Question:
I need some advice on skin care...

Now that I'm losing weight and working, I'm taking more interest in my overall appearance. I know nothing about makeup except how to put on mascara! I am fair skinned and freckled, which I hate. I have medium auburn hair. My face tends to get red and blotchy and I get isolated dry, chafed patches. Can anyone with experience in skin care help me figure out how to downplay this redness? I work in a hospital ER under a harsh ultraviolet light that is so unforgiving. I know this seems off topic, but I just want to look my best these days and don't know how or where to start. Thanks!    — Donna L. (posted on April 27, 2002)

April 26, 2002
People are going to swear by particular products, such as Clinique, May Kay, whatever. But here's the three basics you need to learn and I've found that it doesn't matter if you use the top of the line or buy off the drugstore shelf as long as you follow these three steps: 1) Cleanse your face (not with soap, but with a facial cleanser, one that is gentle); 2) Use an astringent or a toner (I have used the BEST and now I am using Suave Facial Astringent); and 3) Use a moisturizer. This has to be a daily ritual, preferrably morning and evening. I've been doing this for 25 years at least. I have been complimented on having such a clear complexion for years. After the moisturizer, it's time for a foundation, either a very sheer one or one that covers more depending on your complexion. Then the rest, blush, eye shadow, depending on the look you want. I personally go as natural, neutral, and as sheet as possible. About mascara, I never wear it. It takes more time to take it all off than it does to apply, plus it always leaves dark circles around my eyes. It's a personal choice, but I always just hated fooling with it. Have fun experimenting. You may want to walk into a cosmetic counter and ask them to do a make-over, like a Clinique counter, etc. You'll love it and most of all, you deserve it. Best wishes. I love all aspects of cosmetology and wish I would have pursued it as a career. I love all the products, but I have found you can make it work with the very basic, low priced products. There have been times in my life when I could afford the best and there have been times when I've had to make do with the "off the shelf" products. They all work. Go with what you can afford. Here's a little secret. I am an Avon girl now and have been for the past few years. I have a girl in college and am on a strict budget. Avon works for me. I was a Mary Kay girl for 20+ years.
   — blank first name B.

April 26, 2002
Carolyn gave some really great tips. I too have always loved the 'skin care & make-up scene' and am always complemented on my smooth complexion. I was one who would never go out of the house without my make-up, I felt it was all I had that helped me. Now after losing weight I am not so obsessive about having it on to just run out for something. I have typically stayed with Clinique because I really have been happy with their products. I have been using them since I was 16 and taking modeling classes. I do, however, use some products from other lines like Lancome (love their mascara and lipstick) and some Estee Lauder. I do use some over-the-counter products as well. Things like powder, I like the Cover Girl pressed powder. I do want to recommend a product for your red, blotchy areas. I don't know the name of the product but I can tell you what to look for. There is some tinged products on the market that help with skin tone problems. It sounds really strange but really work. They have a purple tinged formula for the olive complexion to cut down on 'yellowing' complexion. And they have a green tinged product to cut down on the reddness. I have used the green product to minimize the redness of blemishes. I know it sounds kind of strange, but it is a sheer coverage. I think I have even seen something like this at Wal-mart and the label said something like Physicians formula. Check it out and see what is available. I would do like what Carolyn said and go have a makeover by one of the make-up counters. Just drop by when in the mall, and ask about it. It doesn't cost anything,(they just want you to buy something). And you might find that you do like, something that she uses on you. But use what she does as a base-line to figure out what you would like to get at the more inexpensive lines. The last one I had was more than 10 years ago by Clinique or Alexandra de Markoff (can't get that stuff anymore unless online, and LOVE it, but really expensive). But I do remember that they did one half of my face and let me do the other half, that way I could practice doing what she did. I really liked that. Have fun experimenting. I wish I could do it with you, I love it!
   — Cheri M.

April 27, 2002
Well, I guess we all have our favorites! Through my 20's and 30's Clinique was my favorite. (I am allergic to alot of lotions, soaps, etc.)I had no problems with their products. Of course, skin changes with age. I have been using "Perscriptives" for about 6 years and they are by far better on my skin. They cost no more at your better department stores than Clinique. I have VERY pale skin (Irish descent) so something I especially like about the perscriptive line is that they custom mix my makeup base for $2.00 more. It is absolutly perfect. I have blotchy red patches due to sun worshiping in my younger days so I also use their spot cover. Honest to goodness, I have the appearence of flawless skin... (If the general public could only see me first thing in the morning. I look like a white chinette plate!) Take advantage of the sales clerks. If you can find one and you hit it off they will not only give you some wonderful color and application tips, but will often steer you to other product lines which may better suit your specific needs. One of the best drug store products I have foun is the OIL of OLAY disposable facial cloths (in the black box.) I could see and feel a nice difference in just a couple of days. One of the things my beautiful (at 80!) mother taught me was to always go to bed with a clean face. I really believe I have avoided a lot of skin problems by following that order! You don't have to spend alot of money on extras if you treat your skin right. I hope this helps a little.
   — Linda M.

April 27, 2002
Everybody has such good advice! Here's another bit: Make sure your moisturizer has a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF. This will ensure that your skin will look its best for years to come. I read somewhere that 80-90% of "aging" is caused by sun exposure over the years. I never leave my house without at least some sunscreen moisturizer on my face. My personal favorite moisturizer right now is Oil of Olay--it goes on so smoothly, but it's not greasy. One more piece of advice: You might want to see a dermatologist about the red, blotchy, dry patches. You might have a condition called Rosacea. Good luck, and have fun with it!
   — Kristie B.

April 27, 2002
Love my Clinique!I would make the time to go to your nearest large dept store and have a consult at the Clinique counter. Also I agree with the previous poster . I had A red blotch om my cheek and it was Rosacea I use a percription med that keeps it from getting worse. People don't know I have it til I tell them. Your PCP can take a look and tell.
   — Rose A.

April 27, 2002
You go girl!!! There is nothing wrong or off topic about taking care of your appearance. I don't have much advice except what the previous poster said about the dept store consult. And they give wonderful samples and consults. One thing I do for myself and my appearance is going to the hairdresser once a week. My hair has became thin over the years and I can't do a thing with it. There is one cosmetic company at a lot of malls as well as a web site is Orgins. There products are suppose to be theraputic. Also, I went to The Body Shoppe a few weeks ago and they were extremely helpful. They have some nice skin care products.
   — Jan M.

April 29, 2002
If you need help learning to put on makeup, I'd suggest looking up a Mary Kay consultant in your area. You can get a few friends together and have a Mary Kay party. The consultant will show you how to use the products. They have a great skin care system and their makeup is worth the slightly higher price. She'll teach you everything you need to know, and show you what colors look best on you. If the cost is an issue for you, you can always have the party, buy just a few items, and then use the color charts and stuff she gives you to go shopping at the drug store for less expensive stuff. Good Luck!
   — Monica H.