Amy's Beauty Bag

So if you have read the blog at all you are probably aware that I am addicted to watching QVC. Jason always teases me because I can watch anything on that show and be engrossed. Sometimes I am actually interested in the product, sometimes I am appalled by what they are selling and at the same time I am in awe at how the hosts can talk for 3 minutes about the crazy product and other times I love the product and end up purchasing it.

What does this have to do with me and the blog you are asking? They have a program named after one of the hosts that showcases products that the particular host loves. Mirrored after this show, I thought I would start "Amy's Beauty Bag" that covers all the products I love or that I am just trying for the first time. That way if you are looking for a beauty product and need a recommendation you could check here first. I will also put the link to where I usually buy it or where I think you can get it for a competitive price.

Just a couple of things about me first: I have combination skin, primarily normal but does get quite dry during the Winter so I have to adjust my routine. I also don't like to make a fuss or take a long time (I have two children, work and need to get ready and out the door rather quickly) so my particular morning routine takes about 5-7 minutes (limited makeup application included). And finally, if you can't tell I love beauty products. I love trying them, playing with them and having fun. I know sounds a little crazy, stupid maybe but I do so I thought I would share.

I will start with the basics and first step in my beauty regime: cleanser

Cleanser
I have spent the last 15 years of my life looking for the best cleanser. I have tried SO many from the super cheap to the super expensive, grocery store purchases to department store. I am looking for a cleanser that obviously, cleans the face but that also takes all makeup off, including mascara with now black racoon residue. I am also looking for a cleanser that lightly and safely exfoliates. The older you get, the more you should be careful with harsh exfoliators because they just scratch the skin and leave more lines and wrinkles. Here, I love two Philosphy products: Purity Made Simple and Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

I use the Purity Made Simple in the evening to wash my face and get the makeup off. It is creamy and works wonderfully. I have used it for about two years now and don't imagine ever changing.

To buy Purity Made Simple here are a few sites:
Purity @ Nordtrom
Purity @ Philosophy
Purity @ QVC Supersize

The prices may differ due to size of the product so take a close look. I love these products so I own them both in the QVC supersize version.

The other cleanser that I use, I keep in the shower and use it in the morning. It is called the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (MEW). It has tiny little granules and helps to exfoliate the skin and get rid of the dead skin. It is gentle enough to use every day and just leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. I really like the combination of two products together.

To buy MEW here are a few sites:
Microdelivery @ Nordstrom
Microdelivery @ Philosophy
Microdelivery @ QVC Supersize

I buy these products at QVC together, both supersize because I know that I will use it and they usually run out at the same time. They usually last about 6 months and I use them both once everyday. MEW and Purity @ QVC Supersize

You can also purchase these products at many other department stores, Ulta, or Sephora. You can also buy the regular and the super-size versions at QVC.com which is what and where I usually buy them. The other benefit of buying at QVC is that you can buy these products with different kits that have a number of different products to try.

Toner
I have not always used toner, in fact I have been hot and cold about toners, but after I got a facial recently (with someone I really liked and highly recommend: Cecilia at Perez Salon and Spa at Friendship Heights) I was given a recommendation to try a toner with the aim to give a little life to my skin and extra moisture. So I went for it. I have been using Bioelements Power Peptide and I like it a lot. I have been using it for about 4 months (the same bottle) and I am still contemplating whether I will buy it again once I actually run out. The jury is still out. It is super easy because it comes in spray form so after I get out of the shower and dry completely off, I spray the toner on my face and before it dries I use my next product (serum or moisturizer). 

Where to buy? I bought this at the Spa I went to but you can buy it at the bioelements website:
Power Peptide Toner @ Biolements 

They also seem to sell this product at Amazon.com and Zappos.com but I have never bought the product on any of these websites so buy at your own risk. I have bought shoes (and so has Doris) on Zappos.com and they are great. Free shipping both ways (purchase and return) but I can't vouch for beauty products.


Moisturizer
I have mixed reviews for moisturizers and welcome any input on this one.

I have one moisturizer that I like and use as the base moisturizer. I often use this moisturizer alone especially when the weather gets a little warmer. I have combination skin so it is usually normal but during the winter my skin gets dry. During the winter months I use this moisturizer as the base and I am experimenting with other moisturizer additions.

The moisturizer that I really like is made by Bare Escentuals (BE) Rare Minerals. Again, I like simple and I want something that I can smear all over my face easily and that doesn't burn my eyes. I have tried lotions like Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer that have burned my eyes and I just don't have time for that.

I use the moisturizer over the toner. I added it to my face when the toner is still wet on my face. Typically during the Spring, Summer and Fall this is enough for me. But during the Winter I am finding that it is just not enough. So during the Winter I use this moisturizer as the base and I use a heavier one over the top. I am still on the fence about this one and I am in the trying mode.

I am using Philosophy's Hope in a Jar for Dry, Sensitive Skin. I find this is great moisturizer if you have dry skin. I think the bottle says something like "because you can't change the weather" so it seems like the perfect moisturizer for the Winter. I am realizing, for the first time, that I actually might need a different or additional moisturizer in the Winter during the dry months and not just a brand new moisturizer. The only thing that is keeping me from loving this moisturizer immediately is that it is pretty heavy. You can feel it on your skin, long after you put it on. If I didn't mention before I also don't like to put a lot of things (products) on my face or hair. I want just the right mix of products and not more. But I am learning.

Where to Buy? I buy my BE Rare Minerals at QVC and I have it on auto-delivery (shocker!) which means they automatically ship me a new product every 60 days. I find if you use the product day and night a new shipment every 60 days is just about right (sometimes one week short). The great thing about the auto-delivery program is you only pay shipping and handling once (no shipping costs after your first shipment) and you can change delivery schedules (delay by a month, move it up a week, whatever you want).

Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals @ Nordstrom
Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals @ QVC (auto-delivery but they have a single shipment too)
Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals @ Sephora

I bought the Philosophy Hope in a Jar for dry sensitive skin at Nordstrom but you can buy it at many different Department stores or online stores.

Philosophy Hope @ Nordstrom
Philosophy Hope @ QVC
Philosophy Hope @ Sephora

I use the toner and moisturizers both day and night. I am currently contemplating the use of moisturizers with SPF. I know how important sunscreen is for your face and skin. It is important for so many reasons and is really the best deterrent to fine lines and wrinkles not to mention sunspots and skin cancer. I also think it is important it is just that the foundation I use has SPF 15 so I have not been using it regularly in my moisturizer.

For Christmas Jason gave me a new brand of moisturizer that I have never tried (Doris also has these products) and it contains SPF 15. So when I do not plan to put on makeup or if I think I am going to be outside during the day I use Murad Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer. It is just something I am trying and so far I like it but it is still too lightweight of a moisturizer to use alone during the Winter. It is not greasy feeling and has a nice mild pomegranate scent. I may use it more when the weather gets warmer and I don't need heavy cream for my face. I'm sure you can find it at Ulta and also Sephora (Nordstrom nor QVC carry this brand).

The only other product that I want to mention is one that I love and I would recommend it hands down. It is a nighttime product that is really for acne prone skin and minimizing pores. I don't use it all of the time. I generally use it when my face is starting to breakout or if my pores seem especially large. It is a miracle product. It helps with the breakouts in just a few days. After the first overnight treatment I think you will notice a visible difference in the appearance of your skin. It is called Vichy Normaderm Night Daily Corrective Care for Oily Skin. For a while I was using it daily but my skin turned a bit over dry so I use it less frequently now and when my skin seems to be on the verge of breakouts or excessively oily. I have only purchased Vichy products in Europe or on the VichyUSA website (Normaderm Night Daily).

The two cleansers and the Vichy products are my favorites and I would recommend them without reservation. They are the gems in my beauty bag for skin care.

More to come: Amy's Makeup Bag...