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.

Cold weather, indoor heating and dry conditions will dehydrate your skin, leaving your complexion dull and sometimes chapped! GLAMGLOW Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment Masque will replenish your skin, boost radiance and combat the side effects of severe dry skin. This nondrying masque uses raw honey and ginger root to detoxify your skin, conditioning coconut and sugars along with citrus acid for extreme moisturization. This product smells great, sweet and honey-like. GLAMGLOW Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment Masque will leave your skin feeling soft and super hydrated. You will be surprised with the results of just one treatment.

Apply a thin layer of Thirstymud masque and leave for 10-20 minutes. Use a cotton pad to remove the access masque and gently massage the remaining product into your skin. I recommend applying before bed to allow for maximum hydration.

Two great products for two perfect looks. Drybar Mai Tai Sea Salt Spray adds texture without weighing down your hair. Create loose curls with your flat iron, run your fingers through and apply the sea salt spray for an 'I've been at the beach all day' look.

Worth a second mention - Drybar Bay Breeze will quickly become your favorite product this winter. Combat dry, tired hair with this hydrating shot. The super-concentrated formula will leave your hair feeling soft and silky for days.

I have been protesting foundation for years and instead focused on blemish free, healthy skin. Laser treatments, topical medication and anti-aging creams replace my need for layers of makeup and my skin looks great (for the most part). I'm also a no-makeup makeup kinda girl and while I appreciate cheek and lip color, thick lashes and a heavy brow, I'm not focused on a 'perfect' complexion. Until..

I was feeling drab one day and happened to be near a Bobbi Brown counter (never makeup shop when you're feeling down). Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation and Intensive Skin Serum Concealer were on display and of course the Bobbi Brown consultant was happy to sample the products for me. I wasn't completely sold on the effect, mostly because I don't like having makeup applied over my own. I asked for a sample to try at home, just in case I didn't like the color or overall look and wanted to return the unopened bottle. This foundation moved to the top of my 'must have' beauty product list after just one application. My skin was glowing, looked fresh and appeared natural. I applied a thin layer of the concealer over my Bobbi Brown tinted eye-brightner and the combination worked great to cover my dark circles and even out my under eye area. These lightweight serums will brighten your skin, even out your complexion and give you a natural medium coverage.

I highly recommend purchasing the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face & Touchup brush. The soft bristles blend these serums onto your skin seamlessly. Apply a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand and from there small amounts onto the larger end of the brush. In circular motions, apply the foundation starting on your nose and working your way outwards towards your hair line. You don't need a lot of product for the intended medium coverage. Use the small end of the brush to blend the Intensive Skin Serum Concealer under your eyes.

For a hint of color and fresh look, Bobbi Brown blush in Pastel Peach is subtle and pretty. Apply to the apples of your cheeks, a little down your nose, across your forehead and a dab on your chin for a healthy glow.

Due to a hot wax burn many years ago, I have since done threading on my upper lip. It is painful and regrowth remains consistently the same. Sometimes, I forget to make an appointment or can't make it before an important date and always wished I could thread myself. I was excited to try the Tweezerman Smooth Finish Facial Hair Remover and am pleasantly surprised. I did hesitate for a minute or so - the stainless steel coil is intimidating. Yes, you can feel the little hairs being swiftly plucked, but the pain is not so bad (not as bad as threading). A great trick for upper lip hair removal is to press your tongue against the inside of your upper lip, so the skin is tight; this will minimize the pain. Press the straight part of the coil on either side against your skin for optimal results. Use both sides and hold the tool in different angles to ensure you remove as much as possible. Although I was not able to remove the tiniest of hairs (I'm a perfectionist), the obvious hair is gone and there is minimal skin irritation. The Tweezerman Facial Hair Remover claims to reduce re-growth, as it is pulling the hair along with the root. I have only tried once and cannot confirm this, but will repost after a few months. The directions are easy and removal process takes two minutes. Excellent tool!

Retails for $20 at Sephora.com and €27.95 at De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam, Netherlands.