YonKa

I've never been one to have consistently gorgeous, glowy skin. It's always either a little bit dry, kind-of blotchy and almost always oily on the nose. Oh, and around that time of the month, you can bank on being able to play a fierce game of connect-the-dots. Having been a connoisseur of spot treatments since puberty, these are three of my go-to products that help pacify my pimples without causing dry patches or added aggravation. Which is your all-time favorite topical zit zapper?

Clearasil Tinted Acne Treatment Cream ($5.79) can be found at most drugstores. It doesn't sting or make you teary-eyed from the strong scent when you have to apply it to your face. The best part about using the tinted version is that it really helps cover up the red without having to pile on potentially bacteria-infested concealer.

Origins Spot Remover ($10) is a minty-smelling, transparent spot treatment gel that contains salicylic acid to dry out sebum and help kill old and new bacteria. It tingles just a touch upon contact, but it's nothing you can't handle. It stays clear and won't dry to an embarrassing flaky finish. Also, the tiny bottle is sure to last you through all twelve bouts of PMS per year, since all you need is a super-small amount.

For one more tried-and-true spot treatment that's slightly pricier, read more

For those of you who are considering a quickie tanning bed session after giving yourself a Winter vacation from the sun, hold up for a second. Instead of frying your skin, go with a self-tanner like Lait Auto Bronzant from YonKa ($34). It has a milky texture that spreads evenly, it isn't greasy, and best of all, it smells great. It is made with natural botanicals and fruit extracts so it has a slightly floral, slightly spa essence.

What distinguishes this self-tanner from others is that it has a natural and gradual effect. Even after I've used it for a week straight, the result is more bronzey and sun-kissed than anything else. I've never been accused of looking orange or yellow — however, that's not to say I haven't turned a few girlfriends green with envy.

The only drawback is that you have to wait four hours before seeing any results, and let's just say that patience isn't my strongest virtue. But if you're looking for a Winter self-tanner to give your face a little boost of color, this is tops.

A quality night cream contains fatty oils that absorb easily, hydrate and restore moisture and suppleness to the skin. Here are three products that I've tried and really love. They are all plant-derived so they smell great, and they'll also provide nourishment to your skin craves while you're catching your Z's.

Vaishaly Night Cream (£55.00) is a deep-penetrating, intensive hydrating cream that absorbs quickly when massaged into the skin with a little bit of pressure. It is smooth, lightweight and made from organic extracts to rehydrate and strengthens the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and will help to reduce redness and fine lines. Although the spa is UK based, all products can be purchased online and shipped overseas.

For two more nourishing night creams, read more

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

Welcome back to my five-part series on Fantastic Facial Creams for your skin type. (What skin type do you have? Tell me here.) After conquering oily skin, dry skin, and sensitive skin, today we'll be looking at that kitchen-sink variety known as combination skin. The most common type of combo skin combines an oily T-Zone with dry patches on the cheeks and sides of the eyes. The key is finding a cream that can comfort whatever combination you have, and these products should do the trick.

Sodium PCA Oil-Free Moisturizer by Kiehl's ($17.50) is designed for normal-to-oily, oily, and very oily skin. I used this for about a two-year period and loved it. It's so light that it doesn't clog your pores, and it contains a humectant for those water dry areas. But since it's made for oily skin, it's the perfect balance.

For two more fantastic facial creams for combination skin, read more

Over Memorial Day weekend, I had the pleasure of chatting with acufacialist Shellie Goldstein, who caters to a number of celebrity clients at her Amagansett, NY, practice. We got to talking about skin type versus skin condition — skin type is something you are born with, while your skin condition is determined by your diet, your stress level, and your skin care regimen. There are five types of skin — dry, sensitive, oily, normal, and combination — and basically, you're stuck with the one you've got.

You can, however, change your skin condition by finding the right products for your face. Welcome to Part I of my five-part series on fantastic facial creams for each of the five skin types. Here are three great products best suited to oily skin.

Yon-Ka Creme PG ($43) is a lightweight and non-greasy lotion that helps balance oil production in your skin. It controls shine, tightens the pores, and fights blemishes. Made with retinol, burdock, vitamin A, and climbing ivy, it will give your skin a terrific matte finish. You can use it in the evening or in the morning as a base for makeup.

To see two more fantastic moisturizers for oily skin, read more

What can I say? I just love to exfoliate. And while Origins Modern Friction may have changed my life, Gommage 305 ($33) by Yon-Ka is my latest love. It isn't gritty or abrasive, so my sensitive skin didn't get scratched and irritated. In fact, it made my face feel incredibly soft, smooth, and clear for the next few days. Gommage 305 also hydrates your skin, and unlike Modern Friction, it's mild enough to use on your eyelids.

This product is a clear gel that works like a mask. To use, simply cleanse your skin and apply a thick layer to your face and neck. Leave it on for about five minutes until the gel feels tacky; it won't get hard and dry like a clay mask. To remove, roll your fingertips over your face in small outwards and upwards circles until it's all peeled off. Lastly, use a damp cotton towel to clean up your skin.

To read about the only down side to Gommage 305, read more

Clarifying masks are a great way to deep clean clogged pores and awaken tired winter skin. They help get rid of dead cells on the surface of your skin as well as dry up blemishes that are beginning to form. Start off 2007 with a clean and clear face!

Gently apply these masks in a thin layer, avoiding your delicate eye area. Allow seven to twenty minutes drying time (whenever it feels crackly) and then rinse off with warm water in small circles to help exfoliate your skin. Here are my three top picks for clarifying masks sensitive enough for all skin types.

Lierac Soin Éclat Express Clarifying Mask, $35, is a mud-like, menthol facial mask derived from weathered volcanic ash that attracts and then absorbs toxins, free radicals and pollutants on your skin.

It also contains polyethylene microbeads which exfoliate dull skin as well as bearberry which acts as an astringent and antiseptic to deep clean your pores.

Lastly, the peppermint extract in the formula helps to soothe facial muscles. Use this mask two to three times a week and sit back, relax, and take deep minty breaths while it works its magic.

YonKa Masque 105, $32.95, is one of my longtime favorite clay masks since it is especially formulated to calm red, sensitive, easily irritated skin.

This sage green colored concoction helps to detoxify, tighten up your swollen pores and can even be used as a spot treatment for blemishes.

It also smells delicious since it's made from: lemon, savory and five quintessential essential oils. I find this mask to be relaxing and invigorating. After 15 minutes of this, you'll look and feel like you've taken a refreshing cat nap.

For one last clarifying mask, read more