editor’s note: as you’ve probably noticed, my beauty reviews are always based on my own sensitive and perpetually dry skin (the very idea of testing a product designed to dry your skin terrifies me to my core).  regular SMC reader jennie noticed that those of you on the other side of the spectrum were getting left behind, and offered to help me remedy that by testing out a line of products for oil- and acne-prone skin. naturally, i couldn’t resist.  so, please welcome our guest reviewer, jennie!

Lately my skin has been less stable than Lindsay Lohan – and definitely as changeable as her legal representation. Normally, my skin is subject to the occasional blemish attack, but lately, it’s been one acne outbreak after another. Maybe it’s the extreme heat we’ve been suffering lately, the job search I’ve begun, or even that I’ve been lax in my prayers to the good skin gods…who can say?

All I knew is that I needed a solution, and fast. Compounding my skin stress was the fact that my go-to skin product had been discontinued…always a scary scenario.  Fortunately, I got the chance to check out the DDF skincare line, which addresses skin concerns ranging from acne to aging.  The amazing people at DDF sent over samples of their line of acne products for me to test, and I spent a full month giving them an exhaustive review.

From much experience, I’ve learned that when it comes to acne control, targeted cleansers and masks tend to be less important than treatment creams, which are the primary warriors on the frontline of acne warfare.  So while I liked the Blemish Foaming Cleanser and Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, I loved DDF’s three treatment products. I alternated between the Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Oil Control Gel, the Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, and the Acne Control Treatment. I used the Acne Control Treatment only at night (per the product instructions), but the other two I used both night and day, and was thrilled with the results!

The products were incredibly effective, and  did an amazing job of keeping my skin clear and happy.  Equally important, they didn’t make my skin red and irritated as is common with acne treatments. After using the Acne Control Treatment at night, I even noticed my skin tone was more even, and (dare I say) luminous.

All in all, DDF has struck the seemingly elusive balance between an effective yet gentle acne solution. These products are definitely going to be permanent fixtures in my battle for clear, perfect skin.

– jennie v.

when the temperature climbs, my normally fastidious skin care and makeup routines go right out the window, along with every ounce of patience in my being.  i’m forced to pare down to basics, because i just can’t stand being cooped up in a steamy bathroom for any longer than absolutely necessary. so, i thought i’d take a moment and share my current shortcut routine for summer.

okay…well, that photo doesn’t really look like a shortcut, does it?  but trust me.  compared to the time i’m willing to spend when the weather’s cold, i’m downright neglectful of my face this time of year…when, arguably, it needs my help most!  fortunately, my shortcuts seem to keep my skin as happy as can be expected in this heat.

for face care, this year i’m hopelessly devoted to skyn iceland’s glacial cleansing cloths and that olay pro-x system i told you about last week.  and i’m still head over heels with skyn iceland’s SPF moisturizer for day – that tingly cooling sensation seriously lasts for hours. it’s the only thing that gets me through some of my mornings without a/c! i honestly wish all of my products came with the same chilly goodness.  (note to self: must start storing eye cream in freezer.)  on real scorchers, i top it off with clarins uv plus SPF 40…a fair-faced girl can’t be too careful, and this stuff sinks in beautifully, leaving no trace of oil.

as for makeup, my recent discovery of armani beauty’s newest products simply couldn’t have come at a better time. i start with my old reliable, benefit’s lemon-aid (or my new, higher-maintenance love, laura mercier’s undercover pot, but we’ll talk more about that later).  from then on, it’s all armani for me this summer.  their face fabric ($48) is the lightest foundation i’ve ever tried.  the texture is incredible – it virtually disappears the moment you put it on, is perfectly mattifying, and truly doesn’t budge all day.  their soft lash mascara ($28) is utterly foolproof, curls lashes without forcing me to break out the lash curler, and doesn’t make your lashes feel like deadly weapons.  add a touch of their unbelievably cute “eyes to kill” eyeshadow palettes ($59) (i especially love the bronze coral set for summer, on just about any skin tone), and you’re basically done.  it works as a liner and highlighter (if i have that kind of energy), with perfectly pre-selected shades i don’t even have to think about.  i top it all of with my new favorite cheap beauty thrill: carmex’s new moisture plus.  $3 at your neighborhood walgreens, and seriously, it’s now all i’ll use. burt’s bees doesn’t live here any more!

when it comes to hair, i’m looking for something seriously simple – i want as little to do with my hairdryer in july as humanly possible.  i’ve told you before about wonders of living proof’s “no frizz”, and especially in summer, it’s a life-saver when i just can’t bear the thought of styling. plus, their new refinishing spray gives me at least an extra day’s life from my blow-dried styles, and works so much better on my perpetually dry hair than dry shampoos that are supposed to give the same benefits.

last but not least, i know this might not seem like a beauty essential, but it truly is.  while i’m horrible about getting my 8 glasses during the rest of the year, i’m like a camel in fill mode when the weather gets hot – i can’t leave a table without downing 4 glasses of water.  thankfully, i discovered this sweet little PUR built-in water filter when we moved (great new house, ancient fridge).  it was only about $45, a bargain i wasn’t expecting, and it was insanely easy to install. it’s been running nonstop in my house ever since, and saving me from my water snobbery (before this, i was about to resort to buying fiji water by the case!).  all that h20 has definitely been saving my skin this summer…my face doesn’t need nearly as much moisturizer when i’m hydrated, which means less to sweat off later in the day.  definitley a win/win.

so, now i’m wondering…other than a staffer feeding you frozen grapes poolside, what are your summer beauty must-haves?

i’m not even going to pretend there’s rhyme or reason to this week’s list.  try to just sit back and enjoy the randomness of it all.

i came across some earrings by gabriela artigas in a magazine this month, became obsessed, tracked her down, and am now coveting at least half of her line.  she makes some of the most unique, edgy and wearable pieces i’ve seen in ages, but this vintage art deco sterling spheres necklace ($320) is by far my favorite. it has that perfect mix of hip and timeless, and i simply can’t think of an outfit this wouldn’t improve. time to start that birthday wish list, i think…

i’ve been dying to test out the latest from relastin, but had a weird fixation on finishing up my last moisturizer before i cracked this one open.  readers, i have no idea why i waited so long.  much like my obsession with their eye silk, the skin revitalizer has this texture that’s just indescribably luxe…kind of silky, and thoroughly indulgent.  if i were a millionaire, i’d use it head to toe.  it’s perfect for summer, as it’s not the least bit greasy or over-moisturizing.  and, looks like it’s on sale at amazon for $40! trust me…you so want to try this one.

stuart & wright is having a serious sale right now, if you’re into the hipster lines like a.p.c. and acne.  as i’m usually not, i was about ready to pass this one by until i spied these handmade sandals by ariana bohling, now marked down to the realm of the reasonable. decisions, decisions.  (incidentally, if you’re of the smaller foot set, check out the sale on ndc’s equally lovely summer sandals too.)

and last but not least, this tote from hayden-harnett is just singing my song this week.  the tie-dye-ish chevron print is so fresh next to everyone else’s same old stripes, and i love that this has just a bit more structure than your typical summer tote.  plus, it doesn’t hurt that the line’s designer is an absolutely lovely human being…but you’ll be hearing more on that later.

have a great weekend, all…see you back here next week!

first, i have to admit to oodles of skepticism about testing this one out.  it’s only taken me four years of testing and reviewing beauty products (and about two years of developing some concerning new “fine lines” of my very own) to determine there may well be no such thing as a product that actually eliminates wrinkles.  now, there are plenty that keep matters from getting worse, but for the most part, i’ve nearly resigned myself to aging with grace.

but.  i had been hearing things about retin-a being the new wonder drug (you know, besides botox), but was also a little scared about the potential for my sensitive skin to freak out (retin-a is known for being more than a little harsh).  so, i checked in with the the super-sweet people at olay to see what they thought about the whole thing, and they sent over this pro x deep wrinkle treatment for me to try.  their version has retinyl, a gentler form of retin-a, which suited me perfectly.

skeptical as i was, i have to admit that after a week of testing, i’m actually noticing a little bit of a difference in those fine lines around my mouth, and the area next to my nose (i’m a dedicated side sleeper, which translates to uneven wrinkling…a highly traumatic realization, i assure you).  it’s not like a life-altering difference, but a definite improvement.  and it’s only been a week, so i’m crossing my fingers it gets better from here. cautious optimism is vastly superior to aging gracefully, i think.

the verdict?  while i was loath to add yet another step to my already-too-long daily facial routine (cleanse, serum, olay pro x, eye cream, moisturizer), i actually think this one’s worth the extra three seconds i’m devoting to it twice a day.

pricing on this runs the gamut in a big way, but the cheapest i found it was on amazon for $16, plus free shipping, which is hard to beat.

ps…for those that are wondering, as i was, exactly how to use this:  think of it like a targeted treatment (ie, zit cream), not an all-over facial moisturizer.  put a dab on your finger, and blend gently into whatever wrinkles you want to work on.  serum goes underneath, moisturizer & sunscreen go on top.

all month, i’ve been trying to trick my brain into thinking it’s summer.  i’ve heard tell the sun is shining everywhere else in the world, though the rain and clouds in portland just. won’t. stop.  thankfully, i have some new goodies to give me the illusion we’re in the midst of a heat wave.

first up is skyn iceland, whose products are destined to be my summer staples.  all of their products have this tingly cooling sensation when you use them, so they instantly whisk sweat, humidity and the general yuck of even the worst heat wave from your mind.

i’ve fallen hard for their glacial cleansing cloths ($15), which are just vastly superior to anything like it i’ve ever tried (and i’ve tried a few).  they remove positively everything from my face at the end of the day, with no residue, no breakouts, and just the right amount of exfoliation. they’re the only thing i’ve found that actually makes a good stand-in for my favorite cleanser** when i’m just too tired to think about the whole before-bed-face-cleansing ordeal.

but my favorite right now has to be their mineral sunscreen + moisturizer, antidote ($55).  i can’t even explain how much i love this…the cooling thing that it does to your skin is straight out of a noxzema commercial (and lasts for hours), and it leaves just the right amount of moisture on my poor tired face in the morning.  plus, the mineral-based sunscreen means it lasts longer and doesn’t have any of the chemicals that sometimes scare me…but magically, it doesn’t leave that weird white residue that most mineral sunscreens do.  it’s just genius, and if we ever get an actual heat wave here in stumptown, you’re going to have to fight me for the last bottle at sephora.

**i starred that because i was planning to link to my review of caudalie’s instant foaming cleanser ($26), which i love beyond all reason.  but after a quick search, i realized i may have actually not told you about this amazing stuff?  is it possible?  honestly, what can i say about cleanser…but this one is seriously the absolute, hands-down best of the best. it leaves my face utterly bare and utterly happy – no dryness, no oil, just clean.  it’s one of about three products i use that can inspire actual panic if i run out.  get it.

for years, shu uemura ruled the world when it came to eyelash curlers (remember that mocking scene in ‘the devil wears prada,’ when anne hathaway is shamed for not knowing a shu?).  you simply couldn’t find anything else that got so close to the roots of your lashes and provided a serious, lasting curl, all without painfully pinching your eyelid in the process.

so, when shu announced last month it was pulling all of its merchandise from stores in the US, i panicked!  what if my curler broke?  what would i do?  i mean, you know, oil spills and flash floods and all that, but…my eyelash curler!

luckily, the lovely folks at tweezerman came to the rescue, assuring me their pro curl curler would be an excellent stand-in.  and they were right!  in fact, i’ve been doing some side-by-side tests (much to the hubs’ confusion), and i might even say the tweezerman pro curl gives a stronger curl than my trusty old shu.  plus, you know i’m a sucker for rose gold, so how could i resist this one on looks alone?

so, the tweezerman curler is now living a very nice life in the front of my makeup drawer…and my shu has, sadly, been pushed to the netherlands (right behind that old coral blush from 1995).  in truth, i haven’t even looked back.

pick up the tweezerman pro curl here for $20…and bonus, it comes with enough replacement tips to last for years!

i know…buffing beads.  sounds utterly fascinating.  that’s why these wei beauty pomegranate buffing beads sat in my “to test” box for nearly a month, dear readers.  but then, i went looking for a little something to buff and polish my sad, tired-looking face, and decided to give them a try.  when i touched my face after i was done, my hand to god, my first thought was “wow, this is what your skin must feel like after you get a chemical peel!”  you know, minus the whole toxic chemicals/burning/skin-peeling-off thing.

yes, they’re that good.  so good, in fact, that i was actually nervous to try them a second time…after all, it couldn’t have been as good as i remembered it.  so i used a packet again this morning, and lo, it was every bit as wonderful.

to use, you just open a packet, sprinkle the powder into your hand, add a bit of your favorite cleanser, blend and massage into your face for 30 seconds or so.  unlike a lot of exfoliators, these are not at all rough or jagged.  they’re very soft, and feel like they’re not doing much, actually.  but then you rinse, and you touch your face, and it’s magically more taut, more smooth, and so, so much more happy than it was before you started.

once i was head over heels in love, it came time to check out the price.  this is typically the part where i wince, and decide how to gingerly tell you all that my new favorite face product is more expensive than its weight in cocaine.  so, imagine my utter delight when i found that these miracle buffing beads are a very, very budget-friendly $20 for 20 single-use packets of these buffing beads.  that’s easily several months of buffing goodness for your poor, neglected skin, and it’s worth every single penny.

i’m not one to change my makeup shades with the spring…the truth is that i’m really a ’spring colors’ girl year-round.  but my nails?  another story entirely.  i always fall hard for the latest and greatest spring shades, and i’ve found a few that are definitely going to be my new go-to favorites this year.

i tried hard to love lavender this year (it’s been showing up in just about every fashion mag), but to be honest, it’s tricky to find a shade that reads refined. most end up looking a bit like you borrowed your little sister’s polish, which is less than ideal, to say the least.

normally, i err on the side of caution, opting for a classic pale, sheer pink – no muss, no fuss.  but this year, i’m branching out a bit….to peach.  groundbreaking, i know.  but a girl can’t live on sheer pinks alone. and when the sun comes out, peach looks amazing with a tan.

my picks for the season?  OPI’s “sand in my suit” is a gorgeous, slightly opalescent, peachy beige. normally, i shy away from anything with shimmer, but because this color is so very subtle, i think it actually works perfectly.  designer jason wu even used this shade for his spring fashion shows, in case you need proof of its versatility.

i’m also loving the newest shade from deborah lippman, “i’m not innocent”.  this one’s better suited to those of us with pale skin…it’s more peach than beige (the photo makes it look pink-ish, but trust me…it’s peach), and is just perfectly simple and pretty.  (also, a little tricky to track down. i did manage to find it at amazon, though it’s sold out at lippmann’s website.)

if you’re less boring than me, and looking for something a little more on-trend (though i have to tell you, nudes are huge this spring!), i also love lippman’s “waking up in vegas”.  it’s a matte grey with the perfect lavender undertone, which keep your fingers from looking like you’re fresh from the mortuary (a personal peeve with some of the grey polishes).  it’s subtle enough for day, but definitely hip enough for going out (ie, you won’t have to re-paint your nails before you go to work the next morning!).

and, for toes…well, anything goes, of course (except blue.  please, no more blue polish!).  but i’m looking forward to toting OPI’s “lucky, lucky lavender” along for my next pedicure.  it’s as bright and springy a color as you can get…sort of a lavender/pink hybrid.  again, great for tan skin, and i can’t wait to show it off with all of those sandals i’ll be sporting!

ever on the lookout for that elusively perfect eye cream, i test more than my fair share.  but when relastin’s eye silk arrived, i had to stop and take note.

i requested this one initially because it received the editors’ beauty award for best eye cream from allure magazine for the third year straight.  i figured there must be something good going on there.  but even if it didn’t do a thing for my eyes, i was utterly fascinated by it from my first use.  the texture is crazy unique:  it literally does feel like silk!  it comes out of the pump looking sort of like a cream/gel hybrid, but on contact, it warms and softens and disappears almost instantly into your skin.  i actually ran out and forced some onto my hubs’ hand the moment i tried it, yelling “you have to feel this!”  (i know, he should be the one with a blog. all about his bat crazy wife.)

anyway. cool science special effects notwithstanding, i can also say i think this has done a great job of keeping fine lines at bay, and generally keeping my eye area happy. also, i love that i can put it on and there’s no feeling of eye cream under my eyes, as with most other products.  i haven’t noticed huge changes on the dark circle front, but i’m starting to believe my aesthetician’s claim that they’re genetic, so i’m essentially hosed.

if you’re intrigued, it will set you back $69 (though it’s a relatively large bottle, and will last you at least six months).  and i did track down a 20% off code for you at skinstore.com – use SPRING20 when you order.  hey, every little bit helps!

when i first saw coral cosmetics hit the runways for the spring 2010 fashion shows, i cringed.  coral has always conjured images of old lady lipstick…something you’d only wear if you were over 80 and color-blind.  frightening, i know.  and when you add the fact that my complexion is impossibly pink, thereby automatically clashing with any and all members of the coral family, you’ll understand my skepticism.

but then a pot of the newest velvet eyeshadow shade from benefit magically appeared in my mailbox – in a shade called “nice melons”. (sometimes, i swear, i buy benefit products just for the names…)  i was still scared, but since it was already here, i swapped it out one morning for my usual bland pale pink.  turns out, this extremely light shade is actually pretty gorgeous on – it gives a touch of color, but is still light, sweet and perfect for spring.  and it happens to do lovely things for green eyes (i’m guessing brown would look pretty amazing too).

now that i’d seen the light, i ventured a bit further – bobbi brown released a whole new collection of “cabana corals” for spring, and i couldn’t resist checking them out.  most of the lip shades were still a little too, well, coral, for my pale skin.  but if you happen to have anything resembling a tan, or are just blessed with lovely dark skin, these corals were definitely not of the old-lady variety.  my favorite is the nectar shimmer brick (i’m an utterly devoted fan of bobbi’s shimmer bricks) – it’s going to look seriously amazing topping a little bronzer action this summer.  i can hardly wait!

what do you think?  will you be venturing into the coral trend when the weather warms up?