Stress Control

I've been using two of the products from the new Neutrogena Stress Control line for the past month. I have to say, I haven't adored products like this in a while. I think they're putting crack in it because I *so* look forward to using these twice a day. Usually my adoration wears off after a couple of weeks.

:: Neutrogena Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Treatment ::

Good things:

1. Gel-like consistency that moisturizes but also leaves you with a matte finish.
2. BHA helps to clear acne and prevent it, and exfoliate skin.
3. Has a soothing effect that I can't really describe with words.
4. The smell is light and refreshing, though I normally detest fragrance in face products.
5. Recommended by Paula Begoun, who researches products scientifically and ignores marketing.
6. Comes in a very nice, sanitary squirt-bottle.
   
7. Around $7 and available everywhere.
   

:: Neutrogena Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub ::

Good things:

1. I *rarely* enjoy a scrub, as most are too harsh for my skin. But this one is fantastic. I use it every morning and sometimes at night too.
2. Does not irritate or dry out skin, but leaves your skin even-toned and refreshed.
3. Has a cream base that makes it easy to put on and leave on throughout your shower, so the medicine has a longer time to work into your face.

Bad things:

1. Something in it is tingly, which feels nice but sometimes those ingredients can be irritating, so be careful.

More Soft Hands

I love lotions. Love them. If they had AA-type meetings for lotion and lipgloss addicts, I'd be needing a handful of sponsors.

:: Johnson & Johnson Softcream Extra Care Healing Hand Cream ::

Good things:

1. Extremely good moisturizer...ranks better than high-end brands like L'Occitane.
2. Really does last throughout the day. May need to reapply if your hands are especially dry, but for the most part it's the type of lotion you can put on once and feel the effects throughout the day even after washings.
3. Scent is lovely. Relish anything that is warm and cozy like babies.
4. Nice small tube goes great in a purse/bag.
5. Reminds me of the Neutrogena Norwegian formula except WITHOUT the excessive greasiness. It's not very greasy at all because there's just a touch of baby oil.
6. Cheap

Bad things:

1. I can't think of a single one.

Tinted Moisturizer

Today is the vernal equinox, and with the changing of the seasons I usually change my foundation. In warm weather, I prefer tinted moisturizer over foundation. It's light and natural and just feels right.

This one is by far my holy grail.

:: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer ::

Good things:

1. Covers up problem spots without being too cakey or fake.
2. Evens out skin tone.
3. Has ingredients that improve the look of your skin.
4. Nice consistency and even application.
5. SPF formula is great.
6. Has natural, yellow undertones (hard to find in drugstore products...many are far too pink).
7. Love the pump bottle. Very sanitary and clean.
8. Great price.

Bad things:

1. Only bad thing I can think about is that it looks darker than it should in the container, but that's just an annoying thing and it goes on the color it should.

It rubs the lotion on its skin.

I am an avid hand-washer, and in the winter my hands become so dry they crack and bleed. I need a really good lotion that isn't greasy and this is one I LOVE. Holy grail status.

:: Dove Regenerating Night Lotion ::

Good things:

1. Super emollient but not greasy, absorbs insanely well and quickly.
2. Smells wonderful.
3. With continued use, my skin feels like a babys...put it on at night and in the morning your skin is still silky and smooth.
4. I noticed a more even tone in my skin as well.
5. Has shea butter beads...which absorb superbly well compared to regular shea butter, which is notoriously sticky and lays there on your skin.
6. Cheap

Bad things:

1. Some women don't care for smell...to each her own I guess.

Skincare 101

I've written before about my skin care routine, but in talking to a few of you folks I realize I wasn't entirely clear about all of the steps, so today I'm gonna break it down for you real sweet and simple. Someone I know (who shall not be named) was using Hydrogen Peroxide instead of Benzoyl Peroxide. :O| Okay if you burn your face off do not hold me responsible.

Night Routine:
1. Wash with gentle cleanser. (Summer: Basis Gel Cleanser; Winter: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser)

On lazy nights, I use CVS Brand Exfoliating Pre-Moistened Face Wipes. (Any face wipe will do, just check to be sure there isn't OIL in the ingredient list. You'd be surprised how many contain castor oil or mineral oil.)

2. Apply 5% Benzoyl Peroxide all over the face in a thin layer. Allow to dry before touching or rubbing with anything, as it will ruin towels and clothes.

There are many different brands of Benzoyl Peroxide products. Check the active ingredient list. Most come in 10% formulas because apparently Americans will only buy things that are Maximum Strength. But 10% is far too drying and irritating for most people, so try to find a 5% formula if you can. Ones to look for: Oxy Standard, Neutrogena On the Spot, Paula's Choice 2.5% BP, Paula's Choice 5% BP, Generic Brands.

3. Moisturize if necessary with an oil-free moisturizer. I usually skip this step unless my face is drying out. Sometimes I'll just do a plain honey mask if I have the time. Other good moisturizers: Wet 'n' Wild Fresh Face Oil-Free Moisturizer, Olay Moisture Therapy Cream for Sensitive Skin, Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer.

Morning Routine:
1. Wash with gentle cleanser. (Summer: Basis Gel Cleanser; Winter: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser)

2. Apply chemical exfoliant like AHA Souffle or another lotion with glycolic acid. Allow to dry completely before applying anything else.

3. Apply moisturizer with sunscreen or foundation with sunscreen.

What is all of this for? This routine is for someone with blemish-prone skin. If you have clear skin, you may not need the benzoyl peroxide but you may wish to use the AHA.

Gentle cleansers are necessary because you don't want to upset the balance of your skin or use harsh detergents that are found in many cleansers. Benzoyl Peroxide penetrates the skin and hair follicle and kills the bacteria that cause acne. It's better to use it all over the face to prevent acne rather than to use it as a spot treatment as often marketed. To get rid of the dead skin that's created it's necessary to use an exfoliant. I prefer the chemical variety because they are gentle and thorough, as opposed to physical exfoliants that are gritty and harsh. AHA is a great chemical exfoliant and it makes you skin look renewed, which is essentially what it's doing. For a gentle physical exfoliant, mix baking soda or brown sugar with your cleanser.

Sometimes using all of this stuff will cause your skin to start reacting by drying out or getting reddish or feeling funny. If this happens, just try to figure out what's causing the irritation and back off on that step for a little while...maybe do it every few days instead of every day. Most of the time, it will be the Benzoyl Peroxide that causes irritation.

It's best to get your routine down and stick to it...it will take a few weeks for your skin to calm down but once you start doing this all the time, your skin will be radiant. Don't stop doing these steps once your skin is clear...keep it up and you won't be sorry. Fuck ProActiv® Solution.

Winnie the Pooh was onto something.

I am here to convince you that honey is the ultimate skin and hair care product you will ever own.

Yes, honey. I prefer raw, unfiltered honey (look in the organic section of food stores) but sometimes I like the kind in the plastic bear just as well.

There are so many things you can do with honey, it ain't even funny. I'll just tell you a few of my faves here.

1. Plain, as a face mask: Honey is a perfect moisturizer for oily skin with dry patches. With a slightly damp face, rub honey on your skin, and leave it on 30-45 minutes before rinsing. If you put it on 15 minutes before showering, you can rinse by the time you are done showering. It's going to feel icky, and maybe stinky, but it is well worth it! It will leave your face glowing and moisturized. It also reduces pore size and helps eliminate black heads. The best part: pimples go down in it's presence!
2. Mixed, as a face mask: Try mixing 1 part honey to 2 parts brown sugar for a wonderful exfoliating mask. Replace the brown sugar with baking soda for another version. Also, mix honey with some crushed aspirin and plain yogurt for a great acne mask. (The honey is a natural antiseptic/antibacterial agent and moisturizer; the aspirin reduces redness and inflammation; the yogurt is a gentle exfoliant.)
3. Mixed with shampoo: Mix 1 part honey to 2 parts shampoo to make even the cheapest shampoo luxurious. Honey will combat dandruff and dry/itchy scalp. It also moisturizes hair and leaves it softer and smoother.
4. Topically, to heal wounds: Apply to burns, cuts, and irritated skin. Honey reacts with skin's fluids to disinfect without harming surrounding skin. Whether, it's wind burn, a bad chemical peel, or just a bad cut, honey will help heal the wound gently and quickly.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If honey isn't part of your beauty regimen, you need to give it a try. As with any product, if your skin reacts badly, stop using it. Even natural ingredients can cause a reaction in some people.