Skin You Can Live in

One of the biggest things I noticed as I reached the age of 30 was how my skin was slowly but surely changing in every way. Pores were getting larger, wrinkles were multiplying at a breakneck pace, and the overall look of the skin [on my face] was just getting really dull, no matter what exfoliating agents I employed. Funny, acne was the one thing that didn't change! (sigh) My soap and water routine (cringe) was fast becoming a no-go... not if I wanted to feel good about my skin anyway! I experimented with a number of different products, to varying degrees of success... and I am going to share them all with the Hive (but of course!) I am a guinea pig at your disposal. All of the items vary in price, some are available at your local drugstore; others are 'spensive, but - in my experience - worth every penny.

Let's get started!

CLEANING UP:
Um, so I used to use soap and water. I also used to use Oxy Pads, which were actually a life-saver to me when my acne was at its height... but that was high school and that facial routine doesn't work for me anymore - must. be. nicer. to my face.

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser @$7 per bottle (1 bottle lasts me about 6 weeks)
I tried a variety of drugstore cleansers, and this is for sure my favorite. Sometimes I cheat on this brand, always to return on my knees, begging for forgiveness. I'm a face cleanser adulterer, shoot me. I am a bit lazy sometimes, so the fact that this cleanser removes makeup (including eye makeup) is really great. I really only wear makeup on the weekends, but a nice feature nonetheless. The foaminess also feels really great on my face.

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Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser - Tool is $11.99, Packs of replacement pads are $6.99 per 30

*I promise I don't work or get paid by Neutrogena... their products just gel well with my particular skin sitch!
Whenever I need to clean my skin but don't need to remove makeup - I use this little wonder. Be careful though - it sounds like you are doing something naughty when you turn it on!!! (Your roommates may judge.) Again, the Wave is extremely relaxing after a long day, AND this product makes my skin softer than any other product I have used, hands down. HIGHLY recommend.

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Neutrogena Body Clear @$7 (One bottle lasts me about six weeks)
Grapefruit is HANDS DOWN my very favorite scent - love it, love it, love it. I about had a conniption in the drugstore aisle when I saw that Neutrogena had come out with an entire Grapefruit line.Of course I love the grapefruit scent, but this is the only body wash that helps me with my acne (totally embarassing, but true.) Wakes you up and helps improve your skin's quality - A+

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SOOTHING SKIN:

Jo Malone Green Tea and Honey Eye Cream $50 (One tub lasts about two months for me)
This is the richest, most soothing eye cream I've found. I tend to have dark circles under my eyes, and this cream really helps to lighten that area... and it just feels so good to put it on! This cream is expensive, but for me, worth it.

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L'Oreal Eye Cream (a more budget-friendly eye cream) @$12 (Lasts me about three months - larger jar than the Jo Malone)
This is the brand I use when I am needing to be tight with the purse strings and can't afford the Jo Malone. The Jo Malone is definitely superior (just my 2 cents,) but of the drugstore brands, this one is my favorite and has my recommendation. The formula glides on smoothly and is really cooling to the touch.

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SCRUBBING MY SINS AWAY:

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Scrub @$8 per bottle (one bottle lasts me about two months)
I don't like rough scrubs, and this one is gentle enough to use on a regular basis. This is also another GREAT way to wake up in the morning - the yummy grapefruitness is just fabulous.

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Got2Be In Your Face Avacado, Clay and Rosemary Masque @$8 (One bottle lasts me four months)
This mask is wonderful - it feels great, shrinks my pores and pulls out a number of impurities. I always look a million times refreshed after washing this off.

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Origins Modern Friction $37 for a 4oz. jar (Don't know how long this will last me yet!!)

This scrub is new to my skincare routine and I must say I like this scrub the best. If you are not on a budget, I totally recommend it. Several of my friends pretty much evangelize for this product, and I am so glad I converted! This product is truly top notch, and my face looks noticeably different, starting from the first time I tried it.

Now here's where you can help me, Hive! What is your favorite heavy-duty facial moisturizer? I have had the WORST luck finding a facial moisturizer that rejuvenates my 30-year-old skin. I used to adore Jo Malone's Carrot-infused facial moisturizer, but she stopped making it! Has anyone tried the drugstore brand Yes to Carrots? What skincare regimen has helped you the most in taking care of your bridely self?