I like Clinique moisture surge as well
I used to put it at night after my retinol, but I've been living out of a clinique sample for night for the last 2 months
 

O.K. - My new product of the day that I am absolutely in love with is Elizabeth Arden Prevage Treatment. OMG is it wonderful. I got a sample included in with a product from Nordstrom, and boy an I glad I did. It's key ingredient is 1% Idebenone. It won the Allure 2006 best beauty award, and too many other awards to list. It is the most silky, moisturizing dream of a creme. It's to be used as serum would be under moisturizer, but it's much cremier than the average serum, and unbelievably moisturizing. I've found a bunch on Ebay, which is where I'll buy it, because 1.7oz is $150.00 at retail. It's going for about $60.00 on Ebay buy it now, but there are some auctions going on much cheaper. It's main function is as an anti-oxidant. It's supposed to be better than any other anti-oxidant out there including Co-Q10. it's made by Arden and Allergan (the makers of Botox). I am not easily impressed, but I'm just giddy over this product. I MUST HAVE IT! Has anyone else tried it, and if so, what did you think?

Oh, I forgot to thank everyone for the dry skin suggestions, and info about store returns. I'm going to get some Clinique samples if I can. Off I go to work out and take a shower. If my husband's not hogging the computer, I'll be back tonight.

My latest skincare purchase was Prevense Day Moisturizer. It was cheap as hell, between 6 and 7 bucks but it i really good, the cream is very thick and a little difficult to apply, but it is absorbed quikly and really make the skin feel more moist almost immediately. It is also presented in a nice looking, delicate container and really look, feel and work like a much more expensive product. I am real happy whit it.

Funny you should mention Clinique.  When I was at Sephora last weekend I considered buying the classic moisturizer (yellow stuff) that i used for YEARS.  I think they have now broadened their range of this line but it was good then and seems still to be a favorite so it must STILL WORK.
I have started using my Paula Begoun Super Anti-Oxident Concentrate along with my Neutrogena Dry-Block Sunscreen as a primer and like the results.  I have also started using it by itself at night prior to putting on my moisturizer rather than mixing it with my night moisturizer.  That too seems to have calmed down my redness a bit.

Hi Fitness Brain - I buy and sell all the time on Ebay. Like a lot of sellers, I have a store. Feedback is the key. You can check a seller's feedback to see if they are reputable sellers. The majority of seller are. I've never gotten a product that wasn't sealed. Everything I've purchased has been authenic. Ebay polices pretty well, too. If they get complaints, they investigate and shut down fly--by-night operations. You just have to be carefull to check out the seller, and carefully read thier policies on shipping, returns, etc., so you can make an informed purchase. Today I received some Estee Lauder repair concentrate that I use. It was new and sealed. Also, I always insure my packages in case something happens beyond the seller's control with shipping problems. I have saved a ton of money buying on Ebay, and I have also made a lot of money. I have repeat customer because I deliver exactly what is described, and provide good customer service. It's a great way to make extra money from home if you can get products that allow for a decent profit margin. And, I've made a lot of friends. Take care...

DHC also makes an oil cleaner, actually 2. The Deep Cleansing Oil is one of their best sellers, and is used like your Laura Mercier oil. I've been using it for over a year, and have given it as Christmas gifts the last two Christmases. My daughter and mother-in law both complained when they ran out. The 6.7 oz bottle sells for $24.00, but usually goes on sale for $20.00 just before Christmas, so I stock up on it.

DHC also sells Soft Touch Cleansing Oil that you can use in the shower. Its nice for washing your face in the morning, but doesn't get the make-up off as well as the Deep Cleansing Oil. Its just $14.00 for the 5 oz bottle. Both of them leave your face nice and soft.

^Agree.  The thing is, the LM product uses too much fluff and puff to advertise their products, which always turns me off.  Plus it's quite pricey.
I just bought DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil for my mom today and she loves it already.  I actually sat in the infamous 405 traffic, which basically means it takes me a bit over an hour to travel less than 20 miles today just to get this for my mom.  She was out of MAC's green gel cleanser I had her try, and I thought hey, she's a bit older, the gel cleanser dries out her skin, it's time to get her hooked on DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil. 
My mom has dry skin, so she just does a 1-step cleanse routine.  I'm like Karen, and use another cleanser afterwards.
Oh yea.. DHC's only counter in the world (or at least outside of Japan) is right by my mom's house.  Yet I had to make sure that she received the right products, I went home in prime time traffic just to buy it.  It's that great of a product.

Taiwanesegurl:  you are a good daughter!  My sister graduated from college in San Diego and her ceremony was at the horse track and it was 15 minutes from her house and it took us over an hour to get there on the 5!

pas
It works great to remove every single particle of dirt or make up off my face.  I do follow up with either Pure Soap or Mild Soap to get that really clean and crisp feel.  Mild soap is what it is.. just a mild soap, so I'm sure you can still use it while on your acne clinical trial medication.  Pure soap is aimed at people with acne, but I'm not sure about the ingredients in it, so you might still be able to use it.
And yea.. I love my mommy. 

Hi Karen,

If you have make-up on, I would start with the cleansing oil. It just does such a great job at cleaning off make-up. The film does leave your skin feeling great. I save it for when I travel, but my daughter used it every day in the shower.

So you can wear makeup but you can't use makeup removers? That's not good. There's no way Cetaphil is going to remove eye makeup. The Neutrogena Healthy Volume mascara doesn't come off entirely with water but you can get most of it off and then use the Cetaphil to get the rest off. You can use a powder eyeshadow with saline for a liner and that will come off easier then a real eye liner. But basically it sounds like it's going to be a long 12 weeks. I hope you didn't get the placebo and that you see some benefits when all is said and done.

Thanks to Karen I have been using the samples that I got of the DHC cleansing oil and I must say that I am impressed.  Not crazy about the smell but it sure does the job.  I use a mild low alcohol (says non-alcoholic but I don't think so) toner afterwards...does anyone know if that is counterproductive with the cleansing oil?
FB, I have seen the Comodynes at Trader Joe's...do you use it as a cleanser or prior to cleansing.
Speaking of cleansers, I made the mistake of getting Olay's Hydrate and Cleanse Antioxident Lathering Face Wash.  I  have used to use their other creamy cleansers and have liked them because I have sensitive skin but this doesn't lather, really cleanse, or hydrate much.
 
 

Judy, I use the comodynes as cleanser, although if you have a lot of make-up on you may need to cleanse afterwards too I guess, they are very gentle
I went yetsreday to sephora and got a couple of things I wanted to try, one is the dry shampoo from oscar blandi, since I am trying to wash less often to preserve my color, and I want to see if it's any different than babypowder, although I am not at all convinced of the whole idea of doing that, meaning not washing your hair
we'll see, I also got benefit galactic shield to cover my pimples, the color macthes my skin very well and the texture is good for covering, I hope it won't dry out my skin too much
 

tawainesegirl, you may want to try the comodynes. It sounds very similar to what you describe, but it costs 1/3 less
they are really nice and gentle, and inexpensive, if go to Trader Joe's give them a try

Boots 4-in-1 wipes!!  =D

I had an Ulta coupon and I was feeling in need of some self-pampering so I decided to try some of the Ulta body products...since it was buy 2 get one free I bought Citrus Cream Body Lotion, Mandarin Mimosa Moisturizing Body Wash, and Clean Scent Body Spray.  Oh yes, and my old stand-by Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Sunscreen which was buy 1 get the 2nd at 50% off.

Ulta is a hybrid of sorts...part salon, part cosmetics store, and part specialty beauty supply store.  Lots of  salon brands of shampoo, etc and a good selection of perfumes.  It carries lots of the brands you would see at a drug store or Target but they have specials ALL THE TIME and they have a loyalty card which gives you a freebie every 3 months.  They also will take manufacturers coupons which is a plus.
They carry Stila, Bare Escentials, Murad, and some other prestige brands as well as their own branded stuff like Sephora does.
I often go in with one of their $3/off coupons and walk out empty handed because I can't find anything much.  There is virtually NO customer service unless they are having a demo by someone from a cosmetic company.  The only customer service you usually get is a "Welcome to Ulta!  Here's a basket". 
If you want Olay or Neutrogena products or standard body moisturizers you are better off at Target where the selection is better.  However, if you like Revlon they have the full range of products.
Hope this helps. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ulta also carries Max Factor, which is getting increasingly difficult to find.
Judy, where do you get the $3 off coupons? They carry CND, China Glaze, OPI and Essie nail polish. They also carry the full line of Sally Hansen nail polishes, including the limited edition Salon line colors so it's heaven for a nail polish junkie.

I've never tried Butter London polishes but I've heard good things about them. The nail boards at MUA are all atwitter about one of their new colors. None of the salons near me carry them so I'd have to order them on-line, which is always risky; the colors can be very, very different then they appear on your monitor. Sadly, it looks like Prince's Plums has been discontinued. I couldn't find it on their site anywhere.  That's a shame because I'd buy any nailpolish with plum in the name site unseen. I may order one of their sets just to try it out.

P.R.

Prince's Plums is still listed in the colors. Here is the site. http://www.butterlondon.com/lacquers/choose/72 If Prince's Plums doesn't show as the color on the left, it is in the second row, 8th from the right. I think it is absolutely gorgeous!

Cate: It might be the weather rather than the Cetaphil. Dermatogists recommend its use for people whose skin is painfully dry as a result of harsh acne treatments like Accutane or retinoid therapy.
I'm also loving this tip of mixing moisturizer with foundations or tinted moisturizers! I think it was Purple Rules who told us about it.
Thanks, Purple! GREAT TIP!!!
 

Anne: I really like Teamine Eye Complex for under my eyes but please let us know about the product you've ordered, too!

Ditto on mixing the foundation with my moisturizing sunscreen...it is a bit wasteful but it does give nice and even coverage.  Thanks PR for the excellent tip off.
Anne, I thought I had read about all the wrinkle creams there are...what is the Medical University Face Lift all about and where did you hear about it?
 
 

Thanks, Anne, for the lowdown. 
I assumed it was some extremely high priced potion like Strivectin which I dared a friend to try because I couldn't afford it and she said it was indeed a waste of money.

Sorry for the length of this, but this sis what drugstore.com says about it.

s

University Medical FaceLift WrinkleFree At Home Wrinkle Reversal System

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Package Details

New! Molecular Penetration™ Technology!

Replace Botox® And Restylane® Without The Injections*™

* Ageless Skin with GABA and Hyaluronic Acid Molecular Penetration
* Instantly Relaxes the Look of Wrinkles, then Helps Rebuild Collagen & Elastin to Fill Them In
* Professional Line Relaxing & Wrinkle Filling Results At Home

Contains:

* Step 1: Relaxes Lines (Replaces BOTOX®)
Facial Line Relaxer 1.75 oz. (50g)
* Step 2: Fills In Wrinkles (Replaces RESTALYNE®)
Wrinkle Filling Serum 1 fl. oz. (29ml)

A Major Anti - Aging Discovery - Compressed Molecular Filler Technology Works Topically, Without Needles.

WrinkleFree™ relaxes wrinkles first with GABA, a natural muscle relaxer found in our own bodies, then fills them in with Hyluronic Acid, as does Restylane®. Hyaluronic Acid is a dermal filler, also found in our bodies, which works by filling in the spaces between cells, plumping up sagging skin for a remarkably more youthful, wrinkle - free appearance.

In Step 1, the Facial Line Relaxer with GABA and Idebenone relaxes the skin around lines and wrinkles, softening their appearance and preparing skin for step 2. Visible softening results start immediately.

In Step 2, the Wrinkle Filling Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Oxygen Peptide acts as a dermal filler, filling in the spaces between cells to plump up sagging skin and wrinkles. Results are visible within days and continue to improve with use.

Compare WrinkleFree™ to Botox® and Restylane®

* Apply WrinkleFree™ in the comfort of your own home without risk of potential pain or side effects.
* WrinkleFree uses GABA to relax wrinkles. GABA is a natural muscle relaxer found in our bodies.
* WrinkleFree™ uses Hyluronic Acid as a dermal filler, as does Restylane®.
* Molecular Compression delivers Hyaluronic Acid topically within the skin's surface - no needles.
* Peptide surge oxygen to skin cells to help rebuild collagen and elastin protein connective tissues found in young - looking skin.

Botox® and Restylane® Injections Can Cost $2000 - $3000 Per Visit and Only Last 6 - 9 Months.

WrinkleFree™ Results Won't Wear Off, as Wrinkles Continue to Visibly Fill In and Diminish With Use.

Questions or Comments?
1-800-535-0000 M - F 8am - 5pm (PST) or visit universitymedical.com

Made in U.S.A.

Product Ingredients:

Facial Line Relaxer
Ingredients: Water, Carbomer, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Di -12, 13 Alkyl Malate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol and Carbomer and Glycerin and Polysorbate - 20 and Water and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide - 3, Phyto GABA, Yeast Extract, Idebenone, Polydodecananamideaminium Triazadiphenyllethenesulfonate and Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, Tetradibutyl Pentaerithrityl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyacrylamide, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate.

Wrinkle Filling Serum
Ingredients: Water, Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract, Glycerin, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Xantham Gum, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Yeast Extract, Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract Ferment Filtrate, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide - 3, Carbomer, Polysorbate - 20, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Directions

Use both steps, morning and night on clean, dry skin. Apply before makeup in the morning, and after removing makeup in the evening. First, massage Facial Line Relaxer into lines and wrinkles. Let dry. Then apply Wrinkle Filling Serum and allow to absorb into skin for one or two minutes. Recommended: follow with Face Lift® HydrEight™ anti - aging moisturizer.