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Skincare predicament

Maya

Veteran

I got almost everything I was hoping to get in terms of clothing this season. But there are other aspects of style that I haven't been embracing, namely makeup and skincare. Now that I have some pocket money I thought I would try to address these issues.

I'm totally undecided about how to go about it though. I know Angie prefers to spend on treatment over color, and so do I, but I don't really have a skincare regimen right now because they never seem to work. In the end, I still have oily skin, huge pores, and dryness around the eyes. For that reason, all I do is wash my face. Granted, I'm young and I probably don't need to do a whole lot more than that (other than moisturize, which I'm getting to).

I think I'm usually put off from working on this because it takes so much trial and error to find the right products, and it gets so expensive, not to mention overwhelming. I asked a girl at Sephora for a recommendation for an SPF moisturizer and their idea of inexpensive was $30...which probably is inexpensive, but not for me. Maybe I should stick to drugstore brands. But if I could find a product that had everything I wanted (natural, mattifying, pore-minimizing, even-outing), it would be worth it.

As far as makeup goes, I would prefer not to cover my entire face in foundation. but I have to admit it helps even me out a lot and I have a hard time believing I can accomplish that with skincare alone. Other than that, a little cheek color is probably all I need. I'm not a big fan of makeup in general, or painting my face funny colors. I'd just like to look a little more healthy and a little less tired.

So the basic summary is that I have no idea what to do. In the battle of makeup vs. skincare, skincare would win hands down if it actually worked.

General

19 replies

Latest reply was from RoseandJoan

trix

Oof. I remember being in a similar situation, having no idea what to try and being stuck with lots of useless products. I used to be able to get away with sunscreen and powder, but even when my skin was at its best, I never found a miracle "all-in-one" product.

I can't recommend specific products because I have very different skin from yours (first of all, older; second, combination), but I did want to respond to the bit about Sephora's recommendations. First, I definitely don't think you have to go the $30 route. I can't remember where I read it, but I feel like there have been Consumer Reports-type comparisons that found drugstore products can perform just as well as more expensive brands. Second, if you do want to try Sephora's recommendations, don't they have samples sometimes? Another possibility is to get a makeover/skincare consultation from a sales associate there, making sure to let them know you're looking for less extravagant purchases, splurge once on a few of their recommendations (they have a great return policy, so you won't be stuck with absolutely disastrous products), and then after you've found a good regimen, try to duplicate it with drugstore versions. Allure magazine does an annual list of readers' favorite products, both drugstore and department store versions, and I've gotten some good ideas that way.

I love the Sephora site, BTW, because it's chock-full of reviews. The timing isn't great, but around October/November, they do have an annual 20%-off-everything coupon code. In the meantime, I've just been experimenting with Bliss's products. Normally they're really expensive (hello, $79 for a moisturizer?), but they have a sale on a few sets and holiday things, plus a 40%-off-and-free-shipping coupon code for Bliss brand products (BLISS129). There's a $20 travel set ("tried+true") that you can get for $6 now, a "Best of Bliss" set that's normally $45 ("$62 value!") but that comes down to under $14 with the sale/discount, and a travel-size container of their Youth As We Know It moisturizer that will cost you $6 for .34 oz (as opposed to $79 for the full-size 1.7 oz version). I know, you're not even close to needing "youth in a jar," and this is definitely not a sustainable solution at its regular price, but maybe someone else out there who like me wants to turn back time would like to take advantage.

Not sure if this helped at all, but good luck with the hunt -- I have complete sympathy with where you are!

Maya

Veteran

Trix, you're probably right about the price. I'm sure the drug store brands are just as effective, but it's hard to find something natural. Burt's Bees has an SPF moisturizer but it has at least 2 kinds of oil in it, which is NOT what I need.

Lee Hovey

Maya, have you seen a dermatologist?
If you have insurance coverage and the like that makes it an affordable option, I would highly suggest it. Dermatologists can help you determine your actual skin type, and discuss the different challenged you have, and suggest different methods. They aren't just there for offering prescription meds, the right doctor will often have a whole arsenal of non-prescription, drug-store products they can recommend for your specific needs.

I suggest this because this is what made all the difference for me when I was in your shoes. Though I also face the added frustration of severe acne tendencies, the dermatologist helped me find a cheap cleanser that really turned my skin around.

Good luck hun!

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Maya - highly recommend the book, Simple Skin Beauty - http://www.amazon.com/Simple-S.....038;sr=8-1

It really demystifies a lot of skincare stuff. I am working my way through, but I'm liking it so far. I think it will take the guesswork out of future skincare purchases. I especially like the book for you, Maya, as it will help you spend your skincare budget wisely. See if you can get the book through your library.

She recommends moisturizer with spf - I was using Aveeno Active Naturals spf 15, but I did order the spf 30 (which she recommends in her book). I loooove this moisturizer, and feel good about the added sunscreen. Please don't skimp on sunscreen - that is the best thing you can do for your skin.

My skin is looking better now that I'm following some of her tips.

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Hi Maya,

Hope that you had a good Christmas. I think I may have very similar skin to you. It is reasonably oily (still at 31!), but I get very dry skin in between my eyebrows. I also have large pores, particularly on my cheeks. I still get small breakouts, normally to the sides of my chin.

I think that you are a few years younger than me (at least!) and one thing I will say is I think that my skin looks better (and younger) now for having the moisture in it, than my friends who have normal - dry skin.

I have discovered that for me it is more important to spend money on moisturisers than on cleansers. At the moment I am using a Kiehls moisturiser (with SPF15), which is probably the best I have used. I am now using an Estee Lauder eye cream and I wish I had started using this a couple of years ago! I also have a pore minimising product by Clinique, which does also work - I use it more in summer than winter.

The one thing with large pores is that foundation never seems to stick and again I find that I need to spend money on foundation, rather than eye shadow etc. I am using a Bobbi Brown liquid foundation and a Benefit concealer. If I am going to buy a new product, I will go into a department store, ask them to put a full face of foundation on and then go out and see how long it lasts.

The only other thing that makes a huge difference to me is having my eyebrows nicely shaped. I am totally unco-ordinated when it comes to these things and I get mine threaded, but it makes a huge difference to how I view my face when they are properly groomed - no matter if my forehead is shiny, cheeks are large pored and I have a spot on my chin! I also like getting my eyelashes tinted as well.

Hope that some of this helps.

Fi

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

If you are going to try drug store brands, you c an clip the coupons from the Sunday paper and wait until they go on sale. You can get them for quite a discount doing this, and it won't make the trial and error so expensive.

cas74

Hi, Maya. I don't post here very often, but "lurk" a lot. I wanted to reply to your question because I spent way too much time and $ trying different products before I finallly found a line that I love.

http://www.paulaschoice.com/

I can tell you from experience that these products are awesome and do exactly what they are supposed to do. There are regimens for every skin type, and the customer service is very knowledgeable and can help with any questions. There are also customer reviews on most products.

CK

I can't really speak to skincare because our needs are much different in that area (I'm buying anti-aging creams ;-)), but as far as foundation vs. just moisturizer, I would recommend trying a tinted moisturizer. Most of them have SPF as well, and they give me just enough coverage without feeling heavy.

christie

Maya,

I've mentioned this before, but I finally saw a tremendous difference in my skin when I switched to gentle and moisturizing and became quite consistent in what I was using. I had pretty terrible acne, oily skin, and large pores AND dry skin in the winter on certain parts of my face. I tried quite a few things over the years, but after seeing initial success, my face always went back to the same. Plus, the harsher the treatments for my acne, the more oily my face grew (or dry). My mom finally advised me that it probably didn't matter so much what I used, as long as I used it consistently. That, coupled with an article a few years back in the New York Times about dermatologists recommending that their clients go back to basics on skin care, really sealed it for me. I started using Philosophy's Purity Made Simple face wash (which does a good job of cleaning everything off, but is quite gentle) and the Hope in a Jar (for all skin types). At night, I use a retinol treatment that also treats acne (also from Philosophy). It took a bit before I started to see a difference, but I eventually did. I also love the simplicity of one face wash and one lotion.

Philosophy can be expensive (although the purity made simple is worth it, and it lasts a long time). I'm sure you can find the equivalent in the drug store. I do recommend you use gentle products on your skin. I think it makes the biggest difference. And consistency is key.

Good luck!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Maya, I am not a makeup artist by profession, but it is a hobby of mine. I recommend Clinique to those who are not wanting a full made over look. Just something that'll give them a healthy glow.
I recommend their skincare line AND their makeup for you. Their liquid cleansers and especially the Dramatically Different Moisturizing GEL (different from the lotion) are great.
So cleanse with soap only in the evening, and with water in the morning.
http://sephora.com/browse/prod.....oryId=1254
Follow with the DDMG
http://sephora.com/browse/prod.....oryId=1254
These are usually less expensive if you get them in a set. Also, be aware that a little goes a long way. I've had the same moisturizer for months.

For makeup, a tinted moisturizer should be sufficent.
http://sephora.com/browse/prod.....oryId=1254
You can always add concealer if you need it.

A quick wand of mascara and this on your cheeks
http://sephora.com/browse/prod.....oryId=1254

And you're set.

Chris

It's such a struggle for those of us with oily skin (that can breakout or also be sensitive) to find an spf. I don't think oily skin needs a moisturizer per se but an spf is a need.
I have tried all kinds, all price levels and read evrything i cna get my hands on for recommendations. I try to avoid a lot of added fragrance, oils and silicones which make me have bad reactions.
One formula I always go back to is Eucerin spf 30 from the drugstore. Very simple and not one that breaks me out.
I do use a seperate mattifier (and much more makup than you but iI have 20 years on you as well!).
I like the Wet N Wild tinted moisturizer very much - about $3 and you have to find the right shade but it is very forgiving and does not contain a ton of "bad" ingredients. You might just try a swipe of powder after your spf to control oilies and forget the rest.
Good luck!

Kristine

Veteran

I'm a loyal user of Cetaphil. I've tried many different products, but once I found Cetaphil, I haven't switched. I prefer the Gentle formula and buy the actual Cetaphil brand versus the drugstore or Target knock-off (I've had some problems with the knock-offs).

Philosophy Hope in a Jar is a great lightweight moisturizer, but I've found that Neutrogena Sensitive Skin moisturizer is a good inexpensive alternative. My only issue is that while Neutrogena doesn't test on animals, their parent company does. So I'm looking for an alternative.

My dermatologist pointed out that "natural" products aren't always better, most allergies are to natural things, such as botanicals. For the same reason, she recommend products without color or scents. My skin used to flare up with irritations, but since I've been using Cetaphil and Neutrogena, I haven't had issues.

For make-up, I'm currently using Almay Smart Shade foundation and blush. Both are fairly lightweight and the foundation is more like a tinted moisturizer. They adjust to your skintone.

Maya

Veteran

Thank you for all your insightful replies!

I might have misrepresented how oily my face is. I have sort of an odd combination of oily and dry skin. My forehead and nose are very oily, but the area around my eyebrows is a little dry and flaky despite being oily. I don't know how to explain it. It's dry and oily at the same time! My cheeks are fine but right under my eyes, I tend to get dry and flaky in the winter. So I definitely need a moisturizer. I think oily skin needs a moisturizer anyway. Oil is not the same as hydration that comes from water, which is probably why some parts of my face are dry and oily at the same time.

I'm going to check everyone's links now!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Okay! I’m not into make-up, but I’m big into skincare. Maya, you do not have oily skin. You look like you have normal skin to me.

I’d start with Impruv. Cheap as chips:

http://www.drugstore.com/produ.....atid=21222

http://www.drugstore.com/produ.....atid=10401

I am totally back to basic products after a VERY brilliant appointment with my dermatologist. I wish I had gone sooner. So believe it or not, this is all I use along with quite an expensive exfoliant, sunscreen and monthly facials. I'll let you be the judge about whether my skin is up to scratch :0)

My suggestion is to forget about foundation. Use a light tinted moisturizer, a bit of mascara and lipstick. That’s it. And look after your skin!!!

Chris

You might be closer to normal than you think - I agree there. Really oily skin needs to be blotted in half hour or so after washing. Any oil or cream based moisturizer will make it worse but I do use gel forms with success. My SPF provides enough moisture (and is really a moisturizer but using two seperate products would be overkill - hope that makes sense).
Let us know what you discover!

Maya

Veteran

I'm actually feeling more overwhelmed than when I started I hate to say that since everyone has given such thoughtful input, but it ultimately leads me to the same problem: Everyone's advice is so vastly different and I don't know where to begin or what to think. I have very bare bones insurance so I doubt I can just hop into the dermatologist's office.

I can't deal with tinted moisturizer or anything that comes in either a liquid or cream formula. Every time I have tried, my skin has felt disgusting. I just hate how makeup feels, which is probably a big reason why I do not wear it. It feels gross, then it just slides off anyway.

I can tolerate powder, since it leaves my skin nice and satiny rather than gooey and has more staying power, but that's it. I need moisture to absorb into the skin, not sit on top like a gross residue, which is what tinted moisturizer does. I don't know--maybe those of you who have more generous budgets don't face this problem because the formulation is better, or maybe you just don't mind a little filminess.

I don't prefer to use organic because it's supposedly more gentle. Cosmetics and skincare products are full of nasty stuff that I don't want to rub into my skin. It's hard to find anything 100% natural, but I'm happy to get as close as I can.

Sooo...I don't know what I'm going to do. I feel like I'm right back at square one.

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

At the risk of being obnoxious - I would again suggest the skincare book as a place to start...or any medically-based skincare book. They might be dry reading (ha, no pun intended) but they can serve as a substitute for a RL dermatologist visit.

Good luck!

Maya

Veteran

I think that is exactly what I'm going to do Ms. Picklejuice.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

If you have the time and inclination you could try mixing your own products
http://allnaturalbeauty.us/hbr.....e_bookmark

Do you have Liz Earle products in the US, her range uses natural ingredients where possible but not at the expense of performance and is also quite budget friendly.
http://uk.lizearle.com/?cmp=go.....iz+earle+e

My skin is very sensitive and may be oily or dry depending on my form of contraceptive. At the moment the only thing my skin can tolerate is epaderm cream which is used for cleansing and moisturising. I would not recommend it for anyone with ordinary dry skin as it feels like lard (yuck).

Good luck Maya in finding the right treatment for you.