Besides, in the words of Billy Crystal, "It is better to look good than to feel good". And so, before I go quoting myself or archaic SNL sketches again, I'm hereby making an unladylike gesture at reality and just focusing on bringing you the new beauty products I've recently tested out. I hereby give the following my uber-prestigious Pretty Seal of Approval:
(Older house --> limited counter space --> photos atop toilet tanks. It's a glamorous* existence here at the Pretty.)
*As my Twitter friends know, yes, I did have to pause & start singing "G-L-A-M . . ." before typing that. Yes, I am ashamed.
Ahem. Going from left to right:
- Neutrogena "Age Shield Face" SPF 70: I've earned every sun spot & wrinkle, but am now doing my best to keep things from falling further apart. This goes on with a minimum of grease and none of the Casper-the-ghost white filminess that so many sunscreens get. It also blocks UVA & UVB rays, doesn't sting my eyes, costs $10, and does a bunch of other impressive stuff I don't really understand.
- Phytomer "Douceur Marine": Although I look just like Grace Kelly, see above about the sun spots & fair complexion. This does a nice job of moisturizing and evening out my ruddy, combination skin without clogging my pores. This is a pricier buy - around $60 from my aesthetician - but the best I've found after trying many other, including much pricier (rhymes with "La Mer"), options.
- Phytomer "Expertise Age Control": Again, strikes the right moisture balance or will until the Botox fairy eventually comes for a visit. Nearly as good as my absolute finito eye cream, which you can find here, at a fraction of the price.
- Finacea (prescription only): Same idea as Retin-A, but using a different ingredient and less of a scorched Earth approach. I've found this a better fit for my rosacea & combination skin issues.
And since good hair is just as important as good skin in looking Prettier Than Everyone Else:
- Chi Professional Rocket Low EMF: It may sound and like something out of NASA, complete with flashing Lite Brite-style doodads on the side, but let me assure you - this is the best $100 you will spend on your hair. I've known about and used Chis for years, so when mine tragically perished off the coast of Stockholm, I ordered this upgrade the second I returned home.
This model has cut my drying time by 5 minutes, and those 5 minutes in the morning are of course precious moments I could be spending plotting my eventual Junior League / world (whichever happens first) takeover. Buy this.
Any other new, or new to you, products I should know about?
20 comments:
I've been looking for a good hair dryer forever and this may be just what I'm looking for. Thanks for posting about this!
Great product reviews!
And if you want to look prettier than everybody else for year, and years, and years, put that sunscreen on your hands and neck too. Not just your face. I'm so much happier when I can only see my face. I sunscreened all my life. My neck? Ooops.
Love that hairdryer...must try!!!
Does the hairdryer come with a pointed nozzle? I can't live without a pointed nozzle.
Great stuff! Thanks so much for the recommendations!
Oooh...I need a new dryer. Thanks for the tip!
I am all for anything that cuts down on the hair drying time. Seriously, that is the longest part of my morning routine, and it probably doesn't actually take as long as it feels like it does, but it takes plenty!
Now, if I could just find a hair dryer model that comes with an actual hair dresser attachment, that would be even better!
I have been putting off purchasing a Chi for a while but I think I'm ready to take the plunge. Great reviews-- thanks!
my biggest problem in life is finding a moisturizing sunscreen that doesn't cause meatball grease to erupt from my pores. I will totally try your suggestions.
I will have to try that sunblock. I think all the running outdoors is increasing my awesome almost thirty forehead wrinkles.
I have to give a big stamp of approval for the Pantene volumizing spray. I have slightly limp hair and I am forever trying to plump it up with out making it feel icky. This stuff is amazing!
I use a neutrogena moisturizer/sunblock combo everyday. It is the best stuff!
I discovered the neutragena makeup wipes on vacation since I couldn't (and wouldn't) pack any make up for Florida's plane trip (I distrust airline individuals.) Anyway, it's the only thing that gets my mascara off. My towels finally don't look like dalmatians...
I used Finacea for a while - it does work wonders!
Oh my, this is far more educational than originally anticipated Miss Pretty, you are going to help Prettify the Prepatorium! Believe it or not we may have to follow y our lead and look for the Chis hair machine.
Oh my.
:)
I'm a huge fan of Yonka - I'm a sucker for aromatherapy and these products smell divine. Naturally divine, not artificially sweetened! I'm planning on professing my love in a post in the not so distant future.
I love using Neutrogena sunscreen. The age shield formula is a bit too heavy for me in the summer. I use the ultra sheer dry touch formula in the summer and age shield in the winter.
I am not sure if you have a favorite cleanser, but I am a fan of Johnson and Johnson Purpose cleanser. It is inexpensive and does a great job of making my skin clean without feeling too dry.
I also love the Clarisonic - it is a crazy gadget you use when you wash your face. It really makes a difference. My dermatologist told me that my skin looked great at my last visit. THAT was the ultimate compliment!
Apparently, I need to obtain a prescription for Finacea ASAP. Also, that hairdryer scares the beejesus out of me!
I need a good flat iron suggestion. My stylist recently used on and I like it, but not enough to plunk down $175 on the one she used until I know what I'm doing.
I'm new to your lovely blog- Thxs for posting your skincare- The next time I go to the derm. I going to get a prescription Finacea-
My Blog
http://kellyannstudio.blogspot.com/
www.Kellyannstudio.com
Post a Comment