November 13, 2008

Thanks, BigSis! I wonder if I should ask my dermi about that Tazorac?  Do you have to stay completely out of  the sun if you are using that product?  If so, that would leave me out.  Remember when everyone went crazy over “The Stretch Mark Cream turned Anti-Wrinkle Phenomenon”,  StriVectin?  Of course, I had to try it.  I remember going to my dermatologist during that time and I got quite the lecture for using that product and exposing my face to the sun. I stopped using it immediately.

• Right now, I'm using Origins Night-A-Mins before bedtime. We are having very dry weather here and my skin feels really dry. This is a pretty rich night time cream, but I love it.  It smells really nice, goes on really well and doesn't make me break out. It's $33.50 for the jar, but I've had mine so long that they've actually redesigned the jar since I bought it last.  I tried the Night-A-Mins eye cream, but it was way too thick and heavy for my eyes.  (We've had the discussion about the puffy eye syndrome.)

Origins Night-A-Mins

• When my skin is feeling dry, like it is now, I use the Chanel Hydramax + Active Serum first thing in the morning.

Chanel Hydromax + Active Serum

I really love this product! I first tried it after receiving a sample from the Chanel counter.  I was leaving on a trip soon and the saleswoman told me how much she liked to use it before a flight. It really does feel like it helps to keep your skin hydrated. I fell in love with it instantly! Last time I ran out, it took me several months to replace it and I really missed it! The bottle retails for $75.00 for one ounce. Again, it's worth every penny to me.

• After several years of using this product as my every day moisturizer,  I'm still very happy with  Chanel Rectifiance Intense Retexturizing Line Correcting Fluid.

Chanel Rectifiance Intense

This moisturizer also has a SPF of 15, whereas a lot of moisturizers don't contain any sun protection. I usually buy it at Macy's for $96.00 for 1.7 ounces. For some reason this particular product isn't available on the Chanel website.  I found it on sale for $78.72 on scentmonkey.com.

• This isn't a moisturizer, but it's the last step in my daily skin care regimen, so I thought I would end with this product. I've used Prescriptives Traceless for several years now and have never felt the need to even try anything new.

Prescriptives Traceless

Prescriptives Traceless has a smooth, undetectable finish, yet covers just enough for me. I've never liked a heavy foundation. It also has a SPF of 8 for just a little added sun protection. This is so natural looking, most people don't even realize that you have on a foundation. It retails for $32.50 for one ounce.

Whew! That sums up my daily moisturizing routine, with the exception of an occasional hydrating mask. BigSis, you want to share your favorite masks and/or scrubs?

~LilSis

November 11, 2008

Well, BigSis, I have to admit that I'm not completely satisfied with my eye regimen either.  I have some “tried and true” favorites, but lately it seems like I need a little more.  Maybe we're just in denial that we aren't in our 30s anymore!

Here's the “scoop” on the products I'm using now:

• I have the same problem with nighttime eye cream.  If it's too heavy, the morning puffiness is noticeably worse.  So, right now, before bed, I'm using Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Eye Serum.

Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Eye Serum

It is lightweight and moisturizing at the same time. I can't say that I wake up without any puffiness, but I think it would be worse if I weren't using this product.  I haven't found anything more moisturizing that isn't too heavy. This .5 oz. bottle is $43.50, but it lasts for months.

First thing in the morning, I use one of two products depending on the amount of puffiness under my eyes.

• BigSis turned me on to the Replenix Intensive Eye Lightening Serum and I use it most mornings right when I get up. I also order this through skincarerx for $54.95. You literally only use a dot under each eye. I've probably had my bottle for over six months now.

Replenix Intensive Eye Lightening Serum

• If I'm more puffy than normal, I'll use the Origins No Puffery Cooling Mask for Puffy Eyes that I keep in the refrigerator.  This feels so refreshing underneath tired eyes when it's kept cold. I think it does the trick. This 1 oz. tube is only $21.00 and lasts for months.

Origins No Puffery

I really like both of these products, but I don't use either one of them underneath my concealer.  I leave these on for a few hours, then wipe off in the shower. (I'm up very early!)

• Before my concealer, I dab on a little of this Chanel Rectifiance Intense Eye. I really love this product! It's rich and creamy and my concealer goes on very smooth on top of it. I really think that is has helped prevent some deeper lines around the “crows feet” area of my eyes.

Chanel Rectifiance Intense Eye

I realize that the Chanel Rectifiance Intense Eye is not the cheapest product available. This jar is $72.00 and it, again, lasts for months. For me, it is worth every penny.

Yes, I do use three different products on my eyes every day.  I admit that it might be a “teeny, tiny” obsessive but I consider it preventive medicine. It's cheaper than a plastic surgeon!

That's my daily routine for tired, puffy eyes! BigSis, should we continue this skin care conversation and talk about moisturizers?

If anyone has a fantastic product recommendation for puffy eyes, we would LOVE for you to comment on this post or send us an email!

~LilSis