Get the Perfect Canvas

Let's stick with the skincare theme. I mentioned before that I really loved a cleanser from Sea Breeze way back in junior high, when my skin was at its worst. It's taken me a long time to find a cleanser that has everything I want: gentle enough for sensitive and dry skin, strong enough to fight acne, foams (unlike those gentle cleaners that are just a cream), and can remove eye make up (I really hate eye make up removers, which I've found to be too oily or ineffective). Enter Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser with Botanical Blast.

Like me, you may have heard a lot of hooplah over sulfates and other inorganic ingredients in cosmetics, skincare, and other beauty products. Basically, sulfates are commonly used chemicals that are considered bad for the environment and, more importantly, for your health. They've been shown to increase risk for cancer and toxicity. Boscia is one of the safest brands, in this respect, and I've noticed a distinct improvement in my skin's ability to hold moisture (no cleanser will replace a good moisturizer) and stay clear. And HOORAY, it also removes my eye make up! One bottle runs you $22 and lasts me at least 4 or 5 months. Remember, also, that because it does foam, you don't need a full pump. I use about a 1/2 pump to make it last longer. Here's a tip for you if that seems a bit steep for a facial cleanser... those coupons you get in the mail from Ulta can be used on Boscia products! Sometimes that means $3.50 or 20% off! You can also find this cleanser at Sephora, where you can earn Beauty Insider points.

Skincare—including cleansers, acne products, and moisturizers—is one area that finding the right product that works best with your skin is the priority. This doesn't necessarily mean that an expensive or brand-name product is best. Give products a try, and if it doesn't work for you, most retailers are willing to take them back, at least for store credit.