Posts Tagged ‘product testers’

In an ideal world, every woman and man would have a customized skin care routine. However, most people don’t have the time, resources or motivation to develop a skin care regimen that is specific to their individual skin care needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of product testers (like myself), who are more than happy to try out hundreds of skin care products in order to discover which brands deliver on their promise of clearer, healthier, younger looking skin.

Although my experience as a product tester allows me to try out high-end skin care products free of charge, I can’t bring myself to recommend expensive products unless they provide really amazing results. Therefore, with the exception of a few “splurge” items, the products on the following list are generally affordable and can be found at your local discount retailer or drug store.

As I mentioned earlier, the best skin care routine is one that is customized to your individual skin care needs, which means that not all of the products mentioned below are the right fit for every skin type. These products are recommended for combination skin (because that is my skin type), but because combination skin is a mixture of oily, dry and/or sensitive areas, some of the following products could be beneficial for these skin types as well.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on expensive skin care products, read the following list of affordable products that offer some pretty amazing results.

* Best cleanser: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

Recommended to me by my dermatologist, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash is the best cleanser that I have found for my combination skin. It’s hypoallergenic and soap-free so it doesn’t clog pores or dry out your skin. Purpose also lathers and cleanses better than Cetaphil, another cleanser brand commonly recommended by leading dermatologists. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash also received Allure magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2008.

Average retail price in 2009 for a pump bottle (6 fl. oz.): $6.29

* Best toner or astringent: Sea Breeze Fresh-Clean Astringent for Sensitive Skin

I have tried tons of expensive toners and astringents over the years and always find myself going back to Sea Breeze. I have found that the regular Sea Breeze formula can be too harsh for the areas of my skin that dry out easily, but the sensitive skin formula is just right for my combination skin. Simply apply a squirt to a cotton pad and smooth over a freshly cleansed

In an ideal world, every woman and man would have a customized skin care routine. However, most people don’t have the time, resources or motivation to develop a skin care regimen that is specific to their individual skin care needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of product testers (like myself), who are more than happy to try out hundreds of skin care products in order to discover which brands deliver on their promise of clearer, healthier, younger looking skin.

Although my experience as a product tester allows me to try out high-end skin care products free of charge, I can’t bring myself to recommend expensive products unless they provide really amazing results. Therefore, with the exception of a few “splurge” items, the products on the following list are generally affordable and can be found at your local discount retailer or drug store.

As I mentioned earlier, the best skin care routine is one that is customized to your individual skin care needs, which means that not all of the products mentioned below are the right fit for every skin type. These products are recommended for combination skin (because that is my skin type), but because combination skin is a mixture of oily, dry and/or sensitive areas, some of the following products could be beneficial for these skin types as well.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on expensive skin care products, read the following list of affordable products that offer some pretty amazing results.

* Best cleanser: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

Recommended to me by my dermatologist, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash is the best cleanser that I have found for my combination skin. It’s hypoallergenic and soap-free so it doesn’t clog pores or dry out your skin. Purpose also lathers and cleanses better than Cetaphil, another cleanser brand commonly recommended by leading dermatologists. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash also received Allure magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2008.

Average retail price in 2009 for a pump bottle (6 fl. oz.): $6.29

* Best toner or astringent: Sea Breeze Fresh-Clean Astringent for Sensitive Skin

I have tried tons of expensive toners and astringents over the years and always find myself going back to Sea Breeze. I have found that the regular Sea Breeze formula can be too harsh for the areas of my skin that dry out easily, but the sensitive skin formula is just right for my combination skin. Simply apply a squirt to a cotton pad and smooth over a freshly cleansed

In an ideal world, every woman and man would have a customized skin care routine. However, most people don’t have the time, resources or motivation to develop a skin care regimen that is specific to their individual skin care needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of product testers (like myself), who are more than happy to try out hundreds of skin care products in order to discover which brands deliver on their promise of clearer, healthier, younger looking skin.

Although my experience as a product tester allows me to try out high-end skin care products free of charge, I can’t bring myself to recommend expensive products unless they provide really amazing results. Therefore, with the exception of a few “splurge” items, the products on the following list are generally affordable and can be found at your local discount retailer or drug store.

As I mentioned earlier, the best skin care routine is one that is customized to your individual skin care needs, which means that not all of the products mentioned below are the right fit for every skin type. These products are recommended for combination skin (because that is my skin type), but because combination skin is a mixture of oily, dry and/or sensitive areas, some of the following products could be beneficial for these skin types as well.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on expensive skin care products, read the following list of affordable products that offer some pretty amazing results.

* Best cleanser: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

Recommended to me by my dermatologist, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash is the best cleanser that I have found for my combination skin. It’s hypoallergenic and soap-free so it doesn’t clog pores or dry out your skin. Purpose also lathers and cleanses better than Cetaphil, another cleanser brand commonly recommended by leading dermatologists. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash also received Allure magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2008.

Average retail price in 2009 for a pump bottle (6 fl. oz.): $6.29

* Best toner or astringent: Sea Breeze Fresh-Clean Astringent for Sensitive Skin

I have tried tons of expensive toners and astringents over the years and always find myself going back to Sea Breeze. I have found that the regular Sea Breeze formula can be too harsh for the areas of my skin that dry out easily, but the sensitive skin formula is just right for my combination skin. Simply apply a squirt to a cotton pad and smooth over a freshly cleansed

In an ideal world, every woman and man would have a customized skin care routine. However, most people don’t have the time, resources or motivation to develop a skin care regimen that is specific to their individual skin care needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of product testers (like myself), who are more than happy to try out hundreds of skin care products in order to discover which brands deliver on their promise of clearer, healthier, younger looking skin.

Although my experience as a product tester allows me to try out high-end skin care products free of charge, I can’t bring myself to recommend expensive products unless they provide really amazing results. Therefore, with the exception of a few “splurge” items, the products on the following list are generally affordable and can be found at your local discount retailer or drug store.

As I mentioned earlier, the best skin care routine is one that is customized to your individual skin care needs, which means that not all of the products mentioned below are the right fit for every skin type. These products are recommended for combination skin (because that is my skin type), but because combination skin is a mixture of oily, dry and/or sensitive areas, some of the following products could be beneficial for these skin types as well.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on expensive skin care products, read the following list of affordable products that offer some pretty amazing results.

* Best cleanser: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

Recommended to me by my dermatologist, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash is the best cleanser that I have found for my combination skin. It’s hypoallergenic and soap-free so it doesn’t clog pores or dry out your skin. Purpose also lathers and cleanses better than Cetaphil, another cleanser brand commonly recommended by leading dermatologists. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash also received Allure magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2008.

Average retail price in 2009 for a pump bottle (6 fl. oz.): $6.29

* Best toner or astringent: Sea Breeze Fresh-Clean Astringent for Sensitive Skin

I have tried tons of expensive toners and astringents over the years and always find myself going back to Sea Breeze. I have found that the regular Sea Breeze formula can be too harsh for the areas of my skin that dry out easily, but the sensitive skin formula is just right for my combination skin. Simply apply a squirt to a cotton pad and smooth over a freshly cleansed face and neck to remove excess dirt, oil and makeup that even a good cleanser can leave behind.

Average retail price in 2009 for a squeeze bottle (10 fl. oz.): $4.99

* Best daily moisturizer: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion

Although a close second to Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion wins for best daily moisturizer for combination skin. This oil-free lotion contains salicylic acid to treat acne-prone areas and prevent new breakouts without drying out or irritating sensitive skin. Like the entire Rapid Clear line, the Acne Defense Face Lotion has been proven to visibly reduce breakouts within just eight hours of application.

Average retail price in 2009 for a squeeze bottle (1.7 fl. oz.): $7.69

* Best eye makeup remover: Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Marketed as the #1 eye makeup remover in America, Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads truly offer the best eye makeup removal formula on the market. These pre-moistened pads are convenient and great for travel and won’t leave any unsightly black smudges behind. Hypoallergenic and fragrance free, they are formulated with green tea, cucumber and aloe to help sooth the sensitive eye area. Combination skin types should avoid Almay’s moisturizing formula, which can cause breakouts on the upper nose and eyelids.

Average retail price in 2009 for one twist-top container (80 pads): $5.79

* Best acne spot treatment: Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Gel with MicroClear.

Another amazing product from the Neutrogena Rapid Clear line, this spot treatment not only heals breakouts fast, but it also helps to fade the appearance of old breakouts and prevents new ones. Despite containing 2% salicylic acid, this product won’t dry out your skin like other acne treatments.

Average retail price in 2009 for a squeeze tube (0.5 fl. oz.): $7.99

* Best blackhead treatment: Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

Despite the use of good cleansers, toners and acne products, combination skin is still prone to blackheads in the T-zone region. Applied once or twice per week as needed, Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are a cheap and effective way to remove blackheads for your nose, chin and forehead. Boxes of nose strips and face strips are sold in different quantities and in variety packs depending on your needs. Simply wet your skin, apply the strip, wait 10-15 minutes and peel it off. You will see the evidence both in your clearer skin and in the junk on the back of the strip.

Average retail price in 2009 for one box (six nose strips): $7.25

* Best under-eye cream: Auriderm Illume Eye Cream from Biopelle

Out of the dozens of under-eye creams that I have tested, Auriderm Illume Eye Cream from Biopelle is the only product that improves the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Developed as a means of eliminating bruising after cosmetic procedures, Auriderm fades deep purple under-eye circles to a less offensive pinkish tone. You won’t be able to toss your concealer yet, but compared to expensive laser treatments or other ineffective under-eye creams, Auriderm is your best bet. Auriderm should be applied twice per day, once before bed and once in the morning and can be worn under makeup.

Note: Auriderm is not designed to prevent or reduce wrinkles around the eyes (thankfully I don’t have to worry about this quite yet), but a wrinkle cream can be applied on top of this product once it has been absorbed.

Average retail price in 2009 for a squeeze tube (0.5 oz.) $54.99

* Best splurge product: Clarisonic PLUS with Body Brush

Although this article focuses mainly on affordable skin care options, I couldn’t help but include one major splurge item because I am so in love with my Clarisonic PLUS with Body Brush. Available exclusively at Sephora or through Clarisonic.com, the Clarisonic PLUS is a professional-grade facial cleansing system for at home use. If you splurge on one beauty product this year, make it the Clarisonic PLUS. Used daily, it provides super deep pore cleansing, improves skin tone and texture and polishes skin for a more glowing and youthful appearance. It can be used in the bath or shower on only takes a few minutes each day.

Average retail price in 2009 for a Clarisonic PLUS (includes handle, charger, two brush heads, four cleansing products and one renewing serum): $225.00

Well, there you have it. As someone who has tested hundreds of beauty products over the past several years, I recommend the above products more than any others for men and women with combination skin. I strongly urge you to give one or more of these products a try. Don’t waste your money on other more expensive and less effective product lines.

In an ideal world, every woman and man would have a customized skin care routine. However, most people don’t have the time, resources or motivation to develop a skin care regimen that is specific to their individual skin care needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of product testers (like myself), who are more than happy to try out hundreds of skin care products in order to discover which brands deliver on their promise of clearer, healthier, younger looking skin.

Although my experience as a product tester allows me to try out high-end skin care products free of charge, I can’t bring myself to recommend expensive products unless they provide really amazing results. Therefore, with the exception of a few “splurge” items, the products on the following list are generally affordable and can be found at your local discount retailer or drug store.

As I mentioned earlier, the best skin care routine is one that is customized to your individual skin care needs, which means that not all of the products mentioned below are the right fit for every skin type. These products are recommended for combination skin (because that is my skin type), but because combination skin is a mixture of oily, dry and/or sensitive areas, some of the following products could be beneficial for these skin types as well.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on expensive skin care products, read the following list of affordable products that offer some pretty amazing results.

* Best cleanser: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

Recommended to me by my dermatologist, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash is the best cleanser that I have found for my combination skin. It’s hypoallergenic and soap-free so it doesn’t clog pores or dry out your skin. Purpose also lathers and cleanses better than Cetaphil, another cleanser brand commonly recommended by leading dermatologists. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash also received Allure magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2008.

Average retail price in 2009 for a pump bottle (6 fl. oz.): $6.29

* Best toner or astringent: Sea Breeze Fresh-Clean Astringent for Sensitive Skin

I have tried tons of expensive toners and astringents over the years and always find myself going back to Sea Breeze. I have found that the regular Sea Breeze formula can be too harsh for the areas of my skin that dry out easily, but the sensitive skin formula is just right for my combination skin. Simply apply a squirt to a cotton pad and smooth over a freshly cleansed face and neck to remove excess dirt, oil and makeup that even a good cleanser can leave behind.

Average retail price in 2009 for a squeeze bottle (10 fl. oz.): $4.99

* Best daily moisturizer: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion

Although a close second to Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion wins for best daily moisturizer for combination skin. This oil-free lotion contains salicylic acid to treat acne-prone areas and prevent new breakouts without drying out or irritating sensitive skin. Like the entire Rapid Clear line, the Acne Defense Face Lotion has been proven to visibly reduce breakouts within just eight hours of application.

Average retail price in 2009 for a squeeze bottle (1.7 fl. oz.): $7.69

* Best eye makeup remover: Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Marketed as the #1 eye makeup remover in America, Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads truly offer the best eye makeup removal formula on the market. These pre-moistened pads are convenient and great for travel and won’t leave any unsightly black smudges behind. Hypoallergenic and fragrance free, they are formulated with green tea, cucumber and aloe to help sooth the sensitive eye area. Combination skin types should avoid Almay’s moisturizing formula, which can cause breakouts on the upper nose and eyelids.

Average retail price in 2009 for one twist-top container (80 pads): $5.79

* Best acne spot treatment: Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Gel with MicroClear.

Another amazing product from the Neutrogena Rapid Clear line, this spot treatment not only heals breakouts fast, but it also helps to fade the appearance of old breakouts and prevents new ones. Despite containing 2% salicylic acid, this product won’t dry out your skin like other acne treatments.

Average retail price in 2009 for a squeeze tube (0.5 fl. oz.): $7.99

* Best blackhead treatment: Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

Despite the use of good cleansers, toners and acne products, combination skin is still prone to blackheads in the T-zone region. Applied once or twice per week as needed, Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are a cheap and effective way to remove blackheads for your nose, chin and forehead. Boxes of nose strips and face strips are sold in different quantities and in variety packs depending on your needs. Simply wet your skin, apply the strip, wait 10-15 minutes and peel it off. You will see the evidence both in your clearer skin and in the junk on the back of the strip.

Average retail price in 2009 for one box (six nose strips): $7.25

* Best under-eye cream: Auriderm Illume Eye Cream from Biopelle

Out of the dozens of under-eye creams that I have tested, Auriderm Illume Eye Cream from Biopelle is the only product that improves the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Developed as a means of eliminating bruising after cosmetic procedures, Auriderm fades deep purple under-eye circles to a less offensive pinkish tone. You won’t be able to toss your concealer yet, but compared to expensive laser treatments or other ineffective under-eye creams, Auriderm is your best bet. Auriderm should be applied twice per day, once before bed and once in the morning and can be worn under makeup.

Note: Auriderm is not designed to prevent or reduce wrinkles around the eyes (thankfully I don’t have to worry about this quite yet), but a wrinkle cream can be applied on top of this product once it has been absorbed.

Average retail price in 2009 for a squeeze tube (0.5 oz.) $54.99

* Best splurge product: Clarisonic PLUS with Body Brush

Although this article focuses mainly on affordable skin care options, I couldn’t help but include one major splurge item because I am so in love with my Clarisonic PLUS with Body Brush. Available exclusively at Sephora or through Clarisonic.com, the Clarisonic PLUS is a professional-grade facial cleansing system for at home use. If you splurge on one beauty product this year, make it the Clarisonic PLUS. Used daily, it provides super deep pore cleansing, improves skin tone and texture and polishes skin for a more glowing and youthful appearance. It can be used in the bath or shower on only takes a few minutes each day.

Average retail price in 2009 for a Clarisonic PLUS (includes handle, charger, two brush heads, four cleansing products and one renewing serum): $225.00

Well, there you have it. As someone who has tested hundreds of beauty products over the past several years, I recommend the above products more than any others for men and women with combination skin. I strongly urge you to give one or more of these products a try. Don’t waste your money on other more expensive and less effective product lines.