Find Your Face

There comes a time in every girl's life when she makes the leap to so-called 'big girl' makeup. You know, the expensive stuff you find in department stores such as, Macy's and Lord & Taylor.


I was lucky that at the age of 15 or 16 my mother introduced me to the wonders of Clinique.  It was not so much for the makeup, but for the skincare products to wash and moisturize with.

Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's as a teenager, my mom wore what every other girl at the sock hop was wearing - CoverGirl - and she loved it.  My mom's makeup always looked fresh and neat, that is, until she had three kids and her skin began to change.  More and more, she noticed sensitivities appear in the form of itchiness and blotchiness.  It was embarrassing for her because she always took great pride in her skin and makeup.  Her primary physician recommended a visit to a dermatologist and that changed everything.  The dermatologist told  her that it was the newer artificial ingredients in over-the-counter drugstore bought makeup that was causing her discomfort.  She recommended she try Clinique, a makeup formulated to be 100% allergy free, and see if her skin issues could resolve.


Within a few days, my mom visited the counter at a local department store and started on her regimen that is widely known as the Clinique 3-Step  - cleanse, clarify and moisturize.  After a couple weeks, my mom fell in love with Clinique and began to love her skin again.  Not only did she use the the skincare line, but she also switched to the Clinique makeup.  


So, when I was teenager and started to experiment with makeup, my mom asked me if I would like to try Clinique - and that she would buy the products I needed.  She explained that it would be worth it to start now and keep my skin looking young and bright without wasting gobs of cash on drugstore products I knew nothing about.


Fast forward 20 years and I am still using Clinique.  I have never used anything else on my skin, except for a weak moment when I tried a sample Philosophy cleanser in a gift bag and broke out on my cheeks - awful, I tell you.  I use the skincare and the makeup - right down the line.  The best part is Bonus time - when you spend a certain $$ amount and receive a free bag of Clinique goodies.  This is a great way to test new products and maybe discover something delightful.

If you have sensitive skin or are prone to environmental allergies like me, try Clinique.  The products are dermatologist made and tested and are 100% allergy free.  The line is formulated for 4 distinct skin types - Very Dry, Dry, Dry-Combination, and Oily.  Visit a Clinique counter and have them 'type' you skin.  I recommend you go bare-faced to get the most accurate information.  My biggest recommendation though is to find a Clinique specialist who has a 'look' similar to what you are trying to achieve - not only makeup, but overall style.  Most Clinique specialist's have been good, but a few I found are just plain fabulous.  Stick with whom you feel most comfortable and who listens to your needs and desires.   


Take the leap and switch to the Clinique line.  Try and see if you love it.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed.  


*My favorite newer product is the Even Better Skin Toning Corrector that I use every night after my 3-Step to help diminish sun spots and uneven skin tone.  Holy cowzers, this product is amazing!  My skin is brighter, smoother and even after 3 weeks of  using it religiously.  I am one happy girl!


Less is always more when it comes to makeup.  (Except for that fancy night out in a fabulous dress for dinner and dancing!)

Best Skin Care Products for Combination Skin

Finding a skin care regime that makes your skin look smooth, clear and dewy, in other words - fabulous, can be a arduous task for many women.  I was lucky to have my mother introduce me to Clinique when I was 16.  It took many trials to find to right products for my dry cheeks, oily T-zone, combination skin.  I never had an acne problem, but the crazy common pimples that would show up when you least wanted them - pictures, big events, you name it.


While I  realize that Cate's list of award winning skincare products will not work for everyone, it at least gives you an idea of products worth trying.

• Best for taking make-up off:  Clinique's Take the Day Off! This has to be the number one makeup remover ever invented.  A little dip on a cotton ball and a few swipes over your eyes and lips effortlessly takes it all off.  I have sensitive skin and itchy eyes from seasonal allergies, and this little concoction gives me absolutely no irritation whatsoever.  

• Best for cleansing:  Clinique's Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam.  Not only is this great at treating acne, but preventing it, too.  The foam is silky, creamy, and glides on smoothly.  I use this morning and night and have no dryness.  Best yet, no breakouts!  

• Best Clarifying Lotion:  Clinique's Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion.  I was never a firm believer in Clarifying lotions until I used this one.  I used it morning and night and found my skin to be a bit dry.  I cut down to using it only at night and what a difference - no more tightness.  The salicylic acid can be harsh if overused, so a little goes a long way.  One bottle lasts me 6 months!  Well worth the money and the clear skin.

• Best Moisturizer:  Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion.  This is the one item where I deviate from Clinique.  No Clinique moisturizer does the trick for me.  Either my skin feels too dry (Dramatically Different Lotion) or too sticky (Moisture Surge).  I tried Cetaphil on the recommendation of a doctor I worked with and what a refreshing lotion.  My skin just feels right with Cetaphil.  Since my skin is sensitive, I needed something light and dewy, but free of irritating chemicals.  Two pumps of this lotion after my Clarifying Lotion makes my skin feel fresh, healthy and moist.

• Best Lip Moisturizer:  Smith's Rosebud Salve.  I have had the hardest time trying to find a lip moisturizer that was neither waxy or gloppy.  After reading about it in Parenting Magazine, I had to try Smith's Rosebud Salve.  I stopped by Sephora and was so glad I spent the $6 for this product.  It is a light consistency that glides on the lips and makes them soft and supple.  This is my 'go-to' lip moisturizer/gloss.  I use it on a daily basis - numerous times - and I have even grown accustomed to the rosy smell and taste.  It is a miracle worker!  If you are looking for a great little gift for your girlfriend's, this is it.

These items are my beauty staples.  After much trial and error, I found fabulous products for my combination skin.  If you are still hunting for a good skin routine, consider these items. Not only are they gentle, but hard-working.  Even though Clinique is more pricey than drugstore brands, their products usually last 3-4 months on average. The results will speak for themselves.