IMO cleansers should be kept simple and basic...no salicylic acid/blah blah blah whatever. I think it irritates the skin.
drgustore: Purpose liquid cleanser! (the bar works too, but I'm so inured to liquid ones that I'll always go for them first)
sephora: Philosophy Purity cleanser. They're selling a giant 32 oz. thing at Nordies for 36 which is a bargain. It ends up costing the same as the Purpose does, but you should try a baby size first to see if your skin likes it.
I use Cetaphil lotion at night, and Cetaphil mixed with Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture during the day. I will switch to the Cetaphil with SPF 15 once I'm done with the neutrogena though...it's the heavier mositurizer.
I'm also planning on using Kinerase cream during the winter since my skin gets really dry then.
I really like Philosophy Purity. I use it every evening to wash my face and find that it has worked well for me.
I also use Neutrogena's Oil Free Moisture with SPF 15. I like it because it's pretty light and I've noticed that since I've been using, I haven't been breaking out as much.
I like Mario Badescu Enzyme cleansing gel. It has papaya enzymes which is an Alpha hydroxy acid (i believe) which is supposed to help exfoliate the skin but I have to say that I am sensitive to cleansers with things like salicylic acid in them and this one is still very gentle and doesn't dry my skin out or irritate it whatsoever. Mario Badescu has a feature on their website that allows you to take a survey for your skin, it then gives you a skincare regime and they mail you samples of almost everything which I think is so cool. In addition to the enzyme cleansing gel I also like their masks (Drying mask, healing & soothing mask) but I am not thrilled with their moisturizers.
daiz, do you get samples when you buy things? How do you sign up for them? Thanks. ETA: Lilykind, have you tried the Kinerase cream? My skin gets very dry during the winter and I've been searching for a new moisturizer. -- Edited by wetbandit42 at 13:23, 2006-07-18
I just tried it today (on my neck, which is dry) and it seems to be working really really well. I have oily/combo skin on my face, but the skin on my neck has been super dry lately, but now it feels softer and much better. I'd probably spring for the lotion if I could afford the price tag. That stuff is really nice and would never clog pores either.
If you wanted to try it, you should get the Rejuvenating Trio at Nordie's that's an Anniversary Sale special.
Philosophy Purity...best ever. All though, I have tried a new line that I really like, Collective Wellbeing. They have a great honey buff cleanser. I'm also really liking their night quenching cream.
Either way--they will send samples if you ask for them when you purchase something. Or you can go to the website and click on consulting, fill out your information, and they'll just mail you samples without having to purchase anything.