Thursday, November 27, 2008

The Search Is Almost Over

I have been using Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System for the longest time. Not because I’m into expensive brands, it’s just that I have sensitive skin, I easily get break-outs and dry patches using incompatible products. They have products for all skin type. Mine is part oily, part dry so I use Type II (Dry Combination). Step 1: To cleanse my face, I use their Mild Liquid Facial Wash (PhP1200.00). Step 2: Toner (PhP1600.00/400 ml). And Step 3: Superdefense SPF 25 moisturizer (PhP2700.00). I get my stock from Rustan’s, sometimes my aunt would send me a jar every now and then. A set would usually last for more than 3 months. For further information about Clinique, you may want to call their friendly specialist at (632) 8943521-- Rustan’s Makati or visit their website www.clinique.com. Even with minimal make-up, as in Johnson and Johnson’s face powder and a little Estee Lauder Rose Desire blush and popgloss, you’re good to go.

In an effort to economize, I told myself and my good friend F that I am going to try out less expensive facial care products. The search for the best alternative began. I first tried the highly-advertised Olay Total Effects. Thinking it’ll be cheaper if I get from our local membership shopping store, I went to S and R and purchased Olay Total Effects facial cleanser and moisturizer. The sales person from S and R told me that since I have sensitive skin I should try the “normal” line. I said maybe she meant “gentle,” she said firmly “normal.” Spent PhP800.00 for both. Big savings, eh? Not! It was slightly scented. But with a Wolverine-like sense of smell, it was pretty strong for me. True enough, a week into it, my face started breaking out. And when I get pimples, they are usually BIG. So I gave them away. Then I tried Pond’s. The girl from Makati Supermart convinced me to try their line. I got a set for around PhP700.00 (facial wash, toner and moisturizer). The facial wash and toner were not really that scented, but the moisturizer! Oh, boy! I had migraine first time I tried it. So I gave them away again. F was already telling me to save myself the trouble and just go back to Clinique. But I still tried another brand, Celeteque, PhP300.00 for an entire set. Inexpensive. I did not like the moisturizer. Too gooey for me. It’s like putting KY jelly on your face. It’s kinda uncomfortable having KY jelly after a transvaginal ultrasound, imagine putting some on your face? Let’s just say yaya M was ecstatic when I gave her the set. I'm sure these are all good brands, just not for me. F was right, I should have just gone back to Clinique after 2 tries.

And I did go back to Clinique. As a birthday present to myself, I got a bottle of the facial wash I so love. But not wanting to give up that easily, I matched it with Olay Total Effects GENTLE moisturizer (price increased to PhP700.00 a bottle), totally UNSCENTED from Personal Care Exchange at ATC, the promo girl there was more knowledgeable than the one at S and R. It has been 10 days since, and so far new pimples stopped bobbing up. Still have a humongous zit on my nose and some dark pimple spots from the recent break out though. If my face breaks out again…then so much for economizing, I’m definitely buying the Superdefense moisturizer again. I’m not so much into clothes, shoes, bags or whatever. When there’s an urgent need for it I do shop for clothes... otherwise I get by with presents from my hubby, family and friends. For shoes, a once or twice a year trip to Bass and Aerosoles shop at ATC is sufficient.

Hey, we only have one face to show and it is the face we have to live with for the rest of our natural life. We should very well take good care of it.


*photo from www.clinique.com

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