My Tested Products and Recommendations
Price may affect your choices, but what I have learned is that when you use better quality products you do not need to use as much because they work more effectively. You end up saving money. The products I am recommending are generally only found in the cosmetics section of a pharmacy. It is always a good idea to avoid perfumed products. They are an added chemical that is not beneficial to your skin. Not only that, have you every noticed that companies do not label what chemicals are in their perfumes? This is because companies do not have to label the individual chemical components...so you do not really know what you are putting on your skin and your skin will absorb these harmful chemicals which can cause skin irritations and even cancers. It is also important to avoid products that are soap-based because they strip all your skin's natural protective barriers and nutrients.
Face Wash Marcelle products are lower on the cost spectrum, but pretty effective. I have never been disappointed with one of their products. Although, I am disapointed that they have changed or removed some of their previous product lines.
I recommend their Essentials Cleansing Milk products to be used with their Essentials Tonifying Lotion. I found this product to have good value both in cost and quantity. It also feels very nice and calming on the skin. Just remember to chose the right bottle for your skin type. If you do not want to use a two step face wash, system, I recommend Essentials Gentle Foaming Wash. If you want an exceptional product, which does come at a higher cost. I strongly recommend Arbonne products. I have never been disappointed with any of the products I have tried. Drawback: you must order them.They are all vegetable and plant based products. They also have skin care lines tailored to different needs. I strongly recommend FC5 New Cell Scrub for exfoliation. I use it everyday with no skin irritation. I also really enjoyed their Hydrating Cleanser + Freshener if you wish to use a scrub free face wash. It feels cooling and amazing on your skin. My mother who has older, normal-oily skin and skin that has been slightly wrinkled from radiation therapy years ago has also been thoroughly pleased with Arbonne products. Body Wash Body washes can be too stringent on facial skin. I recommend body washes that are not too perfumed, are hydrating and make you actually feel clean. Depending on your skin type, you may not need a hydrating wash.
I use Dove soap bars. I find they clean well and do not leave your skin feeling too dry after you shower. I prefer using the sensitive skin one. I generally only use this product in the summer. They are also lower in cost, but I find they do not last long. In the winter months, I use La Roche-Posay's Lipikar Surgras Concentrated Anti-dryness Shower Cream. It cleans well and does not dehydrate my skin. I am currently trying out Lipikar Oil Lipid-Replenishing Anti-irritation Cleansing Oil. I am very pleased with it and surprisingly I find your skin feels "cleaner" after using it. I haven't identified if I find it more hydrating than the concentrated shower cream. I think I need to test it out a bit longer. I do find that these two products eliminated itchy skin and are a perfect combination with the product line's body moisturizer. Often they are sold as a bonus with the skin cream so you save about 10$. In terms of cost, I find it is totally worth it. No other shelf product (non-cosmetic section) labeled as "hydrating" comes close to this product's quality. If you are starting to worry about costs; I have found an extremely cost effective exfoliating product! It is the reusable ED glove. You do not even need to use products on it to have an effect. It is found next to most of the depilatory products at the pharmacy. It is a black glove made out of some fancy fabric that effectively exfoliates. I am testing a newly discovered brand called H20 plus that I bought at a duty-free. I really liked their Sea-Salt Purifying Scrub. It has a really invigorating natural scent and leaves your skin feeling smooth. They use marine based resources in their products and according to their concept video help maintain the ocean's ecosystem. Draw back: there aren't any stores around where I live, but you have the option of ordering online. Arbonne has an amazing salt based body scrub. Your skin feels detoxed and regenerated afterwards. It is worth a try, but I find it way too expensive (about 40$). |
Facial Moisturizers Facial moisturizers are so important for having healthy and radiant skin. The trick again is choosing the right type for your skin. Some moisturizers can feel too heavy on your skin. You can also alternate products depending on the seasons. Your face, under your eyes and lids, and body are different (skin under your eyes is thinner and does not have oil glands). This is why there are so many products tailored to different parts of your skin. With my sensitive skin, I can not apply body creams under my eyes without having a reaction.
Marcelle has a good moisturizer called Essentials Oil-Free Multi Defense Lotion SPF 15. It feels light on the skin and you do not have to apply much to evenly distribute it over your face. I do find that the product can sometimes feel somewhat oily if it is summer or your skin is more oily that day than usual. I also really like the fact that it has SPF 15. According to Beautiful Skin Online Review, only 10% of skin aging is due to natural aging and the rest is due to sun exposure. Not only that but skin cancers are linked to UV exposure. Your face comes into contact with UV all year long, so it is important to protect it everyday. Clinique has a very light and hydrating facial moisturizer called Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. I have not used many of their products but really liked the texture of this moisturizer. It was very useful in the summer, but unfortunately does not contain SPF. Body Moisturizers Your skin's hydration needs will change depending on the season. So, I suggest getting to know your skin and how it reacts to the season changes to use appropriate body moisturizers.
If you have really dry and itchy skin I strongly suggest La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP. It provides long lasting comfort and hydration, especially during the winter months. I use it before going to bed because the product initially feels greasy and then penetrates well into the skin layers while you sleep. I've never tried their Lipikar Milk but it might be an option for someone who does not like the greasy sensation the Balm gives when first put on. I also recommend Eucerin for very dry skin it costs less than La Roche-Posay and is pretty effective in terms of a moisturizer, but does not last as long. I've also been pleased with Vaseline skin creams/lotions as well but I do not find the effect lasts long. In all it is important to try different lotions and creams and find what is appropriate for your skin type. It is also important to consider the climate (summer usually do not need heavy creams and you can use a lotion instead) |
Under Eye MoisturizersIf you have sensitive under eye skin like I do, then you understand the importance of a good under eye cream. I tried Nivea under eye cream and developed a reaction to it. My mother too. So, I suggest staying away from Nivea!
I still haven't found my absolute favorite under eye cream but the following are hydrating and light: Marcelle Hydra-C Contour Gel-Cream Clinique All About Eyes, and Arbonne FC5 Hydrating Eye Cream.
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