Top Secret ::: Aloe Vera Gel

All photos by {accordingtoame}

A totally natural, and totally cheap, skin care staple, and something anyone using retinoids (which should be everyone!) should have on hand is Aloe Vera Gel.  

Why, you ask? 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Malin+Goetz SPF15 Moisturizer

While in Chicago last week, I stopped in Barneys for one of the less awkward Oak Street shopping experiences I had. At least there they took advantage of my desire to buy things I cannot readily acquire at home, and yknow, acknowledged my existence.  I really liked Andrew, with Malin+Goetz, who is a registered esthetician.  That to me is kind of a big deal, because they're at least trained to understand skin.  By someone not a brand, in theory.  Of the two skincare items I picked up in Chicago, this so far is a definite winner for me, which I hope continues. 

My current products...March 2012

I've gotten a few emails about this so I thought I'd put up a list....

Follow the jump to get a full list! 

Coming soon: A product review for Acne.org Treatment

I am in the process of trying to reign my face back in.  I have definitely retired the alien deathray laser gun (Clarisonic) for now, that thing seems to have been the biggest culprit the raging acne I developed. I don't know if it's because it harbors bacteria like nothing else, or if it's just not cleaning as well as it should...who knows. But it's not worked well for my face.

A lot of folks on various blogs and forums have mentioned this Acne.org line of products as being godsends for their faces, so last week I ordered myself a tube of the Treatment, which is a 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide treatment gel.  

PRODUCT REVIEW: Mary Kay Timewise Miracle Kit (Trial Size)

Photo: MaryKay.com

I have been using Mary Kay skincare off and on for at least 15 years. It started when I was introduced to it in High School by a local rep, and then again at College a girl in my dorm was selling it.  But when my cousin started selling it, that's when I really started in on it.  I know a big part of it was that I am REALLY sensitive, especially to scents, in my skincare. I am allergic to everything and develop rashes like crazy.  I almost always end up back at Dove Sensitive Skin bar soap because it doesn't give me any issues. I alternate that sometimes with Mary Kay cleanser as well, Deep Cleanser (?).  

PRODUCT REVIEW: Clarisonic Sonic Skin System, or as it's known to the husband: Alien Deathray Laser Gun.

I picked this little gadget up on a 5-pymt easy pay from QVC a few months back, and have been using it nearly daily since.  The jury for me is still out.  Honestly, if it was about $150 cheaper I would probably think it was a better value, but since it's in the $225 range, I am not entirely thinking it was worth the cost.