Best of 2011 Series: Skincare

2011 is coming to a close very soon - in a matter of days! There's never enough time in the year for blogging right? So many things to try, so little time! It's about time to start a "best of" series that will cover everything  I've used this year that I loved and the standouts and notable mentions from skincare to makeup.

I'm starting with skincare because it's the first and last things I use on a daily basis - very much an understatement to praise its importance.

Best High End Cleanser

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Wash 

This is a holy grail product. It's the best cleanser I have ever used. I currently don't have any pictures of it because I am due to order soon. I wish I did a formal review, but sometimes you overlook the best things ;) I couldn't find any fault in it. None! It lathers nicely, and dissolves dirt and cleans exceptionally well. I love the scent of sage.

Best Drugstore Cleanser

Loreal Skin Genesis Cream Cleanser 

I absolutely love this cleanser. It has little micro beads in so it's stronger than the Philosophy one but it's equally as awesome. The cleanser is a clay texture but once it gets in contact with water, it lathers up really nicely. This is definitely going to be a repurchase after repurchase because it leaves no residue and has kept my skin supple and soft - and most importantly - clean.

It also smells like the Ralph Lauren perfume in the blue bottle ;) Is that a bonus or what?

Avalon CoQ10 Face Wash - Notable Mention

This is one of my favorites along with the Vitamin C one (not pictured). Avalon makes amazing cleansing gels. I love it for many reasons - calming, ease of pump, and value. It never dries out my skin, ever :) This is definitely a go-to cleanser always. And priced at less than $10 at most drugstores and online, it's one of the best I've used. 

Best Toner - Alba Hibiscus Facial Toner

It's an all natural refreshing and crisp toner that is jam packed with flower and fruit enzymes. It provides a conditioning base before your face cream(s) and prevents breakouts. Another added bonus is the lovely smell of citrus and bergamot! Very pleasant.

And for a drugstore toner, this is all wins! Retails less than $10 and is a joy to use.

Best Sunscreen - Shisedo Ultimate Sun Protection

You can read my past review here. There's not much to say about this sunscreen except that it's everything I wanted and more. It's moisturizing, matte and comfortable upon wearing. I wouldn't part with it if I had a choice, and something that will be on my repurchase list over and over again :)

Estee Lauder Daywear Plus - Notable Mention ;)

I really like this cream for a variety of reasons. One being that it is really light and highly moisturizing and two because of it's antioxidant rich. This day cream feels luxurious the moment you wear it and the scent is lush and garden-like. Aside from my fanatical love for this cream, the price is too steep to continuously purchase ($40+ for 1.7 oz) but i know CCO's regularly have discounts so it may work out.

Best Eye Product- SkinCeuticals NighttimeEye Renewal Gel 

This product is by far the best eye serum I've ever used. Good value for the price ($36/1oz), hydrating and Because it is in gel form, the ingredients are absorbed easily and doesn't just sit on top of your skin like a regular eye cream.

+ 5% hydroxy acid to help exfoliate and promote skin turnover.
+ Hydrating gel formula for easy absorption

I also love that it has a little dropper and you only need a little bit to use all around your eye. I've noticed my eyes are more hydrated and softer around the area.

Best Facial Serum - Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough

Serums are seriously the most important part of the skincare routine because of its potent ingredients and the extra antioxidants to keep your face looking youthful. I've tried a handful of treatments throughout the years, but this is a standout. This serum gives that extra boost of vitamins. Granted, the only complaint I have is that the scent is gross. It's like a strange concoction of laboratory smells, but overall it is the best serum I've used to date.

+ Oil free
+ Pentapeptide-3 imparts elasticity, firmness
+ vitamin C, and vitamin E
+ Sodium hyaluronate lightly hydrates the skin
+ Chaparral extract minimizes unwanted facial hair (random...? yes.)
+ Made without Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan


I also have another serum that cost over $100+ that I won in a giveaway (luckily) but it's nothing compared to the Philosophy one! This one is mid-range around $40 for 1 oz. Amazon is currently selling it for $37.00.

Best Day/Night Moisturizer - Origins Start Over 

I use this moisturizer day and night after cleansing my face. It's lightweight and has a wonderful texture which i love. It claims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles with a variety of ingredients, but all I really love it for is how it softens my skin.

Laneige Snow Crystal Leave-in Mask - Notable Mention

Ever since I was gifted this from a friend, I haven't stopped using it. It's a liquidy gel-like texture that emphasizes maximum hydration for overnight. See my detailed review here. It's an amazing skin booster, truly. I haven't had one bad experience with this moisturizer and have continuously purchased it. Using it once or twice a week, this lasts me about 7 months!

Best Overall Skin Treatment - Vitamin E Oil

I've only raved about this. See my reviews here and here. It's pure love. One of the best things I've ever used on my skin.

So that's it! This list seems pretty extensive but it's actually a very low maintenance routine that involves good products with tried and true methods. I don't believe quality skincare should cost a small fortune, but looking at the ingredient list to make sure what you're using is good is important. From time to time, I like to find comparable ingredients to high end skincare. It makes the search fun and worthwhile, especially if you land a gem that works for you.

Stay tuned for my next best-of series! What do you guys want to see first? Foundations, blushes, lip products? :)