ProductWhores

To add to my increasingly longer list of things I want to buy at Sephora, I just happened on this new Argan Cleansing Treatment from Josie Maran and now I really want to pick it up this weekend.  I'm obsessed with Argan Oil lately because it's like, the miracle product for my dry hands and nose (it has seriously tamed the Rudolph-esque aspects of it).  And I hate oily products normally, so if I can fall in love with one, you know it's good.  But doesn't this cleanser + cloth treatment seem kind of awesome?  It has a ton of five star reviews on Sephora's site, so that makes me want it even more.  (Also, am I super lazy for never reviewing anything I buy at Sephora?  They send me e-mails about it all the time asking me to do it and I just... never do).  It's also good for sensitive skin, which is sometimes hard to find.  I'm definitely talking myself into buying it on Saturday here...      

Be Ultra Gentle

I usually use one of a couple different Dermalogica cleansers, but at the moment, I'm out of them all and haven't had a chance to get to the store to replace them.  So a few weeks ago, when I ran into CVS to grab something else, I picked up the new Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser.  It seemed like a good comparable product and it was only around $10.  It's a seriously awesome alternative to the more expensive brands and so far, it hasn't irritated my sensitive skin at all.  I like that it's a pump too - pumps are my favorite way to use cleansers because I feel like I waste less (although that's not that big of a deal when it's only $10).  I love finding budget alternatives that are so readily available since it means that I can buy them on the east coast when I travel and don't have to pack even more stuff.  (I travel with so many shoes.  So, so many shoes...)  Definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for a new cleanser.      

Best Budget Cleansing Facial Wipes

I was at Naimie's in Studio City the other day (if anyone reading this lives in the LA area, Naimie's is a must-frequent) and I cam across facial cleansing wipes for only $2.80.  I, of course, bought them because I figured even if they sucked, I've thrown away three bucks in a lot worse ways.  Well, as it turns out, I did not waste a penny because these are the best, budget, cleansing wipes I've ever used!  Purederm Make-Up Cleansing Tissues are lavender-scented which is uber-soothing and they're really gentle and hydrating so my dry, sensitive skin has been very happy.  Here's the thing, they are a Korean product so they are not really easy to find.  I suggest checking out your local beauty supply store to see if they might be stocking them in the cleansing aisle.  It really needs to be a store where make-up artists would shop (not a place like Sephora, for example).  They are definitely worth the hunt and, if you do find them, I suggest stocking up.

Aqualibrium Cleansing Face Wipes

H2O+ has just released new Cleansing Face Wipes as part of their Aqualibrium line and they are better than any other face wipes I've ever tried!  I am usually a fan of Pond's, but H2O+ has hit the mark with these super-moisturizing wipes that get off every single bit of make-up, even stubborn mascara.  They smell amazing - think fresh sea air - and come in a package with a lid that actually seals shut each time so no drying out of the wipes!  Yeah, they're a tad on the pricey side (at $19.00 for the package of 45) but it is so, so worth every single penny.  My sensitive skin loves these wipes and I will never, ever go back to drugstore brand.  These are it for me!  I've noticed if you sign up for emails from H2O+ they have some pretty great sales so you can get the wipes (and anything else from this incredible line of products) for less.  Thank you, H2O+ for actually creating wipes that don't dry out my skin and do what they're supposed to do - remove all my make-up on one of those nights where I can't be bothered to wash my face (I know, I know, bad me.)

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with H2O+

Aquafina - Not Just For Drinking Anymore

Everyone has heard of the bottled water Aquafina, but what you may not know is that Aquafina has recently released some fantastically affordable skin care, bath and body, and lip care products.  When I say afforable, I'm talking crazy cheap - $5.00 for a big bottle of their Purifying Daily Cleanser!  While I usually keep away from foaming cleansers because they dry my already dry skin even more, this one is an exception to the rule.  It's very gentle (no irritation for me but the slight fragrance may irritate very sensitive skin), has a very slight floral scent and is surprisingly hydrating.  The foam turns almost creamy when you start to use on your wet skin, which was a nice surprise for me.  The fact that this stuff is only $5.00 means everyone should give it a try.  Check out their entire line here.  The lip balms look especially interesting!

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Aquafina Skincare

Evening Soothe Towelettes

 

I was at Target the other day and was just going to buy some generic facial cleansing cloths when I saw that Pond's had released a brand new towelette for nighttime called Evening Soothe.  Because I actually had a coupon which made these cheaper than the generic, I thought I had to give them a try.  I am so glad I did because these are the best cleansing cloths I have used (what was I doing wasting money on generic all these years!)  First of all, they smell incredible - chamomile and white tea make these cloths actually soothe as you cleanse your skin.  I love that they remove every trace of makeup (even mascara and eye liner - granted, with a bit of extra rubbing, but still) and do not dry out my skin at all!  I was so pleasantly surprised at how great these are that I bought an extra package to carry with me for fresh-ups after a workout.  Really great product and absolutely reasonably priced (approx. $6.00 for 30 towelettes) and a definite travel must-have!

Hydrating Eye Makeup Remover

I bought Neutrogena's Hydrating Eye Makeup Remover Lotion on a whim a few months ago and it is seriously the best remover I have ever used.  I have always been a fan of Clinique's Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, but now that I've tried Neutrogena's version, I am totally and completely hooked.  I mean it's only $6.99 (versus the $17.00 I've sunk on Clinique's), is super-gentle, removes all makeup - even mascara - and is actually hydrating!  It actually makes me as happy as Shamrock Shakes (yes, it's that time of year again!)

Glacial Cleansing Cloths

 

Sometimes I'm too damn tired to wash my face at night (go ahead, judge me), so I've been on a hunt trying out a bunch of different cleansing cloths.  Unfortunately, most don't wash my face well enough and properly remove all the makeup.  That is, until now!  I have finally found the HG of cleansing cloths and while they are spectacular, they are pricier than the inferior drugstore brands.  Glacial Cleansing Cloths by Skyn Iceland are absolutely amazing and definitely what all cleansing cloths should aspire to be.  They have a fresh scent (kind of reminds of me of the discontinued Fresh Waterfall Mist by BBW), are incredibly soft and gentle on the skin, and best of all - remove eyeliner with minimal effort.  I love that they don't dry out my skin like most alcohol-based wipes and they don't irritate my skin.  Only slight drawback is they cost $15.00 for 30 cloths, but I'm telling you they are definitely worth the expense (I've dropped much more testing out all the drugstore brands).  They are my absolute go-to for tired or drunken night face-washings.  Send me a comment if you have any other faves I should check out.

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Skyn Iceland

NARS Cleansing Oil

Great skin begins with a radiant canvas, entirely free of any makeup residue.  This technically advanced formula is the first, and most important step in the cleansing process.  The weightless, silky solution eliminates makeup traces and flushes out pores, prepping the skin for cleansing.  Excess oil coating the skin surface is obliterated, and clarity is visibly improved.  Unlike most facial oils, NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil can be applied with wet or dry hands, and rinses off effortlessly with zero residue.  Both gentle and effective enough to use on the eyes and lips.

It will be available for $40 starting in September on narscosmetics.com.

Eve Lom on Beauty.com

 

Finally!  I've been wanting to try Eve Lom products forever, especially after finding out that Vogue called her cleanser "probably the best cleanser in the world."  (Could you ask for a better endorsement?)   Up until now, the products were only available at Space NK, but now they're finally available online at Beauty.com.  Eve is all about a minimalist regime, which I can totally get behind.  (Well, in theory.  In practice, I think we all know that I'm never going to travel without 47 different lip glosses.  It's just not possible.  But I admire people who do!)  Her regime works for all skin types and emphasizes cleansing and exfoliation.  I've been using the cleanser for a few days now and I really like it.  I know that's not enough time for me to say that it's transformed my skin, but it definitely gets my face squeaky clean and glowing, especially when I use the muslin cloth that it comes with, so I can only imagine how good it would look with long term use.  It's not the cheapest cleanser around, but a little goes a LONG way, so it will last you forever.  And really, how can you pass up the chance to own anything that Vogue calls "the best in the world?"  I am powerless to resist the pull of that...

Here's a guide to the entire Eve Lom line: