Skin Care: Splurging, Saving, and Some How-To's
By Kristin, age 13, California
There are so many items to choose from when it comes to skin care and makeup, but what's the difference? Well, it all depends. Sometimes there isn't a difference - you're paying double for the same thing. But there are also things that just can't compare. I've been trying out different skin care and makeup choices, and I've come to some conclusions about brands like CoverGirl and Almay. I've also found that just because I buy something at Sephora doesn't mean it's better than what I bought at CVS. Here are my personal reviews and recommendations.
Splurge
My favorite splurge item would have to be ... [drumroll, please] ... bareMinerals Foundation. Perfect coverage every time, along with the fact that it is all-natural and comes with silky smooth brushes. What could be better? Although it is a splurge item, honestly, I have never spent my money so wisely. (Starter Kit - $60, Sephora or Sephora.com)
Save
If the $60 price tag is a bit much, try Bare Naturale, a new mineral makeup by Loreal. In testing, I found that the coverage isn't quite as good, so if you have redness (like me), freckles, or anything else difficult to cover, this isn't the makeup for you. But if you're just looking for something to enhance your perfect skin (lucky you), it will work just fine. ($14.99, drugstores)
Splurge
An eye shadow trio that lights up your eyes and is based with natural ingredients, but at $32 it's surely a splurge. (Color: Lost World, $32 - Sephora or Fresh stores, also online at Sephora.com)
Save
An eyeshadow trio that is slightly different from our splurge item is a great color scheme I think you all will love! (Almay Intense i-Color Eye Shadow Extension Play Up Trio, for Greens - $7.50, drugstores)
Buuut even if you have all the money in the world, you're still in big trouble if you don't know how to use your products. What's more, skin care does not begin and end with makeup.
Taking care of your skin starts with what you wash your face with in the morning and ends with what you wash your makeup off with at night. Therefore the most important part of your skin care regime is, of course, your face wash. My favorite is MAC Cremewash ($19.00, MAC stores and MACcosmetics.com) because not only is it a creamy, deliciously scented face wash, it is also perfect for nighttime, as it removes makeup too! After washing your face moisturizer is a must. During the day use something like Murad Correcting SPF 15 Moisturizer ($35, Sephora stores or Sephora.com). At night, it's got to be the best night cream ever created, Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Creme, and though I haven't found it to remove redness very well, it is a terrific night cream.
How well do you know your skin? Here's a test.
Does eating greasy foods really cause acne?
A. Yes
B. No
How about makeup? Think this causes acne?
A. Yes
B. No
Does popping a pimple make it better?
A. Yes
B. No
Answers: B, B, and B. That's right ... the grease you put in your mouth has absolutely no effect on the grease on your skin. Makeup doesn't cause acne either. It may clog your pores, but acne isn't caused by your foundation. And don't pop your pimples!!! This actually spreads the bacteria, resulting in more zits than before. No matter whether your skin type is oily, dry, red and blotchy, a combination, or acne-prone, there are tons of options for all of us. So ladies, never fear the skin care aisle, as daunting as it may seem. Believe me, it's fun once you get there!