It’s always a pleasure to find personal care products that actually work. So today, I’m sharing a few of my tried and tested favorites. (Not sponsored at ALL.)

They aren’t inexpensive, but they aren’t off-the-wall pricey, either. So come along, and then maybe share some of your favorites in the comment section.

SKIN CARE HOLY GRAIL

This is my skin’s holy grail and I began using in in 2008, when it first came out. I use it daily, even if I don’t follow it with a moisturizer. (But usually, I do.)

The reason this is important is that my skin looks pretty young for my age and Genifique helps keep it that way. In the interests of full disclosure, both of my parents had young-looking skin. But by staying out of the sun and daily use of Genifique for the last 15 years, I’ve managed to keep mine smooth, and if not as supple as when I was young, supple enough. I love it.

Yes, it’s expensive, but the pre-measured dropper regulates the amount used. I always have a little left, which I smooth on my decolletage. I noticed that it completely healed past sun damage in that area. Some years ago I had  a dry patch near my scalp that simply would not go away. A few days of Genifique and it was GONE. Go figure.

If you’re ok with spending some money to have great skin, give it a try. First. though, ask for a week’s worth of samples at the Lancome counter to see how you like it. Even though a week’s not a long time, you can at least see how it feels on your skin before investing. If you do buy, become a member of Lancome’s friends and family list, because of the discounts (sometimes 2 for 1 or 50%, sometimes less). That’s usually when I buy a couple. As my hubby says, Any fool can pay full price.

SCALP SOOTHER.

Suddenly, last year, my scalp got extremely itchy. Maybe sensitivity to a shampoo or conditioner, maybe the environment–no identifiable reason.

A few months later, I got Real Mary Purifying Scalp Scaler through one of my beauty box subscriptions.

It is supposed to cleanse and exfoliate the scalp, which helps soothe the itch.

It did! No more itch–I couldn’t believe it.

I don’t use it every day, but about once a week I treat my scalp to this soothing treatment.

BEST HAND CREAM EVER.

No question. Best.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Cream is the best ever.

It’s super-emollient, has great staying power and while it ain’t cheap, it’s absolutely a must-have for dry hands and especially in the winter.

I no longer tolerate scents, so for me, the plain shea butter cream is best. But there are also scented hand creams. And they come in small tubes great for purse or travel, or in larger tubes to leave at home. Also, some great little combination packages that make wonderful gifts.

Again, sign up for their mailing list and you’ll get discounts. Not as many as Lancome offers on their products, and not as good, but if you like this hand cream and are a repeat buyer, you’ve got nothing to lose.