The Wonderful Wonderbar

The Product: The Wonderbar facial cleanser

The Claim: Facial pores tighten, skin becomes much firmer, tighter, and smoother. A natural healthy pinkish radiance. Oily skin becomes less oily and dry skin less dry. Freckles and pigmentation lighten. Wrinkles become less visible. Sensitivities are lessened.

The Review: This product comes with a warning about a "healing crisis" that can include itching, dryness, peeling, or breakouts due to the release of toxins under the skin. I definitely had a "healing crisis," and it lasted a full week. A very long week with broken out skin. Just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, I awoke to smooth, clear skin. It made my skin unbelievable soft, and my complexion seemed a lot less blotchy than normal. However, I only tried a small sample bar so just when it really seemed to start working, it ran out. A week of skin detox followed by the beginning of amazing skin, only to be cut short. I was devastated. I want to try a full bar, but $40 seems kind of steep right now. Plus, I really don't want to go through the "healing crisis" again! What do you think? Should I just suck it up and buy it?

Be fine Gentle Cleanser

The Product: Be fine Gentle Cleanser with Sugar, Mint, Oats & Rice

The Claim: Gentle Cleanser is a naturally moisturizing formula that uses food ingredients to rejuvenate skin tone, fight aging, invigorate, and refresh your skin. Sugar removes impurities of daily stress, revealing radiant skin. Mint stimulates circulation, reviving both your senses and skin tone. Oats and rich work together, feeding vitamins A, E and F for vital replenishment.

The Review: This cleanser actually smells like fresh mint, not the sickeningly sweet mint scent used in some products, making it perfect for early morning use. After using my skin is not too oily, not too dry, but just right. It's extremely gentle, and leaves my skin feeling refreshed, without any residue. Also, I love that it has a pump. When I don't have a pump I tend to use too much and go through the products too fast. The Be fine Gentle Cleanser distributes the perfect amount each time, and the slim bottle is nice for travelling.

The Ultimate Make-Up Remover

I have tried dozens of make-up removers, but none work as well for me as DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil. You would think that rubbing an olive oil based product on your face would be counter-productive, but this stuff is amazing. Suitable for all skin types, make-up seems to just dissolve when applied to the face, even when wearing waterproof mascara! Granted, I haven't been using it as often since I discovered the All-In-One cleanser, but it's still an essential that I can't live without.

All-In-One: Cleanser, Toner, Make-Up Remover

Something shocking has happened: there is a product that actually does what it claims it will do. Normally I use a make-up remover before my cleanser, but with MD Skincare's All-In-One Facial Cleanser with Toner I have no more need of make-up remover. This product gently removes make-up and doesn't leave dark raccoon circles from mascara. It's truly a one-step product that has replaces three items that I used to use. My skin is supple, toned, and cleansed after I use this. Though it is a make-up remover and cleanser, I still wash my face with it twice at night--once to remove make-up, and once to wash my skin. I have been completely converted to this product and highly recommend it!

Slightly Gross but Necessary

One of my must-have products that I've been hesitant to post about due to my embarrassment is the Glytone Essentials Wipe Away Cleanser. After cleansing your face with your regular cleanser, take a cotton pad and swipe this product over your face. I guarantee that the cotton ball will come away looking grimy. No matter how many times I wash my face before using this product, it always picks up additional oil and dirt--hence my embarrassment. It is truly an amazing toner/exfoliant. I highly recommend it for anyone with oily skin; it's very strong, so only use once or twice a week to start.

Recession Obsession, Part 2

--My Nars Orgasm lip gloss has been replaced with Clinique's Long Last Glosswear in Cabana Crush. Not only am I saving $10 a tube, but Clinique's gloss is longer lasting and contains SPF 15. This is a new staple in my make-up bag.

--Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel has been substituted with Purpose Gentle Cleanser. I love the convenient pump!

--My favorite Caudalie Beauty Elixir spray is now the Burt's Bees Carrot Seed Mist. It's good, but I'm going back to the original as soon as it runs out; lack of money is just not a good enough reason to go without. At least I tried...