Daily Skin Renewal

by Valerie Gladstone — April 11, 2007

There are all sorts of complicated and expensive ways to feel fresh and smooth all day, but what I like even better are the easy creams, lotions, and sprays that seem to get the same results. My all-time favorite is baby oil. And it doesn't even have to be Johnson & Johnson; it can be your drugstore's own brand. I've never found a better cream or oil for keeping my body smooth and soft.

I put the oil all over my body after every bath and shower. Sometimes I put a few drops of my favorite cologne or perfume in the bottle and then shake it up, so that it’s scented. I know people who put a few drops in the bath. It does make for a pleasant sensation. But it also means you are going to have to scrub the bath afterward so that neither you nor someone you live with slips on the slight residue it leaves.

For a wear-all-day moisturizer for your face, under makeup, or alone, I like Bare Escentuals ID Bare Vitamins. It’s light, has no fragrance, and blends right in to your skin. It’s called a “rev-er upper” and it really does seem to invigorate your face. It costs $21 for 2.3oz. You can buy it at Sephora shops, from the Sephora website, or online at QVC.

More expensive and more luxurious is Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir. It promises all kinds of things, but I find what it does best is act as a facial pick-me-up, and a very nice-smelling one at that. It’s composed of essential oils of rosemary, orange blossom and rose extracts, benzoin, myrrh, organic balm mint , and mint. That’s a splendid garden for anyone.

This “elixir” can be sprayed on over makeup, without ruining it, and of course, just on your bare skin. I use this spray off and on all day as I sit at my desk. If you apply it between your foundation and powder, it will set your makeup. You can buy it at Sephpora shops or online for $15 to $49 at Amazon and also directly from Caudalie.

Now that I’ve finished with something expensive, does anyone have any less costly ways of revving up their skin during the day?