Skin Care Favorites

I have a love/hate relationship with my skin.  I love it because it has been pretty self-sufficient.  I hate it because I am getting to an age where I really notice a difference if I don't get the right amount of sleep and take my makeup off every night.  In my early 20s I could fall asleep with a full face of makeup on after a long night out with girlfriends, wake up, run a wash cloth over my face, and be fresh and clean for brunch.  Now as my late 20s roll through I notice more dry spots, problem areas, dark circles...all the great things that come with wisdom (maybe it's really just age...).  Up until my grandmother passed away she always had the softest, most radiant skin I had ever seen.  I remember even in her last days her skin still was fabulous.  She believed that pampering her skin was not a luxury but necessity.  Growing up I was so busy I never took her words to  heart.  I moisturized when I remembered, wore minimal makeup, and minimal products.  I have really jump started a skin care regimen that has me clean, glowing, and looking awake and refreshed (even when I'm not!).  Here are the 6 easy products I have fallen in love with.  

[1] Origins Active Charcoal Mask: Oh my gosh!  This mask is wonderful!  I found it as a sample from Sephora.  It looks really scary and harsh when applying it to your face, but it feels great when you take it off.  I try and use it once per week to keep my face clean, clear, and smooth.  

[2] St. Ives Apricot Cleanser: I can't find this cleanser in Target, where I usually get my products, but had to hunt it down.  I found it a grocery store a few towns over...its worth the hike.  The cleanser is much more gentle for daily use.  It has a smaller content of exfoliators, so it does not take off too much skin.  It is a great cleanser to use morning and night, gentle but effective on makeup and daily grime. 

[3] Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion: This moisturizer has been in my repertoire for years because it never changes. If its not broke, don't fix it!  I love the feeling of my skin after putting on this moisturizer.  In the morning I apply after washing my face and dry my hair while letting it sink in.  Once dry it provides a great base for makeup and leaves me glowing without makeup.  

[4] Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: I dreaded getting to the age where I needed eye cream.  As soon as I started using this, I wished I had sooner.  It is great.  Smooth, creamy, blends well.  I like to use it before my eyeshadow.  It acts as a great primer and keeps even the most delicate of eyeshadows in place all day.  At night it goes on cool to refresh my skin after a day of squinting at the computer.  

[5] St. Ives Apricot Scrub: I've kept this scrub in my bathroom for as long as I can remember.  It is more harsh than the cleanser so I try to only use it once or twice per week.  I also love it for rough knees and elbows.  I find the best way to exfoliate without ripping off all my skin is in a gentle circular motion.  If your skin is tugging and pulling with your hand, you're pushing too hard.  Exfoliator should buff off the dead and damaged skin, so rubbing it on top of the skin, rather than scrubbing hard, is more effective.  Taking off too much skin isn't good either so keep it gentle to get the perfect glow.  

[6] Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: These are a God-send for busy girls on the go.  They take makeup off quickly and effectively.  They have dissolved even the most stubborn of waterproof mascara.  That dark, sexy, smoky eye for a party - gone in two seconds with a single swipe!  Sometimes they do feel like they leave a little film, so I like to swipe over my skin with a wet cotton ball or toner afterwards.  

Any make up favorites I haven't tried?  Send them over!