updated 21 January 2011
Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser
These great-smelling cleanser works wonderfully at removing makeup. It can be used alone or on a dampened face. Since it's from Burt's Bees, you know it doesn't have all kinds of chemical additives, so you can feel good about using it, too.
Cost: $8 Available at: Target, WalMart, Ulta, drugstore.com
Philosophy's "Purity Made Simple" One-Step Cleanser
Excellent at removing makeup without over-drying skin, this is a good cleanser to keep on hand. However, it is expensive and has a strong fragrance.
Cost: (exponentially cheaper the bigger the bottle) Travel size: $10 Huge 32 oz bottle: $45 Available at: Ulta, Sephora, Nordstrom, amazon.com, beauty.com
Jack Black Natural Mint Lip Balm
Best lip balm I've ever tried. I bought it because I was shopping in the mall and REALLY needed lip balm. Sephora was the only store that sold any, and my lips were so irritated, I was willing to over-pay for it. Now I'm hooked. Has a great "flavor" and works really well. Note: The "vanilla/lavender" variety is VERY heavy on lavender. So, if you don't like the taste of flowers, just stick with the natural mint variety.
Cost: $7 Available at: Sephora, Ulta, amazon.com, beauty.com (costs $7.50 here)
StriVectin SD Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles
Believe the hype! This stuff really works. No, it doesn't erase wrinkles. But, it does soften them, making them less noticeable. It takes a couple weeks to really see improvement, though. I was able to get a sample bottle at their website to try it, and was really impressed. (Don't know how it works on stretch marks, only used it on wrinkles) Their "neck cream" offers similar results, but it's not quite as impressive.
Cost: Crazy expensive Available at: Costco (best price, large amount), Sephora, Ulta, amazon.com, beauty.com
Bath & Body Works "Look Ma, New Hands" hand lotion
This hand lotion is one of the best I've ever used. It really moisturizes and smells nice. When you can get it on sale (or with a coupon), it's worth it.
Cost: $12 for 2.5 oz $18.50 for 5 oz
Available at: Bath & Body Works, select military exchange stores
Bath & Body Works "Shea It Isn't So" foot lotion
Great foot lotion. Non-irritating, absorbs well and moisturizes wonderfully.
Cost: $15 for 4 oz $20 for 8 oz
Available at: Bath & Body Works, select military exchange stores
Olay Definity Moisturizer (The plain one, not foaming or color recapture)
This is a great anytime-use moisturizer. It gives skin a radiant sheen. Great for areas where you have dull skin appearance.
Cost: approx $24 Available at: mass merchandisers
Josie Maran "Bear Naked" Face Cleansing Wipes
Made without petrochemicals and other nasty stuff, these pre-moistened wipes smell great, remove makeup well, and leave skin feeling soft. (unlike most face wipes) They contain argan oil, the new must-have product for skin. Additionally, $1 from the sale of each package is donated to help save polar bears.
Cost: $12 for package of 30 Available at: Sephora
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion
This lotion works well and is non-irritating, It has a clean, fresh scent. I like to use it after shaving my legs.
Cost: approx $10 for a huge pump bottle Available at: mass merchandisers
