DIB: Radiant Skin for Spring, Part 1

If you've been keeping up with beauty blogs lately, you've surely heard about the re-launch of the MAC Strobe Collection. Perhaps you've even considered purchasing one or more products in the collection. Which is fine, by the way... if you can afford the price tag and a potential break-out. At $15-30 per item, it isn't terribly expensive by "high-end" standards - however, and with no disrespect towards MAC, these products haven't received great reviews in the past, and the effects are only temporary for your skin.

Instead of spending about $75 (the price of the cream, liquid, and one lip balm) on this collection of light-diffusing creams, why not do it budget instead and invest a little in improving the appearance AND health of your skin with long-lasting benefits? I'll tell you how.

There are plenty of products available now to brighten and smooth skin and give you a radiant look, both above and below the skin's surface. Here are some great alternatives to the MAC Strobe Collection; a new look at cleaning, moisturizing, and skin care; and some tips from yours truly for beautiful skin this spring - or any time of year!

Today we'll look at brightening products by Aveeno, Olay, Neutrogena, Dove, and others. I hope you enjoy, and feel free to comment with your own tips, experiences, questions, etc.! Here's step one:

Cleanse
This may seem like a no-brainer to some, but there are honestly a good number of people out there who don't wash their face often enough (sometimes never outside of the shower!). Why is cleansing so important? Your skin is exposed to make-up, dirt, naturally produced and other oils, and who-knows-what else from the environment, day to day. If you aren't removing all these impurities from your skin on a daily basis, your complexion is going to be dull! (This is also caused by a lack of exfoliation, but we'll discuss that later).

The time of day you choose to cleanse is up to you, but once a day at least is a must. More than twice a day is generally not recommended, to prevent irritation and worsening of acne and sensitivities.

Always make sure to remove your make-up before going to bed each night; and if you choose not to cleanse at night as well, then make-up wipes might be a good option for you. These wipes sometimes come dual-textured, with a rough and smooth side for cleaning, light exfoliation, and removal of make-up. I don't recommend them as a replacement for washing all the time, but they can be used in place of your second facial cleansing, such as in the evening if you choose. :) Some of my favorites are Biore Daily Cleansing Cloths ($6.99 for 30) or Olay Daily Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths ($5.99 for 30).

Now, since we're talking about achieving the look of smoother, brighter, more radiant skin, many companies have begun to offer cleansers that aim to not only clean, but brighten and smooth your complexion.

Some great cleansing products to try on a small budget:

Neutrogena Illuminating Foamy Cream Cleanser ($7.99) is new from Neutrogena as part of their Illuminating product line. This oil-free, rich cleanser cleans away dirt, oil, and make-up, while minerals and fruit extracts "boost surface luminosity" and condition. Soft microbeads provide gentle exfoliation to keep skin looking vibrant!

One of my personal favorites is Dove Energy Glow Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser. Sadly, this product is a bit harder to find these days, but I love it. It's ultra-creamy and has a lovely light scent. Its super-fine exfoliators feel great on your skin, not harsh, as they banish complexion-dulling dirt and contaminates from your face and smooth beautifully. Dove also makes their own Energy Glow Brightening Facial Cleansing Pillows ($4.99 for 14), with vitamins and energy-filled moisturizers to brighten and smooth; these might be easier to find in stores, and have a similar effect as the face wash.

Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub contains natural soy extracts and microbeads to smooth, brighten, and clean thoroughly, but is gentle enough for daily use and sensitive skin - it's soap- and oil-free, as well as hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic.

If you're feeling more adventurous (and have a bit larger budget), check out Olay Definity Illuminating Cream Cleanser ($8.99, Drugstore.com) or Penetrating Mousse Cleanser ($9.99, Drugstore.com) for deeper daily cleansing. While a little pricey for a drugstore brand, this line from Olay has been receiving a lot of attention lately for its breakthrough technology and effectiveness! They are said to remove micro-residue and penetrate deeply while hydrating to "instantly illuminate" skin, and contain ingredients like glucosamine, which is shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out discoloration (as well as possibly help UV-damaged skin).

Now that you're all clean and glowing, stay tuned for Part 2 on Moisturizers! Coming tomorrow. :)