Ask Marissa...Moved to the Desert

Jane Doe: Do you have any recommendations on skincare products. I have been using Clinique, Shiesido, and other stuff, but looking for a good affordable one to try out. The weather here in Vegas is dry so something new will be good. Thanks for your help!

Me: It depends on what your main skin concern is. I like different brands for different things.

Jane Doe: I have sensitive skin but mainly dry out here in the dessert. Funny, my skin was oily in the Bay (Area) haha. Any good suggestion on moisturizer?

Me: For the day time, I would stick with Clinique. I love their Superdefense cream for very dry skin ($42.50). Here's my blog about it:

http://pompsngloss.blogspot.com/2010/07/marissas-pick-of-week-moisturize-your.html

At night, I love Origins Night-A-Mins cream ($36). It's really thick, but it won't break you out.

I know you wanted something less pricey, but you really get what you pay for in a moisturizer. 
Cleansing can be a little cheaper though. I like either Aveeno Positively Radiant cleansing pads (average price, $7) or Oil of Olay Daily Facial Hydrating cleansing cloths (average price, $6). 

Hope this helps.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Brush Savers

I love, love, love The Brush Guard! ($5.50 per pack) They help to expand the life of your cosmetic brushes by preserving its shape and allowing upside down dry time (!) after washing.
Caring for your makeup brushes the right way can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. The most important thing to know is how to wash them. Use baby shampoo, antibacterial dish soap, or makeup brush cleanser to thoroughly cleanse each bristle until water runs clear. Never leave your brushes to dry standing upright. This can cause water to drip back into the ferrule (look at the diagram below), loosening the glue that holds the hairs together. The result? Your $50 powder brush starts balding. Until I discovered these money savers via Michelle Phan, I laid my brushes flat to dry.

To use, slip the appropriately sized Brush Guard over your cleansed brush extending the tube about 1/2" over the bristles. Place the brush upside down in a cup over night. When your brush is dry, slip the tube off (upwards, not down the handle) and your brush is good as new!

If you can't purchase brush guards right away, you can do wonders with rubber bands! :)

Marissa's Pick of the Week - 18 Uses for $15

It's gratifying when you find a product that exceeds your expectations at a great price. It's even better when you find one that works 18 different ways! Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap 18-1-Uses (C.O. Bigelow, $15) is a must have in every home! I have used this wonder soap on my face, hair, and body, and I've given my children a bath in it. It's great for sensitive skin and smells so good! I've also used it to clean my leather couch and car dashboard. The oil makes the leather and vinyl soft and shiny while effectively cleaning.

C.O. Bigelow has been selling this product since 1905 in their little West Village apothecary in New York City. The main ingredient, peach kernel oil, is a fast absorbing moisturizer perfect for sensitive skin. This essential oil soothes itching and irritations such as eczema. Lavender extract is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that balances, soothes and heals. This added ingredient can help treat acne and balance oily skin. Since ancient times, Lavender extract has been used as a household cleaning agent. Other ingredients include glycerin to retain moisture and vitamin E for antioxidant protection.

List of uses:

1. body wash
2. shampoo
3. face cleanser
4. shave soap
5. hand soak
6. nail soak
7. foot soak
8. dish soap
9. laundry soap
10. floor cleaner
11. car washing
12. boat washing
13. surf board wash
14. pet baths
15. jewelry cleaner
16. comb and brush cleaner
17. household cleaning
18. carpet shampoo