Favorite Skin Care Products

Two years ago, I started couponing.  I haven't really shared this with you before, because I try to focus this blog more on creative living and not so much buying things.  Besides, there are so many great sites out there to help you coupon, I don't need to be one more.  My favorite is Hip2Save.com.  If you want to coupon and don't know how, this is a great place to start.

Having said that, I want to share a little benefit that has come out of couponing.  When you coupon, you quit being "brand loyal".  This means as a shopper you purchase whatever product (ie: spaghetti sauce) you have coupons for. This encourages you to try new products you wouldn't try otherwise. (Hmmm, you think the manufacturers know this?)

I have always been really picky about what I use on my skin, because I have oily skin that is prone to breakout, yet very sensitive skin.  If I use something for oily/acne skin, my face gets all dry, itchy and red.  If I try to moisturize, even a little, I tend to breakout.  This is especially frustrating when the wrong product produces those large, painful bumps under the skin that take months to go away, and often leave a scar if you mess with them.

When our budget became so tight I could no longer afford my favorite products, I cautiously began to try some of the drug store brands I could get for $1 or so with coupons.  I actually have found a couple of products I really, really like and want to share them with you.

For cleansing, I find this product to do a very nice job.  It gently washes away make-up without severely drying out my skin.   Most cleansers like this tend to break me out, but  I have not had any trouble with this product.

Moisturizers are a big challenge for me, especially if they have sunscreen.  This product gives some lightweight moisture, again without the breakouts.  There is also a pot of gel cream that provides heavier moisture in this line.  It is equally nice and I love how it feels when you apply it.

When I do have breakouts, I use this:

I am so amazed that putting an oil on my skin actually clears it up; trust me it really does.  I can put this on at night and by morning by skin is considerably clearer, without all the dryness.  By the way, tea tree oil is great for all kinds of skin ailments, not just acne

CAUTION:  Tea tree oil smells terrible!  Like a strong, icky vicks type smell.  If you put this on at night there will be no.......well, you know what I mean!  Just carefully follow the directions when using it.  If it seems harsh at first, apply some with a Q-tip and then gently dab off with some witch hazel on a cotton ball.

Speaking of witch hazel, that is my toner of choice.  Cheap, cheap, cheap, but very satisfactory results.

I'm very happy with these products and just wanted to pass this information along in case you are looking for something new.  My opinion doesn't really matter, but it is unbiased and might save you some dried out skin or painful breakouts.

Thanks for stopping by,

Ellie