If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I’m not big on spending a whole lot of time or money on perishables. Or you’re-just-going-to-wash-it-off-and-rinse-it-down-the-sink-drain-ables.
This isn’t to say that I don’t spend time getting dolled up from time to time…but you will not be finding me at the MAC counter dropping serious coin on eye shadow. Even when I worked full time and wore pencil skirts and pointy toed heels, I wasn’t buying expensive make up or beauty stuff. It’s just not how I like to spend money.
A heavy duty cast iron pot or a good set of knives? That’s another story entirely.
That being said, I’ve come to love a few items that won’t break the bank:
The Olay Pro-X Cleansing System 
I recently bought these when I decided that my 32 year old face needed some scrubbing love. I wouldn’t say I have bad skin…but I also wouldn’t say I have great skin. I had heard nothing but great things about the Clarisonic
UPDATE: Amazon is offering a $3 off coupon for the brush doohicky
Moisturizer is one of those things that I really, truly tried to go cheap on. For years I tried all sorts of brands, at all sorts of price points. I found that my skin either broke out in a weird rash…looked too oily…or didn’t look any different at all. At one point I tried Hope in a Jar and fell in love. I mean, Andy even noticed and commented on my skin. He is not the type of guy who notices these things, so basically I was a lifelong devotee after that. At one point I ran out and didn’t want to spend the money…and noticed the difference almost immediately. Moisturizer is probably one of those If-You-Were-Stranded-On-An-Island-And-Could-Take-Three-Things things.
Philosophy When Hope is not Enough
This is a little itty bitty teeny tiny bottle of a serum that you use a glass dropper to remove the magical elixir inside. A couple of drops on your palm rubbed onto your face and angels sing and unicorns prance. Truthfully, I ran out of this a few months ago and haven’t replaced it because, you know, I’m cheap. But those two little drops make a big difference. And I totally need to re-order. It takes the moisturizer up just a notch and feels lovely on your skin. Not cheap but me gusta mucho.
Honestly, beyond that, I’m a Walgreens run Cover Girl. I feel like makeup is only as good as the skin underneath it. Besides, there’s gotta be a reason that this pink and green bottle
What are your skin care favorites? Because let’s face it girls, we’re not 21 anymore.
*all images from Amazon.com. Affiliate links used.
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That is totally my mascara. I still need to find a good moisturizer. Right now I just use argan oil, but I need a little something else. I am shocked at how many of my patients still use ponds cream when I ask them what they use on their skin. Another product that has been around forever.
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Funny that your first commenter mentions argan oil. I started using Josie Maran products last May and have never looked back. I am crazy about skin care after having suffered through cystic acne in my late teens and having to go on Accutane (crazy, dangerous stuff). I have tried fancy potions from plastic surgeons and expensive department stores. I have used the harshest products to try and get rid of the oil only learning that it was just striping my skin and aggravating the acne. Using argan oil, a perma-blemish that I had on my chin for I don’t know how long just disappeared. It is awesome. It took me 25 years to find this miracle and I am not giving it up. I am 40 now and I can honestly say that my skin has never looked better. Love this post. I truly believe that it doesn’t matter what you spend, you have to find the product that works for you. I love hearing what works for others.
Who is Meet?? Ugh. That was me above. Meeg. Not Meet.
I can seriously only use Aveeno baby lotion since child #2, who is now 10. And I love the Aveeno radiant serum and scrub – a staple in my shower, plus the moisturizer in the yellowish bottle/gold lid by none other than the same… Aveeno.
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I’m 21×2 and some months and my awesome porcelain skin vanished around the age of 35. Those loud sobs you heard were mine. I had sun damage from c. 1975 and a few years later, pregnancy mask decided to makes its way across my face and down my neck. I used a couple of OTC products to see if I could minimize my ‘spots,’ and even bought a 6-pack facial that was supposed to assist in minimizing my spots. Ene the neutrogena spinny thing. Alas, ’twas not meant to be.
I have, since the new year, been using the Mary Kay Microdermabrasion Kit. My skin feels great, my complexion even. Now, I had to go kicking and screaming into the MK realm. Seriously. My cousin told me it was for ‘old people,’ and apparently, I’m old.
Turns out the stuff is great and for about $80 it should last me six months. I’m down with that. I think I’m the only one that notices my skin though. I use it twice a week and love it.
I also use an undereye cream which assists with brightening the area, and I also use a liquid foundation and primer. Those are all Mary Kay. I did use Estée Lauder but kicked her foundation to the curb. This is a much better fit, for sure. Other things, like wearing eyeliner or mascara, are Cover Girl or some variation thereof. I do use MAC eyebrow powder though, it’s the only shade I like.
Typically I will wear some makeup variation for work but on the weekends, it’s all me. Including the wild hair.
Cheers,
Caryl
Side note: my girlfriend swears by Hope in a Jar. I had beer heard of it before today, and twice at that!
Best,
Caryl
at 45 i like to keep it simple. i love the olay scrubby thing too, and cannot fathom buying the more expensive clarisonic, although the review are fabulous. my cleanser of choice is a $3 bar of soap ~ kiss my face olive oil soap (no parabens or yucky stuff, just all natural goodness). it will last about six months and i can get even the tiniest of pieces to lather using the scrubber. since i go so cheap on that item i do splurge on more expensive make up but i also have oily skin (seriously, still at 45) and the drug store brands just don’t cut it any more. i like the ole henrikson truth serum and smashbox primer. oh, and whatever samples the nice ladies at sephora throw at me!
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I love love love philosphy’s microdelivery exfoliating wash, easy enough for every day. Coupled with Kiehl’s Cryste Marine Ultra Riche moisturizer and I’m set. It’s the magic combination for me.
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The only thing I spend a lot of money on is mascara. (Estee Lauder) And that is because I am allergic to so many of them. That pink and green bottle is the devil. I swear they put cat hair in that mascara! I love the swiss ives apricot face scrub. It’s cheap and it makes my skin feel great. Also cheap is the queen helene mint julep face mask. Your face will be nice and soft afterwards. While it’s on you feel minty fresh and look like a green monster (bonus!) I haven’t found a good cream either so I just may try that philosophy stuff.
I have used Mary Kay for years! I’ve tried other things some expensive and some cheap, but I always go back to MK. I do use a couple of Aveda products here and there- but Mk seems to be my favorite.
I can’t live without Neutrogena Healthy Skin face lotion. It has SPF 15 and alpha-hydoxy and is only $10 at Walmart! I have also recently discovered the LUSH Full of Grace Serum that has changed my life and only $14.95 for serum (it is in bar form which is weird but still awesome!)
Great list! I’ve been using a brightening cleanser from Apothederm http://apothederm.com/shop-products/brightening-acne/brightening-cleanser/ and it’s been working wonders on my skin!
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