Mirror, Mirror On The Wall...

For the last three weeks, I have been on a hunt for a new skincare line. I've used the same product line for at least 10 years. Talk about being faithful. But when the stuff works for me, I tend to stick with it. And I admit that I'm not getting younger so it's time to start taking care of my face better. There are things that I look for when I was researching:

A. Cost. It has to be reasonable. Yes, N.V. Perricone, MD is a great line but it is very expensive. So is Murad.

B. Ease of use. There cannot be more than three steps: cleanse, tone and moisturize. Throw in exfoliating once a week and shaving three times a week (if that).

C. Must be travel-friendly. I just want to throw the products in one bag and be gone.

D. Scent. The products must not smell "medicin-y" or too "musky" or icky.

The top three are pictured on top. Here are my comments:

1. Clinique for Men: This is the line that I have used for the last 10 years. I remember it was thru the suggestion of a friend that I gave it a try. At that time, I had acne-prone skin. Maybe it was those 'tumultous' years. Who knows? It's fairly simple to use once you know your skin type. And it worked. That is this line's strongest point. It is very good for acne-prone skin. Clinique has changed the packaging, from light colored plastic bottles to dark grey containers. It is still the same product no matter how they repackaged or re-labeled them. Price range is good. Comes in plastic containers so they won't break during travel and are fragrance-free. But I feel my skin has outgrown Clinique and it was time to move on.

2. Lab Series For Men. This is from the renowned Aramis company, owned by Estee Lauder, Inc. During my research, I asked the skin "specialist" at Macy's to recommend a product line and he went straight to this. I asked for something simpler and this line has five steps from start to finish. Who has time and who has counter space in the bathroom for all these junk? The product line is intriguing though. Promises of fine lines disappearing and "youthful, younger looking skin." I wouldn't have the time to enjoy that "youthfulness" if most of it is spent in the bathroom!

3. Biotherm Homme. Finally! Two-steps and done! The clear winner! Price is ok, travel-friendly and most important, it works. The consultant gave me free samples of the products that I was interested in. I tried it for 72 hours and it gave me exactly what I wanted. Today, I bought the full size products and will give it a go. The line has enough stuff to keep me preoccupied with it for awhile. The consultant said that if I was unhappy with any of the products, I could bring it back and get a refund. But I think she knew she got me.

So why the obsession? Maybe I'd like to keep my "youthful appearance". Hah! It is too bad that we're sometimes judged on how we look but that's the way it goes. The face is what others see first and make their own assumptions. Vanity? Why, yes, of course.