Dermalogica

What constitutes a bargain, you ask? None of this "10 percent off" stuff — that barely covers the cost of sales tax! My mom never shopped for things unless they were at least 40 percent off, and I've inherited that cheapness. (Er, frugality! Frugality sounds better.) Mom would have approved of this discount from Amazing Face: 40 percent off all Dermalogica products. If you've used this line of skin care, you know that it's gentle but effective; if you haven't, now's your chance to do so at a much lower price. Need to stock up? Shop online, and enter the code 40OFF at checkout to receive your discount.

Over the weekend, I attended the 2008 International Makeup Artist Trade Show, an event that showcases products, educators, and speakers who are involved in the makeup and skin-care world for television and film. It's also a place where makeup artists can purchase products and tools at a discount.

I didn't know what to expect from the show, but seeing a naked man wearing nothing but a flesh-colored thong and body paint was certainly a shock. I was also surprised to see so many zombies and ghouls walking around in broad daylight — I guess I just never really thought about special-effects makeup as part of the cosmetics genre.

Some of the brands in attendance were MAC Pro (a division of MAC for makeup professionals), Dermalogica, Fuse FX, Dead Sea Premiere, and several air-brush companies. I also checked out offerings from Eve Pearl, a five-time Emmy-winning TV makeup artist who is about to launch her own line of products. Another new discovery was Hakuhodo, a manufacturer of high-quality cosmetic brushes (they make MAC brushes).

Throughout the week I'll be sharing all the insights about new collections, techniques, products, brands, and even an interview from one of MAC Pro's top artists with you. But for now, check out photos from the event below including painted bodies and skin effects!

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An excellent facialist once told me that she uses only Dermalogica products, and so I decided to try out a few samples. Like any other line, Dermalogica is hit or miss. The Special Cleansing Gel wasn't all that special, for instance—at least, it didn't do anything better than Cetaphil cleanser does. Skip that one, but save your pennies for Daily Microfoliant ($47.50). It's not only a soap-free product, it's a non-liquid one, too. It's actually a rice-based powder that you start using by adding the dry product to damp hands. After working it into a paste, you just massage it into skin in small circular motions.

This might sound like a mere novelty, but this paste is actually an excellent exfoliator. It's gentle enough to use every day, and I like the fact that it contains salicylic acid—so it's ideal for dull or acne-prone skin. Another plus is that it's easy to bring along on vacations and trips, because you don't have to worry about the three-ounce rule at airports. My only problem is the packaging. After about a month, the holes of the shaker became clogged, and I had to take a needle and poke through the buildup. So I'm taking a half-star off for that, and another half-star because, well, $47.50 is more than I would normally spend for an exfoliator. Otherwise, this is fantastic stuff.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Welcome back to Back To Basics, the Cliff Notes version of my all-time favorite products. Since we've been talking so much about self tanner and body bronzer this week on beach week, I thought I'd give you a friendly reminder that the first step before applying any of these products is exfoliating. Your skin becomes shinier once you remove all of those unnecessary dull and dead cells, and it will feel softer and smoother too. Here's a look at three of my top picks for body exfoliators.

Lancome Resurface Microdermabrasion Body Polishing Treatment ($46) is a favorite among beauty editors. The small exfoliating crystals and pumice stone in the formula effectively buff away dullness, and they don't scratch your skin making it red and sensitive like a lot of other exfoliators can.

Since I've tried it, I can hardly shower without it! Your skin is left polished, radiant and it feels like buttah!.

For two more more of my favorite exfoliators, read more