Spring time is here, which means spring cleaning of my beauty junk. While trying to get rid of the useless and half-empty products as well as organize my favorite ones, I came to realize that so much has changed in just one year…some products I don’t use any more, some are newbies that I might grow to love and cherish, and others – oldies, but goodies are still taking up their deserved space near the sink year after year. And while, I understand that what works for me might not necessarily work for others, I thought I’d share some of my old and new favorites!

1. Dove Beauty Bar

Thanks to a recent free sample, I have rediscovered the simplicity of soap bars! I’ve always been a shower gel kind of girl, but decided to give Dove Beauty Bar a go…and I’ve been hooked ever since. This soap lathers up quite nicely, and leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized even before I apply the lotion! My skin does not feel dry, and I even use it to wash my face once in a while. Once I’m done with my white bar, I think I’ll try the Go Fresh Energize bar for that boost of grapefruit scent! Plus, every Dove purchase supports Dove Self-Esteem Fund, which aspires to educate girls and women about a wider definition of beauty.

2. Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub

Blackheads! Eeek. I don’t really have a problem with those disgusting black spots, and I credit this super gentle scrub. I use it daily in the morning, and haven’t had any blackheads for a while now. Hooray!

3. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

As you might remember, Al and I were invited to the Dermalogica Beauty Junkies skin class and were given some samples to play with. Well, this Cleansing Gel has since become my favorite. Love how gentle it is on the skin! Yet it leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. As I use the Neutrogena Scrub in the morning, I only use the Cleansing Gel at night.

4. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3

Have been using this lotion for years now. Make sure you have a skin conversation with a Clinique consultant before committing to a number (1, 2, or 3), because though you might believe that you have dry skin, it might in fact be combination (and vice-versa). I always thought I’d need number 2, but was recommended a 3 instead, and have not been breaking out since. This one is a staple.

5. Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

Another Dermalogica fave is the Skin Smoothing Cream. Have been using it for a couple of weeks now and am hooked. Rich and thick, it goes smooth on the skin, absorbing almost immediately, leaving my skin feeling lush and hydrated. Love it so much! Now if only it came with a built-in sunblock, I’d never need another moisturizer ever again.

6. The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub

I love the smell of grapefruit. And according to a study by the Smell and Taste Institute in Chicago, male volunteers cited those women with the grapefruit scent up to six years younger than their actual age. Not that I have to worry about my age, but still…pretty cool. I only bought this scrub recently, and so far, I’d say it does the job. Oh, and did I mention that it smells great?

7. Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

Every time I make a trip to the Aveda salon, I am coaxed into buying something. I really shouldn’t complain, because the products really are top-notch, if slightly pricey. Last year I purchased Aveda Smoothing Fluid and have been in love with it ever since. At first, I really disliked its smell, but now I can hardly notice it. This super lightweight serum definitely smoothes away any frizz, leaving hair smooth and not at all greasy. This one’s a keeper.

8. Infusium Conditioner

Conditioners don’t seem to last in my bathroom. I probably have used every product on my poor hair and still I keep searching. In the meantime, I really like Infusium Conditioner for dry hair. The moment you put it in your hair, you’ll see what I’m talking about – the richness of the conditioner soaks into the hair, leaving it hydrated and easy to manage. So far, so good.

9. Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo

This shampoo is fairly new to my bathroom, I tend to switch my hair products fairly often, but I do see potential in this Organix Shampoo. Other than the fact that it leaves my hair silky smooth, I adore the way my hair smells after I use it – coconutty and tropical. It’s like a piña colada for the hair. Yum!

10. Victoria’s Secret Love Spell Lotion

It’s the good-enough-to-eat smell that keeps me hooked on this lotion. Plus the texture is silky and not greasy – just the way I like it. Have been using this lotion for years, and still can’t get enough. Perhaps, I’m in love?

11. Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

One of my very good friends works for Clinique and is always happy to offer advice on any skin problems I might have. One of those problems for me is excessive sun damage freckles under my eyes. I’ve been pretty bad at using the Even Better Skin Tone Corrector – it’s supposed to diminish the appearance of dark spots if used with sunscreen for 4 weeks. As I’ve been quite inconsistent with application of the corrector, I can’t say that my freckles are now less prominent – they aren’t. But I love the texture of this product and will definitely try to be more consistent with its use. Perhaps, I’ll report on the success/failure of the Skin Corrector in a few months.

12. Clinique All About Eyes Concealer

As I mentioned, some of my beauty problems is dark circles under my eyes and excessive freckles underneath. Well, All About Eyes Concealer, as recommended by my friend, has become one of the oldie-goodies in my makeup bag – covers up my dark circles and freckles without making my face look cakey and overly made-up. You can still see the freckles peeking through, but I really don’t mind.

13. Baby Wipes

I used to buy Ponds and Garnier makeup remover towelettes to effectively remove eye-makeup without excessive rubbing, but at $8 or so a pop (for a pack of 20-30) they became an expensive necessity. Baby wipes are perhaps not as chic, but are definitely cheaper ($3 for a pack of 80 at Walmart) and are just as gentle. Have been using them for a little over a year now, and am never going back to the beauty brands’ towelettes. Waste of money, if you ask me.

14. Purina Maxx Scoop Small Spaces

Now I obviously know that Maxx Scoop is not a beauty product…duh! But, ever since the wonderful folks at Matchstick sent me and my cat Pepper a few coupons for the Small Spaces kitty litter, my bathroom has been smelling like roses…seriously! If you have a cat and live in an apartment or another type of small space, Maxx Scoop is pretty wonderful – clumps well, offers great odour control, and emits less dust than other brands’ litter (and I’ve tried a lot of different types!). All in all, Maxx Scoop Small Spaces has made my bathroom feel much more comfortable both for me and Pepper. If you are interested in checking it out, click here to grab a coupon for $1 off your next Maxx Scoop litter purchase. Your bathroom and your kitty will thank you.