-week treat. i use it on my sunday night beauty binge, when i pluck, tweeze, exfoliate, scrub, polish and buff my way to beautiful. i slather it on and leave it while i do my toes…
clinique’s turnaround concentrate is an absolute skin miracle. after 3 days even the most stubborn dark spots start to fade, and it evens the complexion amazingly.
fresh Soy Face Cleanser is another treat. it’s expensive but the tube is giant so the stuff lasts forever. a great non soap cleanser that gets even the toughest makeups without stripping.
shiseido cotton pads. they’re eight bucks a package (when regulare ol’ cotton rounds are 1/5 the price) but these are sooo soft and don’t have the occasional sharp edges that i find the rounds do. and i find that, the way they’re made leaves less fluffy residue on the face, and cleans away more dirt.
(funny, i just noticed that all of the products i recommended are pricey… but my resolution to myself this year was to be good to my skin and not skimp when i know that certain certain, albeit more expensive products work for me.)
wait. WHAT?! Prescriptives is no more. I think I just stopped breathing. I LIVE by their custom blend liquid foundation. It’s like my second skin. Soooo many compliments. NOOOOOOO!
How long is make-up good for if I stock up???
@Summer
The make-up is good for 3 years. the Px website has information about their custom blend make-ups. The dept store counters close on 1/31 so you can still get your custom blend “recipe” to order online. Good luck.
Oh and be sure to store your make-up stock in a cool dry place…so don’t keep your extra in the bathroom.
Pevonia does a good drying lotion too. The trick in all these good drying lotions? Sulfur! No joke… it’s not benzoyl peroxide or salycylic acid. It’s sulfur that makes a quick job of zapping zits.
Love body scrubs. Will have to try me!. Going to beautyfix now… have held off on joining but maybe will give it a go… xx