Boscia's Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 - $36

SPF + Moisturizer

I like to use a moisturizer with a built-in SPF, mainly to save myself an extra step in the morning, and because I find that most drug store sunscreens out there leave a greasy residue. I should point out that some people that mixing SPF with the moisturizer inhibits the SPFs' effectiveness.  Until I see scientific evdidence confirming this, I'm sticking with my current strategy, which is a combo moisturizer/SPF that I use each morning after Olay's Face Wash and Dr. Brandt's Blemishes No More Intensolution.

I recently tried Boscia's Oil-Free Daily Hydration with SPF

The pros:

Girls who dislike harsh chemicals will be happy to know that the product received Sephora's Natural Seal. The Seal identifies products that have met Sephora's internal natural beauty standards. This includes products formulated with high concentrations antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, and few-to-no parabens, sulfates, dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals you probably shouldn't put on your face.

It feels super light, silky, and non-greasy. My skin absorbs it in seconds, and it leaves my skin feeling and looking refreshed, healthy, and aglow. It's great for sensitive skin and for oily skin.

The cons:

• Boscia claims that it combats excessive midday shine and oil production. I didn't personally experience these results.
• It has a slight odor. While the odor doesn't bother me, those of you sensitive to smells may find it off-putting.
• SPF of 15 is not sufficient!

Dr. Brandt Blemishes No More Intensolution $35

A few months ago, my skin was breaking out in a way not seen since the awkward days of puberty. At Sephora, I met a representative from Dr. Brandt who went on and on about this product for so long that I had no choice but to buy it. (It also helped that my mom happened to be there with me and generously offered to pay for it. Thanks, Mom!)

The Problem: finding an acne treatment that isn't overly drying or harsh.
The Solution:

Application: After cleansing, I gently wipe it on the areas of my face that are prone to break outs using a cotton round. Dr. Brandt suggests using it twice a day, but I only use it once a day or every other day.

The Intensolution is better than comparable products because it's focused on removing bacteria, and unlike other products, it isn't simply stripping the skin of its natural oils. The way the Rep explained it, when we are teenagers, we break out because our hormones overproduce oil, but as we get older, we break out because of bacteria.

The product claims to remove dead skin cells, absorb oil production, and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. I am not so sure that this prevents future break outs; but, it seems to make existing break outs clear up faster. It has a time-released cooling agent that feels like it's actually cooling off my skin, and is alcohol-free, so it isn't as harsh as most toners. My favorite part about this is that it removes makeup and other residue that my cleanser didn't get. I can actually see the makeup on the cotton round.

Bottom line: Is gentle, effective at clearing up breakups, and is non-drying. But for $35, I want something that truly prevents future break outs. When I finish this bottle, I'll probably try something else.

Cover FX's Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment $39

Clearprep FX is a combo primer and anti-acne treatment, and is AMAZING. It does exactly what a primer should do, and eliminates one step in my regimen (acne treatment).

The two negatives: 1. The price tag. 2. Because of reason #1, I tried to limit my use of this product so that I wouldn't have to buy another one for a long time. So for about 6 months, I used it only once or twice a week, pretty much only when I was going out and wearing lots of makeup. After a few months, the chemicals broke down and it transformed from a gel to a watery, unusable liquid and I had to throw it out.

The positive: SO MANY!
This product will last you  at least 6 months, because you only need a pea size amount for the entire face. It smoothes out the skin and pores without any tightness or drying feeling. The skin absorbs it in seconds, and it keeps my makeup in place all freakin' night. I didn't use it often enough to notice any acne-fighting benefits, but it kept my skin completely matte and shine/oil-free until I washed it off. It's less greasy than other primers, but if you're going for a glowy/dewey look, this isn't the right primer for you.

Bottom line: If you have combination or acne-prone skin, this is a must-have if you plan on putting on a bunch of makeup and going out. It's expensive, but worth it.

Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Eye Cream $46

You must use eye cream, but it doesn't have to be Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Eye Cream. 
When the sales associate applied Bobbi Brown's eye cream on me, I literally felt as if my eyes has just taken a much-needed huge sip of water.

It's super hydrating and feels great. But for $46 for half an ounce, it's just not worth it. There are too many reasonably-priced eye creams out there to spend this much.

Quick tip: the why's and how's of eye cream

Why you must use eye cream

If you think that you're safe because you already use a daily moisturizer - think again. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your skin. It lacks elasticity and oil glands - which is why it's the first place you'll start seeing wrinkles. As such, the eye area needs to be treated differently and with different products. Eye creams are specifically formulated to deal with specific eye-related issues including dark circles, puffiness, and (future) crows feet.

Most of us in our mid-twenties have yet to see any crows feet on our smooth faces. But guess what? They are coming sooner than we think. As we get older, our skin is less able to absorb creams and oils. Like taking calcium now to prevent osteoporosis later, you must use eye cream twice a day to delay the wrinkles for as long as possible and keep your skin youthful and healthy.

How to apply

Place a small amount of product on the pad of your ring finger. When I say small amount, I mean, about the size of a pencil eraser. I usually wipe half of it off onto my other ring finger so I have an equal amount per eye. You should use your ring finger because you will unconsciously place less pressure on the skin under your eyes.

Gently dot the cream along the bone area surrounding your eye socket - called the orbital bone. You do not need to put it inside the eye socket. The cream will absorb into the skin and naturally spread itself out. That way, you avoid touching this delicate area.

Once the cream is fully "dotted", gently pat it into the skin, using very soft pressure.

At night, I'll bring the cream all the way up to my brow bone, and wipe any extra directly onto my eye lids.

Be careful not to pull or drag on the skin!

Coming soon: reviews of different eye creams