We can cover anything with the right make-up, but great skin shines through. Beautiful skin (for most people) takes a lot of work! Because of the environment that we live in (a depleted ozone layer, pollution, stress), our skin takes a beating every day.

Here is a list of the items that I believe everyone should be using on a regular basis:

1. The first thing everyone needs is a good Sunscreen (remember SPF= your normal sun burn time x the SPF number (15,25,30, etc.).
2. The second thing you need (believe it or not) is a good foundation. Foundation sits on the surface of your skin and blocks the pollution and any dirt from getting into your pores. When you wash your face, off comes the foundation and the pollution with it.
3. Cleanser: most people don’t break out from anything other than not cleansing properly. If you’re prone to breaking out, when you wash your face, use your hands, not a washcloth. Most people spread the bacteria around when they use a washcloth, a sponge or a brush causing more break out.
4. Toner: toner is part of the cleansing process. Use an alcohol free toner and sweep it over your skin with a cotton pad after you’ve finished cleansing. You’ll be amazed at the amount of “stuff” that comes off on the pad. It should also PH balance the surface of your skin and prepare it for moisture.
5. Moisturizer: don’t bother buying a good moisturizer if your not going to exfoliate! You’re just moisturizing the dead skin on top. You want to be able to at least try to get to some of the cells under that dead skin. Find a moisturizer with hyluronic acid. This is an ingredient that attracts water and binds it to your skin. It’s in most good moisturizers. Also remember that you can still be oily but dehydrated. Use an oil-free moisturizer if this is the case and you don’t like to feel oily.
6. Eye Cream: eye creams are formulated for the thin skin around our eyes. Most facial moisturizers cannot penetrate this skin and just lay on the surface and cause puffiness. Eye creams (unless otherwise specified) should NOT go on the eyelid. They are meant to go on the orbital bone surrounding the eye.
7. Neck Cream: the skin on the neck is actually very similar to the skin under the eyes. The big difference is that you don’t want excessive moisture on the neck due to the fact that water is heavy and will weigh down this delicate tissue (over time causing the dreaded turkey neck).
8. Exfoliant: I mentioned exfoliation under cleansers. Also see my extensive post on the differences between them and which one is best for you.

Serums and masks are generally used to supplement your daily routine with a boost of something that you feel is not being addressed with your daily product regimen. If you have a specific concern (such as spots, wrinkles, clogged pores, hydration, exfoliation, puffiness, firming or any number of other issues) search for the serum that best suits your needs.

Your daily routine should consist of a morning and evening ritual. I’m constantly surprised by the number of people believe that since they washed their face before they went to bed, they don’t need to wash it again in the morning. WRONG!!! Your skin is active when you sleep. It secretes waste that needs to be washed off. It seems like a lot, but your skin and the mirror will thank you.

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