Weddingbee PRO

My mother reads my blog faithfully and often comments on posts. I love that instead of phoning me, she knows the fastest way to reach me is through my website! After my previous blog on recession proof makeup my mom sent me an email stating: “Yes, this is an overdue column! Your cheap (economical) mother just bought her favorite blond/beige brow pencil by Physician’s Formula! I’m trying out Almay’s Bright Eyes eye base and concealer for light skin tones…will let you know what I think of it. ”

Okay mom, I am getting on it and I apologize for the delay!

I want to invite all of you (not just my mom!) to contact me with any products that you have found and loved as well as blog ideas. Your reviews are very important in scrutinizing a product.

As a makeup artist, I am always asked about skincare recommendations. I see the eagerness in my clients’ eyes as they wait to hear that I have the secret to fixing wrinkles, big pores, dry skin, rosacea and dark circles. I wish I had an easy cure, just like we all wish there was an easy way to get skinny and rich, but there ain’t! My standard answer is wear sunblock, eat well and exercise. I have gone to 10 different dermatologists over the years for acne and dermatitis, and they all told me to use a gentle cleanser (like Cetaphil) and a moisturizer. Not one of them ever told me to spend a lot of money on department store brands. The only doctors I have ever seen recommending pricey products were actually selling them (hmm???).

I have combed through what many derms and experts recommend and they all seem to look for products with the following ingredients:

Exfoliants: salicylic acid, AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) such as glycolic and lactic acid
Moisturizers: antioxidants and vitamins C (Ascorbic Acid), E (Tocopherol), A(Retin), and niacin
Acne prone skin : salicylic acid

Before buying skincare products, it is crucial for you to analyze your skin. Most of my younger clients (under 30) would be just fine with a light moisturizer such as Olay Complete with SPF 15. This is what I use during the day in the summer. I am a little older than 25 and my skin has gotten much drier so I use a more hydrating night creme and eye cream, which I apply religiously day and night. The under eye area doesn’t have oil glands so it needs more hydration. This is the item to splurge on if you are experiencing dryness. When I deal with dry skin I use M.A.C.’s Moisturelush line, Arbonne’s RE9 skincare line or Bobbi Brown’s Extra line. Don’t use unless you have dry skin. All of the moisture in the world does not prevent wrinkles. Moisturizers plump up the skin creating younger looking skin, which is a great canvas for makeup.

I love simplicity, so I always look for multi-tasking items. I would recommend the following as good everyday moisturizers:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin has all the basics - Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Vitamins A, B5, C, E and SPF 15

Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 - lightweight with Vitamins C, E and SPF 15

Olay Regenerist -All of the products in this line are chock-a-block full of all the key ingredients and are great for dryer skin.

Stridex Triple Action Acne Pads - an affordable salicylic acid product that allows you to place it only were you need it. I use this around my mouth and chin which are acne prone without drying out the rest of my skin. I also use them on my dry heels as an exfoliant and then top it with moisturizer.

Source for all images

These are only a few of the great drugstore products, but I hope this gives you the information needed to make your own educated decisions. For much more detailed reading, I found two great websites which I highly recommend:

Beauty Expert Paula Begoun has a great site and blog. She has extensive lists of product recommendations. She has her own line, but her lists include all brands.

WebMD has a comprehensive ingredient glossary. This will arm you with the information to make practical choices in skincare.