Beauty Obsessed

Despite what my post from last week may indicate, I am trying to shift my focus in cosmetics away from accumulating MORE makeup, and instead opt to purchase better tools and invest in good skincare in 2013.  Aside from a few gaps which I’ve identified here, here and here, I’m aiming to cull back my makeup collection and indulge in my consumerism in a way that feels more justifiable.  As such, I’ve been doing a lot of research on the best routine to adapt to keep my skin looking youthful and as flawless as possible.  As I’ve mentioned before, I really want to incorporate retinol into my regimen, as ensure that I’m using antioxidant-full products to minimize the effects of aging sun damage.  I found a great one-page article in the most recent InStyle magazine (March edition) that explains what to use and when for your best skin.  Here are the main four points, and my suggestions for products to try (after much research!) *Keep in mind I’m merely making suggestions – I’m no doctor and everyone’s skin is different!:

I. Vitamin-A Derivatives (aka Retinoids) – keeps collagen stimulated; use every second night.

1) Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream with 0.5% Pure Retinol $54US (not sure about CAD prices)

2) Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum $78CAD

3) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream Original Formula $25CAD

4) Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM $75CAD

II. Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHA’s – glycolic or lactic acid) or Beta-hydroxy Acids (BHA’s – salicylic acid) – prevents wrinkles, combats dulls skin and uneven skin texture through exfoliation; use on opposite nights to retinol.  Interesting note: AHA’s are better for normal to dry skin, while BHA’s are better for oilier or acne-prone skin types, as it can penetrate through oily skin better to exfoliate the pore. Salicylic acid is also anti-inflammatory and has mild antibacterial properties.

1) philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer (BHA’s) $39CAD

2) Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer (AHA’s) $52CAD

3) Neostrata Oil-Free Smoothing Lotion Level 3 (AHA’s) $39CAD

III. Antioxidants (particularly Vitamins C & E) – protect skin from free radicals that cause lines and dullness; use every morning before applying sunscreen (which is also a must!).

1) Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Power C x 30™ Vitamin C Brightening Serum $105CAD

2) Clinique City Block Sheer Oil Free Daily Face Protector SPF25 $25CAD

3) MD Formulations Moisture Defense Hydrating Gel $46CAD

4) Kate Somerville Protect SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen $45CAD

5) MAC Prep + Prime Skin Brightening Serum $48CAD

IV. Anti-inflammatory Night Moisturizer – soothes skin from any potential irritation via the retinol or AHA/BHA’s; use at night between uses of treatment products.

1) Jurlique Calendula Cream $45CAD

2) Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer$55CAD

3) Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil $55CAD

Phew!  This was a lot of work and research you guys!!  I haven’t tried all these (though there are a few I recommend – Kate Somerville’s Quench, Clinique’s City Block, and Tarte’s Maracuja Oil), but I cross-referenced between Paula Begoun’s Beautypedia, Makeup Alley reviews, and Sephora reviews so I hope that’s at least somewhat reassuring that these are decent picks!  *But of course…please don’t come back angry if you try one and it’s crap!

I hope you guys find this post and the recommendations helpful!  Personally I’m thinking of picking up the Neutrogena Healthy Skin lotion, Philosophy Clear Days Ahead moisturizer, and the MAC Prep + Prime serum

Do you have any skincare goals this year?