My under eye area has been super dry all winter, causing my brightener and concealer to become cakey and appear flaky (not nice). I tried so many creams and at the advice of a magazine, fell upon Benefit It's Potent eye cream. HALLELUJAH! This cream doesn't get great reviews, but I think its amazing. Its claim is to brighten eyes and fade dark circles - does it do this? Not really, but that's not what I bought it for anyway! They should brand this cream 'super nourishing' and 'the solution to caky makeup'. Within a week, my under eye area was no longer dry (it's a miracle). 

It's Potent has a light-creamy, silky feel that glides on effortlessly and creates the perfect base for under eye makeup. I apply more makeup than before (which of course makes me look better) and it doesn't flake or appear cakey at all. YAY! I'm delighted with the results.

So, here's what happened to me - I dropped it and cream went everywhere (seriously everywhere). I lost most of the jar on the floor, the wall and my pants. I love it, so I purchased a new one. Be careful of heavy glass jars; they bounce! 

Skinceuticals reigns supreme in skincare products. This dermatologist recommended brand has just about anything you need to combat every problem. I am definitely a fan and it's no surprise that I turned to Skinceuticals for a 'non-prescription' retinol treatment. Clinically diagnosed rosacea temporarily suspended my prescribed anti-aging treatments, but after years of combating this condition, I'm back at fighting the ageing process. Retinol is undoubtedly a great way to replenish your skin, combat wrinkles and revive your otherwise dull complexion - but not without side effects! I'm sure you've heard horror stories about retinol and I'm sure they're all true - I have a few of my own. In the end, it's about moderation and finding what regimen works best for your skin.

I recommend this four-step regimen twice a week to start and increase as needed. Wash your face with Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser. Of course, it's 'gentle' on your skin, refreshing and nourishing. Then apply Skinceuticals Eye Cream to combat dark circles, puffy under eyes and protect this sensitive area from the retinol. Next, apply a pea-size amount of retinol to your entire face (avoid eye area). I suggest starting with retinol 0.5 and increasing it to 1.0 if needed. Wait 30 minutes (or more) and apply Skinceuticals Epidermal Repair. I use this product for repairing my skin after retinol, sunburns, and any severe dry skin conditions I may have - It's a must-have in my skin care regimen.

The more serious side effects of retinol are chapped skin, severe dry patches, burning and redness. While reducing these side effects, this four-step regimen will nourish your skin, allowing for healing between application and extreme nourishment from the Epidermal repair cream. Retinol will diminish wrinkles, combat discoloration and give you a more even complexion. It's a great solution to ageing skin, but use with caution and don't rush in.

I have combination skin; rosacea, acne and oily. I struggled to find makeup to meet my long list of needs. My dermatologist recommended I try Bobbi Brown makeup. It's been a few years since my first purchase, and now I practically own every product made by Bobbi Brown. The makeup gives me the results I want and doesn't irritate my skin or clog my pores. The BB cream and yellow based Sheer Finish Loose Powder cover the redness on my cheeks and the Tinted Eye Brightener along with the white Retouching Powder masks dark circles under my eyes. Together these four products allow me to create a natural base, before adding blush, eye makeup and lip color.

I start with under eye cream and add a small amount of Tinted Eye Brightener. I gently sweep the Eye Brightener at the base of my under eye circles and blend upwards. Too much under eye makeup will sit in your wrinkles and cake in the corners of your eyes, so use sparingly.

Then I apply my favorite makeup product Bobbi Brown BB Cream. I squeeze the cream onto the back of my hand and using a foundation brush apply the cream to my face using circular motions to blend it in. I start on my forehead, blend down the bridge of my nose, apply to my cheeks and blend down around my chin and neck.

Finally I sweep the Retouching Powder under my eyes and across the bridge of my noise to brighten my look. Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder is amazing. It is available in six shades; each one combats specific discoloration of your skin. These powders even out your skin tone and brighten your look. 

If I need extra coverage I will apply a small amount of Sheer Loose Powder. I strive for a natural look and most days forego the loose powder.

Visit a Bobbi Brown makeup counter at any major department store for a consultation; the knowledgable makeup artists will help you find your perfect makeup shades and teach you how to apply your makeup. 

I can't live without these two products! Lumiére Bio-restorative Eye Cream and Bio-Serum with PSP. These two eye treatments are the basis for my extensive preventative anti-aging routine. First I gently apply the serum under my eyes and allow to absorb. Then I apply the eye cream under my eyes and on the outside where wrinkles are prominent. I use both treatments twice a day. I do not have under-eye swelling, or dark circles and I attribute that to my healthy diet, drinking lots of water and most of all to my Lumiére Bio-Restorative Eye Cream & Bio-Serum.

The Lumiére Bio-restorative Eye Cream is available in a 15 ml bottle. The Bio-Serum with PSP is available in a 4 ml pen that is great for travel and in a 30 ml bottle. The downside to these products is the price. The eye cream sells for around $85, the serum pen for $85 and the 30 ml bottle for $210. You do not need a lot of solution per application, so these products will last a few months. I know these treatments are expensive, but they're more than worth the money! You can purchase Lumiére Bio-Restorative Eye Cream & Bio-Serum on-line at Amazon or skinstore.com.