Spring cleaning is upon me. Though spring itself is no where to be found.
Started with the closets, bags of goods to sell, donate and giveaway. Worked my way through all the cabinets next. Eventually landing in my medicine cabinet. Which led me to not only toss the old cosmetics and meds, but to re-evaluate what I use on the hair, face, and body daily. And why not share some of my new discoveries along with my tried and true loves?
La Roche Posay Anthelios SX: Part moisturizer, part sun block, the work horse of my skin routine. I mix it with la Mer when I need some extra moisture during those harsh winter months. I slather it on after my Aesop Parsley Hydrator in the AM for SPF protection. Pair it at night with my Rodin. It is a forever constant in the cabinet and readily available at CVS or Amazon (where I order everything). Don't be shocked by the sticker price for a CVS brand. It came recommended by my dermatologist and is worth every penny.
Rodin Olio Lusso: One of the newest additions to my skin care arsenal. It's the priciest item I indulged in but so far, I am happy with the return on my investment. Don't fear the oil, even if you have skin that is prone to be oily like myself. All my washing, make up, outdoor activity can leave my skin stripped. I use this at night before bed and I am always happier in the morning. It is never greasy and smells like a lush garden, one stop shopping for your moisture needs and a little aroma therapy for your zzzz's.
Aesop Parsley Anti-Oxident Hydrator: Drink the Aesop kool-aid. I have and it's delicious. From the sleek, modern store interior, to the old school apothecary like packaging, and top notch ingredients, I was caught- hook, line and sinker. This light formula is perfect for the warmer weather. I layer it on before my Anthelios for day time use. Never feels heavy and I am perfectly hydrated through out the day.
Mustela Stretch Mark Cream: Most people assert that stretch marks, and whether or not you will be graced by their presence, is hereditary. I am not one to leave something like this to chance, so I have stocked up on just about every product on the market- Bio Oil, Mustela, Cocoa Butter, etc. This is my favourite. It's non greasy and has little fragrance. Important factors when you are slathering half of your body with it. I'll have to report back in a few months on whether or not it was worth the effort.
Note the absence of anti-aging products. It's not because I discovered the fountain of youth. It's because I have a great dermatologist and understand that if I really want to fight wrinkles and remain blemish free, that I need professional assistance, aka, the big guns. Over priced cream made with ground up pearls, gold, or whatever the latest fad is, is not going to do it. Not pictured (because I can't use them while pregnant), the topical cream Tazorac, used at night and Clindamycin, used in the day. They are the one two punch you can't get at Sephora.
Tazorac: Available by prescription only- does not mess around. Like Retin A, long held as the gold standard for clear skin and wrinkle prevention, this cream is no joke (the two are very similar in use and effect). Use sparingly, as I did, only a few nights a week. Otherwise, my skin became a flaky hot mess. Mind you a clear, mess, but a mess all the same.
Clindamycin: Also available by prescription only, is a milder antibiotic gel that is applied during the day to keep the skin free and clear. Ever notice how your skin is magically perfect when you are on a round of antibiotics? Same principle, but topical.
Et voila! Any items you love? Share!
Friday, March 29, 2013 at 9:00AM
