Believe it or not, it has been almost a full year since I first started this blog. (I’m still in disbelief that time flies so freakin’ fast!) And while I’ve written about my personal style and shared fashion advice in many posts, I figure now would be a good time to pass along some beauty secrets too. Well, they’re not really secrets. All of the products I mention here are available at drugstore.com.

Finally pretty comfortable with the skin I’m in

OK, let’s start with moisturizers. I’m no dermatologist, but having survived severe cystic acne* on my face for what seemed like a wretched eternity, I’ve pretty much tried almost every product out there. Just as I’ve experimented with a gazillion different fragrances, I’ve slathered everything from Molton Brown, Laura Mercier and Kiehl’s to Nivea, Neutrogena and Burt’s Bees on my skin. And yes, I’m prone to being seduced by beautiful packaging, exotic-sounding ingredients and heavenly scents. However, the stuff that has worked best for me will never be showcased on The Dieline. In fact, the packaging looks downright stodgy and clinical. So don’t judge a book by its cover. Read on…

For the face: M.D. Forté Replenish Hydrating Cream**

• It leaves my skin supple without any greasiness.
• It’s moisture-intensive with super humectants that bind moisture to skin.
• It’s the only moisturizer that doesn’t make my face break out.
• I use it year-round.
• Fragrance-free.
• Look past its cheesy ’70s gold logo.

Saving face

For the hands: Glysomed Hand Cream

My hands were wrecked after our recent move–you know, carrying and breaking down cardboard boxes; wiping down every surface, often without wearing gloves.  This cream healed my chapped hands.

• The texture might feel a little strange at first–like your hands are coated, but it’s not greasy like Vaseline or Aquaphor.
• It contains silicone, glycerin and chamomile.
• Great for feet too.
• Light, fresh scent.
• Apply at night and don’t try opening a jar of spaghetti sauce afterwards.
• Look past its green, hippie-dippy container.

Handiwork

For the body: Sebamed body lotion

• The perfect trifecta: lightweight, rapidly absorbed and non-greasy.
• Non-comedogenic.
• Same pH (5.5) as healthy skin.
• Look past its tired, uninspired labeling.

Bodylicious

If desired, feel free to add your favorite sunscreen to the mix.  (I admittedly slack off on that front.)

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

* One day soon, I will do a post about the staggering number of acne treatments I’ve been through and will reveal what ultimately cured my condition.  Hint: it’s not what you think.

** Update on April 17, 2013: The M.D. Forté Replenish Hydrating Cream is now sold as Vivité Replenish Hydrating Cream. Same exact formula, just a different brand and lower price (last time I ordered, it was $30 for the jar.) It’s available on Amazon.