First: Tammy Faye Messner, the ultimate beauty junkie, will be missed. Tammy Faye had a challenging life, but during her 11-year struggle with colon and lung cancer, she never lost her faith or ability to inspire others. Now, THERE was a woman who was not afraid of mascara.

In other news, I’ve switched from Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Foam Wash and Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion to Clinique’s Acne Solution Clear Skin System, which includes a wash, a clarifying lotion, and an oil-free moisturizer. In just a week, this stuff has majorly improved my facial real estate. I mentioned that the heat took a ser toll on my skin and I wasn’t kidding. So I purchased the Neutrogena prods about a month ago, and I hate to say… the situation did NOT improve. Their new “stress control” line does nothing but stress me out: mostly because my skin went from not so fabulous to intolerable. Their original Oil-Free Acne Wash is SO MUCH BETTER. They simply shouldn’t have messed with perfection.

Anyway, so back to the Clinique. This is really intended for oily skin, so sahara-complexioned maidens need not read on. The wash smells like bandaids, which I don’t really enjoy, but I’ll take effectiveness over floral fragrance ANY day. I’ve been using it twice a day and am LOVING it. I only use the Clarifying Lotion once or twice a week, but the moisturizer is good for every day. I skip it at night. Now, my skin IS dryer than usual, so I’m using a fairly hydrating foundation to balance it. If you find you agree, you may want to skip out on the moisturizer and stick with one that may not be oil-free or one that’s simply more replenishing. Happy Tuesday!

Photo credit: clinique.com