Albolene - A Trusted Two-in-One

Albolene Unscented Cleansing Moisturizer (between $5 and $10, depending on size, at most drugstores) removes makeup AND hydrates skin. This oldie but goodie significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles as well as prevents other signs of aging, but consider yourself warned:

1. This formula is extremely thick and greasy. If you find that it's too heavy for your face, take this tip from Grandma - apply it only one or two nights per week.

2. Do NOT rinse the cleanser off. Apply a quarter-sized amount to face, including eyes, and after a few minutes tissue off excess. Be very gentle when blotting around the eyes; this delicate skin is easily damaged.

TRIED and TRUE: Women in my family have been using this product for three generations and it has always kept their skin looking young and fresh!

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Revlon Concealer/Highlighter Duo: Doubly Dazzling

Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer & Highlighter (about $10 at most drugstores) provides a smooth, blendable concealer AND a shimmery highlighter to accentuate cheekbones, brows and eyes. The product is available in four pairs of shades to match your unique skin tone; each shade of concealer comes with a corresponding shade of highlighter which best compliments your natural color. My favorite thing about this multitasker is that it comes in a very portable compact which fits in even the tiniest clutch so you can reapply throughout the day. Apply the concealer after powder or foundation only on necessary spots and apply highlighter on...

1. ...the tops of cheekbones up to the temples.
2. ...the part of the brow bone just below the arch in your brows.
3. ...the inner corners of your eyes.

TIP: Don't use this concealer for under your eyes. Choose a separate formula that is one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. This will help to counteract the deeper, bluish color of under-eye circles.

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L'Oreal HiP Lip Balm - Perk Up Your Pout!

L'Oreal HiP High Intensity Pigments Jelly Balm (about $9 at most drugstores) is the perfect pop of color for lips! The balm comes in six bright shades, but none will make you look too over the top; the formula is sheer enough to let your natural beauty shine through. Another pretty plus - each color has a different sweet smell! My go-to shades:

1. Ripe (a reddish-coral)
2. Plush (a petal pink)

TIP: Weekend editions of newspapers almost always have coupons for $1 or $2 off of L'Oreal cosmetics products.

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Neutrogena Acne Body Wash - Clear Skin EVERYWHERE

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash (about $8 at most drugstores) is the best solution for pimples on the back or chest, which let's face it, we've all experienced at some point. This formula contains salicylic acid - an ingredient I can't celebrate enough - which works to slough off the accumulation of dirt and oil that causes blemishes. You'll notice clearer skin after just a few uses! Also, try these tricks to prevent future bothersome bumps:

1. Remove clothes immediately after exercise or other activities that make you sweat.
2. DO NOT pick at pimples that are already on your back and/or chest - this will only worsen the condition of your skin, causing scars or even more breakouts.
3. Many beauties use makeup or shimmer products to enhance the appearance of decolletage; make sure their formulas are oil-free, non-comedogenic and fragrance free before applying them!

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Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleanser - The Gentlest Blemish Blocker

Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser (about $8 at most drugstores) has only a small concentration of salicylic acid (0.5%) - just the right amount for zapping zits without overdrying skin. This is THE perfect cleanser for beauties with combination/oily skin; it is oil-free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), but also contains soy extracts to provide ample moisture. Benzoyl peroxide, a much stronger medication found in many acne facial washes, can be extremely harsh on skin, and may even discolor bath towels, clothes, and bed linens. Unless you suffer from cystic acne, go for a formula with salicylic acid like this one from Aveeno. If you don't have combination/oily skin, try another affordable Aveeno cleanser that meets your needs:

1. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream Cleanser
2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser (brightens dull complexions)
3. Aveeno Moisturizing Bar

TRICK: The key to banishing blemishes is ridding your skin of excess oil without overdrying it. Skin's sebaceous (oil) glands will overproduce oil if you use too high a concentration or too much of an acne medication, so balance your cleansing regimen with an oil-free moisturizer to get the best results.

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Jergens Gradual Facial Tanner - A SAFE Boost of Color

Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer (about $8 at most drugstores) adds zest to any lackluster complexion, leaving you looking sunkissed, not orange. With daily application, this product provides a healthy dose of moisture, SPF, and color; it gives the look of a natural suntan without the harmful exposure to the sun's cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays. Choose from the formula's fair to medium OR medium to tan options depending on your skin tone and within a couple of weeks you'll be a golden goddess! Want glowing gams too? Try these gradual body tanners from Jergens:

1. Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer (noticeable color within 3 days)
2. Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer
3. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer
4. Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer (dries quickly)

TIP A: ALWAYS wash your hands after applying any self-tanner!
TIP B: After applying self-tanner on your body, gently rub spots like elbows and knees with a damp washcloth to prevent uneven color in skin's grooves.

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Sephora Blush Me! in Rose Rebelle - The Prettiest Pink for Everyone

Sephora Brand Blush Me! Blush in Rose Rebelle No. 1 ($12 at Sephora stores) is the perfect pinky shade for a natural radiance. This surprisingly affordable alternative from Sephora flatters all skin tones, and its matte finish leaves you with a healthy glow, not globs of glitter like most other products that promise to "illuminate" skin.

TIP: When you're shopping in Sephora, watch out for the luxurious brands which can deceive with their pretty packaging and esteemed logos. If you find yourself falling for a particular product from YSL or Dior, don't forget to check for similar shades from the store's brand - you'll almost always get the results you're looking for without breaking the bank. Some other Sephora brand products I've come to love:

1. Sephora Brand Slim Essential Brush Set ($39)
2. Sephora Brand Matte Blotting Papers ($8)
3. Sephora Brand Lip Attitude - Glamour in Dolce Nude ($12)

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Burt's Bees - Naturally Bee-autiful Lips

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (between $3 and $7, depending on type, at most drugstores) boasts a cooling, minty formula which hydrates lips with all-natural ingredients. You'll want to keep a stick of this refreshing product handy in the upcoming winter months when the cold air and wind can leave your pout cracked and dry. And though its fragrance is subtle, the balm's scent is much more appealing than that of similar products which can leave your mouth smelling and tasting a bit funky. Live in a place where the weather is always warm and sunny? Try one of Burt's Bees other lip balms which offer sun protection or a sweet smell:

1. Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
2. Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm
3. Burt's Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8
4. Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm

MORE: Burt's Bees also has other skin care and makeup products. If you're interested in affordable eco-friendly treats, give these products a try. My favorite - their Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment.

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Biore Pore Strips - Blackheads Begone!

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (between $8 and $12, depending on type and number of strips, at most drugstores) may seem like an unnecessary addition to the basic skin care routine, but if you have blackheads I promise they're worth the splurge. These cleverly designed strips are available for the nose, chin and forehead and are shaped specifically to fit each area. After trying everything from daily exfoliators to prescription retinoic acid, I have found that this product is a non-irritating and efficient method for erasing blackheads almost instantly. Want proof? Just check out the strip after you peel it off - you'll see the grimy pore invaders which wreaked havoc on your t-zone just minutes before! If you don't like these, try another one of Biore's blackhead fighters:

1. Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub
OR
2. Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser

TIP: Go for the brand name on this one; in my experience, generic drugstore brands just don't work as well.

WARNING: Do not leave the strips on for more than 10-15 minutes or you could risk damaging your skin.

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Olay - The Classic that STILL Works

Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid (between $8 and $13, depending on size, at most drugstores) has been on the market for decades, but remains one of the most effective moisturizers available. This light, non-greasy essential gives skin a healthy glow, smoothes fine lines, and won't clog pores - all without breaking the bank. I've been applying this timeless original nightly since I was 12-years old and it always leaves my skin feeling rejuvinated. If your skin tends toward a specific type, try one of the other varieties Olay offers:

1. Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid - Sensitive Skin
2. Complete All Day UV Moisture Cream - Normal Skin
3. Complete All Day UV Moisture Cream - Combination/Oily Skin
4. Complete All Day UV Moisture Cream - Sensitive Skin
5. Complete Plus Ultra-rich UV Day Cream - Extra Dry Skin

TIP: The Complete line provides SPF 15, while the Beauty Fluid line does not. Use the former for daytime and the latter at night when SPF is not a critical component of your skin care regimen.

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Aquaphor - The Ultimate Multitasker

Aquaphor Healing Ointment (between $5 and $15, depending on size, at most drugstores) is primarily advertised for use on dry, cracked or irritated skin, but it's so much more. This inexpensive, all-encompassing product is perfect for just about everyone from a two-year old with a boo boo to a fifty-two-year old with pesky crow's feet. Personally, I use this miracle worker as a gentle under eye cream; here are a few other creative ways to get the most bang for your buck:

1. Remove eye makeup
2. Apply as eye cream
3. Soothe chapped lips
4. Reduce the appearance of wrinkles (especially for fair-skinned beauties)
5. Repair cracked heels

Another alternative - Vaseline or any generic brand petroleum jelly

WARNING: When using this product near your eyes, do your best not to get any of it in your eyes!

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