Girls, I need help with girly stuff...

[JustKate]

I am ashamed to say it - because in my heart I know that there are cheaper, less-hyped products out there that will do just as good of a job, and I know that I'm being frivolous and silly - but I love the Clinique shopping experience. (Except for the price.) I have always had pretty good skin and I never really thought much about it, but a few years ago I went to the Clinique counter as part of a girls'-day-out shopping experience, and that was when I got hooked on how my skin feels when I use Clinique's daily scrub and daily lotion.

But I'm not as much in love with Clinique's makeup - I mean, most of it is fine, but it doesn't give me the "Wow - I love this!" feeling that the skin care products do, and so I just don't think it's worth the extra money that it (inevitably) costs.

So as for the OP...if you don't want to wear foundation (I don't like it either, for exactly the reasons you mention - plus, I cannot believe that it's good for your skin to have stuff on it all the time), I don't know if concealers are for you. You might try really simple things like getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water, or you might also try using a highlighter to draw attention to your eyes and away from the circles.

You could also try a couple of department-store makeup counters and see what the salespeople suggest. Remember that you don't have to buy anything, but tell them about your problem, tell them that you want something that doesn't require foundation, see what they suggest, and let them try out those suggestions on your actual face and see how you like it.

But stopping them from applying foundation will take some effort on your part, I can tell you from personal experience. Most of the saleswomen are really nice and helpful, but they have a living to make, and they are also great believers in the healing powers of makeup. I'm just sayin'.

 

[melancholymecha]

yeah I was thinking of asking at someplace like a CVS or Walgreens(they usually have someone there that specifically handles the beauty products) as they dont seem as pushy as the big name dept stores.

also Im a bit confused what exactly causes breakouts? dry skin or moist skin?

 

[SilentP]

also Im a bit confused what exactly causes breakouts? dry skin or moist skin?

I thought it was greasy skin, rather than a distinction between dry or moist. Though if I had to take a guess, moist might be worse.

 

[Jadzia]

also Im a bit confused what exactly causes breakouts? dry skin or moist skin?

Neither specifically. It is blocked pores in combination with bacteria and overproduction of sebum.

The sebum production will be increased by over use of soaps, an imbalanced diet, too much caffeine, hormonal changes, your environment, and stress.

 

[RoJoHen]

Yeah, acne is caused by all sorts of stuff. You need to figure out what is triggering yours and do something about it.

For example, I noticed that I break out a lot when I don't eat enough protein.

 

[Lindley]

Lately I've noticed a couple of my fingertips developing creases. Not just the prunage that comes from too long in the shower, but persistent wrinkle lines.

I've been trying some hand moisturizer to mitigate the effect, but it hasn't made an appreciable difference yet.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

Pure Aloe Vera Cream.

 

[RoJoHen]

Dove Energy Glow

That's the stuff I use, though I am now intrigued by this Biore warming cleanser thingy that makes skin awesome and stuff.

You will not be dissappointed, in fact, after using it once you'll be blown away.

I found it. I used it. You were absolutely right.

I did one of the most metrosexual things I've ever done the other day and bought a tanning package. In the winter especially my skin gets dry and breaks out so much from lack of sun exposure. I spent even less time outside this summer than I normally do, so my skin is already freaking out.

See, I don't consider that "metro" I have psoriasis, so I always go tanning in the winter months to keep my skin in good shape.

My gave myself a sunburn.

It's not bad, but I think it explains why I'm so tired today.

 

[Snow]

Since your skin is breaking out, to me that implies there is some oilness to it.
Try a non-oily moisturizer.
You don't necessarily have to buy top of the line department store makeup counter stuff BUT as moisturizer is pretty important, don't be too thrifty either.
As you said, try drug stores that have personnel dedicated to their makeup counter. They won't be pushing one particular line at you.

As for you not liking foundation, that sounds to me like you've worn something that is too heavy (and considering you have oily skin). I've had oily skin all my life and I'm in my 50s. I use something by MAC. It comes in a compact and I put it on with a sponge. It's quite light. Years ago I used a non-oily foundation by Clinique which I also recommend.

 

[Holdfast]

I'm a boy, but my face tends to get really dry and blemishy. I started using one of those skin lotions with the self-tanning stuff in them, and I found it really helps keep my skin moisturized, and it evens out the tone.

Biore has a warming deep pore cleanser that I've been using for years. I use it after I shave and it makes my skin awesome and stuff. Fixes oily patches and dry patches all at once. I think it uses black magic.

This sounds amazing. I need to try it!

I've taken to using Olay's Total Effects 7-in-1 moisturiser and balancer. Half the price of the one I used to use and just as good if not better and totally non-greasy. The one with the tiny amount of self-tanner in it is brilliant. I think I might try the one with the "Touch of Foundation" next. If the foundation is obvious up close, I won't use it a second time (that would be a metro step too far), but I think it might just be light enough not to be actually visible, while still evening out skin tone.

The way I see it, why should the girls have all the benefit of these potions?

 

[iguana_tonante]

What are raccoon eyes?

 

[Snow]

^^^Do you know what a raccoon is/looks like?

 

[iguana_tonante]

Ok, now i get it.

In Italy we just call them bags under the eyes. On the other hand, we don't see many raccoons here.

 

[JustKate]

yeah I was thinking of asking at someplace like a CVS or Walgreens(they usually have someone there that specifically handles the beauty products) as they dont seem as pushy as the big name dept stores.

The advantage of going to a department store is that one of the sales people will actually try the products out on you. She'll say, "We have this great concealer and this wonderful highlighter" or whatever, and you'll sit down and she'll apply them so you can see what it might look like on your very own face.

Yes, she will also certainly try to sell them to you - this is how she makes her living, after all (and besides, I am pretty sure that most of those folks are True Believers in makeup) - but you don't have to buy right then. Or ever. Heck, some of them will offer you samples that you can take home and try for yourself. Clinique doesn't usually do that, but some of the others do.

They don't do all that at the drug stores, do they? Well, maybe they do where you live, but they sure don't here. The sales people would have suggestions, though. And it's sure to be cheaper. So it's kind of a tradeoff, really.

 

[Kira's Mom]

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by allergies. I had a terrible time with raccoon eyes at the height of my allergy troubles- from middle school to early college. Not much can be done about those except: A. Use concealer. B. See an allergy specialist and find out if you're allergic to anything.

I use tea tree oil soap and moisturizer. They smell a bit funny at first, but they're very good for the skin.

 

[kimc]

Aside from good skin genes the best things you can do for your skin are eat your veggies, get adequate sleep and workout regularly to sweat out all the gunk.

If you want to go a step above go to a reputable facialist and get some recommendations. I've had great results with the Pevonia line with the occasional B.K. Kamins mask thrown in...

Also, consider switching to a mineral-based foundation.

 

[melancholymecha]

more tips, thanks everyone!

as for the raccoon eyes, well I am allergic to dust & I have sleep troubles & my mom & sis have racoon eyes too, so it could be any or all of those causing it. I dont think its something thats ever going to just go away at this point. Concealer time.

In Italy we just call them bags under the eyes. On the other hand, we don't see many raccoons here.

we call it that here too but mine looks more mask-like than bag-like.

They don't do all that at the drug stores, do they? Well, maybe they do where you live, but they sure don't here. The sales people would have suggestions, though. And it's sure to be cheaper. So it's kind of a tradeoff, really.

yeah I'll definitely keep the dept. stores in mind, especially if the drug store folk end up being clueless...I havent had a chance to get to a store yet. Actually Im kinda not looking forward to it, I hate the whole high maintenance routine, but I better start getting used to it.

 

[JonathonWally]

Dove Energy Glow

That's the stuff I use, though I am now intrigued by this Biore warming cleanser thingy that makes skin awesome and stuff.

You will not be dissappointed, in fact, after using it once you'll be blown away.

I found it. I used it. You were absolutely right.

So "awesome and stuff" was the perfect description of it wasn't it?

 

[RoJoHen]

I just kept touching my face after it was clean. It was like a whole layer of mystery film was taken off of it.

 

[bryce]

I thought this was gonna be about something sexy...