Rave Beauty Thread 2014!

[MARIKA]

I can't believe its the New Year The only thing I love more than workouts is Makeup/Skincare/Haircare. My best finds of 2013 were.... It Cosmetics. Love this line. The tightliner Mascara is awesome, made a rebuy and thats not often.The lipstsin/cheekstain is great too. The powder foundation that doesn't settle is brilliant. I just bought a kit on QVC and will report on that later. I also loved the lipstick/gloss dou from Dalton that ROCKED. Anyone looking for the natural look will love this. Doesnt drain your face void of color. I also bought the Hair Perfector Hot brush thing which is great , no regrets here. I also bought a Clarisonic Mia which I LOVE. My first Clarisonic was still going strong since I 1st got in 12/09 but the thought of it dying scared me so I bought a new one and sent the old one to DD.

[seabliss]

The It Cosmetics contour palette is great! Also, I learned a lot of great makeup tips from maskcara's blog. I thought I knew most of the tricks, but she taught me some great new ones and recommended some good, inexpensive products.

[MARIKA]

Oh my T3 Hairdryer is also great.

[Footballnut]

Well, I have always taken pretty good care of my skin, but haven't much been too passionate about any products in particular, but all that is going to have to change. I am 48 now and I am going to have to really break down and spend a little more money on some anti-aging skin care. Anyone have any raves along those lines?

[BunnyHop]

Originally Posted by Footballnut

... I am going to have to really break down and spend a little more money on some anti-aging skin care. Anyone have any raves along those lines?

I've heard great things about the Paula's Choice RESIST Anti Aging collection.

I have used different products from the same company for ages, and am definitely impressed.

They do sell a few things through drugstore.com, if you'd rather shop there.

[Footballnut]

Originally Posted by BunnyHop

I've heard great things about the Paula's Choice RESIST Anti Aging collection.

I have used different products from the same company for ages, and am definitely impressed.

They do sell a few things through drugstore.com, if you'd rather shop there.

Thank you so much. I see she allows you to order samples. I love that, since I have sensitive skin. I went to Ulta this morning and about fell over at the prices. Guess a good anti-aging line doesn't come cheap.

[Sarah-lara]

My big tip I learned was, after washing my face, to take a soapy washcloth and gently wash around the eye to remove all the stubborn, lingering eyeliner. This got rid of a recurring stye problem I had.

I'm vegan and have extremely sensitive skin (just looking at most products is a problem) so I spent some money on higher-end stuff this year including the sampler from Odacite (the nighttime repair serum is the only thing I would buy separately. It is very, very spendy but got rid of blotchy redness and large pore problem I had with my pale skin. I don't wear face makeup, so everybody noticed this difference almost immediately), and this "medical grade" aloe lotion that eliminated a wacky rough elbow that had made sweaters unbearable for a decade. I'd even seen a doctor over that elbow, so that is a nice success. Believe me, I'd tried had coconut oil and skin brushing -- you name it.

[Pat58]

Originally Posted by BunnyHop

I've heard great things about the Paula's Choice RESIST Anti Aging collection.

I have used different products from the same company for ages, and am definitely impressed.

They do sell a few things through drugstore.com, if you'd rather shop there.

You've all convinced me to order. I ordered a couple of items that I need, and samples of the serum and cleanser. I've been using Estee Lauder for years and only found out recently that they test on animals. I hope Resist will be as good or better. Nice bonus - 5% rebate from Ebates!

[suegy3]

Originally Posted by Footballnut

Well, I have always taken pretty good care of my skin, but haven't much been too passionate about any products in particular, but all that is going to have to change. I am 48 now and I am going to have to really break down and spend a little more money on some anti-aging skin care. Anyone have any raves along those lines?

Renova and sunscreen!

You can add vitamin c as well.

[seabliss]

Yes, I agree with suegy3. Really good sunscreen is number one. Doing research on that is a good idea. I have come back to Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion after buying European sunscreens, all physical sunblocks, etc. I find this works best for me. I can sometimes get it at TJ Maxx for a steal.

Renova, retin-a, or some other retinoid is good, even retinol. I buy generic retin-a from alldaychemist. I get .05% cream, because it's all my skin can handle. You have to work your way up with retinoids--start with every 3 days, then every other day, until you're ready to go to every day. They can cause peeling, and you definitely need a good sunscreen or you're inviting hyper pigmentation and other issues. But retinoids are the most scientifically proven anti-agers.

Also, vitamin C serum. L-ascorbic acid serums that are stable are the most-proven. http://www.cosmeticskinsolutions.com sells much less expensive dupes of Skinceuticals, which is a great brand. You put the C serum on in the morning, wait a bit, then the sunscreen. You use the retinoid at night.

There are other things that are definitely beneficial, like peptides, AHAs, BHAs, etc., but this is a good place to start. Get a good cleanser that doesn't strip your skin but gets it clean, and use a moisturizer that is made for your skin type (oily, dry, combo, etc.).