Beauty Routine Confusion of Which Moisturizing Products to Use?

M. - If you're just now beginning, then don't go out and buy a ton of different products. Although going with private products such as Arbonne, Mary Kay, Avon, etc., or high-end such as Lancomme, Clinique, etc. seems like a good thing to do, I wouldn't at this time waste your money. you will be overwhelmed with the amount they all say you MUST have! No, you don't.

Here's what you need: A good eye makeup remover. A good face wash. A good moisturizer. Now, within those, for eye makeup remover, I use just straight vaseline because I wear waterproof mascara which is hard to get off. All makeup reps are now gasping in horror, as it's not the "right" product to use - but pretty much any makeup remover on the market will work. Doesn't have to be expensive. Just be gnetle with your skin when removing eye makeup, and you'll be good to go. For face wash - you want something that matches your skin type - oily, dry, combination. if you're not sure what your type is, just go with combo. Again, not a big deal what brand you start out using - you just want to get into the routine of using something every night. In the morning, I splash my face with water and sometimes run a toner over it just to freshen, but not that necessary unles your skin type demands it. Oil of Olay, Neutrogena, these two brand you can pick up at any Target and they work just fine (and so does old-fashioned Noxzema). Your moisturizer should also match your skin type and should have an SPF in it. You put it on at night and in the morning before you put on your makeup. If your face is dry, you might try a heavier night cream if needed. Don't forget to treat your neck the same as your face. When you're 60, this will really matter!

About once a week or every two weeks or so, it's always good to put a mask on your face just to clean things up and slough off some dead skin. You can buy some samples at the store of several different kinds, then use them and see which ones you liked. Clarifying, purifying, moisturizing, oh my! So many! What matters is that you're deep cleaning your face. I personally use a microdermabrasion kit that I really like - but I also use some clay masks every once in awhile too.

Check the Sunday paper and maybe start with the brands that have coupons. You need to start somewhere and it is much easier to swallow an $8 mistake than a $28 mistake, you know?

That's all you need to start. As you become comfortable with taking care of your skin, you can start to look at other products like eye creams, etc. But don't start with these. You'll end up chucking everything because it's too much hassle.

Good luck! S.

go to sephora, they carry everything. and you pay for what you get. Most of the better products are a little more in money!!!

M. -
You probably feel like you got way more advice on this topic than you've bargained for (lol). Hopefully you don't feel too overwhelmed.

I am also 32 years old, and up until about a month ago, I only washed and put some form of lotion on my face at night. So far, I haven't really noticed any wrinkles on my face. Granted, I'm sure that part of it is because I've been blessed with good genes. But, the one thing that I've done for several years now is put SPF 30 on my face every single day - regardless of the weather or how much time I spend outdoors. I believe wearing sunscreen is the #1 thing you can do to preserve your skin (that, and not smoking and keeping well hydrated).

I am not an Arbonne rep, but recently I decided to splurge and get the Arbonne Intelligence line (it's 5 steps - washing, exfoliating, balancer, eye cream and moisturizer). It's kind of time consuming, so I only do it at night. However, I'll have to admit, it does make my face feel really good. It's pricey - even with the discount that was offered to me, it was more than $100 - more than I ever imagined spending on skin care. We'll see if it makes a difference...like I said, I do really like it a lot (and I'm a frugal person who hardly spends any money on herself), so I recommend it if you can afford it. If not, I agree that a facial wash, moisturizer and exfoliant is probably all you would need - and I'm sure that what you find at your local store should suffice.

Good luck, and remember to wear sunscreen! :-)

Its ture...you dont need to spend a lot of money on product. My dermatologist told me most products have about the same ingredients and just have a fancy bottle/name and fragrance. My skin is sensitive and I was using Mary Kay (and sold it) and it was horrible for my skin. It was too heavy and my skin freaked out..... and I couldnt sell it b/c I didnt think you really needed the whole line and thats the only way to make money.

The whole Proactive line (my doc says) is just hyped up benzoyl peroxide products (she said the over the counter stuff is actually stronger). I use the Clean and clear line and it has really helped my skin...the main thing is I wasnt using lotion on my face so it was super oily in some places and dry in others. Snice I started using lotion it made a wolrd of diff. I use a cleanser and lotion and thats all and thats what my doc reccommended. She said if you add too much your skin goes into overload and freaks out. Be sure to always put whats on your face on your neck when you clean and moisturize. I do wear Bare Minerals makeup and love it. Its not a heavy foundation and Im now not breaking out either. Its fast and natural looking and i couldnt live w/ out it. Good Luck!

Let me first start off by saying I do not sell any product. I am a teacher on a teacher budget. When I first started using skin care products, I used whatever was cheapest at the store. A dermatologist told me it really didn't matter what brand I chose, but it would be beneficial to find a line and use only their products since they would work best together.

I do however use the Mary Kay line and have for 15 years. I like their skin care products and feel my skin has been clearer and softer because of them.

I like the idea of going to a department store for a free facial, but keep in mind they will try to sell you their line. If you have sensitive skin or many allergies try Clinique or Almay products.

Good luck!

M.,
1. Bottom line....you DO NOT need to spend alot of money to clean and mositurize your face.
2. Shannon B's advice was right on. All you need is a mild cleanser, eye makeup remover, and moisturizer. An exfoliator once a week is also a good idea. And all of this stuff you can get at your local Target/drug store/grocery store.
3. The Mary Kay products and Arbonne products offer nothing more than what you can buy at your local grocery store. Ask any dermatologist or look at consumer reports, and they will tell you extactly that. A Mary Kay or Arbonne consultant will tell you that you need the entire product line and will sell you at least $100 worth of product if given the opportunity. You do not need to spend $100 to clean and moisturize your face.

Hi Michelle. Wow, you have certainly started something. First of all...it appears that some of the people on this particular message posting are not only completely outright rude, but also incredibly misinformed. Maybe those of you who feel it is ok to bash Mary Kay and Arbonne, have never actually tried their products in the way they're intended. BECAUSE there are so many of us representing these products, that SHOULD tell you something right there... They work and we believe in our products enough to share them with friends and family. I don't know about the others here, but I certainly would never represent a company I did not believe in. Only after trying the products I now represent, and finding them to work better than anything else out there, did I even begin to think about starting my own business. And, I certainly could have chosen to do anything with my time... I have a B.A. in Communication/Journalism, have worked for six years as a PR Manager in Corporate Communications, have studied abroad, run my own freelance PR business, stayed home with my son, etc. Many of us who are working hard to run our own businesses from home are doing so because we CHOOSE to. We need either that extra income or that extra something in our lives to call our own. So, for those of you who feel the need to bash those of us who are working hard to add to our family's income, maybe you need to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself "why".

I love the Nicole Miller skin care line! My skin became very oily after I had my kids. My skin also became a bit sensitive. The Nicole Miller line is very gentle, removes makeup, and moisturizes my face without making it feel greasy. I love it!

M., You are about to hear from every Mary Kay & Arbonne sales lady, so prepare yourself!

You are not too old to start taking care of your skin, and it's a good thing you are having a desire to.

What you need:
A face cleanser w/ exfoliation, modified for your skin type (oilly or dry). I recommend Mary Kay's Time Wise 3-n-1 Cleanser.
Next, you need a collagen booster. I recommend Mary Kay's Time Wise Night Solution.
Then, you need moisturizer to fill your wrinkles. I recommend Mary Kay's Oil Free Hydrating Gel (it feels like silk on your face!).
Last, I would use an eye cream for the most sensitive part of your face. I recommend Mary Kay's Time Wise Firming Eye Cream.
You need to have a daily defense against the sun for your face and hands, too (People forget their hands are a sign of aging and don't protect them). Mary Kay has a fabulous new SPF 20, Tinted Moisturizer for your face, and/or the Time Wise Day Solution w/ SPF 25 for your face & hands.

This is what I use for my daily regimen. I get a lot of compliments on my skin, and I feel much better about myself for doing it and keeping up with it daily. It may seem like a lot, but it's necessary and should be a habit.

Of course I'm a Mary Kay Consultant, so I can help you with getting started by giving you samples to find the right regimen for you.

Let me know! I'd love to help you out!

A.

PS I'm quite informed about skin care b/c both my sisters are in the industry. One use to work for Tony & Guy and the other for Chanel. They now both work for the top salon in Houston, Michael Kemper.

Hello Michelle,

I used to not have a system either. Then I got started with Arbonne Int. and I have learned so much. I am also 30 years old and I started seeing some wrinkles around my eyes. I learned that its very important to have a good skin care. Arbonne products are pure, safe and beneficial. Whats the difference between our products is our anti-aging line. It has nanosphere technology which allows your own skin to replenish what has been lost like collagen. I am starting with anti-aging now so when I am 50 my skin wont look it. Our line has a wonderful cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, day/night moisturizer and lift. That is the order of how to clean your face. I know it sounds like a lot but it will only take 5 minutes and you will see the results. For more info. email at ____@____.com

Hi,

I don't sell anything, and I have been very confused by all the products out there. What I have found is a book at Barnes and Noble by Paula Begoun called, Don't go to the Cosmetic Counter Without Me. She's like a consumer reports for the cosmetic industry. She uses science/scientists to evalutate the products and rates them. She has a website called cosmeticscop.com, and it's really helpful.

For people with really sensitive skin she has a line of products called Paula's Choice that doesn't have perfumes or dyes or anything. All of her stuff is relatively cheap and last for a long time. I have one cleanser that is 16 oz., cost about $13-16 and has lasted more than 18 months.

For other people who can use what is in the stores, she recommends brands/specific products you can buy at the store or cosmetic counters. She evaluates hair products, makeup, and skin care on quality and even warns you about price. For example, she will tell you which mascara is good if you don't want to spend much money(covergirl or whatever) or if you want to spend more she'll tell you her latest pick like Bobbi Brown Smudgeproof that costs $20. So far, I'm doing the cheap stuff, but I might branch out one of these days. And she would agree with what other people have said about how you don't need to spend much on cleansers.

Holly M.

Have you tried Arbonne? They have great products that are all natural and they also have a baby line as well. There products are broken down by age and gender. You can email my consultant at ____@____.com and she will be able to even let you try the product for a few weeks for free to see if you like it or not before you even buy the product.

Hope this helps.
K.