Boots Botanics Skin Brightening Deep Clean Gel

Too Harsh. Don't be Sucked in by the Pretty Label.

I'm a graphic designer and I'm a sucker for pretty, girly packaging. Anything aqua-colored with botanical graphics on the outside transports me to a calm tropical island in my mind. Looking back this was the only good thing about this product, other than a decent price point. This cleanser stripped my face of any moisture and made it feel "squeaky-clean" - which is never good for your skin. If you are upgrading from using Dial or Irish Spring bar soap on your face, this is a great product. But if you need a more sophisticated cleanser because of problem skin, this ain't the one for you.

May 1, 2008

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Skin Firming/Toning Agent

Fresh and Light. Medium Price Tag.

This is my favorite toner I think. It feels very refreshing, has some acne-fighting ingredients, didn't feel like it was stripping my skin, and is a little less pricey than the high-end toners out there. I'd recommend.

May 1, 2008

Aveda All-Sensitive Cleanser

A Good Medium-Priced Cleanser.

Unless your skin is very raw, I think this product is pretty gentle. It was my go-to cleanser until I discovered the magic that is Dr. Hauschka cleansing milk. I used think of Aveda as the most gentle brand you could find, because it was so "natural" - but after using Hauschka I've discovered that it's not quite the truth. My skin was very dry and raw and the Aveda All-Sensitive stung pretty badly. Hauschka didn't at all. So if you can't afford Hauschka, like I can't this is probably the best medium-priced substitute.

May 1, 2008

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream

I'd give it a 10, but WHOA the pricetag.

This is hands-down the best beauty product I've ever used. It feels so gentle and silky, smells pleasant, and even help cleared up my acne (though I've not a clue how, because it is not an acne product, per se). t never stings, even if your skin is pretty raw. If this stuff wasn't $40 an ounce I would buy it by the truckload. I'm all in favor of skimping on some things, splurging on others - and in my opinion moisturizer is usually worth spending the extra money, but I'd need to take on a night job to keep my shelves stocked with this.

May 1, 2008

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk

Pricey, but Actually Worth It.

Dr. Hauschka 's brand is VERY good and VERY expensive. Often I use products labeled "organic" or "natural" and I can't tell the difference when I use them. With Hauschka products I can absolutely tell the difference. They are so natural in fact, that you have to almost get used to the scents, because they smell more like actual food ingredients rather than pleasant manufactured perfumes. And they are much less shelf stable than other products. These drawbacks aside, Dr. Hauschka products are probably the best I've used. I have adult acne and no product has made more of a difference. The cleansing milk is ultra-gentle and because it's oil-based, it feels like you are cleansing your face with moisturizer. After about 2 weeks my skin felt much smoother and more hydrated. A friend of mine even asked me if I'd been using something different. The products are so expensive that I wouldn't recommend using the entire line - you'd go broke. But the cleansing milk, if you use it sparingly, lasts for 6 months. Which for me justifies the $35 price tag. Second to their rose day cream, this is the best product I've ever used. It has ruined me for all other cleansers.

May 1, 2008