beauty post [part two]

February 17, 2010

Before I move ahead with discussion of any other make-up products, let’s first chat about basic skincare. Again, I am responding to requests as I mentioned before in this post.

Disclaimer:

1. This is not a commercial, just me rambling telling you what I use and what I like.

2. I am not a skincare expert – nor am I pretending to be one. ;-)

3. I do not have the best complexion. My skin has plenty of “issues” such as dryness and natural darkness under the eyes. I also inherited freckles and a tendency for crow’s feet from the French side of my family. But I will suggest an amazing product that helps with crow’s feet!

Finally, I do have lines from smiling and consider them badges of honor from the times I’ve experienced happiness and laughter. We should all love our happy lines, right?

………….

CLEANSING THE SKIN

I am coming from the perspective of someone with dry skin, so I use a cream-based cleanser when removing make-up. Otherwise my skin really dries out.

When it comes to cleansing, I use a great economical organic cleanser by Avalon Organics. I’ve bought it at both Whole Foods and Wal Mart. You can see it here.

Do you know how I discovered this? My husband picked it up for himself one time when we were grocery shopping at Whole Foods. At the time I sort of scoffed at his choice in trying to find “quality skincare” on his own. How dare he not inquire with the skin care “expert” of the house, ha ha. But one night I had to borrow it when my expensive stuff was all out. And I loved it! Had to quickly retract my opinion on his find. Been using it ever since.

So chalk this one up to my husband’s quality facial-cleanser-hunting skills. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled with this title.

MOISTURIZING THE SKIN

I’m not gonna lie. This is where I spend my bucks. But I’ll say this much: the brand I use does the job and I only have to buy moisturizer once a year.

First, let’s address the eyes. At my age, I’ve read that the hormones begin to change and the thin tissue around the eyes becomes more dry and produces less moisture. So lines begin to appear. Nice.

My mainstay eye moisturizer is Baume Efficace by Sisley. Take a deep breath before you click and see it here. It’s pricey, but remember you only need a teeny tiny bit each night – a little goes a long way. One container lasts me a whole year. I cannot live without it. I’d sacrifice spending $$$ in another department of my life than skip out on this stuff. It makes puffiness, darkness and fine lines go away. Hi, miracle in a jar. As I get older I have lines, but less than I would if I didn’t use this product. How do I know? Because I’ve tried to stop using this a few times in the past and my skin totally changes. It becomes really dry, shows lines and doesn’t feel as good. I’ve been using this since 1997.

My all over face moisturizer is a miracle in a container. It’s called Sisleya Extra Rich Cream. It’s out of control expensive at Saks, but I found it here for nearly half the price. No joke, when I began using it about three years ago, my complexion had a transformation. My skin didn’t look as dull – it looked more healthy, dewy and fresh. I’m told that it has shiitake mushroom extract in it, which addresses hormone deficiencies in the skin. Whatever it is, it has totally turned around my complexion.

If you’re looking for extreme hydration for your skin without spending a fortune, I highly recommend Nutrix by Lancome. Right here. It’s more like an ointment and is excellent for nourishing dehydrated skin in harsh winter climates with dry air. I used it more when we lived in Atlanta and had to deal with going from cold outside air and to the drying air that central heat creates. I’ve read that Nutrix is so effective, it’s been used to help heel the skin on burn victims.

Also, my favorite body lotion is Eucerin. I love this product so much. For super soft legs after a shower, this is the best product out there. It’s pricier than the other brands, but so worth it. I also put it on my children’s skin. Keeps them soft and comfy after baths. It has no weird granny smell like some of the other lotions. You can get it at Walmart – right here is the one I use.

PROTECTING THE SKIN

One of my long time friends is a Dermatologist in Atlanta. She has always said that the sun is the enemy of our skin. She’s advised me to wear sunscreen year-round [although I'm too lazy and don't]. Most importantly, she’s said to wear a sun screen that has both UVA and UVB protection and at least 9% zinc oxide in it. I wear something called Obagi. Check it out right here.

During the teen years, my girlfriends and I used to lay out in the sun slathered in baby oil while perfectly positioning our heads onto tinfoil to ATTRACT the sun. I totally fried my skin. But these days I wear hats when in the sun and always have on at least 30spf sunscreen on my face.

FEEDING THE SKIN

I don’t regularly drink Coke or Diet Coke anymore (unless I’m at the movies which hardly ever happens since offspring number four). I only drink water as my main liquid. Don’t I sound like one big wild party to be around?!? I drink one cup of half-caff coffee a day and also sneak a glass or wine or champagne as needed here and there. A few years ago, I read a book written by a Harvard grad Dermatologist called The Perricone Promise. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, because it’s been a around for quite a while. He’s actually written several best-selling books. He talks a lot about how to slow the aging of our skin with diet. His top ten list of superfoods is right here. Basically he says we need plenty of Wild Alaskan Salmon, rainbow foods, peptides and water. I’ve never done the peptide thing, but I’m sure I will at some point.

I hope this wasn’t too boring for you. I felt like I was like writing a science paper…

beauty post [part two]

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